Canine acute leukaemia: 50 cases (1989–2014)

Acute leukaemia (AL) is a bone marrow malignancy of hematopoietic progenitors that historically is poorly responsive to treatment. With the widespread adoption of dose‐intense chemotherapy, more human patients attain long‐term survivals, but whether comparable progress has been made in canine AL is unknown. To investigate this question, medical records from three academic veterinary hospitals were reviewed. Fifty dogs met the criteria for AL, having excess circulating or marrow blasts, a major cytopenia(s), and no substantial lymphadenopathy. Thirty‐six dogs received cytotoxic chemotherapy; 23 achieved a complete or partial response for a median of 56 days (range, 9–218). With failure or relapse, 14 dogs were rescued. Median survival with treatment was poor at 55 days (range, 1–300). Untreated (n = 6) and palliatively‐treated (n = 8) dogs lived a median of 7.5 days. Most dogs developed chemoresistance within weeks of initiating treatment, and consequently, survival times for AL remain disappointingly short.     

Supraventricular tachycardia in dogs: 65 cases (1990–2007)

Objective – To characterize the signalment, clinical findings, and prognosis of dogs with supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). Design – Retrospective study. Setting – North Carolina State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Animals, Intervention, and Measurements – Case selection included all patients at the veterinary teaching hospital with SVT during years 1990–2007. Medical records from dogs with at least 1 recorded episode of SVT were extracted. The signalment, history, electrocardiographic, radiographic, and echocardiographic findings, therapy, and response to therapy were reviewed and summarized. Follow‐up was conducted to determine the date and cause of death. Kaplan‐Meier survival curves were constructed and analyzed. The relationships between patient characteristics and responses to therapy and prognosis were evaluated. Main Results – Sixty‐five records documented a diagnosis of SVT. Sixty‐two percent were males. Labrador Retrievers and Boxers were overrepresented compared with the general hospital population. Median age at presentation was 9 years (range 0.5–15.5 y). The median heart rate during SVT was 270/minute (range 187–375/min). The most common presenting complaint was syncope (30%), 23% were asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis. Most dogs had structural heart disease (65%). Median survival was 472 days (<1–2007 d). Identification of sustained SVT (>30 s) did not affect survival (P=0.50), nor did the presence of congestive heart failure (P=0.70). Conclusions – The majority of dogs with SVT had structural heart disease or a severe concurrent illness at the time of SVT diagnosis. SVT, though often a persistent and occasionally sustained arrhythmia, does not appear to be a primary factor in mortality.     

Human Brucellosis Trends: Re‐emergence and Prospects for Control Using a One Health Approach in Azerbaijan (1983–2009)

Brucellosis is one of the most common and widely spread zoonotic diseases in the world. Control of the disease in humans is dependent upon limiting the infection in animals through surveillance and vaccination. Given the dramatic economic and political changes that have taken place in the former Soviet Union, which have limited control, evaluating the status of human brucellosis in former Soviet states is crucial. We assessed annual spatial and temporal trends in the epidemiology of human brucellosis in Azerbaijan, 1983–2009, in conjunction with data from a livestock surveillance and control programme (2002–2009). To analyse trends, we used a combination of segmented regression and spatial analysis. From 1983 to 2009, a total of 11 233 cases of human brucellosis were reported. Up to the mid‐1990s, the incidence of human brucellosis showed a pattern of re‐emergence, increasing by 25% annually, on average. Following Soviet governance, the incidence rates peaked, increasing by 1.8% annually, on average, and subsequently decreasing by 5% annually, on average, during the period 2002–2009. Despite recent national declines in human incidence, we identified geographic changes in the case distribution characterized by a geographic expansion and an increasing incidence among districts clustered in the south‐east, compared to a decrease of elsewhere in the country. Males were consistently, disproportionately afflicted (71%) and incidence was highest in the 15 to 19 age group (18.1 cases/100 000). During the period 2002–2009, >10 million small ruminants were vaccinated with Rev1. Our findings highlight the improving prospects for human brucellosis control following livestock vaccination; however, the disease appears to be re‐emerging in south‐eastern Azerbaijan. Sustained one health measures are needed to address changing patterns of brucellosis in Azerbaijan and elsewhere in the former Soviet Union.     

Multiple‐Aetiology Enteric Infections Involving Non‐O157 Shiga Toxin‐Producing Escherichia coli – FoodNet, 2001–2010

We describe multiple‐aetiology infections involving non‐O157 Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli (STEC) identified through laboratory‐based surveillance in nine FoodNet sites from 2001 to 2010. A multiple‐aetiology infection (MEI) was defined as isolation of non‐O157 STEC and laboratory evidence of any of the other nine pathogens under surveillance or isolation of >1 non‐O157 STEC serogroup from the same person within a 7‐day period. We compared exposures of patients with MEI during 2001–2010 with those of patients with single‐aetiology non‐O157 STEC infections (SEI) during 2008–2009 and with those of the FoodNet population from a survey conducted during 2006–2007. In total, 1870 non‐O157 STEC infections were reported; 68 (3.6%) were MEI; 60 included pathogens other than non‐O157 STEC; and eight involved >1 serogroup of non‐O157 STEC. Of the 68 MEI, 21 (31%) were part of six outbreaks. STEC O111 was isolated in 44% of all MEI. Of patients with MEI, 50% had contact with farm animals compared with 29% (P < 0.01) of persons with SEI; this difference was driven by infections involving STEC O111. More patients with non‐outbreak‐associated MEI reported drinking well water (62%) than respondents in a population survey (19%) (P < 0.01). Drinking well water and having contact with animals may be important exposures for MEI, especially those involving STEC O111.     

Clinical presentation,treatment and outcome in 31 dogs with presumed primary colorectal lymphoma (2001–2013)

The objective of this multicentre retrospective study was to describe clinical presentation, treatment and outcome and to determine prognostic factors for dogs with presumed primary colorectal lymphoma (PCRL). A total of 31 dogs were included. The predominant features of PCRL were high grade (n = 18) and immunophenotype B (n = 24). Most dogs were substage b (n = 25) with higher prevalence of haematochezia (n = 20). One dog had surgery only. Thirty dogs received chemotherapy; amongst them 13 had surgery or radiotherapy. Progression free survival (PFS) was 1318 days and disease‐related median survival time (MST) was 1845 days. Fourteen dogs were alive at the end of the study with a median follow‐up time of 684 days (3–4678 days). Younger dogs had longer PFS (P = 0.031) and disease‐related MST (P = 0.01). Presence of haematochezia corresponded with longer PFS (P = 0.02). Addition of local treatment to chemotherapy did not significantly improve the outcome (P = 0.584). Canine PCRL has considerably longer PFS and MST than other forms of non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma.     

OUTCOMES AND PROGNOSTIC FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH CANINE SINONASAL TUMORS TREATED WITH CURATIVE INTENT CONE‐BASED STEREOTACTIC RADIOSURGERY (1999–2013)

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is a relatively new therapeutic option in veterinary oncology. The role of this modality has not been extensively evaluated for the use in canine nasal tumors. The objective of this retrospective, observational study was to describe the clinical outcome and prognostic factors associated with survival times in a sample of canine patients treated with SRS for sinonasal tumors. Fifty‐seven dogs with sinonasal tumors met inclusion criteria. Histologic diagnoses included sarcoma (SA) (n = 9), carcinoma (CA) (n = 40), osteosarcoma (OSA) (n = 7), and round cell (n = 1). Four of 57 cases were treated twice with SRS. For these, the median and mean doses delivered were 30Gy and 33Gy, respectively (range 18.75Gy–56Gy). Late effects occurred in 23 cases and ranged from grades I–III. The median overall survival time was 8.5 months. The median overall survival times in dogs with tumor type of CA, SA, and OSA were 10.4, 10.7, and 3.1 months, respectively. Dogs with the tumor type of OSA had shorter overall survival time than that in dogs with tumor type of CA and SA. Findings from this retrospective study indicated that SRS may be beneficial for canine patients with sinonasal tumors, however a controlled clinical trial would be needed to confirm this. Prospective studies are also needed to better define the role of SRS as palliative or curative, and to further investigate the risk of clinically significant toxicity.     

Epidemiology and cost of Lyme disease‐related hospitalizations among patients with employer‐sponsored health insurance—United States, 2005–2014

An estimated 300,000 cases of Lyme disease occur in the United States annually. Disseminated Lyme disease may result in carditis, arthritis, facial palsy or meningitis, sometimes requiring hospitalization. We describe the epidemiology and cost of Lyme disease‐related hospitalizations. We analysed 2005–2014 data from the Truven Health Analytics MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounters Databases to identify inpatient records associated with Lyme disease based on International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD‐9‐CM) codes. We estimated the annual number and median cost of Lyme disease‐related hospitalizations in the United States in persons under 65 years of age. Costs were adjusted to reflect 2016 dollars. Of 20,983,165 admission records contained in the inpatient databases during the study period, 2,823 (0.01%) met inclusion criteria for Lyme disease‐related hospitalizations. Over half of the identified records contained an ICD‐9‐CM code for meningitis (n = 614), carditis (n = 429), facial palsy (n = 400) or arthritis (n = 377). Nearly 60% of hospitalized patients were male. The median cost per Lyme disease‐related hospitalization was $11,688 (range: $140–$323,613). The manifestation with the highest median cost per stay was carditis ($17,461), followed by meningitis ($15,177), arthritis ($13,012) and facial palsy ($10,491). Median cost was highest among the 15‐ to 19‐year‐old age group ($12,991). Admissions occurring in January had the highest median cost ($13,777) for all study years. Based on extrapolation to the U.S. population, we estimate that 2,196 Lyme disease‐related hospitalizations in persons under 65 years of age occur annually with an estimated annual cost of $25,826,237. Lyme disease is usually treated in an outpatient setting; however, some patients with Lyme disease require hospitalization, underscoring the need for effective prevention methods to mitigate these serious cases. Information from this analysis can aid economic evaluations of interventions that prevent infection and advances in disease detection.     

PALLIATIVE RADIATION THERAPY OUTCOMES FOR CATS WITH ORAL SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA (1999–2005)

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) accounts for approximately 10% of all feline tumors. The purpose of this retrospective study was to describe outcomes for a group of cats with oral SCC that were treated with palliative radiation therapy. Fifty‐four cats met the inclusion criteria of nonresectable, oral SCC treated with coarse fractionated megavoltage (MeV) radiation therapy. Radiation therapy for all cats was delivered with a 6 MeV linear accelerator. Total radiation doses of 24 Gray to 40 Gray were administered in three to four fractions, once‐per‐week over 4 to 5 weeks. Concurrent chemotherapy protocols varied and were administered at the discretion of the clinician and client. Forty‐nine patients completed the planned treatment protocols. Overall mean and median survival times for cats completing the planned treatment protocols were 127 and 92 days (n = 49). Mean and median survival times of cats receiving palliative radiation therapy alone were 157 and 113 days (n = 12). Mean and median survival times of patients receiving both radiation therapy and chemotherapy were 116 and 80 days (n = 37). Patients with sublingual tumors had a median survival time of 135 days (n = 15), compared to mandibular tumors that had a median survival time of 80 days (n = 26). For the majority of patients that completed the planned treatment protocol (65%), owners reported a subjectively improved quality of life. Findings from this uncontrolled study supported the use of palliative radiation therapy for cats with nonresectable oral squamous cell carcinoma.     

Assessing the Existing Information on the Efficacy of Bovine Vaccination against Escherichia coli O157:H7 – A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis

The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis to evaluate the existing information on the efficacy of commercial vaccination to reduce the prevalence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in weaned cattle in beef feedlot finishing systems under commercial conditions. Currently, only two commercial vaccines exist, and thus, only publications reporting the use of vaccines targeting type III secreted proteins and/or siderophore receptor and porin proteins (SRP) were considered relevant. A total of 18 studies reporting 45 comparisons were included in this review. Meta‐analyses were conducted variously on (i) pre‐harvest outcomes, (ii) at‐harvest outcomes and (iii) both pre‐harvest and at‐harvest outcomes combined. Overall, efficacy of vaccination was consistently observed. Efficacy and homogeneity of the results was demonstrated for the two‐dose regimen, allowing us to conclude with confidence that the two‐dose approach is efficacious. For pre‐harvest outcomes and two‐dose regimens, the odds ratios (OR) were 0.53 (95% CI = 0.45–0.62) for the two vaccines combined and 0.49 (95% CI = 0.40–0.60) for vaccine targeting type III secreted proteins. The test for heterogeneity among studies yielded a Q test P = 0.354 for the two vaccines combined and Q test P = 0.269 for the vaccine targeting type III secreted proteins, indicating homogeneity in both cases. For pre‐ and at‐harvest outcomes combined and two‐dose regimens, the odds ratios (OR) were 0.52 (95% CI = 0.44–0.61) for the two vaccines combined and 0.45 (95% CI = 0.34–0.60) for vaccine targeting type III secreted proteins. The test for heterogeneity among studies yielded a Q test P = 0.134 for the two vaccines combined indicating homogeneity and Q test P = 0.089 for the vaccine targeting type III secreted proteins indicating heterogeneity. Based on this meta‐analysis, bovine vaccination appears to be an effective approach to the pre‐harvest control of E. coli O157:H7.     

Post‐transplant malignant neoplasia associated with cyclosporine‐based immunotherapy: prevalence,risk factors and survival in feline renal transplant recipients

The study objective was to compare the prevalence of malignant neoplasia in feline renal transplant recipients (n = 111) with a control population of cats that did not receive transplantation (n = 142); and to determine whether the development of post‐transplant malignant neoplasia (PTMN) affects long‐term survival. Twenty‐five (22.5%) renal transplant recipients were diagnosed with PTMN, and of those 14 (56%) were diagnosed with lymphoma. The overall survival time in cats that developed PTMN following renal transplantation (median 646 days, IQR 433–1620 days) was not significantly different from the survival time in cats that did not develop PTMN (median 728 days, IQR 201–1942 days), although median survival after diagnosis of PTMN was only 13 days. Six control cats (4.2%) were diagnosed with malignant neoplasia. Compared to the control population, transplant cats had a 6.6 times higher odds of developing malignant neoplasia and a 6.7 times higher odds of developing lymphoma.     

Vaccination with Mycobacterium bovis BCG Strains Danish and Pasteur in White‐tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) Experimentally Challenged with Mycobacterium bovis

Wildlife reservoirs of Mycobacterium bovis represent serious obstacles to the eradication of tuberculosis in domestic livestock and the cause for many faltering bovine tuberculosis eradication programmes. One approach in dealing with wildlife reservoirs of disease is to interrupt inter‐species and intraspecies transmission through vaccination of deer or cattle. To evaluate the efficacy of BCG vaccination in white‐tailed deer, 35 deer were assigned to one of three groups; one s.c. dose of 10⁷ CFU of M. bovis BCG Pasteur (n = 12); 1 s.c. dose of 10⁷ CFU of M. bovis BCG Danish (n = 11); or unvaccinated deer (n = 12). After vaccination, deer were inoculated intratonsilarly with virulent M. bovis. Lesion severity scores of the medial retropharyngeal lymph node, as well as all lymph nodes combined, were reduced in vaccinated deer compared to unvaccinated deer. BCG Danish vaccinated deer had no late stage granulomas characterized by coalescent caseonecrotic granulomas containing numerous acid‐fast bacilli compared to BCG Pasteur vaccinated or unvaccinated deer where such lesions were present. Both BCG strains were isolated as late as 250 days after vaccination from deer that were vaccinated but not challenged. In white‐tailed deer, BCG provides protection against challenge with virulent M. bovis. Issues related to vaccine persistence, safety and shedding remain to be further investigated.     

Epidemiology of campylobacteriosis in Denmark 2000–2015

Campylobacter is the most frequently occurring cause of bacterial gastroenteritis in Europe. Unlike other zoonotic diseases, European‐wide incidences of Campylobacter infections have increased during the past decade, resulting in a significant disease burden. In Denmark, campylobacteriosis is notifiable by laboratory and a unique registration system of electronic transfer and storage of notified Campylobacter cases linked to the national person register of age, gender and geographical location allows collection of comprehensive case data. Using national surveillance data, we describe Campylobacter infections in Denmark from 2000 to 2015, focusing on age‐specific incidences, geography, seasonality and outbreaks. During the observed period, a total of 60,725 Campylobacter infections were registered with a mean annual incidence of 69.3 cases/100,000 population. From 2000 to 2014, the incidence of campylobacteriosis decreased by 20%, followed by an apparent increase of 20% from 2014 to 2015. Approximately one‐third of cases were travel‐related. Incidences were highest in males, young adults aged 20–29 years and children under 5 years of age. Generally, children under 10 years of age living in rural areas were at higher risk of infection. Infection patterns were seasonal with an increase from May to October, peaking in August. Outbreaks were identified each year, including four large waterborne outbreaks which all occurred following heavy rainfall events. For the most part, patterns of Campylobacter infection in Denmark during 2000 to 2015 remained remarkably constant and followed what is known about the disease with respect to demographic, temporal and spatial characteristics. To establish better targeted prevention and control measures, the current knowledge gaps regarding both Campylobacter microbiology (degree of clonal diversity and clustering) and the importance of different risk factors (food versus environment/climate) need to be filled.     

Functional responses of cougars (Puma concolor) in a multiple prey‐species system

The study of predator–prey interactions is commonly analyzed using functional responses to gain an understanding of predation patterns and the impact they have on prey populations. Despite this, little is known about predator–prey systems with multiple prey species in sites near the equator. Here we studied the functional response of cougars (Puma concolor) in relation to their main prey, armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus), coati (Nasua narica) and white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Between 2004 and 2010, cougar scats were collected along 5 transects to estimate the consumption of different prey species. A relative abundance index (RAI) was calculated for each prey species and cougar using 18 camera traps. We compared Holling type I, II and III functional response models to determine patterns in prey consumption based on the relative abundance and biomass of each prey species consumed. The 3 main prey species comprised 55% (armadillo), 17% (coati) and 8% (white‐tailed deer) of the diet. Type I and II functional responses described consumption of the 2 most common prey species armadillos and coati similarly well, while a type I response best characterized consumption of white‐tailed deer. A negative correlation between the proportions of armadillo versus coati and white‐tailed deer biomass in cougar scats suggests switching to consume alternative prey, confirming high foraging plasticity of this carnivore. This work represents one of the few studies to compare functional responses across multiple prey species, combined with evidence for prey‐switching at low densities of preferred prey.     

Time‐Series Analysis on Human Brucellosis During 2004–2013 in Shandong Province,China

Human brucellosis is a re‐emerging bacterial anthropozoonotic disease, which remains a public health concern in China with the growing number of cases and more widespread natural foci. The purpose of this study was to short‐term forecast the incidence of human brucellosis with a prediction model. We collected the annual and monthly laboratory data of confirmed cases from January 2004 to December 2013 in Shandong Diseases Reporting Information System (SDRIS). Autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model was fitted based on the monthly human brucellosis incidence from 2004 to 2013. Finally, monthly brucellosis incidences in 2014 were short‐term forecasted by the obtained model. The incidence of brucellosis was increasing from 2004 to 2013. For the ARIMA (0, 2, 1) model, the white noise diagnostic check (x² = 5.58 P = 0.35) for residuals obtained was revealed by the optimum goodness‐of‐fit test. The monthly incidences that fitted by ARIMA (0, 2, 1) model were closely consistent with the real incidence from 2004 to 2013. And forecasting incidences from January 2014 to December 2014 were, respectively, 0.101, 0.118, 0.143, 0.166, 0.160, 0.172, 0.169, 0.133, 0.122, 0.105, 0.103 and 0.079 per100 000 population, with standard error 0.011–0.019 and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 58.79%.     

White‐Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) as a Potential Sentinel for Human Lyme Disease in Indiana

We assessed the potential of white‐tailed deer (WTD) (Odocoileus virginianus) to be a sentinel for human cases of Lyme disease (LD) in Indiana using location data from a 3‐year survey of approximately 3400 hunted deer with associated tick Ixodes scapularis and Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb) data. Data on human LD cases at the county level were obtained from the Indiana Department of Health. All data were assigned to county centroids to match the resolution of the LD data before creating optimized trend surfaces for LD incidence, hunted deer count, Ixodes scapularis and Bb prevalence. To determine whether LD was spatially associated with the areas of high densities of deer, deer with Ixodes scapularis and deer with ticks infected with Bb, we used spatial analysis with distance indices (SADIE). The SADIE analysis found significant spatial association between LD and the distribution of three organismal predictor variables, that is, WTD, Ixodes ticks and Bb. Lyme disease incident rate varied between 0.08 cases per 10 000 habitants (Johnson county) and 5.9 cases per 10 000 habitants (Warren county). In conclusion, WTD can be used as an accurate and cost‐effective sentinel for human LD. This method will permit public health workers to identify potentially endemic areas independently of human case reports.     

Evaluation of acute congestive heart failure in dogs and cats: 145 cases (2007–2008)

Objective – To characterize the clinical presentation, management, and in‐hospital outcomes of dogs and cats diagnosed with acute congestive heart failure (CHF). Design – Retrospective study of animals seen between January 2007 and May 2008. Setting – Emergency service at a university teaching hospital. Animals – Ninety dogs and 55 cats with CHF. Measurements and Main Results – Patient characteristics, including age, clinical signs, clinicopathologic abnormalities, diagnostic testing, and outcome were recorded. Forty‐eight of the animals already were receiving cardiac medications at the time of presentation. The most common diseases represented were chronic valvular disease and cardiomyopathies. Cats had significantly lower median body temperature at admission compared with dogs (P<0.001). The most common abnormalities were elevated lactate (64%), elevated BUN (52%), hypochloremia (31%), hyperglycemia (27%), and elevated liver enzymes (26%). Many of these became even more prevalent during hospitalization. One hundred and sixteen animals were discharged from the hospital, for a survival rate of 80%. There was no survival difference between dogs and cats (P=0.39). Dogs that developed hypokalemia during hospital stay (P=0.04) were more likely to survive compared with those without hypokalemia and initial body temperature was lower for those cats that did not survive (P=0.02). Of those that did not survive, the majority were euthanized (n=25), while 4 dogs died. Conclusions – Dogs and cats presented to the emergency service with CHF had a high survival rate. In cats, initial body temperature was lower for those cats that did not survive. Although clinicopathologic abnormalities were common in both species, only dogs with hypokalemia had improved survival to hospital discharge.     

Efficacy and toxicity of carboplatin and cytarabine chemotherapy for dogs with relapsed or refractory lymphoma (2000–2013)

Medical records of 22 dogs treated with carboplatin (n = 8) or carboplatin and cytarabine (n = 14) chemotherapy for relapsed or refractory lymphoma between 2000 and 2013 were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical response rate was 18.2% (4/22). Median time to progression was 18 days (56 for responders; 12 for non‐responders, P = 0.0006). Median overall survival time was 28 days (109 for responders; 21 for non‐responders, P = 0.0007). Thrombocytopenia and neutropenia occurred in 84.2% (16/19) and 52.6% (10/19), respectively. Grade IV thrombocytopenia and neutropenia occurred in 56.3% (9/16) and 60.0% (6/10), respectively. Dogs that received both drugs were more likely to become neutropenic (P = 0.022) or thrombocytopenic (P = 0.001) than dogs receiving carboplatin alone. All responders received both drugs giving a 28.6% (4/14) response rate for the combination. Although some dogs responded to the combination, toxicity was high and the responses were not durable. With adequate supportive care, this protocol may be an acceptable rescue option for some dogs.     

Escherichia coli O157:H7 – Discerning Facts from Fiction: An Integrated Research and Extension Project for Multiple Audiences

The O157:H7 (EcO157) epidemiology of Shiga‐toxin‐producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in cattle is complex, and myths about pre‐harvest control are perpetuated. The objectives of this project were to identify perpetuated misinformation and inform four audiences about evidence‐based risks and pre‐harvest control of EcO157 by addressing: (i) EcO157 epidemiology and pre‐harvest control; (ii) how food safety policy is created; and (iii) how to present accurate information about EcO157. An environmental scan using a daily Internet search helped identify themes for education. A literature review of pre‐harvest control measures contributed to the development of educational materials (fact sheets, website, web presentations and conferences). Conference 1 was a webinar with 315 registrants, 10 countries including 41 US states and four Canadian provinces. Most participants felt confident in using their new knowledge, more than half felt confident enough to answer EcO157 questions from the public and many would recommend the recorded version of the webinar to colleagues. Conference 2 was live in the Washington, DC, area with most participants employed by the US government. All agreed that they better understood pre‐harvest control, how food safety policy was made, and were confident they could create an effective message about STEC pre‐harvest control. Videos were posted and received 348 Internet visitors within 2 months. Conference 3 was a webinar with a live audience and Twitter feeds, targeting people who give nutrition advice. Almost all ranked the programme good to excellent and relevant to their work. About 25% indicated that they would share: ‘grass‐fed beef is not safer than grain‐fed’, 25% would share information on effectiveness of cattle vaccines, and 14% would share information on message mapping. Across all conferences, major changes in knowledge included the following: there is no additional risk of EcO157 shedding from grain‐fed versus grass‐fed cattle, pre‐harvest vaccination is efficacious, and production systems (pasture versus confinement) do not affect EcO157 shedding rates.     

Linac‐based stereotactic radiation therapy for canine non‐lymphomatous nasal tumours: 29 cases (2013‐2016)

Twenty‐nine dogs were treated with linac‐based stereotactic radiation therapy (SRT) for non‐lymphomatous nasal tumours. Only dogs with a follow‐up time >365 days were included in this retrospective analysis. No dogs had evidence of distant metastasis at diagnosis. Treatment was planned and a total of 30 Gy in 3 daily 10 Gy fractions was delivered using intensity‐modulation, cone‐beam CT‐based image guidance and a robotic treatment couch. Clinical signs improved in all cases. Nineteen dogs had CT scans 3‐4 months post‐SRT and all had partial or complete tumour response. Minimal acute toxicities were detected. Clinically significant late toxicities included oronasal or nasocutaneous fistulas (N = 3) and biopsy‐confirmed fungal rhinitis with no evidence of tumour progression (N = 2). The median progression‐free survival (PFS) was 354 days, with 49% and 39% progression‐free at 1 and 2 years post‐SRT, respectively. The median survival time (ST) was 586 days, with 69% and 22% alive 1 and 2 years post‐SRT, respectively. Neither the clinical parameters evaluated (modified Adams’ stage, histopathology, presence of intracranial extension of the tumour) nor dosimetric data were predictive for PFS or ST. This SRT protocol appears to be well tolerated, and PFI and ST are comparable or superior to those reported in other definitive‐intent radiotherapy protocols.     

SURVIVAL TIMES FOR CANINE INTRANASAL SARCOMAS TREATED WITH RADIATION THERAPY: 86 CASES (1996–2011)

Sarcomas comprise approximately one‐third of canine intranasal tumors, however few veterinary studies have described survival times of dogs with histologic subtypes of sarcomas separately from other intranasal tumors. One objective of this study was to describe median survival times for dogs treated with radiation therapy for intranasal sarcomas. A second objective was to compare survival times for dogs treated with three radiation therapy protocols: daily‐fractionated radiation therapy; Monday, Wednesday, and Friday fractionated radiation therapy; and palliative radiation therapy. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for dogs that had been treated with radiation therapy for confirmed intranasal sarcoma. A total of 86 dogs met inclusion criteria. Overall median survival time for included dogs was 444 days. Median survival time for dogs with chondrosarcoma (n = 42) was 463 days, fibrosarcoma (n = 12) 379 days, osteosarcoma (n = 6) 624 days, and undifferentiated sarcoma (n = 22) 344 days. Dogs treated with daily‐fractionated radiation therapy protocols; Monday, Wednesday and Friday fractionated radiation therapy protocols; and palliative radiation therapy protocols had median survival times of 641, 347, and 305 days, respectively. A significant difference in survival time was found for dogs receiving curative intent radiation therapy vs. palliative radiation therapy (P = 0.032). A significant difference in survival time was also found for dogs receiving daily‐fractionated radiation therapy vs. Monday, Wednesday and Friday fractionated radiation therapy (P = 0.0134). Findings from this study support the use of curative intent radiation therapy for dogs with intranasal sarcoma. Future prospective, randomized trials are needed for confirmation of treatment benefits.