The symbiotes of Myzus persicae (Sulz.) in strains resistant and susceptible to demeton-S-methyl

The lengths of individual symbiotes and the numbers of these per unit area in ultrathin sections of the mycetomes did not differ significantly between strains of Myzus persicae (Sulz.) that were resistant or susceptible to demeton-S-methyl in Britain. This is contrary to observations made in Germany on the symbiotes of similar aphids resistant or susceptible to parathion.     

Diagnosis and treatment of peritonitis caused by a larval cestode Mesocestoides spp., in a dog.

Infection of the peritoneal cavity with cestode larvae, presumptively diagnosed as tetrathyridia of the genus Mesocestoides, was found by exploratory celiotomy in a dog with clinical signs consisting of episodic anorexia, vomiting, and depression. Lymphopenia and hypoalbuminemia were associated clinicopathologic abnormalities. Dystrophic calcification and midline duodenal displacement were found on abdominal radiographs. Therapy with mebendazole was instituted after recurrence of the initial episodic clinical signs postoperatively. Daily use of mebendazole for intermittent periods of up to 3 months led to remission of gastrointestinal signs for 30 months. However, 17 months after the initial diagnosis, infection of the vaginal tunic of the testicle with similar cestode larvae necessitated castration and removal of the vaginal tunic to the inguinal ring. Mebendazole therapy was reinstituted and continued for 31/2 months postoperatively. The dog was free of clinical signs of infection during and for the 16 months since this period of treatment.     

The action of phorone and other compounds in controlling superficial scald of apples

A new inhibitor of superficial scald, phorone (2,6-dimethylhepta-2,5-dien-4-one) is reported. Phorone reduced scald on ‘Granny Smith’ apples when applied by injection or as a vapour. Phorone was found to limit the accumulation of α-farnesene during storage and the amounts of conjugated triene oxidation products derived from α-farnesene. Monoterpenes also reduced α-farnesene, oxidation products and scald, but these compounds were less effective than phorone. In contrast, diphenylamine had little effect on the amount of α-farnesene in the fruit but it prevented the autoxidation of α-farnesene and controlled scald.     

The cultivation-cattle complex in Western Darfur

The agricultural/livestock system of a 40,000 km² area in western Sudan is described. Details of the three main components—traditional rainfed agriculture, small-scale irrigation and animal husbandry—are given. Data on crop yields and livestock production at both the unit level and the system level are provided. Millet is the main cereal crop overall but sorghum occupies an important place in the intensively cultivated alluvial zones. Cash crops, including groundnuts, chillies and okra for drying, are of some importance. Onions are the main winter irrigated crop while mangoes and citrus are important tree crops. The livestock sector is dominated by cattle which account for more than 75% of the livestock units present. Gross output of the area at 1976 prices was calculated at £Sud 14·8 to £Sud 16·2 million (US$ 41·4 to US$ 45·4 million) equivalent to £Sud 41·7 to £Sud 45·6 per head of population and £Sud 3·70 to £Sud 4·05 per hectare. Of these totals between 33 and 36% could be attributed to livestock production.     

Thallium toxicosis in a Pit Bull Terrier.

Thallotoxicosis is described in an adult Pit Bull Terrier. The dog exhibited anorexia, emesis, weakness, conscious proprioceptive deficits, and a hemorrhagic diarrhea before death. A severe, acute necrotizing enterocolitis was evident upon histological examination, as was a multifocal to coalescing pulmonary edema. Liver and kidney thallium concentrations were 18 and 26 ppm, respectively. The source of the thallium was determined to be thallium sulfate obtained by a person with the intent to harm family members. Although thallium has not been produced in the United States for 20 years, this report demonstrates the need to consider thallium toxicosis as a differential diagnosis for animals presenting with vague and mixed gastrointestinal and neurological signs.     

An outbreak of low pathogenic avian influenza in a mixed-species aviculture unit in Dubai in 2005.

This case describes an outbreak of low pathogenic hemagglutinin 9 neuraminidase 2 avian influenza virus (AIV) in two white-bellied bustards (Eupodotis senegalensis), one stone curlew (Burhinus oedicnemius), and a blacksmith plover (Antibyx armatus) in a private zoologic collection in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The four birds showed signs of respiratory disease, and all died as a result of disease or euthanasia. Attention has been paid to the diagnostic process and common differential diagnosis for upper respiratory tract disease in bustards, curlews, and plovers. To the knowledge of the authors, AIV has not been previously described in these species.