What's in a name? Inflammatory airway disease in racehorses in training

The term 'inflammatory airway disease' (IAD) is often used to describe the syndrome of lower airway inflammation that frequently affects young racehorses in training around the world. In practice, this inflammation is generally diagnosed using a combination of endoscopic tracheal examination, including grading of amounts of mucus present and tracheal wash sampling. However, a recent consensus statement from the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine concluded that bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) sampling, rather than tracheal wash (TW) sampling, is required for cytological diagnosis of IAD and that tracheal mucus is not an essential criterion. However, as BAL is a relatively invasive procedure that is not commonly used on racing yards, this definition can only be applied routinely to a biased referral population. In contrast, many practitioners continue to diagnose IAD using endoscopic tracheal examination and sampling. We argue that, rather than restricting the use of the term IAD to phenotypes diagnosed by BAL, it is important to distinguish in the literature between airway inflammation diagnosed by BAL and that identified in the field using TW sampling. We suggest the use of the term brIAD for the former and trIAD for the latter. It is essential that we continue to endeavour to improve our understanding of the aetiology, pathogenesis and clinical relevance of airway inflammation identified in racehorses in training using tracheal examination and sampling. Future studies should focus on investigations of the component signs of airway inflammation.     

Environmental conditions in favour of a hantavirus outbreak in 2015 in Germany?

Bank voles can harbour Puumala virus (PUUV) and vole populations usually peak in years after beech mast. A beech mast occurred in 2014 and a predictive model indicates high vole abundance in 2015. This pattern is similar to the years 2009/2011 when beech mast occurred, bank voles multiplied and human PUUV infections increased a year later. Given similar environmental conditions in 2014/2015, increased risk of human PUUV infections in 2015 is likely. Risk management measures are recommended.     

Bovine tuberculosis in badgers in four areas in Ireland: does tuberculosis cluster?

We described the distribution of badger populations in four different areas in the Republic of Ireland. The data came from periodic targeted badger-removal and subsequent post-mortem examinations conducted between 1989 and September 1997, and from a formal badger-removal project in the same areas from 1997 through 1999. Records were complete for 2292 badgers regarding the date of capture, tuberculosis status, geographical area and specific sett from where the badgers were snared. Of 3187 setts, 2290 had no badgers recorded against them (i.e. were inactive).The badger-level prevalence of tuberculosis differed among areas (range 13-29%). Badger populations were highly clustered by sett, and this result was similar over the four study areas. The median number of badgers per active sett was 2. Tuberculous badgers also clustered within a sett. The third quartile of tuberculous badgers was 1 per active sett. The prevalence of tuberculous badgers within a sett was not related to the total number of badgers. There was little evidence of spatial clustering with only one local cluster of tuberculous setts in each of three areas, and none in the fourth area. After adjusting for the number of badgers per sett, only one area had spatial clusters identified.     

Bartonellosis in cats: a role in uveitis?

Bartonellosis has been widely studied in human and veterinary medicine over the past two decades. Despite this fact, it remains an enigmatic disease in many ways. The causative bacteria, Bartonella spp, are transmitted to cats by fleas and thus the prevalence in cat populations, particularly in temperate climates, is high. Most cats, whether infected naturally or experimentally, remain asymptomatic. Thus, correlating the presence of the organism to clinical disease, including uveitis, in cats has been difficult. This review summarizes what is known of the transmission and pathogenesis of Bartonella spp in cats, the possible role of the organism in feline ocular disease, as well methods of diagnosis and treatment.     

Adverse reactions of α2-adrenoceptor agonists in cats reported in 2003–2013 in Finland

Objective

To describe suspected adverse drug reactions in cats associated with use of α₂-adrenoceptor agonists.

Paramphistomum spp. in Dairy Cattle in Québec

Few cases of infection with Paramphistomum spp. have been reported from cattle in Canada. During the course of a recent study of bovine fascioliasis both P. microbothrioides and P. liorchis were found in the rumen of dairy cattle slaughtered in a Quebec abattoir. Eggs in feces were distinguished on the basis of their size. Coprological analysis of 932 samples from 601 cows on 17 selected farms in Portneuf County (Quebec) revealed that 34% of the animals were infected with P. microbothrioides and 1% with P. liorchis. Based on data from one herd there appears to be significant seasonal variation in egg passage for P. microbothrioides. Furthermore, old cows exhibited a higher prevalence of infection.     

Detection and molecular characterization of porcine kobuvirus in piglets in 2009–2013 in northern Thailand

Tropical Animal Health and Production - A total of 636 fecal samples collected from piglets with and without diarrhea during 2009 to 2013 were tested for porcine kobuvirus by RT-PCR. From a total...     

The effectiveness of in‐plant chlorination in poultry processing

1. Sampling carcasses after plucking or after the post‐evisceration spray‐wash showed that 10 or 20 ppm available chlorine in the processing‐plant water supply caused little reduction in carcass contamination.

2. When 20 ppm chlorine was used in the water supply to parts of the processing‐plant other than the mechanical immersion chilling system, counts of faecal and spoilage bacteria from carcasses were reduced approximately 10‐fold after passage through the chilling system; bacterial numbers were correspondingly decreased in the chiller water due to a carry‐over of chlorine from the final spray‐washer.

3. Artificial contamination of carcasses with a readily identifiable strain of Escherichia coli confirmed the occurrence of cross‐contamination during plucking and evisceration; in‐plant chlorination reduced neither the proportion of carcasses contaminated nor the numbers of organisms transferred at these stages.

4. In most cases the chlorine‐resistance of poultry spoilage pseudo‐monads was greater than that of E. coli; hence in‐plant chlorination is to be recommended for processing‐plant water supplies which carry such spoilage organisms.     

‘Progressive ataxia’ in a Charolais steer in New Zealand

Extract

Signs of progressive central nervous system disease in cattle aged 2 years and older should alert farmers and veterinarians to consider the possibility of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). Government veterinarians routinely assess all livestock slaughtered in meat plants in New Zealand for signs of any nervous disorder, including abnormalities of behaviour and mental state and abnormalities of posture and gait.     

Can gene technology in agriculture prevent hunger in the world?

The world population grows rapidly: the number of mouths to feed increases. Is an agriculture without gene technology able to produce sufficiently in order to prevent hunger? Research indicates that hunger is not the result of short comings in agricultural outputs. It is however the result of poverty. This problem will not be solved by gene technology based agricultural production. This article explains the basic principles of mainstream and organic farming. Literature shows that the production potentials of both kinds of farming are, by far most, not yet exhausted. Gene technology is therefore unnecessary.     

Aspects of in vivo endotracheal tube intracuff pressure in cats

Objectives

To determine the endotracheal tube cuff pressure produced with two inflation techniques, in two brands of endotracheal tube in cats. To determine the inspiratory pressure which produces an audible leak when the intracuff pressure is 30 cmH₂O.

Distribution of Salmonella in swine herds in Québec.

Five porcine finishing units, previously identified as contaminated by Salmonella, were sampled to identify possible sources of contamination and to study the distribution of Salmonella within the herds. A total of 208 environmental samples were taken and 87 samples (42%) were found contaminated by Salmonella spp. Salmonella was recovered from several types of samples. Among these, fecal material from pens, building environment such as doors, floors, ventilation units, dust and farm accessories were most often found positive. Some of the flies and rodents were also positive. Two of the finishing units were part of an integrated production system and the prevalence and distribution of Salmonella spp. at different production steps of the integrated facilities were studied. Forty-one farms were sampled and a total of 1923 faecal samples in randomly selected pens were analysed. One hundred and fifty-one samples (7.9%) were positive for Salmonella spp. Among the farms sampled, 70.7% (29/41) were positive for isolation of Salmonella. The different levels in the integrated production were unevenly contaminated. Replacement sow (15.9%) and finishing unit for gilts (21.9%) were the most contaminated levels. Ten serotypes of Salmonella (n = 132) were identified in the production pyramid with a predominance of Salmonella Derby (37.1%) and Salmonella Typhimurium (34.1%). Pulse Field Gel Electrophoresis analysis of the various isolates from serotypes and Salmonella Typhimurium, Salmonella Derby and Salmonella Anatum showed no variation in the genetic profiles, within each serotype, suggesting a vertical contamination throughout the different production steps.     

Clinico-pathological findings in natural cases of “mascadera” in goats

“Mascadera” is a chronic emaciating neuropathy affecting goats; it produces significant economic losses in many regions and its cause is unknown. Here, the histological lesions found in 15 animals naturally affected by the disease are described. Complete necropsy was performed and tissue samples were collected for histopathological study. Severe atrophy of the masseter and buccinator muscles and tongue was observed, as well as vacuolar degeneration of neurons in the nuclei of the trigeminal, facial, and glossopharyngeal nerves. No relevant lesions were observed in other tissues. These findings and the clinical signs are consistent with those observed by other authors in animals spontaneously and experimentally intoxicated with Prosopis juliflora. The disease may be due to consumption of a similar species present in our country that is still unknown. Further research on the etiology and pathogenesis of this disease is needed to establish appropriate prevention guidelines.

     

Diurnal changes in photosynthesis and photosynthetic product partitioning in alfalfa in response to phosphorus application北大核心CSCD

This research explored the effect of different levels of phosphorus application on diurnal variation in photosynthesis and partitioning of photosynthetic products in alfalfa under drip irrigation. In particular, the relationship between photosynthetic product levels in the plant and leaf photosynthetic parameters of alfalfa was clarified. Four phosphorus（P2O5）application levels of 0（CK）,50（P1）,100（P2）and 150 kg·ha-1（P3）were used as treatments in a field experiment. Leaf photosynthetic parameters were measured with a Li-6400 portable photosynthesis instrument on sunny days from 10：00-20：00 during the early flowering stage,together with environment factors and sugar and starch content in the leaves,stems and roots. A feature of the results was a ‘photosynthetic noon-break’phenomenon across all phosphorus application treatments,and stomatal limitation was the main factor responsible for the mid-day decline of net photosynthetic rate （Pn）. Photosynthetically active radiation had the greatest impact on the Pn of alfalfa leaves,while atmospheric CO2 concentration,atmospheric temperature,and atmospheric environmental factors such as relative humidity and vapor pressure deficit based on leaf temp also affected Pn. Principal component analysis showed that alfalfa photosynthetic efficiency in the four P-treatments ranked P2>P1>P3>CK. At the 100 kg·ha-1 phosphorus level（compared to CK）,the hay yield of alfalfa was increased significantly,the soluble sugar contents of leaves,stems,and roots were increased by 11. 6%,5. 0% and 4. 6%,respectively,and the starch contents were increased by 15. 2%,9. 6% and 5. 3%,respectively. Higher overall levels of soluble sugar and starch typically manifested as greater concentration increases in leaves,and relatively smaller increases in roots and stems. The diurnal troughs in Pn,transpiration rate,leaf internal CO2 concentration and water use efficiency（WUE）of alfalfa leaves were less marked in the P treatments,compared with the control treatment. Therefore,appropriate phosphorus application can increase the photosynthetic efficiency of alfalfa leaves,thereby significantly promoting crop growth and development. At the phosphorus（P2O5）application rate of 100 kg·ha-1（P2）,the alfalfa photosynthetic enhancement effect was the most pronounced. © 2022 Editorial Office of Acta Prataculturae Sinica. All rights reserved.     

Farmers’ choice of genotypes and trait preferences in tropically adapted chickens in five agro-ecological zones in Nigeria

This study aimed at determining chicken genotypes of choice and traits preference in chicken by smallholder farmers in Nigeria. Data were obtained from a total of 2063 farmers using structured questionnaires in five agro-ecological zones in Nigeria. Chi square (χ²) statistics was used to explore relationships between categorical variables. The mean ranks of the six genotypes and twelve traits of preference were compared using the non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis H (with Mann–Whitney U test for post hoc separation of mean ranks), Friedman, and Wilcoxon signed-rank (with Bonferroni’s adjustments) tests. Categorical principal component analysis (CATPCA) was used to assign farmers into groups. Gender distribution of farmers was found to be statistically significant (χ²?=?16.599; P?≤?0.002) across the zones. With the exception of Shika Brown, preferences for chicken genotypes were significantly (P?≤?0.01) influenced by agro-ecological zone. However, gender differentiated response was only significant (P?≤?0.01) in Sasso chicken with more preference by male farmers. Overall, FUNAAB Alpha, Sasso, and Noiler chicken were ranked 1st, followed by Kuroiler (4th), Shika Brown (5th), and Fulani birds (6th), respectively. Within genotypes, within and across zones and gender, preferences for traits varied significantly (P?≤?0.005 and P?≤?0.01). Traits of preference for selection of chicken breeding stock tended towards body size, egg number, egg size, and meat taste. Spearman’s rank order correlation coefficients of traits of preference were significant (P?≤?0.01) and ranged from 0.22 to 0.90. The two PCs extracted, which explained 65.3% of the variability in the dataset, were able to assign the farmers into two groups based on preference for body size of cock and hen and the other ten traits combined. The present findings may guide the choice of appropriate chicken genotypes while the traits of economic importance may be incorporated into future genetic improvement and conservation programs in Nigeria.