Surveillance and identification of influenza A viruses in wild aquatic birds in the Crimea, Ukraine (2006-2008)

The ecology of avian influenza (AI) viruses in wild aquatic birds of Asia is poorly understood, especially for the H5N1 high pathogenicity AI (HPAI) viruses. From March 2006 through November 2008, 20 AI viruses were isolated in the Crimea region of Ukraine with an overall frequency of virus recovery of 3.3%. All the viruses were isolated from three species of dabbling ducks: mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), wigeon (Anas penelope), and garganey (Anas querquedula), making the frequency of virus recovery for dabbling ducks 6.3%. The viruses were predominantly isolated during the fall sampling period. All viruses were genetically and antigenically characterized. No H5N1 HPAI viruses were isolated, but other HA and NA subtypes were identified including H3N1 (2), H3N6 (3), H3N8 (4), H4N6 (6), H5N2 (3), H7N8 (1), and H10N6 (1) subtypes. All isolates were of low pathogenicity, as determined by the intravenous pathogenicity index of 0.00. For H5N2 and H7N8 isolates, the HA gene was sequenced and the phylogenetic analysis revealed possible ecologic connections of the Crimea region with AI viruses from Siberia and Europe. No influenza A isolates were recovered from other Anseriformes (diving ducks [two species of pochards] and graylag geese), Columbiformes (collared doves), Gruiformes (coot), and Galliformes (gray partridges).     

Prevalence and risk factors for Salmonella spp. contamination in French broiler-chicken flocks at the end of the rearing period

A nation-wide survey was carried out in 370 randomly chosen French commercial broiler chicken flocks from October 2005 to September 2006 to determine Salmonella spp. prevalence and to identify risk factors for contamination, at the end of the rearing period. The Salmonella status of the flocks was assessed from five faecal samples (litter swabs) analysed by classical bacteriological methods. A flock with at least one contaminated sample was classified as a Salmonella-positive flock. The apparent prevalence of Salmonella was 8.6% (95% CI: 5.7, 11.5%). The most prevalent serovar was S. hadar followed by S. anatum and S. mbandaka. Logistic regression methods were used to analyse the associations between husbandry practices, farm characteristics, general hygiene and the Salmonella status of the sample. The risk for Salmonella contamination of the flock at the end of the rearing period increased when neighbours helped in the placement of day-old chicks. On the contrary, the risk decreased when mobile equipment was dismantled before cleaning and disinfection, when the farm had a specific container for dead-bird disposal and when acetic acid was added to the drinking water.     

Evaluation of an arthroscopic approach for transection of the equine collateral sesamoidean ligament

Objective: To evaluate: (1) an arthroscopic technique for transection of the collateral sesamoidean ligament (CSL); and (2) the healing response using magnetic resonance (MR) and microscopic examination. Study Design: Experimental study. Animals: Adult horses (n=6). Methods: Six sound horses with normal front foot radiographic and MR examinations were used. Lameness examination was performed before surgery and monthly for 12 months. Front foot radiography was performed at 180 and 360 days after surgery. Front foot MR was performed before, and at 7, 90, 180, and 360 days after surgery. Arthroscopic CSL desmotomy was performed on 1 forelimb. Gross and microscopic examination was performed on the CSL from both forelimbs at 360 days after surgery. Lameness scores were compared over time using the nonparametric Friedman's test for paired groups. CSL measurements were compared using paired t‐tests with a 2‐tailed significance level of P<.05. Results: Radiographs remained normal throughout study period. Surgery resulted in lameness on the operated limb for up to 2 months, after which all horses returned to soundness. CSL transection was confirmed during arthroscopy and with MR examination 7 days after surgery. Gross and microscopic evaluation confirmed ligament healing. Conclusions: CSL desmotomy resulted in short‐term lameness after surgery followed by healing of the CSL confirmed by gross and microscopic analysis.     

Emesis in dogs: a review

Emesis is a common presenting sign in small animal practice. It requires a rational approach to management that is based upon a sound understanding of pathophysiology combined with logical decision making. This review, which assesses the weight of available evidence, outlines the physiology of the vomiting reflex, causes of emesis, the consequences of emesis and the approach to clinical management of the vomiting dog. The applicability of diagnostic testing modalities and the merit of traditional approaches to management, such as dietary changes, are discussed. The role and usefulness of both traditional and novel anti-emetic drugs is examined, including in specific circumstances such as following cytotoxic drug treatment. The review also examines areas in which common clinical practice is not necessarily supported by objective evidence and, as such, highlights questions worthy of further clinical research.     

A direct method for fatty acid methyl ester synthesis: application to wet meat tissues, oils, and feedstuffs

A simplified protocol to obtain fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) directly from fresh tissue, oils, or feedstuffs, without prior organic solvent extraction, is presented. With this protocol, FAME synthesis is conducted in the presence of up to 33% water. Wet tissues, or other samples, are permeabilized and hydrolyzed for 1.5 h at 55 degrees C in 1 N KOH in MeOH containing C13:0 as the internal standard. The KOH is neutralized, and the FFA are methylated by H(2)SO(4) catalysis for 1.5 h at 55 degrees C. Hexane is then added to the reaction tube, which is vortex-mixed and centrifuged. The hexane is pipetted into a gas chromatography vial for subsequent gas chromatography. All reactions are conducted in a single screw-cap Pyrex tube for convenience. The method meets many criteria for fatty acid analysis, including not isomerizing CLA or introducing fatty acid artifacts. It is applicable to fresh, frozen, or lyophilized tissue samples, in addition to oils, waxes, and feedstuffs. The method saves time and effort and is economical when compared with other methods. Its unique performance, including easy sample preparation, is achieved because water is included rather than eliminated in the FAME reaction mixtures.     

Seroprevalence of Antibodies to Chlamydophila psittaci in Zoo Workers in Brazil

To evaluate the prevalence of antibodies to Chlamydophila psittaci 364 serum samples were collected from veterinarians, biologists, animal scientists, veterinary students, animal keepers and others employees in 20 zoos, and from veterinary practitioners in 10 Brazilian states. Subjects ranged from 15 to 64 years of age, with 268 (74%) males and 96 (26%) females. Chlamydial antibodies were determined by the complement fixation test (CFT) and specific anti‐C. psittaci IgG antibodies were determined by the microimmunoflurescence (MIF) test. Complement fixation test showed 23.9% (87/364) and MIF test showed 4.7% (17/364) positive serum samples. Titres ranged from 16 to 256 in both assays, demonstrating evidence of recent or current infection. Although chlamydial antibodies were detected in workers of seventeen zoos, MIF test only detected specific C. psittaci antibodies in seven of them. Previous psittacosis infection was suspected in eight workers of two zoos, five of whom reported having pneumonia, while employed at the zoos. However, diagnosis was not established in any of these cases in the past. Results indicated the occurrence of infection and previous contact of Brazilian zoo workers with C. psittaci, as well as the zoonotic potential of psittacosis in this risk population. Other studies are necessary to evaluate the risk factors of infection in this population. This seroepidemiological survey confirmed the need to adopt preventive measures to control avian chlamydiosis and protect the health of zoo workers in the country.     

Evaluation of an antigen capture ELISA for the early diagnosis of Hypoderma lineatum in cattle under field conditions

An antigen capture or sandwich ELISA (sELISA) was evaluated for the diagnosis of Hypoderma lineatum in cattle under field conditions in northwestern Spain. The kinetics of circulating hypodermin C (HyC) and specific antibodies during the course of natural infestation were determined in a group of 10 Frisian calves. In addition, oesophagi and blood samples were taken from 105 cows at a slaughterhouse in order to compare three methods for the diagnosis of H. lineatum: sandwich ELISA for the detection of the antigen HyC (sELISA), indirect ELISA for the detection of antibodies anti-HyC (iELISA) and the detection of first instars (L1) in the oesophagus. In naturally infested cattle, HyC was present in circulation at low levels during the early and late phases of the infestation. However, in the middle phase, coinciding with the presence of L1 in the oesophagus, two peaks of increased HyC concentration were observed. Specific antibodies increased progressively until the first appearance of larvae in warbles on the back. There was no correlation between antigen or antibody levels and the number of grubs in the back. Prevalence of first instars in the oesophagi of slaughtered cows was 21.9% (23/105). The percentage of cattle that were positive for circulating antigen was slightly higher (24.8%), suggesting the recent destruction of migrating larvae in some animals. However, there was no correlation between the number of L1 and HyC levels. With the iELISA, 79% of the animals were positive to Hypoderma, which means that a high percentage of those animals have been exposed to the parasite but they had no apparent current infestation. The sELISA is a good tool to follow larval development within the host; however, the episodic elevation of HyC levels limits the usefulness of this test for the early diagnosis of Hypoderma under field conditions.     

Umbilical cord remnant abscess in a yearling colt

An abscess of the external umbilical remnant and umbilical vein remnant was diagnosed in a 16-month-old colt, using ultrasonography. Because of the colt's size, primary closure of the surgical incision after umbilical cord resection was not complete. Vertical mattress stainless steel sutures and stents were used, and healing was by second intention. Intervening gas-filled viscera made it impossible to visualize ultrasonographically the bladder of umbilical artery remnants in a colt of this age.