Response of cobalt deficient lambs to cobaltic oxide pellets

Abstract

Extract

In New Zealand, cobalt-containing drenches are recommended for the field diagnosis of cobalt deficiency, but find little use as a routine method of controlling the disease. For the latter purpose, cobaltized licks have a place on extensively-grazed untopdressed hill country. Otherwise, topdressing pastures annually with cobalt sulphate, usually as cobaltized superphosphate, has proved the best method of prevention (N.Z. Dept. Agric, 1954 N.Z. Dept. Agric. 1954. N.Z. Dept. Agric. Bull.,  [Google Scholar]; Andrews, 1956 Andrews, E. D. 1956. N.Z. J. Agric., 92: 239–239.  [Google Scholar]). In Australia, however, greater reliance has been placed on drenches and licks, partly because cobalt topdressing is regarded as uneconomic on the extensive undeveloped holdings usually associated with cobalt deficiency in that country, and partly because the effects of cobalt applied to the land have often proved ephemeral, particularly on the acutely-deficient calcareous coastal sands (Lee, 1950 Lee, H. J. 1950. Aust. vet. J., 26: 152–152. [Crossref], [PubMed] , [Google Scholar]; Bennetts, 1955 Bennetts, H. W. 1955. J. Agric. West Ami., 4: 42–42.  [Google Scholar]). However, recent work in South Australia opens up an entirely new approach to the control of cobalt deficiency disease. Dewey et al. (1958 Dewey, D. W., Lee, H. J. and Marston, H. R. 1958. Nature (Lond), 181: 1367–1367.  [Google Scholar]) report that when semi-porous pellets containing cobaltic oxide are administered to sheep they are retained in the reticulum, or less commonly in the rumen, and release a continuous and adequate supply of cobalt to the animal. Phalaris staggers and cobalt deficiency disease can be prevented in this way.     

A study of the pattern of staphylococcal contamination of the udders of cows in a dairy herd

Abstract

Extract

The results of the 1965–6 New Zealand national mastitis survey (Anon., 1967 Anon Ann. Rep. Res. Div. N.Z. Dept. Agric. 1966–67 1967 77 78  [Google Scholar]) indicated that β-haemolytic staphylococci were the most common bacteria isolated from the milk of dairy cows. Effective control of β-haemolytic stapyhlococci on a national scaledepends ultimately upon an understanding of population changes of this organism within the cow and within the herd.     

An indirect haemagglutination test for the detection of Brucella ovis antibodies

Abstract

Extract

Surveys on perinatal infection in lambs in New Zealand have been reported and the pathology and bacteriology of the conditions described (Hartley and Boyes, 1955 Hartley, W. J. and Boyes, Betty W. 1955. Proc. N.Z. Soc. anim. Prod., 15: 120–120.  [Google Scholar], 1964 Hartley, W. J. and Boyes, Betty W. 1964. N.Z. vet J., 12: 33–33. [Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar]; McFarlane, 1955 McFarlane, D. 1955. Proc. N.Z. Soc. anim. Prod., 15: 104–104.  [Google Scholar]; Hartley and Kater, 1964 Hartley, W. J. and Kater, Joan C. 1964. N.Z. vet. J., 12: 49–49. [Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar]). Potentially pathogenic organisms were isolated from 58 to 288 lambs from five flocks, Clostridium septicum being isolated from five of these cases (Hartley and Boyes, 1955 Hartley, W. J. and Boyes, Betty W. 1955. Proc. N.Z. Soc. anim. Prod., 15: 120–120.  [Google Scholar]). In another survey, 5.5% of lambs born dead or dying up to 4 weeks of age died from navel infection. Clostridium septicum was isolated from 69% of 48 consecutive cases (Hartley and Boyes, 1964 Hartley, W. J. and Boyes, Betty W. 1964. N.Z. vet J., 12: 33–33. [Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar]). McFarlane (1955 McFarlane, D. 1955. Proc. N.Z. Soc. anim. Prod., 15: 104–104.  [Google Scholar]) recorded that 7.3% of perinatal mortality was due to navel infection but no bacteriology was carried out nor was the organism suspected stated. On individual farms, up to 15% of lambs recorded died from navel ill. It should be pointed out that, in this survey, only small numbers of lambs were received from some properties.     

Tutu poisoning in dogs

Abstract

Extract

Tutu (Coriaria arborea Lindsay) is a small tree or shrub, variable in height, with leaves lin. to 3in. long, oblong and sessile, which has many flowers in long, drooping racemes. The fruit is purplish-black and is enveloped by juicy, persistent, and enlarged petals. It is a shrub that is found abundantly on certain river banks, bush, scrub, and tussock grassland throughout New Zealand (Connor, 1951 Aston, B. C. 1934. N.Z.J. Agric, 49: 150–150.  [Google Scholar]). The green fruit and associated racemes, and also the flowering racemes, are highly toxic. The ripe fruit is relatively not as toxic (Easterfield, 1901 Christie, L. 1890. N.Z. med. J., 4: 1–1.  [Google Scholar]).     

Polio-encephalomalacia of sheep

Abstract

Extract

Increasing references have been made in the recent veterinary literature to malacic diseases of the nervous system in sheep and other animals. Plowright (1954 Cordy, D. R. 19S4. J. Neuropath., 13: 330–330.  [Google Scholar]) and Innes and Plowright (1955 Hartley, W. J. 1956. N.Z.vet.J., 4: 129–129. [Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar]) have described a focal symmetrical spinal poliomalacia of unknown aetiology in sheep in Kenya. In the U.S.A., Cordy (1954 Haymaker, W., Ginzler, A. M. and Ferguson, R. L. 1952. Military Surgeon, 111: 231–231.  [Google Scholar]) has described a focal symmetrical encephalomalacia of horses following the ingestion of a species of thistle, and Jensen et al. (1956 Hurst, E. W. 1940. Aust. J. exp. Biol. med. Sci., 18: 201–201.  [Google Scholar]) have described an idiopathic polio-encephalomalacia in cattle and sheep. In New Zealand, Hartley (1956 Innes, J. R. M. and Plowright, W. 1955. J. Neuropath., 14: 185–185.  [Google Scholar]) has described a focal symmetrical encephalomalacia (F.S.E.) of lambs that may be related to the sublethal effects of the toxin of Clostridium perfringens (welchii) Type D. Smith (1957 Jensen, Rue, Griner, L. A. and Adams, O. R. 1956. J. Amer. vet. med. Ass., 129: 311–311. [PubMed] , [Google Scholar]) has described widespread lesions of polio-encephalomalacia together with eosinophilic meningoencephalitis in sodium chloride poisoning of swine.     

Some observations on the differences in incidences between Echinococcus granulosus and Taenia hydatigena in the livers of sheep in New Zealand

Abstract

Extract

The object of this report is to record observations on the differences in incidence between Echinococcus granulosus and Taenia hydatigena in the livers of sheep of different age groups in New Zealand. The method of collection of data, examination, and classification of animals in these surveys have previously been described (Gemmell, 1961a Gemmell, M. A. 1961a. N.Z. vet. J., 9: 29–29. [Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar], 1961b Gemmell, M. A. 1961b. N.Z. vet. J., 9: 37–37. [Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar]).     

Diseases of the central nervous system of pigs

Abstract

Extract

Sir — The recently published advances by Done (1957 Done, J. T. 1957. Vet. Rec., 69: 1341–1341.  [Google Scholar]). Done et al. (1957 Done, J. T., Brooksbank, N. H. and Buntain, D. 1957. Vet. Rec., 69: 67–67.  [Google Scholar]) and Harding cl al. (1957 Harding, T. D. J., Done, J. T. and Kershaw, G. F. 1957. Vet. Rec., 69: 824–824.  [Google Scholar]); ill Great Britain concerning the knowledge of different disease of the central nervous system ot pigs have prompted a closer examination of these diseases by Diagnostic Officers of the Animal Research Division in this country.     

Escherichia coli infection in lambs

Abstract

Extract

Published records of Escherichia coli infection in lambs have appeared with increasing frequency in recent years. Reports have come from Australia (Roberts, 1957 Roberts, D. S. 1957. Anst. vet. J., 33: 43–43.  [Google Scholar], 1958 Roberts, D. S. 1958. Anst. vet. J., 34: 152–152.  [Google Scholar]; Charles, 1957 Charles, G. 1957. Anst. vet. J., 33: 329–329.  [Google Scholar]) and from Britain (Terlecki and Shaw, 1959 Terlecki, S. and Shaw, W. G. 1959. Vet. Rec., 71: 181–181.  [Google Scholar]; Rees, 1958 Rees, T. A. 1958. J. comp. Path., 68: 399–399.  [Google Scholar]; Hughes, 1962 Hughes, L. E. 1962. Vet. Rec., 74: 350–350.  [Google Scholar]). In the Australian outbreaks, the age of affected lambs ranged from three to eight weeks, while in the British outbreaks lambs became affected within one day of birth. In both countries the illness lasted from one to three days. Characteristically, the infection localized in the central nervous system leading to purulent meningo-encephahtis, and in the joints causing fibrino-purulent arthritis.     

Successful treatment of suspected thoracic nocardiosis in a dog

Abstract

Extract

Sir, — The leptospiral serovars that have been cultured in New Zealand are pomona, copenhageni, ballum and hardjo. (Anon., 1951 Anon. N.Z. Dept Agric. A. Rep. 1950–1 1951 28 28  [Google Scholar]; Kirschner and Gray, 1951 Kirsch, W. 1974. Clinical observations in infection with L. tarassovi. Proc. int. Symp. on Leptospiroses, Smolenice, : 277–279. Czechoslovakia, September 11 to 13, 1973 [Google Scholar]; Anon., 1967a Anon. Leptospiral Serotype Distribution Listsaccording to Host and Geographical Area U.S. Dept of Health, Education and Welfare. Public Health Service 1966  [Google Scholar]; Lake, 1973 Kirschner, L. and Gray, W. G. 1951. Leptospirosis in New Zealand. N.Z. med. J., 50: 342–351.  [Google Scholar], respectively.) Serological evidence of serovar tarassovi has been published (Russell and Hansen, 1958 Rogers, R. J., Flanagan, M. and Hill, M. W. M. 1972. A survey of infectious causes of reproductive failure in beef cattle in north-eastern Australia. Aust. vet. J., 48: 203–207.  [Google Scholar]) but it is believed that until now no members of this serogroup have been isolated in New Zealand.     

Brucella ovis vaccination of rams

Abstract

Extract

An infectious epididymitis of rams caused by Brucella ovis (Buddie, 1956 Buddle, M. B. 1956. J. Hygiene, 54: 351–351.  [Google Scholar]) infection, first described in Australia (Simmons and Boyes, 1953 Simmons, C. G. and Hall, W. J. K. 1953. Aust.vet.J., 29: 33–33. [Crossref] , [Google Scholar]) and New Zealand (Buddie and Boyes, 1953 Buddle, M. B. and Boyes, B. W. 1953. Aust.vet. J., 29: 145–145. [Crossref] , [Google Scholar]) was recognized subsequently in Czechoslovakia (Gdovin et al, 1955 Gdovin, T., Hrudka, F., Chladecky, E. and Koppel, Z. 1955. Shorn, ces. Akad. zemedelsk Ved., 28: 617–617.  [Google Scholar]), the United States (McGowan and Shultz, 1956 McGowan, B. and Shultz, G. 1956. Cornel Vet., 46: 277–277.  [Google Scholar]), South Africa (Van Rensburg et al, 1958 Van Rensburg, S. W. J., Van Heerden, K. M., Le Roux, D. J. and Snyders, A. J. 1958. J.S.Afr. vet. med. Ass., 29: 223–223.  [Google Scholar]), Rumania (Tudoriu, et al, 1958 Tudoriu, C. D., Andrei, M., Draghici, D. and Moldoveanu, P. 1958. Anu. Inst. Pat.Igien. anim. Bucaresti, 8: 5–5.  [Google Scholar]), and South America (Dr Justo Zomara B, 1961, pers. comm.). As the infection can affect ram fertility and, further, can be responsible for abortion in ewes and perinatal mortality in lambs, attention has been directed to the development, evaluation, and application of control measures in a number of important sheep-raising countries.     

Bovine abortion caused by infection with Leptospira pomona

Abstract

Extract

A gram-negative pleomorphic facultative aerobic organism, indistinguishable morphologically and culturally from that isolated from suppurative epididymitis in rams and described by Dodd &; Hartley (1955) Dodd, D. C. and Hartley, W. J. 1955. N.Z. vet. J., 3: 105–105. [Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar], has, over the last five years, been isolated at this laboratory on more than ten occasions from polytenosynovitis and pyaemia in lambs, and on one occasion from mastitis in a ewe. It still remains to characterize and classify this organism, but Roberts has made a detailed comparison of it with his Histophilus ovis (Roberts, 1956 Roberts, D. S. 1956. Aust. vet. J., 32: 330–330.  [Google Scholar]) and considers that the two are indistinguishable (Roberts, 1958, pers. comm.).     

Prolapsed uterus in the cow

Abstract

Extract

Sir,—In his clinical communication on reposition of the prolapsed uterus in the cow, Irvine (1964) Irvine, C. H. G. 1964. N.Z. vet. J., 12: 63–63. [Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar] stated that he “believes that the intestine is contained in all but the smallest prolapses“.     

The incidence of gastro-intestinal nematodes in cattle in New Zealand

Abstract

Extract

Despite the importance of the beef and dairy industries in this country, little attention has been given to parasitic gastroenteritis as an animal health problem in cattle, although McMeekan (1954 McMeekan, C. P. 1954. Proc. Ruakura Farmers Conference Week, : 186–186.  [Google Scholar]) has stated that helminths are most commonly associated with severe unthriftiness and losses in dairy calves after weaning. Apart from a recent report of a drenching trial in cattle (Cairns and Gallagher, 1964 Cairns, G. C. and Gallagher, R. M. 1964. N.Z. vet J., 12: 26–26. [Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar]), there is a complete lack of published information on either the importance and prevalence of the disease in New Zealand, or on the host-parasite relationships concerned in the epidemiology of the disease. Similarly the literature is devoid of data relating to the incidence and distribution of the various parasite species.     

Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae AB infection in calves

Abstract

Extract

Recent surveys carried out by the Veterinary Investigation Service in Britain (1959 Veterinary Investigation Service. 1959. Vet. Rec, 71: 777–777.  [Google Scholar], 1960 Veterinary Investigation Service. 1960. Vet. Rec., 72: 1240–1240.  [Google Scholar]) into the causes of mortality in pigs confirmed the general impression that, in spite of advances in therapy and prophylaxis during the last 20 years, the mortality rate in piglets below 8 weeks of age is still in the region of 25 per cent of live births, a figure depressingly similar to, and indeed somewhat above, that obtained by Menzies-Kitchin (1937 Menzies-Kitchin, A.W. 1937. J. agric Sci., 27: 611–611.  [Google Scholar], 1938 Menzies-Kitchin, A.W. 1938. Pig Breeders' Annual, 18: 35–35.  [Google Scholar]) before the war. The surveys also analysed all deaths by age groups, organs affected and aetiological agent, in an attempt to define as precisely as possible the disease problems in British pigs.     

The experimental production of hyperkeratosis in young calves by the use of a pentachlorinated naphthalene compound

Abstract

Extract

Following the occurrence in the field of typical cases of hyperkeratosis (Haughey and Cooper, 1953 Haughey, K. G. and Cooper, B. S. 1953. N.Z.vet.J., 1: 99–103. [Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar]) which was associated with the use of a pentachlorinated naphthalene wood preserving compound, it was decided to attempt to reproduce this disease under experimental conditions.     

Deaths due to goitre in new-born lambs prevented by iodized poppy-seed oil

Abstract

Extract

In a previous publication (Sinclair and Andrews, 1958 Sinclair, D. P. 1958. N.Z. vet. J., 6: 87–87. [Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar]) the writers discussed methods of preventing goitre in lambs from ewes fed brassica crops. In particular, it was found that two oral doses of an inorganic iodine compound, one given. about two months and the other about one month before lambing, largely prevented signs of the disease. Death rates associated with severe outbreaks were markedly reduced. Later, Myers and Ross (1959 Myers, Ballinda J. and Ross, D.A. 1959. N.Z. J. agric. Res., 2: 552–552. [Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar]) reported that injections of “Neo-Hydriol” (May and Baker) an iodized poppy-seed oil preparation of specific gravity 1·375 and containing 40 per cent, (weight/weight) of bound iodine, had a significant effect on the thyroid glands of ewes as measured by decreased cell height and increased iodine content. The main aims of the work reported here were to determine the effects of single injections of Neo-Hydriol given to ewes grazed during the last two months of pregnancy on thousand-headed kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala), on gestation periods, lamb lamb birth weights, lamb thyroid glands, and the high death rate accompanying severe goitre in new-born lambs.     

Possible adverse reaction to droncit in a miniature poodle

Abstract

Extract

Madam:— The N.Z.V.A. Nominee on the National Hydatids Council, Mr Peter Malone, in his annual report states that he knows of “no professional concerns that would allow certificates to be issued to exempt dogs from dosing with droncit, and on receipt of copies of such certificates will continue to forward them to the Veterinary Council to examine for disciplinary action”. (1 1985. Report of the N.Z.V.A. Nominee on the National Hydatids Council: N.Z.V.A. Annual Report 43–43.  [Google Scholar] In September 1985 I examined a nine year old miniature poodle dog that had been dosed with droncit by a hydatids control officer two hours previously. The dog had collapsed into lateral recumbancy, was pale and cyanotic with a rectal temperature of 37.3°C. Cardiac and thoracic auscultation was normal, and no other abnormal clinical signs were detected. There was no previous history of similar episodes and the dog has been dosed with droncit several times beforehand without problems. The dog was treated with betamethasone and millophylline and made a full recovery within 48 hours.     

Effect of infestation by nematodes of the family Trichostrongylidae upon the liveweight gain and wool production of young sheep

Abstract

Extract

Much work has been, carried out in New Zealand to ascertain the response in young sheep to drenching with anthelmintics (for review see Whitten, 1954 Brown, H. D., Matzuk, A. K., Iives, I. R., Peterson, L. H., Harris, S. A., Sarett, L. H., Egerton, J. R., Yakstis, J. J., Campbell, W. C. and Cuckler, A. C. 1961. J. Amer. chem. Soc, 83: 1764–1764. [Crossref], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]). Clarke &; Filmer (1958) Brunsdon, R. V. 1960. N.Z. vet. J., 9: 13–13.  [Google Scholar] have also examined response to drenching in their studies on hogget' ill-thrift. As Whitten (1954) Clarke, E. A. and Filmer, D. B. 1958. N.Z. J. agric. Res., 1: 382–382. [Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar] has shown, results of past drenching trials have been extremely variable. In some cases little or no response has been observed, in others considerable increases; in weight gains have been achieved. More recently, Robertson (1963) Gordon, H. McL. 1961. Nature, 191: 1409–1409. [Lond.] [Google Scholar] has summarized the results of part of an extensive series of country-wide post-weaning drenching trials conducted by the Department of Agriculture with the new anthelmintic thiabendazole. In those trials consistent, weight gain responses were recorded in favour of the drenched animals. However, most of the published data are from trials involving strategic drenching programmes designed to control or limit infestation rather than to suppress completely, patent infestation. Most of these trials have been confined to late summer, autumn and winter, and few have attempted to cover the entire first year of young sheep. Furthermore, little attempt has hitherto been made to correlate responses obtained with the changing degree and species composition of infestation throughout the course of the trial.     

A field experiment to evaluate a practical hygiene programme for the control of bovine mastitis

Abstract

Extract

The control of the spread of mastitis infection by good hygiene in the milking shed has long been advocated but the methods used have varied in their efficiency and practicability. Moller (1957 Moller, K. 1957. N.Z. vet. J., 5: 79–79. [Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar]) reported good results in the control of Streptococcus agalactiae infection when running water was used to wash the udder, and teat cups were dipped in Chlorhexidine solution between cows. However, many farmers find that dipping cups is irksome and, unless it is carefully done, it becomes ineffective.     

Acute lameness in sheep caused Corynebacterium pyogenes

Abstract

Extract

Feild outbreaks of acute lameness in sheep in New Zealand are usually attributed to contagious footrot (Fusiformis nodosus) (Beveridge, 1941 Beveridge, W. I. B. 1941. Bull. Counc. Sci. indusir. Res. Aust., 140 [Google Scholar]), foot abscess (Sphaerophorus necrophorus) (Gregory, 1939 Gregory, T. S. 1939. Aust. vet. J., 15: 160–160.  [Google Scholar]), or so-called “nutritional scald” Occasionally Erysipelothrix rhusio pathiae is also responsible (Whitten, 1951 Whitten, L. K. 1951. Aust. vet. J., 28: 6–6.  [Google Scholar]).