Bayesian estimation of flock-level sensitivity of detection of Salmonella spp., Enteritidis and Typhimurium according to the sampling procedure in French laying-hen houses

A study was carried out to estimate the prevalence of flocks infected by Salmonella spp., S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium in 521 French laying-hen farms from October 1st 2004 to September 30th 2005 as part of a European Union-wide baseline study to define targets for Salmonella reduction in member states. The sampling scheme prescribed and financed by the European Commission to detect Salmonella in laying-hen flocks was based on 2 dust-samples and 5 faeces-samples per farm. A latent-class Bayesian approach for correlated tests was used to estimate the sensitivity of detection of reduced sampling schemes corresponding to the 16 combinations of 2 dust- and 5 faeces-samples. For each model the full sampling scheme (7 samples) and the reduced protocol were considered as two correlated tests, the biological principle being identical and the reduced protocol being a subset of the full sampling scheme. As the observed apparent prevalence in cage flocks was higher than in other systems (barns, outdoor, or organic) these two sub-populations were considered separately. Bayesian estimation of posterior medians with 95% probability intervals for true prevalence in cage flocks were 0.34 (0.29; 0.39) and 0.13 (0.10; 0.18) for Salmonella spp. and Salmonella Enteritidis+Typhimurium respectively. In alternative flocks posterior medians with 95% probability intervals for true prevalence were 0.09 (0.06; 0.13) and 0.05 (0.03; 0.08) for Salmonella spp. and Salmonella Enteritidis+Typhimurium, respectively. In cage flocks Bayesian estimation of posterior distributions for sensitivity indicated that at least 5 samples, including 2 dust samples were necessary to attain comparable sensitivity levels to the full sampling scheme. In alternative flocks and for Salmonella spp. 6 samples were required to ensure a comparable sensitivity level to the full sampling scheme. Detection sensitivity was improved by increasing the number of dust samples in cage farms and by increasing the total number of samples whatever their type in alternative farms.     

Effect of lipopolysaccharide on sickness behaviour in hens kept in cage and free range environments

The aim of this study was to assess whether environmental enrichment and environmental conditions can influence the expression of sickness behaviour. The behaviour in response to injection of lipopolysaccharide or saline was examined in a total of 96 62-weeks old hatchmate hens kept in a free range or cage environment. There were eight experimental treatments, each with 12 birds. Half the birds were sourced from a commercial cage layer unit (C/-) and half from a commercial free range unit (FR/-). After intraperitoneal injection with either lipopolysaccharide or saline (as a control), the hens were placed in either a cage (-/C) or free range (-/FR) environment. Lipopolysaccharide caused greater suppression of activity in free range (FR/FR) than in caged hens, including less walking (53% reduction), roosting (−86%) and preening (−60%) (p < 0.05). Those responses were not observed in caged birds released into free range, nor in free range birds introduced to cages, suggesting that both the presence of and the familiarity with an environment affected sickness behaviour patterns. Increased sleeping was the most consistent response (+147%; p < 0.001), and it was least influenced by environment. It was concluded that free range layer hens can express a greater range of sickness behaviours than caged hens, and this may make it more difficult to recognise disease expression in the caged environment.     

Local current field radiofrequency hyperthermia for the treatment of superficial skin tumours in cats

Local current field radiofrequency (LCF-RF) hyperthermia was used to treat 38 superficial skin tumours (predominantly squamous cell carcinomas) of the nose, face and ears in 35 cats. LCF-RF hyperthermia was applied at 50°C for 60 seconds at single or multiple sites depending on the tumour size. Each cat was observed over a four-month period after treatment and 14 out of 35 cases were also available for re-evaluation eight months after treatment. Tumours which had not resolved completely within one month after the initial treatment were re-treated.

LCF-RF hyperthermia is most suited for the treatment of superficial skin tumours (<5 mm diameter). Ninety-two per cent (12/13) of tumours of this dimension showed some regression and 69% (9/13) completely resolved. Larger tumours >5 mm diameter) were also successfully treated. 54% (8/14) regressed but only 14% (2/14) completely resolved. LCF-RF hyperthermia is not recommmended for the treatment of tumours of the pinnae as 5 of the 6 tumours at this site failed to respond.     

Effect of capture, immobilization and handling on rectal temperatures of confident and fearful male mink

The objective was to compare response levels of stress-induced hyperthermia (SIH) in male mink from confident and fearful breeding lines. In experiment 1, effects of capture by trap, immobilization and recapture by trap were compared (n = 20 juvenile males per group). Experiment 2 clarified of how capture by trap and repeated temperature measurements in the tight trap position affected SIH response (n = 9 males, aged 1–2 years per group). In experiment 3, effects of capture by hand and short-term handling in arms on rectal temperatures were evaluated (n = 11 juvenile males per group). Hyperthermic response in the mink was fast. Furthermore, treatments such as capture, recapture, immobilization in a trap and handling in arms were found to evoke measurable temperature responses. After first capture, no significant differences in SIH response between animals of different temperament lines were noted. However, fearful and confident animals tended to react differently to trap immobilization; the fearful ones by increasing or maintaining their response levels, and confident ones by decreasing them. SIH response to recapture by trap was opposite in the temperament groups; after recapture SIH was significantly higher and lower in fearful and confident animals compared with the first capture, respectively. It is concluded that systematic temperament selection has led to significant differences in stress responses between animals selected for confident and timid behaviour. Higher stress reactivity in animals from a fearful temperament line is the most plausible explanation for the lower breeding success observed in previous studies.     

Local current field radio frequency hyperthermia for the treatment of superficial skin tumours in cats

Local current field radiofrequency (LCF-RF) hyperthermia was used to treat 38 superficial skin tumours (predominantly squamous cell carcinomas) of the nose, face and ears in 35 cats. LCF-RF hyperthermia was applied at 50 degrees C for 60 seconds at single or multiple sites depending on the tumour size. Each cat was observed over a four-month period after treatment and 14 out of 35 cases were also available for re-evaluation eight months after treatment. Tumours which had not resolved completely within one month after the initial treatment were re-treated. LCF-RF hyperthermia is most suited for the treatment of superficial skin tumours (<5 mm diameter). Ninety-two per cent (12/13) of tumours of this dimension showed some regression and 69% (9/13) completely resolved. Larger tumours >5mm diameter) were also successfully treated. 54% (8/14) regressed but only 14% (2/14) completely resolved. LCF-RF hyperthermia is not recommended for the treatment of tumours of the pinnae as 5 of the 6 tumours at this site failed to respond.     

过氧化氢和甲醛对SPF级大鼠和小鼠繁殖室消毒效果观察

目的比较观察过氧化氢和甲醛对SPF级大鼠和小鼠繁殖室内表面、台面以及空气的消毒效果,选择消毒效果良好的消毒剂。方法采用空气落下菌检测法和表面细菌拭子检测法,对过氧化氢和甲醛熏蒸SPF级大鼠和小鼠繁殖室的消毒效果进行检测观察。结果SPF级大鼠和小鼠繁殖室分别经过氧化氢和甲醛熏蒸消毒后,进行空气落下菌的检测,过氧化氢和甲醛对大鼠繁殖室和小鼠繁殖室空气的杀菌率分别为100%、97.5%和100%、100%;将墙壁、地面和笼架表面的菌落数进行检测,过氧化氢和甲醛对大鼠繁殖室墙壁、地面和笼架的杀菌率分别为100%、99%、100%和95%、100%、99%,对小鼠繁殖室墙壁、地面和笼架的杀菌率均为100%。结论过氧化氢蒸汽消毒是比较理想的消毒方法,很好地控制了SPF级大鼠和小鼠繁殖室环境微生物,安全性高且消毒效果明显。     

Development of Centrocestus armatus in different final hosts

In this study, Centrocestus armatus metacercariae were fed orally to hamsters, albino rats, mice, and chicks. Animals were sacrificed and dissected at 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14 days post-infection to determine the development and recovery rate of worms. Results indicated that the average worm recovery rate in hamsters was 25% on the first day post-infection and recovery continued until the 14th day with a gradual decrease in the percentage. Worms were also recovered from mice and albino rats from the first until the third day post-infection, but no worms were recovered thereafter. In chicks, worms were not observed on first day but recovery was positive at 12 h post-infection. Among the four animal hosts, feces from hamsters were the only ones positive for eggs; these were initially observed from the third day and recovery continued until 14 days post-infection. In our study, hamsters are the animal model most suitable for the study of C. armatus when compared to rats, mice, and chicks.     

Pre-operative stress in dogs - a preliminary investigation of behavior and heart rate variability in healthy hospitalized dogs

OBJECTIVE: To assess pre-operative behavioral and physiological characteristics of healthy dogs hospitalized for elective surgery. STUDY DESIGN: Open clinical observational study. ANIMALS: Forty-one bitches hospitalized for elective ovariohysterectomy. METHODS: While undisturbed in a hospital cage, the behavior of the dog was recorded using a video camera and recorder. From the video recordings, various behavioral variables were registered. Simultaneous measurements were made on heart rates and heart rate variability (HRV) by use of an ambulatory electrocardiogram. In addition, the dog's response to human approach was noted. RESULTS: Different behavioral patterns were found in the dogs studied. Thirteen individuals were regarded as highly active, and were seen to bark or howl, manipulate the environment or attempt to flee vigorously. In 13 dogs (passive dogs) none of these activities occurred. Panting and displacement behaviors, such as snout licking, were observed in nearly all the animals monitored. In general, heart rates were higher and HRV lower with the most active individuals; however, the presence of physiological arousal could not be excluded in two animals with passive behaviors. To some extent, the behavior of the dog while undisturbed in the cage was reflected in the responses to a person entering the cage. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The different individual responses detected in this study raise an important question concerning their role and existence throughout the entire peri-operative period, especially during the post-anesthetic recovery phase when behavioral characteristics are commonly used to assess patient welfare. The results also emphasize the need for further investigations to explore the effects of pre-operative stressors on canine surgical patients, and the factors contributing to them.     

Effects of isoprothiolane and phytosterol on lipogenesis and lipolysis in adipocytes from rats of dietary fat necrosis

To study effects of isoprothiolane and phytosterol on dietary fat necrosis, 3 groups of rats were fed hardened-tallow (HT) diet. Two groups of rats received either isoprothiolane (50 mg/kg) or phytosterol (20 mg/kg) orally once a day consecutively for 10 weeks. One group of rats received standard diet (CE-2) as a control. Fat necrotic lesions were observed in epididymal and perirenal adipose tissues from all rats in the 3 groups fed HT diet. Rats with fat necrosis were characterized by visceral type obesity and saturation in fatty acid composition of triglyceride in adipose tissue. The highest glucose conversion to total lipids was seen in adipocytes from the rats given phytosterol. There was no lipolytic response to epinephrine stimulation (1-100 microM) in adipocytes from the rats given only HT diet, while similar response of adipocytes from the 2 groups treated with either drug to those from the rats fed standard diet was observed. The levels of total saturated fatty acids of phospholipid in adipose tissue from the rats given either drug were lower than that of the rats given only HT diet. These data suggest that either drug alters fatty acid composition of phospholipid in fat cell membrane and enhances lipolysis of the cells.     

Inhibition of stress-induced adrenocorticotropin and prolactin secretion mediating hypophysiotropic factors by antagonist of AMPA type glutamate receptor

Glutamate is the dominant excitatory neurotransmitter in a large number of physiological processes including neuroendocrine regulation. Some pharmacological studies have shown that different subtypes of glutamate receptor, such as the N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) and alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methy-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors, are involved in stress-induced adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) and prolactin secretion. However, the roles of the respective glutamate receptors and the mechanism of ACTH and prolactin secretion during stress via these receptors have not been investigated in detail. In the present study, we evaluated the role of AMPA-type glutamate receptor in ACTH and prolactin regulation under restraint stress in adult male rats. Male rats pretreated with a selective AMPA receptor antagonist, 2, 3-dihydroxy-6-nitro-7-sulfamoyl-benzo(f)quinoxaline (NBQX; 50 microg), through a lateral ventricle cannula were stressed by immobilization. Administration of NBQX inhibited ACTH and prolactin secretion in response to restraint stress. However, NBQX had no significant effects on the activity of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the rate-limiting enzyme in dopamine biosynthesis, as measured by the accumulation of 3, 4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA). In addition, administration of NBQX suppressed stress-induced prolactin secretion in the male rats pretreated with alpha-MT, an inhibitor of dopamine synthesis, and infused with dopamine solution (2.5 microg/200 microl/10 min). These results indicated that the effects of NBQX on prolactin secretion might be mediated by non-dopamine mechanisms. The contents of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) in the median eminence (ME) of the male rats decreased during restraint stress; however, the fluctuations in CRH and AVP were eliminated by NBQX administration. These results suggest that stress-induced ACTH and prolactin release mediated by neurotransmission via AMPA receptors might be partly attributable to hypophysiotropic regulatory factors in the hypothalamus.     

Effects of supplementation of beta-glucan on the growth performance and immunity in broilers

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of beta-glucan on commercial broilers. In experiment 1, one hundred and forty-four broiler chicks were employed in a 2x3 factorial design with cage and open floor housing with three levels of beta-glucan viz. 0%, 0.02% and 0.04%. In experiment 2, ninety-six broilers were used with 4 treatments: No beta-glucan and antibiotic (T1), beta-glucan 0.03% (T2), antibiotic (T3), and beta-glucan 0.03% + antibiotic (T4) for 34 d with 3 replicates of 8 chicks each in both studies. During experiment 1 there was no significant effect of the feeding system or the beta-glucan levels on the performance from 0 to 17 d but during 18-34 days birds housed on the open floor had significantly (p<0.0001) higher weight gain compared with those in cages. In experiment 2, no significant effect was noticed on the weight gains when the effect of beta-glucan, antibiotic or their interaction were tested. The retention of dry matter increased in both experiments with beta-glucan supplementation. The CD8 and TCR 1 cells were significantly higher in the 0.04% beta-glucan group at 42 days as compared with the control. It could be concluded that beta-glucan supplementation was beneficial for broilers.     

应激诱导对蓝狐自咬症及血清生化指标的影响

本研究模拟蓝狐在饲养管理过程中的不良环境,结合10种血清生化指标研究环境应激对蓝狐自咬症发生的影响。选用体重相近的健康蓝狐90只(公母各半),其中试验组60只,对照组30只。采用摇床、转移栋舍、限制、拥挤、饥饿、休息等6种不同的应激诱导方式对蓝狐进行应激诱导,结果显示,应激诱导持续30 d,试验组血清中GPT、ALP、GSH-Px和CAT活性极显著低于对照组(P＜0.01),MDA含量显著低于对照组(P＜0.05),SOD活性极显著高于对照组(P＜0.01);应激诱导60 d,ALP、CK、GSH-Px、CAT和MDA活性极显著高于对照组(P＜0.01),SOD活性极显著低于对照组(P＜0.01),GPT活性显著低于对照组(P＜0.05);GOT、LDH、GLU活性在整个应激诱导过程中没有显著差异(P＞0.05)。应激诱导组与对照组蓝狐自咬症发病率没有显著差异(P＞0.05),一般的环境应激对蓝狐自咬症的产生没有明显影响。     

A bovine stress syndrome associated with exercise-induced hyperthermia

OBJECTIVE: To investigate an exercise-induced bovine stress syndrome under field and controlled experimental conditions. DESIGN AND PROCEDURE: In the field study, cattle affected with the stress syndrome were observed while they were grazing and during normal mustering using horses. This study served to define the clinical nature of the syndrome. The experimental study utilised three affected and five normal unaffected cattle. These animals were compared on the basis of their response to a defined exercise program, which consisted of walking 3.6 km in 2 h. Blood samples and measurements of respiratory rate, ambient temperature and rectal temperature were taken immediately before exercise, and at 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 h during the exercise and 24 h later. Clinical and blood constituent data were subjected to standard analysis of variance and repeated measures analysis. RESULTS: In the field study, affected cattle were observed to show abnormally anxious and hyperactive behaviour. This behaviour was exhibited by affected cattle during the experimental exercise program where it was shown to be accompanied by hyperthermia and hyperventilation. The experimental study showed that affected cattle developed metabolic acidosis and became hyperglycaemic. Their plasma creatine kinase activity remained markedly increased at 24 h after exercise but other clinical and blood constituent variables had returned to normal values. CONCLUSION: The clinical and biochemical changes detected in affected cattle were consistent with exercise-induced malignant hyperthermia.     

Sympathetic activation of hepatic and splenic IL-1beta mRNA expression during oscillation stress in the rat

Interleukin (IL)-1beta mRNA expression in the liver and spleen was examined after subjection to oscillation stress in the rat. Thirty-minute subjection to oscillation stress increased IL-1beta mRNA expression in the both organs. Prior treatment of rats with gadolinium chloride, which eliminates macrophages, prevented the stress-induced IL-1beta expression. Either adrenalectomy or treatment of guanethidine, a blocker of norepinephrine release in the sympathetic nerve endings, partially attenuated the stress-induced response, but the combined treatment completely blocked it. Injection of beta-adrenergic antagonist (propranolol) also suppressed the stress-induced response. These results suggest that oscillation stress induces IL-1beta mRNA expression in the liver and spleen, probably in Kupffer cells and splenic macrophages, and that stress-induced IL-1beta expression is elicited by catecholamines released from sympathetic nerve terminals and the adrenal gland.     

Thoracic trauma in newborn foals

In a report describing life ending fractures (255 horses) from the Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center, Kentucky (1993 and 1994), 32 foals had rib fractures. The purpose of our study was to examine the incidence of rib fractures in newborn foals on a Thoroughbred studfarm by physical and radiographic examination, to determine factors which may contribute to the problem and to document any clinical consequences. All foals (263) included were examined within 3 days of birth. The thoracic cage was palpated externally for abnormalities and all foals were placed in dorsal recumbency to evaluate thoracic cage symmetry. Radiographs were used to diagnose foals with thoracic cage asymmetry (TCA) and rib fracture (RF). A diagnosis of costochondral dislocation (CD) was made when no radiographic evidence of fracture was present but there was severe TCA. Fifty-five foals (20.1%) had TCA (9 RF). One to 5 ribs were fractured on 9 of 40 radiographic studies. No consequences of the thoracic trauma was detected clinically, radiographically or ultrasonographically in this group of foals or at a 2- and 4-week follow-up examination. The percentage of foals with a history of abnormal parturition was higher in the TCA foals (15%) compared to the normal foals (6.8%). There were more primiparous dams in the TCA group than in the normal foal group. Fillies (56.6%) had a higher incidence of birth trauma than colts (43.4%). This study demonstrates that thoracic trauma is often present in newborn foals and may not always be of clinical significance. Dystocia foals and foals from primiparous mares should be considered high risk for thoracic trauma.     

Halothane and halothane/succinylcholine induced malignant hyperthermia (porcine stress syndrome) in a population of Ontario boars.

This paper recounts a study of the prevalence of malignant hyperthermia in a population of boars entering the Record of Performance Test Station at New Hamburg, Ontario over a period of ten months. The literature is briefly reviewed and an account of the present status of malignant hyperthermia (porcine stress syndrome) in Ontario boars using the halothane or halothane/succinylcholine screening tests is presented. It was determined in this population of boars that there was a 1.5% prevalence rate of malignant hyperthermia susceptible boars. This was based on a five minute halothane challenge carried out on 786 boars from 107 herds. The halothane reactors came from a total of eight herds or 7.5% of the total number of herds. A majority of 58.3% of the animals reacted after the three minute mark of the halothane challenge. In contrast, an 18.0% prevalence rate was determined using halothane/succinylcholine challenge on 123 boars. This further identified an additional eight herds with the problem, bringing the total to 16 or 15% of the total number of herds. It is suggested that the prevalence of malignant hyperthermia in Ontario breeding herds is much higher than was originally thought and that the halothane challenge is an inadequate screening test for this trait if the intention is to remove the genetic trait from the breeding herd. At the same time halothane challenge testing will identify those animals which have a strong susceptibility to the trait and if used on key breeding stock will help to maintain some control on the condition until a more definitive test is readily available.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

猪附红细胞体病的诊治报告

2012年7月,南宁市郊某猪场因引进猪不慎而引发了一起以体温升高、呼吸困难、黄疸和贫血为特征的疾病,发病率为50%,病死率为4.2%,死亡率为2.1%;经过临床症状、病理解剖和实验室检查,诊断为猪附红细胞体病,用药治疗7d,除3头危重病猪淘汰外,其余基本治愈,治愈率达97%以上。结果表明,猪附红细胞体病的诊断需要结合临床症状、病理解剖和实验室检查做出综合分析,对猪附红细胞体较敏感的药物为贝尼尔和盐酸多西环素。     

右美托咪定抑制NOX4缓解急性应激致大鼠肾损伤

本研究拟探索右美托咪定（dexmedetomidine,DEX）对大鼠急性应激致肾损伤的保护作用,并从氧化应激的角度探索DEX对大鼠肾的保护通路。本研究使用了急性束缚应激模型,其中,大鼠被迫游泳15 min,并束缚3 h。本试验采用生化检测、组织病理学切片观察以评估肾功能,然后测定了氧化应激以及氧化应激的相关通路蛋白。旷场试验证实成功建立了急性应激模型。急性应激引起的肾损伤增加了NOX4,降低了Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1表达水平。DEX可降低NOX4表达,同时升高Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1的表达水平。DEX治疗组与急性应激组相比的肾生化结果明显恢复正常,病理切片观察损伤显著降低。试验结果表明,DEX治疗急性应激可影响NOX4/Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1信号通路,并抑制氧化应激。因此,DEX对急性应激引起的肾损伤具有保护作用,并在应激综合征中具有潜在的临床应用。     

Whole body hyperthermia: effects upon canine immune and hemostatic functions.

In this study, the effects of induced whole body hyperthermia (WBH; 42.3 degrees C for 90 min) on peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) phenotype distribution, in vitro blastogenic responsiveness and selected parameters of hemostasis were determined in dogs. Hyperthermia was induced by heating venous blood during extracorporeal circulation (EC); induction of WBH by peritoneal lavage (PL) and perfusion without heating (i.e. euthermic EC and euthermic PL) were used as controls. Whole body hyperthermia was associated with lymphopenia and thrombocytopenia that persisted throughout the eight-day post-treatment observation interval. The lymphopenia was selective in that CD5-positive T lymphocytes were more sensitive than were sIg-positive B cells and, within the T-cell compartment, suppressor (CD8-positive) cells were more sensitive to hyperthermic stress than helper (CD4 positive) lymphocytes. Lymphopenia was also observed in EC and PL euthermic controls, although that lymphopenia was transient and nonselective. Persistent suppression of T-cell phytomitogen-induced blastogenesis was induced by WBH in contrast to transient suppression in euthermic controls. For all treatment groups, lymphopenia and suppressed blastogenesis were correlated to elevated plasma cortisol levels. Induction of WBH by EC resulted in coagulopathy characterized by thrombocytopenia, increased plasma fibrin degradation products, prolonged clotting times, and evidence of spontaneous bleeding. These hemostatic alterations were correlated temporally to increased serum levels of liver enzymes. However, there was no evidence of hepatic injury when WBH was induced by PL, where transient thrombocytopenia was the only significant hemostatic alteration. These results indicate that 42.3 degrees C whole body hyperthermia can be well-tolerated and, although associated with suppression of general indexes of immunocompetence, is not associated with opportunistic infections.     

The effects of cage enrichment on agonistic behaviour and dominance in male laboratory rats (Rattus norvegicus)

This experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of enriching laboratory cages on agonistic interaction and dominance of rats. In a series of three replicates, 48 rats were housed in groups of four in either ‘standard’ or ‘enriched’ cages for 6 weeks. Successful aggressive and defensive behaviour that ended up in a clear winner and loser were sampled in the first hour of the dark phase of the light/dark cycle every other week. Rats in the ‘complex’ cages showed lower levels of both successful aggressive and successful defensive bouts compared to rats in the ‘standard’ cages. Enriching cages of laboratory rat did not change the social order of the animals in the cage. Thus, enhancing the complexity of cages of laboratory rats by the particular cage modification regimen implemented in this experiment could be considered enrichment and could therefore result in an improvement of welfare in these animals.