Some observations on canine toxoplasmosis

An inhibitor typing scheme, based on the production of and sensitivity to bacteriocin-like inhibitor substances was used to identify strains of Streptococcus uberis obtained from skin swabs and milk samples of dairy cows. Thirty-nine isolates from one herd were compared, with one isolate examined per site for any sampling day. Eighteen different inhibitor profiles were observed from these isolates. When several isolates were obtained from various skin sites on a cow on the same day, the inhibitor profiles were all different. In three cases, Str. uberis was simultaneously isolated from milk sample and teat surface of the same quarter, but similar inhibitor profiles were only observed for one pair of isolates. Furthermore, when several isolates were obtained by repeated swabbing of a single skin site on a cow on the same day, differences in the inhibitor profiles were again seen. It is likely that numerous strains of Str. uberis are capable of producing clinical mastitis since a comparison of ten isolates obtained from cases of clinical mastitis revealed eight different inhibitor profiles.

Monthly sampling (April–November) of eleven cows revealed that Str. uberis could be isolated from the skin of the abdominal wall, medial thigh, udder and teats, but was not isolated from the rectum of any of the cows. Str. uberis was more frequently isolated from the skin and milk samples during the winter when the cows had been dried off, than during the spring and autumn.     

丝氨酸蛋白抑制剂与围产期奶牛血钙的关系

本研究旨在了解围产期低血钙奶牛与正常奶牛的血浆Serine peptidase inhibitor(SERPIN)与血钙之间的关系。在分娩当天、产前14～7d和产后7～14d根据血钙浓度将实验牛分为正常对照组(2.20～3.5mmol/L,C)和低血钙组(<2.20mmol/L,T),每组3头。利用Westernblotting检测试验牛血浆SERPIN丰度。结果显示:SPI蛋白在奶牛发生低血钙时,表达上调。结论:本试验首次证明了血浆SERPIN与血钙浓度呈负关联,血钙可能通过SERPIN途径调节机体的凝血过程和免疫功能。     

Serum osteocalcin in dairy cows: age-related changes and periparturient variation

We evaluated age-related changes in serum osteocalcin concentrations in non-periparturient cows and variations in serum osteocalcin concentration in periparturient primiparous and multiparous cows. The serum osteocalcin levels were evaluated in 144 non-periparturient Holstein dairy cows aged 11 days to 10 years; these levels were the highest in the youngest cows, appeared to steadily decrease with age until the time of the first calving, and were subsequently maintained at low levels. Between 14 days before calving and 21 days after calving, the serum osteocalcin levels were significantly higher in the primiparous cows than in the multiparous cows. A comparison between age-matched non-periparturient and periparturient cows showed that serum osteocalcin levels were significantly lowered during late gestation in both primiparous and multiparous cows. These results suggest that serum osteocalcin measurement might be useful for the detection of mineral imbalances at the time of parturition in cows.     

过瘤胃维生素D预防围产期奶牛低血钙症的效果

本试验选取围产期经产健康荷斯坦奶牛40头,随机分为4组:T1,T2,T3和C组,每组各10头.产前7d分别每头每天饲喂过瘤胃维生素D 1.5,3.0,6.0和0g,直至分娩,产后均不饲喂过瘤胃维生素D,试验至产后7d结束.所有试验奶牛在产前7d,3d、产后3d,7d及分娩当天测定血浆钙(Ca).磷(P)、碱性磷酸酶(A...     

The effect of cobalt topdressing in preventing cobalt deficiency disease of lambs in southland

Environmental samples and samples of partially processed fish from a cold-smoked salmon processing and packing plant, and product samples purchased from retail outlets, were examined for the presence of Listeria monocytogenes and other Listeria spp., motile aeromonads and Yersinia enterocolitica. Listeria spp. were not isolated from rati fish but were a contaminant of processed and partially processed fish. Listeria spp. were also detected in 18.8% of surfaces in contact with fish. Unlike Listeria spp., motile aeromonads were isolated from the raw fish but not from the finished product. They were more frequently isolated from environmental sources than Listeria spp. Yersinia enterocolitica was not isolated from any of the samples tested. Little evidence was found to show a coincidence of motile aeromonads and Listeria spp., since only one subset of samples showed such a link. It is concluded that contamination by Listeria spp. was from environmental sources at the processing plant at, or beyond, the slicing stage. Reducing the number of wet areas and special cleaning and sanitation considerations for a contaminated site (the freezer seal) are suggested as ways of reducing contamination of the product.     

Total CK and CK‐BB activity in serum from sheep with Scrapie

Summary

Plasma metabolite levels were measured in buffalo and cross‐bred cattle after daily intraruminal administration of fenbendazole at 0.5 mg/kg body weight. An equilibrium between the absorption of fenbendazole and disposition of its metabolites could be observed between days 3 to 6 and remained almost unchanged thereafter. The buffaloes had a lower uptake of the anthelmintic and lower plasma levels of its metabolites than in cattle. The findings were compared with those obtained after a single intraruminal therapeutic dose of fenbendazole.     

Allergic tests on cattle vaccinated against Johne's disease

Giardia intestinalis cysts were detected in faeces from 12.9% of 124 brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) trapped in Auckland, Hawke's Bay, the Wairarapa and Wellington; in faecal material from 61.0% of 77 ship rats (Rattus rattus) from areas of Auckland, Hawke's Bay and Wellington; and in faecal material from 25.3% of 182 house mice (Mus musculus) from the North Island. Possums and rodents in forested areas of Auckland and Wellington city water catchments were infected. The role of wild animals in maintaining and spreading Giardia in New Zealand is discussed.