Seroprevalence of caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus in goats in the Cariri region, Paraiba state, Brazil

The seroprevalence of caprine arthritis–encephalitis virus (CAEV) in the Cariri Region of Paraíba State, Brazil, was determined in 60 goat herds using the agar gel immunodiffusion test. The overall seroprevalence was 8.2%, with seropositivity in 21/60 (35%) herds and 13/15 (86.6%) municipalities. Bucks had a significantly higher frequency of infection (28.3%) than does (5.9%), and bucks that originated in other states had a significantly higher frequency of infection (76.5%) than those from Paraíba State (9.3%).     

Effects of infection with caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus on milk production in goats

A recently assembled commercial herd of Alpine goats was studied. Milk production criteria--305-day milk production (M), butter fat content (BF), and solids nonfat content (SNF)--and somatic cell counts (linear score) were monitored by Dairy Herd Improvement Association test records. Milk samples from all milking goats in the herd were obtained for bacteriologic culture for mastitis organisms on 2 occasions; the infection rate ascribed to major pathogens was 3%. In November 1985, serum specimens were obtained from 154 does in first lactation. Of these, 56 (36%) were seropositive for caprine arthritis-encephalitis (CAE) antibodies by agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID), 91 (59%) were seronegative, and serotest results for 7 (5%) were inconclusive. In December, 80 seronegative and 48 seropositive goats remained in the herd and had 305-day projections available. The median production values for seronegative goats (1,539.5 lb of M, 52 lb of BF, 46 lb of SNF) were higher than those for seropositive goats (1,446 lb of M, 45 lb of BF, 44.5 lb of SNF), but this difference was only significant (t test, P less than 0.05) for BF. Does were ranked by a formula that combined M, BF, and SNF, with a desired minimal daily herd average of 5 lb of M, 3% BF, and 3% SNF. A decision was made not to keep offspring from does of the lowest quartile before CAE test results were obtained. This group consisted of 13 of the 80 (16%) seronegative goats and 18 of the 48 (38%) seropositive goats. Thus, a positive CAE test result by AGID was associated (chi 2, P less than 0.01) with poor production.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Cohort study of natural transmission and two methods for control of caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus infection in goats on a California dairy.

A prospective observational cohort study of 361 dairy goat kids was conducted to compare 2 methods of controlling caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus infection under commercial dairy conditions. To compare effectiveness of feeding kids pasteurized milk vs serologic testing and segregation in addition to pasteurized milk feeding, goats were monitored up to the age of 30 months by use of monthly agar gel immunodiffusion testing. Survival analysis methods were used to determine whether age at seroconversion differed between the 2 groups. Significantly lower rates of seroconversion were observed in the segregated group (P < 0.001), compared with the nonsegregated group. Of 193 goats in the pasteurized milk-only group, 146 (75.6%) seroconverted within the 30-month study period, whereas infection was detected in 39 (23.2%) of 168 goats in the test/segregated group. Nonsegregated goats were 3.37 times more likely to seroconvert by 24 months of age, and 70.3% of seroconversions by 24 months of age could be attributed to nonsegregation. For age-specific intervals beyond 180 days of age, 70 to 100% of seroconversions could be attributed to lack of segregation. Cohort life tables for age at seroconversion were reported for each group. Type of colostrum fed, sex, and weaning group (season) were not significantly associated with age at seroconversion. Saanen goats had lower age-specific risk of seroconversion in the nonsegregated group alone and overall. Non-Saanen goats wee 1.5 times more likely to seroconvert than were Saanen goats, when adjusted for a possible confounding effect of weaning group. Results indicate that pasteurized milk feeding and routine test and segregation would be a substantially more effective means of control of the disease in dairy goat herds than would pasteurized milk feeding alone.     

Factors associated with bovine leptospirosis in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Serum samples from 379 adult cows with lowered fertility farmed in the Rio de Janeiro region of Brazil. They were examined for Leptospira antibodies. A questionnaire was completed for each herd. Antibodies were detected in 46.9% of these cows, mainly to serovar hardjo. Main risk factor associated with seropositivity was co-grazing with other species, mainly pigs (OR = 3.17; p<0.04). Absence of or infrequent veterinary assistance (OR = 1.74) has also been suggested to be associated to the overall seroprevalence to leptospirosis. We suggest that a successful control programme for bovine leptospirosis should include a complete investigation of herd management practices, which could influence in the occurrence of the infection.     

Leptospirosis antibodies in mammals from Rio de Janeiro Zoo,Brazil

Serum samples from 77 animals belonging to 38 species and 19 families in Rio de Janeiro Zoo, Brazil were tested for antibodies against serovars of Leptospira interrogans by microscopic agglutination test. Antibodies were detected in serum samples of 37.7% of all animals belonging to 10 families. Seropositivity was more common in the Carnivora Canidae (7/9), Procyonidae (5/9) and the Edentata Myrmecophagidae (5/9). Icterohaemorrhagiae was the most common serogroup. Seropositivity was less common in primates.     

Experimental infection of sheep by caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus and goats by progressive pneumonia virus

The lentiviruses, caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus (CAEV) and progressive pneumonia virus (PPV) of sheep, cause major diseases in their respective hosts; however, the infectivity of these viruses for closely related species has not been determined. Experiments were conducted to determine whether CAEV would infect sheep and whether PPV would infect goats. Upon inoculation with CAEV, lambs developed a nonsuppurative arthritis and antibody to CAEV, and the virus was isolated up to 4 months later. Exposure of 3 lambs to CAEV-infected adult goats did not lead to demonstrable infection after 18 months. Young goats inoculated with PPV replicated the virus and developed arthritis and antiviral antibody. These results demonstrate that these distinctly different lentiviruses may infect and cause diseases in species other than their accustomed host. Presently used techniques may not be effective in differentiating which lentivirus is responsible for infection of sheep and goats. Our results also indicate that mixing sheep and goats may adversely influence attempts to eradicate lentiviruses from these species.     

Risk factors associated with caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus infection in goats on California dairies.

Log-linear methodology was used to examine relations among caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus (CAEV) seroreactivity and host/management factors in a cross-sectional study of 2,826 goats on 13 California dairies. The CAEV serologic status was associated with age and feeding method (pasteurized/unpasteurized milk), but not with breed. Data from a prevalence survey of 321 goats from 2 additional dairies demonstrated very good fit of the selected log-linear model (P = 1.00), indicating that the model was very appropriate to describe the relations. Odds of seropositivity and odds ratios were generated by use of a logit model derived from the log-linear model. Goats raised by the unpasteurized feeding method were estimated to have been 3.3 times more likely to be CAEV-seropositive than goats fed by the pasteurized method, when adjusted for the effects of age. Goats aged 2, 3, 4, and 5 or greater years were estimated to have been 1.7, 2.6, 4.5, and 5.7 times, respectively, more likely to be CAEV-seropositive than were yearling goats when ratios were adjusted for pasteurization status. Breed, gender, and herd of origin were not associated with CAEV seroreactivity when the effects of other factors were considered. Estimated odds of CAEV seroreactivity and the associated odds ratios for combinations of factor levels are reported. In this study, the magnitude and direction of the associations among CAEV serologic status, age, and pasteurized feeding methods were demonstrated.     

The pathology and aetiology of lung lesions in goats infected with caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus

Fifty dairy goats, of various ages, sexes and breeds were selected for examination on the basis of positive serological reactions to caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus (CAEV). Thirty-one had lung lesions including chronic interstitial pneumonia of caudal or cranioventral lobes, bronchopneumonia, verminous pneumonia, pulmonary cryptococcosis or combinations of these. The only infective agent recovered from all the chronic interstitial pneumonia cases examined was CAEV, which was also recovered from lung tissue of 3 goats with arthritis but no lung lesions. The presence of CAEV in lavaged alveolar macrophages from normal lung tissue and from lungs affected with chronic interstitial pneumonia and verminous pneumonia, and the demonstration of a marked increase in nonspecific esterase staining macrophages in areas of chronic interstitial pneumonia, are discussed in relation to the aetiology of the pneumonia.     

Prevalence of antibody to caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus in goats in the United States.

Goats from 28 states were tested for antibodies to caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus. Of 3,790 goats, 1,175 (31%) tested positive, and of 196 herds tested, 143 (73%) had 1 or more seropositive members. This prevalence, based on serum samples from all goats in the participating herds, was lower than most rates reported in other studies. Such studies were based on fewer samples, incomplete sampling of herds, or smaller geographic base. Prevalence was highest in western Pacific and northern plains regions, increased with age to 3 years, was highest among goats on family-owned farms, and was lowest in the Angora breed. Differences in prevalence was not related to gender or size of herd.     

Three hundred and three dogs with cataracts seen in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Objective  To describe the most common canine breeds affected with cataracts in Rio de Janeiro.
Animals  Three hundred and three dogs were included in this retrospective study. Animal ages ranged from 6 months to 14.8 years.
Material and methods  All records of dogs seen by the Ophthalmology Service of Policlínica Veterinária Botafogo between January 2005 and June 2008 were reviewed. Animals with cataracts were separated, and breed and age were evaluated.
Results  Most of the dogs presented with cataracts were Toy Poodles with a mean age of 8.2 years, followed by Cocker Spaniels and Bichon Frises. The percentage of Toy Poodles affected with cataracts was 13.8% while 33.3% of Bichon Frise was diagnosed with cataracts.
Conclusions  Toy Poodles are a popular breed in Rio de Janeiro. Without regulations on breeding, the prevalence of cataracts may increase rapidly. Furthermore, due to the relatively late onset of cataract formation in the Toy Poodle (mean 8.2 years of age), affected animals may have produced several litters of puppies. This study emphasizes the importance of screening for the presence of inherited ocular abnormalities such as cataracts prior to breeding.     

Acute arthritis in caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus challenge exposure of vaccinated or persistently infected goats

Goats vaccinated with inactivated caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus (CAEV) developed more severe arthritis after infectious CAEV challenge exposure than did goats vaccinated with tissue culture medium. Arthritis also developed more rapidly in the group vaccinated with inactivated virus. In another experiment, goats with persistent CAEV infection developed acute arthritis after at least 2 injections of infectious CAEV at monthly intervals. In this experiment, the control group consisted of goats with persistent CAEV that were given tissue culture medium. Seemingly, the immune response to CAEV is an important cause of the CAEV-induced arthritis.     

Factors associated with gastrointestinal parasite infection in dogs in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Factors associated with parasitism by helminths and protozoans in 500 dogs presented to three veterinary clinics in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro from November 2003 to September 2004 were evaluated. Dogs were submitted to physical examination and owners were interviewed about the animal's management. One fecal sample from each dog was examined by centrifugal flotation and sedimentation methods followed by the safranin–methylene blue staining technique. Positive results for gastrointestinal parasites were detected in 46.4% of the examined samples. Infection with protozoans (29.6%) was more frequent than with helminths (23.2%). Cryptosporidium sp. (26.2%) and Ancylostoma sp. (15.2%) were the most frequent parasites. Logistic regression analysis showed that age (p < 0.001), access to soil (p < 0.001), hygiene of the environment (p = 0.001), illness (p = 0.007), owner's level of education (p < 0.006) and veterinary clinic (p = 0.043) were associated with gastrointestinal parasite infections in dogs. Treatment and control are especially important for puppies. Adult dogs should be submitted to fecal examination before treatment, placing special emphasis on those that present one or more factors associated with infection.     

Prevalence, spread and control of caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus in dairy goat herds in New South Wales

SUMMARY A study of the prevalence, spread and control of caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus (CAEV) in dairy goat herds in New South Wales (NSW) during 1986–1988 found that 56.8% of 1484 goats in 14 dairy herds were infected with CAEV. The prevalence of CAEV infection within most herds not implementing control measures increased during the study. At the end of the study, 59.7% of 1322 goats were infected. The prevalence of CAEV increased with age. Differences between breeds were less apparent. Within seven herds with a high standard of identification of goats, 149 of 812 goats seroconverted in an ELISA. Of these newly infected goats, 142 (95.3%) were > 1 yr of age and 96 (64.4%) were > 2 yr suggesting lateral spread of the virus. Most of the goats > 2 yr of age had been in the milking herd for a minimum of 3 to 6 months. The high seroconversion rate within the milking herd suggested that factors other than the ingestion of infected colostrum and milk before weaning were important for the spread of CAEV. Observations indicated that behaviour of goats, particularly reproductive behaviour among lactating does, and milking herd management practices are important in the spread of CAEV. A high density of livestock, poor livestock control and contamination of feed, water, equipment and personnel were implicated in transmission. Poorly functioning milking machines may also be involved. CAEV was eradicated from 3 herds by the implementation of strict control measures.     

Prevalence of Ehrlichia canis infection in thrombocytopenic dogs from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

BACKGROUND: Infection with Ehrlichia canis causes a highly variable, multisystemic disease in dogs. Nevertheless, many clinicians in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, use the presence of only thrombocytopenia to make a presumptive diagnosis of E canis infection. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of E canis in thrombocytopenic dogs from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). METHODS: Following DNA extraction of whole blood samples from 226 dogs, PCR assays were done using primers for rickettsial DNA (including Ehrlichia spp, Anaplasma platys and A phagocytophilum) and using E canis-specific primers (16S rRNA gene). Dogs were grouped as thrombocytopenic and nonthrombocytopenic based on platelet counts. The null hypothesis that there was no difference in the prevalence of E canis in these groups was rejected at P<.05. RESULTS: Thirty-six (32.1%) of the thrombocytopenic dogs and 4 (3.5%) of the nonthrombocytopenic dogs were positive for rickettsial gene sequences (P<.0001). Further, 30 (26.8%) of thrombocytopenic dogs and 4 (3.5%) nonthrombocytopenic dogs were positive for E canis-specific gene sequences (P<.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Although the prevalence of E canis infection was higher in thrombocytopenic dogs, less than one third of these dogs had demonstrable E canis infection. Thus, thrombocytopenia is not specific for the detection of E canis infection and should not be used solely to establish a diagnosis of canine ehrlichiosis, even in a geographic area with relatively high disease prevalence.     

A survey of gastrointestinal helminths in cats of the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites in 135 cats over 1 year of age and inhabiting the metropolitan region of the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil was investigated by necropsy. These animals had two distinct origins: 99 cats (29 males and 70 females) were derived by capture in public areas (feral/stray) and 36 (12 males and 24 females) from shelters. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites was 89.6%. The following parasites, with their respective prevalence in parenthesis, were found: Dipylidium caninum (52.6%), Ancylostoma braziliense (65.9%), Ancylostoma tubaeforme (8.9%), Toxocara cati (25.2%), Toxascaris leonina (11.9%), Physaloptera praeputialis (9.6%). Concurrent infections with two or more parasites were recorded in 59.5% of the individuals. Of the 121 parasitized cats, 94 were feral/strays and 27 were from shelters. Among feral/stray cats, 80 were infected with A. braziliense (85%) and 17 of the shelter felids were infected with D. caninum (63%). Feral/stray cats had higher worm intensities (6411/94-68.2) than shelter cats (992/27-36.7). The helminth parasites most frequently found in feral/stray cats were Ancylostoma braziliense (47.5%) and D. caninum (47%) while in shelter cats, D. caninum was the predominant species (85.2%). Twenty seven cats (22.3%) had only A. braziliense and 19 (15.7%) were parasitized only with D. caninum. Among those cats harboring mixed infections A. braziliense and D. caninum were the species more frequently found (P < 0.001).