The isolation of leptospira serotypes copenhageni and ballum from healthy calves

Abstract

Extract

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]).     

Experimental Ostertagia infection of sheep: Pathology following a single high dose of larvae

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Poisoning of cattle and sheep with superphosphate where the fertilizer was stored within reach of the animals has been reported by Romanenko (1954 Romanenko, K. L. 1954. Poisoning of farm animals with superphosphate. Veterinariya, 31(8): 52–52.  [Google Scholar]). In New Zealand losses of pregnant and lactating ewes grazing pastures topdressed with phosphatic fertilizers have been recognixed for several years, and records kept since 1965 show that 39 outbreaks have been reported to Ruakura Animal Health Laboratory (P. J. O'Hara, pers. comm.). Swan and McIntosh (1952 Swan, J. B. and Mcintosh, I. G. 1952. The toxicity of North African phosphate and superphosphate to milking cows. Proc. N.Z. Soc. Anim. Prod., 12: 83–88.  [Google Scholar]) have described the toxicity to dairy cows of grazing pasture topdressed with North African phosphate and superphosphate. The toxic factor was later identified as fluorine (Animal Research Division of the New Zealand Department of Agriculture Reports 1952–3, p. 28; 1953–4, p. 34; 1954–5, p. 35). Phosphatic fertilizers are known to contain 1 to 4% fluorine (Caro, 1964 Caro, J. H. 1964. Superphosphate. Its History, Chemistry and Manufacture, Washington, D.C.: USDA arid TVA. In [Google Scholar]), and the danger of poisoning stock with fluorine in untreated phosphates used as feed supplements has been described by many authors (Emmerling, 1902 Emmerling, A. 1902. Warning against the use of toxiccalcium phosphate in feed. Milchzeitung, 31: 728–728.  [Google Scholar]; Dammann and Manegold, 1904 Dammann, C. and Manegold, O. 1904. Poisonings by fluorine-containing calcium phosphate used as a feed supplement. Dt tierarztl. Wscht., 12: 129–131.  [Google Scholar]; Gardiner, 1930 Gardner, U. R. 1930. Agricultural Experiment Station Report, 201–201. Michigan State College. June 30 [Google Scholar]; Phillips et al., 1934 Phillips, P. H., Hart, E. B. and Bohstedt, G. 1934. Chronic toxicosis in dairy cows due to the ingestion of fluorine. Wisconsin Univ. Agric. Exp. Sta. Res. Bull., 123: 1–3.  [Google Scholar]; Hatfield et al., 1942 Hatfield, J. D., Shrewsbury, C. L. and Doyle, L. P. 1942. The value of rock phosphate as a supplement for sheep. J. Anim. Sci., 1: 59–59.  [Google Scholar]; Udall, 1947 Udall, D. H. 1947. The Practice of Veterinary Medicine, 5th ed., 724–725. Ithaca, New York: Udall.  [Google Scholar]; Fincher, 1952 Fincher, M. G. 1952. Fluorine Poisoning in Cattle. Report of the New York State Veterinary College of Cornell University 1950–51, : 34–34.  [Google Scholar]; Harris et al., 1952 Harris, L. E., Baird, G. T., Bateman, G. Q., Binns, W., Draper, C. I., Greenwood, D. A., Henderson, G. R., Jenkins, W. R., Rich, L. H., Thorne, D. W. and Wann, F. B. 1952. Recommended practices to reduce fluorosis in livestock and poultry. Utah State Agric. Coll. Agric. Exp. Sta. Circ., : 130–130.  [Google Scholar]; Crampton, 1954 Crampton, E. W. 1954. Fluorosis in dairy cows traced to rations. Can. Milling and Feed, 35(12): 24–26.  [Google Scholar]; Dale and Crampton, 1955 Dale, G. D. and Crampton, E. W. 1955. Observations on chronic fluorosis in dairy cattle. Can. J. comp. Med., 19: 6–16.  [Google Scholar]; Snook, 1962 Snook, L. C. 1962. Rock phosphate in stock feeds. The fluorine hazard. Aust. vet. J., 38: 42–47.  [Google Scholar]; Rek, 1967 Rek, L. 1967. Tolerance to dietary fluorine by farm animals. Agrochemia, 7: 334–336.  [Google Scholar]; Agarwala et al, 1971 Agarwala, O. N., Nath, K. and Mahadevan, V. 1971. Use of superphosphate as a phosphorus supplement for lambs — effect on calcination or supplementation with oral cobalt or parenteral vitamin B₁₂. J. agric. Sci., Camb., 77: 467–471.  [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.     

An occurrence of Balantidium coli in calves

Abstract

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The ciliate protozoan parasite Balantidium coli is considered by Hagan (1947 Hagan, W. A. 1947. The Infections Diseases of Domestic Animals, Ithaca, N.Y.: Comstock Publishing Co. Inc..  [Google Scholar]) commonly to infest swine, in which it occasionally produces, ulcerative colitis and diarrhoea. Humans are subject to infestation only rarely, and those most commonly affected associate with swine. A preliminary report by Norgarin (1957 Hayes, F. A. and Jordan, H. E. 1956. J. Amer. vet. med. Ass., 126: 161–161.  [Google Scholar]) records the occurrence of B. coli in cattle, and Hayesand Jordan (1956 Norgarin, S. 1957. Veterinaria Milano, 6: 201–201.  [Google Scholar]) record its presence in worm infested dogs.     

The occurrence of dictyocaulus arnfieldi in the lungs of horses

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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 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]).     

Ovine Johne's disease in New Zealand

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Cambendazole, isopropy1 2-(4-thiazoly1)-5-benzimidazolecarbamate, has been reported to be a highly efficient anthelmintic against gastro-intestinal nematodes of cattle (Egerton et al., 1970 Egerton, J. R., Eary, C. H., Lanza, G. R., Wombolt, T. H. and Campbell, W. C. 1970. The efficacy of cambendazole against gastro-intestinal nematodes of cattle. Res. vet. Sci., 11: 495–499.  [Google Scholar]; Baker and Walters, 1971 Baker, N. P. and Walters, G. T. 1971. Anthelmintic efficacy of cambendazole in cattle. Ant. J. vet. Res., 14: 29–33.  [Google Scholar]; Ciordia and McCampbell, 1971 Ciordia, J. and McCampbell, H. C. 1971. Anthelmintic efficacy of four dose levels of cambendazole in cattle. Proc. helm. Soc. Wash., 38: 40–42.  [Google Scholar]; Benz, 1971a Benz, G. W. 1971a. Anthelmintic activities of cambendazole in calves. Am. J. vet. Res., 32: 399–403.  [Google Scholar], b Benz, G. W. 1971b. Activity of cambendazole against gastro-intestinal nematodes of calves: Single vs. two therapeutic treatments. J. Parasit., 57: 286–288.  [Google Scholar]; Restani, 1971 Restani, R. 1971. Research on the anthelmintic activity of cambendazole against some nematodes of cattle. Vet. Italiana, 22: 137–139.  [Google Scholar]). Efficacy against the cattle lungworm, Dictyocaulus viviparus, has also been reported as high (Rubin, 1972 Rubin, R. 1972. Efficacy of cambendazole against lungworm (Dictyocaulus vivipams) of cattle. Am. J. vet. Res., 33: 425–426.  [Google Scholar]; Gibbs and Gupta, 1972 Gibbs, H. C. and Gupta, R. P. 1972. The anthelmintic activity of cambendazole in calves and lambs. Can. J. comp. Med., 36: 108–115.  [Google Scholar]; Baker et al., 1972 Baker, N. F., Walters, G. T., Hjerp, G. A. and Fisk, R. A. 1972. Experimental therapy of Dictyocaulus viviparis infection in cattle with cambendazole. Am. J. vet. Res., 33: 1127–1130.  [Google Scholar]). This paperreports the results of four controlled critical efficacy trials with cambendazole against naturally acquired nematode infections in cattle.     

Malignant hyperthermia in a crossbred landrace-large white pig

Abstract

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Malignant hyperthermia is a rare and usually fatal complication of general anaesthesia. It occurs in man (Britt and Kalow, 1970 Britt, B. A. and Kalow, W. 1970. Malignant hyperthermia: a statistical review. Can. Anaesth. Soc. J., 17: 293–315. [Crossref], [PubMed] , [Google Scholar]) and in certain breeds of pigs, the, Landrace (Hall et al., 1966 Hall, L. W., Woolf, N., Bradley, J. W. P. and Jolly, D. W. 1966. An unusal reaction to suxamethonium chloride. Br. med. J., 3: 594–594.  [Google Scholar]; Berman et at, 1970 Berman, M. C., Harrison, G. G. and Bull, A. B. 1970. Changes underlying halothane-induced malignant hyperpyrexia in Landrace pigs. Nature. Lond., 225: 653–655.  [Google Scholar]; Harrison et al., 1970 Harrison, G. G., Berman, M. C., Heekman, R., Bull, A. B., Terblanche, J. and Kench, J. E. 1970. “Anaesthetic induced malignant hyperpyrexia — Some observations of the syndrome in Landrace pigs”. In Ill Asian Australasian Congress of Anesthesiology, Canberra. Butterworths 158–166.  [Google Scholar]) the Poland China (Jones et al., 1972 Jones, E. W., Nelson, T. E., Anderson, I. L., Kerr, D. D. and Burnap, T. K. 1972. Malignant hyperthermia in swine. Anesthesiology, 36: 42–51.  [Google Scholar]), the Pietrain (Allen et al., 1970 Allen, W. M., Harding, J. D. J. and Paterson, D. S. P. 1970. Experimentally induced acute stress syndrome in Pietrain pigs. Vet. Rec., 87: 64–69.  [Google Scholar]) and the Large White (Mawdesley-Thomas, 1969 Mawdesley-Thomas, L. E. 1969. Cited by Allen, W. M. et al. (1970) [Google Scholar]).     

Fleece derangement of merino sheep infested by the itch mite Psorergates ovis

Abstract

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Fleece derangement, characterized by matted chewed wool in a region accessible to the sheep's mouth — i.e., behind a line approximately from elbow to hip, — indicates a typical behavioural response by sensitive sheep infested with Psorergates ovis. The condition was recorded by Bekker (1928) Baker, J. A. F. 1968. Some clinical aspects of itch mite (Psorergates ovis) infestation of Merino sheep in South Africa. Jl S. Afr. vet. med Ass., 39: 53–68.  [Google Scholar] long before the mite was found (Carter, 1941 Bekker, J. G. 1928. Undescribed skin diseases of sheep in South Africa. Jl S. Afr. vet. med Ass., 1: 51–57.  [Google Scholar]; Womersley 1941 Carter, H. B. 1941. A skin disease of sheep due to an ectoparasitic mite, Psorergates ovis Womersley 1941. Aust. vet. J., 17: 193–201.  [Google Scholar]). Fleece derangement is seen easily at flock inspection and so is used as anindication of P. ovis infestation in a flock, though Baker (1968) Graham, N. P. H. 1943. Some observations on the bionomics of the itch mite (Psorergates ovis) of sheep and its control with lime sulphur dips. J. Coun. scient. ind. Res. Aust., 16: 206–214.  [Google Scholar] showed that a greater proportion of sheep in which heavy skin scurf was present, with or without fleece derangement, may be infested. Inspecting individual sheep closely for scurf is slow, while examining skin scrapings limits the number of sheep that can be inspected to less than about twenty per day, so the ready convenience of observing fleece derangement favours its use.     

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.     

Vesico-ureteral reflux in the dog

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Recent interest in the subject of vesicoureteral reflux (regurgitation of the vesical contents into the ureters) in man has lead to many experimental investigations of this phenomenon in dogs (Ross and Thompson, 1963 Ross, G. and Thompson, I. M. 1963. The relationship of non-obstructive reflux and chronic pyelonephritis: An experimental study. J. Urol., 90: 391–394.  [Google Scholar]; Schoenberg et al, 1963 Schoenberg, H. W., Beisswanger, P., Howard, W., Walter, C. F. and Murphy, J. J. 1963. Effect of lower urinary tract infection upon ureteral function. Amer. Coll. Surgeons Surgical Forum, 14: 483–484.  [Google Scholar]; Levers and Metcalfe, 1964 Levers, P. E. and Metcalfe, J. O. 1964. Urethral resistance measurement: Vesicoureteral reflux and age. J. Urol., 91: 368–375.  [Google Scholar]; Schoenberg et al, 1964 Schoenberg, H. W., Beisswanger, P., Howard, W., Walter, C. F. and Murphy, J. J. 1964. Effect of lower urinary tract infection on ureteral function. J. Urol., 92: 107–108.  [Google Scholar]; Scott, 1964(a) Scott, J. E. S. 1964a. An experimental investigation into the effects of prolonged vesico-ureteric reflux. Brit. J. Urol., 36: 391–398.  [Google Scholar]; Scott, 1964(b) Scott, J. E. S. 1964b. An experimental study of urinary infection and vesico-ureteric reflux. Brit. J. Urol., 36: 501–509.  [Google Scholar]; Cass and Lenaghan, 1965 Cass, A. S. and Lenaghan, D. 1965. The influence of posture on the occurrence of vesico-ureteral reflux. Invest. Urol., 2: 523–529.  [Google Scholar]; Mori and Hara, 1965 Mori, Y. and Hara, T. 1965. Vesicoureteral reflux. Part I. Experimental observation on the mechanism of the prevention of vesicoureteral reflux. Mio. Med. Med. J., 14: 245–249.  [Google Scholar]; Sommer and Roberts, 1966 Sommer, J. L. and Roberts, J. A. 1966. Ureteral reflux resulting from chronic urinary infection in dogs: Long term studies. J. Urol., 95: 502–510.  [Google Scholar]; King and Idriss, 1967 King, L. R. and Idriss, F. S. 1967. The effect of vesicoureteral reflux on renal function in dogs. Invest. Urol., 4: 419–427.  [Google Scholar]). Little, however, has been written on the naturally-occurring condition seen in canine clinical practice. In fact, apart from isolated reports from experimental workers (Barksdale and Baker, 1930 Barksdale, E. S. and Baker, W. W. 1930. The effect of denervation of the lower ureter upon the incidence of ureteral reflux in the dog. J. Urol., 24: 263–268.  [Google Scholar]; Scott and de Luca, 1960 Scott, J. E. S. and de Luca, F. G. 1960. Further studies on the uretero-vesical junction of the dog. Brit. J. Urol., 32: 320–323.  [Google Scholar]) it has rarely been seriously considered as a complication of urinary disorders by practising veterinarians.     

Diffuse mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis in a horse

Abstract

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Spontaneous glomerulonephritis has been considered an uncommon and ill-defined disease in domestic animals (Jubb and Kennedy, 1970 Jubb, K. V. F. and Kennedy, P. C. 1970. Pathology of Domestic Animals, 2nd ed., Vol. 2, 296–298. New York: Academic Press.  [Google Scholar]). In a survey of 236 cases of nephritis in horses, cattle, sheep, pigs and dogs, Langham and Hallman (1941 Langham, R. F. and Hallman, E. I. 1941. The incidence of glomerulonephritis in domesticated animals. J. Am. vet. Med. Ass., 99: 471–475.  [Google Scholar]) detected primary glomerular abnormalities in only 7. However, recent studies incorporating electron microscopic, or immunofluorescence examination, or both, of renal tissue suggest that glomerulonephritis is not uncommon. During the past 5 years it has been reported in sheep (Angus et al., 1973 Angus, K. W., Gardiner, A. C., Sykes, A. R. and Davison, A. M. 1973. A rapidly progressing mesangio-capillary glomerulonephritis in Finnish Landrace lambs. Vet. Rec., 92: 337–338.  [Google Scholar]), dogs (Krohn et al., 1973 Krohn, K., Jokelainen, P. I. and Sandholm, M. 1973. Light and electron microscopic observations on glomerular changes in canine interstitial nephritis. Acta path., microbiol. scand. Section A, 81: 461–473.  [Google Scholar]) and cats (Slauson et al., 1971 Slauson, D. O., Russell, S. W. and Schechter, R. D. 1971. Naturally occurring immune-complex glomerulonephritis in the cat. J. Path., 103: 131–133.  [Google Scholar]; Farrow and Huxtable, 1971 Farrow, B. R. H. and Huxtable, C. R. R. 1971. Membranous nephropathy and the nephrotic syndrome in the cat. J. comp. Path., 81: 463–467.  [Google Scholar]), and in 6 of 45 horses examined at a commercial slaughterhouse in the U.S.A. (Banks and Henson, 1972 Banks, K. L. and Henson, J. B. 1972. Immunologically mediated glomerulonephritis of horses. II. Antiglomerular basement membrane antibody and other mechanisms in spontaneous disease. Lab. Invest., 26: 708–715.  [Google Scholar]).     

Importance of the ewe as a source of trichostrongyle infection for lambs: Control of the spring-rise phenomenon by a single postlambing anthelmintic treatment

Abstract

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There are two principal sources of initial infection for the young lamb, the ewe grazing with it and the residual pasture infection resulting from any previous grazing. Several workers (Hawkins et al., 1944 Hawkins, P. A., Cole, C. L., Kline, E. E. and Drudge, J. H. 1944. Studies of sheep parasites. I. The course of untreated nematode infections. Vet. Med., 39: 154–161.  [Google Scholar]; Leiper, 1951 Leiper, J. W. G. 1951. Anew approach to phenothiazine therapy in sheep. Vet. Rec., 63: 885–889.  [Google Scholar]; Spedding and Brown, 1956 Spedding, C. R. W. and Brown, T. H. 1956. The “spring rise” in the nematode egg-count of sheep. J. Helminth., 29: 171–178. [Crossref] , [Google Scholar]; Spedding, 1962 Spedding, C. R. W. 1962. Modern trends in animal health and husbandry. The agricultural ecology of sheep grazing. Brit. vet. J., 118: 461–481.  [Google Scholar]; Crofton, 1958 Crofton, H. D. 1958. Nematode parasite populations in sheep on lowland farms. V. Further observations on the post-parturient rise and a discussion of its significance. Parasitology, 48: 243–250.  [Google Scholar]; Soulsby, 1962 Soulsby, E. J. L. 1962. “Immunity to helminths and its effect on helminth infections”. In Animal Health and Production, 165–183. London: Butterworths.  [Google Scholar]) believe that the former is generally the more important.     

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.     

Potentiated trimethoprim for the therapy of calf scours

Abstract

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Trimethoprim became generally available 3 years ago, following its original discovery as a unique antibacterial agent for combating diseases of both man and animals (Hitchings and Bushby, 1961 Hitchings, G. H. and Bushby, S. R. M. 5-Benzyl-2, 4-diaminopyrimidines a new class of systemic anti-bacterial agents. 5th Int. Congr. Biochem. Moscow. pp.165–165.  [Google Scholar]; Pugsley et al., 1969 Pugsley, D. G., Mwanje, L., Pearson, C and Blowers, R. 1969. Use of trimethoprim and sulphamethoxazole in tropical Africa: Typhoid fever; Salmonella typhi carriage and Staphylococcus aureus sepsis. Postgrad, med. J., 45: 95–99. Nov. 1969, Suppl. [Google Scholar]; McGuinness, 1969 McGuinness, B. W. 1969. A combination of trimethoprim and sulphamethoxazole in upper respiratory infection. Postgrad, med. J., 45: 99–101. Nov. 1969, Suppl. [Google Scholar]; McCaig, 1970 McCaig, J. 1970. A clinical trial using trimethoprim-sulphadiazine in dogs and cats. Vet. Rec., 87: 265–265.  [Google Scholar]; Barnett and Bushby, 1970 Barnett, Margaret and Bushby, S. R. M. 1970. Trimethoprim and the sulphonamides. Vet. Rec., 87: 43–51.  [Google Scholar]; Rehm and White, 1970 Rehm, W. F. and White, G. 1970. A field trial with trimethoprim and sulphadoxine in bacterial diseases of cattle and pigs. Vet. Rec., 87: 39–42.  [Google Scholar]; Craig 1972 Craig, G. R. 1972. The place of potentiated trimethoprim in the therapy of diseases of the skin in dogs and cats. J. small Anim. Pract., 13: 65–70.  [Google Scholar]).     

Toxicity of zinc in ruminants in relation to facial eczema

Abstract

Extract

The toxicity of zinc salts to ruminants has been studied by Ott et al (4) Ott, E. A., Smith, W. H., Harrington, R. B. and Beeson, W. M. 1966. Zinc toxicity in ruminants. I. Effect of high levels of dietary zinc on gains, feed consumption and feed efficiency of lambs. J. Anim. Sci., 25: 414–481. [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar] (5) Ott, E. A., Smith, W. H., Harrington, R. B. and Beeson, W. M. 1966. Zinc toxicity in ruminants. II. Effects of high levels of dietary zinc on gains, feed consumption and feed efficiency of beef cattle. J. Anim. Sci., 25: 419–423. [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar] (6) Ott, E. A., Smith, W. H., Harrington, R. B., Stob, M., Parker, E. H. and Beeson, W. M. 1966. Zinc toxicity in ruminants. III. Physiological changes in tissues and alterations in rumen metabolism in lambs. J. Anim. Sci., 25: 424–431. [Web of Science ®] , [Google Scholar] (7) Ou, E. A., Smith, W. H., Harrington, R. B., Parker, H. E. and Beeson, W. M. 1966. Zinc toxicity in ruminants. IV. Physiological changes in tissues of beef cattle. J. Anim. Sci., 25: 432–428.  [Google Scholar] and others (3) Miller, W. J., Clifton, C. M., Fowler, P. R. and Perkins, H. F. 1965. Influence of high levels of dietary zinc on zinc in milk, performance and biochemistry of lactating cows. J Dairv Sci., 48: 450–453.  [Google Scholar] (16) Zurcher, T. D. 1970. “A study of the zinc requirement of beef cattle”. In PhD Thesis, Purdue University.  [Google Scholar] (2) Feaster, J. P., Hansard, S. L., McCall, J. T., Skipper, F. H. and Davis, G. K. 1954. Absorption and tissue distribution of radio zinc in steers fed high-zinc rations. J Anim. Sci., 13: 781–788.  [Google Scholar] (12) Thompson, A., Hansard, S. L. and Bell, M. C. 1959. The influence of aluminium and zinc upon absorption and retention of calcium and phosphorous in lambs. Anim. Sci., 18: 187–197.  [Google Scholar] (9) Rosenberger, G. and Gruender, H. D. 1975. “Experiments on the toxicity of zinc dusts in cattle”. In 20th World Veterinary Congress Summaries Vol. 2 Thessaloniki Greece 920–921.  [Google Scholar]. In much of this work zinc has been incorporated in the feed, a situation more applicable to intensive feedlot farming rather than the New Zealand pastoral situation, or the zinc has been fed for limited periods of time with the possibility that the full potential of zinc for causing toxicity has not been realised.     

Diarrhoeal diseases of the calf: Observations on treatment and prevention

Abstract

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During the past two decades intestinal absorptive and secretory functions and the intestinal flora have been significantly clarified. Important concepts of intestinal dysfunction have emerged which have proved of immense clinical value(32) Moon, H. W. 1974. Pathogenesis of Enteric Diseases Caused by Escherichia coli. Adv. Vet. Sci. Comp. Med, 18: 179–211. [PubMed] , [Google Scholar] (39) Phillips, S. F. 1972. Diarrhoea: A Current View of the Pathophysiology. Gastroenterology, 63: 495–518.  [Google Scholar] (46) Smith, H. W. 1965. Observations on the Flora of the Alimentary Tract of Animals and Factors Affecting its Composition. J. Pathol, 89: 95–122.  [Google Scholar] (47) Smith, H. W. 1971. The Bacteriology of the Alimentary Tract of Domestic Animals Suffering from E. coli Infection. Ann. N. Y. Acad Set, 176: 110–125.  [Google Scholar] (51) Soergel, K. H. 1973. New Concepts of Intestinal Function. Hepatogaslroenterol, 20: 351–358.  [Google Scholar]. Despite this, the medical and economic consequences of diarrhoea continue to beset the cattle industry(1) Barnum, D. A., Glantz, P. J. and Moon, H. W. 1967. Colibacillosis. CI_RV_eterinary Monograph Series/Two, : 5–44.  [Google Scholar] (18) Hubbert, W. T. 1974. Factors Affecting Survival of the Bovine Fetus and Neonate. Theriogenology, 1: 15–34.  [Google Scholar] (30) Marsh, H. 1968. Prenatal and Postnatal Mortality in Cattle. National Academy of Science. Pub. No. 1685,, : 1–6.  [Google Scholar] (56) Vollmar, R. E. 1974. Diarrhoea Control in a Dairy Operation. Mod Vet. Pract., 55: 509–512.  [Google Scholar] (57) White, R. G. Scours-The Calf Killer. Presented at the California Livestock Symposium. An. Nut. Health, pp.14–18.  [Google Scholar]. Diarrhoeal disease of the calf occurs at a time of complex developmental, environmental and functional change. The surface defences and enzyme systems of the neonatal gut are maturing in a protective film of maternal antibody, while undergoing increasing stimulation from environmental microbial challenge. The precarious nature of this defence system is not surprising. It is contingent upon a balance of such changing conditions as maternal antibody quantity, quality and delivery(5) Bush, L. J., Aguilera, M. A., Adams, G. D. and Jones, E. W. 1971. Absorption of Colostral Immunoglobulins by Newborn Dairy Calves. J. Dairy Sci., 54: 1547–1549.  [Google Scholar], environmental microbial challenge(46) Smith, H. W. 1965. Observations on the Flora of the Alimentary Tract of Animals and Factors Affecting its Composition. J. Pathol, 89: 95–122.  [Google Scholar] (47) Smith, H. W. 1971. The Bacteriology of the Alimentary Tract of Domestic Animals Suffering from E. coli Infection. Ann. N. Y. Acad Set, 176: 110–125.  [Google Scholar] and neonatal immunological and intestinal epithelial maturation(7) Corley, L. D., Staley, T. E., Bush, L. J. and Jones, E. W. 1977. Influence of Colostrum on Transepithelial Movement of E. coli 055. J. Dairy Sci., in press [Google Scholar] (52) Staley, T. E., Corley, L. D., Bush, L. J. and Jones, E. W. 1972. The Ultra-structure of Neonatal Calf Intestine and Absorption of Heterologous Proteins. A rial. Rec, 172: 559–579. [Crossref], [PubMed] , [Google Scholar]. While both infectious and non-infectious etiologic factors are involved(1) Barnum, D. A., Glantz, P. J. and Moon, H. W. 1967. Colibacillosis. CI_RV_eterinary Monograph Series/Two, : 5–44.  [Google Scholar] the former (Escherichia coli, Saltiionsllci and Shigella spp., and reo and corona viruses) is the more significant. Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC), a major contributor to neonatal diarrhoeal disease, will be discussed primarily. Four syndromes, septicaemia, enteric-toxaemia, local invasive and enterotoxic have been described(32) Moon, H. W. 1974. Pathogenesis of Enteric Diseases Caused by Escherichia coli. Adv. Vet. Sci. Comp. Med, 18: 179–211. [PubMed] , [Google Scholar] and ad verseoutcomes may result from endotoxic shock and/or hypovolemic shock, from systemic infection and from malnutrition. The clinician is thus faced with the selection of a multi-faceted approach to the problem. Avenues of attack, in addition to prophylactic husbandry, include: passive and active immunization, reduction of challenge, specific antimicrobial therapy, and resolution of fluid and electrolyte loss and shock. This presentation includes a resumé of the calf scour syndrome, together with observations concerning treatment and control. These observations include active and passive immunization, antimicrobial therapy, and modification of intestinal fluid loss.     

Response of cobalt deficient lambs to cobaltic oxide pellets

Abstract

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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.     

The microflora of the cervix of the thoroughbred mare: A clinical and bacteriological survey in a large-animal practice in Hastings

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Many reports concerned with the microflora of the genital tract in thoroughbred mares stress the potential pathogenic significance of the haemolytic streptococci. Many years ago, Dimock (1929 Dimock, W. W. 1929. Breeding diseases of the horse. J. Am. vet. med. Ass., 74: 327–335.  [Google Scholar], 1939 Dimock, W. W. 1939. Equine breeding hygiene. J. Am. vet. med. Ass., 94: 469–478.  [Google Scholar]) and Dimock and Edwards (1928) Dimock, W. W. and Edwards, P. R. 1928. The pathology and bacteriology of the reproductive organs of mares in relation to sterility. Ky agric. exp. Stn Bull., 286: 287–339.  [Google Scholar] associated the haemolytic streptococci with persistent endometritis, sterility and deaths in foals up to 2 to 4 weeks after birth. In Holland, Ressang (1954) Ressang, A. 1954. “Sterility in Mares. A clinical, bacteriological and histopathological investigation”. In Thesis, State University of Utrecht.  [Google Scholar] isolated haemolytic streptococci of Lancefield's Group C from 34 of 153 (22%) mares offered for examination because of poor breeding performance. Ressang noted that mares with streptococcal endometritis were not likely to show satisfactory fertility even after the infection had apparently been eliminated. Haemolytic streptococci have also been associated with infertility in mares in Turkey (Pusat, 1955 Pusat, M. M. 1955. Kisraklarin sikit amili streptococlarin tipleri ve streptococcus genitalium uzerinde bir munakasa. Turk vet. Hekim. Dern. Derg., 24: 2,039–2,047.  [Google Scholar]), in the United Kingdom (Moran and Cronin, 1957 Moran, A. B. and Cronin, M. T. 1957. Organisms isolated from the uteri of thoroughbred mares. J. comp. Path., 67: 106–109.  [Google Scholar]) and in Ireland (Farrelly and Mullaney, 1964 Farrelly, B. T. and Mullaney, P. E. 1964. Cervical and uterine infection in thoroughbred mares. Ir. vet. J., 18: 201–212.  [Google Scholar]). In Australia, Bain (1966) Bain, A. M. 1966. The role of infection in infertility in the thoroughbred mare. Vet. Rec., 78: 168–173.  [Google Scholar] noted that 12% of infected mares at stud in the Hunter district of New South Wales harboured beta-haemolytic strepotcocci in the genital tract. This organism was considered the most serious pathogen encountered as only 40% of these mares infected with haemolytic streptococci produced a live foal in the first year following infection: 35% had still not completed a successful pregnancy within the subsequent 3-year period.     

A mass screening programme of angus cattle for the mannosidosis genotype — A prototype programme for control of inherited diseases in animals

Abstract

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Recent research has shown that the gene frequency for mannosidosis (pseudolipidosis) may approximate 0.05 in pedigree Angus herds (Jolly, unpublished data). As epidemiological studies suggest an equal frequency in commercial non-pedigree herds, the disease is elf economic importance to the national beef industry. Mannosidosis is an inherited lysosomal storage disease associated with a defect in catabolism, of the heterosaccharide fractioln of glycoproteins (Whittem and Walker, 1957 Donnelly, W. J. C., Sheahan, B. J. and Rogers, T. A. 1973a. GM₁ gangliosidosis in Friesian calves. J. Path., 111: 173–179.  [Google Scholar]; Jolly 1971 Donnelly, W. J. C., Sheahan, B. J. and Kelly, M. 1973b. Bet α-galactosidase deficiency in GM₁ gangliosidosis of Friesian calves. Res. vet. Sci., 15: 139–141.  [Google Scholar]; Hocking et al., 1972 Hocking, J. D., Jolly, R. D. and Batt, R. D. 1972. Deficiency of α-mannosidase in Angus cattle. Biochem. J., 128: 69–78.  [Google Scholar]; Phillips et al., 1974 Jolly, R. D. 1971. The pathology of the central nervous system in pseudolipidosis of Argus cattle. J. Path., 103: 113–121.  [Google Scholar]). Whereas animals with mannosidosis have negligible tissue sand plasma levels of α-mannosidase, heterozygotes having one normal gene and one defective gene have approximately half the normal level of enzyme in their tissues and plasma. This observation forms the basis for a control programme in which heterozygotes are identified by their plasma α-mannosidase 1evels (Jolly et al., 1973 Jolly, R. D., Tse, C. A. and Greenway, R. M. 1973. Plasma α-mannosidase activity as a means of detecting mannosidosis heterozygotes. N.Z. vet. J., 21: 64–69. [Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar], 1974a Jolly, R. D., Thompson, K. G., Tse, C. A., Munford, R. E. and Merrall, M. 1974a. Identification of mannosidosis heterozygotes — factors affecting normal plasma α-mannosidase levels. N.Z. vet. J., 22: 155–162. [Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar], b Jolly, R. D., Thompson, K. G. and Tse, C. A. 1974b. Evaluation of a mass screening programme for identification of mannosidosis heterozygotes in Angus cattle. N.Z. vet. J., 22: 185–190. [Taylor &; Francis Online] , [Google Scholar]).