Demographic characteristics of scrapie-affected holdings identified by active and passive surveillance schemes in Great Britain: 2002–2005

Several surveillance techniques have been used to quantify the prevalence of both classical and atypical scrapie in British sheep, namely the recording of clinical suspects (RC) and the testing of animals slaughtered at abattoir (AS) or reported as fallen stock (FS). Any estimate of prevalence based on a particular source is likely to have been affected by demographic differences in the populations sampled. In this study, the demographic characteristics of scrapie-affected holdings detected by each of the surveillance streams (RC, AS, FS) in Great Britain were compared. Analyses of all three streams indicated that the probability of an affected holding being detected by a particular stream differed by geographical area, the number of animals brought onto the holding, the type of scrapie identified (classical vs. atypical) and the year. More detailed analysis of AS and FS suggested that the annual and regional differences between these surveys could be explained by differences in sampling effort.     

The role of fish movements and the spread of infectious salmon anemia virus (ISAV) in Chile, 2007–2009

Infectious salmon anemia virus (ISAV) infection is a constant major threat to farmed and wild Atlantic salmon worldwide. Many epidemics have recently been reported in the most important salmon farming regions of the world, including Chile (2007–2009), where ISAV generated the most important disease and economic crisis in history of the salmon industry of the country. The spread of ISAV within a region is most likely by local or neighborhood spread from an infected farm; however, there is evidence that anthropogenic activities, such as movement of live or harvested fish or their byproduct, may have played a more important role than environmental or passive transmission in the 2007–2009 outbreak. Atlantic salmon farms (n = 421) were retrospectively followed from stocking to harvesting in southern Chile at the time of the ISAV epidemic (2007–2009). The effect of husbandry and spatial risk factors, in addition to contact-network risk factors, which were obtained from the social network analyses, on time to first ISAV infection was estimated using a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model. Five variables were retained in the final fitted model: co-existing multiple generations on a farm (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.585), mean smolt weight at stocking greater than 120 g (HR = 1.165), farm area (per km²) (HR = 1.005), and increased number of shipments entering a farm, i.e. the farm input degree (HR = 1.876) were associated with reduced time to infection; whereas time-to-infection was longer for farms located farther from an ongoing ISAV outbreak (HR = 0.943). It was demonstrated that movements of latently infected fish resulted in approximately 7 outbreaks, and potentially explain about 6% of the total number of cases during the epidemic. Results from this study provide new information about the mechanisms of spread of ISAV in one the largest documented ISAV epidemics in the world. Findings may be used to support the design and implementation of risk-based surveillance and control programs that may help to prevent, detect and control future ISAV outbreaks.     

Comparison of the effects of butorphanol–midazolam–medetomidine and butorphanol–azaperone–medetomidine in wild common palm civets (Paradoxurus musangus)

ObjectiveTo assess the efficacy of butorphanol–azaperone–medetomidine (BAM) and butorphanol–midazolam–medetomidine (BMM) protocols for immobilization of wild common palm civets (Paradoxurus musangus) with subsequent antagonization with atipamezole.Study designProspective, randomized, blinded clinical trial.AnimalsA total of 40 adult wild common palm civets, 24 female and 16 male, weighing 1.5–3.4 kg.MethodsThe civets were randomly assigned for anesthesia with butorphanol, azaperone and medetomidine (0.6, 0.6 and 0.2 mg kg^–1, respectively; group BAM) or with butorphanol, midazolam and medetomidine (0.3, 0.4 and 0.1 mg kg^–1, respectively; group BMM) intramuscularly (IM) in a squeeze cage. When adequately relaxed, the trachea was intubated for oxygen administration. Physiological variables were recorded every 5 minutes after intubation. Following morphometric measurements, sampling, microchipping and parasite treatment, medetomidine was reversed with atipamezole at 1.0 or 0.5 mg kg^–1 IM to groups BAM and BMM, respectively. Physiological variables and times to reach the different stages of anesthesia were compared between groups.ResultsOnset time of sedation and recumbency was similar in both groups; time to achieve complete relaxation and tracheal intubation was longer in group BAM. Supplementation with isoflurane was required to enable intubation in five civets in group BAM and one civet in group BMM. All civets in group BAM required topical lidocaine to facilitate intubation. End-tidal carbon dioxide partial pressure was lower in group BAM, but heart rate, respiratory rate, rectal temperature, peripheral hemoglobin oxygen saturation and mean arterial blood pressure were not different. All civets in both groups recovered well following administration of atipamezole.Conclusions and clinical relevanceBoth BAM and BMM combinations were effective for immobilizing wild common palm civets. The BMM combination had the advantage of producing complete relaxation that allowed intubation more rapidly.     

Historical aspects of Potomac horse fever in Ontario (1924–2010)

In the summer of 1924 Dr. Frank W. Schofield conducted investigations into an endemic disease of horses in the Kent and Essex counties of Ontario. According to farmers in these counties the disease had existed in this region for at least 50 years previously. The clinical, pathological, histopathological, and epidemiological findings outlined in Schofield’s detailed report strongly suggest that this endemic disease was what was designated in 1979 as “Potomac horse fever” (PHF). This assumption is further substantiated by transmission experiments involving horses and laboratory animals that were conducted by Schofield utilizing horse feces, whole blood, and mayflies. The aim of this paper is to present Schofield’s detailed investigations and findings and to compare these with PHF research conducted from 1979 to 2010 that ultimately led to the discovery of Neorickettsia risticii as the etiological agent and to elucidation of the organism’s complex life cycle.     

Seasonal and population differences in migration of Whimbrels in the East Asian–Australasian Flyway

Background: Conserving migratory birds is challenging due to their reliance on multiple distant sites at different stages of their annual life cycle. The concep...     

Comparison between the 2013–2014 and 2009–2012 annual porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus epidemics in a cohort of sow herds in the United States

The purpose of this study was to describe the 2013/2014 porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) epidemic in the United States and compare it with the previous 4 y of data from 2009 to 2012. A total of 371 herds participated in the study, representing nearly 1.2 million sows in 15 States. There were significantly fewer PRRSV cases during this study period and the onset of the annual epidemic was delayed approximately 3 wk. Cluster analysis revealed a pattern similar to previous years. The roles of spurious observations, increased awareness of PRRSV epidemics, and porcine epidemic diarrhea virus detection in the United States swine herd are considered.     

Multiple-class antimicrobial resistance surveillance in swine Escherichia coli F4, Pasteurella multocida and Streptococcus suis isolates from Ontario and the impact of the 2004–2006 Porcine Circovirus type-2 Associated Disease outbreak

The objective of this work was to describe trends in multiple-class antimicrobial resistance present in clinical isolates of Escherichia coli F4, Pasteurella multocida and Streptococcus suis from Ontario swine 1998–2010. Temporal changes in multiple-class resistance varied by the pathogens examined; significant yearly changes were apparent for the E. coli and P. multocida data. Although not present in the E. coli data, significant increases in multiple-class resistance within P. multocida isolates occurred from 2003 to 2005, coinciding with the expected increase in antimicrobials used to treat clinical signs of Porcine Circovirus Associated Disease (PCVAD) before it was confirmed. Prospective temporal scan statistics for multiple-class resistance suggest that significant clusters of increased resistance may have been found in the spring of 2004; months before the identification of the PCVAD outbreak in the fall of 2004.     

Comparison of lidocaine and lidocaine–epinephrine for the paravertebral brachial plexus block in dogs

Objective

To compare the motor and sensory block efficacy and duration of a modified paravertebral brachial plexus block (PBPB) after administration of lidocaine alone (LI) or combined with epinephrine (LE).

An unholy disease in the Holy Land: The history of anthrax between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea (1909–2012)

The history of recorded cases of anthrax in human beings and animals from 1909 to 2012 in the area between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea is reviewed. The disease was endemic until the middle of the 20th century, but the incidence decreased thereafter, with only sporadic cases from the 1980s onwards. Human cases have not been diagnosed in the region since 1984 and the number of episodes of animal disease has reduced to less than one per year. This decline is mostly due to the disruption of the infective cycle by improved veterinary control, including vaccination, treatment and outbreak management. A policy of reactive vaccination for 10 years of affected herds and herds grazing in their proximity has been applied. No new outbreaks have been observed in such herds after the cessation of vaccination, despite continued grazing on the same sites, so it is assumed that spore survival in such areas is shorter than 10 years. This is independent of the soil composition, which is calcareous throughout most of the relevant area. However, reemergence of anthrax, even after decades, has occurred following disturbance and heavy rainfall.     

Behavioral and cardiopulmonary effects of dexmedetomidine–midazolam and dexmedetomidine–midazolam–butorphanol in the silver fox (Vulpes vulpes)

Objective

To evaluate the behavior and some cardiopulmonary variables of dexmedetomidine–midazolam or dexmedetomidine–midazolam-butor-phanol in the silver fox (Vulpes vulpes).

Swellings of the angle of the mandible in 32 horses (1997–2011)

Disorders of the horizontal ramus (body) of the equine mandible are well reported, but there is minimal documentation of disorders of the angle of mandible. A retrospective examination of the records of Edinburgh University Equine Hospital (1997–2011) showed that 32 horses were referred due to swellings of the angle of the mandible. The aetiology of these swellings was identified in just 13/32 cases (41%) including fractures (n = 2), traumatic, localised periosteal/cortical lesions (n = 4), traumatic soft tissue lesions (n = 2), neoplasia (n = 3), and inflammation of the adjacent salivary gland (n = 1) and masseter muscle (n = 1).The remaining 19 (59%) cases without a definitive diagnosis showed two patterns of lesions. Twelve cases had localised periosteal/cortical lesions of the ventral aspect of the angle of mandible that were most likely traumatic in origin. The remaining seven undiagnosed cases without mandibular bony changes all had sinus tracts/chronic soft tissue infections on the medial aspect of the angle of the mandible which were believed to be caused by a draining retro-pharyngeal lesion in five cases. Surgical excision of abnormal soft tissues (if present) and bone curettage was the most successful treatment.It was concluded that the aetiology of swellings of the angle of the equine mandible are often obscure; most appear to be traumatic in origin, yet horses seldom develop gross fractures at this site due to the support of the dense surrounding musculo-tendinous structures. A smaller proportion are caused by draining retropharyngeal lesions that respond poorly to medical therapy, but respond well to surgical treatment.     

Comparison of subcutaneous dexmedetomidine–midazolam versus alfaxalone–midazolam sedation in leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius)

Objective

To compare dexmedetomidine–midazolam with alfaxalone–midazolam for sedation in leopard geckos (Eublepharis macularius).

Effectiveness of vaccines and vaccination programs for the control of foot-and-mouth disease in Uganda, 2001–2010

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious disease of cloven-hoofed animals. In Uganda, FMD outbreaks are mainly controlled by ring vaccination and restriction of animal movements. Vaccination stimulates immunity and prevents animals from developing clinical signs which include lameness, inappetence, and decreased production. Ring vaccination and restriction of animal movements have, however, not successfully controlled FMD in Uganda and outbreaks reoccur annually. The objective of this study was to review the use of FMD virus (FMDV) vaccines and assess the effectiveness of vaccination programs for controlling FMD in Uganda (2001–2010), using retrospective data. FMD vaccine distribution patterns in Uganda (2001–2010) matched occurrence of outbreaks with districts reporting the highest number of outbreaks also receiving the largest quantity of vaccines. This was possibly due to “fire brigade” response of vaccinating animals after outbreaks have been reported. On average, only 10.3 % of cattle within districts that reported outbreaks during the study period were vaccinated. The average minimum time between onset of outbreaks and vaccination was 7.5 weeks, while the annual cost of FMDV vaccines used ranged from US $58,000 to 1,088,820. Between 2001 and 2010, serotyping of FMD virus was done in only 9/121 FMD outbreaks, and there is no evidence that vaccine matching or vaccine potency tests have been done in Uganda. The probability of FMDV vaccine and outbreak mismatch, the delayed response to outbreaks through vaccination, and the high costs associated with importation of FMDV vaccines could be reduced if virus serotyping and subtyping as well as vaccine matching were regularly done, and the results were considered for vaccine manufacture.     

Comparison between three dosages of intramuscular alfaxalone and a ketamine–dexmedetomidine–midazolam–tramadol combination in golden-headed lion tamarins (Leontopithecus chrysomelas)

ObjectivesTo characterize the cardiopulmonary and anesthetic effects of alfaxalone at three dose rates in comparison with a ketamine–dexmedetomidine–midazolam–tramadol combination (KDMT) for immobilization of golden-headed lion tamarins (GHLTs) (Leontopithecus chrysomelas) undergoing vasectomy.Study designProspective clinical trial.AnimalsA total of 19 healthy, male, wild-caught GHLTs.MethodsTamarins were administered alfaxalone intramuscularly (IM) at 6, 12 or 15 mg kg^–1, or KDMT, ketamine (15 mg kg^–1), dexmedetomidine (0.015 mg kg^–1), midazolam (0.5 mg kg^–1) and tramadol (4 mg kg^–1) IM. Immediately after immobilization, lidocaine (8 mg kg^–1) was infiltrated subcutaneously (SC) at the incision site in all animals. Physiologic variables, anesthetic depth and quality of immobilization were assessed. At the end of the procedure, atipamezole (0.15 mg kg^–1) was administered IM to group KDMT and tramadol (4 mg kg^–1) SC to the other groups; all animals were injected with ketoprofen (2 mg kg^–1) SC.ResultsA dose-dependent increase in sedation, muscle relaxation and immobilization time was noted in the alfaxalone groups. Despite the administration of atipamezole, the recovery time was longer for KDMT than all other groups. Muscle tremors were noted in some animals during induction and recovery with alfaxalone. No significant differences were observed for cardiovascular variables among the alfaxalone groups, whereas an initial decrease in heart rate and systolic arterial blood pressure was recorded in KDMT, which increased after atipamezole administration.Conclusions and clinical relevanceAlfaxalone dose rates of 12 or 15 mg kg^–1 IM with local anesthesia provided good sedation and subjectively adequate pain control for vasectomies in GHLTs. KDMT induced a deeper plane of anesthesia and should be considered for more invasive or painful procedures. All study groups experienced mild to moderate hypothermia and hypoxemia; therefore, the use of more efficient heating devices and oxygen supplementation is strongly recommended when using these protocols.     

Technical note: A novel method for routine genotyping of the G allele of β-casein (CSN2) and T allele of κ-casein (CSN3) in a sheep population using LightCycler

The goal of this work was to develop a protocol for rapid genotyping of A and G variants at the CSN2 locus and genotyping of T and C variants at the CSN3 locus in sheep breeds (Sumava and Valachian) by means of PCR and LightCycler analysis. The LightCycler technique combines rapid and efficient in vitro amplification of DNA in glass capillaries with melting curve analysis based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer for the sensitive detection of point mutation. The A variant had a greater frequency (Sumava, 0.778; Valachian, 0.835) than did variant G (Sumava, 0.222; Valachian, 0.165) in both sheep breeds. The CSN3 locus was found to be monomorphic, with no polymorphism identified in either population.     

Retrospective Review of Carriage Horse and Mule Welfare in Charleston,South Carolina (2009–2012)

Equine Welfare and Carriage Horse Companies have been recently highlighted as matters of public concern, although little data exists to describe working conditions, municipal regulations, and veterinary attention. In light of the current pandemic of unwanted horses in this country, it is prudent for the veterinary community to identify objective measurements of satisfactory equine welfare in the carriage horse industry to regulate and maintain working horses in sound conditions. Retrospective data from a carriage company in South Carolina was collected from 2009 to 2012. Variables included days in work, hours and/or tours worked, veterinary charges, management practices, and environmental conditions. City veterinary reports were also reviewed for all five local carriage companies. The average number of days in work per animal ranged from 163 to 188 per year. On average, each animal performed 4.6 hour long tours per working day, resulting in an average 865 tours per year. Each animal cost on average $2.00 per day in veterinary costs, and $0.84 of each animal's tour went toward veterinary bills. Welfare among carriage horses is a subject on which equine veterinarians should be well versed; not only to answer questions from clientele but also to promote good working and living conditions for these animals in an effort to stem the number of unwanted horses in America. The carriage company reported in detail here provides acceptable welfare for their animals. Prospective studies are needed to collect objective, evidence-based data regarding stress levels in the animals.     

Antibiotic susceptibility of bacteria isolated from infections in cats and dogs throughout Europe (2002–2009)

A monitoring program of the pre-treatment susceptibility of clinical isolates of bacteria from diseased dogs and cats was active between the years 2002 and 2009. Susceptibility of each isolated strain to a panel of nine antibiotics (amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, ampicillin, penicillin, clindamycin, doxycycline, enrofloxacin, marbofloxacin, trimethoprim and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole) was assessed. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of marbofloxacin was also determined by a standardized microdilution technique following CLSI recommendations. In total, 1857 bacterial strains were collected throughout Europe from cases of otitis, respiratory, urinary and dermatological infections. Although bacterial susceptibility varied for each of the antibiotics within the panel, patterns of susceptibility were similar to those described in the literature for comparable time periods and geographical areas. With a clinical resistance varying from 0 to 14.48% against the isolated strains, marbofloxacin susceptibility was very high and remains an effective antibiotic for the treatment of otitis, urinary, respiratory and dermatological infections in companion animals.     

A Survey of the Literature (1995–1999) on the Kinetics of Drugs in Camels (Camelus dromedarius)

Recent publications dealing mainly with the kinetics of antiparasitic and antibacterial agents, NSAIDs, and other drugs in camels are briefly reviewed. The kinetic data for most of these drugs indicated that they have longer absorption and elimination half-lives and slower systemic clearance in the camel compared to other animals. This corroborates earlier reports that suggested that the activities of drug-metabolizing enzymes and the capacity to biotransform and eliminate xenobiotics is lower in camels than in other ruminants. There is a clear need to establish basic kinetic data for the camel in order to avoid extrapolation of drug dosage regimens and withdrawal times from data for other animals, as this may result in irrational use of drugs in camels.