bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hearts and flowers: Bryophyllum poisoning of cattle
Authors: McKENZIE R A , DUNSTER P J
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Findings from natural cases and experiments with cattle emphasise that flowering plants are the most important form of Bryophyllum (Kalanchoe) spp in poisonings in Australia. The main life‐threatening lesion is myocardial. The effects on the alimentary tract are less important than was believed previously. B. tublflorum, B. daigremontianum x B. tublflorum, B. pinnatum and B. proliferum caused 41 recorded poisoning incidents affecting 379 cattle in Queensland between 1960 and 1984. Poisoning occurred between May and October—the flowering season of these plants. Experimental B. tublflorum poisoning and natural poisonings produced anorexia, depression, ruminal atony, diarrhoea, heart rate and rhythm abnormalities, dyspnoea and death. Increased plasma concentrations of urea, creatinine and glucose and decreased chloride were measured experimentally. Both natural and experimental cases had myocardial degeneration and necrosis with haemorrhages of the heart and alimentary tract Cattle with severe dyspnoea had atelectasls and emphysema of the lungs. Some cattle had mild nephrosis. The median lethal doses of B. tubiflorum flowers, roots and leaf plus stem were 0.7,2.3 and 5.0 g dry matter/kg liveweight respectively (7,7 and 40 g wet weight/kg). Bufadienolides have been isolated recently from B. tublflorum flowers and the syndrome is consistent with cardiac glycoside poisoning.
The prevalence of Giardia in dogs and cats in Perth, Western Australia
Authors: SWAN J M , THOMPSON R C A
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A survey of dogs and cats in the Perth metropolitan area revealed a high prevalence of Giardia. Overall, 21% of 333 dogs and 14% of 226 cats were infected. More dogs and cats from refuges and breeding establishments were infected than household pets, although among the latter a significant number of dogs (9%) and cats (8%) was infected. Giardia did not show any breed or sex predisposition but prevalence was higher in young animals. The species of Giardia present in dogs and cats was identified as G. duodenalis, which is the same as that affecting man. The potential significance of this animal reservoir of infection to man is discussed in the light of increasing evidence that Giardia is a zoonosis.
The pathogenicity of an avian influenza virus isolated in Victoria
Authors: FORMAN A J , PARSONSON I M , DOUGHTY W J
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY An influenza virus (H7N7) isolated from an outbreak of disease in chickens in Victoria, was examined for its ability to cause disease in inoculated chickens, turkeys and ducks. The virus was highly pathogenic in chickens and turkeys but produced no clinical disease in ducks. Transmission of infection occurred from inoculated chickens to those in direct contact but other chickens separated by a distance of 3m directly downwind developed neither clinical disease nor antibody to the virus.
Reproductive and leptospiral studies on beef cattle in central Queensland
Authors: CARROLL A G , CAMPBELL R S F
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The effect of rainfall on reproductive performance in beef cattle and the effects of rainfall and soil type on the prevalence of leptospirosis in beef cattle in inland central Queensland are described. Low annual rainfall produced a significant (P<0.05) decrease in calf branding rates. Leptospirosis (due to serovar hardjo) was serologically more prevalent after rain and on farms with high water holding capacity soils but there was no significant difference in branding rates between cattle on high or low water holding capacity soils. As a secondary mid‐year rainfall peak is a feature of the area, leptospirosis due to serovar hardjo will tend to spread when most of the breeding herd is in the last trimester of pregnancy. The prevalence of leptospirosis due to serovar pomona is significantly lower in the region.
Experimental infection of bulls and cows with bluetongue virus serotype 20
Authors: PARSONSON I M , DELLA‐PORTA A J , McPHEE D A , CYBINSKI D H , SQUIRE K R E , UREN M F
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Bluetongue virus serotype 20 (BTV20) was inoculated intradermal and subcutaneously in 4 bulls and by the intrauterine route in 8 nulliparous cows after insemination at oestrus. Viraemia was detected intermittently between 8 and 21 days after inoculation. Virus was isolated from tissue samples of 2 cows and a bull after slaughter at 14 days and from one bull at 28 days. Group reactive and type specific antibodies to BTV20 were demonstrated from 17 to 27 days after infection. No antibodies were detected in the animals slaughtered at 14 days. No clinical signs of disease were seen during the experiment and no gross or histopathological changes referable to BTV20 infection were observed post‐mortem. Because of the viraemia and the production of detectable serum antibodies, gametes from these cattle would be excluded from export.
Akabane epizootics in New South Wales: evidence for long‐distance dispersal of the biting midge Culicoides brevitarsis
Authors: MURRAY M. D.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: In 1983 an outbreak of Akabane disease occurred in calves in New South Wales between Coolah and Dunedoo at the foothills of the Liverpool Range, from Molong to Oberon in the Blue Mountains and in the Bylong Valley. These areas, at the time of infection of the dams, were in a drought and conditions were unsuitable for the multiplication of C. brevitarsis. In late March meteorological phenomena developed producing air movements favourable for transporting infected midges from the Hunter Valley. A re‐examination of the data from the epizootics of 1974 and 1955 showed that similar weather systems had developed. It is possible that the source of infected midges in these epizootics was also the Hunter Valley.
Glucose metabolism in a pony mare with a tumour of the pituitary gland pars intermedia
Authors: AUER D E , WILSON R G , GROENENDYK S. , FILIPPICH L J
Published: March 2008

A case of pituitary dependent hyperadreno corticism in a horse is reported. Clinical signs included hirsutism, polydipsia and general debility. The horse was persistently hyperglycaemic and glucose values were unchanged following subcutaneous administration of insulin. Resting Cortisol values were normal, but dexamethasone suppression of Cortisol concentration was shorter than normal. Plasma glucose, Cortisol, insulin and glucagon concentrations were measured as part of an intravenous glucose tolerance test. The patient responses were different from those in a control pony.
Suppurative splenitis and peritonitis in a horse after gastric ulceration caused by larvae of Gasterophilus intestinalis
Authors: DART A. J. , HUTCHINS D. R. , BEGG A. P.
Published: March 2008

A 12‐year‐old Thoroughbred mare, with a history of anorexia, dramatic weight loss, fluctuating pyrexia and intermittent diarrhoea after an episode of colic, was presented for examination with depression, emaciation and ataxia. Thoracic and abdominal paracenteses yielded copious quantities of inflammatory exudate. Palpation per rectum revealed an enlarged spleen. The primary alterations in haematology included a severe leucocytosis with a left shift, and a hyperproteinaemia characterised by hypoalbuminaemia and hypergammaglobulinaemia.

Post‐mortem examination revealed a low grade pleurisy and peritonitis with fluid accumulation in both cavities. A suppurative gastritis with full thickness perforations of the stomach wall associated with Gasterophilus intestinalis larvae had extended to the juxtaposed organ initiating an extensive suppurative splenitis. Streptococcus zooepidemicus was cultured.
Distribution of Brucella abortus in infected cattle
Authors: CORNER L A , ALTON G G , IYER H.
Published: March 2008

Experimentally and naturally infected cattle were examined bacteriologically to determine the anatomical distribution of specimens yielding Brucella abortus. In 91 experimentally infected pregnant cows, examined 3 to 4.5 months after conjunctival challenge during pregnancy, the most frequently infected specimen was the mammary (syn. supramammary) lymph node. All experimentally infected cows could be identified from cultures of the mammary, mandibular (syn. submaxillary), medial iliac, caudal superficial cervical (syn. prescapular) lymph nodes and uterine caruncles, cotyledons or foetal tissues.

Forty‐six naturally infected cows were examined and again the most frequently infected specimen was the mammary lymph node. All naturally infected cows could be identified from cultures of the mammary, parotid, mandibular and subiliac (syn. prefemoral) lymph nodes.

The distribution of infected specimens was somewhat different in heifers. In 61 naturally infected heifers the most frequently infected specimen was the mandibular lymph node but 8 other specimens would have been required to enable identification of all infected heifers.

Specimens from 3 infected bulls were cultured and 11 of the 12 specimens examined were infected in at least one of the bulls. The most frequently infected tissues were the mandibular, caudal superficial cervical, subiliac and scrotal lymph nodes. The results suggest which specimens should be selected for culture, particularly when only a limited amount of effort can be expended.
Canine neural angiostrongylosis: the clinical and therapeutic features of 55 natural cases
Authors: MASON K V
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: The clinical features of 55 naturally occurring cases of neural angiostrongylosis caused by the parasite Angiostrongylus cantonensis are described. The principal clinical feature is an ascending paresis of varying severity, mainly effecting the limbs and bladder. In severely affected animals the cranial nerves and central nervous system are affected. A distinguishing clinical sign is a variable severe lumbar hyperalgesia. For prognostic purposes the severity of the disease is divided into 3 grades. Recovery occurs in the first 2, however in the third, the most severe grade, animals do not recover. Corticosteroids and supportive nursing facilitate recovery and lessen the residual neurological dysfunction. Anthelmintics were included in the therapeutic regimen but their use worsened the signs. Death was recorded in association with the use of anthelmintics in cases that should have otherwise recovered.
Survival rates and post‐operative complications after equine colic surgery
Authors: McCARTHY R N , HUTCHINS D R
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A retrospective analysis of 74 cases that underwent surgery for colic was undertaken to determine short and long term survival rates and the incidence of postoperative complications. In 28 cases colic was related to small intestinal lesions and in 46 cases to large intestinal lesions. Pre‐operative packed cell volume and heart rate were found to be inversely related to short‐term survival. Twenty‐five horses (34%) recovered from surgery and were discharged. Of 18 of these cases with available histories, 6 subsequently had one or more episodes of colic since surgery of which 5 eventually died or were euthanased due to further colic; the remaining 12 have remained free from recurrence of colic for longer than 6 months.
Residues in beef cattle accidentally exposed to commercial heptachlor
Authors: PETTERSON D S , CASEY R H , EBELLS G F , McINTYRE B L
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The changes in concentration of heptachlor epoxide (HCE) and oxychlordane (OCD) were studied in the tissues of beef cattle that had previously grazed pasture contaminated with commercial heptachlor. In 25 cows and heifers monitored over 488 days, the mean concentration of HCE decreased from 22.0 to 0.08 mg/kg and of OCD from 5.68 to 0.18 mg/kg. The respective half‐lives were estimated to be 66 and 92 days. In a controlled feeding experiment, nine steers were subjected to one of three dietary regimes; a high plane of nutrition for 81 days then a low plane for 140 days; a moderate plane of nutrition for the total period; and a low plane of nutrition for 81 days then a high plane for 140 days. Approximately five months later similar treatments were applied for 101 and 94 days. The rate of decline of HCE and OCD was consistently greatest in animals on the high plane of nutrition and lowest in those on the low plane.

Lactation did not appear to have a major effect on the rate of decline in the tissue concentrations of these compounds.

No significant (P > 0.05) relationships were found between the concentrations of HCE or OCD in the subcutaneous fat and either milk or blood at any stage of the experiment. At slaughter, from 18 to 24 months after the commencement of the experiments, significant correlations (P < 0.05) were found among concentrations of HCE and OCD in subcutaneous fat, renal fat and fat from the bone marrow. Concentrations were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in bone marrow than in either subcutaneous or renal fat.
Congenital hypothyroidism in Scottish Deerhound puppies
Authors: ROBINSON WF , SHAW SE , STANLEY B. , WYBURN RS
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Two Scottish Deerhound puppies had clinical and pathological features consistent with the diagnosis of congenital non‐goitrous hypothyroidism. They were from separate litters, but were the progeny of the same sire and dam. The puppies were smaller, had shorter limbs and shorter, broader heads than their littermates. They also had histories of weakness, difficulty in walking and somnolence. A characteristic radiographic feature was the absence of epiphyseal growth centres. Both had depressed serum thyroxine (T) levels and one did not respond to exogenous thyroid stimulating hormone. On necropsy, the thyroid glands were small, the follicles varied in size and contained little or no colloid. The adenohypophysis contained many cells with markedly vacuolated cytoplasm. It is suggested that the clinicopathological pattern is the result of a primary thyroid abnormality. Possible mechanisms include either primary thyroid hypoplasia or an unresponsiveness to thyroid stimulatin hormone.
The effects of caseous lymphadenitis on wool production and bodyweight in young sheep
Authors: PATON M W , MERCY A R , WILKINSON F C , GARDNER J J , SUTHERLAND S S , ELLIS T M
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Two hundred Merino wether hoggets were used to examine the effect of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection (caseous lymphadenitis) on wool production and bodyweight. Sheep which were challenged with C. pseudotuberculosis (artificially infected) and not vaccinated against this disease produced 0.20 kg less clean wool than unchallenged controls during the following 12 months. The incidence of sheep with lesions in the group that was vaccinated prior to challenge was 55% lower than in unvaccinated challenged sheep but their wool production was not significantly different from either the controls or the unvaccinated challenged sheep. Vaccinated sheep were also heavier than unvaccinated sheep 12 months after challenge. These results indicate that caseous lymphadenitis infection may reduce wool production.
The effect of selenium supplementation on immunity, and the establishment of an experimental Haemonchus contortus infection, in weaner Merino sheep fed a low selenium diet
Authors: JELINEK PD , ELLIS T , WROTH RH , SUTHERLAND SS , MASTERS HG , PETTERSON DS
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Immunity in 12 weaner Merino sheep fed a low selenium (Se) diet (low Se sheep) was compared with that in 10 matching sheep fed the same diet but each given an intraruminal Se pellet (high Se sheep), while the sheep were housed in individual, sheltered pens. All sheep were challenged with killed Brucella abortus cells (days 0 and 28), rabbit red blood cells (days 0, 7 and 28) and corynebaclerium pseudotuberculosis toxoid (days 0 and 28), and serum antibody titres were measured weekly for 8 weeks from day 0. The sheep were then experimentally infected with Haemonchus conforfus, and slaughtered 8 weeks later.

The mean antibody titre to B. abortus, measured by 4 different tests, was significantly higher in the high Se sheep on occasions during the primary immune response phase (Rose Bengal test ‐ day 21 (p < 0.05), day 28 (p < 0.025); complement fixation ‐ day 7 (p < 0.05); enzyme‐llnked immunosorbent assay ‐ day 14 (p < 0.01); serum agglutination ‐ no differences), but not during the secondary phase. The mean antibody titre to rabbit red blood cells, measured by haemagglutination test, was marginally higher in the high Se sheep on day 49 (p = 0.049). The mean antibody titre to C. pseudotuberculois, measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, was not significantly different between the groups at any time during the trial. In addition, the mean invitro responsiveness of peripheral blood lymphocytes to stimulation with phytohaemagglutinin in the high Se sheep was significantly greater than that in 10 sheep from the low Se group on day 22 (p < 0.01), but not day 50. However, there were no significant differences in the mean number of sheep in which the infection with H. contortus established, time to first shedding of eggs in faeces, abomasal worm burdens at necropsy, or inflammatory response in the abomasal mucosa in the sheep in each group. The results showed that the low Se sheep produced strong overall immune responses that were largely comparable to those in the high Se sheep.
Some aspects of the epidemiology of equine salmonellosis
Authors: BEGG AP , JOHNSTON KG , HUTCHINS DR , EDWARDS DJ
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: A survey of 2 horse populations was done to detect the number of asymptomatic faecal excretors of Salmonella sp. 1201 faecal samples from 250 horses hospitalised at the University of Sydney were cultured. Three serotypes, S. fyphimufium (4 horses), S. anaturn (2) and S. fennessee (1) were isolated from 7 horses (2.8%).None was detected in 75 mares similarly examined at a thoroughbred stud farm.

In retrospect, S. fyphimurium was also the most common (70%) of the 19 serotypes recovered from 171 horses with clinical salmonellosis seen at Camden, 1969 to 1986. Forty cases occurring since 1983 were reviewed in detail; the mortality rate was high (60%) and an increased proportion was due to S. bovis‐morbificans. Five horses developed salmonellosis while hospitalised and it was usually impossible to be certain whether these cases developed from the carrier state into overt disease or resulted from infections acquired in hospital.
Cortisol concentrations in blood and urine of horses
Authors: RALSTON J M , STENHOUSE A M , STENHOUSE N S , BUCK G J , LUCKS S. F. , REYNOLDSON J A , BOLTON J R
Published: March 2008

Summary: A survey of the concentrations of cortisol in blood and urine samples taken from thoroughbred and standardbred horses after racing is presented. Statistical analysis showed the only significant difference between thoroughbred and standardbred horses was a higher cortisol concentration in thoroughbred urine. Urine volume and pH had no significant influence on the urinary cortisol concentration, however 9.5% of the urinary cortisol variation could be explained due to the influence of plasma cortisol concentration. The results of cortisol and ACTH administrations are also shown and compared with the survey results.
Toxigenic type D Pasteurella multocida in New South Wales pig herds—prevalence and factors associated with infection
Authors: GARDNER IA. , EAMENS GJ. , TURNER MJ. , HORNITZKY CL.
Published: March 2008

Between March and July 1987, a study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of and factors associated with toxigenic type D Pasteurella multocida infection in New South Wales pig herds. Toxigenic type D P. multocida was isolated from the nasal cavities of pigs in one (2%) of 50 randomly selected herds. Toxigenic isolates were also recovered from 2 (8%) of a separate group of 25 herds that had purchased pigs from a known infected piggery in South Australia (herd SA). Snout abnormalities were present in 9.4%, 3.2% and 1.8% of grower pigs in the 3 affected herds. Isolation of toxigenic P. multocida was significantly associated (p < 0.0001) with the occurrence of clinically affected pigs in the herd. Purchase of at least 5 pigs from herd SA was associated with an elevated risk (p < 0.05) of isolation of toxigenic P. multocida.
Investigations of an enteric infection of cockatoos caused by an enterovirus‐like agent
Authors: WYLIE SL. , PASS DA.
Published: March 2008

An enteric infection in cockatoos associated with a 30nm diameter enterovirus‐like agent seen in faeces and intestinal epithelial cells is described. The disease is characterised by intractable, profuse, mucoid diarrhoea, weight loss, dehydration and death. Lesions in the intestine consist of villous atrophy, villous fusion, enterocyte hyperplasia and, in some cases, chronic inflammation. Affected birds so far examined have concurrent psittacine beak and feather disease.
Dislocation of the coxo‐femoral joint in dairy cows
Authors: LARCOMBE MT. , MALMO J.
Published: March 2008

Coxo‐femoral dislocation was diagnosed in 40 dairy cows. Of the 40 cases, 19 were in a cranio‐dorsal direction, 2 caudo‐dorsal, 17 caudo‐ventral (into the obturator foramen), and 2 cranio‐ventral. Thirty cases (75%) were successfully treated by closed reduction. Most cows were treated within 12 h of the dislocation occurring. Treatment was less successful in cases of caudo‐ventral dislocation and unsuccessful cases predominated among cows with concurrent obstetrical paralysis or milk fever, and very heavy Friesians.
Deaths in sheep exported by sea from Western Australia ‐ analysis of ship Master's reports
Authors: NORRIS RT , RICHARDS RB
Published: March 2008

Mortality reports were studied for 181 shipments of live sheep from Western Australia to the Middle East and Singapore in 1985 and 1986. Samples of pelleted feed for 93 shipments were analysed for quality.

Overall death rate in the 6.46 million sheep exported in the period of the study was 2.18%. In sheep bound for the Middle East, most of the deaths occurred during the voyage (overall rate 1.7%, range 0.4‐4.4% per shipment), although substantial mortality was recorded during discharge (rate 0.4%, range 0.0‐1.8%). There were few deaths during loading (rate 0.07%, range 0.0–0.8%). Deaths in sheep bound for Singapore were almost 10‐fold lower than those sent to the Middle East.

Several findings suggested that ship design and management may contribute to mortality. Death rates were invariably low on some ships and often high on others. Death rates were nearly always higher in enclosed decks than in open decks on 4 vessels, and point epidemics of mortality were observed in several shipments. Temperature and relative humidity measured on the ship's bridge were not closely related to daily death rate.

Antibiotics estimated to cost $226,000 were used during 33 voyages in 1986 and were considered of dubious efficacy on shipboard mortality. Analysis of feed pellets used on ship showed that the quality of the diet was within the range set by draft national standards for pellets used in the live sheep export industry.
Leucoencephalomyelopathy in Australian Rottweiler dogs
Authors: SLOCOMBE RF , MITTEN R. , MASON TA
Published: March 2008

Clinical and pathological studies of a neurological disorder of 3 adult Rottweiler dogs are described. Dogs developed proprioceptive losses involving the limbs, leading to progressively worsening ataxia and hypermetria. Blood and CSF fluid analyses were normal and radiographs and myelograms showed no compressive lesions of the spinal cord.

At necropsy, severe demyelination of the dorsal and lateral funiculi of the cervical spinal cord was visible grossly. Microscopically there was more extensive, symmetrical involvement of the spinal cord and brain than was apparent grossly, with demyelination of white matter tracts and sparing of axons in affected areas. These changes were considered diagnostic for leucoencephalomyelopathy. This condition has not been previously reported in Australia, and is probably transmitted genetically, presumably as an autosomal recessive trait.
A farming systems study of abortion in dairy cattle on the Atherton Tableland: I. Reproductive performance
Authors: NORTON JH , LISLE AT , TRANTER WP , CAMPBELL RSF
Published: March 2008

Herd health records from 1983 to 1985 were analysed for a sample of 19 dairy farms on the Atherton Tableland in tropical north Queensland. Abortion and first service conception rates were calculated for each farm for each year. The association between abortion rate and stage of gestation at pregnancy diagnosis was investigated as well as the association between abortion rate and lactation status. There was a significant linear increase in abortion rate over the 3‐year period, during which the mean rate was 7.3%± 2.1% (range 4.5% to 10.9%). There was also a significant variation in first conception rates during the same period, when the mean first service conception rate was 51.8%±6.6% (range 42.4% to 65.8%).

A significantly higher abortion rate was recorded in first lactation cows. Of 178 abortions in all lactation groups (1984), 20.3% were repeat abortions by the same cows. Of 163 abortions, a majority (80.4%) occurred during months 3 to 7 of gestation. No significant association was found between the timing of pregnancy diagnosis and occurrence of abortion.
An evaluation of calf castration by intra‐testicular injection of a lactic acid solution
Authors: FORDYCE G. , BEAMAN NJ , LAING AR , HODGE PB , CAMPERO C. , SHEPHERD RK
Published: March 2008

Summary: This experiment evaluated intra‐testicular injection of a sclerosing drug, lactic acid, for castration of bulls. Its use was compared in 58 Brahman cross calves (50 to 128kg) with the general practice of open surgical castration. Chemical castration appeared to be more painful than surgical castration, though post‐operative swelling and pain appeared similar for both methods. Chemical castration took 3 times longer than surgical castration (58 sec v 20 sec; P<0.01). Scrotal necrosis occurred in 25% of chemically‐castrated calves and appeared due to drug leakage from the testes under the high pressure of injection. Healing time for chemical castrates was approximately twice that for surgical castrates. Five chemically‐castrated calves (18%) retained one testis. Though all 5 were rendered sterile, each maintained androgenesis. This led to secondary male behaviour which caused management problems. Castration method did not influence post‐operative growth. It is concluded that lactic acid administration is not a suitable alternative to the open surgical technique for castration of Brahman cross calves.
Enteritis in sheep and goats due to Yersinia enterocolitica infection
Authors: SLEE KJ , BUTTON C.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Yersinia enterocolitica biotype 5, serotype 02,3 was isolated from the intestine of 38 sheep and 8 goats submitted to the laboratory for disease diagnosis. Infected animals were usually young, had diarrhoea and were in poor condition or emaciated. A number were moribund or dead when submitted. Characteristic microabscesses were demonstrated in the intestine of 5 of 38 sheep and 3 of 8 goats and no alternative cause of morbidity or mortality was established in these animals.

Of the 33 sheep and 5 goats infected with Y. enterocolitica in which microabscesses were not demonstrated, a number of other diagnoses were made, including internal parasitism (18), selenium deficiency or white muscle disease (6) and cobalt deficiency (2), so that morbidity and mortality were possibly unrelated to Y. enterocolitica infection.

Five of 6 sheep exposed experimentally by mouth to Y. enterocolitica biotype 5, serotype 02,3 developed an intestinal infection. Although infected sheep showed no clinical evidence of disease and haematological and biochemical indices remained normal, multiple intestinal microabscesses typical of yersiniosis were demonstrated in 3 of 5 infected sheep.

It is concluded that Y. enterocolitica biotype 5, serotype 02,3 is an enteropathogen of sheep and goats. Since sheep and goats may be the specific hosts of this bacterium, its virulence for these species is apparently low. Morbidity and mortality may, therefore, be unusual manifestations of infection.
The occurrence of equine arteritis virus in Australia
Authors: HUNTINGTON PJ , FORMAN AJ , ELLIS PM
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY This paper reports the first isolation of equine arteritis virus (EAV) in Australia and serological evidence of exposure to EAV in Australian horses. Twelve Standardbred stallions imported from North America were found to shed EAV in semen. One hundred and seven stallions were tested for serum antibodies to EAV and 73% of Standardbred stallions tested were seropositive as compared to 8% of Thoroughbred stallions. Serum antibody was detected in 71% of Standardbred mares, 6% of Standardbred racehorses and 1% of Thoroughbred mares and racehorses. Examination of stored serums demonstrated that EAV had been present in Australia since at least 1975.
Survey of intramammary infections in ewes on the New England Tableland of New South Wales
Authors: WATSON DL , FRANKLIN NA , DAVIES HI , KETTLEWELLS P. , FROSTS AJ
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Samples of mammary secretion were collected aseptically from 1093 ewes in 8 separate flocks. Most of the ewes were suckling lambs 4 to 6 weeks old. Standard bacteriological tests were carried out on the samples to identify the organisms involved in intramammary infections. Data on age, breed, lactational status and clinical status of the gland and its secretion were recorded at the time of sampling. The prevalence of intramammary infection was 14% of ewes (8% of glands). There was a tendency for prevalence of intramammary infection to be positively corrrelated with age of the ewe (two year‐old and six‐year‐old ewes had, respectively, 4.4% and 14.0% of glands infected). This relationship was highly significant for Border Leicester x Merino ewes. There were also significant differences in infection prevalence between breeds. infected glands had a higher prevalence of clinical abnormalities of udder, teat and secretion than did non‐infected glands. Staphylococcus aureus was overwhelmingly the most frequently isolated bacterium being responsible for 40% of all intramammary infections.
Inherited epidermal dysplasia in Holstein‐Friesian calves
Authors: JUBB TF , MALMO J. , MORTON JM , BUTTON C. , JERRETT IV
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Inherited epidermal dysplasis (IED), formerly called baldy calf syndrome, is a lethal disease of calves of Holstein‐Friesian ancestry. The disease causes progressive ilithrift and skin, horn and hoof lesions, which can be confused with inherited zinc deficiency. The clinico‐pathological features and ancestry of 10 affected calves in Gippsland, Victoria are described.
Survival and fertility after uterine prolapse in dairy cows
Authors: JUBB TF , MALMO J. , BRIGHTLING P. , DAVIS GM
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Sixty‐eight cases of uterine prolapse in pastured dairy cows were treated in 2 consecutive spring calving seasons in East Gippsland, Victoria. Fifty cows survived (73.5%). Of 43 cows available for followup, 36 (84%) conceived in the mating period following the prolapse, taking 10 d longer to conceive than herd mates that calved on the same day. Three of the 36 cows (8%) that conceived, aborted, this occurring in the middle trimester of pregnancy. No prolapses occurred at the following calving but one case had suffered uterine prolapse 2 years previously. The conclusions drawn from these observations are that cows with uterine prolapse have a good chance of surviving if treated, that treatment is cost‐effective, that uterine prolapse is unlikely to reoccur and treated cows have a good chance of conceiving. The veterinarians involved in this investigation were reasonably accurate in their ability to predict long term survival but not as good in predicting ability to conceive again.
Generalised protothecosis in a Collie dog
Authors: THOMAS JB , PRESTON N.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A case of generalised prolothecosis in a Collie dog is discussed. A longstanding history of severe colitis was the major clinical sign. Dissemination to many organs was confirmed histoligically. Possible pathogenesis is discussed along with a review of the literature. The possibility of a breed disposition in Collie dogs is discussed. The organisms are ubiquitous in the environment and generalised disease suggests the possibility of immune competence.
Epidemiology of an avian influenza outbreak in Victoria in 1985
Authors: MORGAN IR , KELLY AP
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY In May 1985 an outbreak of avian influenza, a disease exotic to the Australian poultry industry, occurred on a farm in central Victoria. The outbreak was contained on that farm by immediate depopulation and disinfection measures. A description of the epidemiology of the outbreak was made during and after the event by interviewing involved personnel and by an extensive sampling and surveillance program both on the affected farm and across Victoria.

Although the origin of the infection was not established, it is considered most likely that wild birds introduced the virus. The infection status of wild bird populations in the area has not been ascertained but sampling surveys of the poultry industry indicated that there were no other infected flocks in the state. The infection may have entered the affected flock as long as 2 weeks prior to the clinical outbreak although the exact timing could not be ascertained. The spread of disease on the farm appeared to be largely due to humans acting as mechanical vectors.
A sandwich enzyme immunoassay for bovine interferon‐γ and its use for the detection of tuberculosis in cattle
Authors: ROTHEL JS , JONES SL , CORNER LA , COX JC , WOOD PR
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY An in vitro cellular assay for bovine tuberculosis has recently been developed. This assay detects gamma‐interferon released in response to specific antigen in a whole blood culture system. The bio‐assay previously described for the detection of bovine gamma‐interferon (IFN‐γ) has now been replaced with a sandwich enzyme immunoassay (EIA) which utilises two monoclonal antibodies to bovine IFN‐γ. The EIA detects less than 25pg/ml of recombinant bovine IFN‐γ and is specific for biologically active bovine IFN‐γ; and does not detect bovine alpha or beta interferon. IFN‐γ from sheep, goat and buffalo, but not from pig, deer or man, are also recognised by the EIA. The bovine IFN‐γ EIA when used in conjunction with the whole blood culture system has resulted in a simple, rapid and sensitive in vitro assay for specific cell mediated immune responsiveness to M. bovis infection in cattle.
An assessment of a composite sampling method for counting strongyle eggs in sheep faeces
Authors: BALDOCK FC , LYNDAL‐MURPHY M , PEARSE B
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The conventional method for estimating the average strongyle egg count for a group of sheep was compared with a single count from a group composite faecal sample. Sixty‐one groups of field samples were used. Composite samples were prepared in the laboratory by pooling equal amounts of faeces from individual samples. Data were log‐transformed for analysis to meet the assumption of normality. There were no significant differences in the variances and overall mean counts obtained by the 2 methods. The regression line of log (composite count) on log (group arithmetic mean) did not differ significantly from the line of identity. When untransformed egg count data were categorised as low, moderate and high, the 2 methods were in agreement for 53 of the 61 groups. The mixing and counting process used for both methods (modified McMaster technique) gave highly repeatable results (repeatability = 0.94). The composite method was a quicker and valid alternative to the conventional method for monitoring helminthosis in sheep flocks.
Development of a vaccine preventing parvovirus‐induced reproductive failure in pigs
Authors: PYE D , BATES J , EDWARDS SJ , HOLLINGWORTH J
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY An inactivated porcine parvovirus (PPV) vaccine for the prevention of PPV‐induced reproductive failure in pigs was developed, using virus grown in cell culture, inactivated with beta‐propiolactone and adjuvanted with aluminium hydroxide. The vaccine was tested for safety by subcutaneous injection into pregnant gilts. There were no signs of abnormal reactions nor evidence of PPV infection in the gilts or their foetuses when they were sacrificed 6 weeks after vaccination.

To demonstrate that the vaccine was immunogenic, pigs were immunised either once or twice with 4 weeks between doses. Resulting antibody titres (haemagglutination inhibition — HAI) ranged from < 8 to 64 (geometric mean of 30) after one dose of vaccine, and from 128 to 512 (geometric mean 256) after two doses.

To demonstrate that the vaccine was protective, antibody‐negative gilts were vaccinated twice, with 4 weeks between doses, joined after the second dose, and were then infected with virulent PPV 40 to 50 days after joining. In litters from 10 vaccinated gilts, none of 93 foetuses showed evidence of PPV infection. In contrast, in litters from two unvaccinated gilts, all 13 foetuses showed evidence of PPV infection and 10 of these were mummified. The average number of live piglets per litter was 9.2 from vaccinated gilts and 1.5 from unvaccinated gilts. The vaccine was therefore considered to be effective in preventing PPV reproductive failure in susceptible gilts.
Premature farrowings caused by feeding cottonseed meal
Authors: LOVE RJ , PEACOCK AJ , EVANS G
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Increasing the level of cottonseed meal (CSM) in sow diets from <5% to 10% increased the incidence of premature farrowings (gestation length < 111 days) from 1.1 % to 2.7% (p< 0.001) and reduced the mean gestation length from 114.07 ± 1.53 to 113.70 ± 1.59 days (p< 0.0001). Survival of piglets born prematurely was poor. After removal of CSM from the diet there was a residual effect lasting several weeks before the gestation length returned to normal. Experimental feeding of diets containing 20% and 40% CSM to small groups of sows caused significant shortening of gestation length and 3 of 26 sows fed 40% CSM farrowed prematurely. The mechanism by which CSM causes this effect has yet to be determined.
Chronic hypertrophic pyloric gastropathy in 14 dogs
Authors: BELLENGER CR , MADDISON JE , MACPHERSON GC , ILKIW JE
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Ten mate and 4 female dogs with chronic hypertrophic pyloric gastropathy were seen at the Sydney University Veterinary Teaching Hospital in the period 1982–88. The most commonly affected breeds were the Shihtzu and Maltese. The mean age was 8.2 yr and the mean body weight 6.5 kg. The most common clinical signs were vomiting, weight loss, polydipsia and depression. Hypokalaemia was present in 11 of 12 dogs examined and hypochloraemia in 10 of 11 dogs examined. Five of the six dogs that had blood gases measured were found to have a metabolic alkalosis. Surgery was performed on 13 dogs; pyloromyotomy 7, pyloroplasty 4, gastroduodenostomy 2. There was a recurrence of symptoms in one pyloromyotomy dog, and fatal ulceration and perforation of the cardia occurred in one pyloroplasty case. The remaining 11 dogs had a mean known symptom‐free survival time of 20 mo. This study confirms the preponderance of affected males, identifies electrolyte and blood gas disturbances as significant complications of chronic hypertrophic pyloric gastropathy, and suggests that relatively minor surgery (pyloromyotomy) may have a place in the treatment of a selected subgroup of cases.
Cardiac changes in experimental hyperthyroidism in dogs
Authors: HOEY A , PAGE A , BROWN L , ATWELL RB
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Injection of triiodothyronine (T3)(1 mg/kg per day subcutaneously for 14 days) to 10 healthy dogs produced a hyperthyroid state characterised by high serum T3 concentrations, hypokalaemia, hyperactivity, loss of weight, diarrhoea and thirst. Electrocardiographic measurements showed that these dogs had an increase in heart rate of 63 ± 11 beats/min with a significantly increased T wave amplitude without changes in R wave amplitude. Echocardiographic measurements showed no changes in fractional shortening and no evidence of ventricular hypertrophy, in contrast to reports in humans, cats and rats. However, the smooth muscle of the coronary arteries was markedly hypertrophled, which may cause a decrease in myocardial perfusion.
Salmonella in captive crocodiles (Crocodylus johnstoni and C. porosus)
Authors: MANOLIS SC , WEBB GJW , PINCH D , MELVILLE L , HOLLIS G
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The prevalence of salmonellas in captive Crocodylus porosus and C. johnstoni was investigated at 2 Northern Territory crocodile farms. Similar proportions of each species at one farm (20.0 and 27.8% for C. porosus and C. johnstoni, respectively) carried salmonellas, but at the other farm there was a significant difference between the 2 species (81.0 and 5.0%, respectively). Procedures for the slaughter of crocodiles and processing of crocodile flesh for human consumption are outlined and discussed from the viewpoint of minimising salmonella contamination. The prevalence of salmonellas on flesh for human consumption (16.0% of carcases) was higher than that reported for beef and mutton, but lower than that for poultry products (Murrell 1986). Serotypes most often isolated from cloacal and faecal swabs were S. cerro, S. singapore, S. enteritidis and S. arizonae. Of the 10 serotypes isolated from processed carcases, S. singapore was most frequently isolated (33.3% of serotypes identified).
The effect of an extended artificial photoperiod and gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone infusions in inducing fertile oestrus in anoestrous mares
Authors: LOWIS TC , HYLAND† JH
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The occurrence of fertile oestrus early in the breeding season is of paramount importance to the Thoroughbred industry to facilitate early conception. This paper compares 2 techniques for inducing fertile oestrus in anoestrous mares using either an extended photoperiod alone or together with gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) Infusions. Eleven mares were placed under conditions of 16 h light and 8 h darkness and 5 of these were implanted with osmotic minipumps delivering approximately 100 ng GnRH/kg/h for 28 days (treated mares). The treated mares ovulated 27.7 days earlier than and conceived 32 days earlier than the 6 mares not given GnRH. GnRH‐induced ovulations were followed by a competent luteal phase. The combination of GnRH pumps implanted 2 weeks before commencement of service together with extended photoperiod from July 1 has promise in assisting the stud breeder to improve reproductive efficiency on commercial stud farms.
Rotavirus excretion by village pigs in Papua New Guinea
Authors: ALPERS D. , SANDERS RC , HAMPSON DJ
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Cohort studies were conducted on 29 pigs from 3 villages in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea. Animals ranged in age from 9 d to 5 m old. Three hundred and twenty nine faecal samples were collected from individual pigs followed over 3 to 6 w periods, and were examined for group A rotavirus antigen by ELISA, and rotaviral genomic RNA by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). Electron microscopy was also conducted on selected samples.

Group A rotavirus was detected in the faeces of 16 pigs with infected individuals coming from all villages. Non‐group A rotavirus resembling group C was found in faeces from pigs from 2 villages. All of the group A rotaviruses examined had the same electrophoretype and this was distinct from that of the common type infecting humans in the area at the time of the study. None of the group A positive samples reacted with monoclonal antisera specific for human group A rotaviruses of serotypes 1, 2, 3, 4 or 8. The non‐group A rotaviruses also all had identical electrophoretypes.

In contrast to previous findings in intensive piggeries, rotavirus infection did not occur in all young pigs and was not limited to young animals under 2 m of age. Infected pigs varied in age from 12 days to 20 weeks of age. This pattern of infection was attributed to the non‐intensive husbandry situations in the villages, with less opportunity for transmission to occur than in intensive piggeries.
Pasteurella multocida septicaemia in fallow deer (Dama dama)
Authors: CARRIGAN MJ , DAWKINS HJS , COCKRAM FA , HANSEN AT
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Thirteen of 100 fallow deer, aged between 6 months and 10 years, died over a 5 week period. The deaths occurred in 2 outbreaks 3 weeks apart. Both outbreaks were preceded by at least 3 days of cold wet and windy weather, and were associated with water‐logged pastures. Affected animals were usually found dead, with a frothy bloodstained nasal discharge. In the 8 deer necropsied, gross lesions included widespread subserosal petechial haemorrhages, severe pulmonary congestion and oedema with froth‐filled airways, and fibrinous pneumonia and pleurisy in 4 deer. Two deer, also, had extensive subcutaneous petechial and ecchymotic haemorrhages and oedema of skeletal musculature. Histologically, the most significant lesions were present in the lungs. Moderate to severe pulmonary congestion and oedema, with fibrinous exudation into alveoli and septal oedema, were present in all deer. In some deer these changes were accompanied by a diffuse infiltration with polymorphonuclear leucocytes.

Pasteurella multocida was isolated from a range of tissues from 7 of 8 deer examined. The remaining animal had been treated with antibiotics 8 hours before death. The isolates had identical polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis patterns and were of the same antigenic type ‐ Carter group A, Heddleston type 3,4.
Clinical and pathological findings of Babesia infection in dogs
Authors: IRWIN PJ , HUTCHINSON GW
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The clinical and pathological findings of Babesia infection in 32 dogs in northern Australia are presented. Eleven different breed types were represented from 6 localities in north Queensland and one locality in northern Western Australia. Twenty three (72%) were males. Babesia‐infected dogs were grouped by the degree of haematological disturbance and clinical severity: Acute babesiosis (25/32), all pups with severe haemolytic anaemia; subclinical carriers (5/32) with non‐specific malaise, characterised haematologically by a normal erythrogram but marked leucopenia; chronic anaemia, observed in 2 adult dogs. Pups were azotaemic (serum urea >6.6 mmol/l) and had elevated serum bilirubin levels (20.8 to 48.5 mmol/l). Total serum protein was usually within the normal range. Pups that died were also hypoglycaemic and severely hyperkalaemic (K+>10 mmol/l). Low parasitaemias in routine blood smears complicated diagnosis but smears made from ear or toe capillaries, or after haematocrit concentration, greatly enhanced finding parasitised cells. At necropsy, pallor and jaundice were the most consistent observations. Haemoglobinuric nephrosis, an active reticulo‐endothelial system and capillaries packed with large numbers of infected erythrocytes were the main histopathological findings. A combination of imidocarb dipropionate at 5 mg/kg body weight, given intramuscularly, with fluid therapy and blood transfusion was the most successful treatment.