PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Pavarini S.P., Sonne L., Antoniassi N.A.B., Santos A.S., Pescador C.A., Corbellini L.G. & Driemeier D. 2008. [Congenital anomalies in aborted bovine fetuses in Southern Brazil.] Anomalias congênitas em fetos bovinos abortados no Sul do Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(3):149-154. Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@ufrgs.br Abortion, stillbirth and neonatal death are important causes of production losses to the livestock industry. Abortions caused by congenital anomalies may occur sporadically, or appear in epidemics. This retrospective study was conducted at Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology of Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, and included 307 cases of bovine abortion submitted for diagnosis from September 2001 to March 2007. Most of them were from southern Brazil. Ten cases (3.25%) of congenital anomalies were seen. The most frequent congenital anomalies were artrogryposis, Amorphous globosus, and cleft palate (palatoschisis). Infectious causes were investigated, but only BVDV infection was detected by immunohistochemistry in one case, which was affected with porencephalia.

• Abortion bovine congenital anomalies

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Pavarini S.P., Sonne L., Antoniassi N.A.B., Santos A.S., Pescador C.A., Corbellini L.G. & Driemeier D. 2008. [Congenital anomalies in aborted bovine fetuses in Southern Brazil.] Anomalias congênitas em fetos bovinos abortados no Sul do Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(3):149-154. Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@ufrgs.br Abortion, stillbirth and neonatal death are important causes of production losses to the livestock industry. Abortions caused by congenital anomalies may occur sporadically, or appear in epidemics. This retrospective study was conducted at Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology of Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, and included 307 cases of bovine abortion submitted for diagnosis from September 2001 to March 2007. Most of them were from southern Brazil. Ten cases (3.25%) of congenital anomalies were seen. The most frequent congenital anomalies were artrogryposis, Amorphous globosus, and cleft palate (palatoschisis). Infectious causes were investigated, but only BVDV infection was detected by immunohistochemistry in one case, which was affected with porencephalia.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Corrêa A.M.R., Bezerra P.S.J., Pavarini S.P., Santos A.S., Sonne L., Zlotowski P., Gomes G. & Driemeier D. 2008. Senecio brasiliensis (Asteraceae) poisoning in Murrah buffaloes in Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(3):187-189. Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@ufrgs.br Thirteen (14.4%) out of 90 Murrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) became ill after con-sumption of Senecio brasiliensis, and 11 (12.2%) of them died. The buffaloes were kept in a highly Senecio brasiliensis infested area. The poisoning occurred in June-August 2006 on a farm in the county of Nova Prata, Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. Clinical signs included weakness, apathy, progressive weight loss, permanent decubitus, and diarrhea. Necropsy was performed in 2 of the 11 buffaloes that died. The pathological findings were typical of poisoning by pyrrolizidine alkaloids. High infestation of pastures with S. brasiliensis, severe drought, and consequent starvation were the main epidemiological factors associated with the poisoning here described.

• Buffaloes pyrrolizidine alkaloids Senecio poisoning

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Corrêa A.M.R., Bezerra P.S.J., Pavarini S.P., Santos A.S., Sonne L., Zlotowski P., Gomes G. & Driemeier D. 2008. Senecio brasiliensis (Asteraceae) poisoning in Murrah buffaloes in Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(3):187-189. Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@ufrgs.br Thirteen (14.4%) out of 90 Murrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) became ill after con-sumption of Senecio brasiliensis, and 11 (12.2%) of them died. The buffaloes were kept in a highly Senecio brasiliensis infested area. The poisoning occurred in June-August 2006 on a farm in the county of Nova Prata, Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. Clinical signs included weakness, apathy, progressive weight loss, permanent decubitus, and diarrhea. Necropsy was performed in 2 of the 11 buffaloes that died. The pathological findings were typical of poisoning by pyrrolizidine alkaloids. High infestation of pastures with S. brasiliensis, severe drought, and consequent starvation were the main epidemiological factors associated with the poisoning here described.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Oliveira D.M., Pimentel L.A., Araújo J.A.S., Medeiros R.M.T., Dantas A.F.M. & Riet-Correa F. 2008. [Poisoning by Cnidoscolus phyllacanthus (Euphorbiaceae) in goats.] Intoxicação por Cnidoscolus phyllacanthus (Euphorbiaceae) em caprinos. Pesquisa Ve-terinária Brasileira 28(1):36-42. Hospital Veterinário, CSTR, Universidade Federal de Campi-na Grande, Campus de Patos, 58700-000 Patos, PB, Brazil. E-mail: franklin.riet@pq.cnpq.br Cnidoscolus phyllacanthus (Euphorbiaceae), with the common name favela, is a generally spiny plant of the Brazilian semiarid. Mainly during the dry season livestock browse its leaves from the shrubs or ingest the dry leaves fallen to the ground. Farmers report the spontaneous poisoning by this plant when livestock has access to shrubs or branches that had been cut. Different parts of the ground fresh plant, diluted in water, are used by people in the semiarid to hunt birds. To determine the toxicity of C. phyllacanthus, leaves of the non-spiny plant were fed by hand to a goat by putting small amount into its mouth. After the consumption of 4.7g/kg body weight, the goat had tachycardia, tachypnoea, dyspnoea, nystagmus, opisthotonos and sternal recumbence. The death occurred 30 minutes after the onset of clinical signs. Fresh leaves from the same plants were given to 8 goats at doses of 0.5-2.5g/kg without causing clinical signs. Three goats showed clinical signs after the ingestion of 3g/kg. Clinical signs were similar to those observed in cyanide poisoning. Two goats given 0.5mg/kg of a 20% solution of sodium thiosulphate recovered immediately after treatment. Another goat recovered spontaneously. Leaves from the same plants were sun-dried during variable periods for 8-30 days, and then given to 8 goats. The goat that ingested the plant dried at the sun during 8 days died after the ingestion of 3 g/kg. The goat that ingested the plant, exposed to the sun for 9 days, showed clinical signs after the ingestion of 1.13g/kg, but recovered spontaneously. The goats that ingested the leaves exposed to the sun during 10-29 days showed clinical signs after the ingestion of 3g/kg, but recovered spontaneously or after treatment with sodium thiosulphate. No clinical signs were observed in the goat that ingested the plant that had been exposed to the sun during 30 days. In another experiment ground leaves of the plant were dried at the sun for 1, 2, 3, and 4 days and given to goats at the dose of 3g/kg. Goats that received the plant dried for 1, 2 or 3 days showed clinical signs, but recovered spontaneously. The goat that ingested the plant dried 4 days showed no clinical signs. Leaves of the spineless C. phyllacanthus used in the experiments, 20 samples of leaves from spiny plants, 3 samples of the ground plant stem, and 2 samples of fruits were positive with the picrosodic paper test for HCN. These results demonstrated that C. phyllacanthus is a cyanogenic plant. After being cut the entire leaves maintain their toxicity for up to 30 days, and the ground leaves for up to 3 days. After the end of the raining season dry leaves fallen to the ground and tested within a short period were negative for HCN. These results have to be taken into account for the use of C. phyllacanthus as forage.

• Cnidoscolus phyllacanthus plant poisoning cyanide poisoning goats semiarid

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Oliveira D.M., Pimentel L.A., Araújo J.A.S., Medeiros R.M.T., Dantas A.F.M. & Riet-Correa F. 2008. [Poisoning by Cnidoscolus phyllacanthus (Euphorbiaceae) in goats.] Intoxicação por Cnidoscolus phyllacanthus (Euphorbiaceae) em caprinos. Pesquisa Ve-terinária Brasileira 28(1):36-42. Hospital Veterinário, CSTR, Universidade Federal de Campi-na Grande, Campus de Patos, 58700-000 Patos, PB, Brazil. E-mail: franklin.riet@pq.cnpq.br Cnidoscolus phyllacanthus (Euphorbiaceae), with the common name favela, is a generally spiny plant of the Brazilian semiarid. Mainly during the dry season livestock browse its leaves from the shrubs or ingest the dry leaves fallen to the ground. Farmers report the spontaneous poisoning by this plant when livestock has access to shrubs or branches that had been cut. Different parts of the ground fresh plant, diluted in water, are used by people in the semiarid to hunt birds. To determine the toxicity of C. phyllacanthus, leaves of the non-spiny plant were fed by hand to a goat by putting small amount into its mouth. After the consumption of 4.7g/kg body weight, the goat had tachycardia, tachypnoea, dyspnoea, nystagmus, opisthotonos and sternal recumbence. The death occurred 30 minutes after the onset of clinical signs. Fresh leaves from the same plants were given to 8 goats at doses of 0.5-2.5g/kg without causing clinical signs. Three goats showed clinical signs after the ingestion of 3g/kg. Clinical signs were similar to those observed in cyanide poisoning. Two goats given 0.5mg/kg of a 20% solution of sodium thiosulphate recovered immediately after treatment. Another goat recovered spontaneously. Leaves from the same plants were sun-dried during variable periods for 8-30 days, and then given to 8 goats. The goat that ingested the plant dried at the sun during 8 days died after the ingestion of 3 g/kg. The goat that ingested the plant, exposed to the sun for 9 days, showed clinical signs after the ingestion of 1.13g/kg, but recovered spontaneously. The goats that ingested the leaves exposed to the sun during 10-29 days showed clinical signs after the ingestion of 3g/kg, but recovered spontaneously or after treatment with sodium thiosulphate. No clinical signs were observed in the goat that ingested the plant that had been exposed to the sun during 30 days. In another experiment ground leaves of the plant were dried at the sun for 1, 2, 3, and 4 days and given to goats at the dose of 3g/kg. Goats that received the plant dried for 1, 2 or 3 days showed clinical signs, but recovered spontaneously. The goat that ingested the plant dried 4 days showed no clinical signs. Leaves of the spineless C. phyllacanthus used in the experiments, 20 samples of leaves from spiny plants, 3 samples of the ground plant stem, and 2 samples of fruits were positive with the picrosodic paper test for HCN. These results demonstrated that C. phyllacanthus is a cyanogenic plant. After being cut the entire leaves maintain their toxicity for up to 30 days, and the ground leaves for up to 3 days. After the end of the raining season dry leaves fallen to the ground and tested within a short period were negative for HCN. These results have to be taken into account for the use of C. phyllacanthus as forage.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Oliveira Filho J.P., Silva D.P.G., Pacheco M.D., Mascarini L.M., Marcio Garcia Ribeiro, Alfieri A.A., Alfieri A.F., Stipp D.T., Barros B.J.P. & Borges A.S. 2007. [Diarrhea in Nelore calves: Clinical and etiologic study.] Diarréia em bezerros da raça Nelore criados extensivamente: estudo clínico e etiológico. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(10):419-424. Departamento de Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Campus de Botucatu s/n, Distrito de Rubião Júnior, Botucatu, SP 18618000, Brazil. E-mail: zep.filho@hotmail.com Diarrhea is considered as one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in neonates calves. Fecal samples from 100 diarrheic and 30 non-diarrheic (control group) Nelore calves less than 9 weeks old were collected for Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, rotavirus, coronavirus, Cryptosporidium spp., and for helminth eggs investigation. Enteropathogens were detected in 79.0% diarrheic samples and 70.0% non-diarrheic samples. Among diarrheic calves, Escherichia coli (69.0%) was the most common agent found, following by Cryptosporidium spp. (30.0%), coronavirus (16.0%), and rotavirus (11.0%). In the control group, E. coli, Cryptosporidium spp. and coronavirus were detected in 66.7%, 10.0% and 3.3% of the samples, respectively. Salmonella spp. and strongylids were not found in any of the calves from either group. The K99 fimbrial only was detected in E. coli strains from diarrheic calves (5.8%). Enrofloxacin, norfloxacin, and gentamicin were the most effective among the antimicrobials tested. The weight of 210-day-old calves did not show statistic differences between diarrheic and non-diarrheic calves.

• Beef calves Nelore diarrhea enteropathogens etiology

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Oliveira Filho J.P., Silva D.P.G., Pacheco M.D., Mascarini L.M., Marcio Garcia Ribeiro, Alfieri A.A., Alfieri A.F., Stipp D.T., Barros B.J.P. & Borges A.S. 2007. [Diarrhea in Nelore calves: Clinical and etiologic study.] Diarréia em bezerros da raça Nelore criados extensivamente: estudo clínico e etiológico. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(10):419-424. Departamento de Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Campus de Botucatu s/n, Distrito de Rubião Júnior, Botucatu, SP 18618000, Brazil. E-mail: zep.filho@hotmail.com Diarrhea is considered as one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in neonates calves. Fecal samples from 100 diarrheic and 30 non-diarrheic (control group) Nelore calves less than 9 weeks old were collected for Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, rotavirus, coronavirus, Cryptosporidium spp., and for helminth eggs investigation. Enteropathogens were detected in 79.0% diarrheic samples and 70.0% non-diarrheic samples. Among diarrheic calves, Escherichia coli (69.0%) was the most common agent found, following by Cryptosporidium spp. (30.0%), coronavirus (16.0%), and rotavirus (11.0%). In the control group, E. coli, Cryptosporidium spp. and coronavirus were detected in 66.7%, 10.0% and 3.3% of the samples, respectively. Salmonella spp. and strongylids were not found in any of the calves from either group. The K99 fimbrial only was detected in E. coli strains from diarrheic calves (5.8%). Enrofloxacin, norfloxacin, and gentamicin were the most effective among the antimicrobials tested. The weight of 210-day-old calves did not show statistic differences between diarrheic and non-diarrheic calves.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Santos D.A.S., Ricci R.E.G., Prado I.M.M., Carvalho A.F., Bombonato P.P., Ambrósio C.E., Teixeira D.G., Santos T.C., H.-Brazquez F.J., Martins D.S., Morini A.C., Kfoury Jr J.R. & Miglino M.A. 2007. [Morphology and morphometry of buffalo mammary papillae.] Morfologia e morfometria das papilas mamárias de búfalas. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(3):95-102. Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP 05508-270, Brazil. E-mail: ceambrosio@usp.br Fifteen papillae from female water buffaloes and one bovine female were obtained in a slaughter house for this study, which consisted in morphologic and biometrical analyses, histology and histometric and mesoscopical analyses. The means were: right cranial papilla (RCP) 20.95g; right caudal papilla (RCaP) 21.49g; left cranial papilla (LCP) 23.52g; and left caudal papilla (LCaP) 21.35g. Papillary duct average length, numbers of folds and papillary cisterns length were, respectively: 0.67/5,5 e 2.17cm for RCP; 0.62/6.0 e 2.26cm for RCaP; and for the left antimere: RCP: 0.71/6.0 e 2.26cm and for RCaP: 0.74/5.7 e 2.57cm. Pearson’s analysis revealed negative correlation between body weight and mammary glandular weight. Sampling of proximal, middle and distal area was taken and fixed into a 10% formaldehyde solution, followed by mesoscopical investigation through 10, 20 and 40µm thickness cuts stained by Azan, F3BA Picrosirus and Weigert-Van Gieson techniques. Histological and morphometric analyses were applied on 5µm thick samples and showed that the muscular layer was disposed into two arrangements, internal circular and external longitudinal with a bi-stratified cuboidal epithelium. A well developed muscular layer were related to the middle portion revealing thickness of 22.90mm with a great amount of connective tissue (7.10mm).

• Buffaloes mammary papilla morphometry morphology Buballus bubalis

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Santos D.A.S., Ricci R.E.G., Prado I.M.M., Carvalho A.F., Bombonato P.P., Ambrósio C.E., Teixeira D.G., Santos T.C., H.-Brazquez F.J., Martins D.S., Morini A.C., Kfoury Jr J.R. & Miglino M.A. 2007. [Morphology and morphometry of buffalo mammary papillae.] Morfologia e morfometria das papilas mamárias de búfalas. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(3):95-102. Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP 05508-270, Brazil. E-mail: ceambrosio@usp.br Fifteen papillae from female water buffaloes and one bovine female were obtained in a slaughter house for this study, which consisted in morphologic and biometrical analyses, histology and histometric and mesoscopical analyses. The means were: right cranial papilla (RCP) 20.95g; right caudal papilla (RCaP) 21.49g; left cranial papilla (LCP) 23.52g; and left caudal papilla (LCaP) 21.35g. Papillary duct average length, numbers of folds and papillary cisterns length were, respectively: 0.67/5,5 e 2.17cm for RCP; 0.62/6.0 e 2.26cm for RCaP; and for the left antimere: RCP: 0.71/6.0 e 2.26cm and for RCaP: 0.74/5.7 e 2.57cm. Pearson’s analysis revealed negative correlation between body weight and mammary glandular weight. Sampling of proximal, middle and distal area was taken and fixed into a 10% formaldehyde solution, followed by mesoscopical investigation through 10, 20 and 40µm thickness cuts stained by Azan, F3BA Picrosirus and Weigert-Van Gieson techniques. Histological and morphometric analyses were applied on 5µm thick samples and showed that the muscular layer was disposed into two arrangements, internal circular and external longitudinal with a bi-stratified cuboidal epithelium. A well developed muscular layer were related to the middle portion revealing thickness of 22.90mm with a great amount of connective tissue (7.10mm).

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Peres M.F., Carrijo A.S., Higa A.H. & Oliveira J.M. 2006. [Serological evidence of avian pneumovirus infections in broiler flocks in counties of Mato Grosso do Sul.] Evidência sorológica de Pneumovírus aviário em lotes de frangos de corte em municípios de Mato Grosso do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(4):254-258. Departamento de Zootecnia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Av. Filinto Müller 2443, Campo Grande, MS 79070-900, Brazil. E-mail: acarrijo@nin.ufms.br Avian pneumovirus (APV) is an important respiratory pathogen of hens and broilers. Although it was not clearly elucidated whether APV may cause economical losses in broiler flocks, it is known that APV infection can induce specific antibody production on these birds, and these serological reactions may provide some information about the epidemiological status of the APV infections. This work was carried out in search for antibodies to APV in broiler flocks in counties of Mato Grosso do Sul. Five hundred and thirty six serum samples from 54 broiler flocks at 42 and 51 days of age were tested with a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results showed that 330 samples (61.6%) were negative, 108 (20.1%) were suspect and 98 (18.3%) were considered positive for the presence to APV antibodies. Of all the flocks analyzed, 49 (90.7%) were considered either positive or suspect. The ELISA test demonstrated that there was a similar percentage of positive or suspect flocks among those flocks between 42 and 46 days of age, and among those between 47 and 51 days. No seasonal differences were observed, since the percentages of positive or suspect flocks either in summer or in winter months were similar. Most of the flocks were considered positive despite the type of broiler housing (conventional, environmental controlled or semi-controlled). It is concluded that there are strong evidences indicating circulation of APV in Mato Grosso do Sul. The percentages of positive flocks were similar regardless of the age groups of the birds examined, the type of broiler housing and the season when sampling was performed.

• Antibody diagnosis epidemiology avian pneumovirus PVA swollen head syndrome

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Peres M.F., Carrijo A.S., Higa A.H. & Oliveira J.M. 2006. [Serological evidence of avian pneumovirus infections in broiler flocks in counties of Mato Grosso do Sul.] Evidência sorológica de Pneumovírus aviário em lotes de frangos de corte em municípios de Mato Grosso do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(4):254-258. Departamento de Zootecnia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS), Av. Filinto Müller 2443, Campo Grande, MS 79070-900, Brazil. E-mail: acarrijo@nin.ufms.br Avian pneumovirus (APV) is an important respiratory pathogen of hens and broilers. Although it was not clearly elucidated whether APV may cause economical losses in broiler flocks, it is known that APV infection can induce specific antibody production on these birds, and these serological reactions may provide some information about the epidemiological status of the APV infections. This work was carried out in search for antibodies to APV in broiler flocks in counties of Mato Grosso do Sul. Five hundred and thirty six serum samples from 54 broiler flocks at 42 and 51 days of age were tested with a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results showed that 330 samples (61.6%) were negative, 108 (20.1%) were suspect and 98 (18.3%) were considered positive for the presence to APV antibodies. Of all the flocks analyzed, 49 (90.7%) were considered either positive or suspect. The ELISA test demonstrated that there was a similar percentage of positive or suspect flocks among those flocks between 42 and 46 days of age, and among those between 47 and 51 days. No seasonal differences were observed, since the percentages of positive or suspect flocks either in summer or in winter months were similar. Most of the flocks were considered positive despite the type of broiler housing (conventional, environmental controlled or semi-controlled). It is concluded that there are strong evidences indicating circulation of APV in Mato Grosso do Sul. The percentages of positive flocks were similar regardless of the age groups of the birds examined, the type of broiler housing and the season when sampling was performed.

Abstract in English:

Penatti M.P.A., Silva A.S., Valadares G.F. & Leite D.S. 2005. Occurrence of F42 colonization factor in Escherichia coli strains isolated from piglets with diarrhea. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(1):31-33. Depto Microbiologia e Imunologia, Instituto de Biologia, Unicamp, Campinas, SP 13081-970, Brazil. E-mail: domingos@unicamp.br The objective of this study was to determine the presence of the colonization factor F42 in 168 strains of Escherichia coli isolated from diarrheic stools of newborn piglets. The presence of F42 in 12 (7.1%) strains was detected with the agglutination test. Through the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) of F42 positive strains, gene encoding enterotoxins (ST-I, ST-II, LT-I and LT-II) were detected. The finding of ST-I/ST-II genes in 50% of the strains, ST-I (16%) and ST-II (25%) indicates a strong association of FC F42 with heat-stable enterotoxins (91%). In contrast, the thermolabile enterotoxin (LT-I and LT-II) genes were not detected. Serogroups of F42 positive strains were determined, serogroup O8 being the most prevalent (41,7%). Other serogroups, as there are O9, O11, O18, O32, O35, O98 and O101, were also identified. Thus, FC F42 was confirmed as an additional factor of virulence in the pathogenesis of porcine colibacillosis.

• Escherichia coli F42 piglets fimbriae diarrhea PCR.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Penatti M.P.A., Silva A.S., Valadares G.F. & Leite D.S. 2005. Occurrence of F42 colonization factor in Escherichia coli strains isolated from piglets with diarrhea. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(1):31-33. Depto Microbiologia e Imunologia, Instituto de Biologia, Unicamp, Campinas, SP 13081-970, Brazil. E-mail: domingos@unicamp.br The objective of this study was to determine the presence of the colonization factor F42 in 168 strains of Escherichia coli isolated from diarrheic stools of newborn piglets. The presence of F42 in 12 (7.1%) strains was detected with the agglutination test. Through the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) of F42 positive strains, gene encoding enterotoxins (ST-I, ST-II, LT-I and LT-II) were detected. The finding of ST-I/ST-II genes in 50% of the strains, ST-I (16%) and ST-II (25%) indicates a strong association of FC F42 with heat-stable enterotoxins (91%). In contrast, the thermolabile enterotoxin (LT-I and LT-II) genes were not detected. Serogroups of F42 positive strains were determined, serogroup O8 being the most prevalent (41,7%). Other serogroups, as there are O9, O11, O18, O32, O35, O98 and O101, were also identified. Thus, FC F42 was confirmed as an additional factor of virulence in the pathogenesis of porcine colibacillosis.

Abstract in English:

Cases of chronic copper poisoning (CCP) were observed in a flock of 120 Ile de France ewes grazed on white clover ( Trifolium repens) pasture in an apple orchard. The orchard was sprayed with copper sulphate 4 weeks after the ewes were introduced. A month later some ewes showed depression, jaundice and hemoglobinuria. Twenty one ewes died representing 17.5 % of the flock. The clinical signs, necropsy and microscopic findings were typical of CCP. The sernm levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in 11 ewes varied from 159 to 510 iu/1, anda sample from the pasture revealed 60 mg/kg of copper. High copper levels of 1313 and 300 mg/kg, respectively, were found in the liver and kidney collected from one of the two sheep on which post-mortem examination was performed. It is suggested that the poisoning was caused by the high level of copper in the pasture, together with the higher susceptibility of mutton sheep to copper poisoning.

• Sheep copper poisoning

Abstract in Portuguese:

Casos de intoxicação crônica por cobre foram observados em um grnpo de 120 ovelhas da raça Ile de France que foram colocadas a pastorear em pomar de macieira, o qual foi aspergido com sulfato de cobre quatro semanas após a colocação dos animais. A pastagem predominante no pomar era de Trifolium repens (trevo branco). Um mês após a aspersão, apareceram ovinos com tristeza, andar cambaleante, icterícia e hemoglobinúria, dos quais 21 morreram, correspondendo a 17,5% do total do rebanho. Os sinais clínicos e as alterações macroscópicas e histológicas foram caracterJSticas da intoxicação crônica por cobre. A dosagem de Aspartato Amino Transferase (AST) no soro de 11 ovinos mostrou valores que variaram de 159 a 510 UI/1. A dosagem de cobre na amostra da pastagem revelou presença de 60 mg/kg e de 1313 e 300 mg/kg no fígado e rim respectivamente de um dos dois ovinos necropsiados. Concluise que a intoxicação ocorreu devido ao alto nível de cobre verificado na pastagem e sugere-se que a maior sensibilidade de ovinos tipo carne em absorver cobre tenha contribuído para a ocorrência do problema.

• Ovinos intoxicação por cobre

Abstract in English:

The study of a vaccine containing 13 cultures of Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis and one intestina/is was carried out. These cultures were isolated in Rio de Janeiro State from animals suffering of reproductive diseases, from an aborted fetus and from the foreskin cavity of infected bulis. Those cultures were inactivated by a 0,5% formalin solution and treated by heating at 37ºC for 24h in oily adjuvant. The immunogenicity of the vaccine was assayed on two groups of eight half-breed virgin Holstein aging over two year old weighing over 300 kg. This was performed by infecting subcutanously 5.0 m1 of the vaccine in both groups. The second group animals received a 5.0 m1 booster 14 days later. lndirect immunofluorescence and serum-agglutination test showed an optimal antibody production at 30th and 36th days, respectively for animals vaccinated with one and two doses. Sixty days after the first vaccination the heifers were infected with 4 x 106 cells (culture RJ 14, Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis) at the moment of artificial insemination at the cervicovaginal region. The reproductive efficacy of 100 and 75%, for one and two doses respectively, with three inserninations, showed to be the best way to assay immunity confered by the vaccine. On the other hand, for the eight heifers composing group II, 15 inseminations were necessary for na efficiency of 100%, or 1.8 semen doses, for fertilization. The result was superior to that of group III, in which 16 inseminations were necessary for pregnancy in 7 out of 8 heifers; na efficiency of 7 5%, or 2.2 semen doses, for fertilization. The control group of 8 heifers presented only 4 pregnancies from 19 inserninations, or 4. 7 semen doses, for fertilization. The opsonizating effect of IgG was the responsible by the absence of microorganisms in the cervico mucous of the vaccinated heifers. However the presence of rnicroorganisms in some heifers did not affect the reproductive efficacy in these animals.

• Vibrio fetus vaccination vibriosis control method evaluation

Abstract in Portuguese:

O presente estudo trata de uma vacina contendo 13 culturas de Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis e uma cultura do Campylobacter fetus subps. intestinalis, isoladas no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, provenientes de animais com problemas de reprodução, de um feto abortado e da cavidade prepucial de touros infectados, inativada pelo formal a 0,5% e normalizada pelo calor à 37°C por 24h em adjuvante oleoso. Para a pesquisa da ação imunogênica da vacina foram empregados dois grupos compostos por oito novilhas virgens mestiças de holandês, com idades acima de dois anos e pesos acima de 300 kg. A vacinação realizou-se com uma aplicação de 5,0 m1 da vacina na região cervical via subcutânea, sendo que no segundo grupo, houve uma vacinação com mais 5,0 m1 com intervalo de 14 dias entre as doses. Os testes de imunofluorescência indireta e de soroaglutinação, indicavam haver um ótimo pique na média da produção de anticorpos para o grupo vacinado com uma dose ao 309 dia e no 369 dia para o grupo vacinado com duas doses. Após 60 dias da primeira vacinação, os animais foram contaminados com 4 x .106 células da amostra RJ 14 do Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis no momento da primeira inseminação artificial na região anterior da vagina. A eficâcia de 100 e 75% para uma dose e duas doses da vacina respectivamente com base no desempenho reprodutivo obtido com no máximo três inseminações, demonstrou ser o melhor método de avaliação da imunidade conferida pela vacina. Por outro lado, para as oito novilhas que compunham o grupo II foram necessárias 15 inseminações para se obter a eficiência de 100%, ou seja, 1,8 dose de sêmen por fecundação. Tal resultado foi superior ao do grupo III, no qual, dentre oito novilhas, sete ficaram gestantes, sendo necessárias 16 inseminações para se obter uma eficiência de 75%, ou seja, 2,2 doses de sêmen por fecundação. O grupo controle apresentou apenas quatro novilhas gestantes e requereu 19 inseminações, ou seja, 4, 7 doses de sêmen por fecundação. A opsonização pelo IgG foi a responsável pela ausência do microrganismo no muco cérvico-vaginal de novilhas vacinadas, porém, a presença de microrganismo no muco cérvico-vaginal de algumas novilhas não afetou a eficiência r*eprodutiva desses animais.

• Vibrio fetus vacinação vibriose método de controle avaliação

Abstract in English:

Five outbreaks of intoxication by the fungus Claviceps paspali in cattle in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, are described. The disease which occurred during April and May, 1982, was cause d by the ingestion of infected seed heads of Paspalum dilatatum and Paspalum notatum. The main clinical sigos observed were staggering and ataxia. The morbidity rate was 12,8% and mortality rate 1,8%, with cattle of both sexes and various ages being affected. Three animals necropsied had an increased cerebrospinal fluid volume, two showing subdural hemorrhages in the spinal cord. The main histological lesions were degenerative changes of Purkinje cells. In one case axonal spheroids in the cerebellar granular layer were observed. The intoxication was reproduced experimentally in three calves. One of these animals was killed and at necropsy showed increased cerebrospinal fluid vólume, subdural hemorrhages in the spinal cord and degeneration of Purkinje cells; the other two recovered 5 days after the last administration of infected seeds. The average monthly precipitation during March and April, 1982, was considerably lower than normal values for the region. It is conceivable that this drought may have modified the environment to the extent that a) sufficient green forage·was no longer available, b) the production of seed heads was considerably increased and/or c) the level of infection by C. paspali in the grass was increased. These changes may have ultimately been responsible for the occurrence of at least 33 outbreaks of the disease in the State.

• Mycotoxicosis cattle Claviceps paspali Paspalum staggers

Abstract in Portuguese:

Descrevem-se cinco surtos de intoxicação por Claviceps paspali em bovinos no Rio Grande do Sul. A doença ocorreu nos meses de abril e maio de 1982 e foi causada pela ingestão de sementes de Paspalum dilatatum e Paspalum notatum infectadas pelo fungo. Os principais sintomas observados foram tremores musculares e ataxia. A morbidade foi de 12,8% e a mortalidade de 1,8%, sendo afetados animais de diversas categorias. Três animais necropsiados apresentaram aumento de líquido cefalorraquidiano, e dois deles, hemorragias subdurais na medula. Histologicamente observou-se degeneração das células de Purkinje e, em um caso, numerosos esferóides na capa granular do cerebelo. A doença foi reproduzida experimentalmente em três bezerros. Um foi sacrificado, observando-se, na necropsia, aumento do líquido cefalorraquidiano, hemorragias subdurais na medula e alterações degenerativas das células de Purkinje. Nos dois restantes, os sintomas clínicos desapareceram totalmente cinco dias após terem deixado de·ingerir a planta. O estudo dos dados climáticos mostrou que nos meses de março e abril de 1982 as precipitações pluviais foram consideravalmente menores que as normais para a região. Admite-se que alguns aspectos epidemiológicos teriam sido modificados pela estiagem, determinando a ocorrência dos surtos descritos e de pelo menos outros vinte e oito surtos constatados no Estado durante o outono de 1982. Três desses fenômenos são sugeridos como prováveis fatores desencadeantes: a) diminuição de disponibilidade de forragem verde; b) concentração da frutificação gramínea; c) aumento da taxa de infecção de Paspalum por Claviceps paspali e/ou de seu conteúdo em toxinas.

• Micotoxicoses bovinos Claviceps paspali Psapalum dilatatum Paspalum notatum tremores musculares