Distribution and Phytoavailability of Lead in a Soil Contaminated with Lead Shot

Water, Air, &; Soil Pollution - This paper presents a study of Pb contamination of soil at a clay target shooting facility in Canterbury, New Zealand. The spatial distribution of Pb...     

Ergot from meadow grass in Norway--chemical composition and toxicological effects in sheep

A sample of ergot from meadow grass collected in the south-western part of Norway was examined for alkaloids and dosed orally to four lambs about 10 months old. Sclerotia were dosed at a rate of 0.12-0.75 g per kg body weight per day for 4-27 days. The concentration of total alkaloids in the sclerotia was estimated to be about 0.4%. Ergosine, ergocristine, ergotamine and the three corresponding isomers were identified by thin-layer chromatography. Of the total alkaloids, ergosine and ergocristine constituted 35% each, ergotamine 15% and the isomers 5% each. Three lambs dosed outdoors in cold and wet weather all became ill, with anorexia and increased pulse rate. No symptoms nor post mortem lesions were seen in the single lamb kept indoors. On post mortem examination of the three lambs showing symptoms, hyperemic mucosae, haemorrhages, erosions and necroses in the digestive tract, most pronounced in abomasum and cecum, were demonstrated. In two lambs, slight oedema was found distally in some of the limbs and tail, but no sign of gangrene was observed.     

Equine ehrlichial colitis (Potomac horse fever): recognition of the disease in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Idaho, and Connecticut

Equine ehrlichial colitis (Potomac horse fever), a newly identified colitis of the horse, was first recognized in Maryland. In this report, we document occurrence of the disease in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Idaho, and Connecticut. Enzootic areas were recognized by a characteristic pattern. Frequently there was a seasonal pattern and high prevalence of sporadic colitis in unstressed horses. The attack rate per farm generally was low. Horses on pasture, as well as those stabled, were affected. Clinical signs varied from fever and depression to severe diarrhea and laminitis. Occasionally horses developed profound ileus and severe colic. Diagnosis was based on detection of an increase or decrease in serum antibody titers to Ehrlichia risticii, using an indirect fluorescent antibody technique.     

Porcine adenoviruses: an update on genome analysis and vector development

Although porcine adenoviruses (PAdV) are present in the swine populations worldwide, they usually do not cause any disease, or the infection is only manifested in a mild diarrhoea or respiratory signs. The importance of adenoviruses, however, is constantly growing as there is a possibility of developing them into viral vector vaccines against more significant swine pathogens. A short summary of the well-established facts of porcine adenoviruses is given and recent developments of the genetic analysis of these viruses are discussed in detail. The possibilities of vector development and examples of vector vaccines already reported in the literature are mentioned.     

Absence of three known benzimidazole resistance mutations in Trichostrongylus tenuis, a nematode parasite of avian hosts

Benzimidazole (BZ) resistance is widespread in nematode parasites of livestock, but very little is known about the levels of BZ resistance in parasites with avian hosts. We investigated BZ resistance in Trichostrongylus tenuis, a nematode parasite of red grouse, Lagopus lagopus scotica. BZ anthelmintics had been in use in this system for up to 15 years, yet existing phenotypic evidence for resistance was inconclusive. We screened 1530 individuals from 14 populations at the principal β-tubulin locus for BZ resistance (isotype 1, residue 200) and 940 of these at two further resistance sites (isotype 1, residue 167; isotype 2, residue 200). No BZ resistant genotypes were found. Alternative mechanisms may be responsible for BZ resistance in this system, or the method and timing of treatments may reduce selection pressure for BZ resistance by creating substantial refugia for susceptible genotypes.     

Use of a flexed dorsoplantar radiographic view of the talocrural joint to evaluate lameness in two dogs.

A flexed dorsoplantar radiographic view of the talocrural joint was a useful additional view to diagnose abnormalities of the lateral trochlear ridge of the talus of 2 dogs. This view outlined the subchondral bone of both trochlear ridges of the talus and the apposing cochlea tibiae of the distal portion of the tibia. The tarsus was flexed at the level of the talocrural joint, and an x-ray beam was centered on the joint. With this additional view, fractures of the lateral trochlear ridge were readily diagnosed. This view would help to demonstrate osteochondral lesions of the lateral trochlear ridge.