Co-infection with Mycoplasma haemofelis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' in three cats from Brazil

The two most common haemotropic Mycoplasma of cats, Mycoplasma haemofelis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' have been identified using molecular techniques in all continents, except Antarctica. We report the first molecular characterization in South America of a dual infection with M haemofelis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' in three domestic cats. The 16S ribosomal RNA gene was amplified in three anaemic cats in which haemoplasma organisms were seen attached to the erythrocytes in the peripheral blood smear. Bands of the expected size for M haemofelis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' were observed in all three cats. The 393 bp segment of one of the amplicons had a similarity value of 100% to M haemofelis, whereas the other amplicon, a 192 bp segment, was 100% similar to 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum'. After diagnosis, two cats received blood transfusion and they were all treated with doxycycline. All three cats recovered uneventfully.     

Epidemiological assessment of rinderpest surveillance and control in Uganda between 1990 and 1998

Based on passive and active data, we report on an epidemiological assessment of surveillance and control of rinderpest (RP) in Uganda between 1990 and 1998. Active data were collected by administration of questionnaires to animal health personnel and their auxiliaries and to stockowners in six selected districts of eastern and northeastern Uganda. Passive data were extracted from vaccination and seromonitoring reports, and from field and laboratory reports. RP events were classified as “confirmed outbreaks”, “suspected outbreaks” and “rumours”. The classification of 56% of the RP events as “suspected outbreaks” indicates the difficulty in investigating disease outbreaks in Uganda. Although vaccination coverage and seroprevalence were <85% (the recommended target), they nevertheless corresponded well-reflecting effective vaccination. However, because of the low seroprevalence, a sizable population of cattle in Uganda remained at risk of RP. The agreement between the local and national disease reporting systems was low-to-moderate (κ=0.39); this indicates inefficiency in disease reporting.

Risk factors for RP outbreaks were cattle raids and communal grazing. Based on overlaid thematic maps of seroprevalence, vaccination coverage and RP events, close spatial and temporal associations were observed between cattle raids, transhumance and outbreaks and rumours. The high-risk areas were in the eastern and northeastern parts of the country. The results of this study support a phase approach of following the OIE pathway.     

Emergency-culling and mortality in growing/fattening pigs in a large Hungarian "farrow-to-finish" production unit

The trial was carried out in a large Hungarian 2000 sow "farrow-to-finish" production unit. Out of a total number of 15,841 evaluated growing/finishing pigs, 1319 pigs died or were emergency-culled and were post-mortem routinely examined. For the purpose of this study the emergency-culling and mortality were recorded into the same category. The average annual emergency-culling/mortality rate was unusual high (8.62%). Five body condition related categories were registered. The majority of the mortality comprised animals of body condition "below average", representing 891 pigs (67.56%) and "average" (407 pigs = 30.85%). The rest of the examined animals comprised 17 pigs (1.29%) "emitted", 2 pigs "kachexia" (stunted pig) or "fat" (0.15% each). The overall study showed that gastrointestinal tract disorders (395 animals = 29.95%) were the most frequently recorded cause of emergency-culling or mortality. Both inflammatory disorders (7.66%) and rectal stricture (7.51%) were in this category the most frequent diagnosis followed by rectal prolapse (5.92%). Gastric ulcers comprised 4.55% of the necropsied animals. Torsion of abdominal organs and miscellaneous cases represented slightly more than 2% of the post-mortem examined pigs. Lesions which involved the respiratory system, comprised 14.85% of the necropsied pigs. Bronchopneumonia due to Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae occurred in 5.61%, embolic suppurative or necrotic pneumonia in 4.78% and pleuropneumonia due to Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae in 3.1% of the cases. Diseases involving the urinary system were diagnosed in 21 cases (1.59%). Five cases of skin disorders were registered (0.38%). Cardiovascular disorders were represented by congestive heart failure (31 pigs = 2.35%), pericarditis (22 animals = 1.66%) or endocarditis (21 pigs = 1.60%). Cardiomyopathy was found in 15 (1.2%) animals. Lesions involved the locomotor system ranked second of all cases (15.92%). Claw lesions accounted 13.72%, arthritis 2.13% of the animals and luxation or fracture was diagnosed only in one case (0.07%). Systemic infections were reported in 96 cases (7.28%) including polyserositis (4.09%), erysipelas, edema disease or miscellaneous causes (each category slightly more than 1%). Genetic problems were involved in 8.19% of the fatal cases and social stress or cannibalism related culling or mortality comprised 37 animals (2.81%). In 161 cases (12.20%) of the mortality the causes of death were not established. Two or more lesions related to culling or mortality were found in 320 pigs (24.26%, p < 0.001). The most common diagnosed pathologic changes in association with other lesions were Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae caused bronchopneumonia (4.09%), embolic suppurative or necrotic pneumonia (4.55%), followed by inflammatory gastrointestinal problems (3.10%), gastric ulcer (2.35%), claw lesions (2.19%) and arthritis (1.14%). It appears from the presented study that a routine post-mortem examination of all emergency-culled or dead pigs over a long period of time gives a clear picture of causes of mortality enabling the management to plan management strategies as vaccination programs, genetic improvements and optimising environmental conditions.     

Top 20 environmental weeds for classical biological control in Europe: a review of opportunities, regulations and other barriers to adoption

Classical biological control remains the only tool available for permanent ecological and economic management of invasive alien species that flourish through absence of their co‐evolved natural enemies. As such, this approach is recognized as a key tool for alien species management by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO) and the European Strategy on Invasive Alien Species (ESIAS). Successful classical biological control programmes abound around the world, despite disproportionate attention being given to occasional and predictable non‐target impacts. Despite more than 130 case histories in Europe against insect pests, no exotic classical biological control agent has been released in the EU against an alien invasive weed. This dearth has occurred in the face of increasing numbers of exotic invasive plants being imported and taking over National Parks, forests and amenity areas in this region, as well as a global increase in the use of classical biological control around the world. This paper reviews potential European weed targets for classical biological control from ecological and socioeconomic perspectives using the criteria of historical biological control success, taxonomic isolation from European native flora, likely availability of biological control agents, invasiveness outside Europe and value to primary industry and horticulture (potential for conflicts of interest). We also review why classical biological control of European exotic plants remains untested, considering problems of funding and public perception. Finally, we consider the regulatory framework that surrounds such biological control activities within constituent countries of the EU to suggest how this approach may be adopted in the future for managing invasive exotic weeds in Europe.     

Unguided bronchoalveolar lavage techniques and residual effects in dogs

Objectives To investigate the use of unguided bronchoalveolar lavage techniques in dogs without fibreoptic bronchoscopy, using an adapted single vascular catheter and a double-lumen catheter made from two single vascular catheters.
Animals Sixty-nine dogs were examined with the single-catheter technique and 110 dogs with the double-catheter technique.
Design A prospective study.
Procedure Sixty-nine and 220 samples, collected with the single catheter and the double catheter respectively, were examined cytologically Lungs of 69 dogs were examined grossly and histologically. Radiographic examination was performed on 11 dogs.
Results The double-catheter technique produced samples with significantly higher cellularity (P < 0.01) and fewer red blood cells (P < 0.01) than the single-catheter technique. Repeat samples collected with a double catheter were not significantly different (P > 0.01) in any value. A reference range for nucleated cell counts of 62 to 1210 – 10⁶/L was calculated from 57 clinically and histologically normal dogs. The major residual effects of the technique were localised pulmonary oedema, and alveolar distension with collapse and congestion of distant parenchyma. Thoracic radiographs revealed increased lung opacity for at least up to 7 h after the procedure.
Conclusions The cellularity of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid obtained was adequate and sufficient fluid was retrieved when the single catheter was located in a proper position. However, the double catheter obtained better samples more quickly and easily, with less damage to the respiratory tract.     

Effect of the route of administration on the mucosal and systemic immune responses to Lawsonia intracellularis vaccine in pigs

In an on‐farm study, 40 weaned piglets aged 3 weeks were vaccinated with Lawsonia intracellularis vaccine orally, IM or IP while a fourth group remained unvaccinated. All vaccinated animals showed increased serum levels of L. intracellularis‐specific IgG antibodies, but significantly elevated concentrations of specific IgG, IgA and cytokines were generated in ileal mucosal secretions from the orally and IP vaccinated pigs when examined at 17 days after vaccination.