Utility of two modified-live virus canine distemper vaccines in wild-caught fishers (Martes pennanti)

Background: Canine distemper virus (CDV) infects families in the order Carnivora. As a preventive measure, vaccinations against CDV are frequently given to mustelids in captive environments.

Objectives: Our objectives were to compare the utility between two modified-live virus canine distemper vaccines (MLV CDV's), Fervac-D® (no longer manufactured) and Galaxy-D® (now manufactured by MSD Animal Health as part of a multivalent vaccine), in developing an immune response in wild-caught fishers.

Animals and methods: The Pennsylvania Fisher Reintroduction Project (PFRP) used 14 wild-caught fishers during one year of the project to evaluate the utility of vaccinations against CDV as part of any reintroduction project. Fishers were injected subcutaneously in the nape of the neck with their designated vaccine.

Results: Fervac-D® did not effectively stimulate development of a serologic antibody response, whereas Galaxy-D® had adequate seroconversion or rise of titer levels to suggest that the general use of MLV CDV may be suitable in fishers pending further studies.

Conclusion: We recommend that future studies be conducted, evaluating the use of currently produced vaccines in fishers. Future research should also focus on the length of days required between administration of primary and booster vaccines to achieve sufficient immune response.

Clinical importance: If only primary doses are required, then hard-release reintroduction projects for fishers could be recommended. If primary and booster vaccines are required then soft-release reintroduction projects should be recommended that include captive management periods, allowing for appropriate vaccination intervals needed to maximize the probability of protection against CDV.     

Color and power Doppler ultrasonography for characterization of splenic masses in dogs

Benign and malignant splenic masses can appear similar on B-mode imaging, making ultrasound sensitive but not specific in their diagnosis. Our goal was to characterize color and/or power Doppler characteristics of vasculature within and adjacent to a splenic mass, which would distinguish benign vs. malignant lesions. The hypothesis was that malignant splenic masses will have altered vascular patterns compared with benign masses. Color and power Doppler cineloops evaluating the vasculature within the mass and normal splenic parenchyma were obtained in sagittal and transverse planes using a standardized protocol. Categories of evaluation included presence of peritoneal effusion, a large aberrant or tortuous vessel within the mass, relative blood flow within the mass compared with normal parenchyma, and path of vessels in the adjacent parenchyma entering into the mass. All patients had histopathologic or definitive cytologic diagnosis. Thirty-one dogs were included. There were 13 malignant masses and 18 were benign. Peritoneal effusion was significantly associated with malignancy (P = 0.0007). Presence of an aberrant or tortuous vessel within the mass was nearly significant (P = 0.059). There was no significant difference in any of the color or power Doppler blood flow evaluations. Ultrasonographic findings of a splenic mass and peritoneal effusion may indicate malignancy. The presence of an aberrant vessel within a splenic mass could suggest malignancy; however more data are needed.     

Evaluation of ergonomic risk factors among veterinary ultrasonographers

Between 65% and 91% of human‐patient sonographers report musculoskeletal symptoms related to their work activities. Ergonomic risk factors associated with musculoskeletal symptoms and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) include force, repetition, and awkward postures of the upper extremities. We hypothesized that veterinary sonographers experience similar risk factor exposures as their colleagues in human‐patient sonography, and that work‐related exposures may lead to similar prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms and disorders. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography published MSD prevention guidelines in 2003. Similar guidance for sonographers examining animal patients does not exist. This cross‐sectional study was designed to evaluate the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among veterinary sonographers and identify reported risk factors. A 59‐item survey questionnaire was administered via email to veterinary specialists likely to perform ultrasound. Musculoskeletal pain related to performing ultrasound exams was reported by 62% of the respondents. Musculoskeletal symptoms were significantly associated with female gender (odds ratio [OR], 4.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.04–10.19), age (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.01, 1.10), previous work‐related trauma (OR, 6.86; 95% CI, 1.71, 27.40), not consistently using a normal height chair (OR, 2.63; 95% CI, 1.19, 5.80), and 15°–45° abduction of shoulder (OR, 2.34; 95% CI, 1.11, 4.92) . It was concluded that the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among veterinary sonographers was similar to that occurring in human‐patient sonographers. © 2012 Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound.     

Monte Carlo simulation of animal-product violations incurred by air passengers at an international airport in Taiwan

Our aim was to evaluate the inspection of arriving passengers for the illegal transport of animal products through the international airport into Taiwan. Passenger-violation data were retrieved from the Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine (BAPHIQ) in Taiwan. Monte Carlo simulations with 5000 iterations were applied to estimate the predicted violation numbers considering factors such as passenger's nationality/ethnicity, sex, and monthly statistics of violations. The results showed that Chinese-related passengers and passengers from South East Asian countries have a relatively higher potential risk for incurring violations during the period from Christmas to Chinese Lunar New Year. Most monthly estimated violation risks are significantly higher than observed violation risks in 2001 and 2002, except April, July, and August. Due to the low sensitivity of the current detection system (reflected by the higher estimated violation risks and a two-fold detection increase after the implementation of an inspection service using detector dogs), we recommend additional preventive measures be taken.     

Seroprevalence of Johne's-disease infection in dairy cattle in California,USA

A total of 1,950 serum samples from dairy cattle in California, USA were tested for the presence of antibodies to Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. The sampled animals came from 65 herds and were sampled to reflect the relative numbers and distribution of dairy herds within three geographic regions in the state. Using the manufacturers suggested cut-off for a positive test, 89 animals (4.6%) were positive. The seroprevalence was 6.9% in the northern region of the state, 3.7% in the central region and 5.2% in the southern region. Using the sensitivity and specificity claimed by the manufacturer of the ELISA kit, the true prevalence in California dairy cattle overall was calculated as 9.4% (99% CI, 7.7%, 11.1%) and the true prevalences for the northern, central and southern regions were 14.1% (99% CI, 9.6%, 18.65%), 7.5% (99% CI, 5.6%, 9.4%), and 10.6% (99% CI, 5.9%, 15.6%), respectively.     

Quantitation of house dust mites and house dust mite allergens in the microenvironment of dogs

OBJECTIVE: To quantitate the density of Dermatophagoides farinae and D pteronyssinus and concentrations of house dust mite (HDM) allergens (Der f 1, Der p 1, and Group 2 allergens) in the indoor microenvironment of dogs. Sample Population-50 homes in Columbus, Ohio. PROCEDURES: n each home, samples of dust were collected from 3 locations in which dogs spent most time. Whenever possible, the species of mites collected was identified. Mite density (mites/g of dust) was assessed, and allergen concentrations were assayed by standardized ELISAs. Relative humidity and temperature in each home were monitored during a 5-day period. Characteristics of homes and sample sources were evaluated. RESULTS: Dust samples from all 50 homes contained > or = 1 HDM allergen; Der f 1 and Der p 1 were detected in 100 and 74% of homes, respectively. Fifteen homes had HDMs; compared with D pteronyssinus, D farinae was found more commonly (14/15 homes) and at a higher density. Basements, homes without central air-conditioning, and dog beds that were > or = 1 year old had high HDM allergen concentrations. Homes with > or = 2 microg of Der f 1 or Group 2 allergens/g of dust or > or = 100 mites/g of dust were significantly more likely to have a maximum relative humidity > or = 75%. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicate the presence of HDMs and HDM allergens in the specific microenvironment of dogs in homes. Factors associated with high levels of exposure were identified, which may be associated with increased risk for sensitization and development of atopic diseases.