bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diabetes mellitus in a koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)
Authors: HEMSLEY S. , GOVENDIR M. , CANFIELD PJ , CONNOLLY JH 
Published: March 2008

Objective To describe a case of diabetes mellitus in a koala (Phascolarctos cinereus). Design A case report with controls. Procedures We describe clinical and laboratory findings in a 6‐year‐old, free‐living, female koala presented with traumatic injury and subsequently found to have polydipsia, hyperglycaemia and glucosuria. Over a 5 week period, serum biochemical analyses, haematological examinations, urinal‐yses, measurement of serum insulin and fructosamine concentrations, necropsy, histopathological examination of a range of tissues and immunohistochemical examination of the pancreas for insulin‐containing cells were done. For reference purposes, serum insulin and fructosamine concentrations were determined in four and two healthy koalas, respectively, and three healthy koalas pancreases were examined histo‐logically and immunohistochemically. Results The koala had persistent hyperglycaemia, hyperlipidaemia, hyponatraemia, hypochloraemia and glucosuria. Serum insulin concentration of the diabetic koala was only marginally smaller than that of healthy koalas, but all concentrations were smaller than reference concentrations in dogs and people. Fructosamine concentration did not allow the diabetic koala to be distinguished from healthy koalas and concentrations of all koala analytes were greater than expected for healthy dogs and people. Histopathological examination revealed extensive degeneration of pancreatic islet cells and fatty infiltration of hepatocytes. Immunoperoxidase staining revealed decreased or absent insulin in the b cells of the affected koala. Conclusion Clinical signs, clinicopathological results and histopathological changes were consistent with diabetes mellitus. The pathogenesis of the condition could not be determined but may have been related to the administration of a parenteral corticosteroid preparation, the stress of capture or tissue damage and inflammation.
Risk factors for culling and deaths in eight dairy herds
Authors: STEVENSON MA , LEAN IJ 
Published: March 2008

Objectives To identify risk factors for culling of dairy cows from eight New South Wales dairy herds. Design A longitudinal population study of dairy cow culling in eight non‐seasonally calving dairy herds in the Camden district of New South Wales. Cox's proportional hazards model was used to evaluate various risk factors for culling for a specific reason (sales, deaths, reproductive failure, disorders of the udder and low milk production). Results Age at first calving was not a significant risk factor for culling. Milk production in the first lactation greater than the population mean did not influence length of productive life overall, but was associated with a greater hazard of removal for disorders of the udder. Risk of culling for reproductive failure differed significantly between farms, and was not related to events in the previous lactation such as calving‐to‐first service interval or calving‐to‐conception interval. Shorter calving intervals were associated with increased risk of removal for low milk production and disorders of the udder. Conclusion Longitudinal surveys to accurately identify reasons for removal from a wide range of herds, identification of herds with low culling rates (especially for reproductive failure and udder disorders), and the identification of practices associated with these culling rates would be worthwhile to the Australian dairy industry.
Effects of delmadinone acetate on pituitary‐adrenal function, glucose tolerance and growth hormone in male dogs
Authors: COURT EA , WATSON ADJ , CHURCH DB , EMSLIE DR 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo characterise the effects of delmadinone acetate on the pituitary‐adrenal axis, glucose tolerance and growth hormone concentration in normal male dogs and dogs with benign prostatic hyperplasia.DesignA prospective study involving nine normal male dogs and seven with prostatic hyperplasia.ProcedureDelmadinone acetate was administered to six normal male dogs and seven dogs with benign prostatic hyperplasia at recommended dose rates (1.5 mg/kg subcuta‐neously at 0, 1 and 4 weeks). Three normal controls received saline at the same intervals. Blood concentrations of ACTH, cortisol, glucose, insulin and growth hormone were measured over 50 days. Intravenous glucose tolerance and ACTH response tests were performed before and after treatment in the nine normal animals.ResultsA substantial suppression of basal and 2 h post‐ACTH plasma cortisol secretion was demonstrated after one dose in all dogs given delmadinone acetate. Individual responses after the second and third administration varied between recovery in adrenal responsiveness to continued suppression. Plasma ACTH concentration was also diminished after one treatment. No effects were evident on glucose tolerance or serum growth hormone concentrations.ConclusionDelmadinone acetate causes adrenal suppression from inhibition of release of ACTH from the pituitary gland. Treated dogs may be at risk of developing signs of glucocorticoid insufficiency if subjected to stressful events during or after therapy. Neither glucose intolerance nor hyper‐somatotropism seems likely in male dogs given delmadinone acetate at the recommended dose rate, but the potential for excessive growth hormone secretion in treated bitches remains undetermined.
Trends in the use of pesticides and pestiside residues on Queensland wool
Authors: WARD MP , ARMSTRONG RTF 
Published: March 2008

Objective To determine the amounts of organophosphorous and synthetic pyrethroid residues on Queensland wool sampled between 1995 and 1997, and to study if pesticide use changed during the period. Design Estimated amounts of residues were obtained from a survey of Queensland wool clips, and information on pesticide use was obtained from a trace‐back postal survey of flock managers. Procedure Trends in amounts of residues over time were assessed using analysis of variance and simple linear regression models, and changes in pesticide use was assessed using x2 tests. Results Significant linear reductions in organophosphorous (P = 0.0012), synthetic pyrethroid (P = 0.0044) and total (P = 0.0002) residues were detected. The proportion of woolgrowers treating for louse infestation (P = 0.0046) treating twice or more (P = 0.0006) and treating more than 4 months after shearing (P = 0.0001) decreased between 1994 and 1997. However, the proportion of growers who treated for blowfly strike (P = 0.0124) and used insect growth regulator pesticides increased (P < 0.0001). The use of handjetting to apply pesticides for blowfly strike control increased and the use of dips decreased (P < 0.0001). Conclusion Residues of organophosphorous compounds and synthetic pyrethroids reduced in Queensland wool between 1994 and 1997. Although woolgrowers treated for louse infestation less, pesticide use to control blowfly strike increased. The increasing use of insect growth regulators in the industry needs to be monitored.
Skin disease affecting the conservation of the western swamp tortoise (Pseudemydura umbrina)
Authors: LADYMAN JM , KUCHLING G. , BURFORD D. , BOARDMAN W. , RAIDAL SR 
Published: March 2008

Objective To review the present position of the western swamp tortoise (Pseudemydura umbrina) as an endangered species and significant health issues affecting efforts to save it from extinction. Procedure A retrospective analysis of the husbandry, hospital and pathology records of the western swamp tortoise captive breeding program at Perth Zoo. Results In 1987 a captive breeding project was developed to prevent the extinction of the western swamp tortoise but an outbreak of a necrotising dermatitis in 1989 threatened the survival of the captive bred hatchlings. Less severe outbreaks occurred in 1990 and 1993, with isolated cases in between. Of 283 tortoises that were born in captivity or came into captivity from the wild, 37 (13.1%) were affected, comprising 37% of all males, 26% of all females and 13% of animals of unknown gender. Of the affected animals, 70% were less than 2 years of age and 29% were older. Males were 1.6 times more likely to be infected than females but this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.27). Culture of the lesions consistently yielded unidentified Pseudomonas sp. Conclusion Improved husbandry, such as strict maintenance of water quality and temperature conditions similar to that of the animal's natural habitat, and monitoring the health of individual tortoises have successfully controlled skin disease in the captive breeding of the western swamp tortoise.
Antibiotics for the preservation of koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) semen
Authors: JOHNSTON SD , OBOYLE D. , FROST AJ , MCGOWAN MR , TRIBE A. , HIGGINS D. 
Published: March 2008

Aim To determine the normal microbial flora of the koala ejaculate and prepuce in order to select appropriate antibiotics for addition into diluents designed for the preservation of semen. Procedure Bacteriological samples of the koala prepuce (n = 12) and ejaculate (n = 20) were submitted for microbial culture and sensitivity testing. Microbial flora of ejaculates collected by electroejaculation and artificial vagina were compared. The effects of varying concentrations of penicillin G and gentamicin on sperm motility and on the growth of bacteria in diluted semen stored at room temperature and 16°C over a 24 h period were investigated. Results A range of bacteria was isolated from the koala prepuce and ejaculate. The predominant organisms in semen collected by electroejaculation and artificial vagina were Corynebacterium spp, none of which could be assigned to any recognised species. The addition of penicillin G and gentamicin to a PBS‐based diluent at dose rates of 1000 to 2000 IU/mL and 100 to 200 m g/mL respectively, resulted in no adverse effect on sperm motility over a 24 h incubation period. Penicillin G (1000 IU/mL) and gentamicin (100 m g/mL) prevented growth of bacterial contaminants in diluted koala semen. Conclusion By controlling the growth of bacteria in extended koala semen, penicillin G and gentamicin are likely to lengthen the period by which spermatozoa can be stored at 16°C and reduce the possibility of disease transmission during artificial insemination procedures.
Effectiveness of a mixture of cyromazine and diazinon for controlling flystrike on sheep
Authors: LEVOT GW , SALES N. 
Published: March 2008

Objective To determine whether there is any need for woolgrowers to add diazinon to cyromazine jetting fluid to control active flystrike on sheep. Method Larval implants were placed on 143 sheep and allowed to develop for 2 days. Groups of 47 or 48 of these struck sheep were jetted with cyromazine at 1000 mg/L, diazinon at 400 mg/L, or a mixture of the two. After treatment, the implants were assessed daily for 3 days for the presence of feeding larvae. Results When checked 1 day after treatment, there was a 62% reduction in flystrike in the diazinon treated sheep compared to only 12% reduction on the cyromazine treated sheep. Flystrike reduction on the sheep jetted with the mixture of cyromazine and diazinon was 69%. Three days after treatment flystrike control was 97 to 99% in the latter two groups. Conclusion Diazinon provided a faster resolution of strikes but by 3 days after treatment there was no significant difference in the number of implants remaining active on the sheep treated with cyromazine or with the mixture of cyro‐mazine and diazinon.
Gram‐negative bacterial infections and cardiovascular parasitism in green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas)
Authors: RAIDAL SR , OHARA M. , HOBBS RP , PRINCE RIT 
Published: March 2008

Objective To investigate causes of ill health and mortality in juvenile wild green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) found along the mid‐north west coast of Western Australia between June and October of 1997. Procedure Department of Conservation and Land Management rangers submitted four dead or dying green sea turtles from separate incidents for veterinary examination, necropsy, and bacteriological, parasitological and histopatho‐logical examination. Results Numerous different species of trematodes belonging to the families Pronocephalidae, Microscaphidiidae and Paramphistomidae were detected in the intestines of two turtles examined, and in all turtles there was severe spirorchid fluke infection including Haemoxenicon sp, Amphiorchis sp and Hapalotrema sp. Histopathological examination demonstrated severe multifocal to diffuse granulomatous vasculitis, aggregations of spirorchid fluke eggs and microabscesses throughout various tissues including intestines, kidney, liver, lung and brain. Cultures and or histopathological examination demonstrated disseminated Gram‐negative bacterial infections including salmonella, E coli, Citrobacter freundii and Moraxella sp. Conclusion Infections caused by salmonellae, E coli and other Gram‐negative bacteria should be considered as causes of systemic illness and death in wild green sea turtles infected with spirorchid cardiovascular flukes and other internal parasites.
Acute cortisol responses of calves to four methods of dehorning by amputation
Authors: SYLVESTER SP , STAFFORD KJ , MELLOR DJ , BRUCE RA , WARD RN 
Published: March 2008

Objective To measure the plasma cortisol response in calves dehorned by four different methods (scoop, guillotine shears, saw, embryotomy wire) for 9 h after dehorning. Design A physiological study with controls. Procedure Horn amputation was carried out on calves restrained manually in a race. Results The four methods of dehorning provoked similarly increased cortisol responses which lasted for 6 h. During the first hour after dehorning the plasma cortisol concentrations were similar to those following ACTH injection. The overall cortisol response to control handling was about 30% of the responses to dehorning. Conclusions The similarity of the cortisol responses produced by the four methods of dehorning suggests that the distress experienced by calves following dehorning by amputation is similar regardless of method used.
Effectiveness of small workshops for improving farmers knowledge about ovine footrot
Authors: THOMPSON GK , LARSEN JWA , VIZARD AL 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo determine sheep farmers' attitudes to and beliefs about ovine footrot, and to improve their knowledge about the diagnosis, control and eradication of this disease. MethodEighteen workshops, involving 291 farmers, were conducted across Victoria in the spring of 1996. The workshops were designed as small‐group discussions with a maximum attendance of 20 farmers to encourage active participation. All participants completed questionnaires before each workshop and 12 to 40 weeks after the last workshop.Results Before the workshops the farmers had a poor understanding of the principles of diagnosis, control and eradication of footrot. For example, only 50% knew the footrot organism survived in soil for less than 7 days, over two‐thirds did not know the reason for paring sheep's feet during an eradication program, and only 31% realised cattle were a potential source of footrot infection for sheep. After the workshops, understanding about footrot was significantly improved; 87% said Dichelobacter nodosus survived in soil less than 7 days, 71% knew the reason for paring sheep's feet and 64% realised that cattle were a potential source of footrot infection. As well as improved knowledge, change of attitude among farmers is fundamentally important if virulent footrot is to be successfully controlled and eradicated. The workshops successfully initiated this process; 40% of farmers thought the workshops changed their attitudes to footrot, while 37% said they gained an increased understanding of other people's opinions about the disease. ConclusionFarmer's poor understanding of ovine footrot is a constraint to the programs aimed at controlling this disease. Small group workshops may be an effective way to influence farmers' attitudes and beliefs, and could facilitate the effectiveness of regulatory disease control programs.
Comparative immunogenicity of two bivalent botulinum vaccines
Authors: BROWN AT , GREGORY AR , ELLIS TM , HEARNDEN MN 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo compare the ability of a new single‐dose botulinum vaccine containing a non‐mineral oil adjuvant with a single dose of a conventional botulinum vaccine product to produce antibody toClostridium botulinumtypes C and D in cattle in Northern Australia.Design and procedureOne hundred and fifty Brahman steer weaners were randomly divided into two groups receiving either a single dose of CSL Bivalent Botulinum vaccine or Websters Singvac. Blood samples were collected at 0, 8 and 24 weeks and tested by antibody ELISA. The final samples were also tested by the toxin neutralisation test, to test titres of neutralising antibody.ResultsSix months after inoculation, cattle vaccinated with Websters Singvac had ELISA antibody response twice that of CSL conventional product. However, this difference was only evident for neutralising antibody to typeC botulinumtoxin. Both products produced similar titres of type D neutralising antibody after a single dose.ConclusionWebsters' Singvac produces a greater neutralising antibody response to typeC botulismupon single inoculation than a conventional vaccine. The product produces an equivalent neutralising antibody response to type D.
Comparison of a competitive inhibition ELISA and the card agglutination test for detection of antibodies to Anaplasma marginale and Anaplasma centrale in cattle
Authors: MOLLOY JB , BOWLES PM , KNOWLES DP , McELWAIN TF , BOCK RE , KINGSTON TG , BLIGHT GW , DALGLIESH RJ 
Published: March 2008

ObjectiveTo compare a recently developed recombinant MSP‐5 competitive inhibition ELISA with a card agglutination test for detection of antibodies to Anaplasma marginale and Anaplasma centralein Australian cattle. Materials and methodsThe ELISA was compared with the card agglutination test using 208 sera from cattle in Anaplasma‐free herds, 86 sera from cattle experimentally infected with A marginale or A centrale and 757 sera from cattle in areas endemic for A marginale. ResultsThe specificity of the ELISA, based on testing 208 sera from cattle in Anaplasma‐free areas, was 99.5%, and the sensitivities for detection of antibodies to A marginale and A centrale in sera from the experimentally infected cattle were 98.0% and 100%, respectively. For the same sets of sera, the specificity of the card agglutination test was 98.6% and the sensitivities for detection of antibodies to A marginale and A centrale were 98.0% and 100%, respectively. For the 757 sera collected from cattle in areas endemic for A marginale, the agreement between the ELISA and the card agglutination test depended on the positive threshold selected for the ELISA. The maximum achievable agreement was 91.5% (kappa = 0.73; 95% confidence interval 0.66, 0.79). ConclusionWe conclude that the competitive inhibition ELISA is a useful alternative to the card agglutination test for detection of A marginale or A centrale infection in cattle. The assay should be particularly useful for epidemiological applications such as prevalence studies and control programs.
Toxoplasma gondii antibody in domestic cats in Melbourne
Authors: SUMNER B , ACKLAND ML 
Published: March 2008

Objectives To determine the prevalence ofToxoplasma gondiiin a population of domestic cats in Melbourne. Design An ELISA assay was used to measure T gondii antibody titres in 103 cats from north‐eastern Melbourne. Cats were obtained from outer suburban areas (less than 30 km from the Melbourne GPO) and from rural areas (more than 30 km from the Melbourne GPO). Results Thirty‐nine percent of cats were positive for T gondii IgG. Older cats tended to have higher antibody titres. There was no significant difference in the T gondii antibody titres between males and females, or between cats living in urban areas and cats from rural areas. Conclusions A significant proportion of cats from Melbourne have been exposed to Toxoplasma. This may have implications for the health of wildlife and humans.
Methods of detection of Chlamydia psittaci in domesticated and wild birds
Authors: McELNEA CL , CROSS GM 
Published: March 2008

Objective To study the occurrence of Chlamydia psittaci in domesticated and wild birds and compare the sensitivity of molecular detection with cell culture isolation. Design Study of cell culture isolation and PCR detection of C psittaci in avian samples. Procedure Samples were obtained from 485 birds. Domesticated birds were selected at random from pet shops, private aviaries and zoos, while wild birds were captured locally, sampled, and immediately released. Swabs were collected from choanal slit, conjunctiva and cloaca of each bird and pooled. Samples were divided into equal portions for use in PCR dot‐blot and cell culture detection. PCR and dot‐blot detection was based on the ompB gene. Results Prevalence of infection varied markedly between flocks of captive birds. It was highest where there were frequent changes in the flock members or where there were many birds confined in small areas. C psittaci was not detected in wild birds or water birds. The sensitivity of cell culture compared to PCR dot‐blot detection was 68%. All samples positive by cell culture were also positive by PCR. Conclusions PCR‐dot blot detection of C psittaci in birds appears to be more sensitive than cell culture isolation in this study. C psittaci infection of birds may occur in clinically normal captive birds.
Experimental reproduction of viral chorioretinitis in kangaroos
Authors: REDDACLIFF L , KIRKLAND P , PHILBEY A , DAVIS R , VOGELNEST L , HULST F , BLYDE D , DEYKIN A , SMITH J , HOOPER P , GOULD A , HYATT A 
Published: March 2008

Objective To investigate whether preparations containing Wallal and/or Warrego viruses could cause disease when inoculated subcutaneously into captive kangaroos.Design and procedure Four groups of two kangaroos, seronegative to both Wallal and Warrego virus, were each inoculated with wild Wallal virus, cultured Wallal virus, wild Warrego virus, or wild Warrego virus followed by wild Wallal virus after 3 weeks. A single uninoculated animal served as a control. Animals were monitored weekly under anaesthesia, examined ophthalmoscopically (including fundic photography), and samples collected for haematological and serum biochemical analysis, virus isolation, PCR and serological examination for antibodies against Wallal and Warrego viruses. Animals inoculated with cultured Wallal virus were killed at week 10, and remaining kangaroos were reinoculated with cultured Wallal virus at week 12.Results Virus was isolated from the blood of two kangaroos 2 weeks after inoculation with Wallal virus preparations, and from a third kangaroo 2 weeks after reinoculation. By 3 weeks after inoculation, all kangaroos given Wallal virus preparations had seroconverted to Wallal virus and one had seroconverted to Warrego virus. Fundic changes were detected in the three viraemic kangaroos 4 or more weeks after inoculation, and lesions were present in the eye and brain typical of those seen in field cases of chorioretinitis. No other kangaroos had lesions. Wallal virus was identified by PCR and immunohistochemical analysis in the retina of one affected animal and orbivirus‐like particles were seen by electron microscopy in the remains of retinal cells.Conclusion The condition of chorioretinitis was reproduced in three of eight kangaroos by inoculation with preparations containing Wallal virus.