bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment by ELISA of passively acquired protection against infectious bursal disease virus in chickens
Authors: FAHEY K J , CROOKS J K , FRASER R A
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: The level of maternal antibody to infectious bursal disease (IBD) virus in the circulation of one‐day‐old layer strain chickens was found to be on average, 45% of the antibody titre in their respective dam, while the minimum ELISA titre which protected against a challenge of 1000 CID.50, of virus was 400. Maternal antibody was found to disappear from the circulation of these crossbred chickens with a half‐life of 6.7 days. From these data it is possible to estimate the ELISA titre necessary in vaccinated hens to provide the desired duration of passive protection; protection being assessed by an ELISA which measures IBD viral antigen in the bursa of Fabricius following challenge.
The pathology and aetiology of lung lesions in goats infected with caprine arthritis‐encephalitis virus
Authors: ELLIS T M , ROBINSON W F , WILCOX G E
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Fifty dairy goats, of various ages, sexes and breeds were selected for examination on the basis of positive serological reactions to caprine arthritis‐encephalitis virus (CAEV). Thirty‐one had lung lesions including chronic interstitial pneumonia of caudal or cranioventral lobes, bronchopneumonia, verminous pneumonia, pulmonary cryptococcosis or combinations of these. The only infective agent recovered from all the chronic interstitial pneumonia cases examined was CAEV, which was also recovered from lung tissue of 3 goats with arthritis but no lung lesions. The presence of CAEV in lavaged alveolar macrophages from normal lung tissue and trom lungs affected with chronic interstitial pneumonia and verminous pneumonia, and the demonstration of a marked increase in nonspecific esterase staining macrophages in areas of chronic interstitial pneumonia, are discussed in relation to the aetiology of the pneumonia.
Cardiomyopathy and woolly haircoat syndrome of Poll Hereford cattle: electrocardiographic findings in affected and unaffected calves
Authors: WHITTINGTON RJ , COOK RW
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Electrocardiograms were recorded from 4 calves with cardiomyopathy and woolly haircoat syndrome (CWH), a lethal autosomal recessive trait of Poll Hereford cattle and from 9 unaffected calves. Electrocardiograms of calves with CWH were characterised by multifocal ventricular premature contractions which occurred singly, in pairs, in runs and as episodes of ventricular tachycardia. Bigeminal rhythms were recorded occasionally. The frequency of ventricular premature contractions ranged from 5 to 120.min‐1. Ventricular premature contractions in calves with CWH were attributed to myocardial degeneration and fibrosis which were observed grossly and microscopically. Electrocardiograms in unaffected calves were characterised by normal sinus rhythm and by variation in the morphology of wave forms between animals. The durations of the various wave forms were less than those previousl recorded from adult cattle.
Vaccination as a possible means of preventing lantana poisoning
Authors: STEWART C. , LAMBERTON JA , FAIRCLOUGHS RJ , PASS MA
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: The toxic triterpene acids lantadene A and lantadene B were isolated from Lantana camara and conjugated to bovine serum albumen or haemocyanin. The conjugates were emulsified with complete Freund's adjuvant and injected into sheep and cattle. Vaccinated animals produced antibodies against the toxic compounds. Cholestasis was less severe in vaccinated than in non‐vaccinated sheep challenged with a toxic dose of lantana. The results indicated a mild protective effect of vaccination against the hepatotoxic effects of lantana toxins.
Evaluation of a serological test system for the diagnosis of natural Echinococcus granulosus infection in dogs using E. granulosus protoscolex and oncosphere antigens
Authors: GASSER RB , LIGHTOWLERS MW , OBENDORF DL , JENKINS DJ , RICKARD MD
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Serum antibody responses in feral or domesticated dogs naturally infected with Echinococcus granulosus orland other common helminths were examined in an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using antigens prepared from E. granulosus protoscoleces or oncospheres. The ELISA using the protoscolex antigen was optimised with serums from experimental dogs monospecifically infected with E. granulosus or other helminth parasites, and helminth‐free dogs. Anti‐protoscolex antibody was detected in 16 of 22 (72.7%) serums from feral dogs with E. granulosus burdens ranging from 300 to 302,600 worms per dog. Seven serums from feral dogs which did not harbour E. granulosus at autopsy but which originated from an endemic hydatid region were tested using protoscolex antigen, and 1 serum gave a positive reaction. One hundred and two serums from dogs known never to have been infected with E. granulosus all gave negative reactions to protoscolex antigen. The sensitivity of the ELISA test proved to be superior to that which has been achieved by arecoline purging as a method of diagnosis for E. granulosus infection in dogs. For use of the assay in hydatid control or eradication campaigns, its Sensitivity can be increased by choosing a lower absorbance discrimination value above which serums are regarded as having positive reactions. However, this does introduce positive reactions of some serums from dogs infected with helminths other than E. granulosus. In further development of the assay, use of defined recombinant antigens may improve both sensitivity and specificity. Anti‐oncosphere antibody responses in dogs with experimental E. granulosus infection were apparently stage‐specific, and anti‐oncosphere antibody was detected in 11 of 21 (52.4%) E. granulosus‐Infected feral dogs. There was no apparent correlation between level of antibody measured by ELSA of serums from E. granulosus‐infected feral dogs and E. granulosus worm burdens using either antigen, but there was a marked difference in antibody levels in some serums to either the protoscolex or oncosphere antigen. This suggests that a discrimination between prepatent and patent natural E. granulosus infections in dogs may be possible.
The incidence, cost and factors associated with foot lameness in dairy cattle in south‐western Victoria
Authors: HARRIS DJ , HIBBURT CD , ANDERSON GA , YOUNIS PJ , FITSPATRICK DH , DUNN AC , PARSONS IW , McBEATH NR
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: A survey of 73 dairy farms in south‐western Victoria was conducted to assess the cost and mean herd incidence of foot lameness for the period from calving to the end of November, 1985, and to identify the herd, management and environmental factors associated with foot lameness. The mean herd size was 125 cows (range 82 to 220). Lameness occurred in 64 (88%) herds, and the mean herd incidence was 7.0% (range 0.0 to 30.9%).

The main clinical signs associated with lameness were the presence of overworn and/ or bruised soles, or stones lodged in the interdigital cleft. Factors associated with lameness were: property and herd size, age of cow, bail feeding, voluntary entry into the bails, and features of the farm track including its length, the presence of steep slopes, the type of surface material, presence and treatment of broken sections and maintenance including rolling history. The association of these factors with specific clinical signs was examined. The mean cost was estimated to be $42.90 per lame cow due to loss of production, treatment, the culling or death of lame cows, and extra man hours spent managing lame cows. It was concluded that the site, construction, maintenance and use of the farm track were of major importance to the incidence of lameness in herds in this area and recommendations for reducing lameness are made.
Infestation in the dog by the paralysis tick, Ixodes holocyclus — 4. Cardiovascular effects
Authors: ILKIW JE , TURNER DM , GOODMAN AH
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: To determine the extent and signficance of changes in heart rate and rhythm noticed previously in dogs paralysed with Ixodes holocyclus, two studies were undertaken. In one the electrocardiogram was recorded at stages throughout the disease and the traces analysed for changes, while in the second a detailed study of the effect of Ixodes holocyclus on the cardiovascular system was undertaken. The electrocardiographic changes were extremely variable between stages and between dogs. Generally, if a dysrhythmia occurred in stages 1, 2 or 3 it tended to be sinus tachycardia, ventricular tachycardia or sinus arrest. In stage 4 sinus arrest, sinus bradycardia, or sinus or ventricular tachycardia were the prominent dysrhythmias, whereas in stage 5 sinus bradycardia predominated. Cardiovascular measurements indicated an increase in peripheral vascular resistance leading to a significant elevation in mean arterial pressure at all stages of the disease. Cardiac output was decreased significantly only at stage 2, although it was below the control measurements at all stages. Pulmonary arterial pressure was significantly elevated at stages 2, 3 and 4 due most probably to an increase in pulmonary vascular resistance. Myocardial contractility was not significantly changed throughout the disease. The changes observed in the electrocardiogram and the cardiovascular system in stages 1, 2 and 3 are unlikely to be due to hypoxia and could represent dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system. During stages 4 and 5 oxygen levels were below normal and the bradycardia seen terminally is almost certainly due to hypoxaemia. However the cardiovascular changes are more definite than those reported in hypoxia and while they may be partly hypoxic‐induced, it seems likely that other factors, such as alterations in sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system activity, may play a role.
The effect of a staphylococcal cell wall factor on the early inflammatory response to staphylococcal infection of the lactating bovine udder
Authors: MATTILA TIINA , O'BOYLE D , FROST AJ
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: The effect on the early inflammatory response in the bovine mammary gland of a factor extracted from the cell wall of Staphylococcus aureus was studied. The insoluble factor was extracted from a 3h‐culture, and was mixed with S. aureus from an overnight culture (OF) for experimental infection of a lactating quarter. Other quarters were infected with a 3h or an overnight culture (O). Five cows were used in the experiment. The O‐quarters showed more severe clinical signs than seen in the 3h‐and OF quarters. Antitrypsin levels and NAGase concentrations were much reduced in the 3h‐and OF‐quarters. While the cell wall factor profoundly reduced the early inflammatory response, the effect on the final outcome of the infection was not determined.
Identification of toxigenic Pasteurella multocida in atrophic rhinitis of pigs by in vitro characterisation
Authors: EAMENS GJ , KIRKLAND PD , TURNER MJ , GARDNER JA , WHITE MP , HORNITZKY CL
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Toxigenic strains of Pasteurella multocida were readily differentiated from non‐toxigenic strains by an agarose overlay method using bovine turbinate cells or bovine lung cells. Cells which were young and densely confluent were best suited to this assay. The incubation period required to distinguish toxigenic strains was dependent on the confluence of the monolayers, which was affected by the seeding rate, cell passage level and growth time prior to overlay. The agarose overlay method correctly identified 11 of 11 reference strains of Pasteurella multocida, and visible cytotoxic changes were present in the monolayers after 48 to 65 h. Outbreaks of the enzootic form of atrophic rhinitis in 2 New South Wales piggeries were associated with the isolation of toxigenic type D strains of P. multocida.
Comparison of direct electron microscopy and enzyme immunoassay for the detection of rotaviruses in calves, lambs, piglets and foals
Authors: ELLIS GR , DANIELS E
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: Direct electron microscopy (EM) and enzyme‐immunoassay (rotazyme) results for the detection of rotaviruses in 346 enteric specimens from calves, lambs, piglets and foals were compared. The rotazyme test was at least 3 times more sensitive than direct EM in diagnosing infection. Rotavirus antigen was demonstrated by rotazyme in 22% of 280 scour samples and in 27% of 66 samples from non‐scouring animals. There was an association between diarrhoea and higher amounts of rotavirus antigen. This prevalence of rotaviruses detected in animals with diarrhoea highlights the significant involvement of other pathogens identified in the study including Eimeria, Crypfosporidia, Escherichia coli, Campylobacter, and other viruses.
A comparative study of the anatomy of the omasum in domesticated ruminants
Authors: McSWEENEY CS
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: The structure of the omasum was compared in 10 water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), 10 Shorthorn cattle (Bos indicush), 9 Merino sheep (Ovis aries) and 10 cross‐bred goats (Capra hircus), and the functional significance of the differences is discussed. The weight of the omasum and area of the internal laminae appeared to be smaller in Brahman cattle than the buffalo and British cattle. When compared in relation to body weight, the omasums of caprid animals were smaller than those of bovids, by a factor of 0.33‐0.67 but the omasums of goats were appreciably larger than sheep. The number of laminae ranged from 33 to 35 for the sheep and goats compared with 122 to 169 for the buffalo and cattle. It is suggested that the marked difference in structure of the omasum between the small and large ruminants may influence the food intake of these animals through the effects of this gut compartment on absorption of nutrients and passage of digesta.
Experimental evidence that tryptamine alkaloids do not cause Phalaris aquatica sudden death syndrome in sheep
Authors: BOURKE CA , CARRIGAN MJ , DIXON RJ
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: The acute toxicity for sheep of 3 alkaloids that occur in Phalaris acquatica was examined by intravenous and oral administration. The lowest tested dose rates that produced clinically observed signs were, for 5.methoxy dimethyltryptamine, 0.1 mglkg body weight intravenously and 40 mglkg orally; for gramine, 10 mglkg intravenously and 500 mglkg orally; and for hordenine, 20 mglkg intravenously and 800 mglkg orally. All induced the clinical signs observed in the nervous form of phalaris toxicity, but none induced the cardiac, sudden death, syndrome.
Enterocolitis in cattle associated with Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infection
Authors: CALLINAN R B , COOK R W , BOULTON J G , FRASER G C , UNGER D B
Published: March 2008

Summary: A syndrome in cattle of diarrhoea and death associated with enteric Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infection is described. Outbreaks occurred during winter and early spring in adult cattle grazing pastures waterlogged by recent flooding or persistent heavy rain. Antibiotic therapy was effective early in the course of the syndrome. At necropsy there was severe acute enterocolitis, and bacteria consistent with Y. pseudotuberculosis were observed in the lesions. This organism could usually be isolated from the intestines of affected animals but was recovered less often from other organs. Representative isolates were identified as Y. pseudotuberculosis serotype III.

The association of this syndrome with waterlogged pastures and low temperatures suggests that these conditions favour transmission of Y. pseudotuberculosis infection in cattle. The role of Y. pseudotuberculosis as primary pathogen requires confirmation.
Attachment of Moraxella bovis to calf corneal cells and inhibition by antiserum
Authors: MOORE L J , RUTTER J M
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY An in vitro assay was developed using calf corneal cells to assess the importance of fimbriae in the colonisation of the bovine ocular surface by Moraxella bovis, and the role of fimbrial antibodies in the bovine immune response and resistance to infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK). Fimbriae promoted adherence of M. bovis to calf corneal cells in culture; 15 fimbriate isolates, representative of 6 fimbrial serogroups of M. bovis, adhered to the cells whereas 4 non‐fimbriate isolates failed to do so. Fimbrial antibodies in hyperimmune rabbit serum inhibited attachment of all fimbriate strains of the homologous fimbrial serogroup but not those of 5 heterologous serogroups. The relevance of these results to the use of a polyvalent fimbrial vaccine in the control of IBK is discussed.
Maple syrup urine disease in calves: a clinical, pathological and biochemical study
Authors: HARPER PAW , DENNIS JA , HEALY PJ , BROWN GK
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The clinical, pathological and biochemical findings of a study of 30 Poll Hereford, Hereford, Poll Hereford cross or Hereford cross calves affected with branched chain ketoacid dehydrogenase (BCKAD) complex deficiency or maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) are presented. In breeding studies, 6 of 21 calves from obligate heterozygote matings were affected with MSUD, suggesting the disease is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. Calves were clinically affected from birth, but there were variations in the subsequent course of progressive deterioration of central nervous system function. Concentrations of the branched chain amino acids and keto acids were elevated in pre‐suckle plasma and cerebellar water content was higher in affected calves. Activity of BCKAD complex was minimal in fibroblasts cultured from an affected calf. Spongiform encephalopathy and elevated ratios of the branched to straight chain amino acids in formalin fixed cerebral tissue were found in a stillborn foetus and a 3‐month‐old Hereford calf. These findings suggest the disease occurs prenatally and that a delayed form may exist.
Sequential bacteriological observations in relation to cell‐mediated and humoral antibody responses of cattle infected with Mycobacterium paratuberculosis and maintained on normal or high iron intake
Authors: LEPPER AWD , WILKS CR , KOTIW M. , WHITEHEAD JT , SWART KS
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Twenty calves were orally infected with Mycobacterium paratuberculosis before weaning. Ten of these plus 4 non‐infected controls were maintained on elevated dietary iron intake from 6 to 33 months of age. During this time, in which the majority of animals were bred, the influence of increased dietary iron upon tests of cellular and humoral immune responsiveness to antigens of the organism were monitered. Results were examined in relation to the organism's capacity to multiply and infect up to 7 portions of the intestinal tract.

No significant differences were detected in the degree of intestinal disease or pattern of faecal excretion of M. paratuberculosis in iron supplemented and non‐supplemented cattle. Cutaneous delayed‐type hypersensitivity (DTH) to johnin PPD developed at 1 month and in‐vitro lymphocyte and immunostimulatory activity (LS) to this antigen at 2 months after infection. LS indices were significantly reduced in magnitude in iron‐supplemented cattle (p<0.01). Most ELISA antibody responses were positive 10 to 17 months after infection and preceded the fewer number of CF responses by several months. Neither of the antibody tests was affected by elevated iron intake. Generally, complete or partial resistance to paratuberculosis was associated with sustained positive monthly LS tests (index ≥ 2.0), whereas antibody levels tended to be sustained only in the more severely affected cattle. Although neither test system was affected by pregnancy the ELISA failed to detect a significant proportion of cattle chronically shedding M. paratuberculosis in faeces.
Characterisation and antimicrobial sensitivity of haemophili isolated from pigs
Authors: EAVES LE. , BLACKALL PJ. , FEGAN M.
Published: March 2008

A total of 70 haemophili from Australia pigs was compared with a range of reference strains of porcine haemophili. Forty‐eight of the isolates were identified as Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae biovar 1 and the remaining 22 isolates as Haemophilus parasuis. Forty one of the A. pleuropneumoniae isolates were used in a study to determine to the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 12 antimicrobial agents, or combinations of agents. Penicillin, neomycin, trimethoprim, trimethoprim‐sulphamethoxazole and tetracycline all showed low MIC values, indicating their potential for the treatment of porcine pleuropneumonia, although 2 isolates showed resistance to tetracycline. A wide range of MIC values was encountered with the sulphonamides.
Survey of internal parasites in Western Australian pig herds 2. Relationship to anthelmintic usage and parasite control practices
Authors: MERCY AR. , de. CHANEET G. , EMMS Y.
Published: March 2008

The housing, management and internal parasite control practices used in piggeries in Western Australia was surveyed by interviewing the ownerimanager of 100 randomly selected piggeries. At the time of the interview 20 faecal samples were collected from pigs and examined for evidence of internal parasites.

Most herds (80%) in which anthelmintics were used, had evidence of nematode infection. Some pig producers were using an anthelmintic that was ineffective against nematode species present while some herds had nematodes that should have been controlled by the anthelmintic being used. Prevalence of nematode infection was higher in pigs run in paddocks than in pigs housed intensively. Washing sows prior to farrowing was associated with a lower prevalence of nematode infection. The findings suggested that pig producers should ensure that the anthelmintic used is effective against the nematodes present in their pigs. It was concluded that administering anthelmintics as a single dose in the feed may not be the most effective method of deworming pigs.
Cerebellar abiotrophy in crossbred cattle
Authors: WHITTINGTON RJ. , MORTON AG. , KENNEDY DJ.
Published: March 2008

Cerebellar abiotrophy affected 9 of 74 calves sired by a Poll Hereford bull over 2 successive calving seasons. The disease was characterised by episodes of recumbency and ataxia, with hypermetria and wide base stance. Clinical signs commenced between birth and 8 months of age. Two calves which were affected first at 8 months of age recovered clinically 9 months later. Histological lesions were found in the cerebellar cortex of 7 calves and consisted of segmental degeneration and loss of Purkinje cells, and axonal swellings. The clinical signs and pathological findings were consistent with bovine familial convulsions and ataxia, which has not been described previously in Australia. The clinical signs were not attributable to the lesions observed in the cerebellum and an underlying electrophysiological abnormality is proposed. The aetiology of the condition is probably genetic and appears to have a multifactorial basis.
An ELISA for the detection of anergic tuberculous cattle
Authors: PLACKETT P. , RIPPER J. , CORNER LA. , SMALL K. , WITTE K. de. , MELVILLE L. , HIDES S. , WOOD PR.
Published: March 2008

An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for bovine antibody to antigens in unheated Mycobacterium bovis culture filtrate was standardised against a reference serum from an experimentally infected cow. Two Northern Territory herds with a total of 561 cattle were tested. All cattle reacting in the caudal fold tuberculin test, those giving strong reactions in the ELISA and those with visible lesions of tuberculosis were subjected to a detailed bacteriological examination. Of the 19 cattle which yielded isolates of M. bovis, only 4 were positive to the tuberculin test. Serum samples from 5 cattle gave ELISA values greater than 7.0 units. None of these 5 reacted in the tuberculin‐test and 2 had no visible lesions. Of the 10 remaining cattle from which M. bovis was isolated, 3 had ELISA values between 6.5 and 7.0 units and were also without visible lesions. The ELISA values for the remaining 7 infected cattle ranged down to 4.6 units. Forty cattle yielded no M. bovis on culture of their tissues. They included 7 which were reactors in the tuberculin test and 23 with ELISA values of 7.0 units or more. The evident low specificity and sensitivity of the ELISA make it of little value as an alternative to the tuberculin test, but it can detect some anergic cattle at the cost of increasing the number of false positive reactors. This may be acceptable in some circumstances and would justify the use of the ELISA as a complements to the tuberculin test or to an in vitro assay of T‐cell immunity. In the 2 Northern Territory herds described, the removal of 5 of the anergic cattle would have required a cull of 28 animals or 5% of the total. A cut off value of 6.5 units would have eliminated 3 more, but at the cost of culling 80 animals or nearly 15% of the cattle. Even so, 7 cattle from which M. bovis was isolated would have remained undetected by either test.
The relationship of scrotal circumference to testicular weight in rams
Authors: FOSTER RA. , LADDS PW. , HOFFMANN D. , BRIGGS GD.
Published: March 2008

Scrotal circumference (SC), testicular diameter (TD) and testicular weight (TW) were measured at necropsy of 148 Merino rams of varying age (yearling: 110, 2‐ to 3‐year‐old: 5, 4‐year‐old: 28, > 7‐year‐old: 5). These rams, although culled from flocks in north western Queensland for poor conformation or advancing age, had no clinically palpable or gross necropsy lesions of the genitalia. Despite the fact that SC measurement was performed at necropsy on scrota with greatly varying wool cover and its diverse content of plant material (burrs and grass seeds), the correlation of SC with TW was positive, high and significant (r = 0.92, P < 0.01). This correlation was greater than that between TD and TW (r = 0.91, P < 0.01) even though both were measured after dissection of the scrotal contents. The clinically convenient SC measurement deserves wider application as an estimate of testicular weight and therefore fertility in rams.
Prevalence and intensity of non‐strongyle intestinal parasites of horses in northern Queensland
Authors: MFITILODZE MW. , HUTCHINSON GW.
Published: March 2008

A quantitative post‐mortem study of 57 horses from northern Queensland was done to determine the prevalence and intensity of non‐strongyle intestinal parasites. The following species (% prevalence) were found: Draschia megastoma (39%); Habronema muscae (43%); Gasterophilus intestinalis (34%), G. nasalis (30%); Parascaris equorum (15%); Strongyloides westeri (6%); Probstmayria vivipara (2%); Oxyuris equi (26%); Anoplocephala magna (2%); A. perfoliata (32%). Mean parasite numbers of individual species ranged from 10 to 1310. Prevalence and intensity data were compared to recent studies in Western Australia and in the United States of America.

Differences between stabled and paddocked horses were noted, particularly for botfly larvae and spiruroids. Climatic and seasonal changes in prevalence were restricted to H. muscae, G. nasalis and P. equorum with highest prevalence in the wet season or in horses from wet coastal areas. Only P. equorum showed any age effect being restricted to horses less than 5 years old. Breed and sex of horses was not important. The likelihood of changing parasite population dynamics with improved anthelmintic regimen is discussed.
Evaluation of a regimen using a progesterone releasing intravaginal device (CIDR) and PMSG as a treatment for post partum anoestrus in dairy cattle
Authors: JUBB TF. , BRIGHTLING P. , MALMO J. , LARCOMBE MT. , ANDERSON GA. , HIDES SJ.
Published: March 2008

Anoestrous dairy cows in seasonally calving herds in the Macalister Irrigation District of Gippsland, Victoria were treated at the start of the mating period with a progesterone releasing intravaginal device (CIDR). The CIDR was inserted for 7 days and 400 IU of PMSG was injected intramuscularly at removal. There was no clinically useful difference among cows receiving the CIDR, a placebo and untreated cows in the interval from treatment to either first oestrus or conception, the conception rate to first service or percent pregnant by the end of mating. Analyses of data from 2‐year‐old cows, older cattle, cows calved at least 45 days or cows calved at least 55 days and cows treated 3 weeks after the start of mating did not show improved reproductive performance following treatment with the CIDR.
Immunogenicity of Mycoplasma gallisepticum
Authors: SOERIPTO  , WHITHEAR KG , COTTEW GS , HARRIGAN KE
Published: March 2008

The serological response and protective immunity elicited in the chicken by the pathogenic Ap3AS strain and the moderately pathogenic 80083 strain of Mycoplasma gallisepticum and variants of strain 80083 attenuated by repeated passage in mycoplasma broth were investigated. Strain 80083 elicited a substantial serum antibody response after administration either in drinking water or by conjunctival sac instillation to 7‐week‐old SPF chickens. No vaccinated chickens developed air sac lesions when challenged by intra‐abdominal (IA) injection with the virulent Ap3AS strain. Chickens vaccinated with strain 80083M (50 broth passages) showed only a weak serological response but were substantially protected when challenged 4 weeks after vaccination. Chickens vaccinated with 80083H (100 broth passages) were serologically negative 4 weeks after vaccination and developed severe air sac lesions after challenge. Thirty‐seven‐week‐old hens vaccinated 6 months previously with strain 80083 had high serum antibody levels and were completely protected against IA challenge with the homologous strain. However, 4/6 showed mild air sac lesions when challenged intra‐abdominally with strain Ap3AS. Another group showed high M. gallisepticum serum antibody levels 6 months after vaccination with strain Ap3AS but 4/6 and 2/6 showed mild lesions after IA challenge with strains Ap3AS or 80083, respectively. Strains 80083 or 80083M were administered by conjunctival sac instillation to susceptible 11‐week‐old commercial pullets at the time of fowl pox vaccination. The concurrent use of both vaccines had no apparent adverse effect on the health of the chickens. Similar protection against IA challenge with strain Ap3AS was produced with the M. gallisepticum vaccines whether used alone or in combination with fowl pox.
An evaluation of three serological tests for antibody to Brucella suis in pigs
Authors: ROGERS RJ , COOK DR , KETTERER PJ , BALDOCK FC , BLACKALL PJ , STEWART RW
Published: March 2008

The Rose Bengal Plate Agglutination test (RBT), the complement fixation text (CFT) and the tube agglutination test (TAT) were applied to serums from 345 feral and 80 domestic pigs sampled at slaughter. At least 2 of the 3 serological tests were applied to each serum. Tissues from all pigs were cultured for Brucella suis and the degree of culture effort was categorised from 1 to 4 in decreasing order. Fifty‐eight feral and 35 domestic pigs were culture‐positive. A greater proportion of culture‐positive pigs was obtained for category 1 and 2 culture effort. Tissues yielding B. suis most often were mandibular, gastrohepatic and external iliac lymph nodes, spleen and various abdominal organs. Infection in domestic pigs was associated with exposure to feral pigs.

The sensitivity (Se) in culture‐positive pigs of the RBT (79.1%) was significantly greater than that of either the CFT (49.1%) or TAT (51.1%). The specificities (Sp) in culture‐negative pigs were 81.2% for the RBT, 90.8% for the CFT and 81.0% for the TAT. A more realistic estimate of Sp for the RBT was considered to be 97.6%, based on serological results from 31,326 domestic pigs routinely tested for regulatory purposes. The RBT was clearly superior to the other 2 tests in this study. However, a more sensitive screening test would be preferable for use in a test and slaughter eradication program. The RBT would be a suitable confirmatory test.
Lesions of presumed congenital origin in the accessory sex glands of bulls
Authors: CAMPERO CM , BAGSHAW PA , LADDS PW
Published: March 2008

A detailed description of lesions of presumed congenital origin involving the accessory sex glands of 11 bulls is given. All of these lesions would have been detectable by careful clinical examination during bull evaluation. Evidence presented here supports the view that congenital abnormalities such as bilateral ampulla‐seminal vesicle fusion, ampulla cysts associated with luminal constriction, cysts of urogenital sinus origin, prostatic appendage, and persistent remnant of the urachus could sometimes be responsible for development of inflammatory conditions in the accessory sex glands. Anomalies such as segmental aplasia or hypoplasia of mesonephric duct derivations, or single ampulla‐seminal vesicle fusion in which the ducts opened freely in the colliculus seminalis were not seen to be associated with inflammation in the accessory sex glands. The significance of these findings is considered.
Inhibition of alpha‐glucosidase in cattle by Castanospermum australe: an attempted phenocopy of Pompe's disease
Authors: REICHMANN KG , TWIST JO , McKENZIE RA
Published: March 2008

Pompe's disease is characterised by an absence of lysosomal alpha‐glucosidase, but this enzyme is also inhibited by Castanospermum australe seeds. Four calves were fed C. australe seeds at the rate of 0.15 g/kg body weight for periods from 1 to 4 days. Lymphocyte alpha‐glucosidase activity was reduced by at least 90%, with the majority of inhibition occurring within 8 h of dosing. Several weeks elapsed before activity returned to normal. Significant inhibition of muscle alpha‐glucosidase occurred and the ratio of plasma alpha‐glucosidase activity measured at pH 5.6 relative to that at pH 3.7 was depressed.

In an attempt to induce Pompe's disease, 2 calves were dosed with 1.2 g C. australe seed/kg body weight/day for 13 months. Lymphocyte and muscle alpha‐glucosidase activities were markedly reduced over the entire period of feeding, but the animals showed no clinical signs of disease. Tissue cells were not vacuolated nor did they show any apparent accumulation of glycogen. Despite significant inhibition of alpha‐glucosidase in skeletal and cardiac muscle, liver, kidney and brain, it is suggested that there was sufficient residual enzyme to prevent induction of a phenocopy of Pompe's disease.
A role for DNA characterisation in ovine footrot
Authors: McGILLIVERY DJ , WEBBER JJ , TOOHEY LA
Published: March 2008

Bacteroides nodosus involved in several outbreaks of ovine footrot over a number of years were subjected to DNA restriction endonuclease analysis. Individual isolates were found to have characteristic Bam HI profiles which permitted their accurate identification and differentiation from other isolates. Bam HI profiles of B. nodosus isolates were used in epidemiological investigations involving consecutive outbreaks of footrot on individual and neighbouring farms. The relationship of given isolates to a common source could be established by this means. Restriction endonculease analysis provides an additional epidemiological tool in ovine footrot investigations as it accurately identifies interstrain differences in a manner not possible by conventional bacteriological and serological means.
A farming systems study of abortion in dairy cattle on the Atherton Tableland: 2. The pattern of infectious diseases
Authors: NORTON JH , TRANTER WP , CAMPBELL RSF
Published: March 2008

The role of infectious agents on dairy farms on the Atherton Tableland in tropical north Queensland was studied as part of a comprehensive investigation into the causes of bovine abortion. The prevalence of antibody in serums collected from 7 herds whose annual abortion rates ranged from 3% to 21% were as follows: Leptospira hardjo 49.9% (426/853), L. pomona 0.4% (3/851), bovine virus diarrhoea (BVD) 33.7% (35/104). Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus (IBR) 11.5% (12/105), Akabane virus 92.2% (95/103), Aino virus 62.1% (64/103), Chlamydia psittaci 3.1% (37/1004), Brucella abortus 0% (0/851), and Toxoplasma gondii 0% (0/105). Testing of serums against a wide range of leptospiral serotypes indicated that reactions occurring in the Hebdomadis and Sejroe serogroups were probably cross reactions with L. hardjo. Infection with L. hardjo and Akabane virus occurred prior to first mating and contact with Aino virus occurred during first pregnancy. Infection with BVD and IBR viruses was sporadic.

The pathology and microbiology of 32 aborted foetuses from 24 Tableland herds (10 from the group of 19 farms under more intense study) were performed. Lesions associated with a Sarcocystis‐like agent were present in 6, leptospires in 1, suspected toxic hepatosis in 2 and purulent bronchopneumonia (Staphylococcus aureus) in 1 foetus. No diagnoses were made in the remaining 22 foetuses (69%).

Evidence for a common infectious cause of abortion in the population was inconclusive.
Comparison of inoculation regimes for the experimental production of swine erysipelas arthritis: II Serological findings in a gel diffusion precipitin test and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay
Authors: EAMENS GJ , CHIN JC , NICHOLLS PJ
Published: March 2008

The serological response of pigs to Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae inoculation was monitored by a gel diffusion precipitin test (GDPT) using a crude, serotype‐specific, autoclaved antigen and an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using a heat‐extracted, alcohol precipitated and molecular seived antigen previously shown to react with serum from pigs infected with serotypes 1 or 2. All pigs receiving 3 or 5 weekly intravenous inoculations of either a highly virulent (VRS 229) or a lowly virulent isolate (VRS 252) produced GDPT‐reactive antibody within 3 weeks, but only 44% were still reactive at 8 to 9.5 weeks. The ELISA response was significantly higher in pigs inoculated with the highly virulent strain, and was similar in pigs receiving 3 or 5 doses of either strain. In a dose‐response trial, after 3 doses of VRS 229, GDPT reactivity occurred earlier and was stronger in pigs given higher doses of E. rhusiopathiae, but the response peaked 3 to 5 weeks after the start of challenge and was short lived. GDPT reactivity correlated with dose, but not with the severity of arthritis. The ELISA demonstrated specific IgG antibody was present by 2 weeks, and persisted to at least 11 weeks. The ELISA reactivity was significantly higher in pigs with arthritis than in pigs that received low doses and were not arthritic. Within groups of pigs with arthritis a significant, dose dependent, linear ELISA response developed but did not correlate with the presence or degree of arthritis at slaughter. Non‐arthritic pigs had similar low ELISA responses to uninoculated controls.
Bovine ephemeral fever
Authors: UREN MF
Published: March 2008

Ephemeral fever remains a viral disease of considerable importance to many countries including Australia. The virus has been only partly characterised and still awaits final classification. Although BEF virus was first thought to contain 6 structural proteins there is increasing evidence to suggest that it contains the 5 proteins characteristic of the Rhabdoviridae. Although BEF is thought to be arthropod borne, the vector has yet to be identified but it is clear from the distribution of BEF that more than one vector is capable of transmitting the disease. Despite rigorous investigation of the clinical signs and the pathology of ephemeral fever, little progress has been made on the pathogenesis of the disease. This has been partly due to the difficulty of propagating BEF virus in vitro and the inability to define the site of replication. However, there is mounting evidence to suggest that BEF is immunopathologic in nature and that the clinical expression of the disease is influenced by the release of one or more mediators of inflammation. The disease is characterised by a number of haematological and biochemical changes and early and prolonged treatment with phenylbutazone is capable of reversing a number of these changes. The intravenous administration of calcium can now be considered a justifiable addition to the treatment regimen together with prolonged phenylbutazone therapy. The vaccines currently available are prepared from either live attenuated or killed virus and may be less than reliable. There appears to be a need for a reliable, inexpensive, cold‐chain independent alternative vaccine.
Sex‐related responses to vitamin B12 and trace element supplementation in prime lambs
Authors: SHALLOW M , ELLIS NJS , JUDSON GJ
Published: March 2008

Summary: Bodyweight, plasma vitamin B12 and blood selenium concentrations were monitored in prime lambs given different forms of supplementation at 2 sites in separate years. At the first site treatment groups comprised control, vitamin B12 injection, selenium given orally and a combination of vitamin B12 and selenium. At the second site cobalt and selenium supplied in a glass bullet was compared with an untreated group. Significant sex‐related responses were observed to treatment in terms of bodyweight and at site 2 in plasma vitamin B12 concentrations. A marked bodyweight response to glass bullet supplementation was observed in castrated male lambs but not in ewe lambs. These studies show that sex differences should be considered when investigating trace element deficiencies.
Cor pulmonale in an Angus cow
Authors: JUBB TF , MALMO J
Published: March 2008

Summary: Cor pulmonale was diagnosed in a 4‐year‐old beef cow at pasture. Clinical and pathological evidence for the diagnosis included ventral oedema, respiratory distress, chronic interstitial pneumonia and cardiac failure. The cause of the pneumonia was not identified.
Haematological and biochemical investigations of diseased koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus)
Authors: CANFIELD PJ , O'NEILL ME , SMITH EF
Published: March 2008

Summary: Haematological and biochemical investigations were performed on 14 koalas with uncomplicated cystitis, 8 with complicated cystitis, 8 with conjunctivitis, 8 with lymphosarcoma, and 14 with miscellaneous diseases. Changes were limited and inconsistent in individual koalas with uncomplicated cystitis and conjunctivitis. In contrast, individual koalas with complicated cystitis were more likely to have anaemia, leukocytosis due to neutrophilia, hypoproteinaemia due to hypoalbuminaemia, and azotaemia due to elevated urea concentration. Although these changes were non‐specific they did allow assessment of prognosis for survival and response to treatment. Koalas with lymphosarcoma were invariably anaemic, leukaemic, azotaemic and hypoalbuminaemic. Elevated enzymes (aspartate transaminase [AST]. lactate dehydrogenase [LD] and gamma glutamyl transferase [GGT]) were more common in koalas with lymphosarcoma. Koalas affected by miscellaneous conditions showed variable changes but once again anaemia, leukocytosis, azotaemia, elevated AST and LD, and hypoalbuminaemia were not uncommon. On the basis of these findings a minimal profile is suggested for the investigation of sick koalas and would include haematocrit, total and differential leukocyte counts, urea, total protein and albumin concentrations and AST, GGT and LD activities.
An epidemiological study of sheep deaths before and during export by sea from Western Australia
Authors: NORRIS RT , RICHARDS RB , DUNLOP RH
Published: March 2008

Summary: A study was conducted to record the deaths that occurred during export, and to examine the temporal pattern of pellet feeding in the feedlot and ascertain the variation in mortality between groups of sheep from different farms. Between November 1985 and April 1987, 5 cohorts of sheep were selected on arrival at a feedlot before live export by sea from Western Australia to the Middle East. Each cohort consisted of 4,118 to 9,612 Merino wethers from 15 to 35 farms (lines).

There were few deaths during trucking to the feedlot (rate 0.9, range 0.0 to 3.0 per 10,000 sheep) and during lot‐feeding (rate 6.2, range 1.2 to 12.2 per 10,000 sheep). Most of the deaths occurred aboard ship (rate 210.7, range 152.7 to 271.5 per 10,000 sheep).

The proportion of sheep that ate pelleted feed increased with increasing length of time in the feedlot. By the end of lot‐feeding the percentage of sheep that had not eaten pellets was 23.3, 4.4, 1.2, 2.1 and 0.2 in a representative sample of each of the 5 cohorts. It was considered that offering hay throughout lot‐feeding was undesirable for the purpose of maximising the number of sheep that ate pellets before loading on the ship.

Half of the deaths aboard ship occurred in 25% of 133 lines of sheep in the 5 cohorts. In each cohort the median per cent death rate (and range) per line was 1.3 (0.3 to 11.9), 1.1 (0.0 to 5.7), 1.8 (0.0 to 6.8), 2.3 (0.0 to 14.3) and 0.9 (0.1 to 5.4). It was concluded that if high mortality lines of sheep could be identified before purchase and managed differently or not exported, the overall mortality would be reduced substantially.
Investigations into the toxicity of Echium plantagineum in sheep: 1. Field grazing experiments
Authors: SEAMAN JT , TURVEY WS , OTTAWAY SJ , GILMOUR AR , DIXON RJ
Published: March 2008

Summary: A field grazing trial was undertaken to monitor the health and production of crossbred sheep grazing pasture where Echium plantagineum constituted a considerable proportion of the available forage. The trial, conducted for 19 months over successive grazing seasons, demonstrated a significant difference in production, with sheep on the E. plantagineum pasture being lighter and growing less wool compared with sheep on Echium‐free pasture. No mortalities involving pyrrolizidine alkaloid poisioning were recorded in sheep grazing E. plantagineum, although there was histological evidence of moderately severe liver damage associated with high liver copper concentrations in at least one sheep following the grazing of large quantities of the plant.
Efficiency of inspection procedures for the detection of tuberculous lesions in cattle
Authors: CORNER LA , MELVILLE L. , McCUBBIN K. , SMALL KJ , McCORMICK BS , WOOD PR , ROTHEL JS
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The sensitivity of the abattoir inspection procedure introduced for Australian export beef in 1976 was compared to a detailed necropsy procedure for the detection of tuberculous lesions in cattle. In a sample of cattle that were reactors to the tuberculin test, abattoir inspection failed to detect an estimated 47% of cattle with lesions.

The detailed necropsy examination of cattle with lesions of tuberculosis identified 21 sites of infection compared with 13 to 18 in cattle examined by routine meat inspection procedures. Of the lesions detected during detailed necropsy, 15.9% did not involve the thoracic cavity or the medial retropharyngeal lymph nodes. The failure to detect lesions during abattoir inspection has its greatest significance in an animal with a single lesion. If the 245 cattle found with single lesions during detailed necropsy had been examined by abattoir inspection using the 1976 or the 1986 procedures, 0.8 and 8.9%, respectively, of these animals would not have been detected because the diseased tissues would not have been examined. If meat inspection is to provide an effective means of monitoring the level of bovine tuberculosis during the final stages of eradication, a procedure no less sensitive than that introduced in 1976 should be used.
BOOK REVIEW
Authors: Read RA
Published: March 2008

Small Animal Orthopaedics Proceedings of a Course.