Caprine enteritis associated with Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infection

Yersiniosis was prevalent among a caprine herd during the late autumn of 2003 in Iwate Prefecture, Japan. The disease affected 29 of about 100 lactating goats, but not dried or nonparous goats, mature male goats or kids. Four animals died within an epidemic period of 20 days. Affected animals developed decreased milk production with subsequent watery diarrhea, neutrophilia with increased band forms and multiple microabscesses characteristic of yersiniosis in the intestinal mucosa from the jejunum to caecum as well as in the mesenteric lymph nodes. Y. pseudotuberculosis serotype III was isolated from intestinal contents and mesenteric lymph nodes. The organism was also cultured from clinically normal dried animals. The outbreak might have been precipitated by multiple stress factors, such as lactation, cold weather, Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection resulting in abscess formation and tapeworm and coccidium parasitisms.     

Patterns of lesions of bovine tuberculosis in wild red deer and wild boar

The data obtained from a survey of Mycobacterium bovis infection in wild red deer (Cervus elaphus) and wild boar (Sus scrofa) conducted in France in the 2005/06 hunting season were used to describe and quantify the pathological findings in the two species. The red deer had caseous abscessed lesions in their organs and lymph nodes, whereas in the wild boar the lesions were predominantly caseocalcareous and occurred mainly in the lymph nodes. The severity of the gross tuberculosis-like lesions was estimated on the basis of a numerical score. The significant difference between the distribution of the scores in the two species indicated that the disease was more serious in the red deer than in the wild boar. Unlike the red deer, the wild boar did not show a generalised pattern of disease. Among the lymph nodes examined systematically, gross lesions were most frequently observed in the mesenteric lymph nodes in the red deer and in the retropharyngeal lymph nodes in the wild boar. In both species, the presence of gross lesions showed the closest agreement with the isolation of M bovis from the same lymph nodes. The different patterns of the lesions of tuberculosis in the two species suggest that red deer might play an important role in the intraspecies and interspecies dissemination of the infection, whereas in wild boar the spread of the infection would be more likely to be restricted to other wild boar.     

Farm and slaughter survey of bovine tuberculosis in captive deer in Switzerland

In 1998, a survey was conducted by postal questionnaire to gather basic knowledge about the management, health and productivity of captive deer in Switzerland. In addition, lymph nodes were collected from slaughtered deer from 124 of the 262 holdings surveyed, and tested for Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The total farmed deer population was 8389 animals kept on 485 holdings; 87 per cent were fallow deer, 8 per cent red deer, 4 per cent sika deer, and there were small numbers of other species. The median herd sizes were 12 for fallow deer and eight for red deer. Few owners had handling facilities or crushes. In none of the lymph nodes examined were lesions typical of bovine tuberculosis observed, and neither M bovis nor M tuberculosis was cultivated from any of the samples.     

Chemical composition, palatability and physical characteristics of venison from farmed deer

The quality of venison from farmed deer were evaluated based on chemical composition, palatability scores, W-B shear force, ultimate pH, and color. The samples of venison were derived from javan rusa ( Cervus timorensis russa ), moluccan rusa ( Cervus timorensis moluccensis ), sambar ( Cervus unicolor brookei ), fallow ( Dama dama ) and imported red deer ( Cervus elaphus ). Moluccan rusa and red deer were fed grass. Javan rusa, sambar and fallow deer were fed concentrate. The venison obtained from grazing deer (grass-fed) gave higher moisture content (75.3%) than concentrate-fed or confinement-raised deer (74.4%) and imported venison (70.62%). Fat content in venison shows some differences between muscles and species. The concentrate-fed animals had a higher ( P  < 0.05) fat content in the venison than the grazing deer. Temperate deer (fallow and red deer) showed higher ( P  < 0.05) fat content than tropical deer (rusa and sambar deer). Venison obtained from concentrate-fed deer showed normal ultimate pH values (pH ≤ 6.0) and more reddish in color than grass-fed deer. The concentrate-fed venison produced slightly higher ( P  > 0.05) palatability scores than grass-fed venison. Feeding regimens (grass-fed vs. concentrate-fed) significantly ( P  < 0.05) influenced fat composition in the venison of farmed deer in this study.     

Johne's Disease (Paratuberculosis) in Goats: A Report of Eight Cases in Quebec

Johne's disease (paratuberculosis) is reported in eight goats. Clinical signs were mainly those of a chronic wasting disease which lead to emaciation, severe weakness, prostration and death. Soft pasty stool and/or profuse diarrhea were observed only after several weeks of illness, in the terminal stages of the disease, in six of the eight goats. Gross lesions were characterized by emaciation and mesenteric lymphadenopathy with more or less extensive areas of caseous necrosis and calcification. Gross lesions in the intestinal tract were limited to a mild thickening and corrugation of the mucosa of the distal small intestine, cecum and proximal parts of the colon in three of the affected animals. Caseous necrosis of Peyer's patches and ulceration were observed in two goats when small tuberculoid nodules were present in the liver of another one. Histologically, the intestinal lesions were characterized by accumulations of large foamy or vacuolated macrophages in the intestinal mucosa. Lesions were usually mild and multifocal in the proximal and middle parts of the small intestine, more diffuse and severe in the distal jejunum, ileum and proximal parts of the colon. Several of the macrophages infiltrated in the intestinal mucosa and mesenteric lymph nodes were packed with acid fast bacilli. Observations made on these animals stress the importance of a careful histological examination of the intestines and mesenteric lymph nodes of adult goats submitted to necropsy because of a chronic wasting disease.     

Omasal Anatomy in New Zealand Red and Fallow Deer: An Exploratory Multivariate Analysis

We measured the weight and volume of omasae, and the number, weight and area of omasal laminae from wild fallow (Cervus dama), and wild and farmed red deer (Cervus elaphus) whose diet, as indicated by rumen content, was known. A multivariate analysis yielded two principal components, interpreted as indices of overall omasal size and laminar leafiness. The second component showed significantly greater variance in wild red deer than in farmed red or wild fallow deer. Deer feeding on a mixed diet of browse and grasses may have greater variability of omasal form than those feeding on grass alone. A relationship is derived by which the laminar area can be estimated from counts of laminae in different size classes.     

The lymph nodes of the fallow deer (Dama dama L., 1758)

In the present study the topographic anatomy of the lymph nodes of fallow deer is described in detail. The Nl. axillaris proprius is absent. This, however, is the only apparent difference when comparing fallow deer with cattle, sheep, goat and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L. 1758) in respect to the existence of the lymph nodes. Minor topographic deviations are of little importance for locating the lymph nodes.     

Paratuberculosis and avian tuberculosis infections in one red deer farm studied by IS900 and IS901 RFLP analysis

As the attempt to eradicate paratuberculosis in one red deer (Cervus elaphus) farm failed, all 167 red deer of different age groups were slaughtered and examined by culture for mycobacteria, and the farm was closed down. Spleen and hepatic lymph nodes, mediastinal lymph node, ileocecal lymph node, and ileum were collected from each animal and examined (a total of 835 organs). Neither tuberculosis lesions nor pathognomic signs of paratuberculosis were detected. Among all microscopically negative for mycobacteria organs, Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis alone was isolated from 165 organs, M. a. avium alone from 41 organs, and both pathogens from four organs. M. a. paratuberculosis alone was detected in 71 red deer, M. a. avium alone in 13 red deer and both pathogens in 18 red deer. Using standardised RFLP methods, three IS900 RFLP types B-C1, B-C16, and B-C32 were identified among 40 M. a. paratuberculosis isolates and four IS901 RFLP types N-B1, N-B3, N-B4, and P-B3 among 17 M. a. avium isolates.     

Intra-uterine transmission of paratuberculosis (Johne's disease) in farmed red deer

AIM: To determine whether intra-uterine transmission of paratuberculosis (Johne's disease) occurs in farmed red deer (Cervus elaphus) in New Zealand. METHODS: On four different farms, nine late-stage pregnant hinds with Johne's disease were slaughtered and samples were taken from them and their 10 fetuses. Samples of the hepatic, ileocaecal and mesenteric lymph nodes and the posterior ileum were collected from the hinds. The lung, liver, spleen, jejunum and ileum from the fetuses were sampled, as were the placentomes. Blood samples were tested using the 'Paralisa' test, a modified immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Tissue samples were cultured using the BACTEC system, and fixed samples were sectioned and histological slides examined. RESULTS: All nine hinds and 9/10 fetuses (one hind had twins) were culture-positive for Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis (M. ptb). Six hinds had gross lesions of Johne's disease, while all hinds had characteristic histopathological lesions affecting the ileum, ileocaecal valve and associated lymph nodes. The only histopathological change observed in the fetuses was some mild inflammation in the lungs of one individual. Acid fast organisms (AFOs) were seen in histological sections of the lymph nodes and ileum of six hinds, and none were seen in tissues from the fetuses. These six hinds were Paralisa-positive, whereas the remaining hinds and fetuses were serologically-negative. CONCLUSIONS: These results confirm that there is a high risk of transmission of M. ptb from clinically affected hinds to their fetuses during pregnancy. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Johne's disease is an increasingly important disease responsible for deaths in young red deer. Recognising the influence of intra-uterine transmission on the spread of this disease may be an important step towards improved control of Johne's disease.     

Histopathology of grossly normal mesenteric lymph nodes of New Zealand farmed red deer (Cervus elaphus) including identification of lipopigment

This article describes the histopathology of grossly normal mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) of New Zealand farmed red deer (Cervus elaphus). Eighty MLNs were sourced from 10 deer from 5 North Island herds and 5 South Island herds classified as low risk and high risk of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) infection, respectively. Fixed sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin; Ziehl-Neelsen; and, selectively, periodic acid-Schiff, Perl's, and Sudan black. Positive Ziehl-Neelsen stain, follicular hyperplasia, capsular eosinophil infiltration, focal granulomas, foci of macrophages containing lipopigment, parasitic granulomas, and calcified foci are described and severity graded where appropriate. Animal age, sex, and herd of origin are variably associated with the presence of one or more features. Trabecular fibrosis and dilated edema-filled sinusoids are described. These observations allow differentiation between likely nonpathologic histologic features in deer MLNs and features possibly attributable to infection with a pathogen such as MAP.     

Winter Scours' in sheep — An oibsolete term

We recently published a paper⁽¹⁾ documenting the success of head-only electrical stunning in red deer (Cervus elaphus). This work has now been extended to fallow deer (Dama dama) to determine whether there are differences between this species and red deer in terms of behavioural responses and effectiveness of electrical stunning.     

Isolation of Salmonella dublin from a sheep in New Zealand

Extract

On March 8, 1964, formalinized samples of liver, kidney and lung and fresh samples of mesenteric lymph nodes and lung from a ram hogget were submitted to the Wallaceville Animal Research Centre. The animal had died suddenly and post-mortem examination revealed intense reddening of the intestinal and abomasal mucosa and enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes, with some consolidation and pleural adhesions. Small red spots were observed on the liver surface. The possibility of salmonellosis was considered and appropriate cultures were made of the fresh material in addition to aerobic cultures on blood agar.     

Haemorrhagic Enteropathies in Red Deer (Cervus Elaphus)

Sir, — I would like to draw your readers’ attention to the occurrence of post-stress haemorrhagic enteropathies in red deer (Cervus elaphus). Haemorrhagic enteropathy has been observed in approximately 75 percent of red deer necropsied at the Invermay Animal Health Laboratory and has also been seen in wapiti (Cervus canadensis). Deer dying with post-stress haemorrhagic enteropathy commonly have splash haemorrhages on the serosal surfaces of the abomasum and intestine and to a lesser extent on the rumen and omasum. The intestinal mucosa is heavily congested and haemorrhagic with blood present in the lumen. In many cases mucosal haemorrhage may be so severe the intestinal contents appear similar to blood. The degree of severity of the condition varies from slight to very severe and the length of intestine involved also varies from a few centimetres to the entire gastro-intestinal tract from the rumen to the rectum.     

Enteritis associated with Yersinia pseudotuberculosis infection in a buffalo

SUMMARY: A week after transport a 4 month old buffalo calf developed diarrhoea. Its condition gradually deteriorated and it died. Necropsy revealed acute haemorrhagic enteritis and enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes. Haemorrhages and numerous microabscesses were detected in the lamina propria of the small intestine associated with colonies of Gram negative bacteria. Yersinia pseudotuberculosis was isolated from the small intestine and from mesenteric lymph node. Enteritis caused by Y pseudotuberculosis does not appear to have been reported previously in buffalo in Australia.     

Prevalence of Coxiella burnetti infection in wild and farmed ungulates

The aim of this study was to evaluate by serology and PCR analyses the prevalence of Coxiella burnetti infection in ungulates in Spain. Sera were collected from red deer (Cervus elaphus; n=116), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus; n=39), fallow deer (Dama dama; n=13) and cattle (n=79). Sera were tested for anti-C. burnetii antibody detection by means of an immunofluorescence antibody assay (IFA) and C. burnetii DNA was amplified by PCR in samples from ungulates that had antibodies to phase II antigens. Twenty-nine, 15 and 39 percent of the red deer, roe deer and cattle had antibodies against C. burnetii, respectively. None of the fallow deer sera tested positive. Seroprevalence was statistically higher in farmed than in wild red deer and higher in northern than in southern populations, whereas an inverse pattern was observed for the roe deer. Most of the seropositive animals had only anti-C. burnetii phase II antibodies, thus showing the acute nature of infections in the sampled ungulates. These results show that C. burnetii circulates in wild ungulates in Spain and suggest that they can act as pathogen reservoirs for both domestic animals and humans.     

Pathology of naturally occurring paratuberculosis in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

Gross and histologic lesions of paratuberculosis were studied in water buffaloes. Small intestines and associated mesenteric lymph nodes of 405 water buffaloes were examined. Of these, 20 animals having visible changes of intestinal thickening, mucosal corrugations, and enlargement of mesenteric lymph nodes exhibited histologic alteration characteristics of mild to moderate granulomatous inflammation. The histologic lesions observed in these animals were classified into 3 grades on the basis of type of cellular infiltration, granuloma formation, and presence of acid-fast bacilli. Grade-1 lesions observed in 8 animals were marked by the presence of scattered epithelioid macrophages amid large number of lymphocytes in the intestinal villi and in the paracortical regions of the associated mesenteric lymph nodes. Another 8 animals classified under grade-2 revealed microgranulomas, infiltration with a larger number of epithelioid macrophages besides lymphocytes in the intestinal villi, and granulomas in the mesenteric lymph nodes. Grade-3 lesions observed in 4 animals were characterized by the presence of epithelioid granulomas and giant cells in the intestines and the mesenteric lymph nodes. The Ziehl-Neelsen's stained tissue sections revealed acid-fast bacilli in grade-3 and -2 animals and acid-fast granular debris in grade-1 animals. Among these 20 buffaloes, 14 (70%) were positive in the IS900 specific polymerase chain reaction and 6 (30%) were positive in the bacterial culture.     

Detection of specific antibodies anti-Neospora caninum in the fallow deer (Dama dama)

Sera from 335 farmed fallow deer (Dama dama) at the breeding station in Kosewo Górne in the Mazurian Lake District, North-East Poland, were investigated for the presence of antibodies against Neospora caninum. The distribution of age groups was as follow: >4 years - 154 animals; 2 years - 76 animals; 1 year - 105 animals. Ten sera with the optical density exceeding 0.159 absorbance units (i.e., cut-off value) in ELISA test were also analyzed by Western blot. Western blot analysis revealed seroreactivity against immunodominant N. caninum antigens of 37, 25, and 16kDa; however, in some sera additional bands were also visible. This is the first screening studies for antibodies against N. caninum in farmed fallow deer in Poland, in the region where neosporosis was confirmed in cattle and in farmed and free-ranging European red deer (Cervus elaphus).     

The emergence of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis in farmed deer in New Zealand - a review of 619 cases

AIM: To review cases in which Mycobacterium paratuberculosis was identified in farmed deer in New Zealand. METHODS: Case histories were reviewed where M. paratuberculosis was identified in deer by either culture or a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test using primers from IS900. RESULTS: Between 1986 and 2000, M. paratuberculosis was identified by bacterial culture and/or PCR in 619 farmed deer from 299 herds, representing approximately 6% of deer herds in New Zealand. Over 85% of cases were identified during the last 6 years. In 60% of the infected herds, only one infected animal was identified. The maximum number of cases identified in a single deer herd was 47, and these were identified over a period of 8 years. Only 36 (5.8%) cases came from clinically affected animals identified on farms by veterinarians. The majority (89.7%) of the 619 cases were identified from lesions in mesenteric lymph nodes, including the ileocaecal lymph nodes, identified at meat inspection as being macroscopically either typical or equivocal of bovine tuberculosis (M. bovis). While the overwhelming majority of lesions were identified in mesenteric lymph nodes, M. paratuberculosis was also identified in 27 lesions in lymph nodes of the head, especially the retropharyngeal lymph node. CONCLUSIONS: The figures presented underestimate the true prevalence of infection with M. paratuberculosis, especially since not all suspect cases were submitted for culture or PCR. However, they do show that M. paratuberculosis appears to be spreading in farmed deer in New Zealand and highlight the possibility that Johne's disease is emerging as a potential major problem affecting this species. Identification of the organism by bacterial culture or PCR is required in many cases to distinguish lesions in mesenteric lymph nodes and lymph nodes of the head caused by M. paratuberculosis from those caused by M. bovis and M. avium.     

Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in wildlife: common parasites in Belgian foxes and Cervidae?

Sera from Cervidae were tested for the presence of antibodies against Neospora caninum using ELISA; and against Toxoplasma gondii using SAG1-ELISA and a commercially available agglutination test. The T. gondii seroprevalence was 52% (38/73) in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), 0% in bred fallow deer (0/4) (Dama dama) and red deer (0/7) (Cervus elaphus). We found 2.7% of the roe deer samples and none of the bred deer samples positive for N. caninum. Brain samples from wild roe deer, red deer and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) were tested for the presence of T. gondii and N. caninum DNA using multiplex real-time PCR. We detected T. gondii in 18.8% (57/304) of the red foxes and in 1 of the 33 deer samples. N. caninum was found in 6.6% of the red foxes and in 2 roe deer samples. Twenty-six of the T. gondii positive DNA extracts from the red fox samples were genotyped. Twenty-five were type II and only one was found to be type III.     

Immunoglobulin G class identification from wild ungulates by cross-reactivity with antisera to domestic animals

Seven species of Spanish ungulates were tested for the presence of homologous immunoglobulin G (IgG) with a gel-diffusion test using bovine, ovine, caprine and porcine IgG antisera. Homologous ovine and caprine IgG were detected in sera from chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica), Spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica hispanica), mouflon (Ovis orientalis musimon), red deer (Cervus elaphus), fallow deer (Dama dama) and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus). Homologous porcine IgG was detected in wild boar (Sus scrofa) serum. Immunoelectrophoretic assays were performed to compare the electrophoretic mobility of IgG from domestic and wild species.