bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular and biological characterisation of Cryptosporidium in pigs
Authors: MORGAN UM , BUDDLE JR , ARMSON A. , ELLIOT A. , THOMPSON RCA 
Published: March 2008

Objective Genetic and biological characterisation of 12 isolates of Cryptosporidium from pigs and comparing them with Cryptosporidium isolates from humans and cattle.Design
Cryptosporidium isolates from pigs were compared with those obtained from human and cattle using rDNA sequence analysis. The infectivity of two of the porcine isolates was determined in neonatal mice and the clinical history of the infected pigs recorded.Results Pig‐derived isolates of Cryptosporidium exhibited two distinct genotypes; a porcine genotype and a bovine genotype, which is common to cattle and other livestock. The porcine genotype did not produce any infection in neonatal mice whereas the bovine genotype did.Conclusion Two distinct genetically and biologically differing strains of Cryptosporidium appeared to be associ ated with acute diarrhoea in pigs. Whether Cryptosporidium was a primary or secondary pathogen is unclear but warrants further investigation. As the bovine genotype is known to infect humans, the results suggest that pigs can act as reser voirs of cryptosporidial infections for humans and other live stock. The zoonotic potential of the pig‐adapted genotype is uncertain and requires further study.
Acute cortisol responses of lambs to ring castration and docking after the injection of lignocaine into the scrotal neck or testes at the time of ring application
Authors: SUTHERLAND MA , MELLOR DJ , STAFFORD KJ , GREGORY NG , BRUCE RA , WARD RN , TODD SE 
Published: March 2008

Objective To test whether injecting lignocaine into the scrotal neck 5 to 10 s before or into both testes immediately after ring castration and docking would significantly reduce the plasma cortisol response to castration and docking. Design A physiological study with controls. Procedure Lambs were given one of six treatments: control handling, injection of lignocaine into scrotal neck, injection of lignocaine into both testes, ring castration and docking, ring castration and docking after lignocaine was injected into the scrotal neck, and ring castration and docking before lignocaine was injected into both testes. Blood samples were taken before and regularly after treatment and analysed for plasma cortisol concentrations. Results The plasma cortisol concentrations of lambs castrated and docked after lignocaine had been injected into the scrotal neck were significantly lower between 20 and 60 min after treatment than in lambs castrated and docked without local anaesthesia. Injecting lignocaine into the testes after ring application did not significantly reduce the cortisol response to ring castration and docking. Conclusions Lignocaine injected into the scrotal neck 5 to 10 s before ring castration will reduce the cortisol response and by inference the pain associated with ring castration.
Transmission of Babesia spp by the cattle tick (Boophilus microplus) to cattle treated with injectable or pour‐on formulations of ivermectin and moxidectin
Authors: WALDRON SJ , JORGENSEN WK 
Published: March 2008

Objective To assess the efficacy of ivermectin and moxidectin to prevent transmission of Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina by Boophilus microplus to cattle under conditions of relatively intense experimental challenge.DesignNaive Bos taurus calves were treated with either pour‐on or injectable formulations of either ivermectin or moxidectin and then exposed to larvae of B microplus infected with B bovis or larvae or adults of B microplus infected with B bigemina. One calf was used for each combination of haemoparasite, B microplus life stage, drug and application route.ProcedureGroups of calves were treated with the test drugs in either pour‐on or injectable formulation and then infested with B microplus larvae infected with B bovis or B bigemina. B bigemina infected adult male ticks grown on an untreated calf were later transferred to a fourth group of animals. Infections were monitored via peripheral blood smears to determine haemoparasite transmission.ResultsCattle treated with either pour‐on or injectable formulations of ivermectin and moxidectin became infected with B bovis after infestation with infected larvae. Similarly, larvae infected with B bigemina survived to the nymphal stage to transmit the haemoparasite to animals treated with each drug preparation. Cattle treated with pour‐on formulations of ivermectin and moxidectin then infested with adult male ticks infected with B bigemina did not become infected with B bigemina whereas those treated with the injectable formulations of ivermectin and moxidectin did show a parasitaemia. Conclusions Injectable or pour‐on formulations of ivermectin and moxidectin do not prevent transmission of Babesia to cattle by B microplus. Use of these drugs can therefore not be recommended as a primary means of protecting susceptible cattle from the risk of Babesia infection.
Effects of treadmill exercise on sweating in three breeds of goats
Authors: KASA IW , THWAITES CJ , HILL MK 
Published: March 2008

Objective To compare the sweating responses of three breeds of goats to exercise at 30°C.DesignFactorial experiment with two goats of each of three breeds exercised for 60 min at 3 km/h and 30°C on 6 days.ProcedureTwo mature females of the Anglo‐Nubian, Saanen and Toggenburg breeds were used. Rectal temperature, respiration rate and sweating rate at three sites were recorded every 20 min during six replicates of exercise at 48 h intervals on a treadmill.ResultsRespiration rate varied with time and breed (P < 0.01) and increased from 20±2 breaths/min to 135, 195 and 260/min after 60 min exercise in Anglo‐Nubian, Saanen and Tottenburg goats, respectively. Breed differences in rectal temperature were small but significant (P < 0.001), and mean values increased from 38.9°C before exercise to 39.7°C after 1 h exercise. The breed X sites interaction for sweating was significant (P < 0.01). On the rump breed differences in sweating rate were not significant. On the loin, Toggenburg goats started to sweat most rapidly and reached maximal values of 80.2±10.6 g/m2/h after 20 min and then decreased to 70.0±4.3 g/m2/h at 60 min. Sweating rate on the ear was highest in Toggenburg goats, followed by those of Saanen and Anglo‐Nubian goats (P < 0.05), but the differences were small (7 g/m2/h); peak values of 67.3 to 76.1 g/m2/h were recorded after 20 min.ConclusionRespiration and sweating rates increased significantly during exercise in all three breeds of goats, but breed differences were marked only for respiration rate. The goats sweated more on the rump than on the loin or ear, with peak values after 40 min of exercise.
Granulomatous peritonitis and pleuritis in interferon‐γ gene knockout mice naturally infected with mouse hepatitis virus
Authors: FRANCE MP , SMITH AL , STEVENSON R , BARTHOLD SW 
Published: March 2008

Objective To investigate a disease outbreak in a colony of laboratory mice with targeted disruption of the gene for interferon‐γFormatA case report based on necropsy, histopathology, serology and immunohistochemistry.ResultsAffected mice exhibited depression and variable ascites. Necropsy revealed a granulomatous peritonitis and pleuritis with extensive adhesions although parenchymal lesions were minimal. Serum samples had high concentrations of antibody to mouse hepatitis virus and immunohistochemical examination revealed the presence of mouse hepatitis virus antigen in granuloma macrophages. Serological testing for other infectious agents and bacterial culture were negative and wild type mice kept in the same facility remained healthy. Despite the association between the disease and mouse hepatitis virus infection, the precise role played by mouse hepatitis virus was not determined. While the disease is superficially similar to feline infectious peritonitis (another coronavirus‐induced serositis), differences exist between the histopathological findings in these two conditions.ConclusionThis unusual disease process illustrates how new diagnostic challenges can arise in novel mouse genotypes created through molecular genetics. Furthermore, the association between the disease and mouse hepatitis virus illustrates the importance of maintaining laboratory animals under specific‐pathogen free conditions.
Surgical treatment of tarsometatarsal joint luxation in a Miniature Horse foal
Authors: DOWLING BA , DART AJ , HODGSON DR 
Published: March 2008

A 2‐week‐old Miniature Horse foal was referred for evaluation and treatment of a luxated right tarsometatarsal joint. Treatment consisted of closed reduction and internal fixation using two partially threaded Steinmann pins placed in normograde fashion through the tuber calcis into the proximal third metatarsus.Traumatic luxation has been reported to occur in the tarsocrural, proximal intertarsal and tarsometatarsal joints within the equine tarsus. Treatment for luxation of the distal intertarsal joint has not been documented. The treatment method most commonly suggested for tarsal luxation is closed reduction and cast immobilisation. Internal fixation using lag screws and plating has also been described. A combination of internal fixation and external coaptation is thought to achieve maximal stability and allow faster convalescence in cases of tarsal luxation.This case report describes for the first time a technique using two Steinmann pins to achieve successful internal fixation of a traumatic tarsometatarsal joint luxation in a 2‐week‐old Miniature Horse foal.
Mastitis, polyarthritis and abortion caused by Mycoplasma species bovine group 7 in dairy cattle
Authors: HUM S. , KESSELL A. , DJORDJEVIC S. , RHEINBERGER R. , HORNITZKY M. , FORBES W. , GONSALVES J. 
Published: March 2008

Objective To report an outbreak of mastitis, polyarthritis and abortion caused by Mycoplasma sp bovine group 7 in three large, centrally‐managed dairies and to review the relevant literature. Design Epidemiological, clinical and laboratory data were analysed, collated and reported. Multidisciplinary procedures were employed. These included clinical assessment and comprehensive laboratory investigations of affected calves, aborted foetuses and milk samples. Mycoplasma cultures and genetic analyses of isolates were undertaken to identify the aetiological agent. Results About 30% of 240 calves usually kept in a calf rearing facility developed severe polyarthritis as a result of Mycoplasma sp bovine group 7 infection between 2 and 3 weeks of age. Multiple abortions occurred on these farms. Mycoplasma s p bovine group 7 was recovered from the fibrinopurulent synovial exudates of four 14‐day‐old calves, from the stomach contents and lungs of two aborted foetuses, from 14 of 21 bulk milk and four of 10 mastitic quarters. Three bulk colostrum samples cultured during the outbreak were negative for mycoplasma. Conclusion
Mycoplasma s p bovine group 7 caused significant economic losses as a result of polyarthritis, abortion and mastitis. The disease probably originated from udder infections with spread being facilitated by the decreased use of tetracycline in the treatment of mastitis. Neonatal calves were most likely infected by the consumption of milk contaminated with the organism. Abortions presumably resulted from mycoplasmaemia. This appears to be the first report in Australia of bovine abortion resulting from Mycoplasma sp infection.
Prevalence of laryngeal paresis in dogs undergoing general anaesthesia
Authors: BROOME C. , BURBIDGE HM , PFEIFFER DU 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo estimate the prevalence of laryngeal paresis within a selected population of dogs and identify some of the distinguishing characteristics of affected dogs.DesignA prospective study involving laryngoscopic examination of 250 dogs.ProcedureThe laryngeal movements of 250 dogs undergoing general anaesthesia were observed. The severity of laryngeal paresis in these dogs was graded (0 = normal laryngeal movements, 4 = bilateral laryngeal paralysis). The following information was also recorded for each dog: age, sex, weight, breed, condition score, anaesthetic protocol, clinical suspicion of disease and observer.ResultsTwenty five percent of the dogs examined had some degree of laryngeal paresis. Affected dogs were significantly older than unaffected dogs (P < 0.001). There was a trend for the severity of laryngeal paresis to increase with age. There was no difference between the sexes. Dogs with laryngeal paresis were significantly heavier than normal animals (P < 0.02). Overweight animals had a significantly higher laryngeal grade than those with a normal condition score (P < 0.05). Labrador Retrievers and Rottweilers had a significantly higher risk of having laryngeal paresis (P < 0.05). Clinical suspicion was found to have high diagnostic value. An intra‐class correlation coefficient for inter‐rater reliability between the two observers was 0.95.ConclusionsLaryngeal paresis had a high prevalence in the animals surveyed and was strongly associated with age and breed. The results of this study are consistent with the concept of a progressive degenerative disease with a breed susceptibility. Clinical suspicion for the presence of the disease was a reliable indicator. The grading system used had a high degree of inter‐observer agreement.
Surveys in Papua New Guinea to detect the presence of Trypanosoma evansi infection
Authors: REID SA , COPEMAN DB 
Published: March 2008

Objective To confirm serological evidence that Trypano‐soma evansi is present in Papua New Guinea. Design Three surveys were undertaken in PNG during 1997/1998. Animals were selected for sampling on the basis of convenience. Samples of blood were examined for the presence of T evansi b y the haematocrit centrifugation technique (HCT) and mouse inoculation test (MI). Sera were tested in the field using the card agglutination test for trypanosomiasis/T evansi(CATT). Bovine sera were tested at James Cook University using an antibody‐detection ELISA (Ab‐ELISA). Results from testing bovine sera with the Ab‐ELISA and sera from wallabies with the CATT were analysed using FreeCalc to determine the probability that animals in these populations were infected with T evansi. Results A total of 545 serum samples were collected. during the three surveys of which 39 cattle, two pig and three agile wallaby samples were positive with the CATT. All bovine sera collected were negative when tested with an Ab‐ELISA. T evansi was not isolated using the HCT or the MI from any of these animals. Conclusion Based on the Ab‐ELISA results it was concluded that T evansi infection was not present in cattle in villages around Balimo at a minimum expected prevalence of 10% (P < 0.05) and, based on the CATT results, that infection was not present in wallabies on the Bula plain at a minimum expected prevalence of 10% (P < 0.1). These results indicate that it is unlikely that T evansi is endemic in PNG
Sorghum ergot (Claviceps africana) associated with agalactia and feed refusal in pigs and dairy cattle
Authors: BLANEY BJ , McKENZIE RA , WALTERS JR , TAYLOR LF , BEWG WS , RYLEY MJ , MARYAM R. 
Published: March 2008

Objective To establish the aetiology and define the main clinical features of a syndrome characterised by severe feed refusal, death of piglets and reduced milk production in pigs and dairy cattle. Design Clinical, pathological, toxicological and epidemiological examination of clinical cases in 10 piggeries and 4 dairies, located between 50 and 150 km southwest of Rockhampton. Results All cases were associated with the feeding of sorghum grain infected with sorghum ergot (Claviceps africana). There was mild to severe feed refusal when the sorghum was first offered. Sows fed ergot before farrowing had shrunken udders, produced no colostrum, and displayed signs of oestrus. All of their piglets died, apparently from starvation: necropsy of a few piglets showed that they were born alive and walked, but had ingested no milk. Sows fed the grain after farrowing had severe reductions in milk production despite aggressive sucking by piglets, leading to very poor growth of piglets. There were no signs of infectious disease. Ergot in sorghum samples ranged from 1 to 31% ergot sclerotes by weight. Total alkaloid concentrations in mixed feeds ranged from 5 to 40 mg/kg, with dihydroergosine accounting for approximately 90%. At the same time, in the same districts, there were reports of feed refusal and reduced milk production from 4 dairy farms. Grain samples from these farms contained up to 17%C africana ergot sclerotia. Conclusion Agalactia and feed refusal are classical signs of poisoning by rye ergot (C purpurea), but this is the first time that sorghum ergot has been associated with a similar syndrome.
Application of PCR assays to determine the genotype of Babesia bovis parasites isolated from cattle with clinical babesiosis soon after vaccination against tick fever
Authors: BOCK RE , LEW AE , MINCHIN CM , JESTON PJ , JORGENSEN WK 
Published: March 2008

Objective To demonstrate the value of PCR assays to determine the genotypes of Babesia bovis in cattle with clinical signs of babesiosis within 3 weeks after vaccination against tick fever. Design Samples from 5 cases of babesiosis in cattle soon after vaccination against tick fever were analysed in two PCR assays. Procedure Parasite DNA was purified from blood taken from cattle with signs of babesiosis within 3 weeks of vaccination against tick fever. DNA was also prepared from the tissues of animals that died of babesiosis. Two PCR assays that amplify repeat sequences of DNA within the B bovis genes, Bv80 and BvVA1, were used to differentiate the genotypes of field isolates and vaccine strains of B bovis. Results One of the five cases of babesiosis was found to be caused by a vaccine strain, but PCR analyses showed that the predominant isolate in the other four cases was not the vaccine strain. Conclusions PCR assays on the DNA of B bovis obtained from the blood or tissues of cattle clinically affected with tick fever within 3 weeks after vaccination are useful to distinguish between vaccine strains and field isolates as the source of infection.
Association between milk production, somatic cell count and bacterial dermatoses in three dairy cattle herds
Authors: YERUHAM I , FRIEDMAN S , ELAD D , PERL S 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo determine the correlations between three bacterial dermatoses in cattle, milk production and bulk‐milk somatic cell count (BMSCC).DesignField observations in three dairy cattle herds.MethodsMilk production, BMSCC, fertility and all herd diseases were recorded by computerised dairy management systems. Each herd was visited twice weekly and the clinical signs, course of diseases and morbidity and culling rates were noted. Bulk‐tank milk was sampled twice monthly and analysed for somatic cell count. Bacteriological and histological examinations were carried out from samples collected from affected animals in the respective herds.ResultsThe acute exudative form of dermatophilosis was diagnosed only in first‐ calving cows. The morbidity rate was 53% and the culling rate was 16% of the affected animals. The BMSCC increased by a factor of 2.4 times, and there was an average loss of milk production of 30%/cow/day in affected animals. Ulcerative lymphangitis was diagnosed in first‐calving cows (22%) and older cows (15%). The culling rate was 28%. The BMSCC increased by a factor of 17.3 times, and the average loss of milk production was 5.5%/affected animal/day. Papillomatous digital dermatitis (PDD) was diagnosed in first‐calving cows (25%) and in older cows (18%). The culling rate was 8%. The BMSCC increased by a factor of two times, and the average loss of milk production was 1.7%/affected animal/day.ConclusionsThe correlations between three skin diseases (ulcerative lymphangitis, dermatophilosis, papillomatous digital dermatitis), milk production and BMSCC have been found to be unfavourable.
Modified De Vita pinning technique for the management of canine hip luxation: preliminary findings
Authors: DOUGLAS IH 
Published: March 2008

Objective To describe for the first time a modification of the De Vita pinning technique to manage hip luxation in the dog and to assess its use in a preliminary study. Design A prospective, clinical study using five client‐owned dogs with naturally occurring injuries. Procedure A modified De Vita pinning technique was employed, using a nonthreaded Steinmann pin to reduce the risk of trauma to the sciatic nerve during pin insertion. The pin was anchored by implanted Kirschner‐Ehmer clamps in an attempt to lower the risk of postoperative pin migration. Results Surgical outcome was very favourable with respect to pain on manipulation, restriction of range of movement and lameness in all dogs as assessed by veterinary examination. In four of five dogs, owners also reported normal movement at rest, walk and trot. The fifth dog was lost to follow‐up. Conclusion This preliminary study found that a modified De Vita pinning technique was useful in dogs with uni and bilateral hip luxation and hip luxation in the presence of other limb injuries. The modified technique may provide a sound surgical alternative to existing procedures. The described modification allows the use of a nonthreaded pin and also substantially reduces the risk of postoperative pin migration.
Tensions used on girths on Thoroughbred racehorses
Authors: BOWERS J , SLOCOMBE R 
Published: March 2008

Objective To determine commonly used girth tensions in Thoroughbred racehorses in the Melbourne metropolitan area. Design A prospective industry survey. Methods Strappers were instructed to tension girths, using the same saddle, under‐saddle packing and girth, sufficiently to hold the saddle for racing. These tensions were continuously recorded by an in‐line load cell in the girth. Seventeen strappers from five stables participated in the study, which was conducted on 91 horses. Results Resting girth tensions varied considerably. The mean tension on inhalation was 13 ± 0.4 kg. Male strappers recorded higher tensions than females for all indices measured. Age and girth size of the horse did not significantly influence results. Conclusion This study confirms that there is no standard for application of a girth and saddle in the Thoroughbred racing industry and the range of tensions applied was large. Strappers were unable to reliably apply the same tensions between horses. Values recorded at the extremes of the range seem inappropriate for racing conditions as low values would result in slippage of the saddle and higher values may result in girth galls and possible reduction in athletic performance. Further work is necessary to determine the point at which girth tension affects performance.
An evaluation of a hand‐held electrical resistance meter for the diagnosis of bovine subclinical mastitis in late lactation under Australian conditions
Authors: SEGUYA AG , MANSELL PD 
Published: March 2008

Objective To assess the ability of a hand‐held device to differentiate between infected and noninfected bovine mammary glands according to the electrical resistance of milk, under Australian conditions. Design A cross‐sectional study. Procedure Milk samples were collected from 236 quarters of 60 cows selected from a commercial dairy herd with a high prevalence of mastitis. The true infection status of these quarters was determined using bacteriology. Various methods were used in an attempt to relate the electrical resistance of milk from each quarter to the presence or absence of infection in that quarter. Results Although the electrical resistance of milk from infected quarters was generally lower than that of noninfected quarters, the overlap of readings between the two populations limited the ability of this device to indicate accurately whether a quarter was infected. The use of methods comparing the readings from each of the four quarters of a single cow did not allow the reliable detection of infected cows. Conclusion Although this device may have some practical advantages in comparison with some other methods of diagnosing subclinical mastitis, the predictive value of the method was generally poor.