Fatal columbid herpesvirus-1 infections in three species of Australian birds of prey

We document columbid herpesvirus-1 (CoHV-1) infection in two barking owls (Ninox connivens), a powerful owl (Ninox strenua) and an Australian hobby (Falco longipennis). Antemortem signs of infection were non-specific and the birds either died soon after they were identified as ill or were found dead unexpectedly. Gross postmortem findings were also not specific. Microscopically, marked to massive splenic and hepatic necrosis with the presence of eosinophilic inclusion bodies in remaining splenocytes and hepatocytes was found in all birds. Herpesvirus virions were identified in liver sections from one of the boobook owls by electron microscopy. Using CoHV-1-specific primers and polymerase chain reaction, CoHV-1 DNA was amplified from tissue samples from all birds. A comparison of these sequences to previously reported sequences of CoHV-1 found them to be identical or to vary by a single base pair. These findings increase the number of known species of birds of prey that are susceptible to CoHV-1 infection and indicate that rock pigeons (Columbia livia) should not be included in the diet of captive Australian birds of prey.     

Spatial prediction of caterpillar (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Ormiscodes</Emphasis>) defoliation in Patagonian <Emphasis Type="Italic">Nothofagus</Emphasis> forests

In the temperate forests of the southern Andes, southern beech species (Nothofagus), the dominant tree species of the region, experience severe defoliation caused by caterpillars of the Ormiscodes genus (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae). Despite the recent increase in defoliation frequency in some areas, there is no quantitative information on the spatial extent and dynamics of these outbreaks. This study examines the spatial patterns of O. amphimone outbreaks in relation to landscape heterogeneity. We mapped defoliation events caused by O. amphimone in northern (ca. 40–41°S) and southern Patagonian (ca. 49°S) Nothofagus forests from Landsat imagery and analyzed their spatial associations with vegetation cover type, topography (elevation, slope angle, aspect) and mean annual precipitation using overlay analyses. We used these data and relationships to develop a logistic regression model in order to generate maps of predicted susceptibility to defoliation by O. amphimone for each study area. Forests of N. pumilio are typically more susceptible to O. amphimone outbreaks than lower elevation forests of other Nothofagus species (N. dombeyi and N. antarctica). Stands located at intermediate elevations and on gentle slopes (<15°) are also more susceptible to defoliation than higher and lower elevation stands located on high angle slopes. Stands in areas with intermediate to high precipitation, relative to the distribution of Nothofagus along the precipitation gradient, are more susceptible to O. amphimone attack than are drier areas. Our study represents the first mapping and spatial analysis of insect defoliator outbreaks in Nothofagus forests in South America.     

Percussion stunning of sheep

Extract

Sir, — As from October 1976, all sheep in this country will have to be stunned prior to slaughter. Until recently it had been widely assumed that some form of electrical stunning would be the only practical method for use in New Zealand freezing works. Although for several years electrical stunning has been used for pigs in this country and other classes of stock overseas, only one meat export works in New Zealand has been stunning sheep electrically as a routine procedure for a complete season.     

A mobile surgery table for sheep

Extract

Sir,—The surgery tables at present commercially available in New Zealand are fixed in one position, though some may have their height altered by a hydraulic pump or other means. It is considered that the following conditions should be met by a surgery table.     

Freilandversuch mit neuen Kontaktinsektiziden gegen Rapsglanzkäfer und Kohlschotenrüßler unter gleichzeitiger Beobachtung des Befalls durch die Kohlgallmücke

Ohne Zusammenfassung Mit 4 Tabellen.     

Surgical Technique of Left Lung Reimplantation in the Dog

The instrumentation and technique for reimplantation of the left lung of 6 dogs was described in detail. Thoracic radiographs made during the first 3 postoperative days consistently showed scattered areas of consolidation in the 3 left lung lobes characteristic of alveolar and interstitial infiltrates. Following a peak reaction at 3–5 days postoperatively, the infiltrates gradually resolved at a variable rate and disappeared completely within 2 weeks. All dogs were euthanized 14 days after operation and postmortem examinations were performed. No stenosis was noted in the bronchial, arterial, and atrial anastomoses. Histopathologic examination by light microscopy of lung tissue indicated no abnormalities. Arterial blood gases and pH, and mean pulmonary artery and pulmonary wedge pressures determined immediately prior to euthanasia were within normal limits.     

Simultaneous Bilateral Mastectomy in the Dog

Current reports advise against attempting simultaneous bilateral mastectomy in the dog. However, total mastectomy may be the most logical treatment for all dogs with mammary tumors in view of newer evidence suggesting a multicentric origin for this disease. A surgical technique for simultaneous bilateral mastectomy was evaluated in 22 dogs with mammary tumors. The procedure was successfully performed in selected patients and healing occurred without serious complications. The technique, rationale, and recommendations for use of this procedure are presented.