Efficacy of anticoagulant-free alternative bait products against house mice (Mus musculus) and brown rats (Rattus norvegicus)

The attractiveness and efficacy of four anonymous anticoagulant-free alternative rodenticides (active ingredients cellulose or plaster) were tested on wild strain groups of house mice (Mus musculus Linnaeus) and brown rats (Rattus norvegicus Berkenhout) in laboratory choice and no-choice experiments. In no-choice tests, the rodenticide product was offered ad libitum to the animals for 21 days (mice) and 10 days (rats), respectively. In choice tests, the rodenticide product and non-poisoned food were offered for 28 days (mice) and 14 days (rats). Two products with cellulose (C1 and C2) as the active ingredient were tested against both mice and rats. In two no-choice tests with mice, all animals died within 14 days (C1) and 21 days (C2); in a third no-choice test, 11% (2/18) of mice survived (C1: 21 days). In all three tests, numerous incidents of cannibalism were observed. The attractiveness of cellulose baits was tested for one product (C1) in three trials against normal food pellets. In all trials, bait consumption was low and all mice survived (15–34 days). Two no-choice trials with cellulose baits (C1) were conducted on groups of Rattus norvegicus; 11 of 12 rats survived the bait feeding period and no cannibalism or sign of aggression between conspecifics was observed. Two plaster-based (CaSO₄·0.5H₂O) products (P1 and P2) were tested against both mice and rats; in no-choice tests, only one mouse (n= 20) and no rats (n= 8) were killed, although the baits proved to be attractive for rats and mice in choice tests. The results of these experiments suggest that neither cellulose-based nor plaster-based rodenticides are suitable agents for the control of Mus musculus and Rattus norvegicus.     

用杀鼠剂和饵料对达乌尔黄鼠进行防治正交试验研究

为筛选出防治达乌尔黄鼠的杀鼠剂及其施用技术,用3种杀鼠剂、3个用药浓度、3个投饵量和3种饵料进行L9(34)正交试验,经方差分析和F检验发现,各因子对灭洞率的有效性自大至小顺序为:杀鼠剂用药浓度投饵量饵料种类。以灭洞率为评价指标,对不同因子各水平进行SSR测验证明:3种参试杀鼠剂的有效性依次为溴鼠灵(87.56%)C型肉毒梭菌生物毒素(80.00%)敌鼠钠盐(73.89%);灭洞率随用药浓度和投饵量变化,用药浓度越大、投饵量越多,灭洞率亦越高;用玉米、苜蓿草颗粒和玉米秸秆草颗粒作饵料灭洞率差异不显著,表明用苜蓿草颗粒和玉米秸秆草颗粒代替粮食作达乌尔黄鼠的饵料是可行;A2B3C2D3(0.15%的溴鼠灵、苜蓿草颗粒作饵料、每个有效洞口投25粒毒饵)是最佳处理组合。     

Bromadiolone poisoning in foxes

Bromadiolone is an anticoagulant rodenticide that inhibits the reactivation of vitamin K1 by the enzyme vitamin K1-epoxide reductase. The present case report originated from the application of bromadiolone against water voles (Arvicola terrestris) in northeastern Switzerland. At least 40 foxes (Vulpes vulpes) were found dead after the inappropriate use of a bait that contained 0.02 % bromadiolone. Anticoagulant rodenticide poisoning was suspected on the basis of the postmortem examination and subsequently confirmed by the detection ofbromadiolone both in the blood and in samples from thoracic and abdominal fluids.     

Effects of ensiling cereal grains (barley,wheat, triticale and rye) on total and pre‐caecal digestibility of proximate nutrients and amino acids in pigs

Inclemency of weather frequently causes critical water contents in cereal grains above 15%. Ensiling in pre‐mature condition may be an alternative to other techniques of preservation. Aim of this study was to compare apparent total tract digestibility (D_t; barley, wheat, triticale, rye) of proximate nutrients and pre‐caecal digestibility (D_pc; barley, wheat) of amino acids (AA), respectively, from cereal grains in ensiled and almost dry condition. Moistly harvested cereal grains (67–73% dry matter) were milled through a 4‐mm sieve and ensiled with lactic acid bacteria (LAB, 3 × 10⁵ colony forming units/g Lactobacillus plantarum DSMZ 8862 and 8866). To investigate D_t, two trials were conducted with six Mini‐Lewe pigs and four German Landrace pigs, respectively. D_pc of AA was determined using four German Landrace pigs with ileo‐rectal anastomosis. D_t of proximate nutrients did not differ between cereal grains and their silages, except for ether extract, which was more digestible in ensiled than dry wheat, triticale and rye (p < 0.05). Lysine content was lower in ensiled than dry barley and wheat. In barley, ensiling was accompanied by reduced D_pc of lysine and histidine (p < 0.05). In wheat, ensiling increased D_pc of lysine, methionine, threonine and leucin (p < 0.05). Ensiling of pre‐mature cereal grains with LAB can serve as a reasonable storage alternative. However, as limited data are yet available, further research is required to understand completely the impact of ensiling on nutritional value as indicated, for example, by the lysine content and the D_pc of certain AA.     

Managing crop damage caused by house mice (Mus domesticus) in Australia

A large-scale outbreak of the house mouse populations occurs in grain growing in Australia on average once every four years. High densities of mice cause major yield losses to cereal crops, and low to moderate densities of mice also cause some losses. Several predictive models based on rainfall patterns have been developed to forecast mouse density. These models carry some uncertainty and the economic value of basing management actions on these models is not clear. Baiting is the most commonly used method and zinc phosphide and other rodenticide bait are effective in reducing up to 90% of mouse populations. Ecologically-based best farming practice for controlling mice has recently been developed on the basis of long-term field studies of mouse populations. No effective biological control method has been developed for mice. However, grain growers still cannot make economically rational decisions to implement control because they do not know the pest threshold density (D_T) above which the economic benefits of control exceed the economic costs of control. Applied predator-prey theory suggests that understanding the relationship between mouse density and damage is the basis for determining D_T. Understanding this relationship is the first research priority for managing mouse damage. The other research priority is to develop a reliable method to estimate unbiased mouse density.     

Acute oral toxicity of zinc phosphide: an assessment for wild house mice (Mus musculus)

Irregular plagues of house mice, Mus musculus, incur major economic impacts on agricultural production in Australia. The efficacy of zinc phosphide (ZnP), the only registered broadacre control agent for mice, is reported as increasingly variable. Have mice become less sensitive over time or are they taking a sub-lethal dose and developing aversion? In this laboratory study, the sensitivity of mice (wild caught; outbred laboratory strain) was assessed using oral gavage of a range of ZnP concentrations. The estimated LD₅₀ values (72–79 mg ZnP/kg body weight) were similar for each mouse group but are significantly higher than previously reported. The willingness of mice to consume ZnP-coated grains was determined. ZnP-coated grains (50 g ZnP/kg grain) presented in the absence of alternative food were consumed and 94% of wild mice died. Mice provided with alternative food and ZnP-coated wheat grains (either 25 or 50 g ZnP/kg grain) consumed toxic and non-toxic grains, and mortality was lower (33–55%). If a sublethal amount of ZnP-coated grain was consumed, aversion occurred, mostly when alternative food was present. The sensitivity of wild house mice to ZnP in Australia is significantly lower than previously assumed. Under laboratory conditions, ZnP-coated grains coated with a new higher dose (50 g ZnP/kg grain) were readily consumed. Consumption of toxic grain occurred when alternative food was available but was decreased. Our unambiguous findings for house mice indicate a re-assessment of the ZnP loading for baits used for control of many rodents around the world may be warranted.     

Renal energy excretion of horses depends on renal hippuric acid and nitrogen excretion

The prediction of renal energy excretion is crucial in a metabolizable energy system for horses. Phenolic acids from forage cell walls may affect renal energy losses by increasing hippuric acid excretion. Therefore, the relationships were investigated between renal energy, nitrogen (N) and hippuric acid excretion of four adult ponies (230–384 kg body weight (BW)) consuming diets based on fresh grass, grass silage, grass cobs (heat‐dried, finely chopped, pressed grass), alfalfa hay, straw, extruded straw and soybean meal. Feed intake was measured; urine and faeces were quantitatively collected for three days. Feed was analysed for crude nutrients, gross energy, amino acids and neutral‐detergent‐insoluble crude protein (CP); faeces were analysed for crude nutrients and cross energy; urine was analysed for N, hippuric acid, creatinine and gross energy. Renal energy excretion (y; kJ/kg BW^0.75) correlated with renal N excretion (x₁; g/kg BW^0.75) and renal hippuric acid excretion (x₂; g/kg BW^0.75): y = 14.4 + 30.2x₁+20.7x₂ (r = .95; n = 30; p < .05). Renal hippuric acid excretion was highest after intake of fresh grass and lowest after intake of soybean meal. The ratio of hippuric acid to creatinine in urine and the excretion of hippuric acid per gram of dry matter intake was significantly higher for fresh grass than for all other rations. There was no relationship between aromatic amino acid intake and renal hippuric acid excretion. The results of the present study and literature data suggest that feed can be categorized into four groups with regard to the energy losses per gram CP intake: (i) protein supplements (e.g., soybean meal): 4.2–4.9 kJ/g CP intake (ii) alfalfa hay, grains, dried sugar beet pulp: 6.4 kJ/g CP intake, (iii) hay, preserved grass products, straw: 5.2–12.3 kJ/g CP intake (mean 8) and (iv) fresh grass. For group (iii) a negative relationship was observed between renal energy losses per gram of CP and the content of CP or neutral‐detergent‐insoluble CP in dry matter.     

Grain,pellet and wax block bait take by the house mouse (Mus musculus) and non‐target species: implications for mouse eradications on coral cay islands

Introduced rodents have been eradicated from large numbers of offshore islands using toxic baits; however, toxic baits have been linked with negative impacts on non‐target species. The present study assessed the bait take of target (house mouse, Mus musculus) and non‐target (buff banded rail, Rallus philippensis) animals on Northwest and Heron Islands in the Great Barrier Reef. Three non‐toxic bait formulations (wax block, pellet and grain) were tested and each was applied at 1 kg ha^?1 in six treatment grids. The tracks of animals visiting the baits were identified using 30 tracking stations per treatment grid. A tracking station consisted of a track‐board placed in the centre of a sand‐pad. Mean bait take differed significantly between the formulations: birds took more grain bait than wax block bait; mice took more wax block than grain bait. Both mice and birds were equally selective of pellet bait. Thus, the findings indicate that wax blocks are the most suitable formulation for future baiting programs to eradicate mice on these and other islands.     

Virulence-associated genes and antimicrobial resistance among avian pathogenic Escherichia coli from colibacillosis affected broilers in Pakistan

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) causes colibacillosis that leads to high morbidity and mortality among poultry birds. To date, there is a lack of knowledge about virulence-associated genes (VAGs) and multidrug resistance of APEC isolates from Pakistan. In this study, we determined the VAGs and antibiotic resistance profiles of APEC isolates recovered from colibacillosis affected broilers in Faisalabad region of Pakistan. A total of 84 diseased and dead birds from different local broilers farms were collected and examined for the gross lesions of colibacillosis by conducting postmortem examination. Of these, APEC isolates were recovered from 75 (89.2%) birds. Antibiotic susceptibility tests against 11 antimicrobial agents showed the highest resistance against ampicillin (98.6%) followed by tetracycline (97.3%) and ciprofloxacin (72%). The presence of 11 virulence-associated genes (VAGs) was detected by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Of the 75 APEC, 32 (42.6%) harbored > 5 VAGs. Most commonly found genes were increased serum survival (iss; 84%), iron transport (iutA; 74.6%), and colicin V (ColV; 60%). Twenty-two isolates (29.3%) were found to possess a combination of VAGs; iss, tsh, iroN, and iutA, in addition to other VAGs. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the detection of virulence-associated genes and multidrug resistance among APEC isolates in Pakistan. In the future, the strains with the predominant set of VAGs can be used for colibacillosis diagnosis and as a potential vaccine candidate.

     

Effect of Season on the Productivity of Camels (Camelus dromedarius and the Prevalence of Their Major Parasites in Eastern Ethiopia

The productivity and the prevalence rates of the major parasites of camels (Camelus dromedarius) kept under traditional management conditions at Errer valley, Ethiopia were assessed for a year (October 1997–September 1998). The daily milk offtake was significantly higher (p<0.05) during the wet season (3.12±0.03 L) than during the dry season (1.49±0.04 L). Likewise, significantly higher (p<0.05) daily weight gains (50.68±0.54 g) were observed during the wet season than during dry season in immature camels aged 1–4 years. Trypanosoma evansi, Sarcoptes scabiei and strongyle parasites were present throughout the year, but their prevalence rates were higher during the rainy months than during the dry months. The minimum and maximum point prevalence rates for T. evansi were 5.4% and 20.6%, respectively. Similarly, the point prevalence rates for S. scabiei also varied from 4.7% during the dry season to 21.7% during the rainy months. The highest strongyle egg counts per gram of faeces and highest point prevalence rate (85.7%) were observed in October, a rainy month, whereas the lowest number of eggs per gram of faeces and the lowest point prevalence rate (61.5%) were recorded in April, a dry month.     

Successful eradication of the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and house mouse (Mus musculus) from the island of Selvagem Grande (Macaronesian archipelago), in the Eastern Atlantic

The Portuguese island of Selvagem Grande (Great Salvage) in Macaronesia is an important seabird breeding station in the eastern Atlantic. Significant populations of Cory's shearwater Calonectris diomedea (Scopoli, 1769), Bulwer's petrel Bulweria bulweria (Jardine & Selby, 1828) and little shearwater Puffinus assimilis baroli (Bonaparte, 1857) are present, and white-faced storm-petrel Pelagodroma marina (Latham, 1790) and Madeiran storm-petrel Oceanodroma castro (Harcourt, 1851) populations are of global significance. Selvagem Grande also provides diverse habitats for an extensive flora, including 11 endemic species. The 270-ha island was also inhabited by two alien invasive mammals: the European rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus (Linnaeus, 1758) and the house mouse Mus musculus (Linnaeus, 1758). Both are known to have had adverse impacts on breeding seabirds and island vegetation. In 2002, the Natural Park of Madeira conducted a program using brodifacoum bait formulations aimed at rabbit and mouse eradication. Approximately 17 000 individual baiting points were established on a 12.5 × 12.5 m grid. Baits were also applied by hand “seeding” on steep slopes and cliffs where bait stations could not be placed. Rabbits were removed after a month. However, mice persisted for considerably longer and strategic bait applications against them continued for a further six months. Subsequent assessments by trapping, bait takes and systematic observation of signs over three years, has confirmed the removal of both alien invasive species. This paper presents information on these operations, on measures adopted to mitigate adverse impacts of the eradication program on important vertebrate non-target species, including Berthelot's pipit Anthus berthelotii Bolle, 1862 and a species of gecko Tarentola bischoffi Joger, 1984 and on the initial response of the island's ecosystem to the eradication of rabbits and mice.     

Isolation and characterization of a Neisseria sp. from the captive wild goose (Anser anser)

The present study investigated 15 dead cases of captive wild goslings (Anser anser), which were bred in a small poultry farm in Shandong Province, China. The examined cases presented diverse clinical signs accompanied with neurological manifestations and fatal outcomes. Bacterial culture identified the gram‐negative Neisseria sp. from the brain homogenate of most examined cases (10/15, 66.7%). The isolated bacteria were identified based on morphologic characteristics, biochemical tests and 16S rDNA typing. Results proved that 1 identical bacterial strain (BNO09‐3) was isolated from the positive cases. The phylogeny based on the 16S rDNA gene sequences indicated that this isolate has a close relationship with various strains of genus Neisseria sp. isolated from liver and feces of duck. This is the first report of Neisseria sp. causing fatality in captive wild geese in China.     

Micronutrient Content of Certain Tropical Conventional and Unconventional Feed Resources of Southern India

The ash, silica and certain important micronutrients were estimated in conventional and unconventional feed and fodder resources available in Southern India. Commonly used dry roughages, such as paddy straw, ragi straw, maize kadbi/stalk, jowar kadbi/stalk, bajra stalk and wheat straw, were high in ash (9.9% +/- 0.77%) and silica (6.4% +/- 0.65%) and low in most of the other micronutrients, except iron, with paddy straw containing most silica (>9%). Cultivated non-leguminous (maize, jowar) and improved green crops (hybrid napier, guinea, green panic, NB-21, CO-1) were also high in ash (10.5% +/- 0.60% and 12.5% +/- 0.51%) but were moderate sources of P, Mg and Cu and good sources of Zn (98 +/- 13.8 ppm and 55 +/- 6.7 ppm). Leguminous green fodders (stylosanthus, lucerne, cow pea, soyabean) were excellent sources of Ca (1.9% +/- 0.16%), Mg (0.40% +/- 0.05%), Cu (30 +/- 5.2 ppm), Zn (121 +/- 14.7 ppm) and Fe (1234 +/- 166 ppm) and moderate sources of P. Mixed local grasses and weeds were high in silica (6.9% +/- 1.00%) but were good sources of Cu, Zn and Fe. Cereal grains (maize, wheat, rice, ragi) were low in ash (2.9% +/- 0.33%) and were relatively poor sources of Ca (0.22% +/- 0.03%), Mg (0.19% +/- 0.03%) and Cu (13 +/- 3.1 ppm). Pulses were low to medium sources of most minerals and good sources of Fe (1230 +/- 293 ppm). Oil seed cake/extractions (groundnut cake, cotton seed cake, soyabean meal, sunflower cake, safflower cake) and cereal by-products (rice polish, rice bran, wheat bran) were excellent sources of P (1.1% +/- 0.47% and 2.3% +/- 0.19%) and good sources of Zn (65 +/- 3.9 ppm and 66 +/- 10.7 ppm) and Fe (938 +/- 130 ppm and 662 +/- 126 ppm). Among the unconventional feeds screened, orange peel, sunflower heads, meat meal, rubber seed cake, spirulina algae and sea weeds contained plentiful Ca, Zn and Fe: tree leaves/top feeds (mulberry, erythrina, glyricidia, banana, subabul, groundnut haulms) were excellent sources of Ca (1.5% +/- 0.13%), Zn (120 +/- 22.9 ppm) and Fe (1033 +/- 133 ppm) but relatively poor sources of P. Soyabean husk, cocoa seed husk, rubber seed cake and meat meal were moderate to good sources of P (1.0% and 0.33%). The high Zn and Fe values of most feeds/fodders were probably due to soil contamination. This account of the micronutrient content of feed/fodder resources should help in strategic supplementation intended to alleviate local deficiencies.     

Preference among 7 bait flavors delivered to domestic dogs in Arizona: Implications for oral rabies vaccination on the Navajo Nation

Less than 20% of the domestic dogs on tribal lands in the United States are vaccinated against rabies. One method to increase vaccination rates may be the distribution of oral rabies vaccines (ORVs). ONRAB^® (Artemis Technologies, Inc., Ontario, Canada) is the primary ORV used in Canada to vaccinate striped skunks and raccoons. To investigate the potential use of ONRAB^® ORV baits to vaccinate feral domestic dogs against rabies on tribal lands and beyond, we performed a flavor preference study. A total of 7 bait flavors (bacon, cheese, dog food, hazelnut, sugar-vanilla, peanut butter, and sardine) were offered in pairs to 13 domestic dogs. Each dog was offered all possible combinations of bait pairs over a period of 10 days, with each bait offered 6 times. The proportion of times each bait was consumed first by individual dogs was calculated and comparisons among dogs were conducted using the MIXED procedure in SAS (SAS Institute, Cary, NC). Pairwise comparisons between baits were performed using “contrast” statements with sugar-vanilla flavor as the default for comparison. Type 3 tests of fixed effects showed a significant treatment effect (F_6,72 = 9.74, P < 0.0001). Sugar-vanilla was selected first during 14% of the offerings and exhibited the least preference among all bait types (F_1,72 = 22.46, P < 0.0001). Dog food was selected first 56% of the time, and more frequently than all other bait types (F_1,72 = 13.09, P = 0.0005).     

高原鼠兔的精确性可持续控制技术研究——几种杀鼠剂的对比试验

于2007年4-5月份在甘肃肃南县对防治高原鼠兔精确用药进行试验,将5种常见杀鼠剂的推荐用药浓度、用药量按等比级数增、减剂量进行插组,作正交对比试验,结果表明,推荐用药浓度、用药量和饵料种类与调整后的用药浓度、用药量和饵料种类对高原鼠兔的灭洞率有一定的差异性。影响灭洞率的主、次因子顺序是:杀鼠剂＞用药浓度＞投饵量＞饵料种类。以防效为评价指标,5种参试杀鼠剂的排序为:大隆(83.9%)＞D型肉毒梭菌生物毒素(82.6%)＞溴敌隆(79.4%)＞C型肉毒梭菌生物毒素(75.0%)＞敌鼠钠盐(68.9%)。最佳处理组合是: 1)用0.15%的D型肉毒梭菌生物毒素、小麦饵料、25粒投饵量;2) 0.01%大隆、青稞饵料、5 g投饵量;3) 0.01%溴敌隆、小麦饵料、3 g投饵量。     

Effects of bacterial strains on the development of the ripening flavor of cured pork loins

To determine the effect of bacteria on the development of the ripening flavor of cured meat, pork loins were cured with pickles containing 8 or 16% sodium chloride at 0 and 8°C. The bacterial flora, total free amino acid content and total free fatty acid content in the cured loins, sensory properties of cooked pork loins and the relationships between the proteolytic and lipolytic activities of isolates and curing conditions were investigated. Desirable bacteria, including salt‐tolerant bacteria and lactic acid bacteria, were predominant under the condition of 8% sodium chloride in the pickles and a curing temperature of 8°C. The total free amino acid content and total free fatty acid content at a curing temperature of 8°C were higher than those at 0°C. Cooked pork loins cured in pickles containing 8% sodium chloride at a temperature of 8°C for more than 7 days were preferred in terms of color, flavor and taste. Before the curing procedure, gram‐negative bacteria (Vibrio, Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas and Enterobacteriaceae) were predominant in the pork loins. During the curing period, the numbers of viable gram‐positive bacteria (Micrococcus, Staphylococcus and Pediococcus) increased and the numbers of viable gram‐negative bacteria decreased. Strains of Micrococcus and Staphylococcus with proteolytic and/or lipolytic activities in cured meat also increased during the curing period and were more predominant in the pork loins cured in pickles containing 8% sodium chloride and at a curing temperature of 8°C than in pork loins cured in pickles containing 16% sodium chloride and at a curing temperature of 0°C. The actions of these bacteria were thought to be important factors affecting the flavor of the cured pork. Micrococcus and Staphylococcus with proteolytic activity might contribute to the development of the ripening flavor of ham. The results of the present study together with the results of further investigations on the relationships of the enzyme activities of Micrococcus and Staphylococcus in cured meat with a preferable flavor would be useful for establishing a novel effective method for using bacteria to produce ham of a high quality.     

Conjunctival bacterial and fungal flora in healthy horses in the UK

Objectives To describe the bacterial and fungal flora of the normal conjunctiva of horses in the UK; to determine the effect of horse age, sex, geographic location, and housing on this flora; and to determine the most appropriate antimicrobial drug(s) for prophylactic treatment of corneal ulcers. Animal studied A total of 60 adult healthy horses were studied. Procedure Swabs of the conjunctiva were obtained from 60 horses housed in two locations within the UK. Specimens were cultured for aerobic bacteria and fungi, and sensitivity against six ophthalmic antimicrobials assessed. The effect of age, sex, location and housing on the frequency of microbial isolation was evaluated. Results Fifty‐four bacterial isolates, representing thirteen genera of bacteria were cultured from 31 (52%) horses. The most frequently isolated bacterial species was Acinetobacter sp (17/32 horses). The majority of isolates (28/54: 52%) were gram‐positive. Three genera of fungi (Mucor, Absidia and Aspergillus spp) were isolated from eight (13%) horses. There was no significant effect of geographic location, sex, age or housing on frequency of microbial isolation. Horses from which gram‐negative bacteria were isolated were significantly older than horses from which gram‐positive bacteria were isolated. High efficacy (greater than 90% of isolates sensitive in vitro) was displayed by chloramphenicol, gentamicin and tetracycline. Conclusions The microbial species isolated are comparable with studies performed in other countries, although the frequency of Acinetobacter isolation was higher which may reflect a geographic difference. The topical antimicrobials gentamicin and chloramphenicol are appropriate first line antimicrobials for empirical treatment of corneal ulcers in the UK.     

A report on the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in yaks (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Bos poephagus</Emphasis>) in the cold desert area of North Sikkim,India

Faecal samples were collected from 348 yaks(Bos poephagus) in and around Gurudogmer Plateau, a cold desert area in North Sikkim, India. The prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic infection was recorded at 10.05% in both the organized and traditionally managed farms of yak. The pattern of infection was either single (2.58%) or mixed (7.47%) with a faecal egg count range of 100–200 eggs per gram of faeces in positive animals. Among the helminths, Haemonchus spp. infection was predominant (6.89%) followed by Nematodirus spp. (1.72%), Cooperia spp. (1.43%) and Dicrocoelium spp. (0.29%).     

P‐74 Evaluation of the in vivo effects of Tris‐EDTA and chlorhexidine digluconate 0.15% solution in chronic bacterial otitis externa: 11 cases

The objectives of this study were to evaluate in vivo tolerance, and antimicrobial and clinical activities of a topical otic preparation containing EDTA tromethamine (Tris) and chlorhexidine digluconate 0.15% solution (Otodine^®) in dogs with chronic bacterial otitis externa. Eleven dogs were included. The affected ears were filled with the solution once daily during a 2‐week period. Dogs were evaluated on days 0, 14 and 28. Three clinical parameters (exudate, erythema, pain) and three cytologic parameters (Malassezia, cocci, rods) were scored (0–4 scale) by otoscopic and cytological examinations of otic exudate. Bacterial cultures were performed at each time point. If there were bacteria on cytological examination on day 14, the dogs were treated with the original product, with the addition of enrofloxacin (5%) applied 10 min after the original product, for a further 2 weeks. All 11 cases yielded isolates of resistant gram‐negative bacteria; gram‐positive bacteria were also isolated from six of 11 dogs. On day 14, six of 11 dogs were negative on culture examination; on day 28, 10 of 11 were negative and only one case had a positive culture. On day 14, clinical and microbial scores (cytology) were reduced by 54.6 and 71.1%, respectively, and by 85.7 and 94% on day 28. All cases reported good tolerance of the treatment. The results show that this ear solution was helpful in the management of chronic bacterial otitis externa in dogs and was well tolerated. There seems to be a synergistic effect of the combination of Tris‐EDTA/chlorhexidine digluconate 0.15% solution, and an antimicrobial agent (enrofloxacin) against resistant gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria. Funding: Self‐funded.     

Prevalence and seasonal variation of ectoparasite load in free-range chicken of Kashmir valley

A faunistical study of ectoparasites was carried out for a period of two years from January 2005 to December 2006 in rural free-range chicken purchased from different areas of Kashmir valley. Screening of a total of 478 birds revealed only lice infestation with an overall prevalence of about 100% and 97.69% birds harboring multiple species. The prevalence for various species of lice, during winter, spring, summer, autumn and overall prevalence respectively, was 90.32%, 99.14%, 100%, 98.34% and 96.86% for Lipeurus caponis; 33.87%, 48.71%, 57.75%, 39.66% and 44.76% for Goniodes gigas; 29.83%, 32.47%, 45.68%, 32.23% and 34.93% for Menopon gallinae; 28.22%, 32.47%, 39.65%, 32.23% and 33.05% for Menacanthus cornutus; 16.12%, 19.65%, 25%, 18.18% and 19.66% for Goniocotes gallinae and 6.45%, 12.82%, 13.79%, 4.95% and 9.41% for Eomenacanthus stramineus. The seasonal influence on nature and intensity of infestation was evident.