Trichinella spiralis in wild boars (Sus scrofa)

During the period 1.7. 1972--31.6. 1977 muscle samples from 137 wild boars were examined for Trichinella spiralis. Larvae of T. spiralis were demonstrated in 4 animals. The major part (83) of the wild boars examined, including the 4 positive ones, originated from one particular game park. The rate of infection with T. spiralis in the game park concerned was 4.8%. Calculated on the basis of the total of animals examined, the rate of infection was 2.9%.     

Evidence for the Colonization of Lactic Acid Bacteria in the Gastrointestinal Tract of Suckling Mink

Lactic acid bacteria are considered indigenous members of the gastrointestinal microflora in a number of animal species (Savage 1977a). Some intestinal strains of lactobacilli and streptococci are aWe to adhere to stratified squamous epithelium of some animals (Tannock et al. 1987), in the non-secreting part of the stomach of piglets (Barrow et al. 1980, Fuller et al. 1978) and rodents (Tannock et al. 1982), and in the crop of poultry (Fuller 1978). The presence of lactic acid bacteria in the digestive tract is believed to be of beneficial value to the host animal (Fuller 1989). The production of organic acids in the stomach or the crop helps maintaining a low pH which may be important for inhibiting the colonization of potentially pathogenic bacteria, particularly in the newborn animal (Barrow et al 1980, Fuller 1977, Fuller 1978). The adhesion of lactobacilli to squamous epithelium is host specific: strains capable of adhering to the epithelium of piglets are usually not able to adhere in rodents or poultry and vice versa (Fuller 1978, Lin & Savage 1984, Tannock et al 1982). Adhesion of lactic acid bacterial strains to other epithelia than stratified squamous epithelium has been reported. Thus, the attachment of lactobacilli to cells from the secreting epithelium of the murine stomach (Kotarski & Savage 1979), to intestinal cells of humans (Goldin & Gorbach 1987), and to columnar epithelial cells of piglets and calves (Mäyrä-Mäkinen et al 1983) has been demonstrated using in vitro methods. In another study the in vivo attachment of Enterococcus faecium to duodenal epithelium of gnotobi-otic chickens was demonstrated (Fuller et al 1981). Recent research indicated that in adult mink lactic acid bacteria are not indigenous members of the intestinal flora, and they do not attach to epithelium in any part of the gastrointestinal tract (Federsen & Jørgensen 1992). The present paper presents evidence that Gram positive cocci may colonize the gut of suckling mink kits and attach to the gut mucosa.     

A comparison of two methods and two additives for faecal cultivation of bovine trichostrongyle larvae

The larval recovery rates of Ostertagia ostertagi and Cooperia oncophora from monospecific copro-cultures were determined by the methods of Corticelli and Lai, and Henriksen and Korsholm using vermiculite or polystyrene pellets as inert additives. The addition of either vermiculite or polystyrene pellets in the two culture methods significantly (P less than 0.05) improved larval recoveries of both parasite species. Recovery rates with the Henriksen and Korsholm method were higher (P less than 0.05) for both species than with the Corticelli and Lai method. Advantages and disadvantages inherent in the use of the two culture methods with and without additives are discussed.     

Evaluation of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detection of Taenia saginata cysticercosis in cattle.

Serum IgG response of cattle with cysticercosis caused by Taenia saginata was studied in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) where a T. saginata metacestode surface extract was used as antigen. In experimentally infected calves, a sharp rise in specific antibody levels was found 3-4 weeks after the infection followed by a logical level of detection corresponded to about 25 cysts. The ELISA was employed in cattle herds where cysticercosis outbreaks had occurred and also in supposedly uninfected herds. Significantly increased antibody levels were found in the herds with massive cysticercosis cases. The test was not adapted for individual diagnosis as some animals of the uninfected herds, especially within the older age groups, had elevated antibody values. The ELISA was, however, useful in the investigation of outbreaks to determine the extent and pattern of the infection in the herd. The rate of decline in antibody levels in these herds was studied by follow up sampling. The increased antibody levels in the infected herds were also reflected in colostrum-fed calves. This observation was employed to estimate the time of infection.     

The effects of late turnout on the epidemiology and control of ostertagiasis in calves

The main purpose of this experiment was to study the importance of time of turnout on the epidemiology and impact of ostertagiasis in calves pastured for the first time. When time of turnout onto permanent pasture was postponed from mid-May to mid-June, fewer overwintered larvae were picked up and re-contamination of pastures was markedly diminished. Consequently, the acquisition of loss-producing parasite burdens in the late part of the season was significantly reduced. Late turnout as a control strategy is discussed in relation to other preventive measures.     

The seal death in Danish waters 1988. 1. Pathological and bacteriological studies.

During the seal epizootic in Danish waters in 1988 a total of 81 adult seals were necropsied. The cause of death was suppurative bronchopneumonia complicated by pleurisy. Histologically, an interstitial pneumonia with cytoplasmatic inclusion bodies typical of canine distemper was identified in many of the seals. The condition was in many cases complicated with a secondary infection with Bordetella bronchiseptica.     

Pneumocystis carinii in large domestic animals in Denmark. A preliminary report

By microscopic examination of toluidine blue O stained autopsy lung imprints Pneumocystis carinii was shown in 6 calves out of 160 (3.8%), in 1 sheep out of 28 (3.6%) and in 8 pigs out of 119 (6.7%). This is the first report of Pneumocystis carinii in calves, sheep and pigs in Denmark.     

Comparison of three methods for detection of prolonged experimental trichinellosis in pigs

Three methods were employed for the diagnosis of porcine trichinellosis. The pooled sample digestion method and trichinoscopy served as European Community (EC) reference techniques, whereas the reliability of the Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was tested by 11 laboratories of the European Community and Sweden. Three groups of 6 piglets each were orally inoculated with 50, 150 and 1500 Trichinella spiralis larvae into each animal. Another group of 6 animals served as a non-infected control. Animals were slaughtered and serum and muscle samples were collected at Weeks 4, 12 and 40. The material was mailed under code and examined in all participating laboratories. ELISA proved to be a sensitive technique. ELISA micro assay was the most sensitive procedure. Of the direct techniques the reference pooled sample digestion method was more sensitive than trichinoscopy. It was concluded that both micro and macro ELISA can be used with confidence for the detection of low grade, longstanding experimental T. spiralis infections in swine.     

A study on the survival of Taenia saginata eggs on soil in Denmark

The infectivity of Taenia saginata eggs exposed to environmental conditions on a natural soil surface in Denmark was studied by feeding the eggs to susceptible calves, followed by determination of the number of cysts developed. The results indicated that a small proportion of the eggs remained infective for 6 1/2 months, but not for 9 1/2 months when deposited in May 1986, and for 5 1/2 months but not for 8 1/2 months when deposited in September 1987. Viability of eggs was tested in vitro and compared with infectivity obtained in calves.