Toxigenic type D Pasteurella multocida in New South Wales pig herds—prevalence and factors associated with infection

Between March and July 1987, a study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of and factors associated with toxigenic type D Pasteurella multocida infection in New South Wales pig herds. Toxigenic type D P. multocida was isolated from the nasal cavities of pigs in one (2%) of 50 randomly selected herds. Toxigenic isolates were also recovered from 2 (8%) of a separate group of 25 herds that had purchased pigs from a known infected piggery in South Australia (herd SA). Snout abnormalities were present in 9.4%, 3.2% and 1.8% of grower pigs in the 3 affected herds. Isolation of toxigenic P. multocida was significantly associated (p less than 0.0001) with the occurrence of clinically affected pigs in the herd. Purchase of at least 5 pigs from herd SA was associated with an elevated risk (p less than 0.05) of isolation of toxigenic P. multocida.     

Comparative reproductive biology of North American feral horses

Recent studies have suggested that various aspects of reproductive biology are strikingly different among the many herds of feral horses and ponies (E. caballus) in North America. The greatest differences include (1) sharply seasonal versus year-round mating and foaling patterns, (2) mare behavior at the time of parturition, (3) forced copulation and incest, (4) exclusive breeding by a single harem stallion vs breeding by two or more stallions, and (5) fecundity. The causes for these differences are discussed in terms of genetic origins of the various herds, the length of time each herd has been in a free-roaming state and subject to the forces of natural selection, the ecology of the ranges inhabited by these horses, population density, and sex ratios.     

Treatment of haemoperitoneum secondary to ruptured granulosa cell tumours in two mares

This report describes two cases of successful surgical management of granulosa cell tumours (GCT) in mares presenting with haemoperitoneum (HP). Controlled abdominal drainage was initially attempted in Case 1 but was not successful. A ventral midline exploratory laparotomy allowed removal of a haemorrhaging 13 kg GCT. The mare made a full recovery and returned to normal work as a driving pony 11 months post-operatively. In Case 2 controlled abdominal drainage was followed by standing left flank laparoscopic visualisation of the bleeding ovary and transection of the ovarian pedicle by electrocautery. The GCT was then removed via a ventral midline incision due to its large size. Haemoperitoneum can be associated with GCTs and in some cases is severe enough to prompt emergency treatment. Stabilisation of the patient and removal of the haemorrhaging GCT can lead to a successful outcome.     

Flatulence in pet dogs

AIM: The purpose of this study was to obtain information on aspects of dogs' lifestyle and diet that may be related to flatulence, whether the dogs were flatulent or not and if the owners were concerned about flatulence of their pet. METHODS: The owners of 110 pet dogs were randomly selected from the Massey University clinic tiles and asked to complete a questionnaire relating to their dog's flatulence, lifestyle and diet. RESULTS: Flatulence was detected by 47 owners and occurred more often in less active inside dogs than those exercised more often. No individual food or dietary association was identified. Nineteen of the 47 owners of flatulent dogs would alter their dog's diet if that change would reduce flatulence. CONCLUSION: Flatulence occurs in pet dogs and most owners accept flatulence and were unconcerned about its consequence.     

Comparative Genomics for Gene Isolation in Legumes

The similarity in gene order between closely related taxa suggests that genomic information from model systems should facilitate gene isolation and characterization in target crops. If this is the case, a great deal of effort and investment can be saved by focusing attention on a few model systems that have appropriate applicability. Pea （Pisura sativum） provides a good test case： its genome is large and the insertion sites for repetitive elements, which comprise the bulk of its genome, are highly polymorphic （Jing et al., 2005; Vershinin et al., 2003）, so we expect a great deal of structural polymorphism between the genomes of Pisum lines. Yet the genetic map of Pisum is essentially coUinear with Medicago （Choi et al., 2004; Kalo et al., 2004）.     

Treatment of timber products with gaseous borate esters

This paper forms a continuation of the work on treatment of timber products with gaseous borate esters. Turner and Murphy (1995) in an earlier paper indicated that gas flow rate into the wood substrate was the principle factor limiting the rate of boric acid retention and the depth of penetration into wood products. The current paper considers the impact of this factor on treatment efficacy and considers experimental work designed to evaluate qualitatively, the impact of proposed modifications to the process. Significant improvements in treatment performance were observed.