Immunogenicity of Brucella abortus salt-extractable proteins

The immunogenic properties of salt-extractable proteins and chromatographic fractions thereof from Brucella abortus were evaluated in lemmings (Dicrostonyx rubricatus). The efficacy of the Brucella proteins as immunogens was determined after challenge with virulent B. abortus strain 2308 and was based on protection against clinical signs and gross lesions of brucellosis, as well as on numbers of viable Brucella in the spleen. Vaccination of lemmings with as little as 0.1 microgram of salt-extractable proteins (CSP) suppressed splenic infection, resulting in reduced numbers of viable organisms per spleen of 5-6 logs compared to non-vaccinated controls. Protein fractions separated by column chromatography were generally effective in reducing splenic infection, and contained proteins with molecular weights of 30,000, 20,000 and 12,000. Vaccines containing chemically modified dodecanoyl-CSP offered no additional advantage over unmodified CSP vaccines.     

Mucopolysaccharidosis in a domestic short-haired cat--a disease distinct from that seen in the Siamese cat.

A 10-month-old male domestic short-haired cat was examined because of progressive lameness, a broad face with depressed nasal bridge, small ears, corneal clouding, and multiple bone dysplasia. The cat excreted excessive amounts of glycosaminoglycan (a component of connective tissue) in its urine and had evidence of lysosomal storage of glycosaminoglycans in fibroblasts and neurons. Activity of alpha-L-iduronidase, a lysosomal enzyme involved in glycosaminoglycan degradation, was deficient in cultured fibroblasts and leukocytes. The mucopolysaccharidosis was distinct from that seen in Siamese cats in terms of the pathologic changes and the specific enzyme deficiency.     

Identification of immunoglobulins associated with complement fixation, agglutination, and low pH buffered antigen tests for brucellosis.

Serums from infected cattle, cattle with persistent postvaccinal antibody, and serologically "positive" noninfected cattle were fractionated into major immunoglobulin classes by diethylaminoethyl (DEAE)-cellulose chromatography and by sucrose density gradient centrifugation. Each fraction was assayed for anti-Brucella activity by standard tube-agglutination test (STT), buffered tube-agglutination test (BTT), and complement-fixation test (CF). In the serums from experimentally infected cattle, anti-Brucella antibody could be found by all tests in 6 DEAE fractions and in slow, fast, and sediment regions of the density gradient. Serums from cattle with persistent postvaccinal titers had STT activity in all 6 DEAE fractions, BTT activity in 5 fractions, and CF activity in only 1 fraction. The STT and BTT activities were found in the slow and the sediment regions of the gradient, whereas the CF activity was found only in the slow region. Serums from a chronically infected animal had STT and BTT activities in 2 DEAE fractions and CF activity in only 1. The STT, BTT, and CF activities were found in the slow and the sediment regions of the gradient. The principal antibody in serums from noninfected cattle was immunoglobulin M, which had all of the CF activity and most of the STT and BTT activities. Low levels of STT and BTT activities were found in 3 other DEAE fractions. Only STT and BTT activities were found in the fast and the sediment regions of the gradient.     

The urbanization of wildlife management: Social science, conflict, and decision making

Increasing urbanization of rural landscapes has created new challenges for wildlife management. In addition to changes in the physical landscape, urbanization has also produced changes in the socio-cultural landscape. The greater distancing from direct interaction with wildlife in urbanized societies has led to the emergence of a culture whose meanings for wildlife are less grounded in the utilitarian/instrumental orientation of rural agrarian systems. Urban perspectives on wildlife are comprised of more highly individualized emotional/symbolic values. This shift creates two problems with respect to managing wildlife in an urbanizing landscape. First the increased diversity in values and meanings increases the likelihood for social conflicts regarding wildlife management while at the same time making socially acceptable resolutions more intractable. This in turn requires fundamental changes in decision-making paradigms and the research approaches used to inform decision making. Second, as remaining rural communities feel the pressures of urbanization, wildlife conflicts become conflicts not just over wildlife but conflict over larger socio-political concepts such as equity, tradition, private property rights, government control, power, and acceptable forms of knowledge. This paper examines the wildlife management implications of changes associated with increasing urbanization and employs two case studies to illustrate these issues. First a study of a controversy over urban deer management provides insights into how to map conflicting values and search for common ground in an urban culture with increasingly individualistic values for wildlife. Specifically, the analysis illustrates that common ground may, at times, be found even among people with conflicting value systems. The second case study examined a ranching community faced with predator reintroduction. This case study illustrates tensions that occur when the community of interest (i.e. a national public) is broader than the community of place in which the problem occurs. In this latter situation, the debate centers around more than just different views about the rights of animals. It also entailed the rights of individuals and communities to decide their future. The conclusion discusses the need for wildlife institutions to adapt their underlying decision making philosophy including the way science is integrated into decision making processes in light of the changes in social context caused by urbanization.     

Production of Lambs After the Transfer of Fresh and Cryopreserved in vitro Produced Embryos from Prepubertal Lamb Oocytes and Unsorted and Sex-sorted Frozen-thawed Spermatozoa

Cumulus-oocyte complexes from hormone-stimulated 3-4-week-old (n=43) and 6-7-week-old (n=12) prepubertal lambs were matured in vitro and incubated with unsorted, or X- or Y-spermatozoa separated with a high-speed cell sorter (SX MoFlo)frozen-thawed. Presumptive zygotes were then cultured to the blastocyst stage, and transferred to recipients fresh or after cryopreservation (frozen). Oocyte cleavage was higher (p <0.05) with unsorted (515/926, 55.6%) than X- or Y-spermatozoa (261/672, 38.8% and 229/651, 35.2%, respectively) and blastocyst formation (% zygotes) by Day 9 of in vitro culture was lower (p <0.05) for X- (102/261, 39.1%) than unsorted spermatozoa (249/515, 48.3%), but did not differ between Y-spermatozoa (103/229, 45.0%) and unsorted spermatozoa, or between X- and Y-spermatozoa (p >0.05). For fresh embryos, survival to term was 50.0% (3/6) for unsorted, 0.0% (0/6) for X- and 16.7% (1/6) for Y-spermatozoa-derived embryos (p >0.05), and for frozen embryos was 4.0% (2/50) for unsorted, 9.1% (2/22) for X- and 2.9% (1/34) Y-spermatozoa-derived embryos (p >0.05). Of the two lambs born from X-spermatozoa-derived embryos, one was female (50%), and from the two Y-spermatozoa-derived lambs, both were male (100%), demonstrating that lambs can be produced after the transfer of fresh and cryopreserved IVP embryos derived from prepubertal lamb oocytes and frozen-thawed sex-sorted sperm.     

The utility of a novel formulation of alfaxalone in a remote delivery system

ObjectiveTo quantify induction time, reliability, physiological effects, recovery quality and dart volume of a novel formulation of alfaxalone (40 mg mL^?1) used in combination with medetomidine and azaperone for the capture and handling of wild bighorn sheep.Study designProspective clinical study.AnimalsA total of 23 wild bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) in Sheep River Provincial Park, AB, Canada.MethodsFree-ranging bighorn sheep were immobilized using medetomidine, azaperone and alfaxalone delivered with a remote delivery system. Arterial blood was collected for measurement of blood gases, physiologic variables (temperature, heart and respiratory rates) were recorded and induction and recovery length and quality were scored.ResultsData from 20 animals were included. Administered dose rates were alfaxalone (0.99 ± 0.20 mg kg^?1; 40 mg mL^?1), azaperone (0.2 ± 0.04 mg kg^?1; 10 mg mL^?1) and medetomidine (0.16 ± 0.03 mg kg^?1; 30 mg mL^?1). The mean drug volume injected was 1.51 mL. The median (range) induction time was 7.7 (5.8–9.7) minutes, and recovery was qualitatively smooth.Conclusions and clinical relevanceAn increased concentration formulation of alfaxalone was administered in combination with medetomidine and azaperone, and resulted in appropriate anesthesia for the capture and handling of bighorn sheep. The dart volume was small, with potential for reducing capture-related morbidity.     

2015 ACVIM Small Animal Consensus Statement on Seizure Management in Dogs

This report represents a scientific and working clinical consensus statement on seizure management in dogs based on current literature and clinical expertise. The goal was to establish guidelines for a predetermined, concise, and logical sequential approach to chronic seizure management starting with seizure identification and diagnosis (not included in this report), reviewing decision‐making, treatment strategies, focusing on issues related to chronic antiepileptic drug treatment response and monitoring, and guidelines to enhance patient response and quality of life. Ultimately, we hope to provide a foundation for ongoing and future clinical epilepsy research in veterinary medicine.     

Importance of prudent antibiotic use on dairy farms in South Carolina: a pilot project on farmers' knowledge, attitudes and practices

Inappropriate use of antibiotics in humans and animals contributes to decreased antimicrobial susceptibility in bacteria of medical importance. Resistant bacteria being transferred from animals to humans are causing public health concern. In-person interviews were conducted with 20 dairy farmers in rural counties of South Carolina to determine farmers' knowledge and attitudes about prudent antibiotic use among livestock. Four focus groups (n = 22) were also conducted to ascertain farmers' specific information needs about proper antibiotic use. Survey results showed that participants (100%) typically determined a need for antibiotic treatment using symptom assessment and reported following some form of operating procedures regarding administration of antibiotics. Few farmers (32%) had actual written antibiotic protocols. Preferred information sources about antibiotics were veterinarians (100%) and other dairy farmers (50%). Most farmers (86%) were not concerned that overuse of antibiotics in animals could result in antibiotic resistance among farm workers. Qualitative analysis of focus groups revealed significant barriers to following proper antibiotic procedures including limited finances and lack of time. The need for bilingual educational resources for Hispanic/Latino dairy workers was expressed. Desired formats for educational materials were posters, flowcharts, videos, and seminars. Education of South Carolina dairy farmers by veterinarians and public health professionals on the appropriate use of antibiotics in dairy cattle is needed to ensure antibiotic effectiveness in both animals and humans.