Sessile peritrichs (Ciliophora: Peritricha) from freshwater fish in the Transvaal,South Africa

Sessile peritrichs (Ciliophora: Peritricha) were collected from freshwater fish in lakes, rivers, streams and fish-ponds in the Transvaal, South Africa Nine species of the genus Apiosoma Blanchard, 1885 are described, i.e. seven new species; A. caulata sp.n., A. curvinucleata sp.n, A. micralesti sp.n., A. mothlapitsis sp.n., A. obliqua sp.n., A. phiala sp.n. and A. viridis sp.n., and two known species; A. nasal is (Timofeev, 1962) and A. piscícola Blanchard, 1885. One new species of the genus Ambiphrya Baabe, 1952 is described, i.e. A. neobolae sp.n. A new sgenus, Scopulata gen.n. is proposed for species with a broad scopula and compact macronucleus. Two previously described Scyphidia species are incorporated in this genus, i.e. S. dermata (Viljoen & Van As, 1983) comb.n. and S. epibranchialis (Viljoen & Van As, 1983) comb.n., as well as a new species, S. constricta sp.n. Compendiums of all the known fish-associated species of these genera are provided.     

Cytosystematics of the South African Aethomys (Rodentia: Muridae)

The G-and C-band chromosome patterns and the location of the nucleolus organizer regions (NORs) are presented for A. namaquensis (2n = 24), A. granti (2n = 32) and A. chrysophilus (2n = 44; 2n = 50). The presence of two distinct cytotypes in what is conventionally recognized as A. chrysophilus is indicative of the presence of two discrete species which, karyology apart, appear to be indistinguishable using existing identification keys. The chromosomal relationships of the South African species and the taxonomic implications of these data are discussed.     

A new species of Heterixalus (Amphibia: Hyperoliidae) from western Madagascar

A new species of hyperoliid frog, Heterixalus carbonei n.sp., is described from the Antsingy forest inwestern Madagascar. It is characterized by an advertisement call consisting of long and regular note series. The only other Heterixalus with a similar call structure, H. betsileo from higher altitudes in eastern Madagascar, has distinctly shorter notes. After recent discoveries of the occurrence of H. luteostriatus and H. tricolor in western Madagascar, the new species brings the number of Heterixalus known from western Madagascar to three.     

The Effects of Steinernema carpocapsae (Weiser) Application to Different Life Stages on Adult Emergence of the Cat Flea Ctenocephalides felis (Bouché)

Abstract— The effect of nematode Steinernema carpocapsae on cat flea larvae and pupae in different substrates was studied. Nematode application to potting soil, sand, or gravel substrates containing flea eggs, larvae or pupae reduced adult flea emergence; the effects on sand and gravel were equivalent to and greater than the effects on soil. To determine if the cat flea cocoon provides protection from nematodes, pupae in cocoons of silk, sand and silk, or naked (without cocoons) were placed in close proximity to nematodes. All pupae in cocoons or naked were susceptible to nematode attack. When nematode numbers were increased from one to 25 per cocoon the chance for flea infections also increased. Résumé— Les effets du nématode steinerma carpocapsae sur les larves et nymphes de puces de chat dans différents substrats sont étudiés, L'application de némadodes sur des substrats de terre, de sable ou de gravier contenant des oeufs de puces, des larves ou des nymphes, réduit l'émergence de puces adultes; les effets sur le sable ou le gravier sont identiques et supérieurs à ceux obtenus lors d'application sur de la terre. Pour déterminer si le cocon de la puce de chat fournit une protection contre les nématodes, des nymphes dans des cocons de soie, de sable et de soie, ou nues sont placées à proximité des nématodes. Toutes les nymphes nues ou dans des cocons sont sensibles aux attaques des nematodes. Quand le nombre de nématodes par cocon est augmenté de un à 25 la probabilité d'infection des puces est également augmentée. [Henderson, G., Manweiler, S. A., Lawrence, W. J., Templeman, R. J., Foil, L. D. The effects of Steinernema carpocapsae (Weiser) application to different life stages on adult emergence of the cat flea Ctenophalides felis (Bouché) (Les effets de l'application de steinerma carpocapsae (Weiser) à différentes phases du cycle sur l'émergence de l'adulte de la puce du chat ctenocephalides felis (Bouché)). Resumen— Se estudió el efecto del nemátodo Steinernema carpocapsae en las larvas y crisálidas de la pulga del gato en diferentes substratos. La aplicación del nemátoto en la tierra, arena o grava para deposiciones con huevos, larvas o crisálidas de pulga redució la salida del adulto; los efectos sobre la arena o grava fueron similares y superiores a los efectos sobre la tierra. Para determinar si el capullo de la pulga del gato protege de los nemátodos, se colocaron crisálidas en capullos de seda, de seda y arena y desnudas (sin capullos) muy cerca de los nemátodos. Todas las crisálidas en capullos o desnudas eran susceptibles al ataque de los nemátodos. Cuando se incrementaba el número de nemátodos de uno a 25 por capullo, también aumentaban las probabilidades de infestación de las pulgas. [Henderson, G., Manweiler, S. A., Lawrence, W. J., Templeman, R. J., Foil, L. D. The effects of Steinernema carpocapsae (Weiser) application to different life stages on adult emergence of the cat flea Ctenophalides felis (Bouché) (Efectos de la aplicación Steinernema carpocapsae (Weiser) a distintos estadios en la salida del adulto de la pulga del gato Ctenocephalides felis (Bouche)).     

Pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic modelling of meperidine in goats (I): pharmacokinetics

Qiao, G.-L., Fung, K.-F. Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic modelling of meperidine in goats (I): pharmacokinetics. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. 16 , 426–437. Plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pharmacokinetics of meperidine were investigated after intramuscular (i.m.) or intravenous (i.v.) administration at a dose of 5 mg/kg in adult goats. After i.m. dosing, the plasma profile was best described by a one-compartment open model. In healthy (n = 16) and postoperative (n = 16) goats, the parameters were, respectively: /_max 8.3 ± 3.9 and 9.2 ± 5.5 min, V_d 2.763 ±1.231 and 3.929 ±2.101 1/kg, Cl_b 0.125 ± 0.036 and 0.087 ± 0.025 1/kg/min, K_c 0.0563 ± 0.0358 and 0.0271 ± 0.0136 min^-1. The plasma profile was best fitted by a two-compartment open model following i.v. injection. In this case, the parameters for healthy (n= 7) and post-operative (n= 13) goats were, respectively: V_d 5.212 ± 1.992 and 5.085 ± 2.288 1/kg, Cl_b 0.096 ± 0.028 and 0.075 ± 0.026 1/kg/min, P 0.0211 ± 0.0093 and 0.0160 ± 0.0052 min.^-1. There were, however, a few individuals with a prolonged elimination phase. Bioavailability of i.m. meperidine was 66.5 ± 15.8% in healthy (n= 6) goats, but much higher in postoperative (n = 10) ones at 94.6 ± 30.0%. Meperidine diffused into and out of CSF according to a first-order rate process. The time-course of CSF drug concentration was simulated by a biexponential function. CSF kinetic parameters of i.m. meperidine for healthy (n = 7) and postoperative (n = 13) goats were: elimination rate constant (K_ei) 0.0269 ± 0.0131 and 0.0305 ± 0.0177 min“¹, peak CSF concentration time (T_naxl) 15.9 ± 5.0 and 17.0 ± 6.9 min. For the i.v. dosed healthy (n = 6) and postoperative (n = 8) animals, K_el was 0.0408 ± 0.0107, 0.0414 ± 0.0123 min^-1 and 7_maxt was 10.0 ± 5.0 and 7.7 ± 2.5 min, respectively. It was demonstrated that an obviously lower peak concentration can be reached significantly later in CSF than in plasma, and the kinetic behaviour of meperidine in plasma is different from that in the CSF, indicating meperidine analgesia might not be predicted by simple extrapolation from the kinetic data.     

Absorption of enrofloxacin and marbofloxacin after oral and subcutaneous administration in diseased koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus)

Griffith, J.E., Higgins, D.P., Li, K.M., Krockenberger, M.B., Govendir, M. Absorption of enrofloxacin and marbofloxacin after oral and subcutaneous administration in diseased koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus). J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. 33 , 595–604. Koalas (n = 43) were treated daily for up to 8 weeks with enrofloxacin: 10 mg/kg subcutaneously (s.c.), 5 mg/kg s.c., or 20 mg/kg per os (p.o.); or marbofloxacin: 1.0–3.3 mg/kg p.o., 10 mg/kg p.o. or 5 mg/kg s.c. Serial plasma drug concentrations were determined on day 1 and again at approximately 2 weeks, by liquid chromatography. The median (range) plasma maximum concentrations (C_max) for enrofloxacin 5 mg/kg s.c. and 10 mg/kg s.c. were 0.83 (0.68–1.52) and 2.08 (1.34–2.96) μg/mL and the median (range) T_max were 1.5 h (1–2) and 1 h (1–2) respectively. Plasma concentrations of orally dosed marbofloxacin were too low to be quantified. Oral administration of enrofloxacin suggested absorption rate limited disposition pharmacokinetics; the median (range) C_max for enrofloxacin 20 mg/kg p.o. was 0.94 (0.76–1.0) μg/mL and the median (range) T_max was 4 h (2–8). Oral absorption of both drugs was poor. Plasma protein binding for enrofloxacin was 55.4 ± 1.9% and marbofloxacin 49.5 ± 5.3%. Elevations in creatinine kinase activity were associated with drug injections. Enrofloxacin and marbofloxacin administered at these dosage and routes are unlikely to inhibit the growth of chlamydial pathogens in vivo.     

A comparative analysis of sphenoid bone between domestic sheep (ovis aries) and goat (capra hircus) using geometric morphometrics

The sphenoid bone forms the rostral part of the base of the neurocranium and is composed of two segments, the presphenoid [os praesphenoidale] and the basisphenoid [os basisphenoidale]. Rarely studied in osteology, we tested whether it can provide distinctive features between domestic sheep (Ovis aries L., 1758) and goat (Capra hircus L., 1758). For this goal, we studied a sample comprised by 53 dry modern skulls of adult sheep (n = 36) and goat (n = 17) subjects from a modern comparative collection by means of geometric morphometric techniques using a total of 26 anatomical points (2 saggital landmarks and 24 semilandmarks). Results showed that form (size + shape) differences appear between both species: sphenoid among sheep tends to be bigger, longer and wider than in goats, differences of width being mainly located on basisphenoid width.     

A new and unusual species of Parachiton (Mollusca: Polyplacophora) from South Africa

A new species of the genus Parachiton, P. hodgsoni n.sp., which inhabits shallow water off the South African coast, is described. The radula is unusual for the genus Parachiton. It consists of about 160 transverse rows of very small mature teeth of which the major lateral teeth have very narrow tridentate cusps. The intermediate valves are granulose with the granules arranged in widely spaced, longitudinal rows on the central area of the valves. There are 20–31 longitudinal rows on the central areas of the intermediate valves. Variability in the morphology of the tail valve is shown.     

The Distribution of Bacteria (Other than Staphylococci and Propionibacterium acnes) on the Hair, at the Skin Surface and Within the Hair Follicles of Dogs

Résumé— La distribution des bactéries, autres que les staphlocoques sur la tige des poils, à la surface cutanée et dans les follicules pileux de 8 chiens est analysée. Sur la tige des poils Micrococcus spp. et les bactéries aérobies gram mégatifs sont plus nombreuses avec des numérations variant de 1,12 à 0,84 log₁₀ (colonies formant unites par cm²). Des nombres hautement significatifs (p < 0,05) sont également trouvés. A la surface cutanée Micrococcus spp. des bactéries aérobies gram négatifs et Clostridium sp. sont les plus nombreuses avec des numérations respectives variant de 0,62, 1,12 et 0,84 log₁₀ (colonies formant unités par cm²). Des nombres hautement significatifs (p < 0,05) de Micrococcus spp. sont trouvés de façon plus importante à l'intérieur des follicules pileux qu' à la surface cutanée, les Streptocoques et Bacillus sp. ont été trouvés respectivement sur cinq et quatre chiens. Proteus sp., Pseudomonas sp. Nocardia sp. sont occasion-nellement trouvés. [HARVEY, R.G., LLOYD, D.H. The distribution of bacteria (other than Staphylococci and Propionibacterium acnes) on the hair, at the skin surface and within the hair follicles of dogs (Distribution des bactéries autres que Staphylococci et Propionibacterium acnes) sur le poil, à la surface de al peau et dans les follicules pileux). Resumen— Presentamos la localizatión de bacterias noestafilocócicas en el pelo, en la superficie cutánea y dentro del foliculo piloso de ocho perros. En los pelos, Micrococcus spp. abundantes, con contajes medios entre 1.12 a 0.84 Log₁₀ (unidades formadoras de colonias +1) cm^-1, respectivamente. Se encontró a nivel proximal un número significativamente mayor (p < 0.05) de bacterias aeróbicas gram-negativas y Bacillus spp. En la superficie cutánea, Micrococcus spp., las bacterias aeróbicas contajes medios de 0.62, 1.12 y 0.84 Log₁₀ (unidades formadoras de colonias +1) cm“², respectivamente. Se aisló un número significativamente mayor (p < 0.05) de Micrococcus spp. dentro de los foliculos pilosos que en la superficie cutánea (p < 0.05). Se aisló Streptococi y Bacillus spp. en cinco y cuatro perros, respectivamente. Proteus spp., Pseudomonas spp. y Nocardia spp. fueron hallados ocasionalmente. [HARVEY, R.G., LLOYD, D.H. The distribution of bacteria (other than Staphylococci and Propionibacterium acnes) on the hair, at the skin surface and within the hair follicles of dogs (Localizatión de bacterias (exceptuando Staphilococci y Propionibacterium acnes) en el pelo, en la superficie cutánea y dentro de los foliculos pilosos). Abstract— The distribution of bacteria, other than staphylococci, on the hair shaft, at the skin surface and within the hair follicles of eight dogs is reported. On the hair shafts Micrococcus spp. and aerobic Gram-negative bacteria were most numerous, with mean counts ranging from 1.12 to 0.84 Log₁₀(colony forming units + 1) cm“¹ respectively. Significantly higher numbers (p < 0.05) of Gram-negative bacteria and Bacillus sp. were found proximally. At the skin surface Micrococcus spp., aerobic Gram-negative bacteria and Clostridium spp. were the most numerous with mean counts of 0.62, 1.12 and 0.84 Log₁₀(colony forming units + 1) cm”², respectively. Significantly higher numbers (p < 0.05) of Micrococcus spp. were found within the hair follicles than on the skin surface (p < 0.05). Streptococci and Bacillus spp. were found on five and four dogs, respectively. Proteus spp., Pseudomonas spp. and Nocardia spp. were occasionally found.     

Isolation of Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii (serotype A) and C. magnus from the nasal lining of free-ranging quokkas (Setonix brachyurus)

Cryptococcus species are environmental yeasts, with a worldwide distribution and remarkable environmental adaptation. Although many species do not cause disease, C. neoformans and C. gattii are causative agents of cryptococcosis, a life threatening infection and a significant public health problem worldwide. Infection especially affects immunocompromised animals and humans. In wildlife, cryptococcosis appears to be more prevalent in captive populations. The objective of this study was to assess whether apparently healthy quokkas (Setonix brachyurus) harbor Cryptococcus spp. Using cultural and molecular methods, we studied yeasts isolated from nasal swabs collected from 130 free-ranging quokkas on Rottnest Island (RI, n = 97) and the mainland (n = 33) of Western Australia. Unspeciated Cryptococcus spp. (from four quokkas), C. neoformans var. grubii (serotype A) (two quokkas) and C. magnus (one quokka) were isolated from the nasal lining of apparently healthy quokkas from RI. Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii was isolated from animals captured in a human-populated area on RI. There was no significant effect of the presence of Cryptococcus on the results of haematology, blood chemistry, peripheral blood cell morphology or clinical examination. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first documented isolation of C. neoformans var. grubii (serotype A) and C. magnus in a free-ranging macropod in Western Australia. The public health implications of this finding should be further explored.     

The pharmacokinetics of nitazoxanide active metabolite (tizoxanide) in goats and its protein binding ability in vitro

Zhao, Z., Xue, F., Zhang, L., Zhang, K., Fei, C., Zheng, W., Wang, X., Wang, M., Zhao, Z., Meng, X. The pharmacokinetics of nitazoxanide active metabolite (tizoxanide) in goats and its protein binding ability in vitro. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. 33 , 147–153. The pharmacokinetics of tizoxanide (T), the active metabolite of nitazoxanide (NTZ), and its protein binding ability in goat plasma and in the solutions of albumin and α‐1‐acid‐glycoprotein were investigated. The plasma and protein binding samples were analyzed using a high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assay with UV detection at 360 nm. The plasma concentration of T was detectable in goats up to 24 h. Plasma concentrations vs. time data of T after 200 mg/kg oral administration of NTZ in goats were adequately described by one‐compartment open model with first order absorption. As to free T, the values of t_1/2Ka, t_1/2Ke, T_max, C_max, AUC, V/F_(c), and Cl_(s) were 2.51 ± 0.41 h, 3.47 ± 0.32 h, 4.90 ± 0.13 h, 2.56 ± 0.25 μg/mL, 27.40 ± 1.54 (μg/mL) × h, 30.17 ± 2.17 L/kg, and 7.34 ± 1.21 L/(kg × h), respectively. After β‐glucuronidase hydrolysis to obtain total T, t_1/2ke, C_max, T_max, AUC increased, while the V/F_(c) and Cl_(s) decreased. Study of the protein binding ability showed that T with 4 μg/mL concentration in goat plasma and in the albumin solution achieved a protein binding percentage of more than 95%, while in the solution of α‐1‐acid‐glycoprotein, the percentage was only about 49%. This result suggested that T might have much more potent binding ability with albumin than with α‐1‐acid‐glycoprotein, resulting from its acidic property.     

Single subcutaneous dosing of cefovecin in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta): a pharmacokinetic study

Bakker, J., Thuesen, L. R., Braskamp, G., Skaanild, M. T., Ouwerling, B., Langermans, J. A. M., Bertelsen, M. F. Single subcutaneous dosing of cefovecin in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta): a pharmacokinetic study. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. 34 , 464–468. Cefovecin is a third‐generation cephalosporin approved for antibacterial treatment with a 14‐day dosing interval in dogs and cats. This antibiotic may also be useful for zoo and wildlife veterinary medicine, because of its broad spectrum and long duration of activity. The aim of the study was to determine whether cefovecin is a suitable antibiotic to prevent skin wound infection in rhesus monkeys. Therefore, the pharmacokinetics (PK) of cefovecin after a single subcutaneous injection at 8 mg/kg bodyweight in four rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) and sensitivity of bacterial isolates from fresh skin wounds were determined. After administration, blood, urine, and feces were collected, and concentrations of cefovecin were determined. Further, the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for bacteria isolated from fresh skin wounds of monkeys during a health control program were determined. The mean maximum plasma concentration (C_max) of cefovecin was 78 μg/mL and was achieved after 57 min. The mean apparent long elimination half‐life (t½) was 6.6 h and excretion occurred mainly via urine. The MIC for the majority of the bacteria examined was >100 μg/mL. The PK of cefovecin in rhesus monkeys is substantially different than for dogs and cats. Cefovecin rapidly reached C_max which however was lower than most of the MIC levels and with a very short t½. Therefore, cefovecin is not recommended for treating skin wounds in rhesus monkeys.     

Description of a new species of Afroedura (Loveridge) (Reptilia: Gekkonidae) from the south-western Cape

A new gekkonid species, Afroedura hawequensis, is described from the south-western Cape (South Africa). The three species groups recognized in the genus are discussed.     

Detection and Identification of Fish-Pathogenic Aphanomyces piscicida Using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) with Species-Specific Primers

Abstract

Aphanomyces piscicida is an important pathogen that plays a role in the morbidity and mortality of various fish species around the world. The poor quality of current identification techniques for this fungus led to the development of highly sensitive and specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. Primers derived from the ITS1 and ITS2 regions of A. piscicida NJM 0204 were designed for the detection and identification of fish-pathogenic A. piscicida, with the potential for the diagnosis of mycotic granulomatosis (MG). Polymerase chain reaction amplification showed that the primer set was specific only to fish-pathogenic A. piscicida, not to non-fish-pathogenic Aphanomyces, Saprolegnia spp., Achlya spp., Dictyuchus spp., and Lagenidium spp. In addition, PCR revealed an improved sensitivity sufficient to detect A. piscicida in artificially infected goldfish Carassius auratus. Results demonstrated that the PCR method established in this study is effective for the detection and identification of A. piscicida with MG.     

Disease threats to the endangered Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus)

The Iberian lynx, (Lynx pardinus), is the most endangered felid in the world. To determine whether sympatric carnivores are reservoirs of pathogens posing a disease risk for the lynx, evidence of exposure to 17 viral, bacterial and protozoan agents was investigated in 176 carnivores comprising 26 free-living lynx, 53 domestic cats, 28 dogs, 33 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), 24 Egyptian mongooses (Herpestes ichneumon), 10 common genets (Genetta genetta) and 2 Eurasian badgers (Meles meles) in the areas inhabited by the last two populations of Iberian lynx, both in Andalusia (South-Western Spain).The results indicated that the lynx had low rates of contact with viral pathogens, with one seropositive finding each for feline leukemia virus, parvovirus and canine adenovirus-1, whereas contact with bacteria and protozoa appeared more frequent. Active infections with parvovirus, Ehrlichia spp., Mycobacterium bovis, Leptospira interrogans and Cytauxzoon spp. were confirmed. In contrast, 53% of the domestic cats were exposed to some infectious agent (prevalence range 4.5–11.4%). Antibodies to canine distemper virus and parvovirus were frequently found in dogs (32% and 42%, respectively) and foxes (30% and 12%). Past or present infections with parvovirus, Ehrlichia spp., Chlamydophila spp., M. bovis, Salmonella enterica, L. interrogans, Toxoplasma gondii, and Neospora caninum were also detected in these and other species surveyed.Questionnaires to owners revealed that 14% of the dogs but none of the cats had been vaccinated, and no cat had been neutered. Based on the apparent absence of acquired immunity of the lynx against infectious agents, the frequent detection of agents among sympatric carnivores, and the reported lack of immunocompetence of the Iberian lynx, a disease outbreak among the local abundant carnivores may pose a serious disease risk for lynx conservation.     

Chlamydiaceae in riverine buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) and cows (Bos taurus) in Egypt with and without signs of reproductive disease

Abstract

AIMS: To obtain information and compare the prevalence of Chlamydiaceae in riverine buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) and cows (Bos taurus) in Egypt with and without clinical signs of reproductive disease.

METHODS: Vaginal swabs and blood samples were collected from animals attending Governmental Veterinary Clinics without (buffalo n=39, cows n=20) and with (buffalo n=63, cows n=53) signs of reproductive disease. Serum samples were tested for antibodies to Chlamydiaceae using complement fixation testing (CFT). Vaginal swabs were tested for Chlamydiaceae following inoculation into Vero cells and 6-day-old embryonated chicken eggs, using modified Giménez and immunoperoxidase staining, PCR analyses targeting the omp2 gene, and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism PCR (RFLP-PCR) for species identification.

RESULTS: Antibodies to Chlamydiaceae were detected in 30/39 (77%) and 50/63 (79%) buffalo without and with signs of reproductive disease, respectively, and 10/20 (50%) and 39/53 (74%) of cows with and without signs of reproductive disease, respectively. Positive samples from PCR analysis were identified in 31/39 (79%) and 37/63 (59%) buffalo without and with signs of reproductive disease, respectively, and 12/20 (60%) and 46/53 (89%) of cows without and with signs of reproductive disease, respectively. Using RFLP-PCR, 57/68 (84%) of samples from buffalo, and 47/58 (81%) from cows, were identified as Chlamydophila psittaci and the reminder as Cp. abortus. From the CFT and PCR results there was no significant difference in the prevalence of positive samples between species, or between animals without or with signs of reproductive disease.

CONCLUSION: The presence of anti-Chlamydiaceae antibodies in 77% of the animals with signs of reproductive disease and the detection of Chlamydiaceae in 72% of vaginal swabs of the animals suggest a pathogenic role by Chlamydiaceae in riverine buffalo and cows. The main Chlamydiaceae found in the genital tract of cattle in Egypt were Cp. psittaci and Cp. abortus.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Chlamydophila spp. should be included in diagnostic algorithms for reproductive disorders, in order to assess the real burden of Chlamydophila associated disease in buffalo and cattle and to evaluate the potential value of vaccines.     

Cloning and heterologous expression of the ovine (Ovis aries) P‐glycoprotein (Mdr1) in Madin–Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells

Zahner, D., Alber, J., Petzinger, E. Cloning and heterologous expression of the ovine (Ovis aries) P‐glycoprotein (Mdr1) in Madin–Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. 33 , 304–311. P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) plays a crucial role in the multidrug resistance of pathogenic helminths in sheep (Ovis aries) as well as in antiparasitic drug pharmacokinetics in the host. We cloned sheep P‐gp cDNA and expressed it stably in Madin–Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. The open reading frame consists of 3858 nucleotides coding for a 1285 amino acids containing protein. The sequence shows high homology to the orthologs of other mammalian species, especially cattle. Both ruminant DNA sequences show a 9 bp insertion that is lacking in all other investigated sequences. Expressed in MDCK cells, the protein displays a size of 170 kDa on Western analysis. Transfection of MDCK cells with sheep P‐gp resulted in 10‐ to 50‐fold resistance to the cytotoxic P‐gp substrates colchicin and daunorubicin, and in reduced digoxin accumulation.     

Observations on the life-cycles and larval morphogenesis of Haemonchus bedfordi,Impalaia tuberculoid and Longistrongylus sabie (Nematoda: Trichostrongyloidea) parasitic in impala,Aepyceros melampus

The previously unknown life-cycles of Haemonchus bedfordi, Impalala tuberculata and Longistrongylus sabie parasitic in impala, are recorded. Observations on the morphology of the developmental stages and their habitat of these three nematode species are described. The similarities and differences to closely related species or subspecies are discussed.The morphology of the developmental stages of Haemonchus bedfordi are compared to the Haemonchus spp., H. contortus and H. placei.     

Bacterial, fungal and parasitic infections in the ostrich (Struthio camelus var. domesticus)

The ostrich is susceptible to microorganisms of bacterial, fungal and parasitic origin. Anthrax, caused by Bacillus anthracis, is dangerous to other livestock and humans. Salmonella is transmitted from rodents or wild bird reservoirs. Pausterellosis caused by Pasteurella multocida results in air sac infections in ostriches. Colibacillosis is caused by Escherichia coli. Tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium avium, is very rare in ostriches. Aspergillosis principally afflicts chicks. Zygomycosis, a secondary fungal infection of the upper gastrointestinal tract, is caused by Basidia, Mucor and Rhizopus. Leucocytozoon struthionis and Plasmodium spp. are harmless protozoa transmitted from flying arthropods. The tapeworm, Houttuynia struthionis, is dangerous in young ostriches. The adult ratite fluke (Philophthalmus gralli) is transmitted to ostriches following ingestion of infected freshwater crustaceans. Tick infestations of ostrich skin in Africa include Amblyomma spp., Haemaphysalis punctata, Hyalomma spp., Rhipicephalus turanicus and Argus spp. The ostrich quillmite (Pterolichus bicaudatus) and louse (Struthioliperus struthionus) may lower skin and leather quality via pruritis and/or excessive preening and feather loss. Nemododa infections are rare.     

The occurrence and feeding of Pomatomus saltatrix (elf) and Lichia amia (leervis) juveniles in two Cape south coast estuaries

The seasonal occurrence of Pomatomus saltatrix and Lichia amia juveniles in a permanently open (Knysna) and a periodically open (Swartvlei) estuary is described. P. saltatrix was caught only in Knysna from September to April. L. amia was found in both systems intermittently throughout the year. Small juveniles were most abundant from November to February in Knysna and from December to February in Swartvlei. Prey selected varies with size and species although there is some overlap. Behavioural and morphological differences are discussed in relation to prey selection.