bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ANTHELMINTIC TREATMENT OF YOUNG BEEF CATTLE IN CENTRAL QUEENSLAND
Authors: Winks R.
Published: March 2008

The value of regular anthelmintic treatment of beef calves was assessed in two herds in central Queensland. In each herd groups of 31 suckling calves were observed. Control groups received no treatment, and treated groups received injectable trichlorphon either after rainfall exceeding 2 inches or monthly.

Regular faecal egg counts revealed moderate infestations with Haemonchus placei, Oesopha‐gostomum radiation, Cooperia spp, and Tricha‐strongylus spp. In one herd, the groups received 0, 7, and 14 treatments over a period of 15 months, and showed mean weight gains of 356, 355, and 365 lb respectively. In the second herd after 0, 6, and 12 treatments, the corresponding gains were 407, 415, and 419 lb. It was concluded that, in these circumstances, the anthelmintic treatment had no economic value.
AN IMPROVED METHOD FOR THE COLLECTION OF FAECAL SAMPLES FROM SHEEP
Authors: Swan R. A.
Published: March 2008

A light‐weight plastic faecal extractor and its use in the collection of faecal samples from sheep is described.
LAPAROTOMY IN EQUINE COLIC—A REPORT OF THIRTEEN CLINICAL CASES
Authors: Mason T. A. , Johnston D. E. , Wallace C. E. , Christie B. A.
Published: March 2008

A report of 13 unselected clinical cases of colic in horses which were submitted to laparotomy is presented, together with one case of experimental end‐to‐side anastomosis of the ileum into the caecum.

Cases are divided into acute or peracute with diverse aetiology, and subacute or chronic where all the lesions involved the small intestine.

The technique of anaesthesia and surgical procedures is described and emphasis is placed on the necessity of adequate fluid therapy in such cases.
HELMINTH AND ARTHROPOD PARASITES OF THE DOMESTIC CAT IN PAPUA AND NEW GUINEA
Authors: Talbot N.
Published: March 2008

A survey of the parasites found in 117 cats from the Port Moresby area of Papua and New Guinea is reported. The helminth species not previously recorded on the Australian mainland included Joyeuxiella pasquelei, Ancylostoma tubaeformae and Euparadistomum sp. The heart‐worm, Dirofilaria immitis, is a relatively common parasite of aged cats in the Territory. Arthropods decorded included two indigenous tick species lxodes confusus and Haemaphysalis noveguineae.
MYCOPLASMAS ISOLATED FROM CATTLE IN AUSTRALIA
Authors: Cottew G. S.
Published: March 2008

Ninety‐three mycoplasmas isolated in Australia from various pathological conditions in cattle and from healthy cattle were classified using the growth inhibition reaction. Eighty strains were placed in seven of the eight groups described by Leach (1967). The number of additional groups into which the 13 remaining strains may fall is not known.

Cross‐reactions not described previously were found between M. bovigenitalium and strains of group 7 (L2917).
TRANSMISSION OF FUSIFORMIS NODOSUS INFECTION FROM CATTLE TO SHEEP
Authors: Wilkinson F. C. , Egerton J. R. , Disckson J.
Published: March 2008

Three of twelve experimental sheep developed benign foot‐rot after grazing for three months with a steer infected with Fusiformis nodosus.

F. nodosus was isolated from the steer, and it had a similar protcolytic index to strains isolated from benign foot‐rot in sheep. Histological changes in the interdigital skin of the infected steer and sheep were similar. In both species F. nodosus, F. necrophorus and spirochaetes had invaded the epidermis. Chronic inflammation and hyperkeratosis were associated with this invasion.

The relevance of these findings to ovine foot‐rot eradication campaigns on properties where sheep graze with cattle is discussed.
AN OUTBREAK OF BOVINE ABORTIONS ASSOCIATED WITH LEPTOSPIROSIS
Authors: Knott S. G. , Dadswell L. P.
Published: March 2008

A severe abortion storm on a grazing property, in which 50% of Hereford cows aborted in 2 months, is described. Serological evidence suggested that the abortion storm was due to leptospirosis.

Epidemiological factors associated with the abortion storm were (a) introduction of infected cows into a susceptible population; (b) the practice of seasonal calving, which resulted in the susceptible population being in the last third of gestation when exposed to infection; and (c) environmental conditions suitable for the propagation of leptospira being coincident with the introduction of infection into the susceptible herd.
EFFECT OF SELENIUM ON WOOL PRODUCTION, BODY WEIGHT AND MORTALITY OF YOUNG SHEEP IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Authors: Gabbedy B. J.
Published: March 2008

The effect of regular selenium supplementation on the body weight, wool production and mortality of young Merino sheep was investigated. Groups of Se‐treated and control sheep involving from 260–500 on each of 15 farms were observed from six weeks to 19 months of age. Ten mg Se as sodium hydrogen selenite was administered orally to the treated sheep at two‐monthly intervals. Treated and control sheep grazed together throughout the trial period.

Statistically significant responses to selenium were recorded in body weight gains on four farms, in decreased mortality on five farms and as an increase in fleece weight on eight farms. The response in fleece weight varied from 2.9‐7.6% and could not be explained as a result of increased body weight.

The increase in fleece weight was not due to an increase of grease in the wool but appeared to be due to an increase in fibre diameter and to a lesser extent an increase in staple length.

A statistically significant decrease in the incidence of tender fleeces as a result of selenium supplementation was also recorded. All farms on which responses to selenium were obtained were in areas with average annual rainfall more than 20 inches.

On two farms selenium caused statistically significant depressions in the parameters measured. Both farms were in areas with less than 20 inches average annual rainfall.
THE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF BIRDSVILLE DISEASE OF HORSES
Authors: Hooper P. T. , Hart B. , Smith G. W.
Published: March 2008

In a feeding experiment with eight horses fed toxic levels of Indigofera dominii, the poisonous plant which caused Birdsville disease of horses, three of four supplemented with peanut meal and one supplemented with gelatin did not develop the disease. Two non‐supplemented control horses, one supplemented with peanut meal and another who was fed gelatin but rejected it, contracted Birdsville disease. This experiment, along with treatment trials in field cases is presented as evidence of the value of arginine‐rich protein supplement in protecting and treating horses against the toxic effects of Indigofera dominii. The possible mode of action is discussed.
INACTIVATION OF INFECTIOUS LARYNGOTRACHEITIS VIRUS BY DISINFECTANTS
Authors: Ellery B. W. , Howes D. W.
Published: March 2008

The effect of several commercial disinfectants on the infectivity of infectious laryngotracheitis virus was studied. Benzalkonium chlorides did not cause any detectable inactivation of the virus when their concentration was less than 0.001%, but at concentrations greater than 0.01% no surviving virus was detected.

At 0.00015% 2,4‐dichloro‐meta‐xylenol did not detectably inactivate virus, while no virus survived in the presence of 0.01% of the compound.

In the presence of 1% skim milk, ten times as much disinfectant was needed to inactivate the same amount of virus.

An anthelmintic and an anti‐histomonad had no detectable effect on virus infectivity at concentrations of 0.32% and 0.025% respectively.

The significance of the findings in relation to vaccination of poultry against infectious laryngotracheitis via drinking water is discussed.
PATHOGENICITY OF MYCOBACTERIUM INTRACELLULARE TO PIGS
Authors: Tammemagi L. , Simmons G. C.
Published: March 2008

The pathologic response of pigs to a strain of M. intracellulare serotype VI was investigated in three trials. Ten mg wet weight of the second subculture maintained on Löwenstein‐Jensen slopes produced a large number of tubercular nodules in the mesenteric lymph node of one pig infected orally, and similar lesions in the iliac lymph nodes of another pig following injection of the culture into the gluteal muscles. The lesions so produced were comparable with those recorded in the outbreak of tubercular lymphadenitis from which the above strain was isolated.

In two other trials, variable doses ranging from 1.3 to 63 mg wet weight Löwenstein‐Jensen, harvested from the fourth and fifths subculture of this strain, were administered to 13 pigs. The number and size of lesions produced were much smaller, and in several instances no gross or microscopic lesions were detected.

Further work is being done to investigate the factors resulting in decreased virulence of this strain of M. intracellulare for pigs.
PERINATAL LAMB MORTALITY IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA 3. Congenital Infections
Authors: Dennis S. M.
Published: March 2008

Infectious abortion was diagnosed on 14.5% of the 695 participating farms from 225 districts scattered throughout the agricultural area of Western Australia. Major congenital pathogens were diagnosed on 9.6% of the farms: vibriosis 48, listeriosis 14, brucellosis 4, toxoplasmosis 4, salmonellosis 2, and enzootic abortion was suspected on 1. Five abortions were due to concurrent infections. Vibriosis was the most important and widespread abortion disease in sheep in the State. Listeriosis, toxoplasmosis and brucellosis were diagnosed for the first time in Western Australia as a cause of abortion in 1963. Miscellaneous congenital pathogens were diagnosed on 4.9% of the farms; these were corynebacteria 12, streptococci 7, pasteurellae 5, staphylococci 3, E. coli 3, and other species 4. Forty‐four (6.3%) of the abortions were undiagnosed. It was concluded that congenital infections were widespread in the agricultural area of Western Australia and it was estimated that they were responsible for one‐fifteenth of the perinatal lamb mortality.
THE RADIOLOGICAL APPEARANCE OF STOMACH GAS IN THE DOG
Authors: Grandage J.
Published: March 2008

Stomach gas serves as an excellent radiographic contrast agent for outlining the gastric mucosa. Selection of a suitable posture, based on the principle of rising gas, coupled with an appropriate projection, enables demonstration of most of the lining of the stomach. By modification of the way in which a dog is laid on its left side it is possible to select whether the fundus or the pylorus is filled with gas.
A HISTORY OF THE EVENTS WHICH CULMINATED IN THE FIRST FACULTY OF VETERINARY SCIENCE IN AUSTRALIA
Authors: Clements M. A.
Published: March 2008

A few years ago the University did not cater for properly training the men who would have to conduct the industries of the country. During the past 7 years, however, it had established Schools of Agriculture, Education, Mining Engineering, and had made proper provision for the training of chemists and dentists. The last, and in some respects the greatest step, was the establishment of a School of Veterinary Medicine in connection with the University.*
OBSERVATIONS ON THE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF PORCINE PARVOVIRUS
Authors: JOHNSON R. H. , DONALDSON‐WOOD C. , JOD HAN Soo , ALLENDER U.
Published: March 2008

Evidence presented suggests that porcine parvovirus is highly stable and infective. Introduction of virus to susceptible herds results in 100% infection rate within the following 3 months. Active immunity is associated with high persistent levels of haemagglutination‐inhibitating (HI) antibody (> 256), piglets suckling immune sows acquiring HI titres between 10,000 and 40,000. Loss of passive immunity, measured by HI, occurs in a majority of pigs between 14 and 26 weeks of age (mean 21 weeks), whilst an average of 25% (2–47%) of pigs lose HI titres between 26 and 36 weeks of age. Susceptibility to challenge with virus does not occur until 3–5 weeks following loss of HI titres. In endemically infected herds 98–100% of adult pigs show serological evidence of active immunity.

A significant proportion of gilts may not be actively immune to porcine parvovirus at the time of first service, and subsequent infection may occur while these gilts are pregnant.
THE HISTOPATHOLOGY OF INFECTIOUS BRONCHITIS IN FOWLS INFECTED WITH A NEPHROTROPIC “T” STRAIN OF VIRUS
Authors: PURCELL D. A. , THAM V. L. , SURMAN P. G.
Published: March 2008

The histopathology of the infectious bronchitis caused by the Cumming “T” strain of virus is described in fowls exposed to infection by an aerosol method. Desquamation of the ciliated and glandular epithelium throughout the trachea was seen 24 hours after exposure to virus. This was followed by rapid proliferation presumably of residual basal cells with the production of a stratified undifferentiated epithelial covering. Small areas of the tracheal submucosa showed lymphocytic infiltration by the 4th day. Cilia were first observed in the regenerating epithelium on the 7th day when mucous cells were also seen to be numerous. Alveolar mucous glands developed over the following 4 days and by the 12th day regeneration appeared complete. Pulmonary lesions were generally not severe and the air sacs were only slightly oedematous for 4 days following exposure.

Necrosis of a few tubules scattered throughout the kidneys was seen on the 4th day. By the 6th day cystic tubules containing epithelial debris and polymorphonuclear leukocytes were prominent in both cortex and medulla and necrotic tubules were scattered throughout the kidneys. PAS positive granules were present in the renal tubular epithelium and were most pronounced in the distal convoluted tubules. Infiltration of the interstitium by lymphocytes and plasma cells was generally marked on the 7th day. The cytoplasm of these plasma cells was strongly PAS positive and such cells were most numerous on the 12th and 13th days after exposure and then their numbers rapidly declined. Regeneration of tubular epithelium was advanced by the 10th day and much of the cell debris had been cleared from the lumina of the tubules. What appeared to be compressed areas were seen in the cortex from the 13th day where glomeruli and tubules were numerous through considerably reduced in size. These were not seen after the 35th day, however an occasional lymph nodule persisted in the intersitium.
PREWEANING MORTALITY IN THE PIG
Authors: Glastonbury, J. R. W.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Post‐mortem examinations were performed on 180 piglets which died before, during or immediately after parturition. They were classified as follows: anteparturient deaths 13%; parturient deaths 75%; immediate postparturient deaths 12%.
THE INHERITANCE OF HEART SCORE IN RACEHORSES
Authors: Steel, J. D. , Beilharz, R. G. , Stewart, G. A. , Goddard, M.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Heart scores derived from the ECG's recorded from sires, dams and progeny have been used to determine the heritability of heart size in Thoroughbred and Standard‐bred horses. Regression of progeny on male parents gave an average heritability of about 0.4. The heart scores of progeny reflected the heart scores of dams more closely than those of sires. Although this result raises questions which cannot be answered completely from the data available, the heritability estimate of 0.4 should enable breeders to improve heart size by simple selection of breeding stock on heart score. The greater influence of dams on heart score could involve sex differences, maternal environmental factors and possibly sex‐linkage. In addition, in the population studied there was unequal selection of sires and dams. Critical selection of mares seems to offer the largest potential for improvement in the future, but this will be inhibited by practical restraints on the culling of the brood mare population.
PREWEANING MORTALITY IN THE PIG
Authors: Glastonbury, J. R. W.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The relative Importance of the various causes of preweaning mortality in the pig was determined from the results of autopsy and laboratory examinations on 718 animals. Conditions associated with parturition accounted for 25.1% of the losses, while physical factors (33.0%), starvation (12.8%) and septicaemia (10.9%) were the most common causes of death in piglets which were born alive. In contrast enteric diseases, viral infections, genetic conditions and various miscellaneous diseases played a relatively minor part.
TRICHOMAS INFECTION IN A BULL — AN APPARENT CHANGE IN SEROTYPE OF THE INFECTING ORGANISM
Authors: Wosu, L. O.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Routine serotyping of T. foetus Isolates from a bull and infected cows showed that the strain in the bull had apparently changed from var. brisbane to var. belfast over a period of 4 months between tests. The significance of this change in the predominance of one serotype over another in mixed infections in vitro and in herds was discussed. The report indicates that the phenomenon should be considered in studies on the epidemiology of trichomoniasis.
MODIFICATIONS OF THE McMASTER WORM EGG COUNTING METHOD
Authors: Mines, J. J.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Modifications of the McMaster egg counting technique are presented and discussed including the breaking up of hard faecal pellets, removal of air bubbles prior to counting, avoidance of salt spillage on the counting microscope and the use of sodium azide for preventing development of nematode eggs in field samples.
THE IDENTIFICATION OF BABESIA EQUI IN AUSTRALIA
Authors: Mahoney D. F. , Wright I. G. , Frerichs W. M. , Groenendyk S. , O'Sullivan B. M. , Roberts M. C. , Waddell A. H.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A Babesia parasite, isolated from the blood of a horse at Bowral, New South Wales, was identified on the basis of its morphological features, host specificity and serological reactions, as Babesia equi (Laveran 1901). The case was originally reported by Churchill and Best (1976, Aust Vet J52: 487) and is the first record of equine babesiosis In Australia. In preliminary studies, the organism produced only a mild disease in an intact horse, but caused the typical clinical syndrome of acute babesiosis in a splenectomised horse, which died 19 days after the intravenous inoculation of the parasites.
BOVINE VIBRIOSIS VACCINATION
Authors: Johns D. R. , Mater R. J. , Medveczky N. E.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY An adjuvant vaccine was prepared from an Australian isolate of Campylobacter fetus subsp fetus biotype intermedius and injected into 23 virgin Guernsey heifers. Ten nonvaccinated animals served as controls. When challenged by the intravaginal route with a culture of either the homologous strain or biotype venerealis, weekly swabs from the anterior vagina continued to yield either biotype in 8 of 10 nonvaccinates at 6 weeks as compared with 3 of 23 vaccinates.

Serology in vaccinated heifers and rabbits showed that the vaccine produced high titres of antibody against both homologous and heterologous strains.
TREATMENT OF DIAPHRAGMATIC HERNIA IN BUFFALOES
Authors: Singh J. , Prasad B. , Kumar R. , Kohli R. N. , Rathor S. S.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The surgical treatment of diaphragmatic hernia attempted on 19 lactating buffaloes is described. Thirteen cases recovered uneventfully, 1 recovered after developing brisket oedema and 5 died, 3 during surgery and 2 postoperatively. The desired depth of anaesthesia was achieved by the administration of 6% chloral hydrate followed by 5% thiopentone sodium. A postxiphoid approach and the use of a continuous lock stitch suture were preferred to repair the vent in the diaphragm. Pre‐ and post‐operative use of hydrocortisones and fluids and sufficient tissues oxygenation by controlled positive pressure respirration are believed to be keys to the success of the treatment adopted.
THE EFFECT OF EPERYTHROZOON OVIS INFECTION ON THE GLUCOSE LEVEL AND SOME ACID‐BASE FACTORS IN THE VENOUS BLOOD OF SHEEP
Authors: Sutton R. H.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Eperythrozoon ovis infected sheep have low venous blood glucose levels and correspondingly increased blood lactic acid levels as compared with control sheep. Acid‐base studies showed that these changes were accompanied by significant falls in venous pH, and standard bicarbonate as well as a negative base excess. All these changes were considered to result from the increased glycolytic activity of infected erythrocytes. The acidosis and hypoglycaemia associated with E. ovis infection, while not having any apparent effect on young, well‐fed sheep, could be potentially serious in pregnant ewes and in sheep on a low plane of nutrition.
ELECTIVE CAESAREAN OPERATION IN HEREFORD CATTLE
Authors: Sloss V. , Dufty J. H.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY An elective left flank Caesarean operation was performed on 56 Hereford cattle and the influence of various surgical techniques on the postoperative progress assessed.

A paravertebral nerve block produced effective analgesia in all layers of the abdominal wall of all cattle. In contrast, tissue infiltration, in the form of an inverted L block, did not produce analgesia of the peritoneum and was generally only partly effective in the muscle layers of fat animals.

The use of a spasmolytic drug facilitated handling of the uterus. Xylazine, when given to unmanageable animals, noticeably increased uterine tone even when used in conjunction with a spasmolytic.

Three animals (5.4%) died from generalised peritonitis. Peritoneal adhesions developed in 29 animals (51.8%) and minor wound dehiscence and/or suture infection occurred in 8 animals (14.1%). Postoperative subcutaneous emphysema developed in 23 cattle (41%). The absence of sutures in the peritoneum was associated with a significant increase in the occurrence of subcutaneous emphysema. Although the prevalence of retained foetal membranes was high this did not seem, to influence the postoperative progress of the animal.
FAILURE OF VACCINE STRAINS OF BABESIA BOVIS TO REGAIN INFECTIVITY FOR TICKS DURING LONG‐STANDING INFECTIONS IN CATTLE
Authors: Dalgliesh R. J. , Stewart N. P.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Two strains of Babesia bovis that were known to have lost infectivity for the normal tick vector, Boophilus microplus, due to repeated blood passaging in cattle, were studied to determine whether the strains would regain infectivity for ticks during longstanding infections. Parasitaemlas were monitored in 4 chronically infected calves that were regularly infested with ticks. Two strains of ticks known to be susceptible to infection with unmodified strains of B. bovis were used. Adult female ticks that dropped from the calves on days that a parasitaemia was evident were tested for B. bovis infection. Sixty‐six batches of ticks collected up to 279 days after infection of the calves produced 14 pools of larvae, none of which transmitted infection. Primary infections established from the chronic infections by subinoculation at 200, 259 and 333 days after infection of the calves were also not transmitted by ticks.
THE NEW SOUTH WALES MASTITIS CONTROL PROGRAM
Authors: Mylrea P. J. , Hoare R. J. T. , Colquhoun Patricia , Links I. J. , Barton R. J. Richards Mary
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Bacteriological examinations were made on quarter samples from cows in 35 herds over a 3 year period to monitor the response in a mastitis control program.

Initially, Staphylococcus aureus predominated in 32 of the herds and the mean herd prevalence was 26%. The control measures halved this rate but there was considerable variation in response between herds. The decline occurred rapidly and there was a significant reduction (P < 0.01) by 3 months.

Streptococcus agalactiae predominated in 3 herds and the overall infection rate was 4.9%. Control measures eliminated the infection completely from most herds but re‐infection occurred in 2 herds. The greatest decline occurred in the first 6 months and was significant (P < 0.05).

The measures had little effect upon Str. uberis and Str. dysgalactiae which remained fairly consistently at low levels.

Initially, strains of Staph. aureus resistant to penicillin were dominant in most herds. In a minority of herds strains resistant to streptomycin predominated and in these herds there was a concurrent resistance to penicillin. These patterns did not change greatly over the control period. Resistance by Str. agalactiae to streptomycin occurred in most herds at the start of the program.
STUDIES ON NEMATODE INFECTIONS OF BEEF CATTLE IN NEW SOUTH WALES
Authors: Smeal M. G. , Hotson I. K. , Mylrea P. J. , Jackson A. R. , Campbell N. J. , Kirton H. C.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: The occurrence and seasonal trends of nematode parasite infections in beef cattle on the Tablelands and North Coast regions of New South Wales are described, based on warm counts from 627 spring‐born steers slaughtered at 2‐monthly intervals from 6 to 24 months of age.

The predominant parasites were Ostertagia ostertagi, Trichostrongylus axei and Cooperia spp.

Large burdens of adult Ostertagia were seen in 12‐month‐old animals in late winter and early spring, and later in 18‐ to 20‐month‐old cattle in the following late summer and autumn. These infections often resulted in outbreaks of clinical parasitism. Massive numbers of inhibited early fourth stage larvae (EL4) also accumulated in the yearlings during their first spring, reached peaks in mid‐summer and then declined. The possibility of their resumption of development to mature worms in the late summer and autumn period is discussed.

Adult T. axei showed a similar seasonal trend to Ostertagia and may have increased the severity of outbreaks of clinical disease.

Cooperia populations of EL4 and adult worms were highest in weaners during winter, but lower numbers thereafter indicated a strong resistance to re‐infection. In addition, Haemonchus placei occurred frequently on the North Coast both as EL4 and adults in cattle of all ages up to 20 months.

Of the other cattle nematodes, Oesophagostomum radiatum and Trichuris spp occurred in low numbers, mainly in weaners. Bunostomum phlebotomum and H. contortus occurred sporadically on the North Coast and Tablelands respectively. Intestinal Trichostrongylus spp, Oesophagostomum venulosum and Dictyocaulus viviparus were seen occasionally and Nematodirus spp were not seen.

There was a poor relationship between worm counts and faecal egg counts. Cooperia spp dominated the egg counts, while those for other genera were generally low and did not reflect the relative abundance or seasonal changes in worm numbers.
TRANSMISSION OF A MUCOSAL DISEASE VIRUS INFECTION BETWEEN SHEEP
Authors: Plant J. W. , Gard G. P. , Acland Helen M.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: The transmission of mucosal disease virus (MDV) from infected ewes and their lambs to susceptible sheep was investigated. MDV was recovered from the amniotic fluid of an infected pregnant ewe and from the blood, nasal swabs and urine of hairy lambs. MDV infection was transmitted either at lambing, from infective foetal fluids or lambs, or later as a result of contact with a surviving hairy lamb. Adult sheep and 12‐months‐old sheep were less readily infected than were newborn lambs.

Pregnant ewes were infected by contact with a hairy lamb and either aborted or gave birth to an infected hairy lamb. A method to minimise spread of the infection in the field is suggested.
EPIDEMIC ADENOVIRUS INCLUSIONS BODY HEPATITIS OF THE CHICKEN IN AUSTRALIA
Authors: Wells R. J. H. , Westbury H. A. , Harrigan K. E. , Coleman G. D. C. , Beilharz R. G.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY: The occurrence of inclusion body hepatitis (IBH) on 11 properties in Australia is described. The 6 Victorian cases occurred between 1967 and 1973 and were identified as incidental findings accompanying other diseases or occurred as ill‐defined, minor economic disease episodes. In well‐managed flocks the extra mortality attributable to IBH was as low as 1.8% which represented a 50% increase in total mortality. The 1973 epidemic in New South Wales on 5 related farms resulted in flock mortality of 8.4% to 32.3% and an average mortality of 19.5% of 814,000 birds. For uninfected flocks of 307,000 birds the average mortality was 8.5%. Higher mortality in male flocks was statistically highly significant as was lowered efficiency of feed conversion. Growth rate in both sexes was depressed by about 0.15 kg in 70 days and heavy downgrading at processing occurred. Secondary infections were important.

The cardinal features of IBH were a fatal necrotising hepatitis with Cowdry type‐A intranuclear inclusion body formation; secondary bacterial infections were also important causes of loss.
PARTURIENT PARESIS OF COWS: BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVELS
Authors: Fenwick D.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY During 1967, 1968 and 1969, blood samples were taken from 83 cows affected by parturient paresis. Whole blood glucose estimations were made on these samples. The range was 1.33 to 10.22 mmol/1 with an average of 3.94 mmol/1. Eighteen cows known to have been affected less than 4 hours had average levels of 3.06 ± 1.11 mmol/1. All (except one) “previously untreated” cows with levels less than 3.33 mmol/1 were on their feet within 10 minutes whereas cows with higher levels than this had a 28.6% delayed recovery rate.

The evidence suggests that low levels have no clinical significance but that higher levels are significant in that they occur as a result of prolongation of attacks of parturient paresis.
HYPERLIPAEMIA IN PONIES
Authors: Gay C. C. , Sullivan N. D. , Wilkinson J. S. , Mclean J. D. , Blood D. C.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The case histories and clinical findings of 15 ponies with hyperlipaemia are presented. The disease was characterised by hyperlipidaemia with inappetance, progressing somnolence, muscle fasciculation, diarrhoea, and ventral oedema as the predominant clinical findings. Post mortem examinations of 12 ponies showed extensive lipidosis and vascular thrombosis with widespread secondary changes. Most cases occurred in late pregnant and early lactating mares in the summer months and it is postulated that the disease was initiated in this group by a falling nutritional plane in the face of high nutrient requirements.
EFFICACY OF OXFENDAZOLE AGAINST AN OVINE ISOLATE OF BENZIMIDAZOLE RESISTANT HAEMONCHUS CONTORTUS
Authors: Kistner T. P. , Wyse D.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Eighteen parasite‐free sheep were each infected with 6000±25 infective larvae of the AH‐2, benzimidazole‐resistant strain of Haemonchus contortus on each of experimental days ‐27, ‐15, ‐8 and ‐1. The sheep were subsequently randomized into 3 groups of 6 sheep each. Group 1 served as untreated controls; Groups 2 and 3 were treated orally with oxfendazole at dose levels of 5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg body weight, respectively. At both dosage levels, oxfendazole was 100% effective against third, fourth, early fifth, and adult stages of the worms.
TESTICULAR PATHOLOGY OF MERINO RAMS
Authors: Watt D.A.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The scrotal contents of 2,281 Merino rams of wide age range examined at 3 abattoirs in Perth, Western Australia, showed a 40% prevalence of rams with 1 or more gross lesions.

The percentage prevalence of gross lesions found on autopsy were: adhesions 21, testicular atrophy/hypoplasia 14, testicular calcification 13, congenital cyst of the epididymis 6, cryptorchidism 4, chronic epididymitis/scrotal abscesses 2, varicocoele 2, testicular aplasia1, seminoma1. The prevalence of lesions increased with age of rams.

Testicular atrophy was often present when varicocoele, chronic epididymitis and scrotal abscess affected that side of the scrotal sac.

Corynebacterium spp was the most frequent isolate from chronic epididymitis. Actinobacillus seminis was isolated once and Brucella ovis was not isolated.

About 20% of the rams showed lesions compatible with a diagnosis of reproductive unsoundness. A large proportion of lesions were revealed only after removal of the scrotum and most of these did not appear to affect normal spermatogenesis except for an estimated 9% of rams, which showed mild atrophy/hypoplasia. Samples of these testes showed mild to moderate changes in spermatogenesis on histopathology. It was postulated that the latter group of rams might represent those ill‐defined clinical cases which show equivocal results on appraisal of semen samples despite the presence of palpably normal testes.
ADMINISTRATION OF A VACCINE PREPARED FROM THE AUSTRALIAN V4 STRAIN OF NEWCASTLE DISEASE VIRUS BY AEROSOL AND DRINKING WATER
Authors: Kim S. J. , Spradbrow P. B.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY An experimental vaccine containing the avirulent Australian V4 strain of Newcastle disease virus was used to vaccinate 3‐ or 6‐week‐old chickens by aerosol and drinking water application. The chickens lacked maternally derived antibody to Newcastle disease virus.

When the vaccine virus was diluted in tap water more than 90% of the infectivity was destroyed immediately. The addition of 0.25% skim milk prevented this loss and there was no loss in distilled water. Rates of inactivation at 37°C were similar in tap water and distilled water and were unaffected by the addition of skim milk.

Both methods of vaccination resulted in the production of haemagglutination‐inhibition antibodies which persisted for at least 8 to 12 weeks. The antibody response to aerosol vaccination was significantly better than that following drinking water vaccination. No clinical disease was induced by exposure to vaccine virus.

Serum neutralisation antibodies paralleled those detected by haemagglutination‐inhibition in chicks vaccinated once by drinking water. After revaccination through the drinking water, haemagglutination‐inhibition antibodies were boosted temporarily while neutralising antibodies were maintained at an enhanced level.

From chickens vaccinated by aerosol, Newcastle disease virus was recovered for 10 days from lungs and for 7 days from tracheas and caecal tonsils. Peak viraemia was detected 2 and 3 days after vaccination while both neutralising and haemagglutination‐inhibition antibodies became detectable 5 days after vaccination.
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A LABORATORY COLONY OF IXODES HOLOCYCLUS
Authors: Goodrich B. S. , Murray M. D. , Holmes P. R.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A laboratory colony capable of producing annually 3000 female Ixodes holocyclus was maintained for 3 years. Guinea‐pigs were used for larval feeding and bandicoots for nymphs and adults. The methods and equipment employed are described in detail.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN VACCINATION AGAINST BOVINE BRUCELLOSIS*
Authors: Alton G. G.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Recent research in vaccination against bovine brucellosis has been directed towards reducing the serological response to vaccination and to developing serological tests better able to distinguish vaccinal titres from those resulting from field infection. In the case of strain 19 vaccination, developments such as reducing the dose of vaccine and improving serological tests have so reduced the serological response as to allow adult vaccination to be carried out in combination with eradication by test and slaughter.

B. abortus 45/20 vaccine is being increasingly used as a combined diagnostic aid and protective agent. Progress has been made in identifying antibodies produced in response to this vaccine.
BOVINE HERPESVIRUS 1 ‐ INFECTION OF THE UPPER ALIMENTARY TRACT OF CATTLE AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH A SEVERE MORTALITY
Authors: Rogers R. J. , Knott S. G. , Eaves F. W. , Clague R. C.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A severe cattle mortality in which 132 out of 340 animals died on a property in southern Queensland was investigated. Clinical signs shown by affected animals included fever, inappetance, depression, lethargy, salivation, diarrhoea, ataxia, and ulceration of the oral cavity. The most common lesions seen at autopsy of 6 affected animals were ulceration of the tongue, gums, dental pad and buccal mucosa, linear ulceration of the caudal third of the oesophagus, mild catarrhal enteritis and necrosis of lymph nodes draining areas of ulceration.

Bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BHV 1) was isolated from 3 out of 5 animals from which virus isolation was attempted. BHV 1 was recovered from oesophageal ulcers, retropharyngeal lymph nodes, blood clot, and swabs from ulcers in the oral cavity but not from spleen, liver or mesenteric lymph node. Serum neutralising (SN) antibody to BHV 1 was detected in 4 out of 12 affected animals in the second of paired serum samples but not in the first. Mucosal Disease (MD) virus was not recovered from any of 17 animals from which isolation was attempted but moderate MD SN titres, without a rise on paired sera, were detected in affected animals.

Fever, depression, inappetance, ulceration of the upper alimentary tract, and adrenal necrosis were produced in 2 susceptible animals following inoculation with third passage cell culture fluid containing BHV 1. A serological response to BHV 1, but not to MD virus was detected in one of the cattle infected experimentally.
PRIMARY OSTEOSARCOMA OF THE STERNUM OF A DOG
Authors: Atwell R. B. , Seiler R.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Primary osteosarcoma of the fifth sternebra is reported in a 6‐year‐old male Great Dane. Presenting signs were suggestive of myocarditis and pulmonary congestion. Electrocardiography revealed R waves of low and variable amplitude and the plasma a‐hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase level was elevated. Radiography revealed neoplasia of the fifth sternebra with extensive bilaterial pulmonary metastases. Histologically the neoplasmshowed typical osteosarcoma with plentiful osteoid production.
CHRONIC METHYLMERCURIALISM IN THE CAT
Authors: Gruber T. A. , Costigan P. , Wilkinson G. T. , Searight A. A.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The mercury levels in 69 muscle samples from fish weighing from 0.3 to 200 kg caught in Moreton Bay, Queensland, in the latter half of 1976 ranged from 10 to 2,030 ng/g.

Mercury levels in blood samples from 53 humans and 100 dogs in Brisbane almost all contained 10 ng/ml while the level in 162 cats sampled ranged from 10 to 329 ng/ml.

Chronic methylmercurialism developed in 2 cats dosed daily with methylmercury, bound to cysteine, at the rate of 0.6 mg/kg body weight for 74 and 77 days respectively. Terminal clinical signs included anorexia, weight loss, knuckling over at the carpus and tarsus. hypermetria initially involving the forelegs and later the hindlegs, sluggish reflexes, paresis involving all limbs, persistent crying, apparent blindness, tonic and clonic convulsions and salivation. Pathological changes were confined to the nervous system and included degeneration of neurones and perivascular cuffing in the cerebrocortical grey matter, focal atrophy of the granular layer, focal sponglosus of the molecular layer and degeneration and loss of Purkinje cells in the cerebellum and demyelination in the fibre tracts of the dorsal funiculus, mainly the fasciculus cuneatus and in the lateral and ventral corticospinal tracts. Terminal blood methylmercury levels were in excess of 18 μg/ml, while brain methylmercury levels ranged from 21.0 to 28.4 μg/g. The liver and kidney contained the highest total levels of mercury of 50 to 80 μg/g, of which 23 to 37% was inorganic.
EFFECTS OF XYLAZINE HYDROCHLORIDE ON URINE IN CATTLE*
Authors: Thurmon J. C. , Nelson D. R. , Hartsfield S. M. , Rumore C. A.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Urine volume, urine pH, and urine glucose concentration were monitored for up to 24 hours after physiological saline or one of two dosage levels (0.22 mg/kg or 0.44 mg / kg) of xylazine was administered to cows. During the first 2 hours after xylazine was given. urine output was greatly increased (relative to the control animals), with the high dosage group having more output than the low dosage group. The influence of the drug on urine volume had ended by 5 hours after injection when urine output in both dosage groups had returned to that of the control group.

Glucose was detected in the urine of xylazine treated animals, beginning at 15 to 30 minutes after injection, reached a maximun at 2 hours, and was undetectable at 5 to 6 hours. Urine pH decreased in control and treated animals, but in treated animals the pH began to increase 2 hr after treatment.
CROSS‐TRANSMISSION OF STRONGYLE NEMATODES BETWEEN MACROPODS AND DOMESTIC STOCK
Authors: Smales Lesley R. , Mawson Patricia M.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Surveys were made of the worm burdens of feral goats, possums and Kangaroo Island Wallabies from places where macropods and ungulates graze together. Sheep and rabbits were experimentally infected with Labiostrongylus eugenii, a strongyle of the Kangaroo Island Wallaby. Neither of these investigations gave any evidence to suggest that cross‐transmission of strongyles between macropods and domestic stock could occur.
SPLENECTOMY IN THE HORSE
Authors: Roberts M. C. , Groenendyk S.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Splenectomy was successfully performed on 2 aged horses to facilitate experimental studies of Babesia equi infection. Resection of part of the 17th rib provided the most acceptable approach and avoided many complications encountered on removing part of the 16th rib.
EVALUATION OF NEW AND CURRENTLY USED DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES FOR BOVINE BRUCELLOSIS
Authors: Sutherland S. S. , Cras D. V. Le
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY The indirect haemolysis test (IHLT) and the rough antigen complement‐fixation test (RCFT) were compared with several conventional tests using serum samples from 9 cows known to be infected with Brucella abortus. In 7 cows all the tests except the RCFT (which was developed to detect antibodies resulting from 45/20 vaccination) became positive and remained so until the cows were autopsied 6 months after infection. In the other 2 cows the Rose Bengal test was occasionally negative and the titre of the serum agglutination test only reached 100 iu briefly. The routine complement‐fixation test, the IHLT and the anti‐bovine globulin test reached diagnostic levels at most of the weekly test intervals but occasional low titres occurred in them all. Only very low or negative titres were detected by the RCFT.
A COMPARISON OF 4 SEROLOGICAL TESTS IN THE DETECTION OF HUMORAL ANTIBODIES TO ANAPLASMOSIS IN CATTLE
Authors: Wilson A. J. , Trueman K. F. , Spinks G. , McSorley A. F.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A capillary agglutination (CA), a complement fixation (CF), a plate agglutination (PT) and an indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) test to detect humoral antibodies to Anaplasma marginale are described. Serums from 3, 4 or 5 groups of cattle were used to examine the efficiency of the tests.

Agreement between all 4 tests was 86.6%. Agreement between pairs of tests was greater. The CF test was the most sensitive while the PT test was the least sensitive. However the PT could be carried out very rapidly and was suggested as the best screening test, providing improved antigen preparation techniques could increase sensitivity.

The CA, CF and IFA tests all showed a stronger homologous antibody reaction when A. marginale antigen was tested against serums obtained from cattle infected with either A. marginale or A. centrale. Antibodies in the A. marginale serums were first detected by day 7 post‐inoculation, rose to a peak around day 29 and were still present on day 200. Antibodies in the A. centrale serums were first detected by day 29 rose to a peak around day 50 and had disappeared by day 150.
TOXICITY OF LEUCAENA LEUCOCEPHALA
Authors: Jones R. J. , Blunt C. G. , Nurnberg B. I.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Steers fed a sole diet of Leucaena leucocephala cv. Peru (leucaena), rapidly developed a hypothyroid condition. Total serum thyroxine (T4) levels declined from c 120 n mol litre‐1 to 13 n mol litre‐1 within six weeks of full leucaena feeding. Associated with the hypothyroidism was a decline in feed intake, poor weight gain, hair loss, excessive salivation and the development of lesions on the oesophagus of some animals. Light steers (119 kg) were more severely affected than heavy steers (220 kg) and two light steers died.

During the eight week period of full leucaena feeding animals gained only 0.18 kg head‐1 day‐1 compared with 0.73 kg head‐1day‐1 for steers fed cowpea (Vigna sinensis) hay.

Supplementation with minerals (Fe, Cu, Zn) significantly increased mean daily intake (85.4 v 68.9 g/kg0.75), daily liveweight gain, (334 v 14 g), and serum T3 resin uptake (42.5 v 39.6%); decreased hair loss and skin lesions but did not alleviate the low serum T4 levels.

lodine supplementation did not affect intake, bodyweight gain, serum T4 levels, serum T3 uptake or toxicity scores compared with unsupplemented leucaena fed steers.

When the leucaena fed animals were subsequently fed cowpea hay, appetite improved and the serum T4 levels returned to normal within two weeks. For the heavy steers over this period, weight gain was similar to the controls; however, the light steers continued to gain poorly.
PREGNANCY RATES AND NON‐RETURN RATES FOLLOWING ARTIFICIAL AND NATURAL BREEDING IN DAIRY HERDS
Authors: Williamson N. B. , Morris R. S. , Anderson G. A.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY Information routinely supplied during the conduct of a dairy herd health program was analysed to evaluate the performance of artificial breeding in Victoria. A comparison was made between 60 to 90‐day non‐return rates (supplied by artificial breeding centres) and pregnancy rates (determined by manual pregnancy diagnosis) for first artificial inseminations in 108 herd years in which both items were available in the 1973 and 1974 breeding seasons. The values were 69.3% and 58.2% respectively (P <0.001).

Non‐return rates and conception rates were found to decline as herd size increased. Pregnancy rates to first artificial and natural services did not differ significantly from each other but pregnancy rates were significantly more variable to natural than artificial service (P < 0.001). The mean pregnancy rate to artificial insemination for all herd years studied was 57.5% and the pregnancy rate to natural service was 58.0%.
A STUDY OF THE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF ANAPLASMA MARGINALE INFECTIONS OF CATTLE IN SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND: CLINICAL DISEASE AND THE PREVALENCE OF COMPLEMENT FIXING ANTIBODIES
Authors: Rogers R. J. , Blight G. W. , Knott S. G.
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY A total of 386 clinical outbreaks of anaplasmosis were confirmed in Queensland south of the 22nd parallel over the period 1967 to 1976. Seventy‐eight per cent of these outbreaks occurred during autumn and winter and only 6.8% involved cattle less than 1 year of age compared with 54.8% for cattle more than 3 years old. Dairy breeds were involved in 48.1% of 258 outbreaks compared with 51.9% for beef breeds. Bos taurus beef breeds were involved in 90.7% of 118 outbreaks compared with 9.3% for Bos indicus crossbreds. Approximately 3 times as much clinical disease per head of population was confirmed in tick (Boophilus microplus) infested southern Queensland south of the 25th parallel (south zone) than in areas between the 25th and 22nd parallel (north zone).

A survey was conducted during 1975 in which 3,810 cattle from 241 herds were sampled on the basis of the distribution of the cattle population. The prevalence of CF reactors in tick‐infested areas was 42.1% of 3,026 samples compared with 0.4% of 784 samples from tick‐free areas. The prevalence in the north zone was 52.3% compared to 30.2% for the south zone and it also varied with the type of animal sampled. The prevalence in Bos taurus cattle was significantly greater than in Bos indicus types and it increased with age of the animal. No significant difference in susceptibility to infection attributable to sex could be demonstrated. Animals exposed to heavy to medium tick infestations had significantly more CF reactors than those exposed to light infestation. Higher stocking densities were associated with higher prevalence levels.

Thus anaplasmosis is predominantly a disease of autumn and winter and of cattle greater than 1 year of age. Both clinical and subclinical infection occur only in tick‐infested areas and B. microplus is considered to be the main, if not the only vector. Both clinical and inapparent infection are more frequent in Bos taurus than in Bos indicus types.