Malignant catarrhal fever-like disease in sheep after intranasal inoculation with ovine herpesvirus-2.

A malignant catarrhal fever (MCF)-like disease was induced experimentally in 3 sheep after aerosol inoculation with ovine herpesvirus-2 (OvHV-2). Each of 3 OvHV-2-negative sheep was nebulized with 2 ml of nasal secretions containing approximately 3.07 X 10(9) OvHV-2 DNA copies from a sheep experiencing an intensive viral-shedding episode. Ovine herpesvirus-2 DNA became detectable by polymerase chain reaction in the peripheral blood leukocytes of all 3 sheep within 3 days, and all 3 seroconverted between 6 and 8 days postinfection (PI). The sheep developed clinical signs, with copious mucopurulent nasal discharge and fever around 14 days PI. One of the 3 clinically affected sheep was euthanized at 18 days PI. Major lesions at necropsy were multifocal linear erosions and ulcers in mucosa of the cheeks, tongue, pharynx, and proximal esophagus and mild disseminated pneumonia. Microscopically, there was extensive moderate superficial histiocytic-lymphocytic rhinitis with epithelial dissociation and degeneration. Moderate multifocal histiocytic bronchointerstitial pneumonia was associated with loss of terminal bronchiolar epithelium. Lymphocytic vasculitis was present only in the lung. The remaining 2 sheep recovered clinically, approximately 25 days PI. The study revealed that clinical signs and lesions resembling MCF can develop when uninfected sheep are exposed to a high dose of aerosolized OvHV-2.     

Prevalence of and intrinsic risk factors for appendicular osteosarcoma in dogs: 179 cases (1996-2005)

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of appendicular osteosarcoma (OSA) in Greyhounds compared with other breeds and identify potential intrinsic risk factors associated with development of OSA. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 179 dogs with primary appendicular OSA. PROCEDURES: Medical records of dogs in which primary appendicular OSA had been diagnosed between 1996 and 2005 were reviewed. Prevalence and crude odds ratios for OSA were calculated for various breeds by comparison with a reference population of mixed-breed dogs. Age and sex were examined as potential risk factors for the 3 breeds with highest prevalence. RESULTS: Breed period prevalence of OSA was highest for Greyhounds (21/339 [6.2%]), followed by Rottweilers (51/969 [5.3%]) and Great Danes (13/297 [4.4%]); all 21 Greyhounds with OSA were identified as having retired from racing. Sex was not identified as a risk factor for OSA in these breeds, but in all 3 breeds, risk of OSA increased with age. Greyhounds were significantly older at the time of OSA diagnosis (mean, 9.9 years) than were Rottweilers (8.3 years) and Great Danes (7.8 years). Rottweilers and Great Danes were more likely to have OSA involving the forelimbs than the hind limbs. The most frequent lesion sites for all 3 breeds were the proximal end of the humerus and distal end of the radius. The proximal end of the femur was also a common site for the Greyhounds. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results of the present study suggested that Greyhounds, Rottweilers, and Great Danes had an increased risk of developing OSA, compared with mixed-breed dogs.     

Competition for shifting resources in the southern Benguela upwelling: Seabirds versus purse-seine fisheries

In the southern Benguela upwelling ecosystem off the west coast of South Africa, seabird populations are decreasing dramatically because of reduced availability of pelagic fish. We tested the hypothesis that the west coast fishing industry is competing for the remaining stocks of anchovy and sardine with the largest colony of Vulnerable Cape Gannets (Morus capensis) along the Atlantic coast. Using GPS-tracking of the birds, echo-sounding of pelagic fish, and vessel log books, we located overlap areas between bird foraging ranges, pelagic fish distribution, and fishing activities. We then compared fish catches by gannets and vessels within their joint foraging zones. In October 2007, purse-seine fishing grounds and gannet foraging areas overlapped by only 13%. However, for a 1-month period, the amount of fish removed from this area by purse-seine boats amounted to 41% of the food requirements of the 72,000 gannets breeding on Malgas Island (25% of the world population). The fishery’s catch in this area is significant in terms of its potential impact on gannets, but comprises only 3.6% of total fishery catch. Based on this finding, the rapidly decreasing size of the gannet colony and the stated objectives of South Africa’s Marine Living Resources Act of 1998, the case for considering and experimenting with at-sea ‘no-take’ areas for the purse-seine fishery is strong. Efforts to establish whether ‘no-take’ fishing zones increase food availability for top predators is an important next step in conservation of the southern Benguela Ecosystem.     

Interactions and self-organization in the soil-microbe complex

Soil is the most complicated biomaterial on the planet. As with any material, the physical habitat is of prime importance in determining and regulating biological activity. However, until recently the opaque nature of soil has meant that any interrogation of its interior architecture has been relatively rudimentary, restricted to simple qualitative expressions of the physical heterogeneity that fail to relate to any specific function. However, new techniques and insights into the biophysical and biochemical processes of this inner space are leading to the developments of theoretical frameworks and experimental approaches that will allow us to sustainably manage Earth's most important resource. We introduce the concept that the soil-microbe system is self-organized and suggest new priorities for research based on an integrative approach that combines biochemistry and biophysics.     

Proximal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis in 34 horses using two parallel 5.5-mm cortical bone screws

OBJECTIVE: To report clinical experience with arthrodesis of the proximal interphalangeal joint in horses using two parallel 5.5-mm cortical bone screws placed in lag fashion. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective, clinical study. ANIMALS: Thirty-four horses, aged 1 to 19 years. METHODS: Medical records for all horses admitted (1991-1997) for pastern arthrodesis using two 5.5-mm ASIF cortical bone screws, in parallel orientation, and placed in lag fashion by use of a combined aiming device to facilitate accuracy were reviewed. Signalment, lameness diagnosis, duration of lameness, limb(s) involved, and outcome were recorded. Criteria for successful outcome were determined as return to previous level of function or future intended athletic use. RESULTS: Thirty-nine proximal interphalangeal joint arthrodeses were performed on 34 horses. One horse was euthanatized in the recovery room and was excluded from data analysis. Successful outcome occurred in 85% of frontlimbs and 89% of hindlimbs. Failure occurred in 5 joints; 1 horse had lameness directly associated with surgery, whereas 4 horses had unrelated lameness. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Age, breed, and initial disease did not affect outcome. Arthrodesis of the proximal interphalangeal joint by use of two 5.5-mm ASIF cortical bone screws, in parallel orientation, placed in lag fashion by use of a combined aiming device, resulted in sound use of the limb in >85% of the joints with shortened postoperative coaptation.     

Outbreak of acute colitis on a horse farm associated with tetracycline-contaminated sweet feed

Exposure of a group of horses to tetracycline-contaminated feed resulted in acute colitis and subsequent death in one horse and milder diarrhea in 3 others. The most severely affected animal demonstrated clinical and pathological findings typical of colitis X. The other herdmates responded well to administration of zinc bacitracin.