Vaccine efficacy for reducing turbinate atrophy and improving growth rate in piggeries with endemic atrophic rhinitis

Two vaccines, based on formalin-killed whole cells of toxigenic Pasteurella multocida type D and Bordetella bronchiseptica combined with a partially toxoided cell extract of P multocida, were prepared with Freund's incomplete adjuvant (vaccine 1) or by alum precipitation (vaccine 2). Each was tested for safety and efficacy in reducing the severity of nasal turbinate atrophy and improving the growth rate of pigs in three Western Australian commercial piggeries with endemic atrophic rhinitis. In safety experiments with vaccine 1, no adverse clinical effects were observed in vaccinated sows or their progeny. Piglets receiving vaccine 2 showed no injection site abnormalities, pyrexia or turbinate atrophy. In field trials, vaccine 1 significantly reduced the prevalence of moderate to severe nasal turbinate atrophy (Done score 3 to 5) when used in two piggeries (A and B). Progeny from vaccinated sows in piggery B also grew significantly faster than controls. When vaccine 2 was used in piggery A at a later date and in another piggery (C), growth rate was not improved in either piggery and the prevalence of moderate to severe turbinate atrophy was reduced only in piggery C.     

The serological responses of chickens to mass vaccination with a live V4 Newcastle disease virus vaccine in the field and in the laboratory 2. Layer pullets

Layer chickens on a commercial started pullet farm were vaccinated once at 31 to 52 days of age by drinking water or aerosol with live V4 Newcastle disease virus (NDV) vaccine. Flockmates which had been rehoused in laboratory isolation pens shortly beforehand were similarly vaccinated. Samples of birds were bled at intervals and the serums tested for haemagglutination inhibiting antibody to NDV. Log2 mean titres of up to 4.88 and assumed protection levels (based on the percentage of birds with log2 titres of 4 or greater) of up to 81%, were obtained in the field trials within 4 weeks of vaccination. A subsequent laboratory trial further compared the response of different breeds of chicken to different routes of vaccination. Differences were observed between breeds, routes of vaccination, and parallel field and laboratory trials. The results show that this V4 vaccine can produce an adequate serological response following mass vaccination of Australian layer pullets housed under commercial conditions, and that care should be exercised in extrapolating results obtained under laboratory conditions.     

Identification of Apoptotic Bodies in Equine Semen

Apoptosis in the testis is required to ensure an efficient spermatogenesis. However, sometimes, defective germ cells that are marked for elimination during this process escape elimination in the testes, giving rise to ejaculates with increased percentages of abnormal and apoptotic spermatozoa and a high percentage of apoptotic bodies. Apoptosis markers in the ejaculate have been associated with low fertility, either in animals or humans. Therefore, the goal of this study was to investigate whether fresh equine semen contains apoptotic bodies [initially named Merocyanine 540 (M540) bodies] and to study the relationship between the quantity of these bodies and cell concentration, the volume of ejaculate, viability and motility. Moreover, we also studied whether the presence apoptotic bodies in fresh semen was related to the resistance of the stallion spermatozoa to being incubated at 37°C or being frozen and thawed. Fresh equine semen was stained with fluorescent dyes such as M540 and Annexin‐V. Active Caspase 3 was studied in fresh semen through Western blotting and immunofluorescence with a specific antibody. Sperm kinematics was assessed in fresh, incubated and thawed samples using computer‐assisted semen analysis, and viability was evaluated with the LIVE/DEAD Sperm Viability Kit. Overall, our results demonstrate for the first time the presence of apoptotic bodies in equine semen. The quantity of apoptotic bodies was highly variable among stallions and was positively correlated with Caspase 3 activity in fresh samples and negatively correlated with the viability and motility of stallion spermatozoa after the cryopreservation process.     

Seroprevalence of psittacine beak and feather disease in wild psittacine birds in New South Wales

SUMMARY A haemagglutination inhibition assay was used to detect antibody to psittacine beak and feather disease virus in sera from wild sulphur crested cockatoos (Cacatua galerita), galahs (Eolophus roseicapillus), short-billed corellas (Cacatua sanguinea), eastern long-billed corellas (Cacatua tenuirostris) and other psittacine birds in New South Wales. The seroprevalence of psittacine beak and feather disease ranged from 41% to 94% in different flocks, indicating infection with the virus is widespread in wild populations.     

Plasma indicators of muscle damage in a model of nutritional myopathy in weaner sheep

SUMMARY Subclinical nutritional myopathy was induced in 5-month-old sheep by feeding them a diet low in vitamin E and selenium. Subsequently clinical myopathy was induced by dosing with protected polyunsaturated fatty acids. Plasma activities of creatine kinase (CK), pyruvate kinase, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase and aldolase, enzymes of muscle origin, all remained above their reference ranges in clinically affected sheep, but fluctuated widely. Similar fluctuations occurred in subclinically affected animals, resulting in some activities being within the reference ranges and some above, at different times. Plasma malondialdehyde, an indicator of lipid peroxidation, proved of no diagnostic value. Terminal plasma CK activities were significantly correlated with microscopic damage in the vastus lateralis (VL), but not the vastus intermedius (VI) or the tensor fascia lata (TFL) muscles. AST was the most highly correlated with damage in VI and VL. In two clinically affected sheep successfully treated with an oral dose of α-tocopherol actetate all enzymes decreased steadily to within their reference ranges, at rates probably related to their plasma half-lives. These results suggest that measurement of plasma CK activity would be useful in monitoring recovery of treated sheep.     

Continental drainage in north america during the phanerozoic from Nd isotopes

Neodymium (Nd) isotopic data show consistent patterns in the sources of sedimentary rocks in North America at a continental scale. Between 600 and 450 million years ago (Ma), ancient continental shield sources dominated. Around 450 Ma, detritus from the Caledonian-Appalachian mountains overwhelmed sediment from all older sources, and is documented over large areas of the southern, western, and northern margins of North America. This material continued to dominate the sediment supply until about 150 Ma, probably due to cannibalistic recycling of sedimentary rocks formed earlier. Around 150 Ma, the rising western Cordillera delivered new and different detritus to the sedimentary system.     

Left-side displacement of the abomasum in dairy cows at pasture

The presentation of approximately 40 dairy cows affected with left-side displacement of the abomasum (LDA) per annum in a cattle practice in East Gippsland, Victoria provided an opportunity to conduct a survey and case-control study of the disease in a grazing environment. The study, involving 37 dairy cows at pasture, revealed significant differences from the pattern of the disease occurring in the northern hemisphere where cows in older age groups, of larger frame size, higher production and fed high grain rations are at increased risk. Affected cows were diagnosed over a 10-month period and represented approximately 0.06% of the dairy cow population. Most cases were diagnosed in the early lactation period. Evidence for a genetic predisposition was suggested by the discovery that one sire generated a disproportionately large number (9) of the cows with LDA. Although affected cows were average producers in their herds, being a member of a high-producing herd was a significant risk factor.     

Prostate vascular flow: The effect of the ejaculation on the power doppler ultrasonographic examination

Power Doppler sonography (PD) can accurately depict tissue perfusion, recognize slow flows, and is relatively angle independent. The monitoring of local blood flow by Doppler ultrasonography is helpful in differentiating prostatic physio‐pathological conditions, but the recognizing of physiological variables that could affect it is crucial to apply this technique in clinical practice. This study aimed to evaluate if ejaculation affects blood flow to the prostate and to state how long this effect lasts. Serial PD examinations of prostate were performed in 18 dogs (1–5 years, 6–40 kg) immediately before (T0) and after (T1) the ejaculation, and repeated 6 (T2), 18 (T3) and 24 (T4) hours later. For each examination, two representative PD images were chosen and ranked by two independent observers according to the following scoring system: 0 = mild subcapsular (S) vascularization without clear evidence of parenchymal (P) vascularization; 1 = moderate P and S vascularization; 2 = severe S and moderate P vascularization; 3 = severe P and moderate S vascularization; 4 = severe P and S vascularization. Interobserver agreement was assessed using Kappa of Cohen. Ranked data, grouped according to time, were compared by ANOVA and Tukey HSD test (p < .05). Variations in the vascular flow pattern at different times were observed for all dogs. The statistical analysis evidenced a significant difference for T0 vs T1 and vs T2 and vs T3 (p < .01), with no significant difference for T0 vs T4 (p > .05). Interobserver agreement was very good (Kappa of Cohen = 0.86). This study demonstrated a definite increase in vascular flow to the prostate after ejaculation. The present results suggest a minimum of 24 hr sexual rest before the PD examination of the gland. This result should be taken into account whenever Doppler sonography is used to evaluate potential hyperaemia in dogs suspected of having prostate abnormalities.     

Vaccination and challenge studies with psittacine beak and feather disease virus

SUMMARY: Psittacine beak and feather disease virus (PBFDV) was administered to adult galahs ( Eolophusroselcapillus ) by mouth or by intramuscular injection. Concentration of PBFDV antibodies in serum and excretion of PBFDV were monitored by haemagglutlnation inhibition (HI) and haemagglutination (HA) respectively. After oral administration, 17 of 18 galahs remained clinically normal and a small rise in antibody titre was detected in 3 of 18 birds. After intramuscular administration, antibody was detected in all birds. PBFDV was not detected in the feather dander of birds in either group. One bird developed diarrhoea and high faecal HA titres within 4 days of oral administration and then died. Adult and nestling cockatoos were vaccinated with an experimental inactivated double-oil emulsion vaccine. PBFDV antibody responses are comparable to those induced by a primary-oil emulsion vaccination regimen using Freund's adjuvants. Both vaccines protected nestlings. Three sibling wild-caught sulphur-crested cockatoos were vaccinated but died of PBFD before experimental challenge despite antibody responses in all birds. Unvaccinated control chicks developed acute PBFD within 4 weeks of challenge, probably from PBFDV-induced hepatitis since high concentrations of PBFDV were detected in their livers.