Use of variograms to detect critical spatial distances for the Knox's test

We aimed to find critical spatial distances (as an input quantity for the Knox's test) using geostatistical methods. The spatiotemporal data set included all individual-chamois cases of scabies observed in Styrian chamois populations in 137 of 2837 game preserves in Styria (a province in the south of Austria) over the time period between 1952 and 1998. Theoretical variogram models were fitted to empirical variograms, which were calculated for cycles of 5 years. The unit of analysis was the mean quadratic deviation between individual-chamois cases of scabies. The "range" (which represents the transition from the state in which spatial correlation exists to the state in which there is absence of spatial correlation) was used as an indicator for the critical spatial distance for the Knox's test. The critical distances for the 5-year cycles varied between 10.8 and 16.0 km. If the time of observation is not considered, the critical "overall" distance amounted to 13.5 km.     

Small game (foxes, brown hares, pheasants and ducks) as carriers of zoonoses

Small game involves numerous infection hazards in terms of contact zoonoses and foodborne diseases. Especially exposed are hunters, game dealers, veterinarians, housewives, farmers, forest workers, laboratory staff, and taxidermists, but also consumers of insufficiently cooked game. This paper gives a survey of the most significant zoonoses in small game in Europe, which are discussed in the light of the author's own research results in this field. Finally, measures concerning prophylaxis and food hygiene are suggested.     

Detection of space-time clusters and epidemiological examinations of scabies in chamois

In this paper some methodological approaches towards the detection of temporal, spatial and space-time clusters are presented and discussed in context with epidemiological factors of scabies in chamois. This presentation comprises in particular the use of the Scan Test (Wallenstein, 1980) for the detection of temporal clusters and the tests developed by Knox (1964) and Mantel (1967) for the testing of spatiotemporal interactions. Between 1952 and 1998 a total of 1689 cases of scabies in chamois and six cases in ibex were documented in 137 game preserves of the Austrian province of Styria. The evaluations indicate the presence of spatial and temporal clusters. Some possibilities for the spread of scabies in chamois are presented and reveal ibex as a probable vector for scabies transmission between chamois populations. The information may lead to strategies for controlling the spread of the disease.     

Seroepidemiological studies of zoonotic infections in hunters in southeastern Austria--prevalences,risk factors,and preventive methods

The aim of this study was to investigate the seroprevalences to zoonotic pathogens in hunters, to propose preventive measures and to obtain more information about the occurrence of zoonotic pathogens in local wild animal populations. From 146 male and 3 female hunters originating from the south-eastern Austrian federal states of Styria and Burgenland blood samples were taken and anamnestic data were obtained using a questionnaire. The serological investigations included the following viral, bacterial and parasitic zoonotic agents or zoonoses, respectively (antibody-seroprevalences in brackets): encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV, 15%), Puumala-Hantavirus (10%), Newcastle Disease virus (NDV, 4%), borreliosis (IgG 42%, IgM 7%), brucellosis (1%), chlamydiosis (3%), ehrlichiosis (IgG 15%, IgM 3%), leptospirosis (10%), tularaemia (3%), Q fever (0%), Echinococcus multilocularis/E. granulosus (5%/11%), toxocariasis (17%). Out of a control group of 50 persons (urban population, no hunters) only one person was found to be seropositive for Toxocara canis and NDV and four for EMCV, all other results were negative in the control group. The high seroprevalences especially to Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., Ehrlichia spp., Leptospira interrogans, E. granulosus, E. multilocularis, encephalomyocarditis virus and Puumala virus demonstrate that hunters are particularly exposed to zoonotic pathogens. It should also be noted that one hunter was seropositive for Brucella abortus and five exhibited antibodies to Francisella tularensis. In these cases, as well as in the cases of the 15 seropositives for Leptospira interrogans, the suspected source of infection may--besides rodents--also include wild boars and brown hares. The infections with NDV and Chlamydophila psittaci may be traced back to contact with certain species of birds (potential risk: aviaries). For Hantaviruses, rodents are considered to be the main source of human infections.     

The cell count in sheep and goat milk]

The udder health of 404 sheep from 23 flocks and 397 goats from 15 herds in Lower Austria was examined. In order to determine cell levels, the Schalm Test (equivalent to the California mastitis test) and a fluoroscopic "Fossomatic" cell count appliance were employed. The resultant physiological median levels of somatic cell content were established as 71,000 cells/ml for sheep milk and 415,000 cells/ml for goat milk. Significant factors influencing the cell count levels were the milking technique in both species and age in sheep but not in goats. The pathogens most frequently isolated as causes of chronic or latent mastitis were coagulase-positive and -negative cocci.     

Determinants of adoption and adoption intensity of precision agriculture technologies: evidence from South Dakota

Precision Agriculture - Precision agriculture technologies (PATs) are promoted as part of both economically efficient and environmentally sustainable agriculture practices. Available PATs are...     

Swine and wild pigs as carriers of zoonoses]

This paper deals with zoonoses in European pig herds and wild boars in general and in particular with the risk of infection carried by veterinarians, farmers and workers handling pigs and pork in slaughterhouses and meat processing companies. Furthermore the risk of infection and intoxication as a result of pork consumption is discussed. Special reference is made to the responsibility of veterinarians for keeping production animals healthy and informing animal owners and consumers about zoonoses. It would appear that it will be necessary in future to intensify veterinarian herd care, perform regional monitoring and surveillance programmes, participate in establishing specific pathogen-free herds and to foster diagnosis and research into zoonoses together with human medicine.     

Free amino-acid concentrations in the equine placenta: relationship to maternal and fetal plasma concentrations

Free amino-acid concentrations were measured in maternal venous and fetal umbilical vein plasma, and in the allantochorion, of Thoroughbred mares at term. Concentrations in maternal and fetal plasma were similar to those reported previously in equids. The concentrations of free amino-acids in the allantochorion were higher than those in the maternal and fetal plasmas and were characterised by high levels of the nonessential amino-acids as observed in other species. Fourteen of the 20 amino-acids measured had similar allantochorion/umbilical vein concentration ratios suggesting that simple gradient diffusion might play a part in their transfer from the placenta to the fetus.