bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Isolation and pathogenicity of Australian strains of Eimeria praecox and Eimeria mitis
Authors: JORGENSEN WK , STEWART NP , JESTON PJ , MOLLOY JB , BLIGHT GW , DALGLIESH RJ 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo determine the presence of E praecox and E mitis in Australia, to isolate representative strains of these species from chickens and determine their pathogenicity. DesignMorphological, physiological and cross protection studies were undertaken to confirm the identity of Australian isolates of E praecox and E mitis. ProcedureOocysts were isolated from a backyard flock at Jimboomba, southeastern Queensland and numbers of E praecox and E mitis enriched by passage in chickens immune to five other species of poultry Eimeria. Oocysts of mean conformation and size of the two species were purified by single oocyst passage. Two isolates that closely matched recorded parameters for E praecox and E mitis were selected and designated JP and JM respectively. The cross protection between the isolates and E acervulina was determined by infection and challenge experiments. The virulence of the two isolates was determined by comparing weight gains of groups of birds inoculated with JP isolate or JM isolate with untreated groups. ResultsIsolates JP and JM most closely matched recorded parameters of E praecox and E mitis respectively. Groups of chickens, previously infected with JP and JM isolates, showed no significant protection against infection with E acervulina. In a separate trial, groups of susceptible chickens inoculated with 105 oocysts of JP and JM isolates showed significantly reduced weight gains compared with untreated controls. ConclusionIsolates JP and JM are E praecox and E mitis respectively, confirming the presence of these species in Australia. These isolates were found capable of causing significant reductions in weight gains in susceptible chickens.
Over representation of Burmese cats with diabetes mellitus
Authors: RAND JS , BOBBERMIEN LM , HENDRIKZ JK , COPLAND M. 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo determine if Burmese cats in Queensland have an increased risk of diabetes mellitus.DesignA retrospective study of diabetic and nondiabetic cats that had blood submitted to a veterinary clinical laboratory over a 22 month study period.Sample population4402 catsProcedureCats were considered diabetic if blood glucose concentration was > 11 mmol/L and fructosamine was > 406 μmol/L or hydroxybutyrate was >1 mmol/L. Cats were grouped into Burmese and non‐Burmese. Adjusted odds ratios of diabetes were calculated for breed, gender and age group amongst cats with blood glucose > 11 mmol/L.ResultsBurmese cats comprised 20% of 45 diabetic cats of known breed, which was higher (P < 0.001) than among the normoglycemic reference population of 2203 cats (7% Burmese). There were more females among the diabetic Burmese (62%), but this did not differ (P > 0.05) from the Burmese reference population (45% females). In contrast, males seemed to predominate among diabetic non‐Burmese (63%), although this also did not differ (P > 0.05) from the reference population (55%) or from diabetic Burmese (38% males). The majority (90%) of diabetic cats were older than 6 years, irrespective of breed (median age 12 years, interquartile range 10 to 13 years). This was higher (χ2= 8.13, P < 0.005) than among the normoglycaemic reference population, where 69% were older than 6 years.ConclusionsBurmese cats were significantly over represented among cats with diabetes mellitus. Irrespective of breed, the risk of diabetes in the study population increased with age.
Efficacy of praziquantel in the treatment of green sea turtles with spontaneous infection of cardiovascular flukes
Authors: ADNYANA W. , LADDS PW , BLAIR D. 
Published: March 2008

Objective To assess the efficacy of praziquantel as a treatment for cardiovascular flukes in turtles. Procedure Six green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) spontaneously infected with cardiovascular flukes (Digenea: Spirorchiidae) were treated orally with praziquantel, and necropsied 3 or 7 days later to look for flukes in the heart and major blood vessels. Six similar animals were maintained as untreated controls. Results Absence of flukes in treated, but not control turtles, indicated that a one day course of treatment at a dose rate of 3 times 50 mg/kg body weight is effective. Conclusion This result should be of value for preventing disease in wild caught green turtles introduced into farms or aquaria.
Retrospective study of 60 cases of feline lymphosarcoma
Authors: COURT EA , WATSON ADJ , PEASTON AE 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo characterise epidemiological and clinical findings, and diagnostic procedures undertaken, in cats with lymphosarcoma at a veterinary teaching hospital.DesignRetrospective case study.ProcedureHospital records were reviewed for 7159 cats, sick or healthy, examined during a 10‐year period (1984 to 1994). Sixty cats with lymphosarcoma were identified and classified by anatomical location of the tumour. Data on breed, age, sex, clinical signs and diagnostic procedures were collated.ResultsThe prevalence of feline lymphosarcoma in the hospital population was 0.84%. Siamese cats appeared predisposed to lymphosarcoma but other purebreds were not. Males were somewhat overrepresented amongst affected cats. Similar numbers of cases (12 to 18) were seen in each of the four anatomic categories (multicentric, mediastinal, alimentary and extranodal). Cats with mediastinal lymphosarcoma were mostly young and Siamese. Clinical signs in affected cats were varied, usually multiple and often nonspecific. Two of 22 cases tested positive for feline leukaemia virus antigen in blood and 6 of 13 were positive for feline immunodeficiency virus antibody.ConclusionsExtranodal lymphosarcoma seemed more prevalent in this study than reported elsewhere. Siamese cats in the study population may have had a genetic predisposition to lymphosarcoma. Limited evidence suggested feline leukaemia virus may be less important, and feline immunodeficiency virus more important, in the local population than indicated in overseas reports. Additional studies are needed to investigate breed predisposition and feline leukaemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus status in Australian cats with lymphosarcoma.
Organophosphorus residues in wool grease resulting from specified on‐farm lice and flystrike control treatments
Authors: HORTON BJ , BEST DJ , BUTLER LG , GREGORY GG 
Published: March 2008

Objective To investigate wool organophosphorus concentrations resulting from a range of farm pesticide application methods. Design Random sampling of wool for pesticide residues and on‐farm interviews to determine associated treatments. Procedure Tasmanian fleece wool lots were sampled at random and tested for organophosphorus residues. The grower was identified and the pesticide treatments applied to the sheep were ascertained by on‐farm interview. Results The residue concentrations showed a large variation that was not accounted for by differences in treatments by growers. Organophosphorus concentrations were proportional to the number of treatments applied, and inversely related to the time between pesticide application and the subsequent shearing, and were significantly influenced by the method of application. After allowing for the time of application, plunge dipping resulted in pesticide residue concentrations 2 to 2.5 times greater than shower dipping, using spray races or hand jetting, and the use of these methods caused larger residues than the use of jetting races. Conclusions We recommend that plunge or shower dipping should not be used more than 7 weeks after shearing, nor at higher concentration than the standard dose rate used for lice control, whereas jetting may be satisfactory for up to 7 months after shearing, provided only one application is administered.
Vitamin B12 responses to cobalt pellets in beef cows
Authors: JUDSON GJ , McFARLANE JD , MITSIOULIS A. , ZVIEDRANS P. 
Published: March 2008

Objective To assess the effectiveness of cobalt pellets in maintaining adequate vitamin B12 in beef cows on pasture of low cobalt content. Design A field experiment in a herd grazing cobalt deficient pasture. Animals Mature Murray Grey cows. Procedure Cows were given a single oral dose of 0, 1, 2 or 4 cobalt pellets (30 g pellets containing 30% by weight cobaltic oxide) with a selenium pellet and a grub screw. Samples of blood, liver, faeces and milk for chemical analyses were collected at intervals over a period of 2 years after treatment. Results A single cobalt pellet raised liver vitamin B12 concentration of cows above that of untreated cows for at least 28 weeks, and 2 or 4 pellets for 57 weeks. Plasma vitamin B12 concentration was an unreliable indicator of the effectiveness of cobalt pellet therapy. Milk vitamin B12 and faecal cobalt concentrations increased in response to cobalt pellet therapy. Conclusion These studies show that one cobalt pellet will prevent vitamin B12 inadequacy in beef cows for between 28 and 57 weeks; two or four pellets will prevent inadequacy for 57 to 75 weeks. Milk vitamin B12 concentration may be a useful indicator of the effectiveness of cobalt pellets in increasing the vitamin B12 supply in lactating cows.
Preliminary study of ovarian activity in fillies treated with a GnRH vaccine
Authors: TSHEWANG U. , DOWSETT KF , KNOTT LM , TRIGG TE 
Published: March 2008

Objective To investigate the effects of two doses (200 and 400 mg) of a water‐soluble gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone vaccine on the ovarian activity of 2‐year‐old fillies. Design A controlled vaccination dose rate experiment. Animals Six 2‐year‐old Australian Stock Horse fillies were randomly allocated to three treatment groups: unvaccinated controls, those receiving 200 mg of the vaccine and those receiving 400 mg of the vaccine. Results Ovarian activity of the treated fillies was suppressed at the peak of the breeding season while that of the untreated controls continued normally. The control fillies displayed oestrous activity and behaviour. Suppression of ovarian activity occurred for 25 and 30 weeks in the 200 and 400 mg groups, respectively. These differences were not significant. Ovarian activity ceased 2 to 3 weeks after primary vaccination. Antibody titres were low (330) until after the booster immunisation when they rapidly peaked at 22,000 and 28,000 in the 200 mg and 400 mg groups, respectively. Plasma progesterone concentrations of the treated fillies remained below 3.18 nmol/L while GnRH was suppressed. The vaccine had no significant effect on plasma androstenedione concentrations. Recovery from the effect of the vaccine was associated with development of ovarian follicles, normal oestrous behaviour and ovulation. Three of the four treated fillies and one of the controls conceived during the next breeding season and foaled normally. All the treated fillies conceived and produced normal foals in the following two breeding seasons. Conclusion Both dose rates suppressed ovarian function and prevented oestrous behaviour. These effects were reversible and the subsequent fertility of the vaccinated fillies was normal.
Fasciola hepatica infection in farmed emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae)
Authors: VAUGHAN JL , CHARLES JA , BORAY JC 
Published: March 2008

Objective To describe two cases of infection with Fasciola hepatica i n young farmed emus, subacute and chronic fasci‐olosis and a response to treatment of the flock with albenda‐zole. Procedure Gross lesions were found at necropsy and hepatic lesions in microscopic examination. The parasite recovered from one emu was identified by its morphological characteristics and an egg count reduction test was carried out after treatment of the flock with albendazole. Results Hepatic lesions resembling subacute and chronic fasciolosis of ruminants were identified. An adult fluke was recovered from the liver of one of the birds and was identified as F hepatica. The eggs of the fluke were irregular in shape and size. No fluke eggs were identifiable in faeces of live emus 10 days after treatment of the flock with albendazole at a dose of 10 mg/kg. Conclusions This is the first reported case of infection with F hepatica i n farmed emus and the first report of the occurrence of Fasciola infection is the class Aves. The irregular shape and size of the eggs may be attributable to infection of an aberrant host. Treatment with albendazole eliminated eggs from the faeces of the flock.
Reference ranges for biochemical and haematological values in farmed saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) yearlings
Authors: MILLAN JM , JANMAAT A. , RICHARDSON KC , CHAMBERS LK , FOMIATTI KR 
Published: March 2008

Objective To determine reference ranges for healthy yearling farmed saltwater crocodiles by performing routine biochemical and haematological laboratory tests on blood samples. Design A clinico‐pathological study. Procedure Blood samples were collected from 120 healthy yearlings from four Northern Territory crocodile farms and body weight and length were measured. All animals had been fasted for 2 days before sample collection. Routine biochemical analytes were determined on 120 samples and haematological values determined on 30 samples (from one farm). Results Reference ranges for biochemical and haemato‐logical values were determined for farmed yearling saltwater crocodiles in the Northern Territory. Conclusion The results were comparable with published reference ranges for other crocodilian species. Other published results of haematological values from saltwater crocodiles were from very young (6‐week‐old) hatchlings and older (2‐ to 4‐year‐old) crocodiles. Differences in values were presumed to be caused by age‐related factors.
Effectiveness of α‐tocopherol and selenium supplements in preventing lupinosis‐associated myopathy in sheep
Authors: SMITH GM , ALLEN JG 
Published: March 2008

Objective To compare the effectiveness of combined selenium and α‐tocopherol acetate treatments in preventing lupinosis‐associated myopathy in sheep. Design Measurement of plasma muscle and liver enzymes, and histopathological examination of muscle and liver in the treatment groups. Procedure The treatments were: subcutaneous injections of selenomethionine and vitamin E (sc(SeM+E)), an intraruminal selenium pellet and oral doses of vitamin E and intramuscular injections of selenomethionine combined with either oral doses of vitamin E (imSeM+orE) or intramuscular injections of vitamin E in an oily carrier. Another group received no supplements, while a control group was given selenium pellets on day 0 and fortnightly oral doses of vitamin E from day 0 to 72. To produce lupinosis‐associated myopathy, the sheep were fed a diet low in vitamin E and given repeated injections of a crude extract of Diaphorthe toxica. Groups sc(SeM+E) and imSeM+orE were stressed by dosing with protected polyunsaturated fatty acids from day 56 onwards. Results Lupinosis‐associated myopathy was induced in all unsupplemented sheep. In these sheep the storage of Se increased and that of vitamin E decreased. The subcutaneous treatment was highly effective in preventing lupinosis‐associated myopathy and also produced the highest vitamin E concentrations in plasma and liver. Supplemental vitamin E was more efficacious than supplemental Se. Concentrations of vitamin E in the livers of sheep given intramuscular vitamin E were higher than expected based on plasma concentrations. Oral doses of vitamin E proved the least effective method of increasing concentrations in liver. Lupinosis did not affect Se concentrations in liver or muscle. Conclusion The sc(SeM+E) treatment is highly effective in preventing lupinosis‐associated myopathy but needs to be further assessed when selenium and vitamin E are both limiting in the diet.
Occurrence of cutaneous infections of Myxobolus episquamalis (Myxozoa: Myxobolidae) in sea mullet, Mugil cephalus L, in Australia
Authors: ROTHWELL JT , VIRGONA JL , CALLINAN RB , NICHOLLS PJ , LANGDON JS 
Published: March 2008

Objective To report the occurrence of Myxobolus episquamalis in sea mullet, Mugil cephalus L, caught in estuaries in eastern and western Australia. Design A prospective study of commercial catches of mullet in the Clarence River of NSW and individual cases from other areas. Results The organism caused pale, white to pink, raised lesions on the scales and fins of sea mullet. Occurrence of infection was highest in spring and in a marine (down‐river) environment compared to a brackish environment. Up to 6% of fish were affected in commercial catches. Conclusion The infection is widespread in Australian mullet, but rarely causes significant economic loss.
Descriptive epidemiological study on culling and deaths in eight dairy herds
Authors: STEVENSON MA , LEAN IJ 
Published: March 2008

Objectives To describe the production and reproduction characteristics of the population under investigation and to compare them with the target population of non‐seasonally calving dairy herds, to describe the pattern of culling with respect to length of productive life and length of time after calving, and to identify stages of the production cycle that are associated with increased risk of culling from the dairy herd. Design A longitudinal population study of eight non‐seasonally calving dairy herds in the Camden district of New South Wales. Results The production and reproduction characteristics of this population were broadly similar to herds participating in the New South Wales Agriculture Dairy Herd Improvement scheme. In agreement with recent surveys, risk of culling increased with increased parity. This was accounted for specifically by increased risk of culling for calving disorders, reproductive tract lesions, and disorders of the udder. Risk of culling for failure to conceive appeared to remain constant throughout productive life. The overall risks for culling were greatest during the first 9 days after calving and 300 days after calving. Conclusion Reducing the incidence of calving‐associated disorders, attention to reproductive management and control of herd mastitis offer opportunities to reduce involuntary culling rates in this population.
Survey of predation by domestic cats
Authors: ROBERTSON ID 
Published: March 2008

Objectives To calculate the proportion of house cats which were observed by their owners to have caught prey and to describe the characteristics of these cats. Design and procedure A telephone questionnaire was administered to a randomly selected population of 458 cat owners in metropolitan Perth. Specific questions were asked about demographic characteristics, habits and diets of the cats, and whether the owners had observed their cats catch prey in the 12 month period preceding the survey. Results The owners of 36% of 644 cats had observed their cats with prey in the 12 month period preceding the survey. Cats which spent more time outside, were neutered, cross‐bred, originated from households with only one or two cats or were not fed meat were significantly more likely to be observed to predate. The body condition and diet (other than feeding meat) of cats did not influence the reported frequency of predation. Conclusion Although cats are only one factor involved in the reduction in the numbers and diversity of Australian wildlife, restriction of the outside activities of cats is likely to diminish predation, particularly in areas close to native vegetation.
Chronic gypsum fertiliser ingestion as a significant contributor to a multifactorial cattle mortality
Authors: BOURKE CA , OTTAWAY SJ 
Published: March 2008

Objective To assess the validity of claims that heavy metal contamination from an open‐cut mine caused the death of 226 cattle on a nearby farm over a period of 18 months, and to investigate other possible contributing factors. Procedure A retrospective assessment of previous investigations combinded with additional chemical analyses. Results Extensive chemical analyses produced no evidence of heavy metal contamination associated with the mine. Analysis of bones indicated exposure to fluoride in greater than normal amounts. The main source of fluoride seems to have been gypsum that was included in a feed supplement and also ingested from fertiliser dumps on paddocks. The gypsum itself may have contributed significantly to the ill health. Other factors probably affected some classes of animals, notably the young calves. Conclusions What originally seemed to be a disease problem of single aetiology probably was an expression of interacting multifactorial causes. This investigation has highlighted the potential toxicity of gypsum to livestock and the need for further studies to establish its basis.
Bluetongue virus serotypes 1 and 3 infection in Poll Dorset sheep
Authors: HAMBLIN C. , SALT JS , GRAHAM SD , HOPWOOD K. , WADE‐EVANS AM 
Published: March 2008

Objective To study the clinical signs following bluetongue virus serotypes 1 and 3 infection in Poll Dorset sheep. Design A clinical and pathological study. Procedure Twenty Poll Dorset sheep were inoculated with bluetongue virus serotypes 1 or 3, each inoculum having a different passage history. The sheep were examined daily and their clinical appearance and rectal temperatures recorded. Heparinised and non‐heparinised blood samples were taken at intervals for virological and serological study. Gross pathological findings were recorded for several sheep at necropsy and tissue samples were collected from three sheep for virological studies. Results All inoculated sheep developed clinical disease. The clinical signs and gross pathological changes varied considerably but were consistent with damage to the vascular endothelial system. There was a decline in the titres of infectious bluetongue virus and of antigen in tissues collected between 7 and 12 days after infection. Conclusions The severity of disease was related to the speed of onset and duration of pyrexia and not the development or titre of viraemia. Generally, those animals with sensitive mouths, depression, coronitis, recumbency and reluctance to move were the most debilitated. Whole blood was the most reliable source of infectious virus from acutely and chronically infected and convalescent animals. However, tissue samples particularly spleen, collected from dead or killed animals suffering from either peracute or acute forms of disease were most appropriate for the rapid confirmation of a clinical diagnosis.
A severity score for spontaneous canine acute pancreatitis
Authors: RUAUX CG , ATWELL RB 
Published: March 2008

Objective To derive a severity score for spontaneous canine acute pancreatitis applicable to general practice. Design Cohort study of canine pancreatitis cases. Procedure Cases (n = 68) of spontaneous canine acute pancreatitis presented to general practitioners were identified among accessions to Veterinary Pathology Services Brisbane. The primary veterinarian was surveyed by telephone to ascertain the outcome of each case. Scores were assigned for extent of hyperamylasaemia, hyperlipasaemia and number of organ systems other than the pancreas compromised. The probability of mortality with each score of each analyte was calculated. The strength of interaction between scores for each analyte and mortality rate was assessed by chi‐square analysis where appropriate. Relationships between the organ system score, other physiological variables and likelihood of euthanasia were analysed. Results Scores derived mathematically from analysis of enzyme activities had poor abilities to predict mortality. The score based upon the number of organ systems compromised showed good ability to predict mortality and the interaction between the organ system score and mortality rate was significant by chi‐square analysis (P < 0.01). Distribution of data within the amylase and lipase scores was not compatible with chi‐square analysis. Conclusion Assessment of severity of spontaneous canine acute pancreatitis using pancreatic enzyme activities is potentially inaccurate. The use of a severity score based upon organ system compromise was more accurate in determining the likelihood of mortality in spontaneous canine acute pancreatitis. This is compatible with the hypothesis that severe canine acute pancreatitis is a multiple organ failure syndrome.