COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC ANATOMY AND CHARACTERISTICS OF RESPIRATORY ASPERGILLOSIS IN JUVENILE WHOOPING CRANES

Respiratory diseases are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in captivity reared, endangered whooping cranes (Grus americana). Objectives of this retrospective, case series, cross‐sectional study were to describe computed tomography (CT) respiratory anatomy in a juvenile whooping crane without respiratory disease, compare CT characteristics with gross pathologic characteristics in a group of juvenile whooping cranes with respiratory aspergillosis, and test associations between the number of CT tracheal bends and bird sex and age. A total of 10 juvenile whooping cranes (one control, nine affected) were included. Seven affected cranes had CT characteristics of unilateral extrapulmonary bronchial occlusion or wall thickening, and seven cranes had luminal occlusion of the intrapulmonary primary or secondary bronchi. Air sac membrane thickening was observed in three cranes in the cranial and caudal thoracic air sacs, and air sac diverticulum opacification was observed in four cranes. Necropsy lesions consisted of severe, subacute to chronic, focally extensive granulomatous pathology of the trachea, primary bronchi, lungs, or air sacs. No false positive CT scan results were documented. Seven instances of false negative CT scan results occurred; six of these consisted of subtle, mild air sacculitis including membrane opacification or thickening, or the presence of small plaques found at necropsy. The number of CT tracheal bends was associated with bird age but not sex. Findings supported the use of CT as a diagnostic test for avian species with respiratory disease and tracheal coiling or elongated tracheae where endoscopic evaluation is impractical.     

Clinical Use of Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenic Protein-2 in a Whooping Crane (Grus americana)

Objective— To report use of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) as adjunctive therapy for treatment of a comminuted, open, proximal humeral fracture in an avian species.
Study Design— Clinical report.
Animals— A 3.5-month-old male whooping crane ( Grus americana ).
Methods— An open, severely comminuted humeral facture was stabilized with an intramuscular (IM) pin/type IA external skeletal fixator with tie-in configuration. rhBMP-2 was applied in a calcium phosphate matrix (CPM) paste directly to the fracture site as a bone graft substitute. Radiographic evidence of bone healing was monitored for 14 weeks.
Results— Substantial bony callus was evident at 4 weeks and at 8 weeks there was bridging callus with obvious bony remodeling. The fixation was destabilized at 9 weeks by IM pin removal, bone healing progressed and the fixator was removed at 11 weeks. By 14 weeks both cortices had been re-established with continued callus remodeling evident.
Conclusion— rhBMP-2, applied in a CPM paste, was used as a bone graft substitute in the treatment of a comminuted, open humeral fracture in a whooping crane.
Clinical Relevance— Use of rhBMP-2/CPM should be considered in treatment of avian fractures.     

Sheep oestrosis (Oestrus ovis Linné 1761, Diptera: Oestridae) in Sardinia, Italy.

Oestrosis, the nasal myiasis of sheep and goats, is caused by the larvae of Oestrus ovis L. 1758 (Diptera, Oestridae) that develop from the first to the third stage larva in the nasal cavities and frontal sinuses of affected animals. The authors report the results of an epidemiological study of oestrosis of sheep in Sardinia, Italy. Heads of 6-month to 10-year-old Sardinian sheep (n=566) from 124 free-ranging flocks were examined for the presence and location O. ovis larvae from December 1996 to November 1997. Larvae were collected, counted, and larval stages were identified. O. ovis larvae were found in 100% of examined flocks and in 91% (514/566) of examined sheep. The monthly prevalence ranged from 69% in May to 100% in July. First stage larvae were found in 82% (463) of all heads examined, second stage larvae in 65% (367) and third stage larvae in 10% (56). The majority of sheep harboured first stage larvae, with prevalences of over 80% throughout most of the study period. The prevalence of O. ovis found in this study of Sardinian sheep is the highest reported in the Mediterranean area. The high percentage of first stage larvae found throughout the entire study period may be due to a brief period of decreased rate of larval maturation, in particular in December 1996 (96%) and January-October 1997 (94%). Third stage larvae were consistently present, often however, with extremely low prevalences compared to total larval burden.     

Mortality of captive whooping cranes caused by eastern equine encephalitis virus

Of 39 captive whooping cranes (Grus americana), 7 died during a 7-week period (Sept 17 through Nov 4, 1984) at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Laurel, Md. Before their deaths, 4 cranes did not develop clinical signs, whereas the other 3 cranes were lethargic and ataxic, with high aspartate transaminase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and lactic acid dehydrogenase activities, and high uric acid concentrations. Necropsies indicated that the birds had ascites, intestinal mucosal discoloration, fat depletion, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, and visceral gout. Microscopically, extensive necrosis and inflammation were seen in many visceral organs; the CNS was not affected. Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus was isolated from specimens of the livers, kidneys, lungs, brains, and intestines of 4 of the 7 birds that died, and EEE virus-neutralizing antibody was detected in 14 (44%) of the 32 surviving birds. Other infectious or toxic agents were not found. Morbidity or mortality was not detected in 240 sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis) interspersed among the whooping cranes; however, 13 of the 32 sandhill cranes evaluated had EEE virus-neutralizing antibody. Of the 41 wild birds evaluated in the area, 3 (4%) had EEE virus-neutralizing antibody. Immature Culiseta melanura (the most probable mosquito vector) were found in scattered foci 5 km from the research center.     

Seasonal Variations in the Abundance of Gasterophilus spp. Larvae in Donkeys in Northern Jordan

One hundred and five donkeys were examined over a 12-month period for the presence of Gasterophilus spp. larvae in their stomachs. G. intestinalis and G. nasalis were found, but there was a distinct seasonal variation in their abundance. The numbers of second-stage larvae (L₂) peaked during the early winter and early summer, but they were absent or at low levels during the early spring and early autumn. This suggests that there are two periods of adult fly activity (late autumn and late spring) for both G. nasalis and G. intestinalis. Third-stage larvae (L₃) were found throughout the year, but the lowest levels were seen in the late summer and autumn. The parasites also had an aggregated distribution, which may be due to host selection by the fly. The numbers of larvae did not vary significantly with age, which may be due to a lack of acquired protective immunity or to tolerance after repeated exposure.     

The contamination of winter stores and early spring honey with spores of Paenibacillus larvae larvae in Polish apiaries of the Małopolska province

We analysed 251 early spring and winter storage honey samples, individually collected from the apiaries of 9 districts of Malopo?ska province in South Poland and revealed that 51 of these specimens were contaminated with different levels of P. larvae larvae spores Among these samples 8.8% were classified as a category I contamination and 11.5% as a category II--reperesenting 22 (43.1%) and 29 (56.9%) of the total positives, respectively. We conclude from these analyses that: (1)--the total number of new outbreaks of AFB in Poland are most likely to be higher than previously reported, (2)--the quantitative examination of samples of winter stored or early spring honeys for the presence of P. larvae, larvae spores can improve the detection rate of AFB outbreaks, (3)--the high percentage of apiaries that were found to be free of P. larvae larvae (80%) may facilitate the implementation of an AFB eradication programme on a large scale in Poland.     

家蚕消化液中抗链球菌蛋白含量和抑菌活性的研究

分析了家蚕幼虫五龄不同时间,消化液中抗链球菌蛋白(ASP)的含量和抑菌活性的强弱,不同蚕品种ASP的含量和抑菌活性,五龄起蚕过度饥饿对ASP含量和抑菌活性的影响.并调查了不同家蚕品种五龄不同时期添食Strcptococcus属细菌的致病情况.研究的结果证明:ASP的含量和抑菌活性与家蚕幼虫的强健性有关,ASP可能是家蚕幼虫防御细菌性胃肠病发生的一种重要的物质.另外,还发现了食桑期的蚕ASP由三种蛋白质组成,而起蚕比食桑期的蚕要少一种蛋白质组份.     

In vitro pre-exposure of Haemonchus contortus L3 to blood eosinophils reduces their establishment potential in sheep

Different authors have reported that eosinophils are capable of immobilising infective larvae of different species of nematodes in vitro. However, classifying larvae as mobile or immobile is so subjective that it does not always mean all apparently immobile larvae are dead or those that are mobile are capable of surviving further immune responses if administered to their natural hosts. The objective of this experimental study was therefore to substantiate the role of eosinophils in the killing of Haemonchus contortus infective larvae by comparing the infectivity in sheep of larvae that had been incubated with eosinophil-enriched cell suspensions with control larvae. Since it was not possible to isolate pure eosinophils from sheep blood, we were compelled to evaluate the effects of other blood cells contaminating our eosinophil-enriched suspensions. Although eosinophils and neutrophils were the only cells found adherent to H. contortus infective larvae in vitro, induced eosinophils in the presence of immune serum were primarily responsible for the drastic reduction in larval motility compared to the minor effects of neutrophils and mononuclear cells. Corresponding reductions in faecal egg count and worm numbers were observed when the incubated larvae were transferred intra-abomasally to sheep. Interestingly, the proportion of larvae that failed to establish was much higher following incubation with induced eosinophils compared with other cells or with immune serum alone. Although this study did not address the in vivo role of eosinophils in sheep, the results strongly indicate that sheep blood eosinophils have a larval killing potential in vitro, and a larval mobility test alone may not fully explain the level of damage inflicted on the larvae.     

Evidence for plasmid-mediated tetracycline resistance in Paenibacillus larvae, the causal agent of American Foulbrood (AFB) disease in honeybees

Paenibacillus larvae is the causal agent of American Foulbrood (AFB) disease, the most virulent bacterial disease of honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) brood. Oxytetracycline is the main antibiotic used for prevention and control of AFB. Using the polymerase chain reaction, isolates were screened for the presence of the tetracycline resistance tet(K) and tet(L) determinants. Four isolates (5%), which correlated with the Tc-resistant phenotypes, were found to carry the tet(K) determinant, whereas none carried the tet(L) determinant. P. larvae cells were also screened for the presence of extrachromosomal DNA and evidence obtained that tetracycline resistance is plasmid-encoded. A few P. larvae isolates were found to be able to transfer the tet(K) determinant to Bacillus subtilis, suggesting that a conjugation mechanism may be involved in the transfer of the tetracycline-resistant phenotype. Minimum inhibitory concentrations to tetracycline were determined for 75 isolates of P. larvae from different geographical origins and found to range between 0.062 and 128 microg tetracyclineml(-1), with MIC(50) and MIC(90) values of 1 and 4, respectively. According to results from P. larvae populations, isolates could be considered as susceptible when their MICs were <4, intermediate for MICs values 4-8 and resistant for MICs > or = 16. To our knowledge, this is the first report of Tc(r)Paenibacillus species carrying a tet(K) gene, and also the first record of P. larvae strains carrying tet(K) determinants and its correlation with the presence of extrachromosomal DNA.     

Evaluation of ivermectin against later fourth-stage Strongylus vulgaris in ponies at two and five weeks after treatment.

The efficacy of ivermectin against later fourth-stage Strongylus vulgaris larvae was studied in pony foals at 14 and 35 days after treatment. These foals had been reared parasite-free, inoculated with 500 infective larvae and 56 days later given either ivermectin at 200 micrograms/kg or a placebo intramuscularly. At necropsy, foals were examined for lesions and larvae grossly and histologically. Ivermectin was found to be highly effective (98.6%) against later fourth-stage larvae in five foals which were examined at 35 days after treatment, but not in five others examined at 14 days (72.5%). In some foals larvae were found in the tunica media of the ileocolic arteries. The conformation of these larvae appeared normal, but there were degenerative changes which suggested that they were dying or dead. Questions as to how the larvae attained that site and the consequences of their presence there were raised.     

The activity of Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis against black fly larvae under field conditions in South Bohemia

The effectiveness of Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis spore suspension against black fly larvae was tested in two regulated brooks in the Ceské Bud?jovice district, South Bohemia. The sites under study were small, regulated, paved brooks of trapezoidal profile, with vegetation of different density, and with stream flow rates ranging from 40 to 90 cm/sec. Lyophilized spores (produced by Roger Belon) at a final concentration of 1 X 10(5) spores per ml were used. The spore efficacy was determined in both natural and artificial substrates in the field and under laboratory conditions, on the larvae collected at the control sites. A 90-100% mortality of the larvae was recorded in all parts of the brooks examined both in the natural samples studied in laboratory and in those kept on artificial substrates. In the area of fading spore suspension action, a higher percentage of the last-instar larvae was found in larval population which may be ascribed, in agreement with other authors, to an increased susceptibility of younger larvae to the preparation. The results of the tests demonstrated that Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis is an effective agent to control the black fly species occurring in Central Europe and may be of value mainly in the control of some species of veterinary importance overpopulated in regulated brooks.     

Toxocara vitulorum in the milk of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) cows

The duration of excretion of Toxocara vitulorum larvae in the milk of buffalo cows determines the optimum time for treating calves. Studies on 10 cows showed that a few larvae occur in the colostrum of some cows before the calf has suckled, but most are present from the day after calving and for a further five days. From day 9 onwards, very few larvae were found in the milk. The total number of larvae found was comparable with the number of adult parasites collected from the calves of cows with similar histories. The larvae were 1254 +/- 60 microns long and 36 +/- 6.7 microns in diameter at the ventriculus, figures which are substantially different from some published results.     

Alteration in blood gases in cats naturally infected with Aelurostrongylus abstrusus

Four cats were presented with respiratory signs and first-stage larvae of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus were found in faecal samples. Anthelmintic treatment was given to the infected cats and venous blood gases were analysed during the treatment period. Blood gas analysis suggested hypoventilation and respiratory acidosis in infected cats. Hypoventilation may be the result of airway obstruction by adults and larvae in respiratory bronchioles and the alveolar canals. The blood gas values had returned close to the physiological range by two months after treatment. Assessment of respiratory acidosis may aid development of additional treatment methods in cats infected with A. abstrusus.     

Swine trichinosis in New England slaughterhouses

Diaphragms of 5,315 slaughter hogs from the New England states were examined for Trichinella spiralis infection between June 22 and Dec 22, 1983. Thirty-nine hogs (0.73%) were infected. The infections were light, none exceeding 30 larvae/g of tissue, with an arithmetic mean of 4.7 larvae/g. Infected hogs originated from 5 of 6 New England states. The widespread occurrence of porcine trichinosis in New England indicates that the small or part-time hog farming operations frequently found in this region may be especially vulnerable to the introduction and maintenance of the parasite.     

The histopathology of porcine cysticercosis

A study describing the tissue reaction caused by the larval stage of Taenia solium in muscles was conducted on samples obtained from 28 infected pigs of different ages and provenance. Lesions were classified according to the severity of the tissue inflammatory response, larval degeneration and replacement by scar tissue in Grades 0-6. Results revealed that of a total of 296 larvae observed, 58 had degenerated, causing a severe granulomatous reaction in the host tissues (Grades 4 and 5) and finally fibrosis (Grade 6). Twenty-eight showed no inflammatory response (Grade 0). Judging from the histological findings, the eosinophil seems to be the determinant cell for the initiation of the destructive process of the larvae of T. solium. The results also suggest that a greater number (P less than 0.01) of degenerated larvae may be found in older pigs.     

Migration and growth of Neostrongylus linearis (Marotel, 1913) Gebauer, 1932 in sheep

In order to establish the mammalian parasitic cycle of the nematode Neostrongylus linearis 18 lambs were infected with 5000 third-stage larvae obtained from the snail Cernuella (Xeromagna) cespitum arigonis. In the subsequent days, larvae were found in the walls of the caecum and colon, in the liver and the lungs, suggesting that the bloodstream is the main migratory route. The presence of low numbers of migrating larvae in the mesenteric lymph nodes indicates that this route is probably secondary. The first still sexually undifferentiated, fourth-stage larvae were found in the lungs on the 8th day post-infection (p.i.) and the first sexually differentiated fifth-stage larvae, on the 10th day. Also described are the macroscopic changes of the parasitized organs.     

图牧吉自然保护区五种鹤类春季迁徙停歇动态初步分析

2014、2015和2016年春季鹤类迁徙期,在图牧吉保护区采用以定点观测为主,结合路线统计的方法用望远镜对保护区内的鹤类进行了观察统计,结果表明:图牧吉保护区春季灰鹤(Grus grus)在3月中下旬至4月初开始迁来,5月初至5月中旬离开保护区,种群平均停留时长为(46. 00±7. 94) d。白鹤(Grus leucogeranus) 3月末至4月初开始陆续迁来,4月中下旬迁离保护区,种群平均停留时长为(23. 33±2. 08) d。白头鹤(Grus monacha) 3月末至4月初到达图牧吉保护区,4月下旬至5月中旬陆续离开保护区,种群平均停留时长为(36. 00±7. 94) d。白枕鹤(Grus vipio)在3月末至4月初到达图牧吉保护区,4月下旬至5月中旬离开保护区,种群平均停留时长为(30. 00±6. 56) d。丹顶鹤(Grus japonensis)到达图牧吉保护区的时间为3月末至4月初,4月中旬离开保护区,种群平均停留时长为(14. 00±5. 66) d。保护区内的鹤主要分布在图牧吉泡子和三道泡子,偶尔会在农田发现灰鹤、白鹤和白头鹤。结合往年保护区内自然和人为因素的影响,对每年保护区内5种鹤类停歇期种群数量变化进行了一些分析讨论。最后针对保护区内存在一些保护不当问题,给保护区提出了一些建议。     

中国鹤类动物发生疾病统计分析

依据已有文献资料记载,分析了中国近25a来鹤类动物发生的疾病。丹项鹤、白鹤、黑颈鹤、白枕鹤、灰鹤、蓝鹤、蓑羽鹤、白头鹤,共8种鹤有发病资料,丹项鹤疾病占统计总数的64．12％。营养因素、寄生虫、细菌是引起鹤发病的主要原因,有机磷中毒是造成野生鹤大批死亡的主要原因,球虫病、血液原虫病是造成圈养鹤大批死亡的主要疾病。幼鹤腿部疾病和痛风是主要的营养性疾病,吸虫、球虫、住白细胞原虫是导致发病主要的寄生虫,巴氏杆菌、大肠杆菌是引起发病的主要细菌,有机磷是造成中毒的主要原因,新城疫病毒、马立克病毒、疱疹病毒亦可引起鹤发病。加强饲养管理与合作,改善环境条件,提高饲养人员的业务素质,完善保护法律和落实措施,是减少疾病发生和死亡有效措施。     

The seasonal prevalence of inhibited development of Haemonchus contortus in sheep in Senegal

Throughout a period of 13 months, the abomasa of 1024 sheep, living in a sahelian region, were examined for adult Haemonchus contortus and their inhibited L4 larvae. Of these 796 (78%) were found harbouring H. contortus, but with low worm burdens (geometric mean 37). Significant numbers of inhibited larvae appeared early in the dry season (November) and they represented 49% of the total in December. A similar proportion of inhibited larvae were present until April and after that their number declined abruptly. It was concluded that Haemonchus sp. survives the dry season as hypobiotic larvae as well as adults.