Coccidia in sheep in South Australia

Faecal samples from 136 sheep from four different locations in South Australia were examined to determine the types and numbers of Eimeria spp. present. Coccidian oocysts were detected in 80% of the sheep and 11 different species of Eimeria were identified. The species detected (and their prevalence) were E. crandallis/E. weybridgensis (76%), E. ovina (55%), E. ovinoidalis (54%), E. granulosa (49%), E. parva/E. pallida (44%), E. intricata (37%), E. ahsata (31%), E. faurei (24%), and E. punctata (1%). No major differences were observed in the patterns of infection between the four locations examined. Faecal samples were also collected each month for a year from 48 lambs at two of the locations and oocyst counts were found to decrease markedly in all lambs after 6 months of age but to persist at low levels until the end of sampling at 17 months of age.     

Changes in selected biochemical indicators in blood serum in anestrous gilts

The biochemical profile [levels of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, chlorides and iron, the activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and the concentrations of total protein, albumin, cholesterol, urea, glucose, and vitamins A and E] was studied in the blood serum of 40 anoestrous and 40 control inseminated animals in a production herd with an increased occurrence of anoestrus in gilts. The anoestrous gilts showed significantly lower levels of albumin (P less than 0.01) and glucose (P less than 0.01) and ALP activity (P less than 0.05), and significantly higher concentrations of urea (P less than 0.01), vitamin A (P less than 0.01) and vitamin E (P less than 0.05) and ALT activity (P less than 0.05), as compared with the inseminated controls. An extended enzymatological examination consisting of the evaluation of the activities of ALP, AST, ALT and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GMT) was performed in another set of 22 anoestrous and 20 mated gilts. The anoestrous gilts showed a statistically significant increase in the activities of AST (P less than 0.01), GMT (P less than 0.01) and ALT (P less than 0.05) and an insignificant increase in the activity of ALP in comparison with the control animals. The comparison of the obtained values of the studied biochemical criteria with literary data indicated a lower concentration of magnesium and a higher ALP and ALT activities in the anoestrous and inseminated gilts in both groups under study. A high acidity of fat and a medium to high fungus infestation (Mucor sp., Aspergillus sp.) were found by chemical and mycological examination of the administered feed mixtures. The histological examination of the ovaries of anoestrous animals showed cystically degenerative changes, proliferations of fibrous elements, and partial atrophy of ovarial cortex. It has been inferred from the observations that mycotoxins may be involved in the increase in the occurrence of anoestrus, either by a direct effect on sexual organs or by impairing the function of liver which, secondarily contributes to the rise of ovarial dysfunctions.     

Coprological survey in pet reptiles in Italy

Faecal samples were collected from 324 pet reptiles showing no clinical signs, including 28 saurian species (n=192), three ophidian species (n=74) and three chelonian species (n=58). Samples were examined for the presence of intestinal parasites by direct smear and faecal flotation, while direct immunofluorescence assays were used to reveal the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts. Overall, 57.4 per cent of the reptiles were harbouring intestinal parasites. These included oxyurids (16 per cent), coccidia (12.3 per cent), flagellates (9.3 per cent), strongyles (6.8 per cent), coccidia plus oxyurids (4.9 per cent), coccidia plus flagellates (1.8 per cent), coccidia plus strongyles (1.8 per cent), oxyurids plus strongyles (1.2 per cent), oxyurids plus flagellates (1.2 per cent), Cryptosporidium species (1.2 per cent) and strongyles plus flagellates (0.6 per cent). Intestinal parasites were more prevalent in saurians than in ophidians and chelonians, in insectivores than in carnivores, omnivores and herbivores, and in wild-caught than in captive-born reptiles. A highly significant difference was observed for saurians versus chelonians (odds ratio [OR]=2.20, 95 per cent confidence interval [CI] 1.21 to 3.99), insectivores versus herbivores (OR=2.38, 95 per cent CI 1.26 to 4.49) and in wild-caught versus captive-born pet reptiles (OR=2.36, 95 per cent CI 1.27 to 4.40).     

Viral antibodies in bovine fetuses in Argentina

In order to establish the prevalence of viral infections of the bovine fetus in Argentina, a serological survey for antibodies against viral agents currently affecting cattle in this country was conducted. Antibodies against foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1), bovine leukaemia virus (BLV), bovine rotavirus (BRV), bovine coronavirus (BCV), bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) and parainfluenza-3 (PI-3) were investigated in a total of 315 fetal serum samples. Conventional techniques were used: indirect immunofluorescence (FMDV, BHV-1, BVDv and BCV), radial immunodiffusion (BLV), ELISA (BRV) and haemagglutination inhibition (PI-3). Antibodies against BHV-1, BVDV and PI-3 were detected in samples from fetuses in the second and third trimester of gestation, with a prevalence of 1·21 per cent (two of 165), 2·03 per cent (four of 197) and 5·08 per cent (nine of 177), respectively. Either antibodies or non-antibody factors able to bind to BRV and Bcv antigens were detected with a prevalence of 2·44 per cent (five of 205) and 4·54 per cent (five of 110), respectively. In addition, 14·68 per cent of non-specific inhibitors of PI-3 mediated haemagglutination were found. No seropositives against FMDV and BLV were detected.     

Mortality in sahelian goats in Nigeria

The cause of mortality in sahelian goats was investigated in three local government areas of Borno State (Kukawa, Maiduguri and Mongonu) that are known for high goat production. A total of 150 selected flocks (50 flocks from each of the local government areas) were administered questionnaires through spot visits and interviews of the flock owners. On the whole, 644 (21.8%) goats died between May 1996 and April 1997 out of the 2956 goats in the 150 flocks. Mortality (41.4%) was higher in kids (<6-month old) than in adults (14.4%). Gastrointestinal disorders (dyspepsia), and respiratory diseases were the most-common causes of mortality. Cause-specific mortality risks did not differ between kids and adults.     

Endometritis in she donkeys in Egypt

The endometrial necropsies of 165 she donkeys were examined and the endometria were classified into four grades according to histological features (I, IIa, IIb, III). Category I was observed in 86 cases (52.12%) and diagnosed as normal endometria. Category IIa was observed in 18 cases (10.91%) and diagnosed as slight endometritis. Category IIb was observed in 28 cases (16.97%) and diagnosed as moderate endometritis (two to four nests/field), while category III was observed in 33 cases (20%) and diagnosed as severe endometritis (eight nests/field). A bacteriological examination was carried out and oestrogen and progesterone were estimated. Our results indicate that endometritis and the prognosis of fertility in she donkeys were more or less parallel to mares.     

Helminths in broiler geese fattened in runs

The occurrence of helminths in broiler geese was studied in the rapid-fattening technological system in 1974-1978. The birds were kept on grassy run adjacent to water. Helminthological examination was performed in 1065 broilers and the following 16 helminth species were revealed: Notocotylus attenuatus (0.3%), Apatemon gracilis (1.5%), Cotyrulus cornutus (0.1%), Hypoderaeum conoideum (0.1%), Retinometra longicirrosa (3.2%), Drepanidotaenia lanceolata (3.1%), Sobolevicanthus fragilis (0.7%), Diorchis stefanskii (0.8%), Microsomacanthus microsoma (0.9%), Dilepis undula (0.1%), Capillaria caudinflata (0.2%), Capillaria obsignata (7.7%), Amidostomum anseris (3.7%), Trichostrongylus tenuis (0.2%), Ganguleterakis dispar (16.8%), and Heterakis gallinarum (0.4%). Seven of these species were found for the first time in geese in Czechoslovakia (A. gracilis, C. cornutus, H. conoideum, M. microsoma, D. undula, C. caudinflata, and H. gallinarum). The species Dilepis undula has not been recorded in this host species ever before. The extensity and intensity of the invasions, the frequency of monoinvasions and mixed invasions, and the relation of invasion extensity and intensity to the age of the broilers examined were evaluated during the study.     

Hydatid disease in goats in Bangladesh

A total of 12 344 goats of different ages from various localities of Bangladesh were examined for the presence of hydatid disease and 1024 (8.29%) were found to be infected. The incidence of infection by organ was: liver 36.72%, lungs 32.03%, spleen 4.69%, heart 3.13%, kidney 1.56%, omentum 0.78%, and both liver and lungs 21.09%. The severity of infection was: weak (84.56% and 86.55%), medium (13.32% and 11.87%) and heavy (2.12 and 1.58%) in the liver and lungs respectively. Of the 1792 cysts examined, 175 (9.76%) were fertile, 1342 (74.89%) were sterile, 206 (11.50%) were calcified, 47 (2.62%) were supporative and 22 (1.23%) were undeveloped. The incidence of infection by age of host was: 0.63% between 0 and 1 year, 2.48% between 1 and 2 years, 5.53% between 2 and 3 years, 16.80% between 3 and 5 years and 21.64% for 5 years old and above.     

Comparison of in vitro and in situ methods in evaluation of forage digestibility in ruminants

The objective of this study was to compare the application of different in vitro and in situ methods in empirical and mechanistic predictions of in vivo OM digestibility (OMD) and their associations to near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy spectra for a variety of forages. Apparent in vivo OMD of silages made from alfalfa (n = 2), corn (n = 9), corn stover (n = 2), grass (n = 11), whole crops of wheat and barley (n = 8) and red clover (n = 7), and fresh alfalfa (n = 1), grass hays (n = 5), and wheat straws (n = 5) had previously been determined in sheep. Concentrations of indigestible NDF (iNDF) in all forage samples were determined by a 288-h ruminal in situ incubation. Gas production of isolated forage NDF was measured by in vitro incubations for 72 h. In vitro pepsin-cellulase OM solubility (OMS) of the forages was determined by a 2-step gravimetric digestion method. Samples were also subjected to a 2-step determination of in vitro OMD based on buffered rumen fluid and pepsin. Further, rumen fluid digestible OM was determined from a single 96-h incubation at 38°C. Digestibility of OM from the in situ and the in vitro incubations was calculated according to published empirical equations, which were either forage specific or general (1 equation for all forages) within method. Indigestible NDF was also used in a mechanistic model to predict OMD. Predictions of OMD were evaluated by residual analysis using the GLM procedure in SAS. In vitro OMS in a general prediction equation of OMD did not display a significant forage-type effect on the residuals (observed - predicted OMD; P = 0.10). Predictions of OMD within forage types were consistent between iNDF and the 2-step in vitro method based on rumen fluid. Root mean square error of OMD was least (0.032) when the prediction was based on a general forage equation of OMS. However, regenerating a simple regression for iNDF by omitting alfalfa and wheat straw reduced the root mean square error of OMD to 0.025. Indigestible NDF in a general forage equation predicted OMD without any bias (P ≥ 0.16), and root mean square error of prediction was smallest among all methods when alfalfa and wheat straw samples were excluded. Our study suggests that compared with the in vitro laboratory methods, iNDF used in forage-specific equations will improve overall predictions of forage in vivo OMD. The in vitro and in situ methods performed equally well in calibrations of iNDF or OMD by near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy.     

尼龙袋法评价香蕉叶单宁对瘤胃降解特性的影响

旨在探究香蕉叶单宁对奶牛瘤胃降解特性的影响和评价香蕉叶的饲喂价值。样品分别为苜蓿干草组(100%的苜蓿干草)、苜蓿干草和香蕉叶混合组(50%苜蓿干草+50%香蕉叶)、香蕉叶组(100%香蕉叶)、苜蓿干草组(100%的苜蓿干草)+6%聚乙二醇(6% PEG)、苜蓿干草和香蕉叶混合组(50%苜蓿干草+50%香蕉叶)+6%聚乙二醇(6% PEG)、香蕉叶组(100%香蕉叶)+6%聚乙二醇(6% PEG)。测定样品中的营养成分含量,使用3头安装了瘤胃瘘管的荷斯坦奶牛进行半体内试验,用尼龙袋法测定上述样品在瘤胃内0、2、4、8、12、24、48、72 h的干物质(DM)、粗蛋白质(CP)、中性洗涤纤维(NDF)、酸性洗涤纤维(ADF)的降解率,得到各营养物质的动态降解参数。结果表明,相较于苜蓿干草,香蕉叶干物质和粗蛋白的快速降解部分、慢速降解部分、慢速降解部分的降解速率、有效降解率是显著低于苜蓿干草的(P<0.001),香蕉叶和苜蓿的NDF的有效降解率没有显著差异。添加了PEG后,香蕉叶和香蕉叶苜蓿混合组的快速降解部分和有效降解率显著高于未添加PEG的两组(P<0.001)。结果表明香蕉叶中的单宁会抑制香蕉叶的瘤胃降解率,因此在使用香蕉叶调制反刍动物的饲料时需要控制单宁的含量。     

Seroprevalence of Lawsonia intracellularis in different swine populations in 3 provinces in Canada

Porcine proliferative enteropathy caused by Lawsonia intracellularis is an important enteric disease in swine throughout the world. Information regarding the distribution of this pathogen in Canadian swine herds would be beneficial for the creation of control protocols. Pigs from Ontario, Quebec, and Alberta were tested by using an indirect immunofluorescence assay for antibodies to L. intracellularis. Pig seroprevalence was calculated as the proportion of pigs positive from total pigs tested in the targeted population. Seroprevalence (+/- standard error [s(x)]) in market hogs in Ontario from farrow-finish (FF) farms and finishing (FIN) farms were significantly different at 77% (s(x) = 7%) and 29% (s(x) = 15%), respectively. Seroprevalence for sows and gilts in FF and farrowing and nursery (FAR + NUR) farms in Ontario were 90% (s(x) = 3%) and 93% (s(x) = 6%), respectively. Seroprevalence in breeding females in Quebec from FF and FAR farms was 82% (s(x) = 5%) and 87% (s(x) = 3%), respectively. Seroprevalence (57%, s(x) = 8%) in finishing pigs in Alberta from FF farms was significantly different from that of multisite (MS) farms and FIN farms, 6% (s(x) = 6%) and 9% (s(x) = 5%), respectively. Lawsonia intracellularis appears to be widespread in Canada and the seroprevalence on FF farms is higher than that on FIN and MS farms, possibly due to the presence of breeding females or management differences.     

Rotavirus infection in calves in Bangladesh

Faecal samples from 434 calves under 1 year of age (307 diarrhoeal and 127 normal) were collected from three dairy farms and one village in selected areas of Bangladesh. The samples were tested by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect the presence of rotavirus antigen. Of 402 dairy calves tested, 28 (7.0%) were positive, of which 21 (7.2%) were from diarrhoeic calves and 7 (6.3%) from non-diarrhoeic calves. Rotavirus infection varied from farm to farm (2.7–9.2%) and there was no positive response from any of the 32 village calves. Rotavirus was most commonly found in calves of 1 week of age or less (up to 22.2% in one group) but was not found in any calves later than 6 months of age. More than 80% of rotavirus-positive samples from diarrhoeic calves exhibited a titre of 128 or more (geometric mean 345±4.5), whereas non-diarrhoeal calves had titres less than or equal to 128 (geometric mean=29±1.9), suggesting that rotavirus infection in calves in Bangladesh was mostly associated with diarrhoea.     

Ecto-, endo- and haemoparasites in free-range chickens in the Goromonzi District in Zimbabwe

A cross-sectional study determined the prevalence of ecto-, endo- and haemoparasites in free-range chickens from the Goromonzi District, Zimbabwe. Fifty young and 50 adult birds were selected randomly. All chickens harboured ecto- and endoparasites, and 32% were infected with haemoparasites. Eight different ectoparasites were identified; the more prevalent ones had the following prevalences (young, %; adult, %): Argas persicus (6; 14), Cnemidocoptes mutans (6; 32), Echidnophaga gallinacea (72; 74), Goniocotes gallinae (0; 22), Menacanthus stramenius (90; 88) and Menopon gallinea (24; 66). The prevalences of C. mutans, G. gallinae and M. gallinae were higher in adults compared to young chickens. The mean (+/-S.D.) number of helminth species per chicken was 6.7+/-2.0 for young chickens and 6.4+/-2.0 for adult chickens with a range of 1-10 for young chickens and a range of 1-11 for adult chickens. The most prevalent nematodes identified were (with prevalence in % for young/adult birds): Allodapa suctoria (76; 72), Ascaridia galli (48; 24), Gongylonema ingluvicola (28; 56), Heterakis gallinarum (64; 62) and Tetrameres americana (70; 62). For cestodes the prevalences were: Amoebotaenia cuneata (60; 68), Hymenolepis spp. (62; 80), Raillietina echinobothrida (66; 34), Raillietina tetragona (94; 100) and Skrjabinia cesticillus (50; 76). The young chickens had higher prevalences of A. galli and R. echinobothrida compared to adults, but lower prevalence of G. ingluvicola and S. cesticillus. Eimeria spp. oocysts were isolated in 36% of 47 investigated samples. The prevalence was 47% for young chickens and 18% for adult chickens. Prevalences (in %) of haemoparasites in young and adult chickens were: Aegyptinella pullorum (7; 6), Leucocytozoon sabrazesi (3; 1), Plasmodium gallinaceum (8; 6) and Trypanosoma avium (2; 3).     

Eimeria species in dairy goats in Brazil

The focus of this work is to determine the distribution and identify species of Eimeria parasites of dairy goats in the livestock of the National Goat and Sheep Research Center in Sobral, State of Ceará, Northeast Brazil. Results showed the presence of multiple species in 196 of 215 analyzed samples (91.2%). Fifty five out of these were from kids (28%) and 141 from adult goats (72%). Eight different Eimeria species were identified and their prevalence in the herd was: Eimeria alijevi Musaev, 1970 (26.7%), E. arloingi (Marotel, 1905) Martin, 1909 (20.6%), E. hirci Chevalier, 1966 (18%), E. ninakohlyakimovae Yakimoff & Rastegaieff, 1930 (16.2%), E. jolchijevi Musaev, 1970 (8.7%), E. christenseni Levine, Ivens & Fritz, 1962 (6%), E. caprovina Lima, 1980 (2.8%) and E. caprina Lima, 1979 (1%). Moreover, E. ninakohlyakimovae showed higher prevalence in kids (97%), followed by E. arloingi and E. alijevi (88%). On the other hand, E. alijevi (77%) was more common in adult goats followed by E. hirci (74%) and E. ninakohlyakimovae (70%). The species E. caprina had low frequency in both kids (27%) and adult goats (13%). Data indicated that infection was relatively common among kids and adult goats. The implementation of a routine diagnostic strategy can be useful in maintaining Eimeria populations under monitoring and will enable the determination of its potential impact on dairy goat herds in Northeast Brazil.     

Changes in oxidative status in periparturient dairy cows in hot conditions

We investigated the changes in the plasma concentrations of oxidative stress markers in periparturient dairy cows in hot conditions. This study was performed on 10 cows from day ?5 to day 10 after parturition. The experimental duration was divided into three periods: period 1 (5 days before parturition); period 2 (5 days after parturition); and period 3 (from day 6 to day 10 after parturition). The average rectal temperature in the cows during the experimental period was more than 39°C. Plasma aspartate aminotransferase activities in periods 2 and 3 were higher than that in period 1 (P < 0.05). Blood urea nitrogen concentration in period 3 was lower than those in periods 1 and 2 (P < 0.05). The total ascorbic acid concentration in the plasma in period 2 was greater than those in periods 1 and 3 (P < 0.05). Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) concentrations in periods 2 and 3 were greater than that in period 1 (P < 0.05). TBARS concentration was positively correlated with aspartate aminotransferase activity (P < 0.05). These results suggested that oxidative stress increased in cows after parturition under hot climatic conditions.     

Anaplasma phagocytophilum in dogs in Germany

A total number of 111 dogs were included in the present prospective study investigating the prevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in dogs in Germany. Dogs were divided into two groups. Dogs of group 1 (n = 49) showed clinical and/or haematological signs seen in infections with A. phagocytophilum, whereas those of group 2 (n = 62) did not have any evidence of anaplasmosis. For each dog, an A. phagocytophilum 16S rRNA-nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)-anticoagulated whole blood analysis, a microscopic evaluation of a buffy coat and a serum indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) were performed. Forty-eight seroreactive dogs were identified altogether, which amounts to an overall point prevalence of 43.2%. There was no significant difference between the seroreactivity to A. phagocytophilum antigens among group 1 (44.9%) and 2 (41.9%) (P > 0.5). Seven dogs (6.3%) had positive PCR results. All of them were seroreactive. Six belonged to group 1. Morulae in neutrophilic granulocytes were found in two dogs of group 1 but in none of group 2. Both dogs were seroreactive. Very high antibody titres (> or =1:1024) were detected significantly more frequently in dogs with clinical signs attributable to infection with A. phagocytophilum (group 1) than in those without (group 2) (P < 0.001). There was no significant correlation of overall positives or antibody titres to age, breed, sex, or whether the dogs were family or working dogs. Dogs with high tick infestation were significantly more often seroreactive to A. phagocytophilum than those with no or low tick infestation (P = 0.007). In conclusion, there seems to be a high risk of infection with A. phagocytophilum in Germany. Results of this study suggest that severe illness solely caused by A. phagocytophilum may be possible although definitive evidence does not exist. Very high antibody titres (>1:1024) may be associated with clinical anaplasmosis.     

Botulism in birds living in an aquatic environment in Nové Mlyny in the Breclav District

Epizootic of wild water birds caused by the toxin Clostridium botulinum of C type occurred in extensive shallow artificial lakes of the Nové Mlyny dam system from May to October 1988 and later on from February to early April 1989. In total more than 3,000 dead or dying birds of 44 species were found, the following orders were prevailing: Anseriformes (56%), Lariformes (33%), Charadriiformes (6%) and Ralliformes (4%). Botulotoxin was detected at high concentrations in sarcophagic fly larvae of Calliphora vomitoria and Lucilia sericata which were collected in bird cadavers, but it was not found in different components of the aquatic environment (water, submersed vegetation, phytoplankton, zooplankton, Gastropoda, Crustacea, Oligochaeta, larvae of Odonata, Chironomidae and Ceratopogonidae). Future development of the epizootic situation in the Nové Mlyny artificial lakes will depend on the water level and meterological conditions in the critical period (May to September).     

Myiasis in sheep in The Netherlands

In 1999, among 164 randomly selected Dutch sheep farmers, a questionnaire was carried out to estimate the prevalence of myiasis in sheep and to investigate factors associated with the occurrence of myiasis. The total number of sheep and/or lambs on the reference date 1 August 1999 was 12,200: 5243 ewes, 225 rams, 3393 ewe- and 3339 ram lambs. On 86 (52.4%) of the farms 349 (2.9%) of all sheep and/or lambs contracted myiasis, of which two died. Myiasis was seen significantly more frequently on farms with over 25 ewes compared to smaller farms. Cases of myiasis were detected from April to September, with a peak (47.1%) in August. Occurrence of myiasis was most frequently associated with hot and humid weather and was mainly observed (69.1%) in the area around the tail.Ewes and ewe lambs had significantly more myiasis when compared with rams and ram lambs. There was no relationship with tail docking, with breed, with the time of shearing, with the kind of soil (clay, sand, etc.), with the environment (bush, trees, water, etc.), with the type of treatment (pour on, dipping, spraying), the used insecticides (synthetic pyrethro?ds, diazinon, cyromazin, etc.), the number of preventive treatments, the time of treatment or the number of observations on the herd (once a day, once a week, etc.).     

Prevalence of Eimeria species in cattle in Kenya

A total of 620 bovine faecal samples collected from unselected animals brought for post-mortem to the Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology or from animals in the Kabete (Kenya) practice area of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine were examined to determine the types and prevalence of Eimeria spp. present. Coccidian oocytes were detected in 67.4% of the samples and eight different species of Eimeria were recognized. The species detected (and their prevalence) were E. bovis (79.0%), E. zuernii (60.2%), E. ellipsoidalis (26.1), E. cylindrica (13.4%), E. auburnensis (28.4%), E. alabamensis (10.3%), E. subspherica (5.0%) and E. wyomingensis (6.1%). E. bovis and E. zuernii led to few cases of clinical coccidiosis and the greatest number of E. bovis in one of the samples from the clinical cases was 30,600 oocysts per gram of faeces (OPG). Age and seasonal variation appeared to have an influence on the intensity of infection.     

Trends in antimicrobial susceptibility in relation to antimicrobial usage and presence of resistance genes in Staphylococcus hyicus isolated from exudative epidermitis in pigs

From 1996 to 2001 a total of 467 Staphylococcus hyicus isolates from exudative epidermitis (EE) in pigs in Denmark were examined for susceptibility to 13 different antimicrobial agents. The presence of selected genes encoding macrolide (erm(A), erm(B) and erm(C)), penicillin (blaZ), streptogramin (vat, vga, vga(B), vat(B), vat(D) and vat(E)), streptomycin (aadE) and tetracycline resistance (tet(K), tet(L), tet(M) and tet(O)) were determined in selected isolates.The occurrence of erythromycin resistance increased from 33% in 1996 to a maximum of 62% in 1997 and decreased to 26% in 2001. Resistance to sulphametazole increased from 17% in 1996 to 30% in 1998 but has since decreased to 4% in 2001. Resistance to trimethoprim increased to 51% in 1997 and decreased to 21% in 2001. Resistance to tetracycline (21-31%) remained relatively constant during 1996-2000, but increased to 47% in 2001. Resistance to penicillin (54-75%) streptomycin (33-53%) and tetracycline (21-47%) remained relatively constant over the time investigated.All 48 penicillin resistant isolates examined contained the blaZ gene and 40 (85%) of the streptomycin resistant isolates the aadE gene. It was not possible to detect any streptogramin resistance gene in four streptogramin resistant isolates. Of the 55 erythromycin resistant isolates examined, five contained erm(A), 13 erm(B), 35 erm(C) and two both erm(A) and erm(C). The presence of erm(B) was confirmed by hybridization to plasmid profiles in all 13 PCR-positive isolates. Of 52 tetracycline resistant isolates examined, two contained tet(L), 38 tet(K) and 12 both tet(K) and tet(L).