Predicted Distribution of Visceral Leishmaniasis Vectors (Diptera: Psychodidae; Phlebotominae) in Iran: A Niche Model Study

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is an important vector‐borne disease in Iran. Till now, Leishmania infantum has been detected from five species of sand flies in the country including Phlebotomus kandelakii, Phlebotomus major s.l., Phlebotomus perfiliewi, Phlebotomus alexandri and Phlebotomus tobbi. Also, Phlebotomus keshishiani was found to be infected with Leishmania parasites. This study aimed at predicting the probable niches and distribution of vectors of visceral leishmaniasis in Iran. Data on spatial distribution studies of sand flies were obtained from Iranian database on sand flies. Sample points were included in data from faunistic studies on sand flies conducted during 1995–2013. MaxEnt software was used to predict the appropriate ecological niches for given species, using climatic and topographical data. Distribution maps were prepared and classified in ArcGIS to find main ecological niches of the vectors and hot spots for VL transmission in Iran. Phlebotomus kandelakii, Ph. major s.l. and Ph. alexandri seem to have played a more important role in VL transmission in Iran, so this study focuses on them. Representations of MaxEnt model for probability of distribution of the studied sand flies showed high contribution of climatological and topographical variables to predict the potential distribution of three vector species. Isothermality was found to be an environmental variable with the highest gain when used in isolation for Ph. kandelakii and Ph. major s.l., while for Ph. alexandri, the most effective variable was precipitation of the coldest quarter. The results of this study present the first prediction on distribution of sand fly vectors of VL in Iran. The predicted distributions were matched with the disease‐endemic areas in the country, while it was found that there were some unaffected areas with the potential transmission. More comprehensive studies are recommended on the ecology and vector competence of VL vectors in the country.     

A survey on canine leishmaniasis and phlebotomine sand flies in central Italy

Zoonotic visceral leishmaniasis (ZVL) is a vector-transmitted zoonosis caused by the parasitic protozoan Leishmania infantum. Bloodsucking sand flies of the subfamily Phlebotominae are the obligatory insect hosts, and the dog is the only domestic reservoir.This study reports data from a survey of canine infection and sand fly phlebotomine monitoring in the province of Perugia in central Italy. The overall seroprevalence in a total of 100 dogs tested was 8% (95% confidence interval: 3.8-15.6%). Data analysis revealed that serological positivity was statistically associated with age (p-value = 0.03) and the area where dogs lived. Standard blacklight traps employed for sampling Culicoides midges in bluetongue disease surveillance were used in phlebotomine monitoring. A total of 5698 sand flies were collected and the two species, Leishmania competent vectors, were identified, Phlebotomus perfiliewi (50%) and Phlebotomus perniciosus (30%).     

Canine leishmaniasis transmission: higher infectivity amongst naturally infected dogs to sand flies is associated with lower proportions of T helper cells

The dog is the main reservoir of Leishmania infantum, which is a parasite spread among canine hosts by the bite of sand flies. Phlebotomus perniciosus is the sand fly acting as a major vector in the Mediterranean basin. As a consequence, the dog will suffer from leishmaniasis. In this work the infective capacity of infected dogs, established by direct xenodiagnosis, has been investigated in relation to their immunological status by determining the lymphocyte percentages present in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. We found a significant association between the percentages of T helper cells (CD4/TcRαβ⁺and CD4/CD45RA⁺) and the infection rates detected in the vector, while significant association was not detected in the case of the T cytotoxic cells (CD8/TcRαβ⁺and CD8/CD45RA⁺). The relationship discovered was that the lower the CD4⁺T cell count, the higher the rate of the infection in the vector.     

Prevention of sand fly attack by topical application of a permethrin/pyriproxyfen combination on dogs

Dogs are the primary domestic reservoir of Leishmania infantum, the parasite responsible for most cases of human visceral leishmaniasis. A strategy for the control of leishmaniasis would be to inhibit the sand fly bite. A study was designed to measure the prevention of the sand fly attack by spraying a combination of permethrin and pyriproxyfen on dogs artificially exposed to the vector of leishmaniasis. Eight dogs were individually challenged with 100 female sand flies for 1 hour on Days -7, 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28. Four dogs were randomly assigned to a control group and four dogs were treated with topically applied permethrin/pyriproxyfen on Day 0. After each exposure, sand flies were collected, counted, and scored as fed or unfed. Efficacy of the combination for prevention of feeding was based on the number of unfed sand flies (dead or alive). The combination of permethrin/pyriproxyfen demonstrated a significant (P <.05) repellent effect against Phlebotomus perniciosus bites as soon as it was sprayed on the dogs, and its repellent efficacy lasted at least for 28 days. The combination product provided significant (P <.05) knockdown activity against challenge with sand flies for 21 days in adult dogs and 14 days in puppies. These findings indicate that adult animals in endemic areas should be sprayed with the permethrin/pyriproxyfen product at 3- to 4-week intervals, and young dogs should be sprayed at approximately 2-week intervals, to prevent sand fly attack.     

Towards a rapid molecular identification of the common phlebotomine sand flies in the Mediterranean region

The present study reports two simple molecular approaches allowing a rapid identification of the most prevalent species of phlebotomine sand flies in the Mediterranean region. A PCR protocol for the amplification of ITS2 ribosomal region and a PCR-RFLP on a mitochondrial DNA fragment (cytb-nd1) were settled in order to identify and discriminate among Phlebotomus perniciosus, Phlebotomus neglectus, Phlebotomus perfiliewi, Phlebotomus papatasi and Sergentomyia minuta. The ITS2 regions showed a certain degree of interspecific variability, which led to PCR amplicons of different sizes, i.e., 450, 490, 460, 480 and 530 bp for P. perniciosus, P. neglectus, P. perfiliewi, P. papatasi, and S. minuta, respectively. Analogously, the digestion of a mitochondrial DNA amplicon with Ase I enzyme showed five different restriction profiles, which allowed the unequivocal differentiation of the sand fly species examined. These methods might represent useful tools for a molecular large scale screening of phlebotomine sand fly species caught in areas where leishmaniasis is endemic, in order to plan appropriate epidemiological surveillance programs for both Leishmania spp. and their vectors.     

Pharmacokinetics of fluconazole following intravenous and oral administration to koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus)

Clinically normal koalas (n = 12) received a single dose of 10 mg/kg fluconazole orally (p.o.; n = 6) or intravenously (i.v.; n = 6). Serial plasma samples were collected over 24 h, and fluconazole concentrations were determined using a validated HPLC assay. A noncompartmental pharmacokinetic analysis was performed. Following i.v. administration, median (range) plasma clearance (CL) and steady‐state volume of distribution (V_ss) were 0.31 (0.11–0.55) L/h/kg and 0.92 (0.38–1.40) L/kg, respectively. The elimination half‐life (t_1/2) was much shorter than in many species (i.v.: median 2.25, range 0.98–6.51 h; p.o.: 4.69, range 2.47–8.01 h), and oral bioavailability was low and variable (median 0.53, range 0.20–0.97). Absorption rate‐limited disposition was evident. Plasma protein binding was 39.5 ± 3.5%. Although fluconazole volume of distribution (V_area) displayed an allometric relationship with other mammals, CL and t_1/2 did not. Allometrically scaled values were approximately sevenfold lower (CL) and sixfold higher (t_1/2) than observed values, highlighting flaws associated with this technique in physiologically distinct species. On the basis of fAUC/MIC pharmacodynamic targets, fluconazole is predicted to be ineffective against Cryptococcus gattii in the koala as a sole therapeutic agent administered at 10 mg/kg p.o. every 12 h.     

Infection of the equine population by Leishmania parasites

Infection of equids by Leishmania (L.) parasites was previously described in both the Old and New World, particularly in Central and South America. Equine cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is caused by the Leishmania species, L. Viannia (V.) braziliensis and L. infantum, previously identified in humans and other parasite hosts living in the same geographic endemic areas. Sporadic autochthonous clinical cases, with no travel history, were documented in several countries including Germany, Portugal, Spain, Texas and Brazil; L. infantum and L. (Mundinia) martiniquensis were the infectious species. Prevalence of subclinical infections is extremely low and CL is observed in only a small proportion of infected animals with the appearance of single or multiple cutaneous lesions located on the head, external ear, scrotum, legs and the neck. To date, there has been no report of visceral abnormalities. However, the mild clinical profile of the disease and its spontaneous regression may indicate that skin lesions related to Leishmania infection is underdiagnosed. Importantly, although the prevalence of Leishmania infections in the equine population is low, a risk may rise from its potential involvement in the parasite transmission cycles as a source of infection for phlebotomine vectors and susceptible mammalian hosts. This review article summarises our current knowledge of the epidemiology, clinical presentation and diagnosis of Leishmania-infected equids.     

Evaluation of the efficacy of a topically administered combination of imidacloprid and permethrin against Phlebotomus perniciosus in dog

The phlebotomine sand fly Phlebotomus perniciosus is one of the main vectors of Leishmania infantum, responsible for human and canine leishmaniasis in the Mediterranean Basin. The objective of this study was to evaluate the repellent and insecticidal efficacy of imidacloprid 10% (w/v)/permethrin 50% (w/v) spot-on against sand flies (P. perniciosus) on dogs. The dogs used in this trial were laboratory-bred beagles: eight were impregnated with the solution (treated group), while the other eight were left untreated (control group). On day 0 the animals in the treatment group received 0.1 ml/kg body weight of the combination imidacloprid/permethrin spot-on. Dogs were exposed for 1h to about 100 female sand flies at weekly intervals for a period of 4 weeks, on day 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28 after applying the product. The repellency criterion was based on the feeding rate of sand flies in the treated compared to the untreated group. The insecticidal efficacy criterion was based on comparison of the survival rate of sand flies between the two groups. The product had an insecticidal efficacy on female sand flies of 53.2% (day 1), 49.4% (day 7), 15.1% (day 14), 13.2% (day 22), and 2.9% (day 29). The product showed a repellent effect of 97.7% (day 1), 96.3% (day 7), 96.5% (day 14), 92.7% (day 22), and 74.0% (day 29). Within the first week of application the insecticidal effect was significant; however it did not surpass 50%. On the other hand, the product showed a potent anti-feeding effect of over 90% during the first 3 weeks of this trial. Therefore, the application of this product every 3 weeks would be a good tool to significantly reduce sand fly bites over the period of transmission of vectorial diseases such as leishmaniasis and several arbovirosis such as Toscana virus.     

Ongoing Activity of Toscana Virus Genotype A and West Nile Virus Lineage 1 Strains in Turkey: A Clinical and Field Survey

Toscana virus (TOSV), West Nile virus (WNV) and tickborne encephalitis virus (TBEV) are among major viral pathogens causing febrile disease and meningitis/encephalitis. The impact of these viruses was investigated at a referral centre in Ankara Province, Central Anatolia in 2012, where previous reports suggested virus circulation but with scarce information on clinical cases and vector activity. Serum and/or cerebrospinal fluid samples from 94 individuals were evaluated, in addition to field‐collected arthropod specimens that included 767 sandflies and 239 mosquitoes. Viral nucleic acids in clinical samples and arthropods were sought via specific and generic nested/real‐time PCRs, and antibody responses in clinical samples were investigated via commercial indirect immunofluorescence tests (IIFTs) and virus neutralization. A WNV antigen assay was also employed for mosquitoes. WNV neuroinvasive disease has been identified in a 63‐year‐old male via RNA detection, and the WNV strain was characterized as lineage 1. TOSV infections were diagnosed in six individuals (6.3%) via RNA or IgM detection. Partial sequences in a 23‐year‐old female, presented with fever and transient pancytopenia, were characterized as TOSV genotype A. Febrile disease with arthralgia and/or peripheral cranial nerve involvement was noted in cases with TOSV infections. Previous WNV and TOSV exposures have been observed in 5.3% and 2.1% of the subjects, respectively. No confirmed TBEV exposure could be identified. Morphological identification of the field‐collected mosquitoes revealed Culex pipiens sensu lato (74.4%), Anopheles maculipennis (20.9%), An. claviger (2.1%) and others. Sandfly species were determined as Phlebotomus papatasi (36.2%), P. halepensis (27.3%), P. major s. l. (19.3%), P. sergenti (8.9%), P. perfiliewi (4.4%), P. simici (2.6%) and others. Viral infections in arthropods could not be demonstrated. TOSV genotype A and WNV lineage 1 activity have been demonstrated as well as serologically proven exposure in patients. Presence of sandfly and mosquito species capable of virus transmission has also been revealed.     

Limited sampling pharmacokinetics of subcutaneous ondansetron in healthy geriatric cats,cats with chronic kidney disease,and cats with liver disease

Ondansetron, a 5‐HT₃ receptor antagonist, is an effective anti‐emetic in cats. The purpose of this study was to compare pharmacokinetics of subcutaneous (SQ) ondansetron in healthy geriatric cats to cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or liver disease using a limited sampling strategy. 60 cats participated; 20 per group. Blood was drawn 30 and 120 min following one 2 mg ( mean 0.49 mg/kg , range 0.27–1.05 mg/kg ) SQ dose of ondansetron. Ondansetron concentrations were measured by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. Drug exposure represented as area under the curve (AUC) was predicted using a limited sampling approach based on multiple linear regression analysis from previous full sampling studies, and clearance (CL/F) estimated using noncompartmental methods. Kruskal–Wallis anova was used to compare parameters between groups. Mean AUC (ng/mL·h) of subcutaneous ondansetron was 301.4 (geriatric), 415.2 (CKD), and 587.0 (liver). CL/F (L/h/kg) of SQ ondansetron was 1.157 (geriatric), 0.967 (CKD), and 0.795 (liver). AUC was significantly higher in liver and CKD cats when compared to geriatric cats (P < 0.05). CL/F in liver cats was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) compared to geriatric cats. In age‐matched subset analysis, AUC and CL/F in liver cats remained significantly different from geriatric cats.     

Molecular cloning and expression of FGF2 gene in pre‐implantation developmental stages of in vitro‐produced sheep embryos

Early embryonic mortality is one of the main sources of reproductive loss in domestic ruminants including sheep. Fibroblast growth factor‐2 (FGF‐2) is a member of FGFs family that mediates trophoblast activities and regulates embryonic development in various species. In this study, we have cloned, characterized sheep FGF2 cDNA (KU316368) and studied the expression in sheep embryos. Ovaries of non‐pregnant sheep were collected from local abattoir and matured in culture medium at 38.5ºC, 5% CO₂, 95% humidity for 22–24 hr. The matured oocytes were inseminated with capacitated spermatozoa in Brackett and Oliphant medium and resulted embryos were cultured in CO₂ incubator for 6–7 days to complete the developmental stages from two cells to blastocyst stage. Total RNA was extracted from immature oocytes (n = 100), mature oocytes (n = 100) and different stages of embryos such as 2 cell (n = 50), 4 cell (n = 25), 8 cell (n = 12), 16 cell (n = 6), morula (n = 5) and blastocyst (n = 3). The total RNA isolated from the oocytes and embryos was reverse transcribed and subjected to real‐time polymerase chain reaction using sequence‐specific primers and SYBR green as the DNA dye. On sequence analysis, the nucleotide sequence of sheep FGF2 exhibited highest sequence similarity with cattle (100%) and least with rat and mouse (69.2%). At the deduced amino acid level, a highest degree of similarity was noticed with cattle, buffalo, goat, pig, camel and horse (100%) and lowest degree of identity with rat, human and mouse (98.2%). The FGF2 mRNA expression was higher in immature and mature oocytes and gradually decreases from 2‐cell stage of embryo to the blastocyst stage. More over a significant differences in FGF2 mRNA expression (p < .05) were observed between immature oocytes and all pre‐implantation stages of embryo. It can be concluded that FGF‐2 plays a significant role in pre‐implantation and early development of embryos in sheep.     

Bovine trypanosomosis and its vectors in two districts of Bench Maji zone,South Western Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was carried out from November 2008 to February 2009 in Guraferda and Sheko districts of Bench Maji Zone, South Western Ethiopia. The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis and the density of its vectors. An overall prevalence of trypanosome infection in the study area was 4.4%. Trypanosoma congolense (36.36%) was the dominant trypanosome species followed by Trypanosoma vivax (18.18%) and Trypanosoma brucei (9.09%). Mean packed cell volume value of parasitemic animals (21.8%) was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than that of aparasitemic animals (27.7%). Biconical and NGU traps were deployed for 72 h, and the result indicated Glossina pallidipes followed by Glossina fuscipes as the only tsetse fly species caught in the study area along with other biting flies like Stomoxys and Tabanus. The apparent density of tsetse flies was 2.83 flies trap⁻¹ day⁻¹. NGU trap caught more of G. pallidipes while biconical trap caught more G. fuscipes, and the difference was significant (P < 0.05). Although the current study indicated low prevalence of trypanosomosis in the study area, the impacts of trypanosomosis on cattle production and productivity should not be neglected. Therefore, attention should be given to control the disease and also the vector.     

Genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships between Leishmania infantum from dogs,humans and wildlife in south‐east Spain

Leishmania infantum causes human and canine leishmaniosis. The parasite, transmitted by phlebotomine sand flies, infects species other than dogs and people, including wildlife, although their role as reservoirs of infection remains unknown for most species. Molecular typing of parasites to investigate genetic variability and evolutionary proximity can help understand transmission cycles and designing control strategies. We investigated Leishmania DNA variability in kinetoplast (kDNA) and internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) sequences in asymptomatically infected wildlife (n = 58) and symptomatically and asymptomatically infected humans (n = 38) and dogs (n = 15) from south‐east Spain, using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and in silico restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analyses. All ITS2 sequences (n = 76) displayed a 99%–100% nucleotide identity with a L. infantum reference sequence, except one with a 98% identity to a reference Leishmania panamensis sequence, from an Ecuadorian patient. No heterogeneity was recorded in the 73 L. infantum ITS2 sequences except for one SNP in a human parasite sequence. In contrast, kDNA analysis of 44 L. infantum sequences revealed 11 SNP genotypes (nucleotide variability up to 4.3%) and four RFLP genotypes including B, F and newly described S and T genotypes. Genotype frequency was significantly greater in symptomatic compared to asymptomatic individuals. Both methods similarly grouped parasites as predominantly or exclusively found in humans, in dogs, in wildlife or in all three of them. Accordingly, the phylogenetic analysis of kDNA sequences revealed three main clusters, two as a paraphyletic human parasites clade and a third including dogs, people and wildlife parasites. Results suggest that Leishmania infantum genetics is complex even in small geographical areas and that, probably, several independent transmission cycles take place simultaneously including some connecting animals and humans. Investigating these transmission networks may be useful in understanding the transmission dynamics, infection risk and therefore in planning L. infantum control strategies.     

Expression and localization of angiopoietin family in corpus luteum during different stages of oestrous cycle and modulatory role of angiopoietins on steroidogenesis,angiogenesis and survivability of cultured buffalo luteal cells

The objective of this study was to document the expression and localization of angiopoietin (ANGPT) family members comprising of angiopoietin (ANGPT1 and ANGPT2), and their receptors (Tie1 and Tie2) in buffalo corpus luteum (CL) obtained from different stages of the oestrous cycle, and the modulatory role of ANGPT1 and ANGPT2 alone or in combinations on progesterone (P₄) secretion and mRNA expression of phosphotidylinositide‐3kinase‐protein kinase B (PI3K‐AKT), phosphoinositide‐dependent kinase (PDK), protein kinase B (AKT), Bcl2 associated death promoter (BAD), caspase 3 and von willebrand factor (vWF) in luteal cells obtained from midluteal phase (MLP) of oestrous cycle in buffalo. Real‐time RT‐PCR (qPCR), Western blot and immunohistochemistry were applied to investigate mRNA expression, protein expression and localization of examined factors whereas, the P₄ secretion was assessed by RIA. The mRNA and protein expression of ANGPT1 and Tie2 was maximum (p < .05) in mid luteal phase (MLP) of oestrous cycle. The ANGPT2 mRNA and protein expression was maximum (p < .05) in early luteal phase, decreased in MLP and again increased in late luteal phase of oestrous cycle. ANGPT family members were localized in luteal cells and endothelial cells with a stage specific immunoreactivity. P₄ secretion was highest (p < .05) with 100 ng/ml at 72 hr when luteal cells were treated with either protein alone. The mRNA expression of PDK, AKT and vWF was highest (p < .05) and BAD along with caspase 3 were lowest (p < .05) at 100 ng/ml at 72 hr of incubation period, when cultured luteal cells were treated with either protein alone or in combination. To conclude, our study explores the steroidogenic potential of angiopoietins to promote P₄ secretion, luteal cell survival and angiogenesis through an autocrine and paracrine actions in buffalo CL.     

Cryptosporidium Recovered from Musca domestica,Musca sorbens and Mango Juice Accessed by Synanthropic Flies in Bahirdar,Ethiopia

The study was conducted to determine the role of house flies, Musca domestica and Musca sorbens to carry Cryptosporidium species in natural environment and filth flies potential for contamination of food item they visited using acid‐fast stain technique. Cryptosporidium was identified from flies collected in dairy cow barns, butchery, market and defecating grounds. Musca domestica captured from dairy cow barns and M. sorbens from defecating ground were found carrying more oocyst of Cryptosporidium parvum. Oocyst load per fly for M. domestica and M. sorbens was 5.84 and 3.42, respectively. Flies’ population dynamics in each month had little relation to the monthly oocyst frequency, r = 0.06 and 0.02 for M. domestica and M. sorbens, respectively. Cryptosporidium species oocysts were isolated from frozen mango juice, which filth flies visited in dairy farm barn. Load of oocysts in the mango juice was dependent on time contact of flies with mango juice and more oocysts were recovered (P < 0.05) in mango juice samples accessed by filth flies for longer period. Role of filth flies to carry and deposit Cryptosporidium species oocyst for development of food‐borne cryptosporidiosis is signified.     

Colour‐Doppler ultrasound imaging as a laparoscopy substitute to count corpora lutea in superovulated sheep

This study evaluated colour‐Doppler ultrasound imaging (UI) as a substitute for laparoscopy to count the corpora lutea (CL) in superovulated sheep. Twenty‐five Santa Ines ewes were superovulated three times at 21‐day intervals. Corpora lutea were counted by colour‐Doppler UI (CL_DOPPLER) 6 days after each superovulation and confirmed by laparoscopy (CL_LAP) 12 hr later. The mean number of CL was similar for both techniques (2.1 ± 2.5 vs. 2.1 ± 2.7 for CL_DOPPLER and CL_LAP, respectively) with a significant positive correlation (r = .94; r²=.89). Colour‐Doppler UI effectively evaluated the ovarian response in superovulated ewes and efficiently identified animals that did not respond to superovulation.     

Population pharmacokinetics of cefquinome in pigs

This study was performed in 145 pigs to develop a population pharmacokinetics (PPK) model by i.m. administration of cefquinome (CEQ) at the dose of 2 mg/kg in the neck muscle. Serum physiological and biochemical parameters for each pig were determined before administration. After administration, 2–4 samples were collected at random, with the sampling point evenly distributed in the three periods (<1 h, 1–4 h and >4 h). The plasma concentration of CEQ was determined by high performance liquid chromatography with UV detector. The pharmacostatistical analyses of concentration‐time data, weight, age, gender, serum physiological and biochemical parameters were performed with nonlinear mixed effect modeling (NONMEM). A one‐compartmental model with first‐order absorption and elimination adequately described the data from the study group. The optimal random effect model of pharmacokinetics parameters was of log‐normal distribution and the residual errors assumed a mixed‐type model (proportional and additive) to best explain intra‐individual variability. Covariate analysis showed that body weight is positively correlated with apparent volume of distribution (V/F) and body clearance (CL/F). The typical PPK parameters of K_a, CL, and V were 0.564/h, 5.15 L/h, and 1.36 L, respectively.     

Follicular dynamics and changes in oestradiol‐17β, progesterone and LH profiles following PGF2α induced oestrus in early and late ovulating Beetal goats

This study compares the factors associated with variable interval to oestrus and ovulation between early versus late ovulating goats following PGF_2α administration. The time of ovulation in Beetal goats (n = 38) was monitored through transrectal ultrasound at every 6 hr following a single dose of PGF_2α (experiment 1). Variations in oestrus and ovulation times were further explored through the changes in follicular dynamics, endocrine profiles and behaviour in another set of goats (n = 13) following single PGF_2α given randomly during the luteal phase (experiment 2). The ovulation time varied between 60 and 96 hr, and 57% of ovulations occurred by 72 hr following PGF_2α (experiment 1). Accordingly, the goats (n = 13) in the second experiment were retrospectively divided either into early and/or late ovulating, that is, ≤72 and/or ≥84 hr following PGF_2α. The onset of oestrus, peak estradiol‐17β concentration and LH surge after PGF_2α was first observed in early than late ovulating goats (p < 0.05). The goats ovulating early had larger follicle and smaller CL in diameter at the time of PGF_2α administration than those ovulating late (5.4 ± 0.2 vs. 4.3 ± 0.2 mm and 10 ± 0.6 vs. 11.8 ± 0.3 mm, respectively; p < 0.05). Likewise, plasma progesterone concentration tended to be lower (p = 0.087) in early than late ovulating goats. In conclusion, the size of dominant follicle and CL at the time of PGF_2a determines the interval to ovulation following a single dose of PGF_2a during the luteal phase.     

Efficacy of imidocarb diproprionate and primaquine phosphate in the prevention of tick-borne disease in imported hereford heifers in South Korea

Summary This paper describes the build-up of tick-borne blood parasites in a group of Hereford heifers imported from New Zealand to the island of Jeju Do, South Korea. All became infected withTheileria sergenti and half withBabesia bigemina. An attempt was made to contain the 2 parasites by treatment with either primaquine phosphate or imidocarb diproprionate. Both drugs had some prophylactic activity againstT. sergenti for at least 26 days and imidocarb diproprionate eliminatedB. bigemina. SinceT. sergenti infections built up subsequently in the animals it is suggested that repeated prophylaxis combined with regular acaricide treatment of imported cattle is necessary to keep piroplasmosis under control.

---

Eficacia Del Dipropionata De Imidocarb Y Del Fostato De Primaquine En La Prevencion De Enfermedades Producidas Por Hematozoarios En Terneras Hereford Importadas, En Corea Del Sur

Resumen El trabajo describe la infectación progresiva con hematozoarios de un grupo de terneras Hereford importadas por Corea del Sur de Nueva Zelandia. Todas se infectaron conTheileria sergenti y la mitad conBabesia bigemina. Los animales se trataron con fosfato de primaquine o con dipropionato de imidocarb. Ambas drogas tuvieron actividad profiláctica contraT. sergenti durante 26 días y el imidocarb eliminóB. bigemina. Debido a que los animales se reinfectaron nuevamente conT. sergenti, se sugiere un régimen profiláctico continuado, combinándolo con baños garrapaticidas en ganado importado para controlar la piroplasmosis.

---

Efficacite Du Diproprionate D'imidocarbamide Et Du Phosphate De Primaquine Dans La Prevention De Maladies Transmises Par Les Tiques A Des Genisses Hereford Importees En Coree Du Sud

Résumé Cet article décrit le développement d'affections parasitaires sanguines transmises par les tiques dans un groupe de génisses importées de Nouvelle-Zélande en Corée du Sud. Tous les animaux ont été infectés parTheileria sergenti et la moitié parBabesia bigemina. Un essai a été fait pour contrôler ces deux parasites par des traitements avec du phosphate de primaquine ou du diproprionate d'imidocarbamide. Les deux produits ont eu une certaine activité pendant au moins 26 jours contreT. sergenti et l'imidocarbamide a éliminéBabesia bigemina. Les infections àTheileria sergenti ayant continué, il est suggéré qu'un régime répété de prophylaxie combiné avec un traitement acaricide des animaux importés est nécessire pour lutter efficacement contre les piroplasmoses.

---

---

Seconded by the ODA to the Animal Health Laboratory, Jeju City, Republic of Korea.