Screening for the Mucopolysaccharidosis-IIIA gene in Huntaway dogs

Abstract

Extract

A single case of the inherited lysosomal storage disease known as mucopolysaccharidosis-IIIA (MPS-IIIA), due to a deficiency of the enzyme heparan sulphatase, was reported in an 18-month-old male Huntaway dog (Jolly et al 2000 Jolly, RD, Allan, FJ, Collett, MG, Rozaklis, T, Muller, VJ and Hopwood, JJ. 2000. Mucopolysaccharidosis IIIA (Sanfilippo syndrome) in a New Zealand Huntaway dog with ataxia. New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 48: 144–148. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]). He had developed normally but when presented with a history of progressive ataxia over the preceding month, had a high stepping, prancing gait and difficulty in jumping into a utility vehicle. In addition, he had started to defaecate in his kennel. Following diagnosis of the enzyme deficiency, the mutant heparan sulphatase gene was sequenced and a PCR/restriction enzyme diagnostic test developed, based on the mutation. This is capable of detecting both homozygous and heterozygous individuals (Yogalingam et al 2000 Yogalingam, G, Pollard, T, Gliddon, B, Jolly, RD and Hopwood, JJ. 2001. Identification of a mutation causing mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIA in New Zealand Huntaway dogs. Genomics, 79: 150–153.  [Google Scholar]).     

Experimental Ascuris-induced airway hypersensitivity in sheep: no serological evidence of association with Toxocara canis infection

Abstract

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The finding that 70% of sheep from the Manawatu district were hypersensitive to challenge by inhalation of Ascaris suum antigen, regardless of their previous history of exposure to pigs(1 Chen, W, Pack, RJ, Alley, MR, Carr, DH and Manktelow, BW. 1990. Airway hypersensitivity induced by Ascaris scum extract in New Zealand Romney sheep. New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 38: 5741–5741.  [Google Scholar]), has raised the possibility that these sheep had been sensitised by exposure to the common dog nematode Toxocara canis.     

Heat stress as a manageable risk factor to mitigate pneumonia in lambs

Abstract

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The paper by Goodwin et al (2004 Goodwin, KA, Jackson, R, Brown, C, Davies, PR, Morris, RS and Perkins, NR. 2004. Pneumonic lesions in lambs in New Zealand: patterns of prevalence and effects on production. New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 52: 175–9. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]) which appeared in the August 2004 issue of the New Zealand Veterinary Journal highlighted the prevalence and costs to the sheep industry of pneumonia in lambs. The costs are considerable, and the article begs the question, “what can sheep farmers do to reduce the effects of pneumonia in lambs?”     

Re: Fifty years of leptospirosis research in New Zealand: a perspective

Abstract

The article which appeared in the Jubilee Issue of the New Zealand Veterinary Journal (Marshall and Manktelow 2002 Kirschner, L, Miller, TF and Garlick, CH. 1952. Swineherd's disease in New Zealand. Infection with Leptospira pomona in man, calves and pigs. New Zealand Medical Journal, 51: 98–108.  [Google Scholar]) reviewed one of this country's most important zoonotic diseases. I wish to add three important references concerning its first recognition in livestock and humans in New Zealand.     

Re: Regional variations in the nematode worm populations of breeding ewes in New Zealand

Abstract

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The paper by Hervé et al (2003) Hervé, M, McAnulty, RW, Logan, CM and Sykes, AR. 2003. Regional variations in the nematode worm populations of breeding ewes in New Zealand. New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 51: 159–164. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar] which appeared in the August 2003 issue of the New Zealand Veterinary Journal reported on regional differences in the relative proportions of nematode parasite species cultured from faecal samples collected from ewes during lactation.     

Some investigations into the epidemiology of ovine toxoplasmosis

Abstract

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Infection by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii is widespread in sheep in New Zealand and is recognized as the most common cause of intra-uterine infection leading to abortion and stillbirths (Hartley et al., 1954 Hartley, W. J., Jebson, J. L. and McFarlane, D. 1954. New Zealand Type II Abortion in ewes. Aust. vet. J., 30: 216–218.  [Google Scholar]; Hartley and Boyes, 1964 Hartley, W. J. and Boyes, B. W. 1964. Incidence of ovine perinatal mortality in New Zealand with particular reference to intra-uterine infections. N.Z. vet. J., 12: 33–36. [Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar]). In view of the prevalence of this infection in New Zealand, trials were set up to investigate some aspects of the epidemiology of this perplexing disease.     

Serological evidence of respiratory syncytial virus infection in lambs

Abstract

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Madam;–The results of field trials of a live parainfluenza virus type3(PI₃)vaccine suggested that(PI₃)might not be the only virus involved in the initiation of outbreaks of pneumonia in lambs in New Zealand,(5 Adair, B.M., McFerran, J.B. and McKillop, E.R. 1982. A sixth species of ovine adenovirus isolated from lambs in New Zealand. Arch. Virol., 74: 269–269. [Crossref] , [Google Scholar])The outbreaks that were not associated with infection with(PI₃)could not be linked to infection with the other ovine respiratory viruses then known to be present in New Zealand (ovine adenovirus type 6 and the ovine variant of bovine adenovirus type 7)((1 Adair, B.M., McFerran, J.B. and McKillop, E.R. 1982. A sixth species of ovine adenovirus isolated from lambs in New Zealand. Arch. Virol., 74: 269–269. [Crossref] , [Google Scholar]),(4 Adair, B.M., McFerran, J.B. and McKillop, E.R. 1982. A sixth species of ovine adenovirus isolated from lambs in New Zealand. Arch. Virol., 74: 269–269. [Crossref] , [Google Scholar]),(5 Adair, B.M., McFerran, J.B. and McKillop, E.R. 1982. A sixth species of ovine adenovirus isolated from lambs in New Zealand. Arch. Virol., 74: 269–269. [Crossref] , [Google Scholar])suggesting that other unrecognised viruses might be involved. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of pneumonia in human infants and in cattle.(8 Adair, B.M., McFerran, J.B. and McKillop, E.R. 1982. A sixth species of ovine adenovirus isolated from lambs in New Zealand. Arch. Virol., 74: 269–269. [Crossref] , [Google Scholar])This virus has recently been isolated from a yearling ewe with mild rhinitis(6 Adair, B.M., McFerran, J.B. and McKillop, E.R. 1982. A sixth species of ovine adenovirus isolated from lambs in New Zealand. Arch. Virol., 74: 269–269. [Crossref] , [Google Scholar])and there is serological evidence of infection in adult sheep.(3 Adair, B.M., McFerran, J.B. and McKillop, E.R. 1982. A sixth species of ovine adenovirus isolated from lambs in New Zealand. Arch. Virol., 74: 269–269. [Crossref] , [Google Scholar]),(6 Adair, B.M., McFerran, J.B. and McKillop, E.R. 1982. A sixth species of ovine adenovirus isolated from lambs in New Zealand. Arch. Virol., 74: 269–269. [Crossref] , [Google Scholar])However, there are no reports implicating this virus in outbreaks of pneumonia in lambs, although experimental infection of lambs with a bovine isolate of RSV resulted in reduced pulmonary bacterial clearance leading to secondary pneumonic pasteurellosis.(2 Adair, B.M., McFerran, J.B. and McKillop, E.R. 1982. A sixth species of ovine adenovirus isolated from lambs in New Zealand. Arch. Virol., 74: 269–269. [Crossref] , [Google Scholar])     

A condition resembling Chastek paralysis in cats

Abstract

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The design of a national mastitis survey, the methods used and the results have been described in Parts 1 and 2 of this series (Elliott et al., 1976 Elliott, R. E. W., Tattersfield, Jean G. and Brookbanks, E. O. 1975. New Zealand National Mastitis Survey: 1965–6. 1. Preliminary Studies. N.Z. vet. J., 24: 18–20.  [Google Scholar]; Tattersfield et al., 1976 Tattersfield, Jean G., Elliott, R. E. W. and Brookbanks, E. O. 1976. New Zealand National Mastitis Survey: 1965–6. 2. Measures of Mastitis Prevalence. N.Z. vet. J., 24: 40–54. [Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar]).     

Update on the prevalence of anthelmintic resistance in gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep in New Zealand

Abstract

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Recently, a comparison was made between the prevalence of anthelmintic resistance, determined using faecal egg count reduction tests (FECRT), on randomly selected sheep farms in a systematic national survey (Waghorn et al. 2006 Waghorn, TS, Leathwick, DM, Rhodes, AP, Lawrence, KE, Jackson, R, Pomroy, WE, West, DM and Moffat, JR. 2006. Prevalence of anthelmintic resistance on sheep farms in New Zealand. New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 54: 271–277. [Taylor & Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]) and that derived from similar case material submitted to a veterinary pathology laboratory on a more ad-hoc basis (McKenna 2008 McKenna, PB. 2008. An examination of the relative reliability of laboratory case submissions in determining the prevalence of anthelmintic resistance in sheep nematodes in New Zealand and the possible influence of test analysis methodology on such data. New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 56: 55–59. [Taylor & Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]). The results of that comparison showed that while there were some differences between them, there were considerable similarities in the prevalence figures obtained from either source. Those similarities, which were particularly evident in terms of the overall pattern of involvement of the various worm genera and the types of anthelmintic concerned, led to the conclusion that FECRT case submissions to veterinary laboratories may offer a useful source of information regarding changes in the prevalence of anthelminticresistant sheep nematodes in New Zealand (McKenna 2008 McKenna, PB. 2008. An examination of the relative reliability of laboratory case submissions in determining the prevalence of anthelmintic resistance in sheep nematodes in New Zealand and the possible influence of test analysis methodology on such data. New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 56: 55–59. [Taylor & Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]). Accordingly, the present study was undertaken to make further use of this material, to try to ascertain what, if any, such changes may have taken place over the last few years.     

Demodex spp. infestation and suspected demodicosis of alpacas (Vicugna pacos) in New Zealand

Extract

Ectoparasites known to cause skin lesions in alpacas (Vicugna pacos) include the mites Sarcoptes scabiei, Chorioptes bovis and Psoroptes spp., and the lice Microthoracius mazzai and Bovicola breviceps (Cicchino et al. 1998 Cicchino, AC, Munoz, Cobenas ME, Bulman, GM, Diaz, JC and Laos, A. 1998. Identification of Microthoracius mazzai (Phthiraptera: Anoplura) as an economically important parasite of alpacas. Journal of Medical Entomology, 35: 922–930.  [Google Scholar]; Foster et al. 2007 Foster, A, Jackson, A and D'alterio, GL. 2007. Skin diseases of South American camelids. In Practice, 29: 216–223. [Crossref], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]). Occasionally, Demodex spp. infestations have been reported or mentioned as incidental fi ndings in llamas (Lama glama) (Atlee et al. 1997 Atlee, BA, Stannard, AA, Fowler, ME, Willemse, T, Ihrke, PJ and Olivry, T. 1997. The histology of the normal llama skin. Veterinary Dermatology, 8: 165–176. [Crossref], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]) and alpacas (Foster et al. 2007 Foster, A, Jackson, A and D'alterio, GL. 2007. Skin diseases of South American camelids. In Practice, 29: 216–223. [Crossref], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]). So far, only Sarcoptes scabiei (McKenna et al. 2005 McKenna, PB, Hill, FI and Gillett, R. 2005. Sarcoptes scabiei infection on an alpaca (Lama pacos. New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 53: 213–213. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]), Chorioptes bovis (Arthur 1997 Arthur, DG. 1997. Diseases of lamoids in New Zealand. Surveillance, 24(1): 29–30.  [Google Scholar], non-peer reviewed) and Bovicola breviceps (Palma et al. 2006 Palma, RL, McKenna, PB and Aitken, P. 2006. Confirmation of the occurrence of the chewing louse Bovicola (Lepikentron) breviceps (Insecta: Phthiraptera: Trichodectidae) on alpacas (Lamas pacos) in New Zealand. New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 54: 253–254. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]) have been recorded on lamoids in New Zealand. Here, we report the first record of Demodex spp. infestation of an alpaca in New Zealand.     

Filaroides infections in wild ferrets (Mustela putorius) and stoats (Mustela erminea)

Abstract

Species of metastrongylid nematodes of the genus Filaroides have been recorded in various hosts throughout the world(1) Anderson, RC. 1978. “No.5. Keys to the genera of the superfamily Metastrongyloidea”. In CIH Keys to the Nematode Parasites of Vertebrates, Edited by: Anderson, RC, Chabaud, AG and Willmott, S. 3–4. Wallingford: CAB International.  [Google Scholar]. In New Zealand, the only known species is Filaroides (= Oslerus) osleri, which occurs in wart-like nodules near the bifurcation of the trachea of the dog(2) Jones, BR, Clark, WT, Collins, GH and Johnstone, AC. 1977. Filuroides osleri in a dog. New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 25: 103–104. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar].     

Incidence of ryegrass staggers in white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) at Auckland Zoo

Abstract

Extract

Most perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) plants in pastures in New Zealand contain a naturally occurring fungal endophyte, Neotyphodium lolii. Endophyte-infected perennial ryegrass produces alkaloids that vary in concentration during the year. Some alkaloids enhance the persistence and productivity of ryegrass pastures by protecting them against insect attack. However, when other alkaloids are consumed they can reduce animal performance and lead to health problems. The alkaloid lolitrem B, for example, causes the neuromuscular disorder ryegrass staggers (Fletcher et al 1999 Fletcher, LR, Sutherland, BL and Fletcher, CG. 1999. “The impact of endophyte on the health and productivity of sheep grazing ryegrass-based pastures”. In Ryegrass endophyte: an essential New Zealand symbiosis Grassland Research and Practice Series Edited by: Woodfield, DR and Matthew, C. Vol. 7, 11–17.  [Google Scholar]). Clinical symptoms of ryegrass staggers in animals range from slight muscular tremors through to staggering and complete collapse. Severely affected animals create management problems and are prone to accidental death. Outbreaks occur sporadically, particularly in summer and autumn and affect sheep, cattle, deer, horses, llamas (Lama glama) and alpaca (Lama pacos). Lolitrem B appears to be a stable compound, which tends to be concentrated in the leaf sheath at the base of the ryegrass plant and in the seed-heads (di Menna et al 1992 di Menna, ME, Mortimer, PH, Prestidge, RA, Hawkes, AD and Sprosen, JM. 1992. Lolitrem B concentrations, counts of Acremo ni um lolii hyphae, and the incidence of ryegrass staggers in lambs on plots of A. lolii-infected perennial ryegrass. New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research, 35: 211–217. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]; Keogh et al 1996 Keogh, RG, Tapper, BA and Fletcher, RH. 1996. Distributions of the fungal endophyte Acremonium lolii, and of the alkaloids lolitrem B and peramine, within perennial ryegrass. New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research, 39: 121–127. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]). Hay made from endophyte-infected perennial ryegrass contains large numbers of seed-heads and lolitrem B concentrations can be high, especially if it is made in late summer or autumn and, consequently, animals fed such hay are at risk of developing ryegrass staggers.     

Equine rhinopneumonitis virus infection in New Zealand

Abstract

Extract

Sir,—Japanese workers (Matumoto el al., 1965 Matumoto, M., Ishizaki, R. and Shimuzu, T. 1965. Serologic survey of equine rhinopneumonitis virus infection among horses in various countries. Arch, f. Viruslorsch., 15: 609–624.  [Google Scholar]) have examined 388 horse sera from 17 countries including New Zealand and have found evidence of a high incidence of infection with equine rhinopneumonitis virus. The New Zealand material was supplied between 1957 and 1960, by Dr J. D. Manning, then of the National Health Institute, Wellington.     

Isolation of Leptospira hardjo from the opossum (Trichosurus vulpecula)

Isolation of leptospira hardjo from the opossum (trichosurus vulpecula)

Extract

Sir, — In 1971 and 1972 the Department of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries conducted surveys on the incidence of leptospirosis among fanners and their stock on the Hauraki Plains. As a result, Leptospira hardjo was identified for the first time in New Zealand, being isolated from humans (Christmas et al., 1974 Christmas, B. W., Till, D. G. and Bragger, Judith M. 1974. Dairy farm fever in New Zealand: Isolation of L. pomona and L. hardjo from a local outbreak. N. Z. med. J., 79: 904–906. [PubMed] , [Google Scholar]) and from dairy cattle (Lake, 1973 Christmas, B. W., Till, D. G. and Bragger, Judith M. 1974. Dairy farm fever in New Zealand: Isolation of L. pomona and L. hardjo from a local outbreak. N. Z. med. J., 79: 904–906. [PubMed] , [Google Scholar]). Evidence to date suggests that most human infections in New Zealand, whether of L. hardjo or of other serotypes, are contracted while milking.     

Maintenance of Neospora caninum tachyzoites using Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus)

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We would like to report the successful maintenance of Neospora caninum (NC) tachyzoites by serial passage using the peritoneal fluid of Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus). Since NC was first isolated from naturally infected dogs (Dubey et al., 1988 Dubey, JP, Hattel, AL, Lindsay, DS and Topper, MJ. 1988. Neonatal Neospora caninum infection in dogs: Isolation of the causative agent and experimental transmission. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 193: 1259–1263.  [Google Scholar]), and subsequently from dogs and cattle (Cuddon et al., 1992 Cuddon, P, Lin, D, Bowman, DD, Lindsay, DS, Miller, TK, Duncan, ID, deLahunta, A, Cummings, J, Suter, M, Cooper, B, King, JM and Dubey, JP. 1992. Neospora caninum infection in English springer spaniel littermates. Diagnostic evaluation and organism isolatio. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 6: 325–332.  [Google Scholar]; Conrad et al., 1993 Conrad, PA, Barr, BC, Sverlow, KW, Anderson, M, Daft, B, Kinde, H, Dubey, JP, Munson, L and Ardans, A. 1993. In vitro isolation and characterization of a Neospora sp. from bovine aborted foetuses. Parasitology, 106: 239–249.  [Google Scholar]; Barber et al., 1997 Barber, JS, Holmdahl, OJM, Owen, MR, Guy, F, Uggla, A and Trees, AJ. 1997. Characterisation of the first European isolate of Neospora caninum (Dubey, Carpenter, Speer, Topper and Uggla. Parasitology, 111: 563–568.  [Google Scholar]; Yamane et al., 1997 Yamane, I, Kokuho, T, Shimura, K, Eto, M, Shibahara, T, Haritani, M, Ouchi, Y, Sverlow, K and Conrad, PA. 1997. In vitro isolation and characterisation of a bovine Neospora species in Japan. Research in Veterinary Science, 63: 77–80.  [Google Scholar]), it has only been maintained by tissue culture, because it could not be maintained in vivo.     

Caprine arthritis encephalitis

Abstract

Extract

Caprine arthritis encephalitis (CAE) is a disease of goats of any breed, sex and age, caused by a retrovirus related to, but distinct from, the maedi-visna virus which affects sheep.(4) Gazit, A., Yaniv, A., Divr, M., Perk, K., Irving, S.G. and Dahlberg, J.E. 1983. The caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus is a distinct virus within the lentivirus group. Virology, 124: 192–195.  [Google Scholar] (10) Roberson, Susan M., McGuire, T.C., Klevjer-Anderson, Paula, Gorham, J.R. and Cheevers, W.P. 1982. Caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus is distinct from visna and progressive pneumonia viruses as measured by genome sequency homology. J. Virol., 44: 755–758. [PubMed], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar] Both infections are included among the so-called slow virus diseases which are characterised by a long incubation period, protracted clinical course and persistent infection. Maedi-visna is not present in New Zealand but CAE has been detected in a number of goat flocks.     

Re: Re: Use of Polymerase chain reaction for the differentiation of Group A bovine rotavirus G6, G8, and G10 genotypes in the North Island of New Zealand

Abstract

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The authors of the scientific article entitled “Use of polymerase chain reaction for the differentiation of Group A bovine rotavirus G6, G8, and G10 genotypes in the North Island of New Zealand” (Howe et al. 2008 Howe, L, Sugiarto, H and Squires, RA. 2008. Use of polymerase chain reaction for the differentiation of Group A bovine rotavirus G6, G8, and G10 genotypes in the North Island of New Zealand. New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 56: 218–221. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]) would like to thank Dr Moffat for his letter of correspondence, and would like to take the opportunity to address the concerns raised by him in the New Zealand Veterinary Journal 57, 68, 2009, entitled, “Re: Use of polymerase chain reaction for the differentiation of Group A bovine rotavirus G6, G8, and G10 genotypes in the North Island of New Zealand”.     

Tuberculous sialoadenitis in a badger

Abstract

Extract

Tuberculous lesions in the skin of carnivorous species such as the mustelids have often been associated with the contamination of bite wounds inflicted during intra-species conflict (Muirhead et al., 1974 Muirhead, RH, Gallagher, J and Burn, KJ. 1974. Tuberculosis in wild badgers in Gloucestershire: Epidemiology. Veterinary Record, 95: 552–555.  [Google Scholar]; Cheeseman et al., 1988 Cheeseman, CL, Wilesmith, JW, Stuart, FA and Mallinson, PJ. 1988. Dynamics of tuberculosis in a naturally infected badger population. Mammal Review, 18: 61–72.  [Google Scholar]; Clifton-Hadley et al., 1993 Clifton-Hadley, RS, Wilesmith, JW and Stuart, FA. 1993. Mycobacterium bovis in the European badger (Meles meles): Epidemiological findings in tuberculous badgers from a naturally infected population. Epidemiology and Infection, 111: 9–19.  [Google Scholar]; Nolan and Wilesmith, 1994 Nolan, A and Wilesmith, JW. 1994. Tuberculosis in badgers (Meles meles). Veterinary Microbiology, 40: 179–191.  [Google Scholar]; Ragg et al., 1995 Ragg, JR, Waldrup, KA and Moller, H. 1995. The distribution of gross lesions of tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium bovis in feral ferrets (Mustela furo) from Otago, New Zealand. New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 43: 338–341. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]; Lugton et al., 1997 Lugton, IW, Wobeser, G, Morris, RS and Caley, P. 1997. Epidemiology of Mycobacterium bovis infection in feral ferrets (Mustela furo) in New Zealand: II. Routes of infection and excretion. New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 45: 151–157. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]). A strong association between tuberculous tonsillitis and recovery of Mycobacterium bovis from the oral cavity of ferrets (Mustela furo) was reported by Lugton et al. (1997 Lugton, IW, Wobeser, G, Morris, RS and Caley, P. 1997. Epidemiology of Mycobacterium bovis infection in feral ferrets (Mustela furo) in New Zealand: II. Routes of infection and excretion. New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 45: 151–157. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]). They believed that the recovery of M. bovis from the pharynx was enhanced by the act of swabbing which could damage the oral mucosal epithelium and dislodge infected mucosal macrophages. The authors speculated that tubercle bacilli could enter the oral cavity through disrupted tonsillar epithelium, although they found no evidence of epithelial damage. It is also well established that in many species, infected pulmonary secretions reach the oral cavity and contaminate saliva (Jennings, 1949 Jennings, AR. 1949. The distribution of tuberculous lesions in the dog and cat, with reference to the pathogenesis. Veterinary Record, 61: 380–384.  [Google Scholar]).     

Nasal myiasis in a dog due to Oestrus ovis (Diptera: Oestridae)

Abstract

Extract

Oestrus ovis or nasal bot-fly, has larvae that are deposited as the first instar and develop in the nasal fossae and cranial sinuses of sheep, goats and some wild ruminants (Zumpt, 1965 Zumpt, E. 1965. Myiasisin Man and Animalsin the Old World London: Butterworths,.  [Google Scholar]). Once the larvae have matured they are sneezed out and pupariate in the soil. Occasionally, humans are affected by ocular myiasis (ophthalmomyiasis) and more rarely, nasal myiasis (Macdonald et al, 1999 Macdonald, PJ, Chan, C, Dickson, J, Jean-Louis, F and Heath, A. 1999. Ophthalmomyiasis and nasal myiasis in New Zealand: a case series. New Zealand Medical Journal, 112: 445–457. [PubMed], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]). The presence of O. ovis in dogs is also a rare occurrence (Zumpt, 1965 Zumpt, E. 1965. Myiasisin Man and Animalsin the Old World London: Butterworths,.  [Google Scholar]) and in such non-typical hosts it is usual for development of the larvae to proceed no further than the first instar. Exceptions have been noted in dogs, where third instar larvae were expelled (Lucientes et al, 1997 Lucientes, J, Ferrer-Dufol, M, Andres, MJ, Peribañez, MA, Gracia-Salinas, MJ and Castillo, JA. 1997. Canine myiasis by sheep bot fly (Diptera: Oestridae). Journal of Medical Entomology, 34: 242–243.  [Google Scholar]) or recovered from the nasal cavity at necropsy (Luján et al, 1998 Luján, L, Vázquez, J, Lucientes, J, Pañero, JA and Varea, R. 1998. Nasal myiasis due to Oestrus ovis infestation in a dog. Veterinary Record, 142: 282–283.  [Google Scholar]).     

Neospora caninum infection in an aborted bovine foetus in Brazil

Abstract

Extract

Neospora caninum is an apicomplexan protozoan parasite first reported in dogs (Bjerkås et al., 1984 Bjerkås, I, Mohn, SF and Presthus, J. 1984. Unidentified cyst-forming sporozoan causing encephalomyelitis and myositis in dogs. Zeitschrift für Parasitenk, 70: 271–274. [Crossref], [PubMed], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]; Dubey et al., 1988a Dubey, JP, Carpenter, JL, Speer, CA, Topper, MJ and Uggla, A. 1988a. Newly recognized fatal protozoan disease of dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 192: 1269–1285. [PubMed], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar], Dubey et al., 1988b Dubey, JP, Hattel, AL, Lindsay, DS and Topper, MJ. 1988b. Neonatal Neospora caninum infection in dogs: Isolation of the causative agent and experimental transmission. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 193: 1259–1263.  [Google Scholar]) and subsequently recognised as a cause of bovine abortion (Dubey and Lindsay, 1993 Dubey, JP and Lindsay, DS. 1993. Neosporosis. Parasitology Today, 9: 452–458.  [Google Scholar]). Natural N. caninum infections have been reported in other animal species including the goat, sheep, horse and deer (Dubey and Lindsay, 1996 Dubey, JP and Lindsay, DS. 1996. A review of Neospora caninum and neosporosis. Veterinary Parasitology, 67: 1–59. [Crossref], [PubMed], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]). The dog was recently identified as definitive host of the parasite (McAllister et al., 1998 McAllister, MM, Dubey, JP, Lindsay, DS, Jolley, WR, Wills, RA and McGuire, AM. 1998. Dogs are definitive hosts of Neosporu caninum. International Journal for Parasitology, 28: 1473–1478. [Crossref], [PubMed], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]). Neospora caninum has a worldwide distribution (Barber et al., 1995 Barber, JS, Holmdahl, OJM, Owen, MR, Uggla, A and Trees, AJ. 1995. Characterization of the first European isolate of Neosporu caninum (Dubey, Carpenter,Speer, Topper and Uggla). Parasitology, 111: 563–568.  [Google Scholar]; Duivenvoorden, 1995 Duivenvoorden, J. 1995. Neospora abortions in eastern Ontario dairy herds. Canadian Veterinary Journal, 36: 623–623.  [Google Scholar]; Jardine and Wells, 1995 Jardine, JE and Wells, BH. 1995. Bovine neosporosis in Zimbabwe. Veterinary Record, 137: 223–223.  [Google Scholar]; Stenlund et al., 1997 Stenlund, S, Bjorkman, C, Holmdahl, OJM, Kindahl, H and Uggla, A. 1997. Characterization of a Swedish bovine isolate of Neospora caninum. Parasitology Research, 83: 214–219.  [Google Scholar]; Thornton et al., 1991 Thornton, RN, Thompson, EJ and Dubey, JP. 1991. Neospora abortion in New Zealand cattle. New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 39: 129–133. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]; Umemura et al., 1992 Umemura, T, Shiraki, K, Morita, T, Shimada, A, Haritani, M, Kobayashi, M and Yamagata, S. 1992. Neosporosis in a dog: The first case report in Japan. Journal of the Veterinary Medical Science, 54: 157–159.  [Google Scholar]) but the presence of N. caninum in Brazil has not been confirmed.