Case–control risk factor study of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) infection in dogs and cats in Germany

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) has emerged as a highly drug-resistant small animal veterinary pathogen. Although often isolated from outpatients in veterinary clinics, there is concern that MRSP follows a veterinary-hospital-associated epidemiology. This study's objective was to identify risk factors for MRSP infections in dogs and cats in Germany. Clinical isolates of MRSP cases (n = 150) and methicillin-susceptible S. pseudintermedius (MSSP) controls (n = 133) and their corresponding host signalment and medical data covering the six months prior to staphylococcal isolation were analysed by multivariable logistic regression. The identity of all MRSP isolates was confirmed through demonstration of S. intermedius-group specific nuc and mecA. In the final model, cats (compared to dogs, OR 18.5, 95% CI 1.8–188.0, P = 0.01), animals that had been hospitalised (OR 104.4, 95% CI 21.3–511.6, P < 0.001), or visited veterinary clinics more frequently (>10 visits OR 7.3, 95% CI 1.0–52.6, P = 0.049) and those that had received topical ear medication (OR 5.1, 95% CI 1.8–14.9, P = 0.003) or glucocorticoids (OR 22.5, 95% CI 7.0–72.6, P < 0.001) were at higher risk of MRSP infection, whereas S. pseudintermedius isolates from ears were more likely to belong to the MSSP-group (OR 0.09, 95% CI 0.03–0.34, P < 0.001). These results indicate an association of MRSP infection with veterinary clinic/hospital settings and possibly with chronic skin disease. There was an unexpected lack of association between MRSP and antimicrobial therapy; this requires further investigation but may indicate that MRSP is well adapted to canine skin with little need for selective pressure.     

Prevalence and risk factors for brucellosis in domestic yak Bos grunniens and their herders in a transhumant pastoralist system of Dolpo,Nepal

Disease caused by Brucella spp. represents the most common bacterial zoonotic infection worldwide. The distribution and public health impact of these infections in Nepal's mountain regions are poorly characterized. This cross sectional study assesses the burden of brucellosis on transhumant pastoralists and their yak in and around Shey Phoksundo National Park, Nepal. Objectives were to: (1) estimate individual animal prevalence of Brucella-seropositive yak, (2) identify herd- and individual-level risk factors associated with Brucella seropositivity in individual yak, and (3) identify herd-level risk factors associated with reported human brucellosis-like symptoms in a household. A case of household symptoms was defined as the reported occurrence within the previous year of at least one of three acute symptoms (chills, fever, night chills) and one of two chronic symptoms (joint pain, swollen joint(s)) in one or both of two individuals interviewed in a household. Two-hundred-ninety-seven yak from 61 herds were sampled, and 61 household questionnaires were completed. Estimated true prevalence was 0.22 (95% CI: 0.17; 0.28). Poisson regression with generalized estimating equations was used to account for repeated measures within a cluster (herd). Yak in herds reporting abortion occurrence within the previous year were 2.3 times more likely to be seropositive than those in herds not reporting abortion (95% CI: 1.2; 4.2, p = 0.01). For every 10 animal increase in herd number, individual animal seropositivity risk increased by 30% (95% CI: 10%; 50%, p = 0.001). Male yak were 0.7 times as likely to be seropositive as female yak (95% CI: 0.5; 0.9, p = 0.01). Three to five year old yak were 2 times more likely to be seropositive than yak <3 years old (95% CI: 1.3; 3.2, p = 0.003), and yak >5 years old were 4.9 times more likely to be seropositive than yak <3 years old (95% CI: 2.9; 8.1, p < 0.001). Risk of reported brucellosis-like symptoms at the household level was 2 (95% CI: 1.1; 3.5, p = 0.02) times greater for households with herds with >1 reactor, and was 3.6 (95% CI: 1.4; 9.2, p = 0.008) times greater for households reporting the practice of raw milk consumption. These results indicate that yak seropositivity for Brucella spp. is widespread in the region, and is associated with reported human disease. This epidemiologic understanding is essential to the identification of public health opportunities at the interface of Himalayan livestock populations and the transhumant pastoralists that depend on them.     

Seroprevalence and risk factors of Mycoplasma suis infection in pig farms in central China

Mycoplasma suis, the causative agent of porcine infectious anemia, causes large economic losses to the swine industry worldwide. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted in 69 pig farms in Hubei Province, China, from November 2011 to August 2013 to ascertain the prevalence and associated risk factors of M. suis. Four thousand and four blood samples from pigs of all the age groups were tested for M. suis antibodies using the established rMSG1–ELISA assay. Among these 4004 samples, 1615 blood samples from multiparous sows were examined to identify the association between seroprevalence and different seasons. Information on risk factors collected from farmers or attending veterinarians was recorded on a pre-designed questionnaire. The overall test seroprevalence of M. suis infection at the animal level was 31.9% (1277/4004; 95% CI: 30.5%, 33.4%), whereas at the farm level, this value was 95.65% (66/69; 95% CI: 87.8%, 99.1%). The seroprevalence of M. suis was higher in replacement gilts (40.6%; 95% CI: 35.1%, 46.3%), multiparous sows (48.2%; 95% CI: 45.8%, 50.7%) and boars (44.4%; 95% CI: 34.5%, 54.8%), as compared to piglets (13.0%; 95% CI: 9.4%, 17.3%), weaned-piglets (10.8%; 95% CI: 8.9%, 13.0%), and growing-finishing pigs (25.0%; 95% CI: 22.0%, 28.3%). In terms of seasons, the prevalence of M. suis in pigs was significantly higher in summer (65.3%; 95% CI: 61.0%, 69.5%) and autumn (65.0%; 95% CI: 59.0%, 70.6%) compared to spring (30.1%; 95% CI: 26.0%, 34.4%) and winter (36.4%; 95% CI: 31.4%, 41.5%). Farm-level risk factors were identified by multivariable logistic regression analysis. The associated factors retained in the final multivariable logistic regression model were drug treatment, presence of mosquitoes and flies, and frequency of disinfection. Drug treatment (OR = 0.24; 95% CI: 0.07, 0.88; P = 0.031) and frequency of disinfection (OR = 0.23; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.90; P = 0.035) were protective factors, and the presence of mosquitoes and flies (OR = 5.994; 95% CI: 1.56, 23.00; P = 0.009) was a risk factor for M. suis infection on farms. The results of the present study provide the first insight into the impact of associated determinants on M. suis infection in central China.     

Evaluation of prevalence and risk factors for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization in veterinary personnel attending an international equine veterinary conference

Infection and colonization with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are now increasingly being reported in animals and people who work with animals, including horses and horse personnel. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of MRSA colonization in veterinary personnel attending an international equine veterinary conference, and to identify risk factors for MRSA colonization in this group. Volunteers were recruited at the conference to provide a single nasal swab and complete a questionnaire regarding contact with the human health care system, contact with horses, and personal hand hygiene. Colonization with MRSA was found in 26/257 (10.1%) of study participants. Multivariable analysis showed an increased risk of MRSA colonization associated with having been diagnosed with or having treated a patient diagnosed with MRSA colonization or infection in the last year (odds ratio [OR] 8.41, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.51–49.92, P = 0.015; OR 3.27, 95% CI 1.05–10.11, P = 0.039, respectively), whereas hand washing between infectious cases (OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.11–0.72, P = 0.009) and hand washing between farms (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.14–0.98, P = 0.047) were protective. The prevalence of MRSA colonization among equine veterinary personnel found in this study was high compared to that of other studies of the general population. These data support previous suggestions that equine veterinary personnel are at increased risk of colonization with MRSA. This is the first study to demonstrate a statistically significant association between hand hygiene practices and a measurable clinical outcome in veterinary medicine.     

Coxiella burnetii seroprevalence in unvaccinated veterinary workers in Australia: Evidence to support Q fever vaccination

Q fever (caused by Coxiella burnetii) is a serious zoonotic disease that occurs almost worldwide. Occupational contact with animals increases the risk of exposure, and Q fever vaccination is recommended for veterinary workers in Australia. This study aimed to investigate C. burnetii seroprevalence among unvaccinated veterinary workers in Australia and determine factors associated with a positive serological result. During 2014 and 2015, convenience sampling at veterinary conferences and workplace vaccination clinics was undertaken. Participants completed a questionnaire and provided a blood sample for C. burnetii serology. Participants were predominantly veterinarians (77%), but veterinary support staff, animal scientists, and administration workers also participated. Blood samples (n = 192) were analysed by an immunofluorescence assay and considered positive where the phase I or phase II IgG titre was ≥1/50. Seroprevalence was 19% (36/192; 95% CI 14%–25%). A positive serological result was significantly associated with (a) working in outer regional/remote areas (odds ratio [OR] 6.2; 95% CI 1.9–20.8; reference = major cities; p = .009) and (b) having spent more than 50% of total career working with ruminants (OR 4.8; 95% CI 1.7–13.5; reference = <15% of career; p = .025). These findings confirm an increased risk of exposure to C. burnetii compared to the general population, providing new evidence to support Q fever vaccination of veterinary workers in Australia.     

Brucellosis and associated risk factors in dairy cattle of eastern Ethiopia

Knowing the status of Bovine brucellosis and associated risk factors is a crucial step in formulating evidence based control scheme. In this study, a total of 967 dairy cows from 307 dairy farms in eastern Ethiopia were serologically tested for Brucella antibodies. The screening was done first using RBPT and positive samples were subsequently subjected to CFT for confirmation. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to collect relevant data from 307 dairy cattle owners or attendants to assess their awareness and routine practice. The data were run using univariable logistic regression analysis using STATA version 11.0 for Windows. Accordingly, herd and individual animal seroprevalence were found to be 6.8% (95% CI?=?4.28–10.28) and 1.3% (95% CI?=?0.72–2.29), respectively. The prevalence of sero-reactors among local breeds was observed to be higher compared to cross breed (p?<?0.05). Herd level analysis of the risk factors indicated that in farms with large herd size (>20 animals), the odds ratio (OR)?=?9.13, p?=?0.00, CI?=?3.01–27.69 of having brucellosis was 9.13 times higher than smaller size herds (<20 animals). Intensively managed herds had shown the highest seroprevalence (20.8%) than extensive (6.7%) and semi-intensive (4.2%). Experience of dairy handlers about the disease that cause abortion in late pregnancy was significantly associated (p?<?0.001) with the occurrence of brucellosis in the herds. However, about 91% of the dairy cattle owners/attendants lack awareness about disease(s) that causes abortion in late pregnancy. Similarly risk of having brucellosis in those herds experiencing abortion was 6.3 times higher (OR?=?6.3, p?<?0.001, CI?=?2.50–15.92). This study identified some of the handling practices for aborted and retained fetal materials to be risky. Therefore, the study highlights the need of comprehensive brucellosis surveillance in animal and human and institutions of public education and on farm biosafety measures in shaping proper disease control scheme.

     

Seroprevalence and potential risk of bovine brucellosis in zerograzing and pastoral dairy systems in Uganda

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Uganda between November 2006 and February 2007 to assess the seroprevalence and risk of brucellosis in zerograzing and pastoral dairy systems; two major sources of milk in Uganda, 80% of which is sold unpasteurized to consumers through informal channels. A total of 723 cattle comprised of 497 animals from the pastoral system and 226 animals from the zerograzing system were tested for antibodies against natural B. abortus infection using the competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (C-ELISA). Herd-level seroprevalence was 100% in the pastoral system and 5.5% (95% CI: 1.8, 9.2) in the zerograzing system. The animal-level seroprevalence and within-herd range of brucellosis in cattle in the pastoral system were 34.0% (95% CI: 29.9, 38.1) and 8.1–75.9%, while for those in the zerograzing system were 3.3% (95% CI: 0.9, 5.7) and 0–9.0%. Abortion rates of 23% and 0% among seropositive cows vis-à-vis 5.4% and 1.9% among seronegative cows were recorded in the pastoral and zerograzing systems, respectively. The risk of natural B. abortus infection was higher among older cattle (>24 m) (Odds ratio [OR] = 1.83, 95% CI: 1.25–2.67) and dry cows (OR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.23–3.31) in the pastoral system, and in calves aged 0–6 m (OR = 5.72, 95% CI: 1.04–31.41) in the zerograzing system. Implementing a culling program in the zerograzing system to eliminate the existing low risk of brucellosis and targeting calves in the pastoral systems for vaccination could avert the cost-related limitation of brucellosis control in Uganda.     

Risk factors and characteristics of canine transmissible venereal tumours in Grenada, West Indies

We studied risk factors and characteristics of canine transmissible venereal tumours (TVTs) in Grenada. We abstracted data for 38 TVT cases and 114 TVT-free dogs submitted to a veterinary diagnostic laboratory between 2003 and 2006. Occurrence profiles, odds ratios (ORs), and logistic regression models for TVT were determined using a significance level of α = 0.05. TVT was found in 20 (52.6%) female and 18 (47.4%) male dogs. Of the TVT cases, 32 (84.2%) were between 1 and 7 years old, 20 (52.6%) were mixed breeds of dogs, 14 (36.8%) were Grenadian pothounds, while 4 (10.6%) were pure-bred dogs. Characteristic TVT lesions were genital growths [OR = 96.7; 95% CI (27,461), P < 0.001], genital bleeding [OR = 12.7; 95% CI (4.6, 39.2), P < 0.001] and secondary inflammation of TVT lesion [OR = 4.3; 95% CI (2, 10), P < 0.001]. Extragenital TVT lesions were observed in 23% (9/38) of dogs. An increased risk for TVT was associated with age as adult (1–7 years) dogs [OR = 12; 95% CI (1.6, 94), P < 0.001] and status as a Grenadian pothound [OR = 8.6; 95% CI (3, 25), P < 0.001]. Clinicians should educate dog owners about increased risk of TVT for Grenadian pothounds and consider TVT as a possibility for some extragenital tumours.     

Epidemiology of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius in guide dogs in Finland

Background

Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP) and Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are common multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria in dogs. In 2012–2013 three dogs of the Guide Dog School of the Finnish Federation of the Visually Impaired were found to be MRSP positive. Guide dogs have regular contact with each other during their first year of life and prolonged contact when in training. Since dogs are placed in different parts of Finland after training, there is a risk for national spread of MDR bacteria. In this study the prevalence of MRSP and MRSA, as well as the risk factors for MRSP were determined in the Finnish guide dog population. MRSP isolates were investigated using molecular methods and compared to the earlier isolates.

Results

Out of 132 tested dogs 4 were MRSP positive thus giving the prevalence estimate of 3% (95% CI: 1–8%) for MRSP in the target population. MRSA was not detected (prevalence estimate 0%, 95% CI: 0–3%). Risk factors associated with MRSP were being a breeding bitch (OR = 8.4; 95% CI: 1.1–64.1, P = 0.012), the number of veterinary visits (OR = 1.23; 95% CI: 1.0–1.5, P = 0.025) and number of antimicrobial courses (OR = 1.63; 95% CI: 1.0–2.55; P = 0.035). Identified MRSP isolates belonged to five different sequence types (ST45, 71, 402, 403 and 404). All ST71 isolates carried SCCmec II-III, while the SCCmec type of the ST45 and ST402 (a single locus variant of ST45) isolates were non-typeable with the method used.

Conclusions

MRSP and MRSA had low prevalence in the studied dog population despite the close contact between dogs, and the MRSP population was heterogenic. Antimicrobial therapy and veterinary visits are risk factors for MRSP even among a small case group.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13028-015-0129-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Clinically relevant multidrug resistant Salmonella enterica in swine and meat handlers at the abattoir

The presence of multidrug resistant (MDR) Salmonella serotypes in slaughtered swine, carcasses, meat and meat handlers is scarcely evaluated. Recently we demonstrated that diverse Salmonella serotypes are frequently present in swine, pork meat and carcasses, and meat handlers at Portuguese abattoirs. Here we have characterized their antibiotic resistance phenotypes and genotypes, helping elucidate the flow of MDR Salmonella in the food chain. Testing 60 Salmonella isolates from different serotypes, the highest frequencies of resistance were observed for tetracycline (T) [70% (n = 42/60), tet(A)/tet(B)/tet(G)], streptomycin (S) [63% (n = 38/60), aadA2/strA/strB], sulfamethoxazole (Sul) [62% (n = 37/60), sul1/sul2/sul3] and ampicillin (A) [57% (n = 34/60), bla_PSE-1/bla_TEM]. Thirty-seven percent (n = 22/60) carried class 1 integrons and multidrug resistance was frequently observed (63% n = 38/60), including those serotypes common to human infections [S. Typhimurium 78% n = 25/32; S. 4,[5],12:i:- 67% n = 2/3; S. Rissen 75% (n = 3/4); S. London 67% n = 2/3; S. Derby 55%; n = 6/11)]. The emergent S. 4,[5],12:i:- isolates were mostly characterized by ASSuT phenotype [bla_TEM/strA-strB/sul2/tet(B)], typical of the European clone, while for the first time the ST phenotype [strA-strB-tet(A)-tet(B)] was also observed. Moreover, we report a first finding of a MDR phenotype in S. London [ANSSuT; bla_TEM-strA-strB-sul2-tet(A)]. Our findings suggest that the abattoir environment and the slaughter operations seem not only to harbor MDR serotypes that originated in the pig reservoir, but also propagate them through cross-contamination processes, involving meat handlers. The present study suggests a probable relationship between swine and human salmonellosis throughout the food chain, which is of interest for epidemiological, animal health and public health purposes.     

Attitudes of Spanish-speaking veterinarians interested in anaesthesia towards use of total intravenous anaesthesia in dogs: a survey study

ObjectivesTo describe Spanish-speaking veterinary anaesthetists’ attitudes towards use of total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) in dogs.Study designProspective online voluntary survey.PopulationData from 300 answered surveys.MethodsAn anonymous questionnaire was sent via e-mail to representatives of the four largest Spanish-speaking veterinary anaesthesia and analgesia associations. It was distributed through mailing lists (Spain, Argentina, Mexico) or social media (Spain, Chile) to gather information on the use, opinions and perceived advantages of TIVA, as well as on preferred alternatives to isoflurane for providing general anaesthesia. Logistic regression was used to test for response associations.ResultsA total of 275 (92%) respondents had used TIVA (24% rarely, 36% sometimes, 40% very often or always). There was an association between a higher rate of TIVA usage and a low specialization level, less clinical experience and unavailability of anaesthetic gas scavenging systems. The main reasons for not using TIVA were lack of familiarity with the technique (92%), unavailability of infusion pumps (32%), established institutional anaesthetic protocol (32%), and technical difficulty (20%). Among frequent TIVA users, a higher proportion reported the greater ease of TIVA use (52%) compared to those that did not perceive such benefit (17%) [odds ratio (OR) = 5.2; 95% confidence interval (CI95), 1.7–16.6; p = 0.004). More respondents did not consider TIVA more expensive (60%) (OR = 2.1; CI95, 1.0–4.3; p = 0.034), more difficult to perform (59%) (OR = 2.5; CI95, 1.3–4.9; p = 0.006) or to manage the equipment (53%) (OR = 3.3; CI95, 1.4–7.8; p = 0.008), than inhalational anaesthetics. During isoflurane shortages, respondents reportedly preferred using an alternative inhalational agent (59%) rather than TIVA (47%).Conclusions and clinical relevanceTIVA use is widespread among veterinarians within the surveyed associations. Frequent TIVA users reported greater perceived advantages. In situations of isoflurane shortage, an alternative inhalational anaesthetic was preferred over TIVA.     

Cross-sectional survey of sleep,fatigue and mental health in veterinary anaesthesia personnel

ObjectiveTo evaluate the sleep quality, prevalence of fatigue and depressive symptoms in veterinary anaesthesia personnel.Study designAnonymous online voluntary survey.MethodsSleep quality, fatigue, depressive symptoms and self-perceived burnout were scored using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and single-item burnout measure, respectively. Demographic data and questions about work-related fatigue, out-of-hours duty, transport and rest periods were included. PSQI, FSS and PHQ-9 scores were compared using Spearman rank correlation tests.ResultsResponses from 393 participants were obtained from an estimated population of 1374 including diplomates of the American and European Colleges of Veterinary An(a)esthesia and Analgesia (43.9%), residency-trained veterinarians (15.6%), residents-in-training (13.8%) and veterinary technicians and nurses (12.0%), from 32 countries. Most were employed in clinical university teaching hospitals (54.2%) or clinical private practice (41.5%).PSQI scores > 5 were reported by 71.2% of respondents, with 52.4% reporting insufficient sleep to meet their job demands. Many showed high or borderline fatigue (56.4%), and 74.7% reported mistakes due to work-related fatigue. Major depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 score ≥ 10) were found in 42.7%, with 19.2% reporting they had thought about suicide or self-harm in the previous 2 weeks. Over half (54.8%) met the criteria for burnout and more veterinary nurses and technicians suffered from burnout than other roles, with 79.6% of this group affected (p < 0.001).Scores for PSQI and FSS [r (388) = 0.40, p < 0.001]; PSQI and PHQ-9 [r (389) = 0.23, p < 0.001]; and FSS and PHQ-9 [r (387) = 0.24, p < 0.001] were all positively correlated.Conclusions and clinical relevanceThis survey demonstrates a high prevalence of poor sleep, fatigue, depressive symptoms and burnout in veterinary anaesthesia personnel, and more should be done to improve the health of those in the profession.     

Descriptive and spatial epidemiology of bovine cysticercosis in North-Eastern Spain (Catalonia)

From March 2005 to December 2007, 284 animals from 67 cattle farms (24 dairy and 43 beef) affected by bovine cysticercosis were detected in the region of Catalonia (North-Eastern Spain). Dairy farms were almost twice more likely to be affected than beef farms (OR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.08–2.96, p < 0.05), and infected premises have a statistically significant (p < 0.05) larger number of animals when compared to uninfected farms in Catalonia.     

Prevalence and risk factors for Coxiella burnetii (Q fever) in Dutch dairy cattle herds based on bulk tank milk testing

Despite cattle herds can harbor Coxiella burnetii, risk factors for C. burnetii presence in dairy cattle herds are largely unknown. Therefore, C. burnetii herd prevalence and risk factors for bulk tank milk (BTM) positivity were investigated. In this cross-sectional study, a questionnaire was filled out by the farmer and BTM from 301 farms was tested by ELISA for presence of C. burnetii antibodies and PCR for presence of C. burnetii DNA. Risk factors were identified by univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses. Antibodies to C. burnetii were detected in 81.6% (CI: 77.2–85.9) and C. burnetii DNA in 18.8% (CI: 14.4–23.1) of the BTM samples. Herd size (OR = 1.1 per 10 cows), cleaning the bedding of the cubicles at most every other day (OR = 2.8) and purchase of cattle from at least two addresses (OR = 3.1) showed a significant and positive association with ELISA positivity and use of an automatic milking system a negative association (OR = 0.3). Risk factors for PCR positivity were purchase of cattle from at least two delivery addresses (OR = 3.2), presence of cows with ticks (OR = 2.0), use of an automatic milking system (OR = 0.2) and presence of goats or sheep on the farm (OR = 0.4). Biosecurity and general hygiene seem associated with introduction and spread of C. burnetii in dairy herds.     

Effect of gentle stroking and vocalization on behaviour,mucosal immunity and upper respiratory disease in anxious shelter cats

Emotional, behavioural, and health benefits of gentle stroking and vocalizations, otherwise known as gentling, have been documented for several species, but little is known about the effect of gentling on cats in stressful situations. In this study, 139 cats rated as anxious upon admission to an animal shelter were allocated to either a Gentled or Control group. Cats were gentled four times daily for 10 min over a period of 10 days, with the aid of a tool for cats that were too aggressive to handle. The cats’ mood, or persistent emotional state, was rated daily for 10 d as Anxious, Frustrated or Content. Gentled cats were less likely to have negatively valenced moods (Anxious or Frustrated) than Control cats (Incidence Rate Ratio [IRR] = 0.61 CI 0.42–0.88, P = 0.007). Total secretory immunoglobulin A (S-IgA) was quantified from faeces by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Gentled cats had increased S-IgA (6.9 ± 0.7 log_e μg/g) compared to Control cats (5.9 ± 0.5 log_e μg/g) (P < 0.0001). Within the Gentled group of cats, S-IgA values were higher for cats that responded positively to gentling (7.03 ± 0.6, log_e μg/g), compared with those that responded negatively (6.14 ± 0.8, log_e μg/g). Combined conjunctival and oropharyngeal swab specimens were tested by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (rPCR) for feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1), feline calicivirus (FCV), Mycoplasma felis, Chlamydophila felis, and Bordetella bronchiseptica. There was a significant increase in shedding over time in Control cats (23%, 35%, 52% on days 1, 4 and 10, respectively), but not in gentled cats (32%, 26%, 30% on days 1, 4 and 10, respectively) (P = 0.001). Onset of upper respiratory disease was determined by veterinary staff based on clinical signs, in particular ocular and/or nasal discharge. Control cats were 2.4 (CI: 1.35–4.15) times more likely to develop upper respiratory disease over time than gentled cats (P < 0.0001). It is concluded that gentling anxious cats in animal shelters can induce positive affect (contentment), increase production of S-IgA, and reduce the incidence of upper respiratory disease.     

Occurrence and severity of lung lesions in slaughter pigs vaccinated against Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae with different strategies

Different vaccination strategies against Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae have been adopted worldwide. Reports from the field indicate varying levels of protection among currently available vaccines. The goal of the present study was to compare the efficacies of three widespread commercial vaccination strategies against M. hyopneumoniae under field conditions. 20 farms were included. 14 farms used different single dose vaccines (vaccine 1 [V1], 8 herds; vaccine 2 [V2], 6 herds); another 6 farms (V3) used a two dose vaccination strategy. Gross lesions of 854 lungs and histopathology from 140 lungs were quantified, and a quantitative PCR was applied to detect M. hyopneumoniae and porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) DNA in lung tissue (n = 140). In addition, porcine reproductive and respiratory disease virus (PRRSV), swine influenza virus (SIV), Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, Haemophilus parasuis and Pasteurella multocida were tested by qualitative PCR. 53% of lungs were positive for M. hyopneumoniae. 55.9% of lungs showed macroscopic enzootic pneumonia (EP)-like lesions. Lung lesion scores (P < 0.001) and M. hyopneumoniae-loads (P < 0.008) differed significantly among the vaccination groups, with the most severe cases and highest amounts occurring in V1. Histological alterations differed (P < 0.001) between V1 and V3. Lung lesion scores and histopathological changes were significantly correlated, with prevalence and load of M. hyopneumoniae indicating that the applied diagnostic tools are valuable in confirming the prevalence and severity of M. hyopneumoniae infections. Comparing different vaccination strategies against M. hyopneumoniae indicates varying levels of protection. M. hyopneumoniae is still a major problem despite the widely applied vaccination.     

Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with Chlamydophila spp. infection in ewes in the northeast of Algeria

A cross-sectional study was carried out to estimate prevalence of Chlamydophila spp. antibodies and to investigate risk factors associated with chlamydial infection in 552 ewes between March 2011 and January 2012 in the province of Constantine. Anti-Chlamydophila antibodies were detected using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit in 24.5 % of examined sera. Of the herds, 70.4 % had at least one seropositive animal. A pretested structured questionnaire was administered in order to collect information on individual animal health and herd management practices. Chi-square analysis and multivariable logistic regression model were used to identify risk factors related to Chlamydophila seropositivity. Univariable analysis revealed 17 variables with p?<?0.25 that were offered to the multivariable logistic regression model which in turn identified 12–23 months age group (OR?=?5.903, 95 % CI (OR)?=?1.690; 20.618) and not using disinfectants (OR?=?2.099, 95 % CI (OR)?=?1.314; 8.065) as risk factors for Chlamydophila spp. seropositivity. Moreover, occurrence of stillbirth problem (OR?=?3.682, 95 % CI (OR)?=?1.825; 7.430) and 5–10 % mortality rate in young lambs (OR?=?2.584, 95 % CI (OR)?=?1.058; 6.310) were significantly associated with seropositivity to Chlamydophila spp. On the other hand, availability of veterinary service was identified as a protective factor (OR?=?0.161, 95 % CI (OR)?=?0.051; 0.511).     

A Seroprevalence Study of Camel Brucellosis in Three Camel-rearing Regions of Ethiopia

A cross-sectional investigation was made into the seroprevalence of brucellosis in camels in three arid and semi-arid camel-rearing regions of Ethiopia (Afar, Somali and Borena) between November 2000 and April 2001. When sera collected from 1442 accessible camels were screened with the Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT), 82 (5.7%) of them reacted. The results of a complement fixation test (CFT) on those sera that had given a positive reaction to the screening test then indicated a 4.2% prevalence of brucellosis in the tested camels. There was a significant difference in the prevalence of brucellosis (² = 7.91, p<0.05), which was highest in Afar (5.2%) followed by Somali (2.8%) and Borena (1.2%) regions. Camels in Afar had a four times higher risk of brucellosis with an odds ratio (OR) of 4.34 (confidence interval, CI = 1.76–10.72, p<0.001) compared to the risk in Borena. Likewise, Afar had higher risk (OR = 1.76, 1.13–2.74, p<0.05) than that in Somali. There was no significant difference in seroprevalence between the sexes (p>0.05). Although a higher prevalence (6.3%) was observed in camels over 3 years old in Afar, there was no significant overall age difference (p>0.05).     

The effects of CO2 gas stunning on meat quality of cattle compared with captive bolt stunning

The aim of this study is to assess the effect of CO₂ gas stunning which has not been conducted until now in comparison with captive bolt stunning on the meat quality of cattle. A total of 40 steers were slaughtered following two stunning processes: CO₂ gas stunning (n=20), exposure at 70% CO₂ gas atmosphere for 140 sec; and captive bolt stunning (CBS, n=20). The slaughtered steers were classified into Group A (620–710 kg) and Group B (720–790 kg) by their live weight. CO₂ gas stunning decreases pH value (p<0.05) but increases lightness (p<0.001) and sarcomere length (p<0.001 and p<0.01 for Group A and Group B, respectively) in all live weight groups. Drip loss was increased with CO₂ gas stunning in Group A (620–710 kg of live weight) (p<0.05), whereas WBSF was decreased with CO₂ gas stunning in Group B (720–790 kg of live weight) (p<0.001). Therefore, CO₂ gas stunning negatively affects muscle pH and water-holding capacity in steers but CO₂ gas stunning can improve the tenderness and lightness compared with captive bolt stunning in cattle.     

Quantitative real-time PCR and culture examination of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis at farm level

Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) causes Johne's disease in ruminants and may contribute to Crohn's disease in humans. The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence and quantity of MAP in cattle feces and milk in the Iranian context. In addition, we evaluated the effect of cattle age as well as farming system as risk factors contributing to MAP load. For this, a total sample of 373 consisting of 150 cattle feces (CF), 150 individual cow's milk (ICM), as well as 73 bulk-tank milk (BTM) was collected randomly and regardless of the cattle health status. The samples were assayed using F57 quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and culture method. According to the results of qPCR which was found ∼10 times more sensitive than culture assay, MAP was detected in 68.66% (103/150) of the CF, 12% (18/150) of the ICM and 52.05% (38/73) of the BTM samples. In contrast to the previous reports, the quantity of MAP in the BTM (2.03–5.97 log cfu/50 ml) was statistically (p < 0.01) higher than the ICM (0.90–1.97 log cfu/50 ml). Data suggested a direct relation (p < 0.01) between the cattle age and the quantity of MAP in the CF samples, while the relation was not statistically significant (p > 0.05) for the ICM. In addition, MAP load in the BTM samples obtained from traditional farms was significantly (p < 0.01) higher than that of the industrial ones, while the differences in CF and ICM was not significant (p > 0.05).