Sprinkling: a new method of distributing live algae food in marine coastal ponds used for Manila clam Tapes philippinarum (Adams & Reeve) intensive culture

Sprinkling, an agricultural irrigation technique, has been tested for the intensive culture of Manila clams up to marketable size (35-50 mm) in coastal ponds 400 m² in area. The sprinkling system is used for the distribution of seawater and live algal food Skeletonema costatum (Grev.) Clev. Sprinkling is a simple, low cost and efficient method of food distribution which resolves the major problem of decreasing bivalve growth associated with single point water entry in small-scale raceways. Uniform growth obtained with sprinkling is principally due to an even scattering of food over the whole surface area of large-scale ponds.     

Infectious disease surveillance of apparently healthy horses at a multi-day show using a novel nanoscale real-time PCR panel

In the United States, horses are used for a variety of purposes including recreation, exhibition, and racing. As farm, performance, and companion animals, horses are a unique species from a zoonotic disease risk perspective, and the risks of subclinical infections spreading among horses can pose challenges. Using a nanoscale real-time PCR platform, we investigated the prevalence of 14 enteric pathogens, 11 Escherichia coli genes, and 9 respiratory pathogens in fecal samples from 97 apparently healthy horses at a multi-day horse event. In addition, sugar flotation test was performed for fecal parasites. E. coli f17 was commonly detected, prevalent in 59% of horses, followed closely by Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus (55%). Additional pathogens recognized included betacoronavirus, Campylobacter jejuni, Cryptosporidium sp., E. coli O157, equine adenovirus 1, equine rhinitis B virus, and others. The use of PCR data may overestimate the true prevalence of these pathogens but provides a sensitive overview of common pathogens present in healthy horses. Our results prompt the continued need for practical biosecurity measures at horse shows, both to protect individuals interacting with these horses and to minimize transmission among horses.     

Spatio-temporal analysis of cyprinid herpesvirus 3 genetic diversity at a local scale

Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 (CyHV-3), the causative agent of koi herpesvirus disease, is a major threat for carp populations in many countries worldwide, including Indonesia. It has been shown that many genotypes circulate worldwide, all highly related to one of the two known lineages U/I and J. In this study, we evaluated the spatial and temporal distribution of CyHV-3 strains in a small enzootic area, the lake of Cirata (West Java, Indonesia). Of the 365 samples analysed, from clinical or asymptomatic fish, 244 were found positive for CyHV-3, suggesting a high occurrence of the virus. Genotyping of these viral specimens with a range of molecular markers revealed the presence of numerous haplotypes in the host population, all related to the J lineage. In single individuals, mixed-genotype infections occurred at high frequency. The present results demonstrate that polymorphic molecular markers are suitable to monitor the genetic evolution of a viral population in an enzootic area.     

Superiority of the gastroduodenal safety profile of licofelone over rofecoxib, a COX-2 selective inhibitor, in dogs

This study assessed the gastroduodenal safety profile of licofelone, a new nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug with dual inhibitory activity against 5-lipoxygenase and cyclo-oxygenase (COX), by using endoscopic evaluations and by comparing licofelone to rofecoxib, a selective COX-2 inhibitor. Twenty-one dogs underwent blinded gastroduodenoscopies, during which the mucosa of the gastroduodenal tract was assessed and scored. Blood analyses were monitored on days 0 (baseline), 14, 28, 42, and 56. Examinations to detect fecal occult blood were performed daily. Dogs were randomly assigned to three groups that received either a placebo, licofelone at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg twice daily, or rofecoxib at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg daily, respectively. Significant differences between the groups in gastric (P = 0.003), duodenal (P = 0.009), and gastroduodenal (P = 0.002) endoscopic lesion scores were observed at day 56. Rofecoxib-treated dogs had more lesions in all areas when compared with placebo-treated dogs, more duodenal lesions when compared with licofelone-treated dogs and more lesions than they had at baseline. In contrast to licofelone, rofecoxib was found to induce significant gastric and gastroduodenal lesions in dogs that lacked pre-existing lesions at baseline. Blood analyses and fecal examinations did not reveal abnormalities in any of the experimental groups. Treatment with licofelone was well tolerated and was shown to be safer than rofecoxib in terms of upper gastrointestinal damage. In this way, this study demonstrates the gastroduodenal safety profile of licofelone for chronic treatment.     

Successful treatment of an intrathoracic bronchogenic cyst in a Holstein-Friesian calf

A 5-½-month-old female Holstein-Friesian calf was presented with a history of recurring ruminal tympany and poor development. The absence of lung sounds on the right hemithorax suggested a right-sided intrathoracic pathology. Radiography and computed tomography revealed a large thin-walled cavernous lesion with a gas-fluid interface which almost completely filled the right thoracic cavity. Fluid aspirated from the lesion was clear, yellowish and odorless. These findings led to the diagnosis of a bronchogenic cyst. Thoracotomy was performed under general anesthesia. The cyst strongly adhered to the adjacent lung tissue. After removal of the free wall, the adjacent lung tissue was sealed using surgical stapling instruments, and the non-removable part of the wall was curetted and rinsed. The intensive postoperative management included antibiotic therapy, oxygen supplementation and regional lidocaine infusion. Anti-inflammatory drugs were administered for further pain control. The calf recovered well and was released from the clinic on postoperative day 11. Intra- or extrathoracic bronchogenic cysts result from abnormal budding during the embryonic development of the tracheobronchial system. Successful treatment of this calf despite the size of the lesion and the invasive character of the surgical intervention indicates that resection of bronchogenic cysts in cattle may be an option for valuable animals.     

Gammaglobulin and selenium status in healthy neonatal dairy calves in Switzerland

Serum samples from 142 calves and their dams were analyzed for gammaglobulins (gammaG, calves) and selenium concentrations (Se, calves and dams). A questionnaire provided information about birth and colostrum management. The calves and their dams were distributed into two groups according the calves' gammaG concentration (< 10 and >= 10 g/L), Se concentrations were compared between groups. The correlation between gammaG and Se concentrations in the calves and their dams was analyzed. Risk factors for failure of passive transfer and Se deficiency were assessed based on the questionnaire. The gammaG concentration of 42.9 % of the calves was < 10 g/L (median: 10.9). Calves showed significantly higher gammaG values after optimized colostrum administration than calves with suboptimal colostrum administration (p < 0.004). The median Se concentration was 26.8 and 36.5 μg/L for the calves and dams, respectively. A high correlation was observed between the Se concentration of the dam and her calf (r = 0.72, p < 0.001). The calves' Se and gammaG concentrations were not significantly correlated. These results demonstrate that further efforts toward better information of farmers regarding colostrum management and Se supply are warranted.     

Wild-type nonneuronal cells extend survival of SOD1 mutant motor neurons in ALS mice

The most common inherited [correct] form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neurodegenerative disease affecting adult motor neurons, is caused by dominant mutations in the ubiquitously expressed Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1). In chimeric mice that are mixtures of normal and SOD1 mutant-expressing cells, toxicity to motor neurons is shown to require damage from mutant SOD1 acting within nonneuronal cells. Normal motor neurons in SOD1 mutant chimeras develop aspects of ALS pathology. Most important, nonneuronal cells that do not express mutant SOD1 delay degeneration and significantly extend survival of mutant-expressing motor neurons.     

Genetic parameters for residual feed intake in growing pigs, with emphasis on genetic relationships with carcass and meat quality traits

Data were collected over the first 4 generations of a divergent selection experiment for residual feed intake of Large White pigs having ad libitum access to feed. This data set was used to obtain estimates of heritability for residual feed intake and genetic correlations (r(a)) between this trait and growth, carcass, and meat quality traits. Individual feed intake of group-housed animals was measured by single-space electronic feeders. Upward and downward selection lines were maintained contemporarily, with 6 boars and 35 to 40 sows per line and generation. Numbers of records were 793 for residual feed intake (RFI1) of boar candidates for selection issued from first-parity (P1) litters and tested over a fixed BW range (35 to 95 kg) and 657 for residual feed intake (RFI2) and growth, carcass, and meat quality traits of castrated males and females issued from second-parity (P2) litters and tested from 28 to 107 kg of BW. Variance and covariance components were estimated using REML methodology applied to a series of multitrait animal models, which always included the criterion for selection as 1 of the traits. Estimates of heritability for RFI1 and RFI2 were 0.14 +/- 0.03 and 0.24 +/- 0.03, respectively, whereas the estimate of r(a) between the 2 traits was 0.91 +/- 0.08. Estimates of r(a) indicated that selection for low residual feed intake has the potential to improve feed conversion ratio and reduce daily feed intake, with minimal correlated effect for ADG of P2 animals. Estimates of r(a) between RFI2 and body composition traits of P2 animals were positive for traits related to the amount of fat depots (r(a) = 0.44 +/- 0.16 for carcass backfat thickness) and negative for carcass lean meat content (r(a) = -0.55 +/- 0.14). There was a tendency for a negative genetic correlation between RFI2 and carcass dressing percent (r(a) = -0.36 +/- 0.21). Moreover, selection for low residual feed intake is expected, through lower ultimate pH and lighter color, to decrease pork quality (r(a) = 0.77 +/- 0.14 between RFI2 and a meat quality index intended to predict the ratio of the weight of ham after curing and cooking to the weight of defatted and boneless fresh ham).     

Summer evolution of the north polar cap of Mars as observed by OMEGA/Mars Express

The Observatoire pour la Minéralogie, l'Eau, les Glaces, et l'Activité (OMEGA) visible-infrared imaging spectrometer extensively observed regions of Mars with latitudes above 70 degrees N in late 2004 (heliocentric longitude from Ls 93 degrees to Ls 127 degrees ). The extent of water ice at the surface and the size of ice grains were monitored as a function of time. Bright, small-grained frost, which initially covered a large fraction of the polar cap, waned in favor of large-grained ice. In outlying regions, dominated by large-grained ice, the albedo increased over the period. Evaluating the dust content was model dependent. However, contamination of ice by dust was low.     

Active surveillance of pathogens from ticks collected in New York State suburban parks and schoolyards

Schoolyards and suburban parks are two environments where active tick surveillance may inform local management approaches. Even in a state such as New York with a robust active tick surveillance programme operated by the state Department of Health, these settings are not routinely covered. The goal of this study was to highlight the importance of active surveillance for tick‐borne pathogens by describing their prevalence in ticks collected from schoolyards and suburban parks and to guide the use of integrated pest management in these settings. Tick dragging was performed in three regions of New York State: Long Island, the Lower Hudson Valley and the Capital Region. A total of 19 schoolyards and 32 parks were sampled. The location, habitat and weather at the time of tick collection were recorded. Ticks were speciated and tested for the presence of 17 pathogens with a novel application of nanoscale real‐time PCR. The causative agents of Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, babesiosis and Powassan virus disease were all detected from Ixodes scapularis in various sites throughout the capital region and south‐eastern counties of New York state. The most common agent detected was Borrelia burgdorferi, and coinfection rates were as high as 36%. This surveillance study also captured the first of the invasive Asian longhorned tick species, Haemaphysalis longicornis, in New York state (collected 2 June 2017). Results from this study highlight the importance of collaborative efforts and data sharing for improvement of surveillance for tick‐borne disease agents.