Salmonella isolated from feeds and feed ingredients during the period 1982-1988: animal and public health implications

The prevalence of Salmonella in southern Africa in farm feeds and by-products of animal origin during 1982-1988 was determined. Salmonella occurred in 5.18% of the farm feed samples and in 9.54% of the by-product samples. Different serovars were isolated, some only once. The findings underestimate the true prevalence of Salmonella in farm feeds and by-products, and is representative of only the most severely contaminated products. The epidemiology of salmonellosis is discussed with special reference to the importance of multiple resistance to antibiotics, the increase in the number of cases of salmonellosis worldwide and "Salmonella free" feeds and foods. More detailed research on the role of farm feeds in the epidemiology of salmonellosis is required. Efforts should be made to increase awareness of the problem, to improve quality management at farm feed production plants and to develop efficient systems to monitor the hygienic safety of feeds and foods.     

Impact of treated wastewater irrigation on water repellency of Mediterranean soils

Irrigation with treated wastewater (TWW) is gaining importance due to declining water availability in dry regions. TWW irrigation has various potential adverse effects on soil quality such as hydrophobic effects on soil surfaces, reducing initial sorptivity and promoting the formation of preferential flow paths. In May and June 2010, in situ infiltration measurements using mini disk tension infiltrometer were deployed in five different orchard plots in Israel to assess the impact of different irrigation water qualities on the soil water repellency index R. In most plantations, long-term test sites were accessed to compare adjacent plots irrigated with fresh water (FW) or TWW. Topsoil samples were analyzed for selected physical and chemical characteristics. The mean R values increased at all TWW sites, from +15 up to +55 % compared with FW sites. The water drop penetration time (WDPT) increased up to 30 fold at three of five TWW sites compared with FW sites. Subsequent U tests and multilevel analysis indicated an impact of the type of irrigation water on R and WDPT. Moreover, soil electrical conductivity and exchangeable sodium percentage were consistently higher at all TWW sites. These results show that irrigation water quality clearly influences physical and chemical properties of the soil.     

Photodynamic therapy of feline cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma using a newly developed liposomal photosensitizer: preliminary results concerning drug safety and efficacy

BACKGROUND: Squamous cell carcinomas are common skin tumors in cats. We investigated photodynamic therapy (PDT) using a new liposomal photosensitizer as a minimally invasive, effective treatment that can be easily performed while achieving good cosmetic results. AIM: The goal of this study was to assess and describe possible toxicities using a liposomal formulation of the photosensitizer meta-(Tetrahydroxyphenyl)Chlorin (m-THPC) and investigate if favorable pharmacokinetics translate into favorable tumor response and control. ANIMALS: Eighteen client-owned cats with 20 spontaneous cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas were included in the study. METHODS: PDT was performed using a new, liposomal formulation of the photosensitizer. Toxicity, tumor response, and tumor control were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: No general adverse effects were observed in cats treated with the new liposomal formulation. Mild local toxicity such as erythema and edema were seen in 15% of the patients. All cats responded to therapy, with a complete response rate of 100%. The overall 1-year control rate was 75%. The tumor recurrence rate was 20% with a median time to recurrence of 172.25 +/-87.1) days. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: A new liposomal photosensitizer was successfully used for squamous cell carcinoma in cats and was well tolerated. There were no systemic adverse effects observed with the liposomal formulation. The favorable pharmacokinetics of the liposomal drug resulted in a favorable tumor response.     

Failure of a recombinant Schistosoma bovis-derived glutathione S-transferase to protect cattle against experimental Fasciola hepatica infection

The potential of a recombinant Schistosoma bovis 28-kDa glutathione S-transferase (rSb28GST) to protect cattle against Fasciola hepatica was tested in a vaccination trial. Thirty two calves were randomly divided into four groups of eight animals. Calves of the three vaccine groups received two intramuscular injections at 3 weeks interval, of 0.250mg rSb28GST in either aluminium hydroxide (Al(OH)(3)), Quil A, or PBS emulsified in an equal volume of Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA).Animals of the control group received injections of Al(OH)(3)/PBS only. All animals were challenged orally with a total of 360 metacercariae of F. hepatica, spread over 6 weeks.All groups of vaccinated animals produced measurable IgG antibody titers to rSb28GST after vaccination. Animals immunised with FCA adjuvanted vaccine had the highest and more durable antibody titers and only sera from this group recognised an approximately 24kDa protein band from F. hepatica, that is thought to be a F. hepatica GST. Despite a good antibody response differences in cumulative faecal egg output between the groups were not statistically significant. In addition, no significant difference was found between groups in terms of total worm numbers or percentage of immature flukes recovered at necropsy. In conclusion, the recombinant S. bovis 28kDa GST was not found to adequately protect cattle against experimental F. hepatica challenge, using either aluminium hydroxide, Quil A or FCA as adjuvant.     

N-Freisetzung von organischen N-Düngern unter überdachten Bracheparzellen

In a two years lasting trial the N-release of organic N-fertilizers should be analysed under covered fallow plots during the vegetation period. The following fertilizers were proved: cattle manure from two locations, “Vinasse” (product resulting from the converting of sugar-beet molasses), “Haarmehlpellets” (pellets of grounded pig bristles), “Rizinusschrot” (grist of the seed of Ricinius communis), “Rapsschrot” (coarse colza meal), “Phytopearls” (residue of maize converting), “Maltaflor” (malt germs and “Vinasse”), “Agrobiosol” (biomass from Penicillium) and “Horndünger” (horn parings in different fractions). In comparison with these organic fertilizers the mineral N-fertilizer calcium-ammonium-nitrate was used. With the exception of the control all variants got an annual N-fertilization of 90?kg?N/ha. The N-mineralisation of the soil caused by the organic substance, which was in the soil before the trial started, amounted to 84?kg?N/ha in the first and to 59?kg?N/ha in the second year of experience. In both years the N-mineralisation was higher in the second half of the vegetation period (July–November) than in the first half (March–July). In the first year the amount of N-release was clearly less than the given quantity of the N-fertilizer with the exception of “Agrobiosol”. Especially the two manure-variants showed N-immobilisation. “Agrobiosol” showed the highest N-release of the tested organic N-fertilizers. In the second year the N-release both of the two manure-variants and of “Rapsschrot”, “Phytoperls”, “Maltaflor”, “Agrobiosol” and “Horndünger” increased clearly. It was between 51 and 101% of the N-quantity given in the second year. N-release was particularly high by “Agrobiosol”, “Horndünger” and “Rapsschrot”. This increase could be traced to the mineralisation of the remained organic substance given in the first year. The variants “Haarmehlpellets” and “Rizinusschrot” had the same N-release as in the first year. The application of “Vinasse” showed a clear decrease. When “Rapsschrot”, “Phytoperls”, “Maltaflor”, “Agrobiosol”, “Horndünger” or manure are given for many years, one can consequently count on an increase of the annual N-mineralisation. Considering the results of both years of the trial the organic fertilizers “Agrobiosol”, “Horndünger” and “Maltaflor” can be classified as quickly effectiveN-fertilizers, “Haarmehlpellets”, “Rizinusschrot” and “Phytopearls” as moderately effective and “Rapsschrot” and “Vinasse” as slowly effective ones.     

A comparison of haemodynamic and vasoconstrictory responses in sheep with a toxic fraction from Pachystigma pygmaeum and with the plant material

ST-segment changes in the ECG, which are an indication of acute myocardial ischaemia, are obtained when a small quantity of an extract from dried Pachystigma pygmaeum is injected intravenously in sheep. When the fraction was injected subcutaneously, animals reached a crisis after about 5 h, with low values of stroke volumes and high values for pulmonary arterial pressures, pulmonary vascular resistances and heart rates. The haemodynamic changes are an indication of the development of pump failure of the heart. In sheep, injected subcutaneously with the toxic fraction, as well as for sheep dosed with plant material through rumen fistula, increased serum levels for thromboxane and increased or decreased levels for prostacycline were observed. The experimental results are interpreted as being an indication that these prostaglandines may be involved in the development of gousiekte by impeding cardiopulmonary function as a result of coronary and pulmonary vasoconstriction. The sudden death observed in some gousiekte sheep may be due to myocardial ischaemia and associated arrhythmias.