Evidence of sedimentation inequality along riparian areas colonised by Impatiens glandulifera (Himalayan balsam)

Soil loss from riparian areas supporting the annual invasive weed, Impatiens glandulifera (Himalayan balsam), was measured and compared with equivalent values recorded at nearby, topographically similar areas supporting perennial vegetation over a cumulative seven-year period, along sections of two separate river systems; one in Switzerland, and one in the UK. Soil loss from colonised locations was significantly greater than from reference locations in four of the seven measurement periods. Despite contrasting results, standard deviations, based on soil losses and gains, were predominantly higher for colonised areas at both rivers over most monitoring periods. These findings indicated that areas colonised by Himalayan balsam experience higher sediment flux in comparison with areas free of invasion. Here, we test those original interpretations by reinterrogating the datasets using a more robust analysis of inequality. Nine datasets were tested, five of which (i.e. 56%) showed that sediment flux was significantly greater at Himalayan balsam-invaded areas than at reference areas. Three datasets showed no difference in sediment flux between invaded and reference areas (33%), and one (11%) showed higher sediment flux at reference areas. Most results uphold our original interpretations and support our hypothesis that hydrochory probably dictates where colonisation initially occurs, by depositing Himalayan balsam seeds in slack or depressional areas along river margins. Once Himalayan balsam becomes established and sufficient perennial vegetation is displaced, seasonal die-off and depleted vegetation cover may increase the risk that some areas will experience significantly higher sediment flux.     

Diagnostic and public health investigation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in a dog in Ontario,Canada

A 4-y-old, female mixed-breed dog was presented to the Ontario Veterinary College for further evaluation of multiple pulmonary and hepatic masses, intrathoracic lymphadenitis, and recent development of a pyogranulomatous pleural effusion. Along with other comprehensive tests, a thoracic lymph node biopsy was performed, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex infection was confirmed by real-time PCR. The dog’s condition declined post-operatively, and euthanasia was elected. Postmortem examination confirmed severe granulomatous pneumonia, hepatitis, intrathoracic and intraabdominal lymphadenitis, omentitis, and nephritis. Line-probe assays performed on samples collected postmortem confirmed the species as M. tuberculosis. 24-loci MIRU-VNTR genotyping, spoligotyping, and whole-genome sequencing revealed relations to known human isolates, but no epidemiologic link to these cases was investigated. Given the concern for potential human exposure during this animal’s disease course, a public health investigation was initiated; 45 individuals were tested for M. tuberculosis exposure, and no subsequent human infections related to this animal were identified. Our case highlights the need for more readily available, minimally invasive testing for the diagnosis of canine mycobacteriosis, and highlights the ability of canid species to act as potential contributors to the epidemiology of M. tuberculosis infections.     

The kinetics of insecticide action. Part IV: the in-vivo distribution of pyrethroid insecticides during insect poisoning

The distribution of pyrethroids in insects has been studied using a combination of mathematical modelling and experimental observation. This approach has resulted in the formulation of a physiological model of the pharmaco-kinetics of cypermethrin applied topically to larvae of Spodoptera littoralis. Development of this model from simpler two- and three-compartment models is described. Simple models, whilst capable of complex behaviour, consider only the average rates and magnitudes of pharmaco-kinetic processes over whole animals, and cannot account for differences in concentration of insecticide between individual tissues. This can be achieved by using physiological models, but these require more experimental information for their validation. Moreover, unless simplifying assumptions are made, analytical solutions are not feasible for the large number of equations necessary to define such models. The modelling studies prompted an investigation of (1) in-vivo binding of insecticide to insect tissues, (2) the sizes of body compartments, and (3) the factors which affect the distribution of toxicant between these compartments. Binding has a marked effect on pharmacokinetic profiles and may result in oscillatory behaviour. During poisoning, the total bound cypermethrin increases proportionally to the cube root of the elapsed time. This results in a rapid rate of increase over early elapsed times (< 3h) which slows to approach a more linear form thereafter. Average sizes for the body compartments of larvae of Spodoptera littoralis Boisd, and the steady-state distribution of cypermethrin in these compartments are described. Although the haemolymph, which acts as the main distributive phase during poisoning, forms the largest compartment by volume, it has a low affinity for cypermethrin and distribution reaches steady state within 5 min after topical application. The nerve cord (the target tissue), which is the smallest compartment, has the highest steady-state concentration of cypermethrin. The distribution of cypermethrin in larval tissues is related to the ratios of tissue dry matter to water content.     

Snake bites recorded by veterinary practices in Australia

Objective To determine the extent of the snake bite problem in domestic animals, its regional significance and the effects of antivenom treatment.
Design A questionnaire was designed seeking information on the number and type of domestic animals referred, whether treated or untreated, type of snakes and management of the bite.
Procedure The survey form was sent to 10% of veterinary surgeons, selected at random throughout Australia.
Results The response of 106 veterinary surgeons revealed that snake bite in domestic animals is frequent, with an estimated 6200 cases reported annually. Bites were more prominent in rural (78%) than urban areas (22%) with brown, tiger and black snakes accounting for 76%, 13% and 6% of cases, respectively. Cats and dogs were the most frequently reported victims. Ninety-one percent of cats and 75% of dogs survived following the administration of antivenom whereas 66% of cats and 31% of dogs survived without antivenom. Overall, in 33% of cases antivenom was not used, and venom detection kits were used in only 1% of cases. A number of drugs were used in various combinations with or without antivenom and intravenous fluids in the treatment of animals with snake bite, but their role in reducing the severity of envenomations was not assessed.
Clinical implications Antivenom significantly improves the chances of survival of domestic animals bitten by snakes.     

Efficacy of feline panleucopenia vaccine to prevent infection with an isolate of CPV2b obtained from a cat.

Cats vaccinated against FPLV were protected against infection with a feline isolate of CPV2b. Nonvaccinated cats developed a lymphopenia and excreted virus which infected susceptible in-contact cats.