Sanitary Monitoring Models for Wild Ungulate Stock Farms in Tuscany

Veterinary Research Communications -     

Survival is negatively associated with glucocorticoids in a wild ungulate neonate

It is unknown how ungulate physiological responses to environmental perturbation influence overall population demographics. Moreover, neonatal physiological responses remain poorly studied despite the importance of neonatal survival to population growth. Glucocorticoid (GC) hormones potentially facilitate critical physiological and behavioral responses to environmental perturbations. However, elevated GC concentrations over time may compromise body condition and indirectly reduce survival. We evaluated baseline salivary cortisol (CORT; a primary GC in mammals) concentrations in 19 wild neonatal white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in a northern (NS) and southern (SS) area in Pennsylvania. After ranking survival models consisting of variables hypothesized to influence neonate survival (i.e. weight, sex), the probability of neonate survival was best explained by CORT concentrations, where elevated CORT concentrations were associated with reduced survival probability to 12 weeks of age. Cortisol concentrations were greater in the SS where predation rates and predator densities were lower. As the first evaluation of baseline CORT concentrations in an ungulate neonate to our knowledge, this is also the first study to demonstrate CORT concentrations are negatively associated with ungulate survival at any life stage. Glucocorticoid hormones could provide a framework in which to better understand susceptibility to mortality in neonatal white-tailed deer.     

Risk factors for porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome outbreaks in Vietnamese small stock farms

AIM: To examine risk factors that could have played a role in the 2010 porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) outbreak in Yenhung district, Quangninh province, North-Vietnam, with the purpose of establishing why existing control measures implemented after previous outbreaks had failed to prevent further outbreaks.

METHODS: A case-control study was carried out in Yenhung district. Data were obtained by an interview-based questionnaire survey. The sampling unit was households, which equated to small-scale pig farms. A total of 150 case and 150 control households were selected at communes affected by the 2010 PRRS epidemic during April to June. Risk factors were analysed using binary logistic regression and unconditional multiple logistic regression.

RESULTS: Households infected with PRRS were significantly associated with multiple variables belonging to three main groups: (1) location of the farms: i.e. farms positioned <1,000?m from a pig abattoir or within 500?m of local markets or 100?m of main roads; (2) farm management: i.e. where there was non-application of weekly farm disinfection, feeding uncooked swill, new introduction of purchased pigs without isolation, or usage of water from irrigation systems for raising pigs; (3) people and animal contact: i.e. where households kept animals with either no confinement or partial confinement, had visits by family members to other affected farms or had frequent visits by neighbours. The use of water from irrigation systems was found to be the risk factor most strongly associated with infected households in the 2010 outbreak (OR=22; 95% CI=12–42).

CONCLUSIONS: The results show that the epidemiology of PRRS in Quangninh province was linked to sociological and cultural practices, and that effective PRRS control needs an integrated approach coupled with behavioural changes in the pig raising practices of the general public. Failure to recognise this could explain why further outbreaks have occurred.     

Management of wild ungulate populations in Italy: captive-breeding, hybridisation and genetic consequences of translocations

Captive-reproduced stocks of some species of ungulates (Artiodactyla), and particularly the red deer (Cervus elaphus), fallow deer (Dama dama), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and the wildboar (Sus scrofa) are more or less extensively translocated in Italy, mainly for local reintroductions or restocking of exploited wild populations. However, captive breeding often involves the reproduction of non-indigenous individuals or the production of artificial hybrids. Consequently, translocations of captive-reproduced ungulates are of concern for the conservation of indigenous populations and gene pools. The impact of translocations should be evaluated within the background of the growing knowledge on population genetic and phylogeographic structure of ungulates. Molecular genetic markers are being used to map geographic genetic diversity, and reconstruct the phylogeographic history of natural populations (i.e., in the roe deer). Molecular makers are also used to detect the consequences of domestication and identify hybrids between wild and domesticated populations (i.e., in the wildboar), or to detect inter-specific hybridisation (i.e., between the red deer and wapiti). Hybridisation of wild and domestic pigs, and diffusion of hybrids in nature is widespread in Italy. Admixture of indigenous and non-indigenous roe deer stocks is also widespread. Therefore, conservation and management of indigenous ungulates calls for careful evaluation of captive-reproduced stocks.     

Fecal steroid evaluation to monitor reproductive status in wild ungulate females using enzyme immunoassay commercial kits

Analysis of reproductive hormones in fecal samples is necessary for the noninvasive monitoring of reproductive status in free-ranging species. The aim of the present study was to establish an easy noninvasive method to monitor reproductive status in wild ungulate females. Feces were collected daily, weekly, or three or four times a week directly from the soil for a period ranging from 1 to 9.8 mo. Fecal estradiol and progestagens were monitored in nine wild ungulate females (Barbary sheep, Ammotragus lervia [n = 3]; European bison, Bison bonasus [n = 1]; auroch, Bos taurus primigenius [n = 2]; sitatunga, Tragelaphus spekii gratus [n = 2]; and Indian rhinoceros, Rhinoceros unicornis [n = 1]) by using commercially available enzyme immunoassay kits prepared for human serum or plasma. In the species evaluated in this study, luteal phase, abortion, and gestation patterns corresponded closely with changes in fecal progestagens. Luteal phase and gestation values differed significantly (P < 0.001) from basal values, whereas progestagens values after abortion were not significantly different (P > 0.05) from basal values. For estradiol excretory patterns, follicular phase and pregnancy values differed significantly (P < 0.001) from basal values, but differences between values after abortion and basal values were not significant (P > 0.05); length of estrous cycles were clearly defined through estradiol data. This study demonstrates that ovarian function in the wild ungulate females studied can be monitored by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Therefore, ELISA methodologies used here could be a practical alternative to other ELISAs that require more complex procedures or whose commercial availability is difficult.     

Microbiological studies of wild rodents in farms as carriers of pig infectious agents

In 15 breeding and fattening pig herds, 85 mice (Mus musculus) and 40 rats (Rattus norvegicus) were captured and bacteria and viruses looked for. Bordetella bronchiseptica, Pasteurella sp., E. coli, Campylobacter jejuni and Treponema sp. were isolated from different samples. Rota-virus was also identified and neutralizing transmissible gastroenteritis antibodies were detected in the serum of one rat and mice from three different farms. Wild rats were also orally infected with Aujeszky's disease virus (ADV) and classical swine fever (CSF) virus. All the rats survived the ADV experimental infection and some of them showed ADV neutralizing antibodies in their sera. No multiplication of the SF virus was obtained.     

Trembling in slaughtering pigs--an analysis of Swedish swine stock monitoring

The incidence of trembling symptoms among pigs in the Swedish pig progeny testing scheme was highest among Land-race pigs (11%), Tab. I). Yorkshire, Hampshire and Duroc pigs had an incidence below 1%. Data on the incidence of trembling symptoms among 1716 adolescent Land-race pigs from one Swedish pig progeny testing station were analysed. The results showed no statistically significant difference in occurrence between sexes. According to Table II there were some phenotypic relationships between trembling and production traits. Pigs with trembling symptoms showed a higher daily gain as piglets, had a longer carcass and more lean in the carcass than non-trembling pigs. The heritability for trembling symptoms was estimated to be around 0.4.     

Oral fluid samples used for PRRSV acclimatization program and sow performance monitoring in endemic PRRS-positive farms

An effective gilt acclimatization program is one of the most important management strategies for controlling porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infection. Recently, oral fluid samples have been used as alternative diagnostic samples for various swine diseases. This study utilized oral fluids for PRRSV monitoring during the gilt acclimatization period in PRRSV endemic farms. The study was performed in two selected commercial breeding herds (farm A and farm B). PRRSV RNA and PRRSV-specific antibodies were monitored using oral fluid and serum samples. Sow performance parameters related to PRRSV infection were recorded and assessed. After PRRSV exposure during acclimatization, viral RNA was demonstrated in oral fluids from 1 to 10 weeks post-exposure (WPE). PRRSV RNA was detected in serum at 1 and 4 WPE in farm A and at 1, 4, 8, and 12 WPE in farm B. Prolonged viremia of gilts from farm B was possibly due to re-infection (within the herd) and later, reproductive problems were found in the breeding herd. The correlation of PRRSV RNA concentration in oral fluids and serum was evident. The S/P ratio values of PRRSV antibodies in oral fluid samples were higher and had similar patterns of antibody responses to the serum samples. The results suggest that the use of oral fluid samples for PRRSV monitoring during gilt acclimatization in endemic farms is effective, convenient, practical, and economical and would be most beneficial when used with other parameters.     

福建省龙岩市部分地区猪伪狂犬病野毒感染血清学调查

为了探究福建省龙岩地区的2018年猪伪狂犬病野毒感染及流行概况,本试验随机选取龙岩新罗区、连城县、武平县以及长汀县的部分规模化猪场共21个,应用ELISA法对763份血清样品PRV g E抗体进行血清学调查。结果显示样品检测总阳性率为30.41%,其中保育猪、育肥猪、能繁母猪及后备母猪的阳性率分别为:25.29%、30.98%、30.85%、31.75%;用SPSS19.0对其进行差异显著性分析,结果显示不同阶段的猪群gE抗体阳性率差异不显著(P=0.741>0.05);各场场均阳性率为31.89%;各地区阳性率分别为:41.58%、18.18%、30.14%、26.29%,场均阳性率分别为41.14%、23.50%、29.60%、33.33%,对其进行差异显著性分析,结果表示不同地区之间gE抗体阳性率差异极显著(P=0.0003<0.001),即各地区之间伪狂犬病野毒感染情况差异较大,部分地区更需要加强其控制和净化措施。     

Colonisation and shedding of Lawsonia intracellularis in experimentally inoculated rodents and in wild rodents on pig farms

Lawsonia intracellularis is an intracellular bacterium causing proliferative enteropathy in various animal species, and is considered an economically important pathogen of pigs. Rats and mice have been implicated as external vectors for a wide range of pig pathogens, including L. intracellularis. Previous studies have demonstrated L. intracellularis infection and proliferative enteropathy in rodents, but did not show the duration of shedding or the number of L. intracellularis shed by infected rodents, and therefore the infection risk that rodents pose to pigs. In this study, the number of L. intracellularis shed in the faeces and intestinal mucosa of wild rats trapped on pig farms was determined by a quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction assay. The prevalence of L. intracellularis in wild rats trapped on pig farms with endemic proliferative enteropathy (PE) was very high (≥ 70.6%), and large numbers of L. intracellularis were shed (10(10)/g of faeces) in a small proportion of wild rats. The duration of colonisation in laboratory rats and mice challenged with porcine isolates of L. intracellularis was also shown. Faecal shedding of L. intracellularis persisted for 14-21 days in rats and mice that were mildly affected with histological lesions of PE. The humoral immune response to L. intracellularis persisted for 40 days in both species. This study demonstrates that rodents may be an important reservoir of L. intracellularis on piggeries, and hence rodent control is important in disease eradication programs on pig farms.     

Frequency of infection by Neospora caninum in wild rodents associated with dairy farms in Aguascalientes,Mexico

The purpose of this study was to detect the presence of Neospora caninum in tissues from wild rodents associated with dairy farms in Aguascalientes, Mexico. Individuals from Mus musculus, Rattus novergicus and Spermophilus variegatus were caught in dairy farms with history of positive status to N. caninum. A total of 33 rodents were caught from which samples were taken of brain, spinal cord, liver and heart and were tested with nested PCR and Immunohistochemistry (IHC). Results obtained with PCR showed that M. musculus had 77% (10/13) positive samples to N. caninum, S. variegatus had 71% (10/14) and R. novergicus had 50% (3/6). The results obtained with IHC showed that 15% (2/13) of M. musculus individuals were positive, while 43% (6/14) of S. variegatus and 33% (2/6) R. novergicus were also positive. This is the first report of the presence of N. caninum in S. variegatus.     

基于EOS/MODIS的青海草原春季干旱监测模型

采用对地观测系统/中分辨率成像光谱仪（EOS/MODIS）白天、夜间两时相的资料,应用热惯量监测土壤湿度的基本原理,通过拟合计算,建立了土壤湿度和热惯量之间的线性和对数模型,并选择线性模型为干旱监测的基础模型。对辐射方法反演温度和直接反演温度2种方法进行了分析比较,认为直接反演温度法计算简便、易于实际应用。针对热惯量模型只能监测裸地土壤湿度的缺点,给出了归一化植被指数（NDVI）订正方法,初步拟合计算,青海地区Kn值为3。对草原干旱的定义,沿用青海省地方灾害标准。通过以上分析,建立了青海省草原春季干旱遥感监测模型。经实际监测应用,认为在青海范围内可替代人工取土监测土壤湿度。     

Machine learning models for predicting the use of different animal breeding services in smallholder dairy farms in Sub-Saharan Africa

Tropical Animal Health and Production - This study is concerned with developing predictive models using machine learning techniques to be used in identifying factors that influence farmers’...     

动物源饲料中“瘦肉精”类药物的分析及检测方法

对动物源饲料中违法添加的“瘦肉精”类药物的成分、性质、动物肉类残留、对人体的危害、当前的检测方法及存在的问题进行了综述.