Results of a Preliminary Trial with Sphaerophorus necrophorus Toxoids to Control Liver Abscesses in Feedlot Cattle

A preliminary field experiment was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of alum precipitated toxoids of Sphaerophorus necrophorus prepared from sonicated whole cells and cell fractions to reduce the incidence of bovine abscesses. A total of 108 calves were divided into five groups and treated as follows: I. uninoculated control, II. adjuvant inoculated control, III. 15.5 mg protein of sonicated (fragmented cells) toxoid, IV. 10.5 mg protein of cytoplasmic toxoid. V. 15.5 mg protein of cytoplasmic toxoid. All animals were maintained under similar conditions to those prevailing in feedlots in Alberta. Livers were examined at slaughter. The most promising result was achieved with the injection of 15.5 mg protein of cytoplasmic toxoid. In this treatment group, no scars (healed lesions) were found in the liver and the incidence of liver abscesses was reduced to 10% from the average 35% liver abscesses and scars found in the uninoculated and adjuvant inoculated groups. The toxoid from sonicated whole cells did not reduce liver abscess incidence. These data suggest that the incidence of liver abscesses in cattle fattened in feedlots may be reduced by immunization.     

Bacteriological Studies on Meat Pies and Frozen Prepared Dinners

A bacteriological survey of meat pies, frozen prepared dinners and entrees indicated that their bacterial populations were related to the components, the environment and handling in manufacture. Results were correlated with microbiological examinations of ingredients, line samples and plant environmental samples. Total bacterial counts, coliform counts and Staphylococcus counts of the finished product were low. Coliform organisms found were primarily Aerobacter spp. originating with the frozen vegetables. Enterococci were also found in the frozen vegetables and finished product. Both enterococci and Aerobacter organisms were recovered from the plant environment where they appeared to multiply. Many of the plant personnel carried coagulase-positive staphylococci in the throat or nasal cavity, and this was indicated as a possible source for these organisms found in low numbers in the finished product. Cooking of the products produced sterility except for the survival of some spore forming Bacillus spp. The presence of a poultry slaughtering operation adjacent to the manufacturing area was considered to contribute to microbial contamination of the air in the plant.     

Discrimination of three trachurus species using both mitochondrial- and nuclear-based DNA approaches

A double-DNA approach was developed to discriminate the three Trachurus species that abide in European waters: T. trachurus, T. mediterraneus, and T. picturatus. The analysis aimed at both mitochondrial and nuclear loci. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification of the cytochrome b gene of mtDNA was followed by restriction analysis with three species-specific enzymes: NlaIII, NciI, and BsmAI. Digestion with these endonucleases yielded species-specific electrophoretic profiles. The universality of the results was verified by screening a large number of individuals from 12 geographical regions covering most of the distribution of the species. Additionally, the nuclear multicopy 5S rRNA gene was selected as an alternative candidate for the discrimination of the three Trachurusspecies. A simple agarose gel electrophoretic analysis of the amplicons proved to be capable of leading to unambiguous identification of the three Trachurus species. Thus, the double-DNA methodology presented here allows the accurate discrimination of Trachurus fish species and the detection of commercial fraud.     

Psoriasiform-lichenoid-like dermatosis in three dogs treated with microemulsified cyclosporine A

Cyclosporine has been reported to be effective for the treatment of various cutaneous autoimmune disorders in dogs. Adverse reactions have generally been limited to gastrointestinal tract disturbances and cutaneous eruptions. The article describes antimicrobial-responsive cutaneous reactions in 3 dogs being treated with microemulsified cyclosporine A because of various dermatologic conditions. Cutaneous reactions in these dogs were similar to psoriasiform-lichenoid dermatitis and may represent an atypical staphylococcal infection.