Epidemiology of feline leukaemia and feline immunodeficiency virus infections in the Czech Republic

Commercial serological sets were used for the examination of 727 cats kept in larger towns of the Czech Republic. FeLV antigen and antibodies to FIV were demonstrated in 96 (13.2%) and 42 (5.8%) of the animals, respectively. Seven (0.96%) animals were positive for both FeLV and FIV. Most of the FeLV and/or FIV positive patients were intact rambling males aged 1-4 years. Chronic gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases were found in 54.2% and 43.8% of the FeLV-positive patients, respectively. Chronic urinary tract diseases and generalized lymphadenopathy were found in 47.6% and 45.2% of the FIV-positive patients, respectively. The results of this first survey in the Czech Republic have shown prevalence values and clinical patterns similar to those reported formerly from other European countries.     

The Neospora caninum-Spain 7 isolate induces placental damage, fetal death and abortion in cattle when inoculated in early gestation

The Nc-Spain 7 isolate of Neospora caninum, which was newly obtained from an asymptomatic congenitally infected calf, demonstrated a similar virulence as Nc-1 strain in mouse models. The aim of this study was to characterize the pathogenesis of Nc-Spain 7 isolate in cattle after experimental infection at 65 days of gestation. For this purpose, thirteen pregnant heifers were divided into three groups as follows: group A: 7 heifers inoculated with 1×10(8) tachyzoites of Nc-Spain 7 isolate; group B: 4 heifers inoculated with 1×10(8) tachyzoites of Nc 1 strain; and group C: 2 heifers received PBS. Serum samples were collected weekly and heparinized blood samples were collected three times (0, 28 and 42 days after inoculation) by jugular venipuncture. Placenta and fetal tissue samples were collected at time of necropsy. Specific antibody response in the dams was tested by IFAT, indirect ELISA, and rNcGRA7 and rNcSAG4 based-ELISA. Specific antibody response in fetal fluids was tested by IFAT. IFN-γ production was measured after in vitro culture of PBMC and the supernatant was assessed using a commercial kit (BOVIGAM). A significant increase in N. caninum antibody responses was detected in groups A and B by IFAT and by i-ELISA from day 14 after inoculation onwards. Besides, antibody response against rNCGra7 protein was also detected in all inoculated heifers by rNcGra7-based ELISA. Four fetuses from group A and one from group B were aborted between 3 and 5 weeks after infection. In the recovered fetuses, only 3 out of 4 fetal fluids from fetuses of group A and 1 out of 3 of group B were seropositive by IFAT, but all of them were positive by PCR. Transplacental transmission could be determined in all fetuses from groups A and B by PCR and/or IHC. Heifers of group C and their fetuses remained negative by all techniques. The results of this study demonstrate that the NC-Spain 7 isolate could be transmitted transplacentally, and produced fetal death and abortion in cattle.     

The pharmacokinetics and metabolism of ivermectin in domestic animal species

The pharmacokinetic properties of drugs are closely related to their pharmacological efficacy. The kinetics of ivermectin are characterised, in general terms, by a slow absorption process, a broad distribution in the organism, low metabolism, and slow excretion. The kinetics vary according to the route of administration, formulation, animal species, body condition, age, and physiological status, all of which contribute to differences in drug efficacy. Characterisation of ivermectin kinetics can be used to predict and optimise the value of the parasiticide effects and to design programmes for parasite control. This article reviews the pharmacokinetics of ivermectin in several domestic animal species.     

Use of whole blood for spectrophotometric determination of cholinesterase activity in dogs

Whole blood has been compared with erythrocytes and plasma for spectrophotometric cholinesterase determination in the dog. Cholinesterase activity was characterized using two substrates: acetylthiocholine and butyrylthiocholine. Acetylcholinesterase was the only form of cholinesterase present on erythrocytes and hydrolysed only acetylthiocholine. Butyrylcholinesterase (pseudocholinesterase) was predominant in plasma, hydrolysing mainly butyrylthiocholine. Based on these results, a method based on the use of two substrates (acetylthiocholine for monitoring acetylcholinesterase and butyrylthiocholine for determining butyrylcholinesterase) in the same whole blood sample is recommended for canine cholinesterase analysis. This way of monitoring both enzymes can be easily automated, yielding good within (CVs < 5%) and between-run (CVs < 7%) precision.     

Teratological examination of the insecticide methylparathion (Wofatox 50 EC) on pheasant embryos. 1. Morphological study

Teratogenic effects of methylparathion / Wofatox 50 EC/ and Parathion 20 WP as positive control material were tested in pheasant embryos. On the 12th day of incubation 0.1 ml of the emulsions or suspensions of the insecticides at different concentrations was inoculated into the air space of embryonated eggs. The following dose levels were employed: 27 and 270 mg/kg egg of Wofatox 50 EC, and 10 mg/kg of Parathion 20 WP. Morphological changes were evaluated by macroscopic, skeletal staining and light microscopic examinations of the embryos. Primary hypoplasia or atrophy developed in the cervical musculature /m. longus colli/ accompanied by lordosis and scoliosis of the cervical spine. In most cases we also found cyllosis .     

高山草地的光谱反射特征及其估产模型

对祁连山东段高山草地中５种植物群落的光谱反射特征进行了测试研究。结果表明：１）草本植物和灌木种群的光谱反射率在可见光波段上无显著差异，但在近红外波段存在显著差异；２）土壤背景和测试仪器高度对群落的光谱反射产生显著影响；３）植物生长盛期，可用近红外波段的反射差异来区分草地植物群落的空间分布：４）草地植物群落的地上植物量与几种变换的植被指数呈显著或极显著的非线性相关。     

Genetic diversity, structure, and breed relationships in Iberian cattle

In Iberia there are 51 officially recognized cattle breeds of which 15 are found in Portugal and 38 in Spain. We present here a comprehensive analysis of the genetic diversity and structure of Iberian cattle. Forty of these breeds were genotyped with 19 highly polymorphic microsatellite markers. Asturiana de los Valles displayed the greatest allelic diversity and Mallorquina the least. Unbiased heterozygosity values ranged from 0.596 to 0.787. The network based on Reynolds distances was star-shaped with few pairs of interrelated breeds and a clear cluster of 4 breeds (Alistana/Arouquesa/Marinhoa/Mirandesa). The analysis of the genetic structure of Iberian cattle indicated that the most probable number of population clusters included in the study would be 36. Distance results were supported by the STRUCTURE software indicating a relatively recent origin or possible crossbreeding or both between pairs or small groups of breeds. Five clusters included 2 different breeds (Betizu/Pirenaica, Morucha/Avile?a, Parda de Monta?a/Bruna de los Pirineos, Barros?/Cachena, and Toro de Lidia/Brava de Lide), 3 breeds (Berrenda en Negro, Negra Andaluza, and Mertolenga) were divided in 2 independent clusters each, and 2 breeds were considered admixed (Asturiana de los Valles and Berrenda en Colorado). Individual assignation to breeds was not possible in the 2 admixed breeds and the pair Parda de Monta?a/Bruna de los Pirineos. The relationship between Iberian cattle reflects their geographical origin rather than their morphotypes. Exceptions to this geographic clustering are most probably a consequence of crossbreeding with foreign breeds. The relative genetic isolation within their geographical origin, the consequent genetic drift, the adaptation to specific environment and production systems, and the influence of African and European cattle have contributed to the current genetic status of Iberian cattle, which are grouped according to their geographical origin. The greater degree of admixture observed in some breeds should be taken into account before using molecular markers for genetic assignment of individuals to breeds.     

Role of wild ruminants in the epidemiology of bluetongue virus serotypes 1, 4 and 8 in Spain

ABSTRACT: Although the importance of wild ruminants as potential reservoirs of bluetongue virus (BTV) has been suggested, the role played by these species in the epidemiology of BT in Europe is still unclear. We carried out a serologic and virologic survey to assess the role of wild ruminants in the transmission and maintenance of BTV in Andalusia (southern Spain) between 2006 and 2010.A total of 473 out of 1339 (35.3%) wild ruminants analyzed showed antibodies against BTV by both ELISA and serum neutralization test (SNT). The presence of neutralizing antibodies to BTV-1 and BTV-4 were detected in the four species analyzed (red deer, roe deer, fallow deer and mouflon), while seropositivity against BTV-8 was found in red deer, fallow deer and mouflon but not in roe deer. Statistically significant differences were found among species, ages and sampling regions. BTV RNA was detected in twenty-one out of 1013 wild ruminants (2.1%) tested. BTV-1 and BTV-4 RNA were confirmed in red deer and mouflon by specific rRT-PCR.BTV-1 and BTV-4 seropositive and RNA positive wild ruminants, including juveniles and sub-adults, were detected years after the last outbreak was reported in livestock. In addition, between the 2008/2009 and the 2010/2011 hunting seasons, the seroprevalence against BTV-1, BTV-4 and BTV-8 increased in the majority of provinces, and these serotypes were detected in many areas where BTV outbreaks were not reported in domestic ruminants. The results indicate that wild ruminants seem to be implicated in the dissemination and persistence of BTV in Spain.     

Leishmania spp. in Didelphis albiventris and Micoureus paraguayanus (Didelphimorphia: Didelphidae) of Brazil

Leishmaniasis is kept in nature by the participation of several animal species. This study evaluated the presence of Leishmania spp. in skin samples of free-ranging marsupials Micoureus paraguayanus (n=95) and Didelphis albiventris (n=191), captured in Morro do Diabo State Park and in sections of its surrounding forest, in the region of Pontal do Paranapanema, S?o Paulo State, Brazil. The samples were tested for the presence of kDNA of Leishmania spp. by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and by real time PCR (qPCR). All samples from D. albiventris tested by PCR were negative for the presence of kDNA of Leishmania spp. However, when tested by qPCR, the positivity was 1.6%. A positivity of 7.4% by PCR and 11.6% by qPCR was observed for M. paraguayanus. Sixty-four per cent (9/14) of positive animals were limited to the same forest fragment. Presence of Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis and Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis was detected in M. paraguayanus samples. While D. albiventris is the most studied marsupial species due to its urban habits, other marsupial species such as M. paraguayanus can be potential reservoirs of Leishmania spp. and should also be studied.