bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of muscle exudates for the detection of anti‐gE antibodies to Aujeszky's disease virus
Authors: Le Potier M. F. , Fournier A. , Houdayer C. , Hutet E. , Auvigne V. , Hery D. , Sanaa M. , Toma B.
Published: October 2010

A commercial ELISA test to detect serum anti‐gE antibodies to Aujeszky's disease virus was adapted for use with muscle exudates. The muscle samples were taken from the diaphragm of pig carcases at the slaughterhouse. Three hundred and eightynine pairs of samples of serum and muscle exudate were compared to determine the possibility of using muscle exudate samples in a programme to control Aujeszky's disease. Taking the serum samples as the reference, the individual sensitivity of the test was 93‐2 per cent and the individual specificity was 98‐3 per cent. The concentration of antibodies in the muscle exudates was on average 20 times lower than that in the serum samples.
Comparison of polyclonal, monoclonal and protein G peroxidase conjugates in an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for the diagnosis of Brucella ovis in sheep
Authors: Marín C. M. , Alonso‐Urmeneta B. , Moriyón I. , Pérez‐Gómez S. , Blasco J. M.
Published: October 2010

The sensitivities of three commercial peroxidase conjugates (polyclonal anti‐sheep IgG, recombinant protein G and a monoclonal anti‐ruminant IgG1) in an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for Brucella ovis were evaluated. The monoclonal and protein G conjugates reduced, but did not totally remove, the characteristic background reactivity observed with the sera from brucella‐free sheep. The protein G conjugate provided the best sensitivity, similar to that obtained with the classical gel diffusion test. Both tests were highly specific when testing sera from brucella‐free animals but detected as positive a large proportion of sera from both Brucella melitensis ‐infected and B melitensis Rev 1‐vaccinated sheep.
Rhizomucor pusillus mucormycosis combined with chlamydiosis in an African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus erithacus)
Authors: Desmidt M. , De Laender P. , De Groote D. , Rysselaere M. , De Herdt P. , Ducatelle R. , Haesebrouck F.
Published: October 2010

This paper describes a case of mucormycosis combined with chlamydiosis in an African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus erithacus). The clinical signs included diarrhoea, an unsteady gait and a twisted neck. Smears of the spleen, liver and contents of the cloaca stained strongly positive for Chlamydia species. Histologically, hyphae typical of Zygomycetes were observed invading through the walls of blood vessels of the spleen. Rhizomucor pusillus was isolated as a pure culture from the intestines, lungs and liver.
Malignant catarrhal fever caused by ovine herpesvirus‐2 in pigs in Norway
Authors: Løken T. , Aleksandersen M. , Reid H. W. , Pow I.
Published: October 2010

This paper describes the first cases of malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) in pigs in which the diagnosis was verified aetiologically by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA analysis and by the demonstration of antibodies. Three pigs on two separate premises showed clinical signs, gross pathological and histopathological lesions which were in many respects similar to those of MCF in ruminants. The pigs were housed adjacent to sheep and DNA of ovine herpesvirus‐2 (OHV‐2) was detected by PCR in tissues of all the pigs. In addition, antibody to alcelaphine herpesvirus‐1 was detected in the serum of the pigs and in five in‐contact sheep. It is concluded that the disease described is MCF of pigs caused by OHV‐2.
Ultrasonographic findings in calves with respiratory disease
Authors: Rabeling B. , Rehage J. , Döpfer D. , Scholz H.
Published: October 2010

The aim of this study was to assess the value of ultrasonography as an imaging technique for the assessment of respiratory diseases in calves. Postmortem findings were used as a ‘gold standard’. Eighteen calves aged up to five months which suffered from pneumonia or bronchopneumonia were used. Ultrasonographic and postmortem findings were recorded in eight segments of the lungs of each animal and compared. Ultrasonography of healthy pulmonary tissue yielded only the pleural reflective band and repetitive artefacts. Pulmonary tissue with bronchopneumonia was detected as a basic echogenic pattern containing hyperechogenic zones. The sensitivity and specificity of the technique for the detection of bronchopneumonia were calculated to be 0.85 and 0.98, respectively.
Observations on the significance of diagnostic findings in egg‐binding of Psittaciformes
Authors: Krautwald‐Junghanns M‐E. , Kostka V. M. , Hofbauer H.
Published: October 2010

Clinical examination of 2192 psittacine birds of both sexes revealed a prevalence of 2.74 per cent (60 birds) of egg‐binding. Domesticated species easily bred in captivity were the most commonly affected; the prevalence in cockatiels (15.75 per cent), and in budgerigars (5.73 per cent). An accurate diagnosis was possible in all cases by means of an evaluation of the case history, a visual examination, palpation and radiographic and ultrasonographic examinations. The case history alone was typical in 60 per cent of the cases, and reliable diagnosis was reached with the help of a visual examination in 70 per cent of the cases. Radiographic examination provided a definitive diagnosis in 30 per cent of the cases, especially in those with shelled eggs. Medullary bone proved to be a radio‐graphic indication of laminated and thin‐shelled eggs. However, laminated and thin‐shelled eggs could only be differentiated definitively from abdominal masses, salpingitis and cystic degeneration by means of ultrasonography.
Natural Borna disease virus infection in cats in the United Kingdom
Authors: Reeves N. A. , Helps C. R. , Gunn‐Moore D. A. , Blundell C. , Finnemore P. L. , Pearson G. R. , Harbour D. A.
Published: October 2010

Borna disease virus (BDV) is a novel PNA virus that has only recently been characterised and classified in a new virus family, Bornaviridae. The virus was detected in buffy coat cells from four of five cats with neurological disease and in the brains of five of 15 cats with nervous signs and of one of three cats with non‐neurological disease. In a serosurvey of 111 cats the incidence of antibody to BDV in cats with neurological disease was higher than in cats with other types of disease, suggesting that the virus may play a role in nervous diseases of cats in the UK.
Cystic fibrous osteodystrophy of the jaw in two pet kinkajous (Potos flavus)
Authors: Garma‐Aviña A. , Torres‐Montoya J.
Published: October 2010

Two kinkajous (Potos flavus), which were separately owned as pets and fed an inappropriate diet consisting almost exclusively of succulent fruits developed cystic fibrous osteodystrophy of the jaw. In both cases there was a prominent enlargement of the chin and lower jaw, decalcification of facial bones, softening of the gingiva, and severe malocclusion, but no other relevant changes. Clinical, radiographic and histological findings were consistent with cystic fibrous osteodystrophy. The findings suggest that kinkajous with this condition are particularly prone to developing a bulbous enlargement of the chin as the main clinical sign, and that this change is histologically similar to the cystic form of the disease observed in man and monkeys.
Ambient temperature below which pigs should not be continuously showered in lairage
Authors: Knowles T. G. , Brown S. N. , Edwards J. E. , Warriss P. D.
Published: October 2010

Showering pigs with cold water during preslaughter lairage is thought to be useful in reducing the body temperature of hot, easily stressed animals. However, showering when the ambient temperature is too low could chill them too severely. To assess the effects of showering and to determine a temperature below which pigs should not be showered, pigs from one source, passing through a commercial slaughterhouse lairage, were split into two groups of approximately 50 each, showered and unshowered, on 10 days with a range of ambient temperatures. The pigs' behaviour and any damage to their skin were recorded, various measures of body temperature were taken before and after showering, and blood taken at slaughter was analysed for plasma creatine kinase, cortisol and lactate. Showering prevented the usual reduction in activity observed in pigs in lairage at high ambient temperatures. On the basis of the reduction in their flank temperature during showering, it is recommended that pigs should not be showered continuously if the temperature inside or outside the lairage falls below 5°C, and showering should cease if they are seen to be shivering.
Diagnostic reliability of clinical signs in cows with suspected bovine spongiform encephalopathy
Authors: Braun U. , Schicker E. , Hörnlimann B.
Published: October 2010

The clinical findings in 50 cows with suspected and subsequently confirmed bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) (group A) were compared with the clinical signs in 22 cows with suspected BSE, but with no histological evidence of the disease (group B). The chi‐square test for association was used to compare the frequencies with which diagnostic signs or combinations of signs, were positive in the cows of groups A and B. When the frequency of a sign differed significantly, its sensitivity, specificity, efficiency and positive and negative predictive values were calculated. With respect to changes in behaviour the cows in group A more frequently showed increased excitability, nervous ear and eye movements, increased salivation and increased licking of the muzzle than the cows of group B. With respect to changes in sensitivity the cows in group A were more frequently hypersensitive to touch, noise and light than the cows of group B. With respect to changes in locomotion the cows in group A were more frequently ataxic than the cows in group B.
Characterisation of recently emerged multiple antibiotic‐resistant Salmonella enterica serovar typhimurium DT104 and other multiresistant phage types from Danish pig herds
Authors: Baggesen D. L. , Aarestrup F. M.
Published: October 2010

A total of 670 isolates of Salmonella enterica were isolated from Danish pig herds, phage typed and tested for susceptibility to amoxycillin + clavulanate, ampicillin, colistin, enrofloxacin, gentamicin, neomycin, spectinomycin, streptomycin, tetracyclines, and trimethoprim + sulphadiazine. S enterica serovar typhimurium (S typhimurium) isolates resistant to ampicillin, streptomycin and tetracycline and three isolates of S typhimurium DT104, two from 1994 and one from 1995, were further tested for resistance against chloramphenicol and sulphonamide and analysed by pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) using the restriction enzyme Xba I. Overall, 66 per cent of the 670 isolates were sensitive to all the antimicrobial agents tested. Eleven isolates of S typhimurium were resistant to ampicillin, streptomycin and tetracycline and also resistant to other antibiotics in different resistance patterns. Seven different multiresistant clones were identified. The most common clones were four isolates of DT104 and three isolates of DT193. Two of the three S typhimurium DT104 from 1994 and 1995 were sensitive to all the antimicrobials tested whereas the remaining isolate from 1994 was resistant to spectinomycin, streptomycin and sulphonamides. All three isolates showed PFGE profiles identical to the four multiresistant DT104 isolates. Compared with most other countries antimicrobial resistance among S enterica isolated from Danish pig herds is uncommon. However, several different multiresistant clones were found.
Study of leg weakness in two commercial broiler flocks
Authors: McNamee P. T. , McCullagh J. J. , Thorp B. H. , Ball H. J. , Graham D. , McCullough S. J. , McConaghy D. , Smyth J. A.
Published: October 2010

The major causes of leg weakness/lameness were investigated in two male commercial broiler flocks. The numbers of dead and lame birds culled from the flocks each day were recorded by the flock managers. Forty‐four lame birds and 22 sound birds were examined postmortem during a period of six weeks and the proximal and distal end of each femur, tibiotarsus and tarsometatarsus were examined histologically. Attempts were made to isolate bacteria and viruses from the proximal end of each femur. Blood samples were examined for antibodies to chicken anaemia virus (CAV), infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) and Mycoplasma species. Bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis was identified in the proximal end of the femur of eight of the 44 lame birds, and in the proximal end of the tibiotarsus of a further bird (20.4 per cent). Gram‐positive bacteria were present in all the lesions. Staphylococcus aureus was recovered from 62.5 per cent of the lesions confirmed by histology. Bacterial chondronecrosis associated with S aureus has thus been identified as an important cause of leg weakness in these commercial broilers. Lesions suggestive of the condition were visible macroscopically in only 11.1 per cent of the cases subsequently diagnosed by histology and bone histology is therefore required before a diagnosis can be excluded. Angular limb deformities (13.6 per cent) and spondylolisthesis (11.4 per cent) were the most common macroscopic lesions identified as causes of lameness. The overall incidence of tibial dyschondroplasia was similar in both the lame and sound broilers, but severe lesions were found only in lame birds (4.5 per cent).
Comparison of pethidine, buprenorphine and ketoprofen for postoperative analgesia after ovariohysterectomy in the cat
Authors: Slingsby L. S. , Waterman‐Pearson A. E.
Published: October 2010

Sixty cats which underwent an ovariohysterectomy were randomly allocated into four treatment groups. One group (controls) received no analgesics postoperatively, and the others received either a single dose of buprenorphine (0.006mg/kg) intramuscularly, or pethidine (5 mg/kg) intramuscularly, or ketoprofen (2 mg/kg) subcutaneously. The analgesia obtained after each treatment was assessed by three measures. There were significant differences between the groups both for the requirement for intervention analgesia (P=0.0008) and for the overall clinical assessment (P=0.0003) with ketoprofen requiring least intervention analgesia and having the best overall clinical assessment, followed by buprenorphine then pethidine. The control group required the most intervention analgesia and had the worst overall clinical assessment. Visual analogue scale scoring for pain produced significant differences between the groups from one hour after the operation, with the cats which were given ketoprofen tending to have lower pain scores than the other groups.
Restriction endonuclease profiles of orf virus isolates from the British Isles
Authors: Gilray J. A. , Nettleton P. F. , Pow I. , Lewis C. J. , Stephens S. A. , Madeley J. D. , Reid H. W.
Published: October 2010

A comparison of DNA proffles of representative isolates of orf virus, obtained using four different restriction endonucleases (RE), showed that the enzyme EcoRi could be used to discriminate between wild‐type virus isolates and vaccine strains. The enzyme was used to compare the RE profres of orf virus isolates from 43 outbreaks of orf that occurred in vaccinated flocks between 1988 and 1993; 21 outbreaks yielded wild‐type virus, 10 yielded vaccine viruses, three produced both vaccine and wild‐type viruses and no clear result was obtained from nine of the outbreaks. From the 21 outbreaks yielding wildtype viruses, 28 orf virus isolates had clear RE profiles and 15 distinct RE profiles were recorded. Usually only one virus type was associated with each outbreak but from two farms, two different wild‐type viruses were recovered. No predominant genotype was identified, with four RE profile types being recovered for more than one outbreak. From the more severe form of orf involving the buccal cavities of lambs only wildtype viruses were recovered, with at least four different genotypes being represented.
Neuropathological and aetiological studies of sporadic non‐suppurative meningoencephalomyelitis of cattle
Authors: Theil D. , Fatzer R. , Schiller I. , Caplazi P. , Zurbriggen A. , Vandevelde M.
Published: October 2010

Sporadically occurring non‐suppurative encephalitis appears to be a frequent condition of Swiss cattle. Fifty‐one such cases diagnosed over a period of 10 years were examined retrospectively to investigate whether they constituted one or more distinct diseases, and to search for aetiological agents. Three cases were characterised by periventricular granulomatous encephalitis, and most probably represented a different disease, but the remaining 48 cases had disseminated non‐suppurative encephalitis with widespread neuronal changes. Neuronal degeneration was very marked in the hippocampus of 10 cases and in the cerebellar Purkinje cells of 11. It was thought that the latter cases represented morphological variations of the same disease rather than a different disease because of their overlapping morphological features. The 48 cases had the following features in common: the disease had primarily neurological signs affecting mostly adult cattle, it was a sporadic condition, and there was a clear tendency for it to have a subacute to chronic course. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification for chlamydial DNA was negative except in one of 32 specimens, and immunohistochemistry did not demonstrate the presence of chlamydial antigens either in the one PCR‐positive case or in the other cases examined. Immunohistochemistry for rabies virus, Borna disease virus, and central European tickborne encephalitis virus was negative. In four cases, immunolabelled cells were found in the lesions with antibodies against paramyxovirus antigens.
Experimental oral transmission of Ehrlichia phagocytophila to calves
Authors: Pusterla N. , Huder J. , Wolfensberger C. , Lutz H. , Braun U.
Published: October 2010

Three groups of four calves were used to determine whether Ehrlichia phagocytophila could be transmitted orally to calves via infected milk. Groups 1 and 2 consisted of four‐week‐old calves and group 3 of newborn calves. The calves in group 1 were fed for several days with milk from cows infected experimentally with E phagocytophila. The calves in groups 2 and 3 were fed 200 ml of whole blood containing E phagocytophila organisms; for group 2 the blood was added to milk before being fed, and for group 3 the blood was added to colostrum before being fed within three hours after birth. Blood samples for haematological, serological and cytological examination, and for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were collected from all the calves, starting on the first or only day of administration and then every four days for four weeks. The calves of groups 1 and 2 showed no clinical, haematological or serological changes, and there was no direct or indirect evidence of the agent. In contrast, all the calves in group 3 had mild pyrexia and seroconverted on day 8, and in one of them E phagocytophila organisms were visible in leucocytes, and the PCR on the buffy coat was positive on day 8.
Effect of treatment with buffalo follicular fluid on ovarian function in goats
Authors: Kumar H. , Mogha I. V. , Yadav M. C.
Published: October 2010

Oestrus was synchronised in 15 nondescript goats with two injections of 7.5 mg luprostiol given 11 days apart. They were randomised into two groups; nine (group 1) received 3 ml charcoal‐extracted buffalo follicular fluid at 12 hour intervals on days 12 to 15 of the cycle and six (group 2) received an equal volume of normal saline at the same times. Luteolysis was induced 96 hours after the treatments began by a single injection of 7.5 mg luprostiol. The onset of oestrus was detected using a vasectomised buck and the ovarian response was determined by visual observation of the ovaries following a midventral laparotomy performed five or six days after oestrus. In the goats of group 1, oestrus occurred 99 3 (4413) hours after the injection of luprostiol, and in the goats of group 2 after 68.0 (6.7) hours. Group 1 does had significantly more ovulations (2.56 [0.29]) and large (≥5 mm diameter) unovulated follicles (2.77 [0.401) than the does of group 2 which had 1.83 (0.16) ovulations and 0.50 (0.34) large unovulated follicles.
Risk factors associated with the seroprevalence of leptospirosis among students at the veterinary school of Zaragoza University
Authors: Simón M. C. , Ortega C. , Alonso J. L. , Gironés O. , Muzquiz J. L. , García J.
Published: October 2010

The prevalence and risk factors associated with leptospirosis were studied in veterinary students in Zaragoza. Sera were collected at the beginning and end of the academic year 1994 to 1995 and were tested by ELISA against a pool of Leptospira intefrogans serovars bratislava, canicola, grippotyphosa, hardjo, icterohaemorrhagiae and pomona antigens. At the beginning of the study the prevalence was 8.14 per cent and at the end it was 11.4 per cent The incidence of the disease during the study was 0.0394. Risk factors associated with leptospirosis included: taking the course specialising in food inspection and technology, on‐farm work, contact with pets in general, and particularly carnivores, and contact with animal traders. The symptoms associated with the disease were myalgia and fever, and the treatment of the symptoms provided some protection.
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus infection in neonatal pigs characterised by marked neurovirulence
Authors: Rossow K. D. , Shivers J. L. , Yeske P. E. , Polson D. D. , Rowland R. R. R. , Lawson S. R. , Murtaugh M. P. , Nelson E. A. , Collins J. E.
Published: October 2010

Neonatal pigs from three herds of pigs were somnolent and inappetent and had microscopic lesions characterised by severe meningoencephalitis, necrotic interstitial pneumonia and gastric muscular inflammation. Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infection was diagnosed and confirmed by virus isolation, fluorescent antibody examination of frozen lung sections, serology, immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridisation. Each herd had a history of PRRSV infection and was using or had used a modified‐live vaccine. The isolates from the affected pigs were genetically distinct from the modified‐live vaccine strain of the virus when compared by restriction enzyme analysis and nucleotide sequencing of PRRSV open reading frames 5 and 6. The virus was identified in macrophages or microglia of brain lesions by immunohistochemical staining of brain sections with an anti‐PRRsv monoclonal antibody and an anti‐macrophage antibody. The replication of the virus in the brain was verified by in situ hybridisation. The meningoencephalitis induced by the virus in pigs from each of the herds was unusually severe and the brain lesions were atypical when compared with other descriptions of encephalitis induced by the virus, which should therefore be considered as a possible diagnosis for neonatal pigs with severe meningoencephalitis. In addition, field isolates of the virus which are capable of causing disease can emerge and coexist with modified‐live vaccine virus in some pig herds.
Abattoir survey of acquired reproductive abnormalities in ewes
Authors: Smith C. , Parkinson T. J. , Long S. E.
Published: October 2010

Abnormalities of the reproductive tract of female sheep were studied by examining 9970 reproductive tracts from cull ewes and 23,536 tracts from nulliparous sheep (prime lambs) over a period of 12 months in abattoirs in south‐west England. Overall, 3.37 per cent of the tracts were pregnant (8.11 per cent of cull ewes, and 1.36 per cent of nulliparous sheep), with a peak incidence between September and December. A total of 655 ewes (6.57 per cent) and 459 nulliparous sheep (1.95 per cent) had acquired abnormalities of the reproductive tract. Within these totals, abnormalities of the ovaries accounted for 3.51 per cent (for the ewes) and 10.68 per cent (for the nulliparous sheep) of all the abnormalities, and abnormalities of the ovarian bursa and uterine tube accounted for 42.1 per cent (for the ewes) and 5.23 per cent (for the nulliparous sheep). In addition, uterine lesions (hydrometra and metritis) accounted for 9.92 per cent (for the ewes) and 13.51 per cent (for the nulliparous sheep); lesions of the cervix and vagina (total of 1.44 per cent) and Cysticercus tenuicollis cysts associated with the reproductive tract (total of 3.05 per cent) were less common. Among the ewes the most common ovarian lesions were ovulation tags, and follicular cysts were the most common in nulliparous animals. Lesions such as bursitis, parametritis and abscesses of the reproductive tract were much more common in cull ewes than in nulliparous sheep, probably having arisen from peripartum infections. Hydrosalpinx and hydrometra, in which the intraluminal fluid was clear, were present at relatively high incidence in nulliparous animals, but not in cull ewes. The proportion of tracts containing macerated fetal remnants (2.14 per cent of all abnormalities in cull ewes) was lower than expected. It was considered that the functional significance of many of the lesions, such as ovulation tags and C tenuicollis cysts, was likely to be low, although in some cases of the latter calcification of the cyst had occluded the uterine tubes. Other lesions, notably hydrosalpinx, bursitis and metritis were likely to have made the affected animals sterile. The acquired abnormalities were therefore more significant in terms of individual animal infertility than as a major cause of infertility in flocks.
Nationwide survey of antibodies to bovine coronavirus in bulk milk from Swedish dairy herdsNationwide survey of antibodies to bovine coronavirus in bulk milk from Swedish dairy herds
Authors: Tråvén M. , Björnerot L. , Larsson B.
Published: October 2010

Bulk milk samples from 2236 dairy herds randomly selected throughout Sweden in proportion to region and herd size were analysed for antibodies to bovine coronavirus (BCV) in an ELISA. The results were expressed as optical density (OD) values and an OD>0.04 was considered positive. Eighty‐nine per cent of the samples were antibody‐positive and 52 per cent had high levels of antibodies to BCV (an OD>0.70). There were significantly higher OD values (P<0.001) and fewer antibody‐negative samples (P<0.001) from larger herds than from smaller herds. There were also significantly higher OD values and fewer antibody‐negative samples from herds in southern Sweden than from herds in northern Sweden (P<0.001 and P<0.001, respectively). These results indicate a higher frequency of BCV infections in larger herds and in herds in southern Sweden.
Hypocalcaemia in 23 ataxic recumbent ewes: clinical signs and likelihood ratios
Authors: Cockcroft D. , Whiteley P.
Published: October 2010

Twenty‐three ewes in a flock of 2000 were identified as having acute onset ataxia and/or having become recumbent in late pregnancy and early lactation. The presence or absence of 15 clinical signs were recorded. Thirteen of the ewes (57 per cent) were hypocalcaemic and 10 (43 per cent) were normocalcaemic. In the hypocalcaemic group, loss of anal reflex, constipation, tachycardia, hyposensitivity, ruminal stasis, ruminal tympany, salivation and tachypnoea were recorded in 50 per cent or more of the cases. In the normocalcaemic group, tachycardia, tachypnoea and ataxia were recorded in 50 per cent or more of the cases. Constipation, ruminal stasis, salivation and hyposensitivity had likelihood ratios of 3 and above for being associated with hypocalcaemia. Ruminal stasis and hyposensitivity had the likelihood ratios of 0.10 and 0.11 respectively for not being associated with hypocalcaemia.
Retrospective study of the epidemiological, clinical, haematological and biochemical findings in 109 dogs poisoned by Vipera xanthina palestinae
Authors: Aroch I. , Harrus S.
Published: October 2010

One hundred and nine dogs were diagnosed as having been poisoned by viper (Vipera xanthina palestinae) venom between 1989 and 1996. Most of the cases occurred between April and September (86.2 per cent), with peaks in May (25.7 per cent) and July (20.2 per cent), and very few between November and February (3.6 per cent). Forty‐two per cent of the dogs were poisoned in the evening (18.00 to 22.00), with a relative risk of 6.85,17.4 per cent between 22.00 and 02.00, and 16.5 per cent between 14.00 and 18.00. The median age of the dogs was three years, and almost 80 per cent of them were from rural households. German shepherd dogs and rottweilers were over‐represented (relative risk 1.98 and 1.87 respectively), and mongrel dogs and pinschers were under‐represented (relative risk 0.41 and 0.53 respectively). Fifty‐six per cent of the bites were on the head (excluding the mouth, lips and pinnae), 16.5 per cent on the front limbs, 97 per cent on the mouth and lips, 8 per cent on the hindlimbs, 4.4 per cent were submandibular and 5.4 per cent were at other sites. The main clinical signs were local swelling (98.2 per cent) and oedema (94.5 per cent), panting (45.7 per cent), tachypnoea (42.5 per cent), pain (34.9 per cent), tachycardia (29.8 per cent), lameness (25.7 per cent), and lymphadenomegaly (23.9 per cent). The mortality rate was 3.7 per cent. The most common haematological abnormalities were neutrophilia (67‐6 per cent), leucocytosis (54.9 per cent), thrombocytopenia (51.9 per cent), increased haematocrit (47.6 per cent), and a left shift of neutrophils (37.8 per cent). Many biochemical abnormalities were observed, of which the most common were high activities of lactate dehydrogenase (84.6 per cent), creatine kinase (69 per cent), gamma‐glutamyltransferase (40 per cent) and aspartate aminotransferase and high concentrations of globulin, phosphate and total bilirubin (33.3 per cent in each case).
Foot lesions in finishing pigs and their associations with the type of floor
Authors: Mouttotou N. , Hatchell F. M. , Green L. E.
Published: October 2010

The associations between individual foot lesions and different types of floor were investigated in 4038 finishing pigs on 21 units. The overall prevalence of foot lesions was 93.8 per cent and the prevalence ranged from 79.4 per cent to 100 per cent on different units. Analysis showed that pigs kept on bedded floors, with either sparse or deep straw, had a lower prevalence of sole erosions, heel erosions and heel flaps and a higher prevalence of white line lesions, false sand cracks, wall separations and toe erosions than pigs kept on bare solid concrete floors. Partially slatted floors were associated with an increased prevalence of heel erosions, heel flaps, white line lesions, wall separations and false sand cracks, and totally slatted floors were associated with an increased prevalence of sole erosions and heel flaps.
Characterisation of a potentially abortigenic strain of feline calicivirus isolated from a domestic cat
Authors: Van Vuuren M. , Geissler K. , Gerber D. , Nöthling J. O. , Truyen U.
Published: October 2010

Feline calicivirus (FCV) was isolated from one of four dead fetuses delivered by ovariohysterectomy from a queen with an acute FCV infection. The most prominent lesions in the fetuses were petechial haemorrhages in the skin. The virus isolated was characterised as FCV by antigenic analysis and CDNA sequence analysis. This is the second report of abortion associated with acute FCV infection.
Serodiagnosis of goat warble fly infestation by Przhevalskiana silenus with a commercial ELISA kit
Authors: Otranto D. , Boulard C. , Giangaspero A. , Caringella M. P. , Rimmele D. , Puccini V.
Published: October 2010

Cross‐reactivity between Hypoderma lineatum antigen and anti‐Przhevalskiana silenus antibodies has been demonstrated by an ELISA technique. To evaluate the applicability of a commercial ELISA kit for the immunodiagnosis of goat warble fly infestation, different dilutions of serum and conjugate were tested, the development of antibody to P silenus in naturally infested goats was studied, and the results were compared with an ELISA technique using an antigen extracted from the first instar larvae of H lineatum. The best results were obtained with a serum dilution of 1:50; with both techniques the highest antibody concentration were recorded in October, November and December. In view of the confirmed cross‐reactivity between H lineatum antigen and anti‐P silenus antibodies, and the simplicity and rapidity of the assay, the commercial ELISA kit can be considered as a useful tool for the diagnosis of goat warble fly infestation.
Epizootic of morbilliviral disease in common dolphins (Delphinus delphis ponticus) from the Black Sea
Authors: Birkun A. , Kuiken T. , Krivokhizhin S. , Haines D. M. , Osterhaus A. D. M. E. , van de Bildt M. W. G. , Joiris C. R. , Siebert U.
Published: October 2010

Forty‐seven common dolphins (Delphinus delphis ponticus) were stranded on the northem shores of the Black Sea between mid‐July and early September 1994, more than in previous or subsequent years. Two of the 47 dolphins were examined in detail to try to determine the cause of the increased stranding rate. Their lesions included broncho‐interstitial pneumonia with type 11 epithelial cell hyperplasia and multinucleate syncytial cells, neuronal necrosis, gliosis, and non‐suppurative meningitis of the brain, necrotic stomatitis, gastroenteritis and cholangitis, and lymphoid depletion of the spleen and lymph nodes. The diseased tissues stained positive in an immunoperoxidase test, using a polyclonal antiserum to measles virus as the primary antibody, and electron microscopy showed that they contained regularly‐shaped intranuclear particles about 22 nm in diameter. They were positive by the polymerase chain reaction (PcR) for the nucleoprotein gene of morbillivirus. However, there was no evidence of morbillivirus in frozen tissues either by virus isolation or by antigen capture EUSA. The concentration of ΣDDTS in the blubber of both dolphins was about 50 to 100 times higher than the levels in toothed cetaceans from the North Sea, North Atlantic Ocean, and Baltic Sea. The lesions were consistent with those found in other species with morbilliviral disease, and the positive immunoperoxidase test, PCR and electron microscopical examination confirmed a morbillivirus as the primary cause of these lesions.
Lesions of so‐called flank biting and necrotic ear syndrome in pigs
Authors: Mirt D.
Published: October 2010

Skin lesions were established on the flanks of pigs aged 10 to 12 weeks, in the areas of the ribs, the mid‐upper leg, the shoulder and the tuber ischii. Skin lesions on the ear tips, known as porcine necrotic ear syndrome, were detected in weaners throughout the raising period. By the histological examination of 50 samples of skin lesions from the flank, two stages of epidermal and dermal changes were established; the milder stage had epidermal changes with marked acanthosis, rete ridges formed deep in the dermis and mild infiltrates of mononuclear cells in the layers around the capillaries in the dermis; the more severe stage had ulcers, under which there were infiltrates of polymorphonuclear cells. The same histological changes were observed in 23 samples of skin lesions taken from the tips of ears with necrotic ear syndrome. On healthy skin from the flank and ear tip, micrococci were the dominant organism, whereas on skin lesions from both the affected areas staphylococci were dominant. Since the histological lesions on the flanks were identical to those in necrotic ear syndrome, which has been associated with Staphylococcus hyicus infection, the pathogenesis of the lesions on the flanks is probably the same.
Behaviour of pigs exposed to mixtures of gases and the time required to stun and kill them: welfare implications
Authors: Raj A. B. M.
Published: October 2010

Pigs were exposed individually to either 90 per cent argon in air (anoxia), a mixture of 30 per cent carbon dioxide and 60 per cent argon in air (hypercapnic anoxia) or 80 to 90 per cent carbon dioxide in air (hypercapnic hypoxia) and the times to loss of posture, the onset and duration of convulsions, vocalisation and cessation of gagging (respiratory arrest) were determined. The duration of convulsions and the time to onset of respiratory arrest were longer when the pigs were exposed to argon than when they were exposed to the mixture of carbon dioxide and argon or to the high concentration of carbon dioxide in air. A second experiment was carried out under commercial conditions to determine the duration of unconsciousness and insensibility based on the response to a nose prick, and the incidence of death induced by exposing pigs to either 90 per cent argon in air or a mixture of 30 per cent carbon dioxide and 60 per cent argon in air for different periods. The results showed that when pigs were exposed for three minutes to either argon or the mixture of carbon dioxide and argon they should be bled within 25 seconds from the end of exposure to the gas to prevent them regaining consciousness during bleeding. When the pigs were exposed to either argon or the mixture of carbon dioxide and argon for five minutes and bleeding out began within 45 seconds they did not regain consciousness or suffer convulsions while being bled. The majority of the pigs died when they were exposed to argon for seven minutes, and all of them died when they were exposed to the mixture of carbon dioxide and argon for seven minutes.
Relationships between leg disorders and changes in the behaviour of broiler chickens
Authors: Vestergaard S. , Sanotra G. S.
Published: October 2010

The relationships between the severity of lameness, the presence of tibial dyschondroplasia, and the frequency of dustbathing behaviour and duration of tonic immobility were studied in 96 broiler chicks kept from day‐old in groups of four in wire‐floored cages. Dustbathing was observed when the birds were given access for one hour to a tray containing sand or straw. The duration of tonic immobility and the severity of lameness were scored during weeks 3, 4, 5 and 6. After slaughter at 41 or 45 days of age the birds were examined for tibial dyschondroplasia; 34 birds were classified as having tibial dyschondroplasia and 54 had detectable lameness problems. Birds with tibial dyschondroplasia had a higher lameness score (P<0.001), dustbathed on fewer days (P<0.0001), and had longer periods of tonic immobility (P<0.03) at six weeks than birds which did not have the condition. However, almost all the chicks, including those with tibial dyschondroplasia dustbathed on day 27 after they had not been given access to the tray for three days, significantly more than on days when they had not been deprived of the tray (P<0.0001). Furthermore, lame birds and birds with tibial dyschondroplasia also dustbathed less with age. Studies of the vertical wingshaking element of dustbathing confirmed that tibial dyschondroplasia reduced dustbathing (P<0.05) and also showed that during the one‐hour tests, sand resulted in more dustbathing than straw (P<0.01).
Rinderpest epidemic in wild ruminants in Kenya 1993‐97
Authors: Kock R. A. , Wambua J. M. , Mwanzia J. , Wamwayi H. , Ndungu E. K. , Barrett T. , Kock N. D. , Rossiter P. B.
Published: October 2010

A severe epidemic of rinderpest, affecting mainly wild ruminants, occurred between 1993 and 1997 in East Africa. Buffalo (Syncerus coffer), eland (Taurotagus oryx) and lesser kudu (Tragelaphus imberbis) were highly susceptible. The histopathological changes, notably individual epithelial cell necrosis with syncytia formation, were consistent with an infection with an epitheliotrophic virus. Serology, the polymerase chain reaction, and virus isolation confirmed the diagnosis and provided epidemiological information. The virus was related to a strain which was prevalent in Kenya in the 1960s, of a second lineage (II), and distinct from isolations of rinderpest virus in the region since 1986. The source of the virus was presumed to be infected cattle from the Eastem region of Kenya and Somalia. The pathogenicity of the virus varied during the epidemic. The mortality in buffalo populations was estimated to be up to 80 per cent, and population data suggested that the virus had an adverse effect on a wide range of species. The virus caused only a mild disease in cattle, with minimal mortality. The results confirmed the importance of wildlife as sentinels of the disease, but although wildlife were important in the spread of the virus, they did not appear to act as reservoirs of infection.
Pharmacokinetics of florfenicol after treatment of pigs with single oral or intramuscular doses or with medicated feed for three days
Authors: Voorspoels J. , D'Haese E. , de craene B. A. , Vervaet C. , De Riemaecker D. , Deprez P. , Nelis H. , Remon J. P.
Published: October 2010

The pharmacokinetics of florfenicol, a structural analogue of thiamphenicol, were studied in six pigs after single oral and intramuscular doses of 15 mg/kg bodyweight, and after feeding them with medicated feed containing 250 mg/kg for three days, a concentration which provided approximately the same dose rate of the drug. The oral doses contained a specially prepared pelleted formulation of the drug. The bioavailability of the drug was similar for the oral and intramuscular doses. Florfenicol was absorbed rapidly from the feed and its concentration in plasma remained between 2 and 6 μg/ml ‐ above the minimum inhibitory concentration values for common pig pathogens ‐ during the three days.
Preliminary investigation of the vitamin D status of pet rabbits
Authors: Fairham J. , Harcourt‐Brown F. M.
Published: October 2010

The plasma concentrations of 1,25‐dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25‐(OH)2 D3) (vitamin D3) were measured in blood samples taken from one wild rabbit and 13 pet rabbits at different times of the year. Some pet rabbits had low or undetectable plasma concentrations of 1,25‐(OH)2 D3 especially if they were kept in hutches. Rabbits with more access to sunlight had higher concentrations of 1,25‐(OH)2 D3.
Development of a gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone and prostaglandin regimen for the planned breeding of dairy cows
Authors: Peters A. R. , Mawhinney I. , Drew S. B. , Ward S. J. , Warren M. J. , Gordon P. J.
Published: October 2010

Four studies were carried out to determine the ovarian responses of dairy cows undergoing natural oestrous cycles to sequential injections of gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH), followed seven days later by prostaglandin and, 48 to 72 hours later, by a second injection of GnRH. In study 1, of 60 cows so treated, 47 were in the intended periovulatory phase when a fixed‐time insemination was given 72 hours after the prostaglandin. In study 2, detailed observations were made in 32 cows treated as in study 1, using ultrasound to determine the optimum time to administer the second dose of GnRH. Ovulation was most effectively synchronised by giving GnRH 56 to 60 hours after the prostaglandin. Study 3 investigated the timing of ovulation when no initial dose of GnRH was given. Six cows were injected with prostaglandin on day 12 of the oestrous cycle, followed by GnRH 60 hours later. Five of the six cows ovulated 24 to 36 hours after GnRH, an equivalent timing and synchrony to that in study 2, in which a dose of GnRH had been given seven days before prostaglandin. In study 4, an initial dose of GnRH was given to six cows late (day 17) in the oestrous cycle, and prostaglandin seven days later. The GnRH treatment delayed luteolysis in five of the cows so that they were responsive to the prostaglandin and ovulated 24 to 36 hours after the second dose of GnRH. The use of GnRH (day 0) ‐ prostaglandin (day 7) ‐ GnRH (day 9.5) appears to be an effective means of synchronising ovulation in most cows.
Stillbirth/perinatal weak calf syndrome: a study of calves infected with Leptospira
Authors: Smyth A. , Fitzpatrick D. A. , Ellis W. A.
Published: October 2010

Leptospiral infection has been reported in calves which were either stillbom or dead from perinatal weak calf syndrome; 356 such calves were examined for evidence of associations between leptospiral infection and macroscopic, histological and microbiological findings, and the parity of the dam. Calves in which leptospiral antigen was detected in the placenta were significantly lighter by an average of 6 to 10 kg than calves with no antigen in the placenta. Calves infected with Leptospira were more likely to be infected by Actinomyces pyogenes or Bacllus species. No other significant associations were detected. The adrenal gland, lung and placenta were the most useful organs to examine for leptospiral antigen. The placenta was the only antigen‐positive tissue 8.9 per cent of the calves submitted with their placenta.
Field trial of a planned breeding regimen for dairy cows, using gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone and prostaglandin F2α
Authors: Mawhinney I. , Biggadike H. , Drew B.
Published: October 2010

A planned breeding regimen, using gondadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH), prostaglandin F2α, and a second dose of GnRH, followed by a fixed time insemination, was evaluated in comparison with a negative control on eight commercial dairy farms in the south of England. Fertility data were collected from the 220 cows in the planned breeding group and from 220 matched control cows inseminated at observed oestrus. The planned regimen induced visible oestrus in the vast majority of the cows, and serving the cows at this oestrus reduced the calving to conception interval by 15 days, resulting in 12 per cent more cows being pregnant by 125 days after calving, and 6 per cent more by 150 days. The results from the individual farms suggested that more benefit may be derived from using the regimen in herds with only average fertility indices. There was also evidence to suggest that the second GnRH injection was important, even in cows that came on heat and were served before the fixed time insemination.
Effects on cattle of transportation by road for up to 31 hours
Authors: Knowles G. , Warriss P. D. , Brown S. N. , Edwards J. E.
Published: October 2010

The physiological and behavioural effects on cattle of transporting them for periods of 14, 21, 26 and 31 hours, including a stop for a rest and drink on the lorry after 14 hours, were studied in 120 transported animals and 48 control animals. The physiological measurements indicated that a journey lasting 31 hours was not excessively physically demanding, but many of the animals chose to lie down after approximately 24 hours. The animals that lay down had higher plasma cortisol levels than those that remained standing. Many animals chose not to drink during the rest stop. Physiological measurements made after the journeys indicated that 24 hours in lairage, with hay and water freely available, allowed the animals to recover substantially, although not completely, irrespective of the journey time.