Growth and Mortality in Sheep and Goats under High Tsetse Challenge in Kenya

Trypanosomosis is a major impediment to livestock production and economic development in those areas of Africa where it is endemic. Although small ruminants appear to perform better than cattle in various agro-ecological zones, the importance of trypanosomosis has not been extensively investigated in these livestock. This study was designed to investigate the prevalence of trypanosomosis in sheep and goats in an endemic area and to evaluate the performance of different breeds under high tsetse challenge and the potential role of chemoprophylaxis in the control of the disease. The results showed that tsetse flies feed readily on small ruminants, and that these animals are susceptible to trypanosomosis. The Small East African goats acquired fewer infections than the Black Head Persian and Dorper sheep used in the study. In both sheep and goats, chemoprophylaxis with isometamidium chloride (Samorin, Rhone Merieux, Annecy, France) was protective, resulting in fewer infections and higher body weight gain. Trypanosomosis caused anaemia in both sheep and goats, and animals whose PCV fell below 15% rarely recovered, even with trypanocidal drug treatment. The peak transmission period was between 1 and 3 months after the peak tsetse fly density, which raises the possibility of effective strategic prophylaxis.     

传染性鲑鱼贫血症病毒实时荧光环介导等温扩增检测方法的建立

根据ISAV的基因保守序列,利用LAMP Designer软件设计了6条引物,采用新型的环介导等温扩增设备进行扩增和检测,优化了反应条件,分析了所建立方法的特异性和灵敏度,并与RT-PCR和实时荧光RT-PCR进行比较。研究表明,该方法最适反应温度为64℃,反应10 min就可以观察到明显的扩增。该方法灵敏度高,检测限为78.4 fg RNA,比常规RT-PCR灵敏度高100倍,与实时荧光定量RT-PCR灵敏度相当;特异性好,与传染性胰腺坏死病毒(IPNV)、鲤春病毒血症病毒(SVCV)、出血性败血症病毒(VHSV)、鱼类病毒性神经坏死病病毒(VNNV)、鱼腹水病毒(YAV)等14种主要鱼类病毒没有交叉反应。结果表明,本研究建立了ISAV的实时荧光环介导等温扩增检测方法,实验能对整个扩增过程进行实时监测,提高检测灵敏度的同时,防止由于开盖跑电泳或加染料而导致的污染。     

Multiple extra-pulmonary disorders associated with Rhodococcus equi infection in a 2-month-old foal

A 2-month-old Thoroughbred filly was referred to Hagyard Equine Medical Institute for further evaluation of acute pyrexia and a suspected intra-abdominal abscess based on abdominal ultrasonography performed in the field. Initial examination revealed bilateral uveitis, polysynovitis, a large internal abdominal abscess and pneumonia. A transtracheal wash confirmed the presence of a multi-sensitive strain of Rhodococcus equi. Anaemia and thrombocytopenia were noted during hospitalisation. Results of a Coombs test were consistent with an immune-mediated haemolytic process. Recurrent pyrexia, abdominal discomfort and severe respiratory distress unresponsive to intensive medical support motivated euthanasia followed by necropsy after 30 days of treatment. Overall, six extra-pulmonary disorders were simultaneously diagnosed despite the lack of pulmonary pyogranulomas.     

农林院校大学生文化素质教育的现状调查及对策研究——以河北农业大学为例

通过梳理河北农业大学在校本科生文化素质教育现状的问卷调查结果,剖析了农林类院校大学生文化素质教育方面普遍存在的文化类课程设置不足、学生传统文化贫血严重、跨文化意识薄弱等问题。针对现状,提出加强和重视校园文化建设,加强文化类公选课课程体系建设,在中西文化对比中理性传承中国传统文化,重视培养学生的创新人格及大力开展社会实践活动等加强文化素质建设对策。     

Staphyloccocus aureus-associated infarctive purpura haemorrhagica,immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia and myocarditis in a Quarter Horse mare

A 7-year-old Quarter Horse mare was presented for severe left hindlimb oedema and nonweightbearing lameness that was progressive over approximately 48 h. The mare subsequently developed marked and worsening oedema, immune-mediated haemolytic anaemia (IMHA), myositis and myocarditis. The marked oedema, degree of pain and severity of myositis were consistent with infarctive purpura haemorrhagica. Fine needle aspiration of affected tissue resulted in positive bacterial culture of Staphylococcus aureus. Purpura haemorrhagica and associated complications are typically associated with Streptococcal sp. infection or exposure, and have not been previously reported in association with Staphylococcus aureus in the horse. The mare responded favourably to long-term, high-dose corticosteroid therapy, antimicrobials and supportive care.     

The interaction of infectious salmon anaemia virus (ISAV) with the blue mussel,Mytilus edulis

Integrated multi‐trophic aquaculture (IMTA) is an alternative approach to mono‐culture aquaculture that reduces environmental impacts of commercial aquaculture systems by combining the cultivation of fed species with extractive species. Shellfish play a critical role in IMTA systems by filter‐feeding particulate‐bound organic nutrients. They may also increase or decrease disease risk on farms by serving as reservoirs or barriers for important finfish pathogens such as infectious salmon anaemia virus (ISAV). This study aimed to optimize culture and molecular assays in shellfish tissues and to determine the fate of ISAV in mussels, Mytilus edulis. To determine detection limits, qRT‐PCR and culture assays in both CHSE‐ and ASK cells were optimized in ISAV‐inoculated mussel tissue homogenates. Both qRT‐PCR and culture assays performed in ASK cells had comparable detection limits of 10^2.8 TCID₅₀ mL^?1. The ISAV RNA genome was consistently detected in digestive gland tissue of ISAV‐exposed mussels. Viable ISAV was not detected in mussel tissues by culture analysis in CHSE‐ and ASK cells. The fact that qRT‐PCR analysis resulted in positive cycle threshold (CT) values that corresponded to the detectable range of ISAV in ASK culture assays suggests that little to no viable ISAV particles are present in the mussel tissues.     

Rapid development of polyclonal antisera against infectious salmon anaemia virus and its optimization and application as a diagnostic tool

Infectious salmon anaemia is an important disease of Atlantic salmon. One of the current methods of diagnosis is the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT), using a monoclonal antibody specific to the haemagglutinin of the virus. The conformationally dependent nature of this antibody could be a drawback in its usefulness in other tests. This study describes the development and optimization of a polyclonal antiserum against infectious salmon anaemia virus, including a method of separating virus from cell culture components within culture supernatant. The antiserum was subsequently optimized for use in a variety of immunological diagnostic tests, including IFAT and an alkaline phosphatase-based immunoassay, and Western blot.