leptospira interrogans serovar hardjo vaccination against leptospira interrogans serovar balcanica infection

Abstract

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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.     

Prevalence of Neospora antibodies in New Zealand dairy cattle and dogs

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Neospora caninum is a major cause of disease in cattle and dogs, manifesting with abortions in cattle, and hind limb paresis in mostly young dogs ⁽¹⁾ Dubey, JP and Lindsay, DS. 1996. A review of Neospora caninum and neosporosis. Veterinary Parasitology, 67: 1–59. [Crossref], [PubMed], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]. Previous reports from New Zealand suggest that around 30% of bovine abortions may be due to Neospora ⁽²⁾ Thornton, RN, Thompson, EJ and Dubey, JP. 1991. Neospora abortion in New Zealand cattle. New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 39: 129–133. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar] ⁽³⁾ Thornton, R. 1992. Bovine abortions — Laboratory diagnosis 1991. Surveillance, 19: 24–24.  [Google Scholar] and that about 40% of recently aborted dairy cows have antibodies against Neospora ⁽⁴⁾ Reichel, MP and Drake, JM. 1996. The diagnosis of Neospora abortions in cattle. New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 44: 151–154. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar].     

Protein nutrition of dairy cattle

Abstract

In the June 1998 issue of the New Zealand Veterinay Journal, a clinical review was published focusing on aspects of the protein nutrition of dairy cattle (Westwood et al., 1998 Westwood, CT,, Lean, IJ, and Kellaway, RC. 1998. Indications and implications for testing milk urea in dairy cattle: A quantitative review. Part 1. Dietary protein sources and metabolism. New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 46: 87–96. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]). The authors wrote: “Most species of rumen bacteria can use ammonia for growth, but some, particularly bacteria which ferment cell wall carbohydrates, use or have obligate requirements for amino acids and peptides (Russel et al., 1992 Russel, JB,, O’Connor, JD,, Fox, DG,, Soest, PJ, van and Sniffen, CJ. 1992. A net carbohydrate and protein system for evaluating cattle diets. I. Ruminal fermentation. Journal of Animal Science, 70: 3551–61. [PubMed], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar])”.     

Neurological laryngeal paralysis in the dog

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It is always satisfying to attempt to explain the clinical signs of a disease from the altered physiology that occurs. In the article Neurogenic laryngeal paralysis in the dog(1 Burbidge, H, Goulden, BE and Jones, BR. 1991. Neurogenic laryngeal paralysis in the dog. New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 39: 83–87. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]) the clinical signs of laryngeal stridor, increased respiratory rate and exercise intolerance could be explained as follows:     

Heat stress as a manageable risk factor to mitigate pneumonia in lambs

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The paper by Goodwin et al (2004 Goodwin, KA, Jackson, R, Brown, C, Davies, PR, Morris, RS and Perkins, NR. 2004. Pneumonic lesions in lambs in New Zealand: patterns of prevalence and effects on production. New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 52: 175–9. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]) which appeared in the August 2004 issue of the New Zealand Veterinary Journal highlighted the prevalence and costs to the sheep industry of pneumonia in lambs. The costs are considerable, and the article begs the question, “what can sheep farmers do to reduce the effects of pneumonia in lambs?”     

Re: Regional variations in the nematode worm populations of breeding ewes in New Zealand

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The paper by Hervé et al (2003) Hervé, M, McAnulty, RW, Logan, CM and Sykes, AR. 2003. Regional variations in the nematode worm populations of breeding ewes in New Zealand. New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 51: 159–164. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar] which appeared in the August 2003 issue of the New Zealand Veterinary Journal reported on regional differences in the relative proportions of nematode parasite species cultured from faecal samples collected from ewes during lactation.     

Leptospirosis in a lamb

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Recently, we reported on outbreaks of Leptospira interrogans serovar pomona infection in newly weaned lambs(1) Vermunt, JJ, West, DM, Cooke, MM, Alley, MR and Collins-Emerson, J. 1994. Observations on three outbreaks of Leptospira interrogans serovar pomona infection in lambs. New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 42: 133–6. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]. It was suggested that wet environmental conditions played an important role in the pathogenesis of the disease in that class of sheep. This communication presents observations on another case of ovine leptospirosis, one that occurred under different circumstances, i.e. different season, age and environmental conditions.     

Filaroides infections in wild ferrets (Mustela putorius) and stoats (Mustela erminea)

Abstract

Species of metastrongylid nematodes of the genus Filaroides have been recorded in various hosts throughout the world(1) Anderson, RC. 1978. “No.5. Keys to the genera of the superfamily Metastrongyloidea”. In CIH Keys to the Nematode Parasites of Vertebrates, Edited by: Anderson, RC, Chabaud, AG and Willmott, S. 3–4. Wallingford: CAB International.  [Google Scholar]. In New Zealand, the only known species is Filaroides (= Oslerus) osleri, which occurs in wart-like nodules near the bifurcation of the trachea of the dog(2) Jones, BR, Clark, WT, Collins, GH and Johnstone, AC. 1977. Filuroides osleri in a dog. New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 25: 103–104. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar].     

Titres After Leptospiral Vaccines

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Sir, — It appears that Drs Marshall et al.⁽¹⁾ Marshall, R.B., Manktelow, B.W. and Scholium, L.M. 1982. Standardisation of serology for leptospirosis. N.Z. vet. J., 30: 126–126. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar] have missed the cardinal point of our paper on an unusual serological response in calves after use of a leptospiral vaccine. ⁽²⁾ Marshall, R.B., Manktelow, B.W. and Scholium, L.M. 1982. Standardisation of serology for leptospirosis. N.Z. vet. J., 30: 126–126. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar] That point, of course, was that after use of one leptospiral vaccine, but not another, post-vaccination microscopic agglutination titres of calves were indistinguishable from post-infection titres, whatever the actual titres may have been.     

Demodex spp. infestation and suspected demodicosis of alpacas (Vicugna pacos) in New Zealand

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Ectoparasites known to cause skin lesions in alpacas (Vicugna pacos) include the mites Sarcoptes scabiei, Chorioptes bovis and Psoroptes spp., and the lice Microthoracius mazzai and Bovicola breviceps (Cicchino et al. 1998 Cicchino, AC, Munoz, Cobenas ME, Bulman, GM, Diaz, JC and Laos, A. 1998. Identification of Microthoracius mazzai (Phthiraptera: Anoplura) as an economically important parasite of alpacas. Journal of Medical Entomology, 35: 922–930.  [Google Scholar]; Foster et al. 2007 Foster, A, Jackson, A and D'alterio, GL. 2007. Skin diseases of South American camelids. In Practice, 29: 216–223. [Crossref], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]). Occasionally, Demodex spp. infestations have been reported or mentioned as incidental fi ndings in llamas (Lama glama) (Atlee et al. 1997 Atlee, BA, Stannard, AA, Fowler, ME, Willemse, T, Ihrke, PJ and Olivry, T. 1997. The histology of the normal llama skin. Veterinary Dermatology, 8: 165–176. [Crossref], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]) and alpacas (Foster et al. 2007 Foster, A, Jackson, A and D'alterio, GL. 2007. Skin diseases of South American camelids. In Practice, 29: 216–223. [Crossref], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]). So far, only Sarcoptes scabiei (McKenna et al. 2005 McKenna, PB, Hill, FI and Gillett, R. 2005. Sarcoptes scabiei infection on an alpaca (Lama pacos. New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 53: 213–213. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]), Chorioptes bovis (Arthur 1997 Arthur, DG. 1997. Diseases of lamoids in New Zealand. Surveillance, 24(1): 29–30.  [Google Scholar], non-peer reviewed) and Bovicola breviceps (Palma et al. 2006 Palma, RL, McKenna, PB and Aitken, P. 2006. Confirmation of the occurrence of the chewing louse Bovicola (Lepikentron) breviceps (Insecta: Phthiraptera: Trichodectidae) on alpacas (Lamas pacos) in New Zealand. New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 54: 253–254. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]) have been recorded on lamoids in New Zealand. Here, we report the first record of Demodex spp. infestation of an alpaca in New Zealand.     

Neospora caninum infection in an aborted bovine foetus in Brazil

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Neospora caninum is an apicomplexan protozoan parasite first reported in dogs (Bjerkås et al., 1984 Bjerkås, I, Mohn, SF and Presthus, J. 1984. Unidentified cyst-forming sporozoan causing encephalomyelitis and myositis in dogs. Zeitschrift für Parasitenk, 70: 271–274. [Crossref], [PubMed], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]; Dubey et al., 1988a Dubey, JP, Carpenter, JL, Speer, CA, Topper, MJ and Uggla, A. 1988a. Newly recognized fatal protozoan disease of dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 192: 1269–1285. [PubMed], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar], Dubey et al., 1988b Dubey, JP, Hattel, AL, Lindsay, DS and Topper, MJ. 1988b. Neonatal Neospora caninum infection in dogs: Isolation of the causative agent and experimental transmission. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 193: 1259–1263.  [Google Scholar]) and subsequently recognised as a cause of bovine abortion (Dubey and Lindsay, 1993 Dubey, JP and Lindsay, DS. 1993. Neosporosis. Parasitology Today, 9: 452–458.  [Google Scholar]). Natural N. caninum infections have been reported in other animal species including the goat, sheep, horse and deer (Dubey and Lindsay, 1996 Dubey, JP and Lindsay, DS. 1996. A review of Neospora caninum and neosporosis. Veterinary Parasitology, 67: 1–59. [Crossref], [PubMed], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]). The dog was recently identified as definitive host of the parasite (McAllister et al., 1998 McAllister, MM, Dubey, JP, Lindsay, DS, Jolley, WR, Wills, RA and McGuire, AM. 1998. Dogs are definitive hosts of Neosporu caninum. International Journal for Parasitology, 28: 1473–1478. [Crossref], [PubMed], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]). Neospora caninum has a worldwide distribution (Barber et al., 1995 Barber, JS, Holmdahl, OJM, Owen, MR, Uggla, A and Trees, AJ. 1995. Characterization of the first European isolate of Neosporu caninum (Dubey, Carpenter,Speer, Topper and Uggla). Parasitology, 111: 563–568.  [Google Scholar]; Duivenvoorden, 1995 Duivenvoorden, J. 1995. Neospora abortions in eastern Ontario dairy herds. Canadian Veterinary Journal, 36: 623–623.  [Google Scholar]; Jardine and Wells, 1995 Jardine, JE and Wells, BH. 1995. Bovine neosporosis in Zimbabwe. Veterinary Record, 137: 223–223.  [Google Scholar]; Stenlund et al., 1997 Stenlund, S, Bjorkman, C, Holmdahl, OJM, Kindahl, H and Uggla, A. 1997. Characterization of a Swedish bovine isolate of Neospora caninum. Parasitology Research, 83: 214–219.  [Google Scholar]; Thornton et al., 1991 Thornton, RN, Thompson, EJ and Dubey, JP. 1991. Neospora abortion in New Zealand cattle. New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 39: 129–133. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]; Umemura et al., 1992 Umemura, T, Shiraki, K, Morita, T, Shimada, A, Haritani, M, Kobayashi, M and Yamagata, S. 1992. Neosporosis in a dog: The first case report in Japan. Journal of the Veterinary Medical Science, 54: 157–159.  [Google Scholar]) but the presence of N. caninum in Brazil has not been confirmed.     

Lethal effect of intraruminal barium chloride administration in gloats

Abstract

Magnesium absorption in ruminants is reduced by high potassium intakes (Fontenot et al., 1989 Fontenot, JP,, Allen, VG,, Bunce, GE , and Goff, JP. 1989. Factors influencing magnesium absorption and metabolism in ruminants. Journal of Animal Science, 67: 3445–55.  [Google Scholar]), which might relate to a change in the transmural potential difference at the level of the rumen (Martens etal., 1987 Martens, H,, Gäbel, G, and Strozyk, H. 1987. The effect of potassium and the transmural potential difference on magnesium transport across an isolated preparation of sheep rumen epithelium. Quarterly Journal of Experimental Physiology, 72: 181–8. [PubMed], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]). In-vitro experiments with ruminal epithelium have shown that barium ions, which block potassium channels in cell membranes, alter the transepithelial potential difference when added to the mucosal side in the form of BaCl₂, (Martens et al., 1987 Martens, H,, Gäbel, G, and Strozyk, H. 1987. The effect of potassium and the transmural potential difference on magnesium transport across an isolated preparation of sheep rumen epithelium. Quarterly Journal of Experimental Physiology, 72: 181–8. [PubMed], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]). Concentrations up to 4 mM Ba are used to block potassium channels in cell membranes. In the course of our studies on magnesium absorption in ruminants, we wished to alter the in-vivo transmural potential difference. To check whether BaCl₂ would be a suitable tool, a test with two goats was carried out.     

Biochemical characterisation of caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus

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Sir:– Recently, caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus (CAEV) was isolated in New Zealand.(5 Oliver, R.E., Adams, D.S., Gorham, J.R., Julian, A.F., McNiven, R.A. and Muir, J. 1982. Isolation of caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus from a goat. N.Z. vet. J., 30: 147–149. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]) The virus induced syncytial cell formation in cell culture, budded from the cytoplasmic membrane of infected cells, was 80-100 nm in diameter, and reacted with both CAEV- and maedi/visna-positive antisera. We wish to present evidence that this isolate of CAEV has other biochemical characteristics of the Retroviridae. The two biochemical techniques used were the detection of 3H uridine-Iabelled virus and the assay for viral RNA-directed DNA polymerase (RDDP).     

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.     

Yohimbine injection in deer

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Sir:— In the 12 months since the completion of the trials reported in this Journal(1) Mackintosh, C.G. and van Reenen, G. 1984. Comparison of yohimbine, 4-aminopyridine and doxapram antagonism of xylazine sedation in deer (Cervtis elaphus). N.Z. vet. J., 32: 217–217. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar] over 3000 doses of yohimbine have been used to reverse xylazine sedation in deer at Invermay and in field trials throughout New Zealand. During this time four deer have suffered transient convulsions characterised by tetanic spasms, paddling of the limbs, inability to stand and rapid nodding of the head. This was accompanied by rapid blinking of the eyelids and grinding of the teeth. These signs abated in 5 to 10 minutes after which time the deer relaxed and regained its ftet in 10 to 20 minutes. In the 30 minutes prior to yohimbine administration these deer had received a single injection of xylazine (0.5 to 1.0 mg/kg) and on one occasion the xylazine was given in conjunction with Img of fentanyl and 8 mg azaperone (0.1 ml Fentaz). On each occasion the intention was to inject yohimbine at the recommended dose rate (1) Mackintosh, C.G. and van Reenen, G. 1984. Comparison of yohimbine, 4-aminopyridine and doxapram antagonism of xylazine sedation in deer (Cervtis elaphus). N.Z. vet. J., 32: 217–217. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar] (0.2 to 0.25 mg/kg) into the jugular vein and the convulsions commenced within five seconds of this injection. Normally it takes one to three minutes for reversal ofxylazine sedation to occur. Thus it is highly likely that these injections were intra- carotid, thereby resulting in a very high concentration of yohimbine in the cranial arteries. All four animals recovered and there were no apparent after effects. These convulsions occured more rapidly hut were less severe than those expcrienced with the combination of yohimbine and 4-aminopyridine reported in the earlier trail.(1) Mackintosh, C.G. and van Reenen, G. 1984. Comparison of yohimbine, 4-aminopyridine and doxapram antagonism of xylazine sedation in deer (Cervtis elaphus). N.Z. vet. J., 32: 217–217. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]     

Incidence of ryegrass staggers in white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) at Auckland Zoo

Abstract

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Most perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) plants in pastures in New Zealand contain a naturally occurring fungal endophyte, Neotyphodium lolii. Endophyte-infected perennial ryegrass produces alkaloids that vary in concentration during the year. Some alkaloids enhance the persistence and productivity of ryegrass pastures by protecting them against insect attack. However, when other alkaloids are consumed they can reduce animal performance and lead to health problems. The alkaloid lolitrem B, for example, causes the neuromuscular disorder ryegrass staggers (Fletcher et al 1999 Fletcher, LR, Sutherland, BL and Fletcher, CG. 1999. “The impact of endophyte on the health and productivity of sheep grazing ryegrass-based pastures”. In Ryegrass endophyte: an essential New Zealand symbiosis Grassland Research and Practice Series Edited by: Woodfield, DR and Matthew, C. Vol. 7, 11–17.  [Google Scholar]). Clinical symptoms of ryegrass staggers in animals range from slight muscular tremors through to staggering and complete collapse. Severely affected animals create management problems and are prone to accidental death. Outbreaks occur sporadically, particularly in summer and autumn and affect sheep, cattle, deer, horses, llamas (Lama glama) and alpaca (Lama pacos). Lolitrem B appears to be a stable compound, which tends to be concentrated in the leaf sheath at the base of the ryegrass plant and in the seed-heads (di Menna et al 1992 di Menna, ME, Mortimer, PH, Prestidge, RA, Hawkes, AD and Sprosen, JM. 1992. Lolitrem B concentrations, counts of Acremo ni um lolii hyphae, and the incidence of ryegrass staggers in lambs on plots of A. lolii-infected perennial ryegrass. New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research, 35: 211–217. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]; Keogh et al 1996 Keogh, RG, Tapper, BA and Fletcher, RH. 1996. Distributions of the fungal endophyte Acremonium lolii, and of the alkaloids lolitrem B and peramine, within perennial ryegrass. New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research, 39: 121–127. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]). Hay made from endophyte-infected perennial ryegrass contains large numbers of seed-heads and lolitrem B concentrations can be high, especially if it is made in late summer or autumn and, consequently, animals fed such hay are at risk of developing ryegrass staggers.     

Re: The safety of oral calcium formate

Abstract

A Short Communication was published in the October 2002 issue of the New Zealand Veterinary Journal entitled “An investigation of the safety of oral calcium formate in dairy cows using clinical, biochemical and histopathological parameters” (McIntyre and Weston 2002 McIntyre, LH and Weston, SJ. 2002. An investigation of the safety of oral calcium formate in dairy cows using clinical, biochemical and histopathological parameters. New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 50: 195–198. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]). It appeared to be comparing results directly withthose of a prior communication (Scott and Van Wijk 2000 Scott, DJ and Van Wijk, N. 2000. Comparison in dairy cattle of mucosal toxicity of calcium formate and calcium chloride in oil. New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 48: 24–26. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]).     

Aspects of reproduction in New Zealand dairy herds 1. Gestation length

Abstract

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In New Zealand dairy cattle, the average gestation length is commonly accepted as 282 days. This is slightly longer than that reported in European and American studies of Jersey and Holstein or Friesian cattle (Anderson and Plum, 1965 Anderson, H. and Plum, M. 1965. Gestation length and birth weight in cattle and buffaloes: A review. J. Dairy Sci., 48: 1224–1235. [Crossref], [PubMed], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]; O'Conner et al., 1968 O'Conner, L. K., Wood, P. D. P. and Smith, G. F. 1968. A note on the differences between geographical areas in the gestation length and birth weight of British Friesian calves. Anim. Prod., 10: 125–128.  [Google Scholar]). A feature of these reports and previous New Zealand studies is the differing variation associated with the mean gestation lengths. Part of this may be due to sex, season, breed of sire, age of dam and unspecified herd effects, but is largely the result of excluding or including abnormal gestation periods. The criteria for determining normality have been rather arbitrary in most cases. Abnormally short and long gestation periods may result from disease or from incomplete data recording for conception dates.     

Re: Re: Use of Polymerase chain reaction for the differentiation of Group A bovine rotavirus G6, G8, and G10 genotypes in the North Island of New Zealand

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The authors of the scientific article entitled “Use of polymerase chain reaction for the differentiation of Group A bovine rotavirus G6, G8, and G10 genotypes in the North Island of New Zealand” (Howe et al. 2008 Howe, L, Sugiarto, H and Squires, RA. 2008. Use of polymerase chain reaction for the differentiation of Group A bovine rotavirus G6, G8, and G10 genotypes in the North Island of New Zealand. New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 56: 218–221. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar]) would like to thank Dr Moffat for his letter of correspondence, and would like to take the opportunity to address the concerns raised by him in the New Zealand Veterinary Journal 57, 68, 2009, entitled, “Re: Use of polymerase chain reaction for the differentiation of Group A bovine rotavirus G6, G8, and G10 genotypes in the North Island of New Zealand”.     

Re: Journal standards

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I refer to the correspondence by Dr Jackson (2003) Jackson, R. 2003. Journal standards. New Zealand Veterinary Journal, 51: 199–199. [Taylor &; Francis Online], [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar] in the August 2003 issue of the New Zealand Veterinary Journal, regarding citation of articles published in non-peer reviewed publications in this journal.