bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Persistence of the sheep body louse, Bovicola ovis, after treatment
Authors: MORCOMBE PW , YOUNG GE
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Lice were found in samples of baled wool from 198 of 464 flocks treated to eliminate an Infestation in the period July 1988 to June 1990. In 287 flocks the Insecticide was applied as a backline treatment and in 177 flocks a shower dip was used. Of these flocks, 41.5% and 44.6%, respectively, were found to be infested at the following shearing. After adjusting for the accuracy of the test, It was estimated that infestation in 2 consecutive 12‐month periods occurred in 52.6% of flocks with a real incidence rate of 27.4%. Using these estimates, it was calculated that in 34.7% of infested flocks treatment did not kill all lice.

There were no differences in the proportion of consecutive infestations between flocks treated with any of the 3 chemicals applied as backline treatments. Among flocks treated In a shower dip, 68.4% using coumaphos, 37.8% using diazlnon and 41.5% using cyhalothrin had consecutive Infestations (P < 0.05). The detection of lice in 63.2% of flocks that were treated with magnesium fluosilicate was, in part, attributed to the application of this chemical by one operator.
An economic assessment of porcine parvovirus vaccination
Authors: PARKE CR , BURGESS GW
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A decision analysis model was designed to evaluate the cost effectiveness of a vaccination program for preventing endemic or epidemic porcine parvovirus (PPV) Induced reproductive failure in a 100‐sow pig herd. The results showed that the cost of vaccination was less than the cost incurred by continuing endemic PPV infection, or the cost of a severe epidemic. A long term vaccination program is a cost effective method for controlling PPV‐induced reproductive failure in pig herds suffering endemic and epidemic PPV infection.
Chronic cryptosporidiosis in Australian elapid snakes: control of an outbreak in a captive colony
Authors: CARMEL BP , GROVES V
Published: March 2008

An outbreak of chronic cryptosporidiosis resulting in hypertrophic gastritis occurred in a captive colony of Australian elapid snakes. Two species of the genus Notechiswere involved: Notechis ***ater(Black Tiger Snake) and Notechis scutatus (Eastern or Mainland Tiger Snake). The infection was eventually fatal in all 9 affected snakes. Typical histopathological findings of the stomach included mucosal thickening with cystic dilatation of gastric glands, moderate oedema and fibrosis of the lamina propria, and a mild to moderate patchy infiltration of inflammatory cells. Procedures implemented to contain the outbreak included the use of a formaldehyde‐based disinfectant, prompt removal of faecal matter, uneaten and regurgitated food from enclosures, and examination of faecal specimens for Cryptosporidium oocysts and other pathogens.
Rhodococcus equi‐associated osteomyelitis in foals
Authors: FIRTH EC , ALLEY MR , HODGE H
Published: March 2008

Two cases of Rhodococcus equl infection in foals are described, in which osteomyelitis was a feature. Because rhodococcal infection is usually low grade and chronic, and because the signs of early metaphysitis can be subtle, any articular or periarticular swelling in a foal from a farm with a history of rhodococcosis should be strongly suspected to be associated with R equl until proven otherwise.
Plasma indicators of muscle damage in a model of nutritional myopathy in weaner sheep
Authors: SMITH GM , FRY JM , ALLEN JG , COSTA ND
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Subclinical nutritional myopathy was induced in 5‐month‐old sheep by feeding them a diet low in vitamin E and selenium. Subsequently clinical myopathy was induced by dosing with protected polyunsaturated fatty acids. Plasma activities of creatine kinase (CK), pyruvate kinase, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase and aldolase, enzymes of muscle origin, all remained above their reference ranges in clinically affected sheep, but fluctuated widely. Similar fluctuations occurred in subclinically affected animals, resulting in some activities being within the reference ranges and some above, at different times. Plasma malondialdehyde, an indicator of lipid peroxidation, proved of no diagnostic value. Terminal plasma CK activities were significantly correlated with microscopic damage in the vastus lateralis (VL), but not the vastus intermedius (VI) or the tensor fascia lata (TFL) muscles. AST was the most highly correlated with damage in VI and VL. In two clinically affected sheep successfully treated with an oral dose of α‐tocopherol actetate all enzymes decreased steadily to within their reference ranges, at rates probably related to their plasma half‐lives. These results suggest that measurement of plasma CK activity would be useful in monitoring recovery of treated sheep.
Attitudes of dog owners to neutering pets: demographic data and effects of owner attitudes
Authors: BLACKSHAW JK , DAY C.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A survey of the attitudes of dog owners to desexing male and female dogs was conducted in the Brisbane area. Over 15800 replies (35% response) were returned for analyses and included both demographic and attitude data. The most common reasons given by owners for not having the dog desexed were that it was unnecessary or they wanted to breed from it or could not afford it or did not agree with it or that the dog was too old or it might get fat. Nearly twice as many male owners agreed that desexing male dogs removed maleness and also more males agreed with the question “Do you equate dog sexuality with human sexuality?” Female owners were more aware than males that their female dogs did not need to have a season (oestrus) or a litter before being desexed. More male owners thought that desexing changed a male or female dog's personality. A disturbing fact was that 61.1% of male owners and 47.3% of female owners would now not have their dog desexed if it had not already been done. More male than female dog owners were ignorant about whether desexing changed personality, made dogs frustrated, or if female dogs should have a season or a litter before desexing. The study showed a gender bias in owner attitudes to all the attitude questions.
Strategies for mastitis control: dry cow therapy and culling
Authors: BROWNING JW , MEIN GA , BRIGHTLING P. , NICHOLLS TJ , BARTON M.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The effects of three selection strategies for dry cow therapy on prevention of new infections and rate of antibiotic usage were compared. Quarter infection status of 1044 cows in 12 herds was determined by bacteriological methods at drying off, calving and three to five months into the following lactation. Cows that were uninfected at drying off were randomly allocated to treatment (whole udder, dry cow therapy) and non‐treatment groups. Infected cows were randomly allocated to whole udder or infected quarter only treatments. The strategies compared were blanket treatment (treat all quarters of all cows), selective cow treatment (treat all quarters of any cow infected in one or more quarters) and selective quarter treatment (treat infected quarters only).

Selective cow treatment was identified as the preferred strategy. Blanket treatment resulted in increased antibiotic usage (15.5 vs 6.4 tubes per infection eliminated) with no additional benefit, and selective quarter treatment resulted in a higher new infection rate (6.4%vs 3.9% quarters) in the dry period. The prevalence of infection within a herd at drying off had no influence on new infection rates in the dry period or early lactation. The cure rate after dry cow treatment (mean of 66%) decreased significantly with increasing age (P < 0.001). Cows infected in the previous lactation contributed over 76% of infections at calving and nearly 70% at mid‐lactation. To lower the incidence of mastitis in a herd, a greater emphasis on culling of older infected cows and prevention of new infections during lactation is needed.
Effects of sodium monensin on reproductive performance of dairy cattle. II. Effects on metabolites in plasma, resumption of ovarian cyclicity and oestrus in lactating cows
Authors: ABE N. , LEAN IJ , RABIEE A. , PORTER J. , GRAHAM C.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A randomised trial was conducted to determine the effects of sodium monensin on plasma metabolite concentrations, resumption of cyclicity and oestrus and milk production and milk composition of postparturient dairy cows. Cows treated with sodium monensin in a controlled‐release capsule had significantly lower plasma β‐hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentrations (P = 0.006) and tended (P = 0.07) to have significantly higher plasma glucose concentrations than untreated cows. Treatment did not significantly influence plasma free fatty acid, urea nitrogen or cholesterol concentrations. Despite higher plasma glucose concentrations and lower plasma BHB concentrations, periods from calving to first ovulation and oestrus were not reduced by treatment. This observation, with limited numbers of cows, is not consistent with a hypothesis that glucose or ketones are important metabolic regulators of pulsatile release of luteinising hormone and consequent resumption of cyclicity.

While milk production and milk protein concentration did not significantly differ between groups, milk fat concentration was significantly lower for treated cows. Treated cows probably had lower dry matter intake than untreated cows as they produced 67 litres less milk per head and lost more weight than untreated cows during the study period, although weight and body condition score were not significantly affected by treatment. The lack of significance of these latter observations probably reflects the low statistical power of the study.
A review of laboratory techniques and their use in the diagnosis of Leptospira interrogans serovar hardjo infection in cattle
Authors: SMITH CR , KETTERER PJ , McGOWAN MR , CORNEY BG
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY This paper reviews the laboratory diagnosis of Leptospira hardjo infection in cattle. Two genotypes of L hardjo, Hardjoprajitno and Hardjobovis, have been identified in cattle, but only Hardjobovis has been isolated in Australia. There are problems with diagnosis and control of bovine leptospirosis. Infection is usually subclinical and the serological titres vary greatly in peak and duration. Leptospires may be excreted in urine for up to 18 months. Low microscopic agglutination test titres may be significant in unvaccinated herds as indicators of endemic infection. Vaccines differ in their composition, and their efficacy is difficult to evaluate. The serological response after vaccination is difficult to differentiate from the response after infection. Pregnant cows that become infected may abort, but this is usually after the serological response has peaked. Therefore, paired serum samples are of little use in diagnosing abortion caused by L hardjo. Fluorescent antibody techniques are more sensitive than dark field microscopy for detection of leptospires in urine and tissue samples. Techniques for culture have improved but are still difficult to perform and take 3 months or longer for results to be known. DNA probes and polymerase chain reaction tests are very sensitive and specific, quick to perform, and can be used on fluid and tissue samples.
Reductions in milk production after induced parturition in dairy cows from commercial herds in south‐western Victoria
Authors: MORTON JM , BUTLER KL
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The milk production of cows after induced parturition was compared with that of non‐induced cows with similar calving dates, in 37 winter‐calving, pasture‐fed, commercial dairy herds in south‐western Victoria. Parturition was induced when most cows were between 27 and 35 weeks of pregnancy. Milk production was compared for the lactation that commenced immediately after induction.

The percentage of cows whose lactations were terminated less than 120 days after calving was increased by induction. Mean percentages for untreated and induced groups were 3.0% and 5.4%, respectively.

For cows with lactations of at least 120 days duration, lactation length was not affected by the prior induction of parturition. However, milk production during the subsequent lactation was 9.0% less in induced groups. Fat and protein concentrations were not substantially affected. The reduction in milk production was not affected by stage of pregnancy when cows were induced, but tended to be greater in herds that delayed milking of induced cows.
von Willebrand's disease in Dobermann dogs in Australia
Authors: STOKOL T. , PARRY BW , MANSELL PD
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Over a 5‐year period (1988–92), von Willebrand factor antigen (vWf:Ag) concentrations were determined on plasma samples from 614 Dobermanns. The vWf:Ag concentration was < 50 canine units (CU)/dL in 373 dogs (61%); these dogs were classified as carriers of the von Willebrand's disease (vWD) gene. In order to identify which dogs were at risk of haemorrhage due to vWD, we determined a cut‐off vWf:Ag concentration below which dogs could be considered at risk. This cut‐off was chosen in order to minimise the number of dogs genuinely at risk of haemorrhage, being wrongly classified as not at risk. This was done without sacrificing the specificity of the cut‐off to any great extent. A vWf:Ag concentration of < 36 CU/dL was empirically chosen as the optimum cut‐off concentration. In 282 dogs (76% of the carriers), the vWf:Ag concentration was below this cut‐off and these dogs were, thus, classified as being at risk of haemorrhage due to vWD.

Haemorrhage attributable to vWD was seen in 107 dogs (29% of the carriers, or 17% of all the dogs). Haemorrhage mostly followed trauma or surgery, but spontaneous genitourinary and gastrointestinal haemorrhages were also frequent. Of these dogs, 92 were of known age, with a median of 3 years, and 102 were of known sex, with 61% being female. In 89 dogs in which the severity of haemorrhage was subjectively assessed, mild and moderate bleeding occurred with similar frequency (48% and 43%, respectively). There were 8 cases of severe haemorrhage, with two deaths. The likelihood of haemorrhage was related to the vWf:Ag concentration: only 8% of 91 dogs with concentrations between 36 and 49 CU/dL had haemorrhage attributable to vWD, but 36% with concentrations < 36 CU/dL did so. Furthermore, dogs with haemorrhage attributable to vWD had significantly (P < 0.001) lower vWf:Ag concentrations (median 12 CU/dL, n = 107) than dogs with no such history (median 30 CU/dL, n = 132).

The data indicate that vWD is a significant problem in the Dobermann breed in Australia and we accordingly recommend that steps be taken to reduce its prevalence, such as the establishment of a national testing scheme to determine the vWD status of all dogs used for breeding.
Blood supply of the ovine adrenal gland and its relevance in adrenal autotransplantation
Authors: HARDY KJ , WRIGHT RD , McDOUGALL JG
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The arterial supply and venous drainage of 62 left and 5 right ovine adrenal glands is described, and the contribution of individual arteries to successful adrenal gland autotransplantation was evaluated. Arterial flow was measured by direct collection from the draining adrenal vein. Assessment of function of the transplanted adrenal gland was made from survival of the sheep and by the cortisol response to infusion of ACTH and the aldosterone secretory response to infusion of angiotensin II or potassium.

For the left adrenal, the principal arterial supply was from the renal artery in 21 (34%), a lumbar artery in 32 (52%), and the anterior mesenteric artery in 3. The total blood flow was 5.0 ± SEM 0.4 mL/min, the flow from the renal branch 2.3 ± 0.3 mL/min, and the principal lumbar branch 2.6 ± 0.3 mL/min. Venous drainage from the left adrenal was via a major adrenal vein to the left renal vein, but additional tributaries to the renal vein were present in 26%.

The arterial supply to the adrenal is regional and omission of a branch at transplantation could result in infarction of portion of the gland. By defining arterial supply and measuring blood flow, selection of the appropriate artery or multiple arteries can achieve an adrenal gland autotransplant survival of 90%.
Osteochondrosis of the elbow: a review of the pathogenesis and a new approach to treatment
Authors: THOMSON MJ , ROBINS GM
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY To test the hypothesis that joint incongruity contributes to the pathogenesis of elbow osteochondrosis, the left and right radius and ulna of 20 young large breed dogs were measured to determine any variation in length and to observe any incongruity of the elbow joint. Both lame and normal dogs were included in the study. Nine of the 20 dogs had marked disparity in radial and ulnar lengths yet only one had obvious elbow joint incongruity. The use of a sliding osteotomy for the treatment of fragmented coronoid process and a lengthening osteotomy for the treatment of an ununited anconeal process is also discussed. All four dogs treated with a sliding osteotomy showed a marked clinical improvement, and two of the three dogs treated with a lengthening osteotomy showed radiographic fusion of the anconeal process.
Bryophyllum pinnatum poisoning of cattle
Authors: REPPAS GP
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Two adult cattle died within 48 h of being fed a large amount of Bryophyllum pinnatum plants collected from a house garden. Clinical signs became apparent the day after feeding and included hypersalivation, ataxia, severe cardiac arrhythmia and laboured respiration. The main necropsy findings were acute rumenitis, reduction of bronchiolar lumens and emphysema.
Bluetongue and Douglas virus activity in New South Wales in 1989: further evidence for long‐distance dispersal of the biting midge Culicoides brevitarsis
Authors: MURRAY MD , KIRKLAND PD
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Infection of cattle with bluetongue and Douglas viruses was detected on the central and southern coast of New South Wales from January to April 1989. Bluetongue virus infection was found well south of areas of expected occurrence. Evidence is presented to support wind‐borne dispersal of infected vectors, Culicoides brevitarsis, southwards from the Hunter Valley.
Field trial of a staphylococcal mastitis vaccine in dairy herds: clinical, subclinical and microbiological assessments
Authors: WATSON DL , McCOLL ML , DAVIES HI
Published: March 2008

Objective To assess the efficacy of a new staphylococcal mastitis vaccine under commercial dairying conditions.

Design A field trial involving 1819 cows and heifers conducted on seven dairy herds in Victoria. The trial was done ‘blind’; approximately half the animals were vaccinated and the remainder were untreated controls.

Procedure The vaccine was given twice during the last 10 weeks of pregnancy. Effects of vaccination were assessed, during the ensuing lactation, on the basis of clinical and sub‐clinical mastitis and microbiological investigations of the milk.

Results A total of 273 cases of clinical mastitis were recorded. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from 112 of these, 45 cases in vaccinates and 67 cases in controls; the difference was not statistically significant. One herd was notable in having a high incidence of clinical staphylococcal mastitis. This herd accounted for 15.8% of the animals in the field trial but 54.5% of cases of clinical staphylococcal mastitis. For this herd, vaccinated animals had significantly lower incidence of clinical staphylococcal mastitis and prevalence of subclinical mastitis, relative to controls. An unexpected feature of the trial as a whole was the low incidence of clinical mastitis from which S aureus was isolated in pure culture (26.3% of cases) and the high incidence of clinical Streptococcus uberis mastitis (22.7% of cases).

Conclusions The trial showed that the vaccine was efficacious in reducing the incidence of clinical mastitis and prevalence of subclinical mastitis in a herd that had a serious staphylococcal mastitis problem.
The prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs in Sydney
Authors: BIDGOOD A. , COLLINS GH
Published: March 2008

Four hundred and four dogs from 9 pounds in Sydney were examined for circulating microfilariae and antigens of Dirofilaria immitis. One hundred of these were also examined post mortem for adult heartworms. The prevalence of infection in the 404 dogs as shown by serology was 11.4%, and 5.9% had circulating microfilariae of D immitis. Adult heartworms were present in 15 of 100 dogs. Dipetalonema reconditum microfilariae were present in 3.7% of dogs. Dirofilariosis is still a common and important parasite of dogs in the Sydney region and chemoprophylaxis is recommended.
The present state of national animal welfare policy
Authors: O'FLYNN MA , O'DEA JD
Published: March 2008

Animal welfare is expected to increase in importance as a political and marketing issue. There is a vigorous debate about what, besides the absence of physical pain, is necessary for acceptable animal welfare. This paper focuses on the present state of animal welfare policy at the national level.
Combination chemotherapy of canine and feline cryptococcosis using subcutaneously administered amphotericin B
Authors: MALIK R. , CRAIG AJ , WIGNEY DI , MARTIN P. , LOVE DN
Published: March 2008

Six cases (3 cats, 3 dogs) of cryptococcosis were cured using combination chemotherapy that included amphotericin B. We developed a simple, practical and inexpensive method of administering amphotericin B as a subcutaneous infusion during the treatment of these patients. For this, the calculated dose of amphotericin B (0.5 to 0.8 mg/kg) was added to 400 mL, for cats, or to 500 mL, for dogs, of 0.45% saline containing 2.5% dextrose. These amounts were given subcutaneously 2 or 3 times weekly over several months, to a total cumulative dose of 8 to 26 mg/kg body weight. Subcutaneous infusions were generally well tolerated by the animals, although concentrations of amphotericin B in excess of 20 mg/L resulted in local irritation. This protocol enabled the administration of larger, and thus more effective, quantities of amphotericin B without producing marked azotaemia.
Importance of Staphylococcus hyicus ssp hyicus as a cause of arthritis in pigs up to 12 weeks of age
Authors: HILL BD , CORNEY BG , WAGNER TM
Published: March 2008

Lame pigs, up to 12 weeks of age, were necropsied to establish a diagnosis. Of 175 pigs examined, 165 were confirmed to have arthritis by histopathological examination of joint tissues. Lesions were most common in the elbow and tarsal joints and least common in the joints of the feet. Typically, there was severe fibrinopurulent inflammation of synovial membranes regardless of the bacteria isolated. A bacterial aetiology was found in 114 (69%) of the 165 pigs. In arthritic pigs in which an aetiology was established the causative agents were Staphylococcus hyicus ssp hyicus (24.6%), Streptococcus equisimilis (26.3%), Actinomyces pyogenes (13.2%), Staphylococcus aureus (7.9%) and Haemophilus parasuis (7.9%). While gender did not affect the prevalence of arthritis, there was an age influence, most of the pigs culled for arthritis being under 6 weeks of age.
Evaluation of the effect of ketoprofen on experimentally induced ephemeral fever in dairy heifers
Authors: FENWICK DC , DANIEL RCW
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo evaluate ketoprofen for the therapy of ephemeral fever.

DesignA blind controlled clinical trial.

AnimalsSixteen cattle (one immature Holstein bull, eight Holstein and seven Jersey heifers).

ProcedureEphemeral fever was induced by the intravenous injection of blood leucocyte layer from a clinical case. Ketoprofen solution or a coded placebo was injected intramuscularly at the rate of 3 mg/kg daily for three days.

ResultsKetoprofen reversed locomotor dysfunctions significantly compared with controls, but did not have any effect on rectal temperatures, leucocyte counts, plasma fibrinogen concentrations, ionised Ca‐concentrations or the presence of dyspnoea.

ConclusionKetoprofen is a safe and effective drug for the treatment of locomotor symptoms of milk fever, but has no effect on the duration of clinical respiratory abnormalities.
The absence of neuromas in beaks of adult hens after conservative trimming at hatch
Authors: LUNAM CA , GLATZ PC , HSU Y‐J
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo determine the effects of the amount of beak removed and cauterisation time on neuroma formation in hens.

DesignA pathology study with controls.

AnimalsTwenty domestic fowl were beak‐trimmed. Three non‐beak‐trimmed domestic fowl were used as controls.

ProcedureBeaks of two age groups with two levels of beak removal and either 2 s or 4 s cauterisation, were investigated macroscopically and microscopically for deformities.

ResultsScattered trauma‐associated neuromas were present in the beaks of pullets 10 weeks after moderate trimming at hatch. Neuromas were not present in beaks of adult hens that had been similarly trimmed. Sensory corpuscles were present 10 and 70 weeks after moderate trimming, though fewer in number than in intact control hens. In contrast, trauma‐associated neuromas persisted in beaks of 70‐week‐old hens that had been severely trimmed at hatch. A range of deformities that were absent in moderately trimmed hens, were observed in hens with severely trimmed beaks. Receptors were not seen in severely trimmed beaks.

ConclusionBeak‐trimming at hatch induces the formation of neuromas, regardless of the amount of tissue removed. There is a critical amount of beak tissue that can be removed, beyond which trauma‐associated neuromas will not resolve, but will persist in mature hens.
Concentrations of thyroid hormones and iodothyronine binding proteins in serum of the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)
Authors: LAWSON VERONICA J. , CURTIS ANDREA J. , MICHELANGELI VALDO P. , STOCKIGT JAN R. , CARRICK FRANK N. , BARLOW JOHN W.
Published: March 2008

Objective To examine circulating total and free thyroid hormone (T3 and T4) concentrations, determine serum iodothyronine binding characteristics and estimate thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) activity in sera of coastal and inland koalas.

Design A prospective study.

Procedure Koala serum T3 and T4 were measured by radioimmunoassay. T4 binding parameters were determined by radioligand binding and electrophoresis. Koala TSH values were determined by bioassay.

Results Mean total T4 concentrations were 3.2 ± 2.1 nM although values were significantly higher in inland‐dwelling females in comparison to coastal‐dwelling males. Free T4 was 3.3 ± 2.1 pM. Total and free T3 were 0.4 ± 0.2 nM and 1.4 ± 0.9 pM respectively, although these values were at the lower end of the assay detection limit and should be viewed with reservation. Electrophoresis of [125I]‐T4‐labelled serum revealed only two proteins of electrophoretic mobility similar to human transthyretin (TTR) and albumin. Scatchard analysis of T4 binding to serum gave a curvilinear plot, which could be resolved into two binding sites with affinities identical to that of TTR and albumin but both of low concentration. The bioactivity of the TSH present in the sera was measured using a cell line (JP09) transfected with the human TSH receptor. The mean level of stimulation found in the sera corresponded to a bovine TSH activity of less than 10 mU/L.

Conclusion These results suggest that the serum concentrations of free and total thyroid hormones in koalas are low compared to other marsupials and very low compared to eutherian mammals. The mechanism of maintenance of euthyroidism in this species remains to be determined.
Contagious ecthyma in the live sheep export industry
Authors: HIGGS ARB , NORRIS RT , BALDOCK FC , CAMPBELL NJ , KOH S. , RICHARDS RB
Published: March 2008

Objective:To investigate control options for contagious ecthyma (scabby mouth) in Australian sheep exported live to the Middle East.

Design:Prevalence, vaccination and modelling studies.

Procedure:One hundred and forty weaner sheep (less than 1 year old) on each of 106 farms in Western Australia (WA) and 18 farm groups of adult wethers received at a WA commercial feedlot were examined for lesions of scabby mouth. Sheep on a total of 26 farms in 3 States were divided into treatment and control groups for the vaccination study. A simple deterministic compartmental model was developed to establish which parameters had the greater effect on disease prevalence.

Results:The proportion of farms with evidence of scabby mouth in weaner sheep was 23.6% and, on those farms with the disease, the overall prevalence was 6.1%. At the feedlot, 4 out of 18 farm groups had 5 or more sheep with lesions on arrival. The overall prevalence in the 4 diseased groups was 5.2%. Sheep vaccinated on farm before trucking to the feed‐lot had a lower prevalence of scabby mouth at the end of simulated shipping than controls. The main determinant of scabby mouth prevalence was the proportion of sheep immune to the disease.

Conclusion:A program of vaccination for scabby mouth will reduce the prevalence of disease during live export. However, using current technology it is not possible to deliver shipments of sheep to the Middle East that are guaranteed completely free of scabby mouth.
Efficacy of a novel copper‐based footbath preparation for the treatment of ovine footrot during the spread period
Authors: REED GA , ALLEY DU
Published: March 2008

Objective:To determine the efficacy of a novel copper based footbath preparation (CHF‐1020) for treatment of ovine footrot during the spread period.

Design:A series of field trials with treated and control groups run together.

Animals:Mobs of at least 125 sheep on each of six properties in southern New South Wales with equal numbers of controls.

Procedure:Sheep of group A were treated after minimal paring by making them stand in CHF‐1020 for 15 minutes. Treatment was undertaken at intervals throughout the period of the trials (14 September to 17 December 1993). Group A sheep were run on the same pasture as those from group B (untreated sheep).

Results:The percentage of sheep exhibiting clinical signs of ovine footrot at the start of the trial ranged from 35 to 88% at score 3 or higher, using a 0 to 5 footscoring system. During the trial, the percentage of infected sheep (greater or equal to score 2) in group B increased and ranged from 40 to 90%. The level of infected sheep in group A on each property was reduced progressively to 1 to 16%. Cure rates of 45 to 94% were achieved, with the lowest rate being on a property with a metal footbath. The next lowest cure rate was 73%. Results indicated that treatment should be undertaken at 2‐weekly intervals while spread continues. Treated sheep can be returned to contaminated pastures.

Conclusion:CHF‐1020 is effective during the spread period and can be used for the progressive eradication of ovine footrot.
Behavioural and EEG changes in sheep in response to painful acute electrical stimuli
Authors: ONG RM , MORRIS JP , O'DWYER JK , BARNETT JL , HEMSWORTH PH , CLARKE IJ
Published: March 2008

Objective To measure acute pain in sheep, based on a human pain model, and examined changes in both electroencephalogram frequency spectrum and behavioural responses to increased electrical stimulation in sheep.

Design Analysis of variance (treatment and animal effects) for stimulus intensity where each animal received each electric shock treatment given in the order 0, 5,10 and 20 mA.

Procedure Eight sheep with electrodes implanted over the surface of the brain were examined for escape‐avoidance and electroencephalogram responses to four levels of electrical stimulation from 0–20 mA.

Results With increasing stimulus intensity at the time of feeding, the sheep were more hesitant to return to the feeder or remain near the feeder following stimulation. There was little difference between the 0 and 5 mA stimuli for any of the behaviour variables (P > 0.05). However, there were marked increases in the time taken to re‐approach the feeder after receiving an electric shock of 5 mA and of 20 mA (P < 0.05; mean values 3 and 119 s, respectively) and remaining near the feeder for 5 s (P < 0.001; mean values 10 and 167 s, respectively). Following the stimulus, there was an overall increase in the electroencephalogram power spectrum in the first four seconds, which then rapidly returned to normal. In particular, the 20 mA stimulus resulted in higher absolute power values than in the control (0 mA) treatment for delta 2 (P < 0.001), theta 1 (P < 0.05), theta 2 (P < 0.05), alpha 1 (P < 0.001), alpha 2 (P < 0.001) and beta 1 (P < 0.01) band‐widths. Similarly, for the 10 mA stimulus, the absolute power values were greater than the control treatment for delta 2 (P < 0.05), alpha 1 (P < 0.01), alpha 2 (P < 0.001) and beta 1 (P < 0.01) bandwidths.

Conclusion The experiment suggests that a human acute pain model is applicable to sheep and that these electroencephalogram changes may provide a good measure of acute pain in sheep.
A case‐control study to identify farm factors affecting fertility of dairy herds: multivariate description of factors
Authors: WEBSTER FB , LEAN IJ , CURTIS MA
Published: March 2008

ObjectivesTo determine whether a multivariate model could be developed to describe farm factors affecting fertility of dairy herd and to examine the factors that determined better reproductive performance on dairy farms in New South Wales.

ProcedureWe examined the results of a survey of breeding practices, mating policies, recording systems, timing of mating, heat detection, treatment of metritis and manager demographics of dairy farms using Principal components analysis, logistic regression and the sign test.

ResultsEight principal components for heat detection computed using Principal component analyses were included in the multivariate model to reflect primary and secondary heat detection signs used in the breeding decisions of managers. A final model identified three variables: optimum number of days to first service, number of people detecting heats, and age of manager which significantly influenced the risk of being in the high or low reproductive performance groups. A failure to breed at an appropriate time after calving and having more people responsible for heat detection was associated with herds with a prolonged intercalving interval. While the model provided a good fit for the data, it was not highly discriminatory. Examination of 83 management practices affecting fertility using the sign test (P = 0.01) indicated that managers of herds with good reproductive performance employed better management and breeding practices more often than managers of herds with poor reproductive performance.

ConclusionsMating cows sooner after calving and using fewer people to detect oestrus should reduce calving to conception intervals. Veterinarians investigating herd reproductive performance should consider the potential for a number of subtle failures of management to significantly impair fertility rather than limit investigations to a few factors.
Epidemiological studies of pig diseases: 2. Post‐weaning diarrhoea and performance in Western Australian pigs
Authors: SKIRROW SZ , BUDDLE JR , MERCY AR , MADEC F. , NICHOLLS RR
Published: March 2008

Objective To determine in Australian pig herds the accuracy of French protocols for risk factor assessment of post‐weaning diarrhoea and illthrift.

Procedure French protocols for the collection of data on health indicators and risk factors for post‐weaning diarrhoea were conducted on 54 batches of weaner pigs from 28 Western Australian pig herds during three years.

Results Large variations in post‐weaning performance were found. About one‐third of the batches were growing at <200 g/day during the 3 weeks after weaning, and 54% had growth rates of <250 g/day. Weaning age and weight of at least 30 days and 7.9 kg, respectively, optimised weaner performance. Other risk factors associated with little post‐weaning diarrhoea and good weaner performance were high creep feed intakes, relatively little diarrhoea as suckers, and, contrary to expectations, large temperature fluctuations.

Conclusion Overall, the ‘predictability’ of post‐weaning problems as assessed by measurement of risk status, was good. However, the model was less accurate at predicting the performance of a single batch of pigs.
Changes in productivity and profitability of wool‐growing farms that follow recommendations from agricultural and veterinary studies
Authors: LEAN GR , VIZARD AL , WARE JK WEBB
Published: March 2008

Objective To estimate the changes in productivity and profitability in a group of wool‐growing farms as they adopted major recommendations from agricultural and veterinary studies.

Farms Four wool‐growing farms in south western Victoria were selected from the clients of the Mackinnon Project, a farm consultancy service run from the University of Melbourne. Each farm had closely followed recommended procedures, kept comprehensive financial and physical records and had been clients for at least 5 years. The comparison group was the South Western Victoria Monitor Farm Project (SWVMFP), about 45 farms in the same region as the study farms that were monitored annually by Agriculture Victoria.

Procedure For a 7‐year period, the financial and physical performance of both groups of farms was estimated. Stocking rate, wool production, gross farm income, farm operating costs, net farm income and return on assets were compared.

Results Mean gross farm income of the four study farms steadily rose from 86% of the average SWVMFP farm before the adoption of recommendations to an average of 155%. During the same period, net farm income rose from 70% to 207% of the average of the SWVMFP. Return on asset of the four farms rose irregularly from 26% to 145% of the average of the SWVMFP. Farm operating costs on the four farms were higher than for the SWVMFP group, but the ratio of costs remained relatively constant.

Conclusion The adoption of proven research results was associated with large increases in net farm income. An increase in gross income, rather than a reduction in costs was the main reason for this. Research results offer a way to increase the financial viability of wool‐growing farmers, many of whom are currently unable to maintain their lifestyle, resources and infrastructure.
Multiple striate keratotomy: a treatment for corneal erosions caused by epithelial basement membrane disease
Authors: TURNER AG , BLOGG JR
Published: March 2008

Objective To study the efficacy of multiple striate keratotomy for the treatment of persistent corneal erosions suspected to be caused by primary corneal epithelial basement membrane disease.

Design A retrospective study.

Animals 16 dogs, three cats and one Australian dingo.

Procedure A technique called multiple striate keratotomy was used to treat twenty animals suffering from persistent corneal erosions.

Results All persistent corneal erosions healed with only one treatment. Most cases healed within 2 weeks. One case developed a second erosion in the same eye but in a different position to the original erosion.

Conclusions Multiple striate keratotomy is a safe, effective and well tolerated technique for the treatment of persistent corneal erosions thought to be caused by corneal epithelial basement membrane disease.
Characterisation of Australian isolates ofActinobacillus capsulatus, Actinobacillus equuli, Pasteurella caballiand Bisgaard Taxa 9 and 11
Authors: BLACKALL PJ , BISGAARD M. , MCKENZIE RA
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveThe objective of this work was to perform a comprehensive phenotypic characterisation of 16 isolates of bacteria previously identified asActinobacillus equuli.

DesignThe 16 isolates that had been obtained from Australian animals – 15 from horses and one from a rabbit – were compared with reference strains ofA equuli, A capsulatus, Pasteurella caballiand Bisgaard Taxa 9 and 11.

ResultsThe characterisation study demonstrated that only nine of the isolates wereA equuli. The other isolates were identified asA capsulatus(the isolate from rabbit),P caballi(one isolate), Bisgaard Taxon 11 (two isolates) and Bisgaard Taxon 9 (one isolate). The final two isolates could not be assigned to any recognised species or taxa.

ConclusionThis study has highlighted the importance of a complete characterisation ofActinobacillus‐like organisms isolated from horses and rabbits. The study represents the first time thatA capsulatus, P caballiand Bisgaard Taxa 9 and 11 have been recognised as being present in Australia.
Caecal disease in equids
Authors: DART AJ , HODGSON DR , SNYDER JR
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo review the breed, age, gender, clinical and laboratory findings, treatment and outcome of horses with caecal disease presented to a referral centre.

DesignRetrospective study of 96 cases.

ProcedureThe breed, age, and gender of the study population were compared with the corresponding hospital population for the same period. The means (± SD) for clinical and laboratory findings were recorded for each caecal disorder. Treatment was categorised as medical or surgical, and outcome was recorded.

ResultsCaecal diseases included impaction (40% of total cases), rupture associated with concurrent unrelated disease (13%), rupture with parturition (9%), rupture with no associated disease (5%), infarction (11%), torsion (9%), abscess or adhesion (7%), tumour (3%), and miscellaneous conditions (3%). The breed or gender of affected horses did not differ from the hospital population, although horses > 15 years were more frequently represented (P < 0.05). This age group was specifically more predisposed to caecal impaction (P < 0.05), as were Arabian, Morgan, and Appaloosa breeds (P < 0.05). In horses withcaecal impactiontransrectal examination was the most useful diagnostic procedure; 90% of affected horses treated medically were discharged while horses treated by typhlotomy alone, or typhlotomy and blind end ileocolostomy, had survival rates to discharge of 71% and 86%, respectively. Horses withcaecal rupture associated with concurrent un‐related diseaseshowed no signs of impending rupture; all were receiving phenylbutazone, all were euthanased, and 50% had caecal ulceration at necropsy. Of horses withcaecal rupture with parturition56% had prior dystocia; in two‐thirds the site of rupture was the ileocaecal junction and all were euthanased. Horses withcaecal rupture with no associated diseasedied or were euthanased; rupture was idiopathic. Horses withcaecal infarctionusually had signs of abdominal pain and abdominal fluid changes consistent with peritonitis; transrectal examination was nonspecific, and typhlectomy was successful in seven of eight horses. Horses withcaecal torsionhad signs of severe, acute abdominal pain and typhlectomy was successful in three of five horses. Diagnosis ofcaecal adhesion or abscesswas assisted by transrectal palpation in two of seven horses and surgical treatment was successful in two of five horses. Acaecal tumourwas diagnosed in three horses aged 20 years or older that presented with chronic weight loss. Other caecal diseases were uncommon.

ConclusionCaecal disease is uncommon in equids but some specific features of the history and physical findings can alert the veterinarian to the possibility of caecal involvement in horses with gastrointestinal dysfunction. Medical or surgical therapy can be effective in horses where caecal rupture has not occurred.
Genotypic diversity in field isolates of Babesia bovis from cattle with babesiosis after vaccination
Authors: LEW AE , BOCK RE , CROFT JM , MINCHIN CM , KINGSTON TG , DALGLIESH RJ
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo determine whether particular genotypes of Babesia bovis were common to field isolates obtained from cattle properties in Queensland where the B bovis vaccine had apparently failed.

DesignA comparative study of polymerase chain reaction genotypes in different populations of B bovis.

ProcedureTwo polymerase chain reaction assays were applied to analyse DNA extracts of B bovis vaccine (K, T and Dixie strains) and 27 field isolates from 24 properties where disease outbreaks had occurred despite the use of the vaccine. To evaluate the stability of the genotypes identified, 11 of the field isolates were inoculated into experimental cattle that had either been previously vaccinated with T strain or not vaccinated.

ResultsNo particular genotype of B bovis was responsible for the problems observed in previously vaccinated herds. None of the isolates had genotypes identical to the vaccine strains used. No geographic trends among the genotypes were observed. Isolates that originated from the same property also had different genotypes. Blood passage of the 11 field isolates in either previously vaccinated or nonvaccinated cattle did not alter the original genotype.

ConclusionNo particular genotypes identified by the Bv80 and BvVA1 polymerase chain reaction assays could be associated with vaccine failures.
Absorption by sheep of dieldrin from contaminated soil
Authors: PATON MW , PETTERSON DS
Published: March 2008

Objective To study the accumulation of dieldrin residues in sheep from ingestion of contaminated soils was studied in two experiments.

Design A controlled feeding study of sheep fed contaminated soils of different type at varying intervals.

Animals and procedure Thirty‐four 2‐years‐old wethers were divided into four groups (one control sheep only) and fed water‐soluble dieldrin or soil contaminated with aldrin and dieldrin at varying intervals in the first study. In a second study 34 similar sheep were divided into four treatments with one being a control. Sheep were fed sandy, high clay or high organic matter soils with similar dieldrin and aldrin concentrations.

Results In the first study the concentration of dieldrin in the body fat of sheep dosed with dieldrin‐contaminated soil was about half that in the body fat of sheep dosed with an equivalent amount of water‐soluble dieldrin. The concentration of dieldrin was almost the same in sheep fed 500 μg of total dieldrin per day as it was in sheep fed 5000 μg every tenth day, over a 50‐day period. In the second experiment sheep accumu‐lated nearly three times as much pesticide from a soil with a high organic matter content, and about four times as much from a soil with a high clay content, as from a sandy soil with the same dieldrin content, over a 100‐day period. The half‐life of dieldrin in the fat of all sheep varied between 96 and 116 days after sheep ceased ingesting contaminated soil.

Conclusions Dieldrin concentrations in the fat of sheep that consume dieldrin contaminated soil fall within 10 days of removal from the source of contamination. However, dieidrin accumulates in the wool of sheep that consume dieldrin‐contaminated soil.
Acute cortisol responses of lambs castrated and docked using rubber rings with or without a castration clamp
Authors: DINNIS AS , STAFFORD KJ , MELLOR DJ , BRUCE RA , WARD RN
Published: March 2008

Objective To measure the plasma cortisol response in lambs castrated and docked by three different methods (ring castration and tail docking, ring and clamp castration and tail docking; ring and clamp castration and ring tail docking) for 4 h after treatment.

Design A physiological study with controls.

Procedure A rubber ring was applied to the scrotum. Then the castration clamp was placed, distal to the ring, on each spermatic cord such that there was no overlap of the crush lines.

Results There were no differences in the cortisol secretion of the lambs castrated and tail docked by the ring only and by the ring plus castration clamp methods. Using the castration clamp in addition to the ring on the tail had no effect on cortisol secretion.

Conclusions Using the castration clamp did not appear to reduce the cortisol response to ring castration and docking, as demonstrated elsewhere, because the areas of uncrushed tissue between the two castration clamp crush lines allowed nociception from ischemic scrotal tissue to be transmitted cranially via undamaged nerve fibers.