Protostrongylid infection in meat sheep from Northwestern Spain: prevalence and risk factors

2093 Faecal samples from 74 commercial meat ovine flocks were collected and examined by the Baermann-Wetzel method for protostrongylid infection. The risk of being infected by lungworms was evaluated with a data mining classification tree (CHAID), and the intensity of infection with a general linear model (GLM). 242 out of 2093 faecal samples examined were positive for protostrongylid infection (11.6%; 95% CI 10.2-12.9). Only two species were found, Muellerius capillaris (97.9%) and Neostrongylus linearis (5.4%). 50 out of 74 farms presented at least one animal shedding protostrongylid larvae in faeces. All of them held animals infected by M. capillaris and seven presented mixed infections with N. linearis. Average larval output in infected sheep was 11.9 (SD 30.91). This study showed that protostrongylid prevalence in sheep for meat production was determined mainly by a positive interaction with Dictyocaulus filaria infection; other factors that have influenced over protostrongylid infection were age, introducing external animals in the flocks, mixed management with goats and animal density in pastures. Treatment effects on prevalence were only observed in flocks that did not introduce ewes. The lowest protostrongylid prevalence has been reported in flocks without D. filaria infection and without contact with goats.     

Intron 1 of the interferon gamma gene: Its role in nematode resistance in Suffolk and Texel sheep breeds

Genetic variation at intron 1 of the interferon gamma gene has recently been associated with variation in faecal egg count in Romney, Merino and Soay breeds of sheep. The Texel breed is more resistant to gastrointestinal nematode infection than the Suffolk breed, based on faecal egg count. Hence, the objective of this experiment was to characterise the polymorphisms of intron 1 of the interferon gammagene in Suffolk and Texel sheep, and to determine if the characterised haplotype variants were associated with faecal egg count variation in these breeds. Intron 1 haplotypes and faecal egg measurements were determined for Suffolks (n=113) and Texels (n=135). Four haplotypes were identified in Suffolks (A, B, C and D), two haplotypes as previously described, and two previously unknown haplotypes. However, there was no association between interferon gamma intron 1 haplotype and faecal egg count in Suffolks. In contrast, two previously identified haplotypes (A and B) were present in the Texel breed, and the B haplotype was associated with resistance to nematode infection (P=0.02). These results suggest that intron 1 of the interferon gamma gene has an important role in resistance to nematode infection in the Texel breed.     

Intron 1 of the interferon γ gene: Its role in nematode resistance in Suffolk and Texel sheep breeds

Genetic variation at intron 1 of the interferon gamma gene has recently been associated with variation in faecal egg count in Romney, Merino and Soay breeds of sheep. The Texel breed is more resistant to gastrointestinal nematode infection than the Suffolk breed, based on faecal egg count. Hence, the objective of this experiment was to characterise the polymorphisms of intron 1 of the interferon gammagene in Suffolk and Texel sheep, and to determine if the characterised haplotype variants were associated with faecal egg count variation in these breeds. Intron 1 haplotypes and faecal egg measurements were determined for Suffolks (n=113) and Texels (n=135). Four haplotypes were identified in Suffolks (A, B, C and D), two haplotypes as previously described, and two previously unknown haplotypes. However, there was no association between interferon gamma intron 1 haplotype and faecal egg count in Suffolks. In contrast, two previously identified haplotypes (A and B) were present in the Texel breed, and the B haplotype was associated with resistance to nematode infection (P=0.02). These results suggest that intron 1 of the interferon gamma gene has an important role in resistance to nematode infection in the Texel breed.     

Gastro-intestinal nematode infections in a goat breeding farm in North-Western Sri Lanka

Faecal egg counts were used to study patterns of nematode infestation of adult female goats and their offspring according to season, pregnancy and lactation or age on a goat farm (n = 2000) in north-western Sri Lanka. Average rainfall in the area is 825 mm and temperature is between 23 and 33 degrees C throughout the year. The only nematode species present on the farm were Haemonchus contortus and Oesophagostomum columbianum. In adult females the faecal egg output was not influenced by season and no significant periparturient rise was observed. In kids the egg counts rose from the third month of age onwards and reached the same levels as the adults by the fourth month. Post-mortem studies on a neighbouring farm indicated that hypobiosis was not present.     

Accuracy of an anaemia scoring chart applied on goats in sub-humid Kenya and its potential for control of Haemonchus contortus infections

We tested the practical application of an anaemia scoring chart (the FAMACHA chart) as a method for controlling Haemonchus contortus in goats kept under smallholder conditions in a sub-humid area of Central Kenya. The objectives were: (1) to test the accuracy of the FAMACHA chart in identifying anaemic goats (PCV< or =18); (2) to quantify the proportion of goats left untreated at farm level when using the chart. On each of two farms, Small East African goats of various ages were allocated to two treatment groups; a FAMACHA group (F1 (n=34) and F2 (n=31) on farms 1 and 2, respectively) and a control group (C1 (n=34) and C2 (n=30)). In F1 and F2 goats with a FAMACHA score of 3, 4 or 5 were treated with anthelmintic after scoring. In C1 and C2 goats were treated every 4 weeks from 15 February to 20 July. Every 2 weeks all goats were scored with the FAMACHA chart and weighed. Furthermore, faecal samples were collected for faecal egg counts (FEC) and blood samples were collected for packed cell volume (PCV) determination. H. contortus was found to be the predominant nematode on both farms. The mean FECs were higher on farm 1 compared to farm 2, while in contrast the mean PCV levels were lowest on farm 2. The latter was most likely due to the presence of Fasciola spp., flea and tick infections on farm 2. The accuracy of the chart was evaluated by using PCV as the gold standard for anaemia (PCV< or =18%). The mean percentage of false-negative scorings per sampling was 0.7% on farm 1 and 1.6% on farm 2, while the mean percentage of false-positive scorings was 9.7% and 21.4%, respectively. It is most likely that the accuracy of the chart was negatively affected by the concurrent parasite infections on farm 2. The mean proportion of untreated goats per sampling was 89% and 77% on farm 1 and farm 2. It was concluded that the FAMACHA chart can be a valuable tool for decision-making in control of H. contortus in goats kept under smallholder conditions, without morbidity or mortality unacceptable to the farmer. The application may further reduce the risk of development of anthelmintic resistance by increasing refugia. However, caution should be taken under conditions where other anaemia-causing parasites are present (e.g. Fasciola spp. and ecto-parasites), since this possibly decreases the accuracy of the FAMACHA chart.     

Pooled faecal culture for the detection of Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis in goats

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate pooled faecal culture for herd diagnosis of caprine Johne's disease and relate these findings to faecal shedding rates of Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis (Map). DESIGN: Radiometric broth culture was applied to several pooling dilutions, and shedding rates were estimated from a regression equation based on bacterial growth rates and known processing losses during radiometric culture. PROCEDURE: Sixteen faecal samples from goats naturally infected with sheep (n = 3) or cattle (n = 13) strains of Map, were diluted in normal goat faeces from 1 in 5 to 1 in 50. Cultures were confirmed by IS900 polymerase chain reaction and restriction endonuclease analysis, and mycobactin dependency. The numbers of viable Map in the culture inocula were determined by endpoint titration (most probable number) of nine samples and related to a cumulative growth index. RESULTS: A pooling dilution of 1 in 25 with an incubation period of 10 weeks detected 13 of 16 culture positive goats, all shedding > or = 2 x 10(4) Map per gram of faeces. Two samples containing very low numbers of Map (< 2 x 10(3)/g) were only culture positive from undiluted faeces. Thirteen of 16 goats were considered to be shedding low to moderate concentrations of Map (< 2 x 10(5)/g faeces). CONCLUSIONS: These data support a pooling dilution of 1 in 25 for application of pooled faecal culture as a diagnostic tool in caprine Johne's disease control. A test based on this dilution would reduce laboratory costs of whole herd testing in goats by approximately 40% relative to serology and 75 to 90% relative to individual faecal culture.     

A slaughterhouse survey of lung lesions in goats

A survey of the lungs from 4284 goats killed at a slaughterhouse in the North Island of New Zealand during the winter of 1990 revealed only ten cases of non-parasitic bronchopneumonia. However, 41% of the lungs had lesions consistent with infection by Muellerius capillaris, 33% with Dictyocaulus filaria, and 8% with both species. The prevalence of parasitic lesions increased with age. The carcasses of goats with mild to severe Dictyocaulus filaria lesions were from 0.81 to 1.52 kg lighter than those without the lesions (p<0.001). The carcasses of goats with more than ten nodular (Muellerius capillaris) lesions were 0.75 kg lighter than those without the lesions (p<0.001). Twelve sets of lungs had lesions of chronic bronchiectasis. Nematode larvae were seen in the bronchial lumina of three of them. The microscopic appearance varied from a moderate dilatation of occluded bronchi which retained an intact epithelium, to large foreign-body granulomas where the remaining bronchial outlines were barely discernible. Multiple, very discrete, fibrous pleural plaques were found on the caudal lobes in two cases. Plaques of this morphology have not been described previously in the veterinary literature. Pleural adhesions were found in 350 cases (8.2%). The relatively higher frequency of pleurisy versus non-parasitic pneumonia suggests that pneumonia in goats in the North Island of New Zealand completely resolves in most cases.     

Faecal Oestrogens and Progesterone Metabolites in Mares of Different Breeds During the Last Trimester of Pregnancy

Non‐invasive pregnancy diagnosis in mares by measuring faecal oestrogens has been performed over years with great accuracy. However, results have indicated breed‐related differences in the amount of excreted steroids during late pregnancy. Therefore faecal samples were collected during the last 4 months of pregnancy of Thoroughbred (n=10), New Forest pony (n=9), Shetland pony (n=10) and Iceland pony mares (n=11). Concentrations of oestrogens, 20α‐hydroxy‐ and 20‐oxopregnanes were measured using enzyme immunoassays. Breed differences concerning both levels (though significant only in case of oestrogens) and time course of measured steroids were observed. There was a highly significant time effect (p < 0.00001) and an interaction between time and breeds (p < 0.02) for all steroids measured, suggesting that the time effect differs for different breeds. Oestrogen concentrations showed a decrease towards parturition, whereas in 20α‐hydroxy‐ and 20‐oxopregnane levels a pronounced increase was found 2 and 1 months, respectively, before parturition. A breed effect was only significant (p=0.001) when comparing oestrogen concentrations and was mainly due to Iceland ponies, which had the lowest concentrations especially during the last 2 months of pregnancy. An almost significant (p=0.06) breed effect was found for 20‐oxopregnanes. In Iceland mares an additional increase in faecal pregnane content was already observed earlier, reaching maximum levels before the 60th day ante‐partum (a.p.), followed by a decrease until the 30th day a.p. The ratio of 20‐oxopregnanes to oestrogens in the samples was significantly higher (p < 0.006) in Iceland ponies in comparison with any other breed throughout all months before parturition. The breed differences observed in the amounts of oestrogens and/or progestagens present during late pregnancy may demonstrate micro‐evolutionary changes in the endocrine system of a species.     

Naturally occurring variability in some phenotypic markers and correlates of haemonchotolerance in West African Dwarf goats in a subhumid zone of Nigeria

West African Dwarf (WAD) goats of the Nigerian subhumid zone generally show strong resistance and resilience to Haemonchus contortus in laboratory experiments, although a relatively small proportion are susceptible to infection. Little is known about these extremes of response phenotype in nature. Therefore, a survey was carried out of gastrointestinal nematode infections in WAD goats, with emphasis on abomasal worms, at three goat markets in Southern Nigeria during the rainy season. Faecal samples (n=1070) were collected weekly from goats between April and September, and 352 abomasa and small intestines from local abattoirs were examined. Total strongyle (prevalence=65.0%) and H. contortus (prevalence=64.3%) faecal egg counts (FEC) varied between the three markets, being highest throughout at Opi. FEC increased from April to peak in August. Based on raw FEC, 76.1% of goats had FEC of <100, and 4.7%>500. Adjustment of these figures for monthly and between-market differences, gave figures of 78.8 and 3.4%, respectively. H. contortus worm burdens (WB) showed a similar pattern with 67.9% of goats harbouring <200 worms and 8.2% >1000, and after adjustment 69.6 and 6.0%, respectively. Fecundity, based on eggs in the uterus, did not vary between markets or monthly, but fell with increasing WB. Trichostrongylus colubriformis was less frequent (prevalence=42.4%) but goats from Opi also carried higher WB, and worms were similarly highly aggregated in hosts. When the between-market and monthly differences for both species were controlled, a highly significant positive correlation between the species emerged. Therefore, although a small subset of goats, highly susceptible to H. contortus, exists in this breed, the majority show resistance under field conditions and the resistant phenotype is also resistant to T. colubriformis. Both species are highly aggregated in the susceptible subset of the population. While, we cannot yet exclude alternative explanations, our data are compatible with a strong genetic basis for this phenomenon.     

Anthelmintic efficacy of five tropical native Australian plants against Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus colubriformis in experimentally infected goats (Capra hircus)

The study of the anthelmintic properties of plants rich in plant secondary metabolites can provide ecologically sound methods for the treatment of parasites on grazing animals. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the anthelmintic effect of five tropical native Australian plant species rich in plant secondary metabolites on adult Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus colubriformis in experimentally infected goats. Thirty young, nematode-free goats were infected with 2500 H. contortus and 5000 T. colubriformis infective larvae thrice weekly for a week (day 1-7 of the experiment). On day 27 after first infection, the goats were allocated into six groups of five animals per group. From day 28 to day 35, fresh leaves from Acacia salicina, Acacia nilotica, Eucalyptus corymbia, Casuarina cunninghamiana and Eucalyptus drepanophylla were included in the goats diet. Five groups were offered leaves from one of these plant species and one group, the untreated control, received only the basal diet formulated with 20% Medicago sativa and 80% Avena sativa. Following plant material administration, the goats were monitored daily until day 40 and then slaughtered on day 41. Total faecal worm egg output, total production of larvae recovered from faecal cultures, total post-mortem worm burdens and the per capita fecundity of female worms were estimated. The toxicity of the plant species for the goats was measured by histopathological analyses of liver and kidney samples. Results showed that goats feeding on the plant material rich in plant secondary metabolites had significantly lower egg output compared to the control goats (P<0.05). A similar response was found for larval production in both H. contortus and T. colubriformis supporting that egg output was affected in both species. Although the total worm burdens were not affected by the plant material (P>0.05), the per capita fecundity was significantly reduced by E. corymbia, A. nilotica and A. salicina (P<0.05). No signs of toxicity were detected in the liver or kidney samples. It is concluded that goats can benefit from the short-term ingestion of plant secondary metabolites, which reduce the total faecal egg output and thus decrease the potential for re-infection from the pasture.     

Prevalence of cryptosporidian infection in cats in Turin and analysis of risk factors

An epidemiological study was carried out to identify factors associated with the risk of cryptosporidian infection in cats. Faecal samples from 200 domestic cats were collected in the small animal clinic at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Turin (north-west Italy). The faecal samples were analysed for the presence of Cryptosporidium species oocysts using a centrifugation concentration floatation method. For each cat, age, sex, breed, indoor/outdoor status, diet, diarrhoea and presence of other enteric parasites were analysed for association with Cryptosporidium species infection. Cryptosporidia oocysts were identified in 49 cats (24.5%) aged from 2 months to 18 years. Statistical analysis revealed that four variables are significantly associated with an increased risk of infection: less than 1 year of age (chi(2)=6.5, P=0.01), feeding home-cooked diet (chi(2)=6.92, P<0.01), presence of diarrhoea (chi(2)=4.34, P<0.037), and presence of other enteric parasites (chi(2)=10.31, P<0.01). No statistical differences were found for sex (chi(2)=1.56, P=0.21), breed (chi(2)=0.78, P=0.38) and outdoor/indoor status (chi(2)=1.49, P=0.22). Cryptosporidium species was the parasite most frequently detected in the cats surveyed.     

Effects of breed, sex, and age on the variation and ability of fecal near-infrared reflectance spectra to predict the composition of goat diets

The effects of breed, sex, and age of goats on fecal near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy-predicted percentage juniper in the diet were investigated, as were spectral differences in feces from goats differing in estimated genetic merit for juniper consumption. Eleven goats from each breed, sex, and age combination, representing 2 breeds (Angora and meat-type), 3 sex classifications (female, intact male, and castrated male), and 2 age categories [adult and kid (less than 12 mo of age)] were fed complete, pelleted rations containing 0 or 14% juniper. After 7 d on the same diet, fecal samples were collected for 3 d, and the spectra from the 3 replicate samples were averaged. Fecal samples were assigned to calibration or validation data sets. In a second experiment, Angora and meat goats with high or low estimated genetic merit for juniper consumption were fed the same diet to determine the effect of consumer group on fecal spectra. Feces were scanned in the 1,100- to 2,500-nm range with a scanning reflectance monochromator. Fecal spectra were analyzed for the difference in spectral characteristics and for differences in predicted juniper in the diet using internal and independent calibration equations. Internal calibration had a high precision (R(2) = 0.94), but the precision of independent validations (r(2) = 0.56) was low. Spectral differences were affected by diet, sex, breed, and age (P < 0.04). However, diet was the largest source of variation in spectral differences. Predicted percentage of juniper in the diet also showed that diet was the largest source of variation, accounting for 95% of the variation in predictions from internal calibrations and 51% of the variation in independent validations. Predictions from independent calibrations readily detected differences (P < 0.001) in the percentage of juniper in the 2 diets, and the predicted differences were similar to the actual differences. Predicted juniper in the diet was also affected by sex. Feces from goats from different juniper consumer groups fed a common diet were spectrally different, and the difference may have resulted from a greater intake by high- compared with low-juniper-consuming goats. Fecal near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy predictions of botanical composition of diets should be considered an interval scale of measurement.     

Study on small ruminant lungworms in northeastern Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study of lungworm infection was carried out with the aim of determining the prevalence of lungworm infection of small ruminants and identifying the species of the respiratory helminthes circulating in six districts of northeastern Ethiopia: Debresina, Legambo, Habru, Kalu, Chaffa-Dawi and Artumana-Fersejelle. Faecal and postmortem examination were conducted from 1162 and 104 animals, respectively. An overall infection rate of 53.6% and 66.3% was found by faecal and postmortem examinations, respectively. Significant difference (p<0.05) was found between areas of different altitude with an infection rate of 30.4%, 32.5% and 71.3% at low, medium and high altitude areas, respectively. Prevalence on the different months was insignificant (p>0.05). The prevalence of Dictyocaulus filaria and Muellerius capillaris infection showed a significant difference (p<0.05) between young, adult and old age groups. The prevalence of D. filaria decreases and that of M. capillaris increase with increasing age of the animal. Animals under relatively good management system have been found less affected with significant difference (p>0.05) than their counterparts at relatively poor management system. The infection rate between male and female animals showed significant difference (p<0.05) with prevalence rate of 44.4% and 59.3%, respectively. A significant difference between sheep and goats was also noted with infection rate of 24.4% and 50.7%, respectively. Monthly worm burden of D. filaria infection showed significant difference (p>0.05) while it was insignificant in case of M. capillaris. Due to its impact on production, emphasis should be given for the control and prevention of lungworm infection in highland areas.     

Texel sheep are more resistant to natural nematode challenge than Suffolk sheep based on faecal egg count and nematode burden

Limited information is available on differences between sheep breeds with respect to helminth resistance under temperate conditions. The present study was designed to confirm and extend preliminary findings on observed breed differences in resistance to naturally acquired gastrointestinal nematodes in Suffolk and Texel sheep. Three trials were carried out. In trial 1 (1999-2003) lambs co-grazed from birth were faecal sampled at various time points up to 17 weeks of age. Worm burden was assessed at 17 weeks of age from a minimum of six lambs per breed in each of the 3 years. In trial 2, faecal egg count (FEC) was determined on six farms with co-grazed Suffolk and Texel purebred lambs. In trial 3 (2001-2003), ewes were faecal sampled at winter housing. In all three trials, an influence of breed on resistance to naturally acquired trichostrongyle infection was demonstrated. In trial 1, significantly higher FEC and worm burden was observed in Suffolk compared with Texel lambs following natural challenge. In trial 2, FEC recorded in lambs from six farms confirmed the breed differences previously observed. A breed difference in resistance to GI parasites was also observed in older ewes. In both breeds, an age effect on the FEC was observed with younger ewes having greater FEC than older ewes.     

Comparative susceptibility of Romanov and Lacaune sheep to gastrointestinal nematodes and small lungworms

The susceptibility of Romanov and Lacaune sheep to nematode parasites was studied in a permanent flock grazing an extensive pasture. The output of strongyle eggs and protostrongyle larvae was higher in Romanov ewes. Faecal samples of the Romanov ewes more often harboured Nematodirus eggs while the larvae recovered from cultures of these samples contained a higher percentage of Teladorsagia. Romanov tracer lambs had a significantly heavier adult Teladorsagia burden. This higher natural susceptibility of the Romanov breed was confirmed by experimental infections with T. circumcincta and N. spathiger but not with Trichostrongylus colubriformis. In infections with Muellerius capillaris and Protostrongylus rufescens, the worm burdens were similar but parasite fertility (larvae per adult) seemed to be higher in Romanov tracer lambs.     

Susceptibility of trypanotolerant West African Dwarf goats and F1 crosses with the susceptible Sahelian breed to experimental Trypanosoma congolense infection and interactions with helminth infections and different levels of diet

Forty pure West African Dwarf (WAD) goats and 35 of its F1 crosses with the Sahelian breed were used in a multifactorial experimental design to evaluate the effects of an experimental Trypanosoma congolense infection and interactions with natural helminth infections and different levels of diet on health and productivity of these two breeds. Trypanosome infection caused a severe drop in packed cell volume (PCV), but this was not significantly affected by breed. Neither deworming nor diet had any effect on the course of anaemia after trypanosome infection. The mean score of parasitaemia tended to be higher in crossbreeds than in WAD goats although this was not significant (P>0.05). Similarly, the antibody response to trypanosome infection was not significantly different between breeds. Parasitaemia level was significantly influenced by the level of diet with the group under high supplementation having a higher mean parasitaemia score than the group under low supplementation. Weight loss due to trypanosome infection tended to be greater in crossbreeds than in WAD goats (P>0.05).During this study, there was no difference in mean helminth egg output between crossbred and WAD goats. However, between weeks 4 and 10 after trypanosome infection (corresponding to a period of heavy rainfall and highly infective pastures), the mean egg output was higher in the crossbreeds.The immunosuppressive effect of trypanosome infections was revealed by a lower antibody response to Haemonchus contortus in infected animals compared to the uninfected controls. Trypanosome infection tended to increase strongyle egg output. This study did no reveal any superior trypanotolerance of WAD goats compared to crossbreeds.     

Comparison of IS900 tissue PCR, bacterial culture, johnin and serological tests for diagnosis of naturally occurring paratuberculosis in goats

Comparative efficacy of an IS900 tissue PCR, bacterial culture, johnin, agar-gel immunodiffusion (AGID) and absorbed-ELISA tests was investigated in 43 goats naturally infected with paratuberculosis. On histological examination, tissue sections from all animals showed typical granulomatous inflammatory changes. The lesions were classified as multibacillary (MB) (n=30), which had diffuse granulomatous lesions with abundant acid-fast bacilli (AFB), and paucibacillary (PB) (n=13), which had focal or multifocal granulomatous lesions with few AFB. The sensitivities of johnin test, tissue culture, faecal culture, tissue PCR, AGID and ELISA were 68% (17/25), 100% (30/30), 84.6% (22/26), 100% (30/30), 96.2% (25/26) and 100% (26/26) in MB goats, and 88.8 (8/9), 46.1% (8/13), 40% (4/10), 61.5% (8/13), 50% (5/10), and 70% (7/10) in PB goats, respectively. Except for the johnin test, which showed higher sensitivity in PB goats, all other tests displayed significantly higher sensitivities in MB goats. The results indicate the usefulness of tissue PCR, culture and serological tests in the diagnosis of clinically affected paratuberculous goats, especially with multibacillary pathology.     

Ultrasonographic and echobiometric findings in the eyes of Saanen goats of different ages

Objective  To determine ultrasonographic and echobiometric findings in the eyes of goats of different ages. B and A mode ultrasonography was performed in 55 healthy Saanen goats (110 eyes) of ages 45 ( n  =   15), 180 ( n  =   20), and 549 days ( n  =   20).
Procedures  Transcorneal ultrasonography was performed after instillation of a topical anesthetic and application of acoustic transmission gel on the 20-MHz linear transducer tip. The transducer was placed in a longitudinal position until optimal B scan images, according to echoes of A mode images, were obtained. Statistical analysis was carried out to compare the echobiometric readings among subjects ( P  <   0.05).
Results  The aqueous and vitreous humors of the goats, as well as the lens cortices and nuclei, appeared anechoic. The cornea, anterior and posterior lens capsule, sclera, and iris appeared hyperechoic and generated peaks on the A mode. Ocular measurements between the right and left eyes, as well as between male and female goats were not significantly different among subjects of the same age ( P  =   1.00). All dimensions evaluated increased significantly with age ( P  <   0.01).
Conclusions  The ultrasonographic appearances of goat eyes were very similar to those of other animal species. The cornea, anterior chamber, lens, vitreous chamber, and axial globe length increased with age in the Saanen breed of goats. Knowledge of the normal appearance and ocular dimensions of goat eyes facilitates the use of ultrasonography in the evaluation of ocular disease in Saanen goats.     

Antibody seroprevalences against peste des petits ruminants (PPR) virus in camels, cattle, goats and sheep in Ethiopia

A questionnaire-survey data indicated that 26% of 276 farmers reported the presence of respiratory disease in their herds in 2001. The incidence was perceived as "high" in small ruminants and camels, but as "low" in cattle. Simultaneously, 2815 serum samples from camels (n=628), cattle (n=910), goats (n=442) and sheep (n=835) were tested. The peste des petits ruminants (PPR) antibody seroprevalence was 3% in camels, 9% in cattle, 9% in goats and 13% in sheep. The highest locality-specific seroprevalences were: camels 10%, cattle 16%, goats 22% and sheep 23%. The animals had not been vaccinated against rinderpest or PPR. Antibody seroprevalences detected in camels, cattle, goats and sheep confirmed natural transmission of PPR virus under field conditions.     

Presence of antibodies to bovine viral diarrhea-mucosal disease virus (border disease) in sheep and goat flocks in Quebec.

A seroepidemiological study of border disease was conducted in sheep and goats in various areas of Quebec. Sera of 10% of animals of selected flocks were collected and specific antibodies against bovine viral diarrhea- mucosal disease were tested by seroneutralization. Results show that 10.9% and 16% of sheep and goats respectively gave a positive reaction. The lower serological prevalence was found in sheep flocks of the Sherbrooke area (5.4%) while the highest percentage of positive sera was observed in the Quebec area (24.7%). The prevalence in goats varied according to areas (2.6 to 45.5%). No relation was observed in seropositive animals between age, sex, breed and the presence of abortions in the flocks. Our serological results indicate that border disease is probably present in Quebec sheep and goat flocks but that the clinical diagnosis of this disease is not well established.