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.     

Successful treatment of suspected thoracic nocardiosis in a dog

Abstract

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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.     

The isolation of leptospira serotypes copenhageni and ballum from healthy calves

Abstract

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Bovine Leptospirosis was first recognized in New Zealand in 1950 (Anon., 1951 Anon. N.Z. Department of Agriculture Annual Report 1950–51 1951 28 28  [Google Scholar]). Since then the infection has become widespread, particularly during wet spring and summer months (Anon., 1973 Anon. N.Z. Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries , Research Division Annual Report 1972–73 1973 (in press)  [Google Scholar]). In calves, infection with serotype pomona frequently gives rise to haemoglobinuria and general malaise, while symptoms such as loss of condition and pendulous abdomens which appear suddenly and are followed by sudden death have been associated with copenhageni infections (Dodd and Brackenridge, 1960 Dodd, D. C. and Brackenridge, D. T. 1960. Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae AB infection in calves. N.Z. vet. J., 8: 71–76. [Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar]).     

The occurrence of dictyocaulus arnfieldi in the lungs of horses

Abstract

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The equine lungworm was first reorded in a donkey (Equus asinus) and named Strongylus arnfieldi by Cobbold (1884) Cobbold, T. S. 1884. Veterinarian, 57(349): 4–7. [Cited by Soliman, 1960.] [Google Scholar]. Later it was recognized in the horse by Railliet and placed in the genus Dictyocaulus by Railliet and Henry in 1907. Numerous reports describe its cosmapolitan distribution although the cases de- scribed below appear to be the first published records of it from New Zealand, apart from a Department of Agriculture Report (Anon., 1966 Anon. Animal Research in the New Zealand Department of Agriculture 1964–5 1966 65 65  [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]).     

Toxoplasmosis in piglets

Abstract

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Ovine toxoplasmosis is of importance in New Zealand where it is recognized as the most common cause of intrauterine infection leading to abortion and stillbirths (Hartley and Boyes, 1964 Hartley, W. J. and Boyes, Betty W. 1964. Incidence of ovine perinatal mortality in New Zealand with particular reference to intrauterine infections. N.Z. vet. J., 12: 33–36. [Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar]). Although clinical disease is rare in humans, serological evidence shows a high incidence of subclinical infection with 50% of New Zealand adults over 40 years of age showing positive titres (Manning and Reid, 1956 Manning, J. D. and Reid, J. D. 1956. Toxoplasmosis in New Zealand. A serological survey. N.Z. med. J., 55: 441–447. [PubMed] , [Google Scholar]). There is, however, a paucity of information on the disease incidence in other species in this country. Hartley (1956) Hartley, W. J. 1956. Some observations on canine toxoplasmosis. N.Z. vet. J., 4: 115–118. [Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar] has recorded toxoplasmosis in dogs and fowls. Pneumonia in a pig associated with Toxoplasma gondii was described by Shortridge and Smith (1964) Shortridge, E. H. and Smith, B. 1964. Toxoplasmosis in a pig in New Zealand. N.Z. vet. J., 12: 118–120. [Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar] while, more recently, Shortridge (1968) Shortridge, E. H. 1968. Toxoplasmosis in cats in New Zealand. N.Z. vet. J., 16: 129–130. [Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar] noted two cases of feline toxoplasmosis. This present communication concerns an outbreak of acute toxoplasmosis in several piglets.     

Salmonella infection: Diagnosis and control

Abstract

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In spite of numerous publications on the salmonellae and their effects on various hosts, few countries can assess accurately the annual toll of human illness or economic losses in. livestock as a result of these infections. Attempts are being made, at both international and national levels, to remedy this deficiency, particularly as food-borne salmonellosis in countries with high standards of living and hygiene is becoming a very real problem. Increasing mass food preparation, inadequate storage facilities or methods, a trend towards eating raw or insufficiently cooked fcods, increasing international trade, and possibly decreasing personal resistance, have all been cited as contributing factors. Epidemiological studies have documented the vulnerability of the young, the elderly and those with intercurrent disease or those living in institutions. As the main source of infection for man is food of animal origin (Anon., 1967a Anon. Joint WHO/FAO Expert Committee on Zoonoses. Third Report Tech. Rep. Ser. Wld Hlth Org. No. 1967a 378 33 33  [Google Scholar]), all aspects of the livestock and food industries can expect increasing surveillance. In this review it is proposed to discuss recent advances in the detection of Salmonella organisms in livestock and their environment, as well as the application of control measures relevant to New Zealand farming and industry.     

Diseases of the domestic fowl in Northern New Zealand

Abstract

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Information about diseases in domestic fowls in New Zealand is contained in two books (Anon., 1965 Anon. Specimens for Laboratory Examination N.Z. Department of Agriculture 1965  [Google Scholar]; Anon., 1971 Anon. Diseases of Domestic Animals in New Zealand , 3rd ed. Editorial Services Wellington 1971  [Google Scholar]). The following diseases have been the subject of separate reports: Salmonella newington infection (Flannery, 1954 Bridges, C. H. and Flowers, A. I. 1958. “Iridocyclitis and cataracts associated with an encephalomyelitis in chickens”. In Diseases of Poultry, 4th ed, Edited by: Biester, H. E. and Schwarte, L. H. Ames, Iowa: Iowa State Univ. Press. In [Google Scholar]); lead poisoning (Salisbury et al, 1958 Salisbury, R. M., Staples, E. L. J. and Sutton, M. 1958. Lead poisoning in chickens. N.Z. vet. J., 6: 2–7. [Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar]); Ornithonyssus sylviarum infestation (Thomas and Watson, 1958 Thomas, P. L. and Watson, H. H. 1958. The occurrence in New Zealand of the northern poultry mite, Ornithonyssus sylvarium (Canestrini and Fanzago, 1877). N.Z. vet. J., 6: 47–50. [Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar]); infectious laryngotracheitis (Webster, 1959 Webster, R. G. 1959. Studies on infectious larvnsntracheitis in New Zealand. N.Z. vet. J., 7: 67–71. [Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar]); mycoplasmosis (Pohl, 1966 Pohl, R. M. 1966. Mycoplasmosis in poultry. N.Z. vet. J., 14: 151–151. [Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar]); infectious bronchitis (Pohl, 1967 Pohl, R. M. 1967. Infectious bronchitis in chickens. N.Z. vet. J., 75: 151–151.  [Google Scholar]); uraemia (Pohl, 1968 Pohl, R. M. 1968. Uraemia (infectious nephritis) in chickens in New Zealand. N.Z. vet. J., 16: 188–188. [Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar]); coccidiosis (Pohl, 1969 Pohl, R. M. 1969. Coccidiosis of the fowl in New Zealand. N.Z. vet. J., 17: 249–250. [Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar]); vibriosis (Pohl, et al, 1969 Pohl, R. M., Marshall, R. M. and Pearson, R. 1969. Vibriosis in chickens in New Zealand. N.Z. vet. J., 17: 51–52. [Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar]) and capillariasis (Rickard and Pohl, 1969 Rickard, M. D. and Pohl, R. 1969. Capillariasis of the domestic fowl in New Zealand. N.Z. vet. J., 17: 130–136. [Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar]).     

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])     

Treatment of mange in guinea pigs,hampsters and hedgehogs

Abstract

extract

Sir: — Twenty-five out of 450 guinea pigs in a breeding colony were seen to suffer hair loss, were scurfy, and had scabies-like lesions on their backs. shoulders and rumps. Scrapings of affected areas revealed the presence of Trixacarlls caviae; a species not previously recorded in New Zealand but known in North America and Europe.(4 Kummell, Barbara A., Estes, Stephen A. and Arlian, Larry G. 1980. Trixacarus caviae infestation of guinea pigs. J. Am. vet. med. Ass., 177: 903–908.  [Google Scholar]) (7 Sebesteny, A. 1976. Diseases of guinea pigs. Vet. Rec., 98: 418–423.  [Google Scholar]>     

A search for infections of Trichinella spiralis in New Zealand pigs

Abstract

Extract

Following the occurrence of one case of human trichinosis in New Zealand in 1931 (Lynch, 1932 Lynch, P. P. 1932. N.Z. med. J., 31: 216–216.  [Google Scholar]), a search was made for the larvae of Trichinella spiralis in the diaphragms of pigs. The examinations were made by pressing out pieces of muscle between two glass slides, and examining them under the microscope using a low-power objective. Samples from nearly 20,000 pigs were examined without any infections being found (N.Z. Dept. Agric, 1932 N.Z. Dept. Agric. 1932. Annual Report for 1931–32, : 57–57.  [Google Scholar]).     

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.     

Prevalence of dentigerous cysts (ovine odontogenic cysts) in ewes in the South Island of New Zealand

Abstract

Cysts in the anterior mandible of sheep are reportedly uncommon in New Zealand((1) Bruère, AN and West, DM. “Dentigerous cysts”. In The Sheep. Health, Disease and Production, 214–214. 1993–1993. Palmerston North: Foundation for Continuing Education of the New Zealand Veterinary Association.  [Google Scholar]) although their prevalence and economic significance are unknown. They usually develop around an unerupted permanent incisor, perhaps as a result of an abnormality in the eruption process, but their pathogenesis is not clear. They appear as solitary swellings which grow slowly and are lined by stratified squamous epithelium. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of these lesions in mixed-age ewes at meat plants in the South Island of New Zealand.     

A survey of new zealand cattle sera for antibodies to infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus

Abstract

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Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) virus has been associated with respiratory infection (Webster and Manktelow, 1959 Webster, R. C. and Manktelow, B. W. 1959. Some; observations on bovine rhinotracheitis in New Zealand. N.Z. vet. J., 7: 143–148. [Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar]) and genital infections (Manktelow and Hansen, 1961 Manketlow, B. W. and Hansen, N. F. 1961. The isolation of a cytopathic agent resembling the virus of infectious bovine rhinotracheitis from an outbreak of pustular vulvovaginitis in cattle. N.Z. vet. J., 9: 136–140.  [Google Scholar]) in New Zealand. The possible role of IBR virus in abortion has been reviewed by Durham (1974 Durham, P. J. K. 1974. Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virusand its role in bovine abortion. N.Z. vet. J., 22: 175–179. [Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar]).     

Hypocuprosis: A clinical investigation of dairy herds in Northland

Abstract

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Northand has a wide variety of soil types, many of which are strongly leached wet clays with thin topsoils and low subsoil fertility. The copper status of many of these soils is low (Cunningham et at.,1956 Cunningham, I. J., Hogan, K. G. and Breen, J. N. 1956. The copper and molybdenum contents of pastures grown on the different soils of New Zealand. N.Z. Jl Sci. Tech., 38: 225–238.  [Google Scholar]; Taylor et al., 1956 Taylor, N. H., Cunningham, I. J. and Davies, E. B. 1956. Soil type in relation to mineral deficiencies. Paper, 9: 32–32. Int. Grassland Conf., N.Z., 1956. [Google Scholar]; Wells, 1957 Wells, N. 1957. Soil studies using sweet vernal to assess element availability. N.Z. Jl Sci. Tech., 38: 884–902.  [Google Scholar]). Copper deficiency (hypocuprosis), has been reported at various times in both cattle and sheep in this part of New Zealand, but the incidence was considered to be low and confined to a few localized areas.     

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

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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 investigations into the epidemiology of ovine toxoplasmosis

Abstract

Extract

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.     

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.     

Parainfluenza type 3 virus in cattle with upper respiratory disease

Abstract

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Parainfluenza type 3(Pl₃) virus has been associated with upper respiratory disease of cattle in many countries (Hoerlein et al., 1959 Bögel, K. 1961. Virologische Undersuchungsbefunde bei Kalbern mit respiratoris-chem Syndrom unter besonderer Berucksichtigung der Parainfluenza 3 Myxovirus. Mh. Tierheilk, 13: 129–129. 162. [Cited by Jolly, R. D., (1967), N.Z. vet. J., 15: 43–4.] [Google Scholar]; Bögel, 1961 Campbell, R. S. F. 1972. “Virus diseases of cattle. Virology and Virus Disease”. In Proc. No. 16 of Course for Veterinarians, 132–132. University of Sydney.  [Google Scholar]; Reisinger, 1962 Carter, Margery E. and Hunter, R. 1970. Isolation of parainfluenza type 3 virus from sheep in New Zealand. N.Z. vet. J., 18: 226–227. [Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar]; Jolly and Ditchfield, 1965 Curtis, R. A. and Sutton, R. H. 1972. Chronic granular rhinitis (nasal catarrh) of cattle. N.Z. vet. J., 20: 125–125. [Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar]). However, PI₃ virus has not been isolated from cattle with respiratory disease in New Zealand although a serological study found that 89.3% of cows had significant levels of antibody against PI₃ virus (Pastier and Hansen, 1966). In most cases infections are subclinical, and there is little evidence to suggest that PI₃ virus is an important cause of disease in New Zealand cattle (Jolly, 1967 Fastier, L. B. and Hansen, N. F. 1966. The occurrence of antibodies to bovine virus diarrhoea, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis and parainfluenza 3 viruses in sera from New Zealand cattle. N.Z. vet J., 14: 27–32. [Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar]). This communication records an outbreak of upper respiratory disease in cattle from which PI₃ virus was isolated.