Detection of Fusarium langsethiae on wheat in Belgium

In 2010, the populations of Fusarium sp. and Microdochium sp. were monitored in Belgium and 16 strains were identified as Fusarium langsethiae on wheat in Belgium. The other species identified from the sampling were F. poae, F. tritinctum, F. graminearum, F. avenaceum and Microdochium nivale. The pathogenicity potential of the F. langsethiae strains was assessed via an in vitro coleoptile growth rate test on wheat seedlings and compared with strains of F. poae, F. tritinctum, F. graminearum and F. avenaceum known to cause Fusarium head blight. The results showed the ability of F. langsethiae to cause retardation in the wheat coleoptile growth rate, but at a lower rate than F. graminearum, F. avenaceum, F. poae and F. tricinctum. A test for mycotoxin production in vitro showed the ability of the four strains tested to produce T-2 and HT-2 toxins at a rate of up to 290 mg kg^?1. This is the first report on the potential pathogenicity of F. langsethiae on wheat in Belgium, a species known to produce T-2 and HT-2 toxins, which are highly toxic for humans and animals.     

Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae vaccines: from bacterins to new insights into vaccination strategies

With the growing emergence of antibiotic resistance and rising consumer demands concerning food safety, vaccination to prevent bacterial infections is of increasing relevance. Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae is the etiological agent of porcine pleuropneumonia, a respiratory disease leading to severe economic losses in the swine industry. Despite all the research and trials that were performed with A. pleuropneumoniae vaccination in the past, a safe vaccine that offers complete protection against all serotypes has yet not reached the market. However, recent advances made in the identification of new potential vaccine candidates and in the targeting of specific immune responses, give encouraging vaccination perspectives. Here, we review past and current knowledge on A. pleuropneumoniae vaccines as well as the newly available genomic tools and vaccination strategies that could be useful in the design of an efficient vaccine against A. pleuropneumoniae infection.     

The high prolificacy of D’man sheep is associated with the segregation of the FecLL mutation in the B4GALNT2 gene

Mutations in the FecL locus are associated with large variation in ovulation rate and litter size in the French Lacaune sheep breed. It has been shown that the B4GALNT2 gene within the FecL locus is most likely responsible for the high fecundity in the French breed. In this study, we have highlighted the segregation of the FecL^L mutation within the B4GALNT2 gene in North African sheep breeds and notably in the highly prolific D'man breed. Genotyping of a sample of 183 Tunisian D'man individuals revealed a high frequency (0.65) of the prolific allele FecL^Lwhich was attributed to the adoption of a decades‐old breeding strategy based on the selection of ewe lambs born from large litter size. Homozygous LL ewes showed a significantly increased litter size compared to heterozygous and non‐carrier ewes (FecL^L/FecL^L = 2.47 ± 0.09 vs. FecL^L/FecL⁺ = 2.23 ± 0.09, p < 0.05 and FecL⁺/FecL⁺ = 1.93 ± 0.18, p < 0.01). The presence of the FecL^Lpolymorphism in both D'man and Lacaune breeds argues for an ancestral origin of this mutation and brings an answer to the old question of the genetic determinism of the extreme prolificacy of the D'man ewes. The results of this study can help to establish planned genotype‐based mating allowing both higher profit for the breeders and an optimal management of the FecL^L mutation in D'man sheep populations.     

The influence of fencing on seedling establishment during reforestation of oak stands: a comparison of artificial and natural regeneration techniques including costs

European Journal of Forest Research - In temperate Europe, oak-dominated forests are widespread, supporting high biodiversity and providing important ecosystem services. Insufficient natural...     

Ruminant alphaherpesviruses related to bovine herpesvirus 1

Herpesviruses have mainly co-evolved with their hosts for millions of years. Consequently, different related host species may have been infected by various genetically related herpesviruses. Illustrating this concept, several ruminant alphaherpesviruses have been shown to form a cluster of viruses closely related to bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1): namely bovine herpesvirus 5, bubaline herpesvirus 1, caprine herpesvirus 1, cervid herpesviruses 1 and 2 and elk herpesvirus 1. These viruses share common antigenic properties and the serological relationships between them can be considered as a threat to BoHV-1 eradication programmes. BoHV-1 is a herpesvirus responsible for infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, which is a disease of major economic concern. In this article, the genetic properties of these ruminant alphaherpesviruses are reviewed on a comparative basis and the issue of interspecific recombination is assessed. The pathogenesis of these infections is described with emphasis on the host range and crossing of the host species barrier. Indeed, the non bovine ruminant species susceptible to these ruminant alphaherpesviruses may be potential BoHV-1 reservoirs. The differential diagnosis of these related infections is also discussed. In addition, available epidemiological data are used to assess the potential of cross-infection in ruminant populations. A better knowledge of these ruminant alphaherpesvirus infections is essential to successfully control infectious bovine rhinotracheitis.     

VisEgg: a robust phenotyping tool to assess rainbow trout egg features and viability

Fish Physiology and Biochemistry - Assessing female fish reproductive success requires a thorough evaluation of egg characteristics, including egg number, size, and variability as well as egg...