Serological survey for antibodies to Encephalitozoon cuniculi in rabbits in Taiwan

Encephalitozoon cuniculi (E. cuniculi) is a microsporidian parasite commonly found in rabbits that can infect humans, causing encephalitozoonosis. Our laboratory recently confirmed the first case of encephalitozoonosis in a rabbit in Taiwan; the prevalence of encephalitozoonosis is not well documented, even when many clinics suspect pet rabbits as being infected. This study surveys the seropositivity of E. cuniculi using carbon immunoassay (CIA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Serological examination of 171 rabbits using CIA and ELISA showed that 63.2% (108/171) and 67.8% (116/171) were seropositive against E. cuniculi, respectively. Thirteen of the 14 rabbits (92.9%) with neurological symptoms were seropositive. Except for gender, health status and location had a significant effect on E. cuniculi seropositivity (p<0.05). Adult rabbits aged older than 4 months exhibited significantly higher seropositivity for E. cuniculi than young rabbits (p<0.05). In conclusion, this study shows that E. cuniculi is present and widespread among healthy rabbits in Taiwan. Therefore, the fields of veterinary and human medicine in Taiwan should be aware of this zoonotic issue and the resulting public health concern of encephalitozoonosis.     

Serological survey for antibodies to Encephalitozoon cuniculi and Toxoplasma gondii in pet rabbits in eastern coastal areas of China

Encephalitozoon cuniculi (E. cuniculi) is a microsporidian parasite commonly detected in rabbits and can infect humans and cause encephalitozoonosis. And Toxoplasma gondii is a prevalent parasite distributed worldwide and can infect almost all warm-blooded animals, including humans. The aim of the current study was to investigate the seroprevalence of E. cuniculi and Toxoplasma gondii, and risk factors of infection in pet rabbits reared in eastern coastal areas of China (Tianjin, Shandong, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shanghai and Fujian). Total 222 blood samples of pet rabbits were collected from local veterinary hospitals. The seropositivity rates of E. cuniculi were 16.22% (36/222) according to an Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Female pet rabbits was significantly higher than that in males (P=0.002), Zhejiang were markedly higher than those in Jiangsu and Shanghai (P=0.017, P=0.022), and cross-breed rabbits were dramatically higher than those in Chinchilla, New Zealand white, Rex (P=0.02, P=0.006, P=0.008). The seroprevalence of T. gondii was 13.06% (29/222) by the method of ELISA. The seroprevalence in Zhejiang was significantly higher than that in Shanghai (P=0.017). No difference in seroprevalence was detected with respect to the gender, age, species, health status, or season. These findings show that E. cuniculi and T. gondii are present and spread in pet rabbits. Therefore, pet rabbits should be considered as an important reservoir of encephalitozoonosis for humans and maybe important implication for public health in eastern coastal areas of China.     

Measuring the impact of different veterinary service programs on dairy herd health and milk production

This paper presents estimates of the relative impacts on reproductive status, the incidence of mastitis, and milk production of different types of veterinary service programs. The effects of veterinary services, categorized as emergency, scheduled and mixed, were modeled as a recursive system in which services affect herd health and health affects milk output. Veterinary services also affect milk output directly. Estimates are based on a small sample of dairies from the Tulare milkshed of California, and attention is concentrated on obtaining accurate data and addressing conceptual problems in modeling the effects of veterinary services.The data were pooled over dairies and months. Multiple regression was used to estimate production or yield functions for measures of herd reproductive health, under health, and milk. The data were corrected for autocorrelation and heteroskedasticity in the regression residuals. Student's t-statistic was used for test of significance. The estimated yield equations were used to calculate changes in health and milk output from changes in veterinary services.Currently available measures of herd reproductive status may not be valid for measuring reproductive health, because they confound management decisions with health status. Available data on udder health are satisfactory. The relative effects of different veterinary service programs were found to differ according to the aspects of herd performance being examined, and it may be important to account for indirect effects of scheduled services that are manifested through management.     

土壤中抗生素多残留污染现状及前处理方法研究进展

本篇综述介绍了环境土壤中兽药抗生素的来源以及污染现状,同时针对环境土壤样品的前处理技术进行了详细的归纳总结,特别是针对同时分析不同类别的兽药抗生素的样品前处理技术,并对其未来发展作了进一步展望,旨在为土壤中兽药抗生素的检测方法的开发以及环境土壤中兽药抗生素含量的检测提供参考。     

Acid-base-balance status and blood gas analysis in rabbits with gastric stasis and gastric dilation

Background: The aim of this study was to analyse the acid-base-balance status and blood gas values in rabbits with gastric stasis and gastric dilation syndrome. Methods: Thirty rabbits with corresponding symptoms and radiographs were sampled before, during, and after treatment and an arterial acid-base-balance status and blood gas analysis was performed. Results: pCO₂, HCO₃, and base excess were significantly lower in animals that were presented 12 hours after the owner had registered signs of illness than animals presented within 6 hours. Of the examined rabbits, 57% had acidosis, 83% of which were of metabolic origin. The pH returned to normal after treatment in 94% of surviving animals (24/30). Conclusions: Gastric stasis and dilation syndrome has a considerable impact on the acid-base-balance status and blood gas analysis in rabbits and its measurement is therefore valuable for assessing the patient's status and adjusting the therapy accordingly to each animal's needs. Clinical relevance: Our findings underline the importance of a swift introduction of rabbits with gastric stasis and dilation syndrome into veterinary care to prevent further impairment of secondary findings such as metabolic acidosis.     

论兽医科技进步与公共卫生安全

作者从兽医学的基本概念入手，综述了医学科技影响下的兽医科技进步状况，分析了随着医学科技进步而发展的兽医科学技术与公共卫生的关系，论证了兽医科技进步对公共卫生安全存在的优势和隐患。并对构建和谐的兽医科技进步与公共卫生关系进行了展望。     

呼和浩特地区牛乳及其乳制品中兽药残留现状调查

旨在了解呼和浩特地区牛乳及其乳制品中兽药残留现状。采用现场调查、问卷调查等方法,调查了65家经销奶产品超市及60家奶产品特产经销店乳制品的销售情况,调查了139名呼和浩特市市民对牛乳及其乳制品的食用情况;调查了35个牛场驻场兽医及10名相关专家在临床上的兽药使用现状。采用回顾性调查方法,调查了2014—2015年内蒙古有关权威部门采用LC-MS-MS、ELISA等方法对呼和浩特地区370份牛乳进行兽药残留检测的结果。采用HPLC方法,检测了呼和浩特地区74份牛乳制品样本中的兽药残留。调查结果显示,呼和浩特市被调查的对象中96.41%的消费者食用牛乳及其乳制品,56.11%的消费者关注乳制品中兽药残留问题;呼和浩特地区牛乳总销量的94.46%来自于呼和浩特地区奶牛场,5.54%来自于其他地区;94.44%的牛场有专职兽医;20%的被调查牛场有超量使用兽药的情况,85.71%的被调查牛场有用药记录,94.29%的被调查牛场严格执行兽药休药期;100%的牛场对所产牛乳进行抗菌药物检测;目前呼和浩特地区兽医临床最常用的4种抗菌药物分别为青霉素、氨苄西林、阿莫西林及头孢噻呋,其他有庆大霉素、甲硝唑等。实验室检测结果显示,呼和浩特地区2014—2015年生产的牛乳中兽药残留均为阴性,市售乳制品样本中亦未检出残留。呼和浩特各辖区生产、流通的牛乳及其乳制品均符合动物性食品中兽药最高残留限量要求。     

蛋鸡兽用抗菌药使用减量化养殖现状与研究对策

不合理使用抗菌药严重威胁到蛋鸡养殖健康,引起鸡蛋中药物残留和细菌耐药性产生风险,影响鸡蛋食品安全和公共卫生安全。本文基于我国自2018年起开展的涵盖蛋鸡养殖的兽用抗菌药使用减量化行动,从蛋鸡养殖的减量化现状、问题、对策等方面进行综述,以期为推动蛋鸡兽用抗菌药使用减量化养殖提供参考。     

Evaluation of haematological,serum biochemical and histopathological parameters of growing rabbits fed Amaranthus dubius

Amaranthus dubius is an alternative source of fibre and protein for the feed formulation for growing rabbits, although its effects on their health status are yet unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of three dietary levels (0, 160 and 320 g/kg) of A. dubius on haematological, serum biochemical and histopathological parameters of fattening rabbits. One hundred and thirteen New Zealand White rabbits were fed ad libitum from weaning (35 days) to slaughter (87 days). The health status of the animals was monitored, and mortality was recorded. Before slaughtering, 30 rabbits were randomly selected for haematological and serum biochemical analysis. During slaughter, 18 rabbits were randomly selected for histopathological study in heart, liver, lung and small intestine. The health status of rabbits was good, with no differences among treatments in mortality. Diet and sex did not affect the values of most haematological and serum biochemical parameters. Fibrinogen, glucose and high‐density lipoprotein values increased significantly from 0 to 320 g/kg A. dubius diets. The white blood cell count and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase values decreased significantly from 0 to 320 g/kg A. dubius diets. The organs showed histologically well‐structured tissues. However, in all experimental groups several samples with lesions were observed, always highly focalized in small tissue areas. The main lesions observed, probably related to conditions of thermal stress affecting the rabbits, were cholesterolosis (heart), steatosis (liver), inflammatory lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate (lung) and chronic inflammatory tissue damage (small intestine). In conclusion, the inclusion of up to 320 g/kg A. dubius in diet did not jeopardize the health status of growing rabbits. Therefore, A. dubius can become an alternative raw material for the formulation of feeds in tropical and subtropical countries where this plant is widespread.     

Blowfly strike prevalence in domestic rabbits in southwest England and Wales

The prevalence of blowfly strike in rabbits in southwest England and Wales was investigated using a retrospective postal survey of small animal and mixed veterinary practices. Questionnaires were sent to 474 practices; 219 were returned completed, giving a response rate of 46.2%. The prevalence of blowfly strike was estimated as the percentage of veterinary practices that reporting having treated at least one rabbit for strike between May and September 2005. Overall, 94.5% (+/-2.21) of practices treated at least one case of rabbit strike. Almost half, 49.3% (+/-11.3) of practices reported treating only 1-5 rabbits for blowfly strike in the study period; 32.8% (+/-4.56), 13% (+/-3.27) and 4.8% (+/-2.08) treated 6-10, 11-15 and more than 15 struck rabbits, respectively. In 46.3% (+/-4.84) of the practices most infested rabbits survived. For 40.4% (+/-4.77) of practices, about half the struck rabbits survived. However, for 13.3% (+/-3.30) of practices most struck rabbits were reported to have died. The practices reporting that most animals died were those that saw significantly fewer rabbits and fewer struck rabbits than practices where more animals survived. This suggests that training and experience in the appropriate care of infested rabbits may be critical in ensuring a favorable outcome.     

Prevalence and control of bovine cryptosporidiosis in German dairy herds

In a 5-year survey regarding its prevalence and importance in five German state veterinary laboratories Cryptosporidium was diagnosed annually in 19-36% of faecal samples either submitted to the laboratories or taken post mortem. In approximately half of the cases no other enteropathogens were detected. However, only 73% of 30 laboratories participating in a questionnaire survey routinely tested for this parasite, and the majority of researchers considered cryptosporidiosis to be of minor importance. In a placebo-controlled field study 152 suckling calves were treated daily against cryptosporidiosis either with sulfadimidine or with halofuginone (Halocur, Intervet) over 1 week. Treatment by oral drench started at the onset of diarrhoea in the herd. Oocyst excretion, faecal consistency and health status were recorded five times for a 3-week period. Oocyst excretion peaked 7-14 days in the placebo group after the onset of diarrhoea, and during that period prevalence and intensity of excretion were significantly lower in the halofuginone-treated group compared to the sulfadimidine and the placebo control groups. The health status (diarrhoea, dehydration) declined in all groups but was significantly (P<0.05-0.001) better in the halofuginone group in the first 2 weeks. Halofuginone effectively (P<0.05-0.001) reduced oocyst excretion and improved the health status of the treated animals, while sulfadimidine had no effect against Cryptosporidium.     

Veterinary needs of dogs in two resource-limited communities in the Gauteng and North West provinces of South Africa

Information on the socioeconomic aspects and the health status of dogs in 2 resource-limited communities in the North West and Gauteng provinces of South Africa was gathered using semi-structured interviews and a standardised questionnaire. The dogs were examined clinically to determine their health status, and their body condition and age were scored. Most of the dogs (93 % in Jericho and 90 % in Zuurbekom) were infected with hookworm, which poses a threat to animal and human health in the 2 study areas. Many dogs were also being given a protein-deficient diet, which together with hookworm parasites would impact considerably on the dog's health. Dogs were mainly kept for security reasons. The need indicated tobe most important by the residents of the 2 communities was a lack of available and affordable veterinary services.     

Current and future uses of breath analysis as a diagnostic tool

The analysis of exhaled breath is a potentially useful method for application in veterinary diagnostics. Breath samples can be easily collected from animals by means of a face mask or collection chamber with minimal disturbance to the animal. After the administration of a 13C-labelled compound the recovery of 13C in breath can be used to investigate gastrointestinal and digestive functions. Exhaled hydrogen can be used to assess orocaecal transit time and malabsorption, and exhaled nitric oxide, carbon monoxide and pentane can be used to assess oxidative stress and inflammation. The analysis of compounds dissolved in the aqueous phase of breath (the exhaled breath condensate) can be used to assess airway inflammation. This review summarises the current status of breath analysis in veterinary medicine, and analyses its potential for assessing animal health and disease.     

Animal health in organic agriculture: new guidelines and perspectives for food animal practitioners

In the last decade, the organic agriculture in Switzerland has been substantially increased due to the interest of consumer and financial incentives of the federation. Ruminants take directly or indirectly the largest part from grassland used within the organic managed surfaces. As the contacts between veterinary practice and organic agriculture has increased, the potential for veterinary activity in this area has developed considerably. The organic agriculture guidelines stipulate that all the preventive measures should be taken in feeding, keeping and breeding to insure animal health safety. This requires veterinary services for herd management. The organic status of a farm affects veterinary practice also in the form of alternative therapy/drugs administration and measures like dehorning and tail-docking. An important point in organic managed herds requests that treatment of animals should depend on alternative medical preparations or procedures based on veterinarian's experience and also on the therapeutic effect on the animal species concerned as well as on the disease. However, there are no restrictions on the veterinarian to use registered drugs as long as no alternative therapy, according to experience and possible success, is available to treat the animals. The prophylactic administration of allopathic veterinary drugs is not permissible. Further features in organic farms regarding the use of drugs are the keeping of withholding/withdrawal time, the documentation and the treatment frequency tolerated by organic marketing. Despite the above measures, the animal health has a priority regardless of its organic status. Although management of organic farms represent a unique responsibility, there are still obvious deficits in the education of veterinary practitioners for this new situation. However, in the future the extension of veterinary activity to include the alternative medical therapy should be regarded for the practitioner as a challenge and an opportunity at the same time.     

Inhalation anesthetics and the reproductive risk associated with occupational exposure among women working in veterinary anesthesia

ObjectiveTo investigate reproductive health issues for women working in veterinary anesthesia compared with those working in veterinary critical care. Reproductive health issues were classified as time to conceive, fertility treatment, miscarriage, and children with birth defects.Study designQuestionnaire-based survey.MethodsA survey was designed to assess the reproductive health of female personnel working in veterinary anesthesia. To account for other job related factors that might impact reproductive health (i.e. stress, heavy lifting, long working hours and varying schedules), women working in veterinary critical care were used as a comparison group.ResultsThere were 295 respondents including, (209 faculty and staff working in veterinary anesthesia and 86 in veterinary critical care).There were no statistical differences in length of time to conceive, number of couples receiving fertility treatment, miscarriages, and children with birth defects between the two groups.ConclusionsThis study did not show a statistically significant difference in reproductive risk for women working in veterinary anesthesia when compared to women working in veterinary critical care. Overall the incidence for reproductive health problems is similar to the risk for the general population of females in North America.     

Acute Phase Protein Levels in Rabbits with Suspected Encephalitozoon cuniculi Infection

The objective of this study was to evaluate the application of acute phase protein assays for C-reactive protein (CRP), haptoglobin (HP), and serum amyloid A (SAA) in the diagnosis of Encephalitozoon cuniculi (ECUN) infection in pet rabbits. Serum samples from 48 pet rabbits were submitted from veterinary clinics within the United States. Participating veterinarians completed a questionnaire that was used to classify rabbits as either non-ECUN suspect (n = 19) or suspected of having ECUN infection (n = 29). A previously described enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay diagnostic test was used to detect immunoglobulin G (IgG) titers against ECUN. Samples were additionally tested for levels of CRP, HP, and SAA. A nearly 10-fold mean increase in CRP levels was observed in the ECUN-suspect group. This increase was significant (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in HP or SAA levels between the clinical groups. These data support the use of CRP as an adjunct test in the diagnosis of ECUN infection in pet rabbits.     

Physical examination and preventive care of rabbits.

As rabbits gain increasing popularity as house pets, more rabbit owners are seeking basic preventive veterinary care. Although a knowledge of the unique anatomic and physiologic characteristics of pet rabbits is essential, annual examination and review of diet and husbandry are as important as with any other species. Many disease states can be detected or prevented with routine veterinary care. Despite all the advances in diagnostic testing in veterinary medicine, there will never be a substitute for a complete physical examination.     

Heart rate, blood biochemistry and performance of horses competing in a 100 km endurance ride

To determine whether a clinical examination was adequate to assess the fitness of horses in an endurance ride, and to characterise the relationship between a clinical assessment of the horse's fitness and its blood biochemistry, 23 horses were monitored before, during and after an 87 to 100 km endurance ride. Blood samples were taken before the ride, at three checkpoints on the ride, immediately after the ride and one day later for the determination of packed cell volume, total protein, lactate, glucose, non-esterified fatty acids, creatine phosphokinase, aspartate aminotransferase and plasma electrolytes. Heart rate measurements appeared to be a reliable indicator of the metabolic status of endurance horses suggesting that veterinary examinations according to the official Fédération Equestre Internationale rules are adequate to protect the health and welfare of horses competing in endurance races.     

RABBIT HEMORRHAGIC DISEASE VIRUSES DETECTED IN PET RABBITS IN A COMMERCIAL LABORATORY IN EUROPE

Rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD) is an important cause of disease and mortality in wild and domestic European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) throughout the world. Testing for 2 distinct RHD virus types (RHDV/RHDVa and RHDV2) was carried out on samples collected from 684 rabbits submitted from veterinary practices and private owners throughout Europe between January 2015 and June 2017. Four (0.6%) were positive for RHDV/RHDVa and 257 (37.4%) were positive for RHDV2. RHDV/RHDVa was detected in individual samples from Germany and the Netherlands, while RHDV2 was found in animals from Germany, Great Britain, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Poland, Belgium, Austria, Sweden, and Finland.     

Rumenocentesis (rumen puncture): a viable instrument in herd health diagnosis

The use of rumenocentesis as a tool in veterinary practice is to be evaluated; this publication describes the technique and reports results of a field study. From 164 dairy cows samples of ruminal fluid have been collected by means of rumenocentesis. In order to compare reaction of the individuals towards rumenocentesis, reaction has been scored on a five-point scale. In the period after rumenocentesis, the animals were observed and examined clinically in case of any pathologic alteration. To test a possible pain-reducing treatment, two study groups received local anaesthesia, while a third group had been sampled without. About 50% of all animals examined did not show resistance during rumenocentesis, while the rest of the population reacted at different levels. In four animals ruminal fluid sampling was not carried out due too heavy resistance, while six samples showed visible contamination with blood. Local anaesthesia with 2 ml of 2 % lidocaine s. c. and i. m. had influence on reaction of the individual samples, but did not have effect on sample size collected and pathologic alterations post punctionem. In total, 5.5 % of the study population showed alterations at the puncture site as haematomas and abscess forming; in three individuals the general health status was impaired after collection. The authors consider rumenocentesis a viable diagnostic procedure in bovine health diagnostics.