DNA vaccines encoding the envelope protein of West Nile virus lineages 1 or 2 administered intramuscularly,via electroporation and with recombinant virus protein induce partial protection in large falcons (Falco spp.)

As West Nile virus (WNV) can cause lethal diseases in raptors, a vaccination prophylaxis of free-living and captive populations is desirable. In the absence of vaccines approved for birds, equine vaccines have been used in falcons, but full protection against WNV infection was not achieved. Therefore, two DNA vaccines encoding the ectodomain of the envelope protein of WNV lineages 1 and 2, respectively, were evaluated in 28 large falcons. Four different vaccination protocols were used, including electroporation and booster-injections of recombinant WNV domain III protein, before challenge with the live WNV lineage 1 strain NY99. Drug safety, plasmid shedding and antibody production were monitored during the vaccination period. Serological, virological, histological, immunohistochemical and molecular biological investigations were performed during the challenge trials. Antibody response following vaccination was low overall and lasted for a maximum of three weeks. Plasmid shedding was not detected at any time. Viremia, mortality and levels, but not duration, of oral virus shedding were reduced in all of the groups during the challenge trial compared to the non-vaccinated control group. Likewise, clinical scoring, levels of cloacal virus shedding and viral load in organs were significantly reduced in three vaccination groups. Histopathological findings associated with WNV infections (meningo-encephalitis, myocarditis, and arteritis) were present in all groups, but immunohistochemical detection of the viral antigen was reduced. In conclusion, the vaccines can be used safely in falcons to reduce mortality and clinical signs and to lower the risk of virus transmission due to decreased levels of virus shedding and viremia, but full protection was not achieved in all groups.     

The effects of two non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs on the mobility of laying hens with keel bone fractures

ObjectiveInvestigate the effects of administration of meloxicam and carprofen on the mobility of hens with and without keel fractures.Study designWithin each of two experiments a ‘blinded’ randomised cross over design whereby birds received either the test drug (carprofen or meloxicam) or saline.AnimalsTwo groups of Lohman Brown hens with and without keel bone fractures.MethodsThe first group (n = 63) was treated with carprofen 25 mg kg⁻¹ and saline subcutaneously, twice. The second group (n = 40) was treated with meloxicam (5 mg kg⁻¹) and saline subcutaneously. The latency of birds to fly down from perches 50, 100 and 150 cm above the ground was measured after each treatment. Data from experiment 1 and 2 were analysed separately; the effects of drug treatment compared with saline on landing time for birds with and without keel bone fractures were evaluated using MLwiN.ResultsIn both experiments latency to fly down from perches was longer in hens with keel fractures and there was a significant interaction between perch height and fracture status. For carprofen, at the 50 cm, 100 cm and 150 cm perch heights, birds with fractures took (mean ± SD) 2.5 ± 2.9, 6.8 ± 9.7 and 11.5 ± 13.2 seconds respectively to fly down compared with 1.3 ± 0.5, 2.3 ± 1.2 and 4.2 ± 3.1 seconds for birds without fractures. For meloxicam, at the 50 cm, 100 cm and 150 cm perch heights, birds with fractures took 2.9 ± 2.5, 49.8 ± 85.4 and 100.3 ± 123.6 seconds respectively compared with 0.7 ± 0.5, 2.5 ± 7.1 and 3.0 ± 4.6 seconds to fly down for birds without fractures. There was no significant effect of carprofen or meloxicam treatment.Conclusion and clinical relevanceThese data provide further confirmation that keel fractures reduce the willingness of birds to move from perches.     

Canine leishmaniasis in Northern California—A case report

A 3‐year‐old dog was referred to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital of the University of California‐Davis for further evaluation of episodes of epistaxis of 1‐year duration and peripheral lymphadenopathy. The patient had a history of atopic dermatitis with no travel history outside of California. Hyperglobulinemia with a polyclonal gammopathy was noted on serum protein electrophoresis. Microscopic evaluation of a bone marrow aspirate sample revealed many free and intra‐cellular amastigotes of Leishmania sp. that was further confirmed by qPCR as L infantum. This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first reported case of canine leishmaniasis in the state of California. The patient is believed to have been vertically infected from the dam who is from Serbia and remained subclinical until presentation. Because the clinical progression of leishmaniasis is variable, it is important that precautions be discussed with owners acquiring puppies with dams from endemic regions of leishmaniasis to prevent zoonotic exposure in states where competent vectors are present.     

Carbon and nitrogen isotopic anomalies in an anhydrous interplanetary dust particle

Because hydrogen and nitrogen isotopic anomalies in interplanetary dust particles have been associated with carbonaceous material, the lack of similar anomalies in carbon has been a major conundrum. We report here the presence of a 13C depletion associated with a 15N enrichment in an anhydrous interplanetary dust particle. Our observations suggest that the anomalies are carried by heteroatomic organic compounds. Theoretical models indicate that low-temperature formation of organic compounds in cold interstellar molecular clouds can produce carbon and nitrogen fractionations, but it remains to be seen whether the specific effects observed here can be reproduced.     

Endogenous cholecystokinin reduces feeding in young rats

The hypothesis that endogenous cholecystokinin (CCK) released from the small intestine during feeding causes satiety was tested in rat pups, 9 to 12 days old. Intragastric administration of soybean trypsin inhibitor, a procedure that releases CCK from the small intestine, decreased the subsequent intake of a test meal. This effect was reversed by prior treatment with MK-329, a selective antagonist of CCK at alimentary-type CCK (CCK-A) receptors. Thus, endogenous, small intestinal CCK can cause satiety in the neonatal rat and this effect involves CCK-A receptors.     

Influence of former cultivation on the unique Mediterranean steppe of France and consequences for conservation management

In Europe, the actual landscape has been mainly influenced by human activities. Agricultural intensification led to a considerable habitat loss and fragmentation, especially for dry semi-natural grasslands.This current study investigates the impact of former melon and cereal cultivation (cultivation period: 1950-1987) on the semi-natural vegetation of the Crau, representing the last xeric Mediterranean steppe in France.Today, the ex-cultivated melon and cereal fields are characterised by different vegetation compositions, species richness and evenness compared to the undisturbed steppe community. Also the abiotic conditions (N, P, K, pH, soil granule fractions) have been changed by former cultivation practices. The rather transient seed bank of the steppe was depleted during the cultivation periods; ancient weed species and ruderals now determine the seed bank of the ex-cultivated fields.It is concluded that the conservation of the last parts of undisturbed steppe must have absolute priority. A re-development of the original and unique steppe community on formerly cultivated fields may take decades or centuries, if at all.