Effectiveness of methods used for the detection of sarcosporidiosis in farm animals

Trypsinization and stereoscopy were found to be the most suitable methods for the detection of sarcosporidiosis in farm animals. Sarcocystis cruzi, S. hirsuta and S. hominis were detected in 87% of 200 cattle and S. ovicanis and S. tenella in 92% of 100 sheep examined. The examinations of 200 pigs were negative.     

Indirect haemagglutination reaction with antigen of Sarcocystis gigantea (Railliet, 1886) Ashford, 1977

The water extract from cryolyzed whole muscle cysts of Sarcocystis gigantea from sheep, in spite of the high lectin content, is a suitable antigen for the detection of specific antibodies by means of indirect haemagglutination reaction (IHA). The agglutinating effect of lectin from parasitic cysts can be eliminated with a 0.5% concentration of lactose dissolved in all solutions used for IHA. In sera of slaughterhouse sheep, positive titres ranging from 1:80 to 1:1 280 were registered. Positive reactions in lower titres were observed also with antibodies against S. dispersa, S. cuniculi and Sarcocystis sp. from pigs. Sensibilized erythrocytes can be stored in refrigerator at least for 1 week.     

Mouse (Mus musculus) as intermediate host of Sarcocystis sp. from the goshawk (Accipiter gentilis)

Sporocysts from the goshawk (Accipiter gentilis) were experimentally transferred to the mouse (Mus musculus). It was found that the goshawk is the host of one of the sarcosporidians inducing muscle sarcocystosis in mice. Thin-walled, sporulated oocysts expelled by the goshawk measured 16.5-19.0 X 12.0-13.0 micron. Those which measured 12.0-13.5 X 8.2-9.0 micron were widely elliptical, with rounded poles. No asexual reproduction of parasites was detected in the viscera of mice. The cysts started to appear in skeletal muscles on day 20 after oral infection with 10,000 or 100,000 sporocysts per mouse. The cysts measuring 15-630 X 18-65 micron contained widely oval metrocytes (2.8-4.3 X 1.5-2.8 micron) or banana-shaped cystozoites (6.0-8.0 X 2.0-3.8 micron). Three months after infection the cysts were found also in the tongue of mice. No morphological differences were observed between the oocysts-sporocysts from owls (Tyto alba and Asio otus) and goshawk, not even between the muscle cysts of these sarcosporidians in mice. The possibility of passaging the species Sarcocystis dispersa from the long-eared owl through the digestive tract of goshawk is discussed.     

Studies on ticks of veterinary importance in Nigeria. VIII. Differences observed in the biology of ticks which fed on different domestic animal hosts

Ticks of the species Amblyomma variegatum (Fabr.), Boophilus decoloratus (Koch), Boophilus geigyi Aeschl. et Morel, and Hyalomma rufipes Koch were detached from cattle, sheep and horses and the influence of these various hosts on the biology of ticks was investigated. No A. variegatum was found in horses. The parameters studied were preoviposition and oviposition periods, ovipositional capacity, eclosion period, hatching patterns, egg sizes and temperature effect. Although the preoviposition and eclosion periods were similar in each tick species irrespective of the host from which the adults were detached, the oviposition period was longest among ticks detached from cattle and least among those detached from horses. The ticks engorged on cattle also laid the highest number of eggs and those which engorged on horses laid the least number. The hatching pattern of the eggs in any tick species was not influenced by the host from which the female was detached. The lengths of eggs of the ticks whose adults were detached from horses were generally smaller than those detached from cattle and sheep. Temperature affected the adult females detached from cattle, sheep and horses equally and this was also true of the larvae they produced. The practical field applications of these results are discussed.     

Contribution to the serological diagnosis of sarcocystosis.

The importance of the IFA-test (Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test) in the diagnosis of sarcocystosis in the intermediate host has been confirmed in the present paper. We assessed the time of the first appearance of serum antibodies in the intermediate host in mice inoculated experimentally with the species Sarcocystis dispersa. By means of the IFA-test, the first antibodies were found on day 20 p.i. Cross-reactions among antisera of S. dispersa and a heterologous antigen of S. cernae disclosed that the reaction was not species-specific, but genus-specific. In addition, we confirmed serologically that the antigenic structure of the genus Frenkelia was identical to that of the genus Sarcocystis, because the results of cross reactions obtained with the IFA-test were identical.     

新疆卡拉麦里山有蹄类自然保护区狼(Canis lupus)与社区牧民冲突的调查分析

近5 a来,卡拉麦里山有蹄类自然保护区狼捕食家畜事件频繁发生,给当地社区牧民造成经济损失并带来心理恐慌,狼与牧民冲突日益尖锐。2012年7-8月,采用入户面对面访谈的方法,调查了卡拉麦里山保护区内狼的危害状况以及当地社区牧民与狼之间的冲突。结果表明：① 6个乡的牧民普遍认为在冬牧点或河谷定居点周围有狼,但是其数量有明显的差异;② 在卡拉麦里山有蹄类自然保护区狼捕食家畜的顺序是：绵羊、牛、骆驼、山羊和马,狼对绵羊明显存在捕食偏好。每户被狼捕杀家畜的数量与家庭家畜拥有量呈极显著正相关;③ 狼袭击家畜的时间存在极显著的差异,以夜晚最为频繁,并且多发生在牧民的冬牧场,即在冬季捕食率较高;④ 狼一般远离道路和人类活动频繁的矿点、旅游点,而在靠近冬牧点和水源点的地方捕食家畜;⑤ 60.5%的牧民认为狼对草原生态系统是有害的。     

Genetic characterisation of Giardia duodenalis in dairy cattle in Brazil

The intestinal protozoan parasite Giardia duodenalis (Lambl, 1859) Kofoid & Christiansen, 1915 [syn. Giardia intestinalis and Giardia lamblia] has emerged as a widespread enteric pathogen in humans and domestic animals. In recent years, G. duodenalis has been found in cattle worldwide and longitudinal studies have reported cumulative prevalence of 100% in some herds. In the present study, we determined the prevalence and genetic characterisation of G. duodenalis in 200 dairy cattle from 10 dairy farms in S?o Paulo state, Brazil. All faecal specimens were screened for the presence of G. duodenalis using microscopy examination, enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). DNA was extracted from faecal samples and G. duodenalis were identified by amplification of the small subunit ribosomal (SSU-rDNA) and glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) genes followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) or sequencing analysis. Giardia was identified in eight farm locations (80% prevalence). Overall, 15/200 (7.5%) animals were positive for infection, only one of which was a cow. Giardia duodenalis genotype E was present in 14 of the animals tested. Zoonotic genotype AI was present in one positive sample. Genotype E and genotype A represented 93% and 7% of G. duodenalis infections, respectively. This study demonstrates that G. duodenalis infection was prevalent in dairy calves in S?o Paulo state and that the non-zoonotic genotype E predominates in cattle in this region. Nevertheless, calves naturally infected in Brazil can shed Giardia cysts that can potentially infect humans, and thus, they may represent a public health risk.     

Comparative infectivity of Fasciola hepatica metacercariae from isolates of the main and secondary reservoir animal host species in the Bolivian Altiplano high human endemic region

Fascioliasis due to Fasciola hepatica (Linnaeus, 1758) is an endemic disease on the Northern Bolivian Altiplano, where human prevalences and intensities are the highest known, sheep and cattle are the main reservoir hosts, and pigs and donkeys the secondary ones. Investigations were carried out to study the viability of metacercariae experimentally obtained from eggs shed by naturally infected Altiplanic sheep, cattle, pigs and donkeys. A total of 157 Wistar rats were infected with doses of 5, 10, 20 and 150 metacercariae. Metacercariae aged for different number of weeks were used to analyse the influence of age on their viability. The number of worms successfully developed in each rat was established by dissection. Results obtained show that metacercarial infectivity is dependent upon storage time, being lower when metacercariae are older. The maximum longevity is 31 weeks using doses of 20 metacercariae per rat and 48 weeks with 150 metacercariae per rat, although in the latter case only a very low percentage of worms is recovered. Age-related infectivity of metacercariae from Altiplanic F. hepatica does not significantly differ from that of the liver fluke in lowlands of other countries. Concerning the influence of the isolate according to host species, results indicate that metacercarial viabilities of pig and donkey isolates are similar to the viabilities of metacercariae of sheep and cattle isolates. Thus, pig and donkey have a high transmission potential capacity concerning this aspect. This fact is of great importance for the control of human and animal fascioliasis in this highly endemic zone.     

1983-2003年浑善达克沙地中部沙丘植被在放牧条件下的比较

为了研究长期放牧条件下植被的变化,采用样方调查方法分析了1983-2003年浑善达克沙地中部的沙丘植被在放牧条件下的变化.期间,物种多样性、生物量和盖度在第1个10年缓慢下降,而第2个10年则加速下降,在沙丘阳坡形成了以适口性差的一年生草本植物为主的稀疏植被,阴坡以木本树木为主.且表现为木本植物的降低速度比草本植物慢....     

A phytoplasma closely related to the pigeon pea witches'-broom phytoplasma (16Sr IX) is associated with citrus huanglongbing symptoms in the state of São Paulo, Brazil

In February 2007, sweet orange trees with characteristic symptoms of huanglongbing (HLB) were encountered in a region of S?o Paulo state (SPs) hitherto free of HLB. These trees tested negative for the three liberibacter species associated with HLB. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) product from symptomatic fruit columella DNA amplifications with universal primers fD1/rP1 was cloned and sequenced. The corresponding agent was found to have highest 16S rDNA sequence identity (99%) with the pigeon pea witches'-broom phytoplasma of group 16Sr IX. Sequences of PCR products obtained with phytoplasma 16S rDNA primer pairs fU5/rU3, fU5/P7 confirm these results. With two primers D7f2/D7r2 designed based on the 16S rDNA sequence of the cloned DNA fragment, positive amplifications were obtained from more than one hundred samples including symptomatic fruits and blotchy mottle leaves. Samples positive for phytoplasmas were negative for liberibacters, except for four samples, which were positive for both the phytoplasma and 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus'. The phytoplasma was detected by electron microscopy in the sieve tubes of midribs from symptomatic leaves. These results show that a phytoplasma of group IX is associated with citrus HLB symptoms in northern, central, and southern SPs. This phytoplasma has very probably been transmitted to citrus from an external source of inoculum, but the putative insect vector is not yet known.     

Diet characteristics of wild sheep(Ovis ammon darwini) in the Mengluoke Mountains,Xinjiang,China

In most arid and semi-arid regions of the world, domestic livestock and native wildlife share pastures, and their competition for forage and habitat is thought to be a serious conservation issue. Moreover, unmanaged grazing by livestock can cause the population decline in wild ungulates. The diet of an animal species is a determining aspect of its ecological niche, and investigating its diet has been one of the initial steps in basic ecology study of a new species. To get an approximate understanding of the interspecific food relationships of argali(Ovis ammon darwini) between sexes, and sympatric domestic sheep and goats, we compared the diet compositions and diet-overlaps among these herbivores, i.e., male argali, female argali, domestic sheep, and domestic goats in the Mengluoke Mountains of Xinjiang, China by using micro-histological fecal analysis. Female argali, male argali, domestic sheep and domestic goat primarily consumed forbs(43.31%±4.86%), grass(36.02%±9.32%), forbs(41.01%±9.18%), and forbs(36.22%±10.61%), respectively in warm season. All these animals consumed mostly shrubs(female argali: 36.47%±7.56%; male argali: 47.28%±10.75%; domestic sheep: 40.46%±9.56%; and domestic goats: 42.88%±9.34%, respectively) in cold season. The diet-overlaps were relatively high among all species in cold season with values ranging from 0.88 to 0.94. Furthermore, Schoener's index measured between each possible pair of 4 herbivores increased from the warm season to the cold season. The results illustrate that the high degree of diet-overlap of argali and domestic livestock(sheep and goat) may pose a threat to the survival of the argali in cold season. From the viewpoint of rangeland management and conservation of the endangered argali, the numbers of domestic sheep and goats should be limited in cold season to reduce food competition.     

A serological survey for Bhanja and tick-borne encephalitis viruses in sheep of eastern Slovakia

755 sheep from 41 farms in the districts of Trebisov, Michalovce, Humenné and Roznava in the East Slovakian region were investigated on the presence of antibodies to Bhanja (neutralization test) and tick-borne encephalitis (haemagglutination-inhibition test) viruses. In respective districts 2.2%, 0.4%, 1.7% and 26.7% of animals (total 5.3%) were found to be positive on Bhanja virus, 4.4%, 1.5%, 1.7% and 5.0% (total 2.6%) on tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus. The considerable infection rate in sheep with Bhanja virus in the district of Roznava (mean 26.7%-on one farm as high as 63.9% serologically positive animals) can be explained by the local occurrence of the tick Haemaphysalis punctata, the main vector of this virus in Europe. The serologic screening conducted indicates a low activity of natural foci of TBE in eastern Slovakia today, and confirms the existence of a natural focus of infection with Bhanja virus in the district of Roznava. Recent circulation of Bhanja virus is indicated by antibodies detected in several one-year-old sheep.     

Losses in milking qualities of dairy cattle caused by mosquitoes and horseflies and reduction of such losses due to use of diethyltoluamide repellent.

An experiment was carried out in South Bohemia, in which 10% water emulsion of diethyltoluamide was used as repellent against bloodsucking Diptera to protect pastured dairy cattle. The repellent was applied by means of a spraying frame and was effective for 30-36 hours. Seven mosquito species and 18 horsefly species were observed to be attacking the cattle. The average number being 120-300 mosquitoes and 50 horseflies per hour, the milking qualities in the cattle decreased by 6.2%, the milk fat content by 11.8%. After converting to milk with average fat content of 4%, the difference in milking qualities between treated and untreated animals was 9.7%.     

Xenoma-like formations induced by Soricimyxum fegati (Myxosporea) in three species of shrews (Soricomorpha: Soricidae), including records of new hosts

In South Bohemia, Czech Republic, 178 shrews, including 98 common shrews, Sorex araneus L., 70 pygmy shrews, Sorex minutus L., and 10 lesser white-toothed shrews, Crocidura suaveolens (Pallas), were examined for Soricimyxum fegati Prunescu, Prunescu, Pucek et Lom, 2007 infections, using squash preparations of unfixed tissues, histological sections and molecular methods. The infection was found in 51 (52%) S. araneus, 14 (20%) S. minutus and 1 (10%) C. suaveolens. The records of the latter two species extend host range of S. fegati. Lesions associated with S. fegati infections in the liver, the organ of specific localisation of the parasite, were found to be induced by proliferative stages migrating toward lumina of bile ducts. In other organs of these three host species, xenoma-like formations (XLFs) were found that severely injured blood vessels. XLFs contained presporogonic stages of S. fegati, whose species identity was evidenced using molecular methods.     

Biology,distribution and impacts of silverleaf nightshade (Solanum elaeagnifolium Cav.)*

Silverleaf nightshade, Solanum elaeagnifolium, is listed as a noxious weed in its native range (Americas) and as an invasive alien plant in many countries across the world. Its local pattern of distribution in the EPPO region indicates that it is still in an establishment phase. S. elaeagnifolium invasiveness could be related to several biological traits: copious production of sexual and asexual propagules, its facility for long‐distance dispersion, its ability to endure considerable drought and to dominate shallow‐rooted vegetation, especially during summer dry periods, and its capacity to suppress more valuable species because it is unpalatable and toxic to cattle. Invasion of the Mediterranean semi‐arid region by S. elaeagnifolium was mainly facilitated by irrigation and animal production. Low moisture stress may favour this invasive species and sheep are an important pathway for its long‐distance dispersal. Once established, it is one of the most difficult weeds to eradicate because of its network of creeping horizontal and deep vertical roots. Its phenotypic plasticity enables it to adopt a rosette‐like growth pattern to escape control by repeated slashing. Thus, S. elaeagnifolium monitoring in the EPPO region is vital in order to contain established populations and prevent invasion.     

The potential for pyrethroids as agricultural,veterinary and industrial insecticides

The results of trials with some synthetic pyrethroids, especially cypermethrin and permethrin, against pests of cotton, various fruits, vegetables and brassicas are summarised. These compounds and cypermethrin in particular have given good results at low dosages against many insect species on these crops. Cypermethrin shows promise against ectoparasites attacking sheep and cattle and also is being evaluated for various non-agricultural outlets.     

轮作休耕模式对土壤细菌群落的影响

以黄土高原半干旱区9种轮作休耕模式土壤为研究对象,分别设残膜覆盖（T₂1）、伏天深耕（T₂2）、施牛羊粪（7 500 kg·hm^-2）+深翻耕（30 cm）+连续休耕3 a（T₂3）、施牛羊粪（7 500 kg·hm^-2）+深翻耕（30 cm）+连续种植豌豆3 a并在盛花期翻压还田（T₂4）、施牛羊粪（7 500 kg·hm^-2）+深翻耕（30 cm）+连续3 a种植豌豆（每kg豌豆种子拌根瘤菌粉8.5 g）并在盛花期翻压还田（T₂5）、玉米秸秆粉碎（还田量7 500 kg·hm^-2）+施牛羊粪（7 500 kg·hm^-2）+深翻耕（30 cm）+连续休耕3 a（T₂6）、玉米秸秆粉碎（还田量7 500 kg·hm^-2）+施牛羊粪（7 500 kg·hm^-2）+深翻耕（30 cm）+连续3 a种植毛苕子并在盛花期翻压还田（T₂7）、玉米秸秆粉碎（还田量7 500 kg·hm^-2）+施牛羊粪（7 500 kg·hm^-2）+深翻耕（30 cm）+连续3 a种植毛苕子并在盛花期翻压还田（T₂8）等8个处理,以连续休耕3 a为对照（CK）,采用16S rRNA扩增子测序技术对土壤细菌群落组成、丰度和多样性等特征进行研究,分析了土壤养分与细菌种群多样性的相关关系。结果表明,9种休耕轮作模式下,土壤细菌群落中相对丰度较高的前5位菌门依次为变形菌门（Proteobacteria）（26.33%～37.33%）、酸杆菌门（Acidobacteria）（17.93%～21.43%）、放线菌门（Actinobacteria）（12.42%～19.41%）、芽单胞菌门（Gemmatimonadetes）（6.98%～10.99%）和绿弯菌门（Chloroflexi）（6.48%～10.50%）。其中T₂1、T₂5处理显著升高了硝化螺旋菌门的相对丰度（分别为50.04%和42.44%）,T₂2处理显著提高了变形菌门和拟杆菌门的相对丰度（分别为31.51%和159.96%）,T₂6、T₂7处理显著增加了芽单胞菌门的相对丰度（分别为28.36%和28.33%）,T₂8处理显著增高了奇古菌门的相对丰度（519.79%）。不同轮作休耕模式的土壤全氮含量均高于CK。细菌群落丰富度指数除T₂7处理外,其余处理均高于CK。冗余分析和Monte Carlo置换检验结果显示,土壤全氮、全钾、速效氮含量对土壤细菌群落结构影响显著（P＜0.05）。     

Dose confirmation study of a 10 g liter−1 non-aqueous injectable formulation of moxidectin against naturally acquired infestations of cattle lice on cattle in New York

This study demonstrated that a moxidectin 10 g liter⁻¹ non-aqueous injectable formulation, injected subcutaneously in cattle at a dose of either 0.2 or 0.3 mg moxidectin kg⁻¹ body weight was safe and highly effective in the almost complete elimination (>99% efficacy) for 56 days of both the nymphal and adult stages of naturally acquired infestations of the three species of sucking lice commonly found on cattle, Haematopinus eurysternus (Nitzsch), Linognathus vituli (L), and Solenopotes capillatus (Enderlein). The level of efficacy was never greater than 90% with either dose against Bovicola bovis (L). No adverse effects were noted on cattle from either of the moxidectin doses used. © 1999 Society of Chemical Industry     

广东桉树黄化(丛枝)病植原体分子鉴定与检测

从表现黄化(丛枝)症状的桉树上采集病叶,抽提主脉总DNA,采用植原体通用引物与巢式引物进行PCR和巢式PCR扩增,对扩增产物进行克隆和序列测定,获得了植原体的近全长16S rRNA基因及部分16～23S rRNA基因间隔区序列.序列分析揭示,所获得的序列与已知植原体基因组相应区段的序列高度同源,与柳叶菜变叶植原体(epilobium phyllody)和白腊树丛枝植原体(ash witches'-broom)相应序列(GenBank登录号:AY101386和AY566302)同源率为99.9%,与白腊树黄化植原体(aster yellows BD2)相应序列和番茄巨芽植原体(tomato big bud)相应序列同源率分别为99.6%和99.3%.该序列构建的系统进化树表明,引起我国广州地区桉树黄化(丛枝)病的植原体属于16SrI组(即翠菊黄化组),将其暂命名为桉树黄化(丛枝)植原体广东株系(Eucalyp-tus yellowing and witches'-broom phytoplasma strain Guangdong,EYWB-Gd).建立了桉树植原体巢式PCR检测方法,对疑似病样及桉树组培苗进行了检测,多数疑似病样检测结果为阳性,供试的10株组培苗未发现阳性样品.     

Establishment and growth of Senecio jacobaea L. and Senecio erucifolius L. in grassland

Senecio erucifolius L. (hoary ragwort) has become conspicuous on roadside verges in southern England. Like Senecio jacobaea L. it is poisonous, so it might be a threat to animal production. In boxed swards the growth of S. jacobaea was less adversely affected by the greater competition from grass with a high level of nitrogen fertilizer than was the growth of S. erucifolius. Also, young S. jacobaea plants showed a much greater ability to regrow after their shoots had been cut at ground level. In a range of grassland managements S. jacobaea established better from seed than did S. erucifolius. Establishment of both species on molehills was poor because of the likelihood that the seedlings would be disturbed or even buried by fresh mole activity. Ten months after sowing, seedlings of S. jacobaea had persisted well in the higher nitrogen environment of ex-cow-dung patches, whereas S. erucifolius had not. Under intensive sheep grazing, in the absence of fertilizer, transplants of S. erucifolius had much greater root dry weights than did those of S. jacobaea. Also, in regrowth after cattle grazing on a fertilized sward, S. jacobaea plants had greater shoot dry weights than did S. erucifolius. Thus, although S. erucifolius can establish from seed in bare patches in an intensively grazed sward it is likely to be less persistent than S. jacobaea if the gaps are ex-dung patches or if nitrogen fertilizer is applied.