bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Induced sero‐conversion in heifers with a field strain of bovine pestivirus–a comparison of methods and doses
Authors: COOK LG , LITTLEJOHNS IR , JESSEP TM
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Losses from pestivirus infection in a closed herd of cattle occurred over several years. In order to prevent further losses, controlled exposure of non‐pregnant heifers to pestivirus from viraemic carrier animals was undertaken.

Two initial experiments were conducted using either intra‐nasal EDTA blood or field contact. Subsequently, other yearling heifers were inoculated with various dilutions of serum using subcutaneous, conjunctival and intra‐nasal routes. Effective doses were determined.

Neither inoculation nor contact infection produced any clinical illness. The highest dilutions of serum at which sero‐conversion occurred were conjunctival, undiluted; intranasal, 10‐1 and subcutaneous 10‐5. With the subcutaneous route all heifers sero‐converted at 10‐3. The results for the subcutaneous inoculations showed that the 50% infectious dose for cattle was not distinguishable from that determined in cell culture.

Inoculation with a field strain of pestivirus in freeze‐thawed serum has effectively and safely induced sero‐conversion in heifers. Inoculation of all cattle at risk is considered necessary because no secondary transmission from inoculated heifers was observed.
Efficacy of avermectin B1 given orally against equine intestinal strongyles and Onchocera microfilaria
Authors: MOGG TD , POLLITT CC , WILLMORE JP , THOMPSON H.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Three groups of horses and ponies (N = 13, 13 and 12) were treated with ivermectin paste (0.2 mg/kg p.o.), avermectin B1 solution (0.2 mg/kg p.o.), or fenbendazole suspension (10 mg/kg via nasogastric tube). The avermectin B1 was a 1% solution in a propylene glycol‐glycerol formal base.

Faecal strongyle egg counts were performed before, and 14, 28, 42, 56 and 70 d, after treatment. Full‐thickness skin biopsies from the neck, pectoral and umbilical regions were examined for Onchocera microfilaria before treatment, and again 14 and 70 d later.

Ivermectin therapy produced a significant (P < 0.01) decrease in mean strongyle egg counts 14, 28, 42 and 56 d after treatment. Avermectin B1 therapy resulted in significant (P < 0.01) decreases in mean strongyle egg counts 14, 28 and 42 d after treatment. All horses given ivermectin or avermectin B1 had zero strongyle egg counts 14 and 28 d after treatment. Fenbendazole failed to significantly decrease strongyle egg counts.

Both ivermectin and avermectin B1 resulted in zero microfilaria counts in all horses 14 d after treatment. On day 70 the percentage decrease in microfilaria counts were 100% and 99.6% respectively. Fenbendazole failed to significantly decrease microfilaria counts.

The oral administration of this formulation of avermectin B1 appeared to be highly efficacious against intestinal strongyles and Onchocera microfilaria, The duration of anti‐strongyle activity was, however, significantly (P < 0.01) shorter than that of ivermectin paste.
Strangles in horse studs: Incidence, risk factors and effect of vaccination
Authors: JORM LR
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A questionnaire survey of 179 horse studs in New South Wales was conducted to estimate the incidence of strangles during 1985 to 1988, to identify risk factors for strangles outbreaks and to assess the effect of strangles vaccination. Forty‐nine of the studs (27.4%) had at least one strangles outbreak during this period and 62 studs (34.6%) had at least one case of strangles. The average incidence of strangles was 2.1 cases per 100 horses per year.

The risk of strangles increased progressively with the total horse population and rose markedly when more than 100 mares had been served in the 1988–89 season. Certain types of feeders, fences and water sources were also significantly associated with outbreaks of strangles.

Strangles vaccine* was used on 63 studs (35.2%). Thirty‐seven of these (58.7%) used the manufacturer's recommended vaccination regime. When other risk factors were taken into account, vaccination had no significant effect on the likelihood of a strangles outbreak.
Disease of geese caused by a new herpesvirus
Authors: KETTERER PJ , RODWELL BJ , WESTBURY HA , HOOPER PT , MACKENZIE AR , DINGLE JG , PRIOR HC
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A goose flock farmed outdoors in south‐eastern Queensland suffered an outbreak of peracute disease with high death rate (97%). Small button ulcers and large plaques overlying lymphocyte aggregates were present on the mucosa of the small intestine of affected birds. Small white foci of necrosis and focal haemorrhages were seen in the livers. Numerous intranuclear inclusion bodies were observed microscopically in hepatocytes and a herpesvirus which grew rapidly in chicken kidney cells was isolated from tissues. Duck virus enteritis (DVE) was suspected but DVE antiserums failed to neutralise the virus. Further serological studies with a limited range of known avian herpesviruses have failed to identify the virus. Experimental transmission resulted in high mortality in geese (100%), lower mortality in ducklings and nil mortality in chickens. Surveillance studies showed no evidence of infection in domestic and wild birds beyond the original farm and the infection appears not to have been established in the area. Wild ducks, which were frequent visitors to the farm dam, were considered the most likely source of the infection.
The use of irradiated embryos of Chrysomya bezziana for the detection of the Old World screw‐worm fly
Authors: CLARKE GM
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Irradiation of Chrysomya bezziana embryos 1 h before hatching with doses kilorad (kr) had a significant effect on percentage egg hatch, weights and survival of larvae. Doses 1 kr allowed larval development to the end of the 3rd instar stage in vitro, but prevented normal pupal development. Cattle with wounds infested with 1st instar larvae derived from irradiated embryos had 3rd instar larvae present after 3 d but these failed to pupate. Thus it would be feasible to use such larvae for wound infestation for the enhanced detection of screw‐worm fly in areas where the release of fertile flies is undesirable.
BOOK REVIEW
Authors: McKinnon RR
Published: March 2008

Practical Equine Dermatology. LJ Ackerman
Changes in urinary and plasma oestrone sulphate concentrations after induction of foetal death in mares at 45 days of gestation
Authors: HYLAND JH , LANGSFORD DA
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Foetal death was induced in 10 Standardbred mares at day 45 of gestation by injecting 20 to 45 ml of hypertonic (24% W/V) saline into the conceptus at surgery. Ten mares underwent sham treatment and acted as controls. Blood and urine samples were collected every other day between days 30 and 45 post ovulation and at 0, 3 and 6 h relative to the infusion of saline in the treated mares, or sham treatment in control mares. Blood and urine samples were then collected daily between days 46 and 55 post ovulation.

Urine oestrone sulphate (E1S) concentrations, measured by radioimmunoassay, increased between day 34 and day 36 of gestation in treated and control groups. In mares in which foetal death was induced, urine EIS concentrations declined post‐operatively and were significantly (p (.05) lower than controls by day 50. In plasma, EIS concentrations showed a major increase between days 36 and 40 in both groups. This was followed by a rapid decline after treatment in saline‐injected mares, so that by day 48 plasma EIS concentrations in treated mares were significantly (P (.05) lower than the controls. The results show that urinary and plasma EIS concentrations rise rapidly during early pregnancy, and are associated with a viable foetus after day 45 of pregnancy.
Susceptibility of mulesing wounds to oviposition and strike development by the Australian sheep blowfly Lucilia caprina
Authors: COOK DF , STEINER EC
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The age and/or physical condition of mulesing wounds had a significant effect on both the oviposition response of L. cuprina and the ability of the wound to support a strike. Up to 48 h after mulesing, untreated wounds elicited a strong oviposition response in contrast with chemically treated wounds, although subsequent larval development was negligible. Seven to 9‐day‐old wounds, however, regardless of the wound treatment, were highly attractive oviposition sites, which subsequently developed into strikes; the D3 formulation of Defiance's, however, significantly depressed strike development and shows promise as a mules wound treatment. A marked improvement in the wound healing 14 to 16 d after mulesing coincided with a significant decrease in oviposition. Only those sheep whose wound scabs remained broken, exposing pus and raw tissue, attracted oviposition; subsequent development of the eggs into strikes was negligible.
The pathogenesis of the nervous syndrome of Phalaris aquatica toxicity in sheep
Authors: BOURKE CA , CARRIGAN MJ , DIXON RJ
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The clinical signs displayed by 96 sheep affected by the nervous syndrome of Phalaris aquatica toxicity and 10 normal sheep injected intravenously with the phalaris alkaloid, 5‐methoxy dimethyltryptamine (dose range 0.01 to 5.0 mg/kg), were observed. The distributions of phalaris indole‐like cytoplasmic pigments in nuclei of the brains and spinal cords of 9 naturally affected sheep were determined microscopically. Based on the relationship between clinical signs and the central nervous system nuclei involved in their production, the distribution of phalaris indole‐like pigments, and the pharmacology of dimethylated tryptamines, it is suggested that the nervous syndrome induced by Phalaris aquatica results from a direct action of phalaris alkaloids upon serotonergic receptors in specific brain and spinal cord nuclei.
Failure of an intramuscular injection of an analogue of gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone 11 to 13 days after insemination to increase pregnancy rates in dairy cattle
Authors: JUBB TF , ABHAYARATNE D. , MALMOS J. , ANDERSON GA
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY At 11 to 13 d after insemination, 1028 dairy cows on 19 farms were given an intramuscular injection of 10 pg of the GnRH analogue buserelin. Their reproductive performance was compared to 1022 control cows receiving a placebo. The GnRH analogue‐treated cows had fewer short interoestrous intervals compared to the control cows, but there were no significant differences in pregnancy rates to either the insemination preceding or following treatment, in calving to conception interval, or to percent pregnant by the end of mating. There were no differences between treatments in herds of high, average or low pregnancy rates, in 2‐year‐old cows or cows greater than 2‐years‐old and in cows calved 40 d or less, or greater than 40 d. The use of 10 pg of the GnRH analogue, buserelin, 11 to 13 d after insemination, cannot be recommended as a method of improving reproductive performance in dairy herds.
Serum antibody response to Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay after experimental and natural infection of pigs
Authors: SHELDRAKE RF , GARDNER IA , SAUNDERS MM , ROMALIS LF
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Studies were conducted under experimental and field conditions to determine the effect of infection with M. hyopneumoniae on the immune response in serum as measured by ELISA. Following intratracheal challenge or contact exposure, serologically negative pigs derived from mycoplasma‐free piggeries developed an immune response within 10 days. This response continued to rise for a further 50 days. In a field study in a commercial piggery, no animals (0/44) were observed to have M. hyopneumoniae antibodies at day 86 of life. However between day 86 and day 144, 97.7% (42/43) animals sero‐converted. These results are discussed in terms of infection spread, particularly in the grower/finisher shed.
Experimental infection of normal and immunosuppressed pigs with Pseudomonas pseudomallei
Authors: THOMAS AD , FORBES‐FAULKNER JC , D'ARCY TL , NORTON JH , HOFFMANN D
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A single dose of 5x108 bacilli of Pseudomonas pseudomallei by intratracheal injection resulted in acute (21 cases) or chronic (19 cases) melioidosis in 40 of 48 pigs. Fifteen (10 acute and 5 chronic) had been immunosuppressed by cyclophosphamide before inoculation. The major clinical signs were initial fever, marked neutrophilia and, in the acute cases, respiratory distress. There were no signs of the nasal and ocular discharge, paresis or diarrhoea seen in acute cases in south‐east Asia. The cyclophosphamide treatment caused a significant decrease in the neutrophil count by 7 d after inoculation in all 15 immunosuppressed pigs, and all were culture positive at necropsy. Eight of the 33 non‐treated pigs were culture negative at necropsy. Pigs overcoming the initial phase of infection had more abscess‐like nodules that were bacteriologically sterile at necropsy than the pigs with acute cases of melioidosis. P. pseudomallei was isolated predominantly from the spleen, lungs and the injection site. Although only one strain was used in this study, it is likely that Australian strains of P. pseudomallei are not as virulent as the south‐east Asian isolates.
The use of high‐energy electrons to depilate the breech of sheep
Authors: SORELL GC , HYND PI , HOCKING JE , KUCHEL T , de SARAM W
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The use of high‐energy electrons for permanently depilating areas of sheep skin was evaluated. The most effective dose of electrons for depilation was 17.5Gy. Histological changes in skin treated at this dose were examined in one sheep over 18 months and in 5 sheep over 89 d. Effects of treatment on bodyweight gains and fleece growth were examined by comparing the productivity of a further 5 sheep treated on the breech with high‐energy electrons, with that of conventionally mulesed sheep (n = 5) and untreated controls (n = 5). Electron treatment resulted in immediate death of cells in the germinative region of the wool follicle bulbs. Within 10 d of treatment the treated areas were completely depilated. Wool follicle shafts in the treated areas regressed rapidly towards the epidermis and remained quiescent for the whole trial (89 d). A sheep treated 18 months previously has remained largely depilated, although a few sparse fibres are present. Epidermal acanthosis and or‐thokeratosis were present at 26 d after treatment. The thickened stratum corneum then sloughed off, but the epidermis remained acanthotic for the entire trial. Sweat glands and most sebaceous glands were destroyed by the treatment and were replaced by fibrotic, avascular tissue in the dermis. In all other respects the external appearance of the electron‐treated breech was similar to that of mulesed sheep. There were no apparent side‐effects of treatment. Neither mulesing nor electron treatment altered weight gains or fleece growth rates.
An anamnestic serological test for ovine footrot
Authors: WHITTINGTON RJ , MARSHALL DJ
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Following recovery from ovine footrot, a proportion of sheep in a flock may carry the causative organism and spread it to other sheep if environmental conditions are favourable. Footrot affected sheep have elevated levels of serum antibody against Bacteroides nodosus, but these levels decline rapidly after clinical recovery. When challenged by subcutaneous injection with 470 μg of protein extracted from the cell membrane of B. nodosus, without adjuvant, sheep that had recovered clinically from virulent footrot produced a marked increase in specific serum antibody within 7d, while antibody levels in footrot‐free sheep injected with the same antigen, and in saline injected controls, did not increase over a period of 25d. Artificial stimulation and serological detection of immune memory may be useful in footrot eradication programs by identifying sheep that have had clinical footrot infection. This procedure may be applicable to other diseases where antibody responses are inconsistent or transient.
Idiopathic atrial fibrillation in a champion Standardised racehorse
Authors: STEWART GA , FULTON LJ , McKELLAR CD
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Atrial fibrillation is described in a champion pacer which earlier had been named Australian Harness Horse of the Year as a 3‐year‐old in 1986–87. Prior to conversion atrial fibrillation had been present for at least 6 weeks, during which the horse had not raced.

Successful treatment was achieved with two 10g doses of quinidine sulphate per oesophageal tube, after slow digitalisation with intravenous digoxin over 4d. Four hours after commencement of quinidine therapy the arrhythmia had regressed to atrial flutter and converted to sinus rhythm 10 min later.

Considering his age, standard of racing and high reputation the horse's overall performance as a 5‐year‐old after conversion from atrial fibrillation appeared comparable to his previous performance as a 4‐year‐old before the disorder occurred. In one of the wins since his return to sinus rhythm, the horse recorded his fastest winning speed and created a new track record at the major Melbourne racetrack.

The absence of abnormalities of atrial and atrio‐ventricular conduction after the cessation of the arrhythmia, together with the horse's return to successful racing, indicate that this was case of atrial fibrillation occuring as a functional disorder without persistent atrial pathology
Permanent infertility in ewes exposed to plant oestrogens
Authors: ADAMS NR
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY In Australia, more than 1 million ewes have permanently damaged reproductive tracts because they have been grazed on oestrogenic pasture. These effects occur in the absence of classical clinical “clover disease”. The lesions result from an “organisational” action of oestrogen, causing a mild sexual transdifferentiation to occur in ewes during adult life, with the main lesion being found in the cervix. Diagnosis of the problem depends primarily on detection of the pathological changes, rather than history or clincial signs. On average, affected flocks have around a 10% increase in non‐pregnant ewes, but most farmers can achieve an acceptable lambing rate by increasing their management and feed inputs to produce more twin lambs. Agronomic approaches have been used in the past to combat “clover disease”, but further progress with the present problem may depend on the development of animal‐based solutions.
Effects of zeranol implants on post‐castration response in calves
Authors: ROBB TW , WOOD AD
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Suckling and yearling calves were surgically castrated and one half of each group implanted with 36 mg zeranol at time of castration. Both treated and control cattle of each class were maintained as a group and evaluated for swelling of the scrotum, inflammation and healing, plasma prostaglandin levels and weight gain.

Swelling and inflammation of the scrotum were less in treated suckling calves than in controls at both 7 and 14 d after castration, though this difference was not statistically significant. In yearlings at 7 d after castration, treated cattle had more swelling than controls; however at 14 d, treated cattle had less swelling and inflammation with only one treated yearling having an open scrotal wound versus 6 (P <.03) in the control group.

Plasma prostaglandin levels as indicated by plasma malondialdehyde increased from d 0 to 14; however no significant treatment differences were observed for either age group.

Suckling calves treated with zeranol gained 9.79 kg more (P <.03) than non‐treated calves during the 97 d of trial while the yearlings treated with zeranol gained 16.78 kg more (P <.01) than controls during 102 d.

It is concluded from the increased growth and reduced scrotal swelling and inflammation in treated cattle that zeranol implantation could possibly have a beneficial effect in improving the healing process after castration.
Yersiniosis in Farmed Deer
Authors: JERRETT IV , SLEE KJ , ROBERTSON BI
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Samples from 77 chital (Axis axis), 42 fallow (Dama dama), 26 red (Cervus elaphus), 7 rusa (Cervus timorensis) and 1 sambar deer (Cervus unicolor) were examined. Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infection was diagnosed as the cause of death in 6 (23%) of the red and 23 (30%) of the chital deer. Yersiniosis was the most common infectious cause of death diagnosed.

Affected deer were usually found moribund or dead, often with faecal staining of the perineum. Gross pathology in chital included a fibrinous enterocolitis, enlarged congested mesenteric lymph nodes and multiple pale foci through the liver. Gross changes in red deer were limited to intense congestion of the intestinal mucosa and enlargement and congestion of mesenteric lymph nodes.

Microscopic intestinal changes in both species consisted of microabscessation or diffuse suppurative inflammation of the intestinal mucosa with numerous bacterial colonies in the lamina propria. Multifocal suppurative mesenteric lymphadenitis was a common finding. Multifocal suppurative or non‐suppurative hepatitis was frequently present in the liver of chital but was uncommon in the red deer.

Yersiniosis occurred during the cooler months from June to November, with younger age classes most commonly affected. Y. pseudotuberculosis serotypes I, II and III were isolated in the ratio 17:3:0 in the chital deer and 1:1:2 in red deer. The clinical, epidemiological and bacteriological features are similar to those documented previously by New Zealand workers. The increased susceptibility to disease of red deer and chital compared to fallow deer and perhaps other species has not previously been documented.
Bovine citrullinaemia: a clinical, pathological, biochemical and genetic study
Authors: HEALY PJ , HARPER PAW , DENNIS JA
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Calves affected with citrullinaemia are clinically normal immediately after birth. In the majority of calves the clinical course of the disease was similar. Within 24 hours of birth they become depressed; then within 3 to 4 days were observed to wander aimlessly or stand with their head pressed against a wall or fence. By day 4 to 5 they become recumbent, developed convulsions, followed by collapse and death. Oedema of the cerebral cortex is a consistent histological lesion. Citrulline concentration in blood, cerebrospinal fluid, eye fluid and cerebral tissue is greatly elevated. Information gathered from pedigrees of affected calves indicate that the defect is widely disseminated throughout the Australian Friesian population.
Enteritis in sheep, goats and pigs due to Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infection
Authors: SLEE KJ , BUTTON C
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The features of naturally occurring Yersinia pseudotuberculosis serotype III infections in 16 sheep, one goat and 3 pigs, and Y. pseudotuberculosis serotype I infections in 3 goats, are described. Affected animals usually had diarrhoea and were in poor condition or emaciated. A number were moribund or dead when submitted for necropsy. Thickening of the caecal and colonic mucosa was the only gross lesion attributable to Y. pseudotuberculosis infection, with liver or other visceral abscesses not being seen. Characteristic microabscesses were demonstrated in the intestinal mucosa of 10 sheep, one goat and one pig infected with Y. pseudotuberculosis serotype III and one goat infected with Y. pseudotuberculosis serotype I.

Sheep, goats and pigs dosed orally with Y. pseudotuberculosis serotype III, the serotype isolated most commonly from these species, developed intestinal infection. In sheep and pigs, infection was accompanied by diarrhoea. Haematological changes and specific antibodies were elicited in all 3 species in response to infection. Microabscesses were seen in the intestinal mucosa of all experimentally exposed animals.

The occurrence of field cases and the results of experimental exposure confirm that Y. pseudotuberculosis serotype III is an enteropathogen of sheep, goats and pigs. The association of Y. pseudotuberculosis serotype I with lesions in a goat, indicates that this bacterium may also be a pathogen of this species.

It is concluded that Y. pseudotuberculosis serotype III is an enteric pathogen of a wide range of ungulate species including cattle, buffalo, deer, antelopes, sheep, goats and pigs. Serotypes I and II, while having a more restricted host range, are probably also pathogens of ungulates and, in particular, deer, antelopes and goats.
Serological response toActinobacillus pleuropneumoniaeserovar 7 infection in a commercial pig herd
Authors: GARDNER IA , BOSSÉ JT , SHELDRAKE RF , ROSENDAL S , JOHNSON RP
Published: March 2008

SUMMARYSerological responses toActinobacillus pleuropneumonlaeserovar 7 Infection were monitored by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in a cohort of 66 pigs between weaning and market. Antibody concentrations were high (63/65 seropositive) at 4 weeks of age but declined to low levels from 8 to 12 weeks. Mean antibody concentrations rose significantly (p<0.001) between 12 and 23 weeks. Between 8 and 23 weeks of age, 33 (51.5%) of 64 surviving pigs seroconverted toA pleuropneumoniaeserovar 7. Peak antibody concentrations in the seroconverting pigs usually (28/33) occurred at 23 weeks. Seroconversion toA pleuropneumoniaeduring the grower/finisher phase was not significantly associated (p>0.05) with passive antibody concentrations at 4 weeks of age, lack of vaccination againstMycoplasma hyopneumoniae, or weaning weight.

Pleuropneumonic lesions were evident at slaughter in 4 (6.3%) of 64 pigs.A pleuropneumoniaeserovar 7 was isolated from 2 of 4 lungs with pleuropneumonia and from another lung with lesions considered typical of enzootic pneumonia.
The isolation of salmonella from kangaroos and feral pigs processed for human consumption
Authors: BENSINK JC , EKAPUTRA IGMA , TALIOTIS C
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A total of 154 feral pig carcases and 81 kangaroo carcases were examined for the presence of Salmonella, coliforms and total aerobic counts. Approximately 34% of pig carcases yielded one or more serotypes of Salmonella, while about 11% of kangaroo carcases were contaminated with salmonella. The results differed widely between sampling occasions. A total of 13 serotypes were isolated from feral pigs with S. anatum (31 isolates) and S. typhimurium (9 isolates) being the predominant serotypes. Coliforms were isolated from approximately 90% of carcases. The mean log10 coliform count on feral pigs was 4.39 ± 1.45/g and the mean log10 total count was 6.15 ± 1.15/g. About 21% of carcases were contaminated with more than 100 000 coliforms/g. A total 3 serotypes were isolated from kangaroos (S. bahrenfeld, S. binza, and S. onderstepoort). The mean log10 coliform count on kangaroos was 3.54 ± 1.04. More than 50% of kangaroo carcases were contaminated with less than 100 coliforms/g. About 15% of carcases were contaminated with more than 10 000 coliforms/g. The mean log10 total count was 5.2 ± 1.01/g
Detection of Clostridium botulinum types C and D toxin by ELISA
Authors: THOMAS RJ
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY An ELISA to detect Clostridium botulinum type D toxin was developed using polyclonal antibodies to a semi‐purified toxic complex of the neurotoxin. Sensitivity of the ELISA for detecting type C and type D toxin compared with mouse inoculation was 70% and specificity 96% on samples from animals with botulism diagnosed on clinical signs and herd history. However, both mouse inoculation and the ELISA failed to detect toxin in many animals with a presumptive diagnosis of botulism. Some cross‐reaction was seen with Clostridium novyi type A, but not with other clostridial species. While the ELISA described here cannot replace mouse inoculation for the diagnosis of botulism, it is a useful additional test.
Seasonality of sarcoptic mange in pigs in South Australia
Authors: DAVIES PR , MOORE MJ , POINTON AM
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Retrospective analysis of records, from July 1987 to June 1991, of 1140 inspections of slaughtered pigs from 154 swine herds in the Pig Health Monitoring Scheme of South Australia was conducted to evaluate patterns of variation in the prevalence and severity of skin lesions typical of sarcoptic mange. An increase in the severity of sarcoptic mange in winter and spring was observed. There was a substantial reduction in the severity of mange over the period of monitoring. These observations support the role of monitoring at slaughter in the management of endemic disease. They provide some basis for refining control programs for mange to improve cost‐effectiveness.
Serological assessment of chlamydial infection in the koala by a slide EIA technique
Authors: UENO H. , MIZUNO S. , TAKASHIMA I. , OSAWA R. , BLANSHARD W. , TIMMS P. , WHITE N. , HASHIMOTO N.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A rapid and simplified slide enzyme immunosorbent assay (EIA) was developed for the diagnosis of chlamydial infection in the koala. HeLa 229 cells infected with koala strain
Chlamydia psittaci
were fixed on the surface of multiwell slides and used as the antigen. The assay consisted of first reacting koala antiserum with the fixed
C psittaci
antigen, followed by reaction with blotinylated rabbit anti‐koala IgG, ABC reagent and substrate. The chlamydial EIA antibody titres obtained were compared with those of a complement fixation (CF) test using koala strain
C psittaci
as antigen. Of 35 koala sera tested, 16 CF positive sera (≥1:8) also had a positive titre (≥1:200) in the slide EIA test (sensitivity 93.8%, 15/16). Nineteen CF negative sera were also negative in the slide EIA (specificity 100%, 19/19). Sixty‐eight samples of koala blood were collected by ear‐prick using a sampling paper method and were assayed by both tests. Sensitivity of the slide EIA was 100% (15/15) and specificity of the test was 96.2% (51/53). To simplify the slide EIA for use as a practical screening test, a 3‐point serum dilution series (1:100, 1:200, 1:400) was used. This 3‐point slide EIA was compared with the CF test using sheep strain chlamydial antigen. Thirty‐nine sera were assayed by both tests. The sensitivity of the 3‐point method was 85.7% (6/7) and the specificity was 71.9% (23/32) as compared with the sheep antigen CF test. Of the 10 koalas with discrepant results, 8 (slide EIA positive but sheep antigen CF negative) were either chlamydia positive in cell culture or had evidence of clinical symptoms. This suggests a significant superiority of the slide EIA for detecting infected animals as compared with the sheep antigen CF test. The 3‐point slide EIA was also applied to cephalic vein blood collected on sampling paper and good agreement was obtained in 25 of 26 (96.1%) samples when compared with those of serum samples. These results show that the slide EIA is at least equal to the koala antigen CF test, and significantly more sensitive than the sheep antigen CF test for the serological assessment of chlamydial infections in koalas.
BOOK REVIEWS
Authors: Alexander George
Published: March 2008

Book reviewed in this article:

Animal Warfare. The Story of the Animal Liberation Front. David Henshaw.

Congenital Malformations in Laboratory and Farm Animals. KT Szabo. Academic
Clinical features of ceroid lipofuscinosis in border collie dogs
Authors: STUDDERT VP , MITTEN RW
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Ceroid lipofuscinosis was diagnosed by hlstopathological and histochemical findings in 17 related border collie dogs and by clinical signs in 6 of their litter mates. Behavioural changes, first hyperactivlty and later aggression, commenced at 16 to 23 (mean 19.5) months of age. Motor abnormalities and blindness were observed at the mean ages of 20.8 and 21.2 months, respectively. All dogs were euthanased 1 to 6 months after the onset of clinical signs, mean age 23.1 months. Pedigree data supported an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance.
An evaluation of the cross‐protection afforded by inactivated infectious coryza vaccines
Authors: BLACKALL PJ
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The cross‐protection afforded by three inactivated infectious coryza vaccines was evaluated. Each vaccine contained one of the following strains of Haemophilus paragallinarum, HP31, HP60 and HP14. Strain HP31 belongs to Kume serovar C‐2, strain HP60 belongs to Kume serovar C‐4 while strain HP14 belongs to Kume serovar A‐4. Four groups of twenty six‐week‐old specific‐pathogen‐free chickens were either given a single dose of an aluminium‐hydroxide based vaccine (three groups) or left as unvaccinated controls. Three weeks after vaccination, all four groups were challenged with virulent H paragallinarum. One half of each group was challenged with the strain HP31 and the other half with strain HP60. The efficacy of the vaccines was assessed in terms of the prevention of the typical clinical signs and macroscopic lesions of infectious coryza as well as the prevention of any colonisation by the challenge organism. The serovar C‐2 and serovar C‐4 vaccines protected more than 50% of birds against either a serovar C‐2 or C‐4 challenge while the serovar A‐4 vaccine protected less than 50% of birds.
Diagnosis by ELISA of bovine abortion due to Campylobacter fetus
Authors: HUM S. , STEPHENS LR , QUINN C.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed to detect antigen‐specific secretory IgA antibody in bovine vaginal mucus after abortion due to Campylobacter fetus subsp venerealis. Abortions were diagnosed by isolating the organism from 8 foetuses and/or foetal membranes and by histopathology. Vaginal mucus was collected from 7 cows shortly after abortion. All showed a high level of IgA antibody in their vaginal mucus when they were compared with an uninfected control group. The new ELISA is simple and practical and provides a useful tool for diagnosis of bovine venereal campylobacteriosis.
Conception rates in European fallow does (Dama dama dama) following intrauterine insemination with frozen‐thawed semen from Mesopotamian fallow (Dama dama mesopotamica) and crossbred (Dama dama dama x Dama dama mesopotamica) bucks
Authors: MYLREA GE , EVANS G. , ENGLISH AW
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Ninety eight parous fallow does received laparoscopic intrauterine insemination of frozen‐thawed semen at one of 2 fixed intervals following oestrus synchronisation treatment. Semen was collected from a Mesopotamian (Dama dama mesopotamica) and a crossbred (F1) (Dama dama dama x Dama dama mesopotamica) fallow buck. Does were inseminated at either 56 or 66 hours after the removal of an intravaginal controlled internal drug releasing device. Eighty eight does received a single straw of frozen‐thawed semen containing a total of 50 times 106 spermatozoa, while the remaining 10 received split straws containing 25 times 106 spermatozoa. Overall, the use of F1 semen containing 50 times 106 spermatozoa resulted in a 68% (17/25) conception rate compared with the Mesopotamian semen, which resulted in a 41% (26/63) conception rate. Conceptions were also achieved using 25 times 106 spermatozoa of either Mesopotamian or F1 semen (3/8 versus 2/2, respectively). Overall, the conception rate was higher for F1 than Mesopotamian semen (P<0.025) and there was a significant interaction with time of insemination (P<0.05); for F1 semen there was no difference in conception rate at the 2 insemination times, but for Mesopotamian semen conception was significantly higher (P<0.005) following insemination at 66 hours than at 56 hours.
Lesions causing lameness requiring veterinary treatment in pasture‐fed dairy cows in East Gippsland
Authors: JUBB TF , MALMO J.
Published: March 2008

In 653 mature dairy cows examined for lameness between February 1987 and July 1988 there were 783 lesions identified. Most of these were located below the pastern (90.5%) and most lesions involved hindlimbs (79%). Of digital and interdigital lesions, hind limbs had the most lesions (69.2%). Medial digits of forelimbs were least affected (7.8%) and lateral digits of hindlimbs were the most affected (44.4%). Lateral digits of forelimbs were slightly more affected than medial digits of hindlimbs (17.0% vs 14.8%). Ten different types of lesions contributed to 84.5% of foot lameness. Most common were axial wall cracks (21.7%), underrun sole (14.6%), footrot (13.0%), punctured sole (9.3%) and white line disease (7.2%). Age, rainfall and the early lactation period were factors determining the incidence of lameness.
Genetic diversity among Australian and New Zealand isolates of Leptospira interrogans serovar pomona
Authors: SKILBECK N W , LYON M. , STALLMAN N.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Restriction endonuclease analysis of 16 Australian and 4 New Zealand Isolates of Leptospira interrogans serovar pomona showed that they could be divided into 3 genetic groups. Most of the isolates closely resembled the serovar kennewicki reference strain, and they all differed from the reference strain of serovar pomona. Based on these findings, It is suggested that vaccine manufacturers re‐evaluate their choice of serovar pomona vaccine strain.
The occurrence of Dirofilaria immitis in dogs in South Australia
Authors: COPLAND MD , O'CALLAGHAN MG , HAJDUK P. , O'DONOGHUE PJ
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Heart, lung and samples of blood from 230 dogs were examined for infections of filarial parasites. Dirofilaria immitis worms and microfilariae were detected in one dog. Blood samples from a further 1428 dogs were examined for microfilariae and 22 were found to be infected. Eighteen dogs were infected with D immitis microfilariae and four with Dipetolonema reconditum microfilariae. The histories were available for 18 of the dogs infected with heartworm and only seven dogs had not travelled outside South Australia. It was concluded that heartworm infection was endemic in South Australia but the apparent prevalence was only about 1%
Progressive ethmoidal haematoma in horses
Authors: LAING JA , HUTCHINS DR
Published: March 2008

Progressive ethmoidal haematoma was diagnosed in 12 Thoroughbreds, 1 part ‐ Arab and 1 stock horse. Ages ranged from 3 to 18 years and both males and females were affected. Diagnosis was based on history, clinical signs, endoscopic and radiographic findings, and was confirmed histologically in 10 cases. Eleven (78%) of the lesions were unilateral and 3 (22%) were bilateral.

Two horses were euthanased on diagnosis, 4 were treated conservatively. Of the latter, 3 were euthanased 6 to 24 months after diagnosis; due to progression of the lesions, while 1 case resolved completely within 13 months.

Eight horses were treated by surgical excision of the lesion. Three died in the postoperative period, 3 were euthanased within 48 months after recurrence of the condition, and 2 had no recurrence within 60 and 72 months, respectively.
Reconstruction of the parotid duct in a horse using an interposition polytetrafluoroethylene tube graft
Authors: KANNEGIETER NJ , ECKE P
Published: March 2008

A Thoroughbred gelding was referred for treatment of a parotid duct fistula. This had developed after the referring veterinarian had excised a portion of the duct, and ligated the proximal end, as a means of treating a recurring sialocoele. This report describes the successful surgical reconstruction of the excised 15 cm portion of the parotid duct using an interposition polytetrafluoroethylene tube graft.
The role of procaine in adverse reactions to procaine penicillin in horses
Authors: CHAPMAN CB , COURAGE P , NIELSEN IL , SITARAM BR , HUNTINGTON PJ
Published: March 2008

Procaine penicillin is a commonly used antibiotic in equine medicine but its use is associated with a substantial incidence of adverse reactions. Soluble procaine concentrations were determined by HPLC in several commercially available procaine penicillin preparations, including some that were involved in adverse reactions. The mean (±SEM) soluble procaine concentrations in the veterinary preparations was 20.18 ±5.07mg/ml, which was higher than the concentration in the only procaine penicillin preparation for use in humans in Australia of 7.3 mg/ml. Heating the veterinary procaine penicillin preparations to 50d̀C for 1 day led to a significant (P<0.01) increase in the amount of soluble procaine. Heating to 50d̀C for 7 days also produced a significant (P<0.02) increase. Soluble procaine tended to return to baseline concentrations when veterinary procaine penicillin preparations were heated to 50d̀C for 2 days then stored for 7 days at room temperature.

Administration of procaine HCI intravenously (IV) at 2, 5, and 10 mg/kg produced behavioural, locomotor and vascular reactions, which were clinically similar to those reported in adverse reactions to procaine penicillin. The more severe reactions occurred at higher doses, although different horses responded variably at the same dose. Some adverse reactions lead to recumbency but none were fatal. The blood procaine concentrations 1 min after IV administration averaged 19.0 ± 12.6 and 25.3 ± 16 ±mUg/ml at 2.5 mg/kg and 5 mg/kg, respectively. Ten min after administration, blood procaine concentrations were significantly higher (P<0.001) in the 5 mg/kg group than in the 2.5 μg/kg group. Intramuscular (IM) procaine HCI at 5 mg/kg produced significantly lower (P<0.001) blood concentrations than similar IV doses, and, in contrast to the IV doses, the amount of procaine in the blood was significantly higher 5 and 10 min after administration than it was after 1 min. Mild excitatory reactions in 4/5 horses were noted 5 to 10 min after IM administration. Administration of diazepam 20 s before procaine HCI prevented the excitatory adverse reaction in 2/2 horses, but administration after the procaine did not influence the outcome.
Locomotor effects in sheep of alkaloids identified in Australian Tribulus terrestris
Authors: BOURKE CA , STEVENS GR , CARRIGAN MJ
Published: March 2008

Fresh, mature, ungrazed Tribulus terrestris plant material was subjected to a standard alkaloid extraction procedure. The extract was fractionated by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Two major alkaloid fractions were demonstrated. These fractions were identified by means of TLC, ultraviolet spectrofluorimetry (UVS) and HPLC, as the beta‐carboline indoleamines harmane and norharmane. The extractable alkaloid content was determined to be 44 mg/kg dry matter. Synthetic harmane and norharmane were administered subcutaneously to sheep at a dose rate of 54 mg/kg. Both compounds caused similar nervous effects. The main effect observed was limb paresis, which in some sheep was body side biased. The clinical signs observed in the experimental sheep were consistent with those described for naturally occurring cases of Tribulus terrestris staggers. It was proposed that harmane and norharmane accumulate in tryptamine‐associated neurones of the central nervous system, during months of tribulus ingestion, and gradually interact irreversibly with a specific neuronal gene DNA sequence.
Risk characterisation and management of sewage sludge on agricultural land‐implications for the environment and the food‐chain
Authors: ROSS AD , LAWRIE RA , KENEALLY JP , WHATMUFF MS
Published: March 2008

The disposal of sewage wastes may cause severe environmental problems as was graphically demonstrated with pollution on Sydney's ocean beaches in recent years. Sewage sludges contain valuable plant nutrients and organic matter which can improve the fertility and structure of the soil. However, human parasites, pathogenic micro‐organisms and chemicals capable of causing soil contamination, phytotoxicity and residues in animal products may also be present.

Although sewage sludge is frequently spread on agricultural land overseas, it is not common in Australia and most states do not have specific regulations to minimise risk and promote good practice.

A sludge‐to‐land program began in the Sydney region in 1990. It follows guidelines written by NSW Agriculture to encourage beneficial agricultural use of sludge by adoption of environmentally sustainable practices. This article describes the major risks to the food‐chain and the environment, which may be associated with applying sewage sludge to agricultural land. It summarises how the risks are managed, and where further research data are required.
Effect of acepromazine, xylazine and thiopentone on factor VIII activity and von Willebrand factor antigen concentration in dogs
Authors: MANSELL PD , PARRY BW
Published: March 2008

The effect of acepromazine maleate, xylazine and thiopentone on the packed cell volume, plasma protein content, factor VIII activity and von Willebrand factor antigen concentration of blood was studied in normal dogs. The same variables were measured in dogs with haemophilia A given acepromazine maleate and thiopentone. Both the packed cell volume and plasma protein content decreased after the administration of either acepromazine maleate or xylazine. Values were not changed further after administration of thiopentone. Changes in the haemostatic variables measured were generally small. Consequently, blood samples collected from dogs under the influence of premedicant doses of acepromazine maleate or xylazine, and when subsequently anaesthetised with thiopentone, are adequate for the assay of factor VIII activity and von Willebrand factor antigen concentration for establishing an animal's haemophilia A and von Willebrand's disease status.
Causes of perinatal mortality in farmed fallow deer (Dama dama)
Authors: ENGLISH AW , MULLEY RC
Published: March 2008

The causes of perinatal mortality in farmed fallow deer in the Camden region of New South Wales were determined between 1982 and 1987. The results of 144 necropsies on fawns showed that anteparturient and parturient deaths occurred in 33 (22.9%) of cases, with postparturient deaths accounting for 99 (69.8%), and undiagnosed causes the remaining 12 (8.3%). The most common cause of postparturient death (43.1%) was exposure/starvation of fawns that had birthweights lower than the average for surviving fawns on these same farms (3.01 kg and 4.12 kg, respectively). These results provide good evidence of the correlation between low birthweight and perinatal mortality in fallow deer on Australian deer farms.
The gamma‐interferon assay for diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis in cattle: conditions affecting the production of gamma‐interferon in whole blood culture
Authors: ROTHEL JS , JONES SL , CORNER LA , COX JC , WOOD PR
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: The recently developed gamma‐interferon (IFN‐γ) assay system for the diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis in cattle has been accredited by the Standing Committee on Agriculture for use in Australla. In this test system, whole blood is incubated with tuberculin purified protein derivative (PPD) antigens for 16 to 24 h. The plasma is then collected and assayed for IFN‐γ production using an enzyme immunoassay (EIA). The assay system has proven to be a rapid, sensitive and inexpensive method for measuring antigen specific cell‐mediated reactivity when compared with the more traditional lymphocyte proliferation assay. The IFN‐γ assay is the first in‐vitro cellular assay to be used as a routine diagnostic test in veterinary medicine. While the IFN‐γ EIA has been optimised, several conditions affecting the production of IFN‐γ in whole blood culture needed investigation. We determined that optimal IFN‐γ production required the use of heparinised blood, cultured with 20 μg/ml of PPD within 8 h of collection. The use of blood collected post mortem resulted in reduced sensitivity for the assay. The kinetics of IFN‐γ release were established as were the effects of intradermal tuberculin testing on the IFN‐γ assay.