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.     

Diseases of the domestic fowl in Northern New Zealand

Abstract

Extract

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]).     

A survey of South Island pig herds for serological evidence of Aujeszky's disease

Abstract

Extract

Madam:– Aujeszky's disease (AD) was first diagnosed in New Zealand in 1976.(1 Anon. Aujeszky's disease in N.Z. pigs Surveillance New Zealand 1976 3 2 3 4  [Google Scholar]) While elinical AD has been uncommon and the disease has had no appreeiable impact on the production of pigmeat for the domestic market, the presence of infection denies New Zealand pigmeat acccss to a number of overseas markets.(1 Anon. Aujeszky's disease in N.Z. pigs Surveillance New Zealand 1976 3 2 3 4  [Google Scholar]) Access to these could be obtained if meat were derived from herds certified free from AD.     

A search for infections of Trichinella spiralis in New Zealand pigs

Abstract

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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]).     

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.     

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]).     

The occurrence of dictyocaulus arnfieldi in the lungs of horses

Abstract

Extract

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]).     

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.     

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.     

leptospira interrogans serovar hardjo vaccination against leptospira interrogans serovar balcanica infection

Abstract

Extract

Sir, — Leptospira interrogans serovar balcanica is now recognised as a widespread infection among opossums in New Zealand ⁽²⁾ Hathaway, S. C, Blackmore, D. K. and Marshall, R. B. 1978. The serologic and cultural prevalence of Leptospira interrogans serovar balcanica in opossums (Trichosurus vulpecula) in New Zealand. J. Wild Dis., 14: 345–350. [PubMed], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar] and the possibility of domestic stock acting as accidental hosts has recently been demonstrated. ⁽³⁾ Mackintosh, C. G., Marshall, R. B. and Blackmore, D. K. 1980. Leptospira interrogans serovar balcanica in cattle. N.Z. vet. J., 28: 268–268. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar] With the recent development of hardjo vaccines ⁽¹⁾ Flint, S. H. and Liardet, D. M. 1980. A Trivalent leptospiral vaccine with emphasis on a Leptospira interrogans serovar hardjo component to prevent leptospiruria. N.Z. vet. J., 28: 263–266. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar] ⁽⁴⁾ Marshall, R. B., Broughton, E. S. and Hellstrom, J. S. 1979. Protection of cattle against natural challenge with Leptospira interrogans serovar hardjo using a hardjo - pomona vaccine. N.Z. vet. J., 27: 114–116. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar] for controlling infection with this serovar in the maintenance hosts, stock could be left vulnerable to infection with other prevalent serovars such as balcanica.     

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.     

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

Abstract

Extract

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]).     

The Complement Fixation Test For brucella Ovis

Abstract

Extract

Sir, — Correspondence in your journal has indicated that there is some divergence of opinion about the efficacy of the complement fixation (CF) test for the diagnosis of ovine brucellosis (Brucella ovis) ⁽¹⁾ Hicks, J. D., Burr, G. R., Marshall, D. R. and Vidier, B. M. 1978. CFT inaccurate for epididymitis. N.Z. vet. J., 24: 34–34.  [Google Scholar] ⁽²⁾ Bruére, A. N. and West, D. M. 1978. CFT inaccurate for epididymitis. N.Z. vet. J., 26: 115–115. [Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar] ⁽³⁾ O'Hara, P. J., Anderson, L. D. and Weddell, W. 1978. N.Z. vet. J. CFT inaccurate for epididymitis, 26: 115–116. [Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar] ⁽⁴⁾ Hicks, J. D., Burr, G. R. and Marshall, D. R. and. 1978. CFT inaccurate for epididymitis. N.Z. vet. J., 26: 135–135. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]. A number of letters which have recently been received at the Animal Health Reference Laboratory indicate that this issue is not yet fully resolved. We believe that part of the difficulty is due to misunderstanding about the use and interpretation of the test, and we would therefore like to comment.     

Prolapsed uterus in the cow

Abstract

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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“.     

Congenital pyloric stenosis in two kittens corrected by pyloroplasty

Abstract

Extract

Rural veterinary practice faces difficulties in many parts of the world. Falling farm incomes and increasing costs have sometimes resulted in reduced use of veterinary services. There seems to be widespread agreement that an increased emphasis on preventive medicine would improve the situation for both the farmer and his veterinarian. There appear to be no commonly agreed formal criteria for the development and evaluation of health programmes, either in human or veterinary medicine, but increasing attention is being paid to the problem(1) Anon Statistical indicators for the planning and evaluation of public health programmes: 11th report of the World Health Organisations expert committee on health statistics W. H. O. Tech. Reports No. 365 1971  [Google Scholar] (12) Morris, R. S. 1969. Assessing the ecnomic value of veterinary services to primary industries. Aust. vet. J., 45: 295–300.  [Google Scholar] (14) Morris, R. S. 1975. Criteria for the design and evaluation of bovine mastitis control systems. International Dairy Federation Proceedings, 85: 395–409. In [Google Scholar] (15) Schulberg, H. C., Sheldon, A. and Baker, F., eds. 1970. Program evaluation in the health fields, N.Y.: Behavioural Publications.  [Google Scholar], In some ways the evaluation of animal health programmes should be the easier, for there are fewer ethical problems and economic criteria are of paramount importance in rural practice.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Parainfluenza type 3 virus in cattle with upper respiratory disease

Abstract

Extract

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.     

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.).