The Seroprevalence of Canine Influenza Virus H3N8 in Dogs Participating in a Flyball Tournament in Pennsylvania in 2010: A Follow‐Up Study

Background

Canine influenza virus (CIV) H3N8 infection is thought to be highly contagious and potentially deadly. Low seroprevalence in dogs participating in the sport of flyball in 2009 was reported. It remains unknown if prevalence is changing in dogs at risk.

Objective

To determine seroprevalence of antibodies to CIV H3N8 in a population of pet dogs that participated in an indoor flyball tournament in Pennsylvania in November 2010.

Animals

Dogs participating in a flyball tournament.

Methods

Medical, travel, and activity histories for previous 10.5 months were obtained from consenting owners and serum samples were collected from dogs. Antibodies to CIV H3N8 were measured using hemagglutination inhibition.

Results

Of 251 competing dogs, 103 dogs were tested. Overall, seroprevalence of CIV H3N8 in dogs participating in flyball was 1.9% (95% CI, 0.05–6.8%). Thirty‐five dogs were tested in both 2009 (all titers <8) and 2010 (all titers <8). Ten of 103 dogs had been vaccinated for CIV H3N8. Two dogs had positive titers (>8) and both had been vaccinated twice in the previous month. Titers in remaining 8 vaccinated dogs were undetectable. Seroprevalence in vaccinated dogs was 20% (95% CI, 5.7–50.1%), whereas in unvaccinated dogs it was 0% (95% CI, 0–4.0%). Although 7 dogs had history of respiratory signs, only 1, which was vaccinated, was serologically positive for CIV H3N8.

Conclusions

Consistent with low prevalence of CIV H3N8 exposure previously reported in flyball dogs, unvaccinated dogs had 0% prevalence, suggesting a stable exposure rate. However, low seroprevalence may result in unprotected flyball dogs at risk for developing CIV H3N8.     

Ultrasonography of small intestinal obstructions: a contemporary approach

Objectives : To assess the accuracy of intestinal ultrasound for diagnosis of intestinal obstruction in dogs and cats. Methods : A prospective clinical study was performed. Inclusion criteria were dogs and cats with clinical signs suggestive of gastrointestinal obstruction. Animals with no obstruction detected on ultrasound were excluded if they could not be monitored for 48 hours to confirm absence of obstruction. Sonographic diagnosis of small intestinal obstruction was based on identification of at least two findings suggestive of intestinal obstruction. Results : Ninety‐two patients suspected of having intestinal obstruction were included. Correct diagnosis of intestinal obstruction was made in 21 cases (23%), and in 68 (74%) this diagnosis was excluded. Interpretation of the images on prospective analysis had sensitivity, positive predictive, specificity and negative predictive values of 100%, 87.5%, 95.8% and 100%, respectively. Clinical Significance : Ultrasonography is an excellent method for investigation of animals with gastrointestinal disorders, and is particularly useful for excluding obstructive processes.     

Effect of inclusion of sugar beet pulp,pelleting and season on laying hen performance

1. The effect of three metabolisable energy (ME) concentrations 12.2, 11.3 and 10.5 MJ ME/kg and two forms of diet (mash and pellet) on egg production in summer and winter were studied. The different ME values were obtained by diluting the 12.2 MJ ME/kg diet with sugar beet pulp of 2.88 MJ/kg DM. In a 3rd summer experiment the water intake of hens on these diets was examined. Data were analysed by factorial analysis of variance, and the relationship between performance and dietary energy concentration was examined by regression analysis.

2. The use of low energy diets (10.5 to 11.3 MJ ME/kg) decreased egg production in both seasons, but pelleting diets improved egg production and egg weight in summer. Egg weight was not affected by energy density in winter, but decreased in the summer when energy density increased.

3. In winter, food consumption was not affected by the dietary ME, while in summer food consumption increased when the dietary ME increased. Therefore, energy intake was not the same at all energy densities, but tended to increase as the energy density increased.

4. In summer, pelleting improved food efficiency and egg production and increased water consumption and the ratio of water to food intake. Water intake and water: food ratio decreased with increasing dietary energy concentration.     

Habitat characterization,anthropogenic impacts and conservation of rhodolith beds off southeastern Malta

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