Infrared digital imaging of the equine anterior segment

Ocular photographs are an increasingly important method of documenting lesions for inclusion in medical records, teaching purposes, and research. Availability of affordable high-quality digital imaging equipment has allowed for enhanced capture of desired images because of immediate on-camera viewing and editing. Conversion of the standard digital camera sensor to one that is sensitive to infrared light (i.e. > 760 nm < 1 mm wavelength) can be done inexpensively. In the equine eye, advantages of infrared digital photography include increased contrast of anterior segment images, identification and monitoring of pigmentary changes, and increased visualization of the anterior segment through a cloudy or edematous cornea.     

Genetic IS901 RFLP diversity among Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium isolates from four pheasant flocks

IS901 RFLP analysis of 36 Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium (MAA) isolates from 15 pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) and two goshawks (Accipiter gentilis) from four pheasant farms was performed. Using this method, six different IS901 RFLP types (E, F, G, M, Q, and V) were identified. The distribution of IS901 RFLP profiles was tightly linked to individual flocks. Matching IS901 RFLP profiles observed in the present study indicate MAA transmission between pheasants and goshawks in the same locality. In two flocks, different pheasants within a flock as well as in various organs of five individual pheasants were found to have two distinct IS901 RFLP profiles.     

Cecal bacterial communities in wild Japanese rock ptarmigans and captive Svalbard rock ptarmigans

Preservation of indigenous gastrointestinal microbiota is deemed to be critical for successful captivebreeding of endangered wild animals, yet its biology is poorly understood. Here, we investigated cecalbacterial communities in wild Japanese rock ptarmigans (Lagopus muta japonica) and comparedthem with those in Svalbard rock ptarmigans (L. m. hyperborea) in captivity. Ultra-deepsequencing of 16S rRNA gene indicated that the community structure of cecal microbiota in wild rock ptarmiganswas remarkably different from that in captive Svalbard rock ptarmigans. Fundamental differences betweenbacterial communities in the two groups of birds were detected at the phylum level. Firmicutes,Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Synergistetes were the major phyla detected in wild Japanese rockptarmigans, whereas Firmicutes alone occupied more than 80% of abundance in captive Svalbard rock ptarmigans.Furthermore, unclassified genera of Coriobacteriaceae, Synergistaceae, Bacteroidaceae, Actinomycetaceae,Veillonellaceae and Clostridiales were the major taxa detected in wild individuals, whereas in zoo-rearedbirds, major genera were Ruminococcus, Blautia, Faecalibacterium andAkkermansia. Zoo-reared birds seemed to lack almost all rock ptarmigan-specific bacteria intheir intestine, which may explain the relatively high rate of pathogenic infections affecting them. We showevidence that preservation and reconstitution of indigenous cecal microflora are critical for successfulex situ conservation and future re-introduction plan for the Japanese rock ptarmigan.     

野鸟禽流感的研究进展及西藏的预防和控制对策

高致病性禽流感是由A型流感病毒引起的一种传染病,不仅给世界养禽业造成重大损失,也具有重要的公共卫生学意义。作者综述了高致病性禽流感的研究进展和流行特点,以及野鸟感染禽流感的概况,并结合实际情况提出西藏预防和控制禽流感的建议。     

野鸟在禽流感流行病学中的作用研究进展

作者对中国特别是辽宁省野鸟存在和迁移情况进行了详细总结;同时结合野鸟的迁移,携带禽流感病毒情况,深入分析、探讨野鸟在禽流感传播中的作用,明确预防控制野鸟禽流感的重要性,为野鸟禽流感的防控提供参考。     

Anterior segment fluorescein angiography of the normal canine eye using a dSLR camera adaptor

Purpose To describe anterior segment fluorescein angiography (ASFA) of the normal canine eye using two different sedation/anesthetic protocols and a digital single lens‐reflex (dSLR) camera adaptor. Methods Dogs free of ocular and systemic disease were used for this study. Dogs received maropitant citrate (1.0 mg/kg SQ) and diphenhydramine (2.0 mg/kg SQ) 20 min prior to butorphanol [n = 6] (0.2 mg/kg IV) or propofol [n = 6] (4 mg/kg IV bolus, 0.2 mg/kg/min CRI). Standard color and red‐free images were obtained prior to administration of 10% sodium fluorescein (20 mg/kg IV). Image acquisition was performed using a dSLR camera (Canon 7D), dSLR camera adaptor, camera lens (Canon EF‐S 60 mm f/2.8 macro), and an accessory flash (Canon 580EXII). Imaging occurred at a rate of 1/s immediately following bolus for a total of 30 s, then at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 10 min. Results Twelve dogs with a combined mean age of 5.1 years and various iris colors were imaged. Arterial, capillary, and venous phases were identified and time sequences recorded. Visibility of the vascular pattern was inversely related to iris pigmentation. Complete masking of blood flow was noted with heavily pigmented irises. Vessel leakage was noted in some eyes. Proper patient positioning and restricted ocular movements were critical in acquiring quality images. No adverse events were noted. Conclusion This study demonstrated that quality high resolution ASFA images were obtainable using a novel dSLR camera adaptor. ASFA of the normal canine eye is limited to irises, which are moderately to poorly pigmented. Use of general anesthesia produced higher quality images and is recommended for ASFA in the dog.     

两株禽源野生动物冠状病毒分离株S1基因特性的研究

本研究从野生禽类动物孔雀和鹧鸪的喉气管拭子中各分离到1株冠状病毒,经RT-PCR检测成功扩增出S1基测序后和GenBank上报道序列进行同源性比较以及系统发育树分析,发现这两株病毒和鸡传染性支气管炎病毒存在密切的亲源关系.     

野生鸟类高致病性禽流感抗体水平检测

高致病性禽流感对禽类及人类危害十分严重.高致病性禽流感流行病学特点之一是随野生鸟类的迁徙,该病在全球广泛扩散和蔓延.野生鸟类在紧急免疫后的血清抗体水平直接关系到疫情的控制、养禽业的发展以及人类的健康.我国GB/T 18936高致病性禽流感诊断技术对火鸡、鸭、鹅(包括野生鸟类)等禽类接种禽流感疫苗免疫效力评价缺乏足够的血清学依据,国际国内对野生鸟类血清抗体水平检测资料比较欠缺.因此对野生鸟类高致病性禽流感血清抗体水平进行检测,就显得十分重要和必要.