What's in a name? Inflammatory airway disease in racehorses in training

The term 'inflammatory airway disease' (IAD) is often used to describe the syndrome of lower airway inflammation that frequently affects young racehorses in training around the world. In practice, this inflammation is generally diagnosed using a combination of endoscopic tracheal examination, including grading of amounts of mucus present and tracheal wash sampling. However, a recent consensus statement from the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine concluded that bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) sampling, rather than tracheal wash (TW) sampling, is required for cytological diagnosis of IAD and that tracheal mucus is not an essential criterion. However, as BAL is a relatively invasive procedure that is not commonly used on racing yards, this definition can only be applied routinely to a biased referral population. In contrast, many practitioners continue to diagnose IAD using endoscopic tracheal examination and sampling. We argue that, rather than restricting the use of the term IAD to phenotypes diagnosed by BAL, it is important to distinguish in the literature between airway inflammation diagnosed by BAL and that identified in the field using TW sampling. We suggest the use of the term brIAD for the former and trIAD for the latter. It is essential that we continue to endeavour to improve our understanding of the aetiology, pathogenesis and clinical relevance of airway inflammation identified in racehorses in training using tracheal examination and sampling. Future studies should focus on investigations of the component signs of airway inflammation.     

Bovine tuberculosis in badgers in four areas in Ireland: does tuberculosis cluster?

We described the distribution of badger populations in four different areas in the Republic of Ireland. The data came from periodic targeted badger-removal and subsequent post-mortem examinations conducted between 1989 and September 1997, and from a formal badger-removal project in the same areas from 1997 through 1999. Records were complete for 2292 badgers regarding the date of capture, tuberculosis status, geographical area and specific sett from where the badgers were snared. Of 3187 setts, 2290 had no badgers recorded against them (i.e. were inactive).The badger-level prevalence of tuberculosis differed among areas (range 13-29%). Badger populations were highly clustered by sett, and this result was similar over the four study areas. The median number of badgers per active sett was 2. Tuberculous badgers also clustered within a sett. The third quartile of tuberculous badgers was 1 per active sett. The prevalence of tuberculous badgers within a sett was not related to the total number of badgers. There was little evidence of spatial clustering with only one local cluster of tuberculous setts in each of three areas, and none in the fourth area. After adjusting for the number of badgers per sett, only one area had spatial clusters identified.     

Bartonellosis in cats: a role in uveitis?

Bartonellosis has been widely studied in human and veterinary medicine over the past two decades. Despite this fact, it remains an enigmatic disease in many ways. The causative bacteria, Bartonella spp, are transmitted to cats by fleas and thus the prevalence in cat populations, particularly in temperate climates, is high. Most cats, whether infected naturally or experimentally, remain asymptomatic. Thus, correlating the presence of the organism to clinical disease, including uveitis, in cats has been difficult. This review summarizes what is known of the transmission and pathogenesis of Bartonella spp in cats, the possible role of the organism in feline ocular disease, as well methods of diagnosis and treatment.     

Adverse reactions of α2-adrenoceptor agonists in cats reported in 2003–2013 in Finland

Objective

To describe suspected adverse drug reactions in cats associated with use of α₂-adrenoceptor agonists.

Paramphistomum spp. in Dairy Cattle in Québec

Few cases of infection with Paramphistomum spp. have been reported from cattle in Canada. During the course of a recent study of bovine fascioliasis both P. microbothrioides and P. liorchis were found in the rumen of dairy cattle slaughtered in a Quebec abattoir. Eggs in feces were distinguished on the basis of their size. Coprological analysis of 932 samples from 601 cows on 17 selected farms in Portneuf County (Quebec) revealed that 34% of the animals were infected with P. microbothrioides and 1% with P. liorchis. Based on data from one herd there appears to be significant seasonal variation in egg passage for P. microbothrioides. Furthermore, old cows exhibited a higher prevalence of infection.     

Farmers’ choice of genotypes and trait preferences in tropically adapted chickens in five agro-ecological zones in Nigeria

This study aimed at determining chicken genotypes of choice and traits preference in chicken by smallholder farmers in Nigeria. Data were obtained from a total of 2063 farmers using structured questionnaires in five agro-ecological zones in Nigeria. Chi square (χ²) statistics was used to explore relationships between categorical variables. The mean ranks of the six genotypes and twelve traits of preference were compared using the non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis H (with Mann–Whitney U test for post hoc separation of mean ranks), Friedman, and Wilcoxon signed-rank (with Bonferroni’s adjustments) tests. Categorical principal component analysis (CATPCA) was used to assign farmers into groups. Gender distribution of farmers was found to be statistically significant (χ²?=?16.599; P?≤?0.002) across the zones. With the exception of Shika Brown, preferences for chicken genotypes were significantly (P?≤?0.01) influenced by agro-ecological zone. However, gender differentiated response was only significant (P?≤?0.01) in Sasso chicken with more preference by male farmers. Overall, FUNAAB Alpha, Sasso, and Noiler chicken were ranked 1st, followed by Kuroiler (4th), Shika Brown (5th), and Fulani birds (6th), respectively. Within genotypes, within and across zones and gender, preferences for traits varied significantly (P?≤?0.005 and P?≤?0.01). Traits of preference for selection of chicken breeding stock tended towards body size, egg number, egg size, and meat taste. Spearman’s rank order correlation coefficients of traits of preference were significant (P?≤?0.01) and ranged from 0.22 to 0.90. The two PCs extracted, which explained 65.3% of the variability in the dataset, were able to assign the farmers into two groups based on preference for body size of cock and hen and the other ten traits combined. The present findings may guide the choice of appropriate chicken genotypes while the traits of economic importance may be incorporated into future genetic improvement and conservation programs in Nigeria.

     

Diurnal changes in photosynthesis and photosynthetic product partitioning in alfalfa in response to phosphorus application北大核心CSCD

This research explored the effect of different levels of phosphorus application on diurnal variation in photosynthesis and partitioning of photosynthetic products in alfalfa under drip irrigation. In particular, the relationship between photosynthetic product levels in the plant and leaf photosynthetic parameters of alfalfa was clarified. Four phosphorus（P2O5）application levels of 0（CK）,50（P1）,100（P2）and 150 kg·ha-1（P3）were used as treatments in a field experiment. Leaf photosynthetic parameters were measured with a Li-6400 portable photosynthesis instrument on sunny days from 10：00-20：00 during the early flowering stage,together with environment factors and sugar and starch content in the leaves,stems and roots. A feature of the results was a ‘photosynthetic noon-break’phenomenon across all phosphorus application treatments,and stomatal limitation was the main factor responsible for the mid-day decline of net photosynthetic rate （Pn）. Photosynthetically active radiation had the greatest impact on the Pn of alfalfa leaves,while atmospheric CO2 concentration,atmospheric temperature,and atmospheric environmental factors such as relative humidity and vapor pressure deficit based on leaf temp also affected Pn. Principal component analysis showed that alfalfa photosynthetic efficiency in the four P-treatments ranked P2>P1>P3>CK. At the 100 kg·ha-1 phosphorus level（compared to CK）,the hay yield of alfalfa was increased significantly,the soluble sugar contents of leaves,stems,and roots were increased by 11. 6%,5. 0% and 4. 6%,respectively,and the starch contents were increased by 15. 2%,9. 6% and 5. 3%,respectively. Higher overall levels of soluble sugar and starch typically manifested as greater concentration increases in leaves,and relatively smaller increases in roots and stems. The diurnal troughs in Pn,transpiration rate,leaf internal CO2 concentration and water use efficiency（WUE）of alfalfa leaves were less marked in the P treatments,compared with the control treatment. Therefore,appropriate phosphorus application can increase the photosynthetic efficiency of alfalfa leaves,thereby significantly promoting crop growth and development. At the phosphorus（P2O5）application rate of 100 kg·ha-1（P2）,the alfalfa photosynthetic enhancement effect was the most pronounced. © 2022 Editorial Office of Acta Prataculturae Sinica. All rights reserved.     

Clinico-pathological findings in natural cases of “mascadera” in goats

“Mascadera” is a chronic emaciating neuropathy affecting goats; it produces significant economic losses in many regions and its cause is unknown. Here, the histological lesions found in 15 animals naturally affected by the disease are described. Complete necropsy was performed and tissue samples were collected for histopathological study. Severe atrophy of the masseter and buccinator muscles and tongue was observed, as well as vacuolar degeneration of neurons in the nuclei of the trigeminal, facial, and glossopharyngeal nerves. No relevant lesions were observed in other tissues. These findings and the clinical signs are consistent with those observed by other authors in animals spontaneously and experimentally intoxicated with Prosopis juliflora. The disease may be due to consumption of a similar species present in our country that is still unknown. Further research on the etiology and pathogenesis of this disease is needed to establish appropriate prevention guidelines.

     

Trends in antimicrobial use in Marine Harvest Canada farmed salmon production in British Columbia (2003–2011)

Marine Havest Canada has significantly reduced its antimicrobial usage in salmon farming over the last 8 years. Change has come about largely through improvements in production, health management, and livestock selection. However, antimicrobial treatments are still required for stomatitis and bacterial kidney disease. Lack of efficacious vaccines and the limited number of licensed antimicrobials available to the industry continue to be of concern.     

Epidemiological study of Yersinia enterocolitica in swine herds in Québec

The objectives of this study were the identification of the different contamination sources of Yersinia enterocolitica, as well as the determination of the prevalence and the distribution of the different genotypes in swine herds. The owners of 20 farms, located in the Richelieu-Yamaska region, agreed to participate in the study. Each farm was visited a minimum of 5 times between May and October 1997, and, at each visit, 20 environmental and 10 fecal samples were collected. Yersinia enterocolitica isolates were identified, serotyped, and submitted to a genetic characterization by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. The correlation coefficient (0.61) between prevalence in environment and in feces was significant (P = 0.004). Among the 153 positive samples, 93.5% belonged to serotype 0:3. The comparison of PFGE profiles revealed that all environmental Y. enterocolitica isolates had a profile identical to that of isolates recovered in feces from the corresponding farms. Also, when the genetic profiles of isolates recovered from feces collected at the first visit were compared with the profiles of isolates obtained from the subsequent visits, the same profile was observed on every farm. We concluded that environment does not represent the main source of contamination of swine by Y. enterocolitica and that, in most instances, the same strain persists in a barn from one production lot to another.