PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Macêdo J.T.S.A., Riet-Correa F., Dantas A.F.M. & Simões S.V.D. 2008. [Diseases of the skin in sheep and goats from the Brazilian semiarid.] Doenças da pele em ovinos e caprinos no semi-árido brasileiro. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(12):633-642. Hospital Veterinário, Cento de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Campus de Patos, 58700-000 Patos, PB, Brazil. E-mail: franklin.riet@pq.cnpq.br A study of the skin diseases in sheep and goats in the semiarid of the states of Paraíba, Pernambuco and Rio Grande do Norte, Northeastern Brazil was performed. From January 2000 to November 2006, 656 cases in goats and 324 in sheep were presented to the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Campina Grande in Patos, Paraíba. Additionally mailed in biopsy or necropsy skin samples from 31 goats and 45 sheep were studied histologically. Skin diseases were diagnosed in 35 goats (5.33% of all cases in this species) and 45 sheep (13.88% of the cases in this species). The most frequent skin disease was myiasis (10 cases in goats and 7 in sheep), followed by contagious echtyma (8 cases in goats and 2 in sheep), squamous cell carcinoma (4 cases in goats and 5 in sheep), dermatophylosis (8 cases in sheep), and allergic dermatitis (1 case in goats and 1 in sheep). Two cases of pythiosis in sheep, two cases of epidermolysis bullosa in goats, one case of poisoning by Brachiaria brizantha (photosensitization) and another by Leucaena leucocephala (alopecia) in sheep, and one case of papillomatosis, one of pemphigus foliaceous, one of protothecosis and one of rhabdomyosarcoma in goats were also diagnosed. In 4 cases in sheep and 19 in goats the etiologic diagnosis was not obtained. With the information of the occurrence and epidemiology of the skin diseases is possible to determine efficient control measures.

• Squamous cell carcinoma dermatophylosis epidermolysis bullosa contagious echtyma myiasis

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Macêdo J.T.S.A., Riet-Correa F., Dantas A.F.M. & Simões S.V.D. 2008. [Diseases of the skin in sheep and goats from the Brazilian semiarid.] Doenças da pele em ovinos e caprinos no semi-árido brasileiro. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(12):633-642. Hospital Veterinário, Cento de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Campus de Patos, 58700-000 Patos, PB, Brazil. E-mail: franklin.riet@pq.cnpq.br A study of the skin diseases in sheep and goats in the semiarid of the states of Paraíba, Pernambuco and Rio Grande do Norte, Northeastern Brazil was performed. From January 2000 to November 2006, 656 cases in goats and 324 in sheep were presented to the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Campina Grande in Patos, Paraíba. Additionally mailed in biopsy or necropsy skin samples from 31 goats and 45 sheep were studied histologically. Skin diseases were diagnosed in 35 goats (5.33% of all cases in this species) and 45 sheep (13.88% of the cases in this species). The most frequent skin disease was myiasis (10 cases in goats and 7 in sheep), followed by contagious echtyma (8 cases in goats and 2 in sheep), squamous cell carcinoma (4 cases in goats and 5 in sheep), dermatophylosis (8 cases in sheep), and allergic dermatitis (1 case in goats and 1 in sheep). Two cases of pythiosis in sheep, two cases of epidermolysis bullosa in goats, one case of poisoning by Brachiaria brizantha (photosensitization) and another by Leucaena leucocephala (alopecia) in sheep, and one case of papillomatosis, one of pemphigus foliaceous, one of protothecosis and one of rhabdomyosarcoma in goats were also diagnosed. In 4 cases in sheep and 19 in goats the etiologic diagnosis was not obtained. With the information of the occurrence and epidemiology of the skin diseases is possible to determine efficient control measures.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Rodrigues J., Meireles G.S., Carvalho Filho P.R., Ribeiro C.T., Flausino W. & Lopes C.W.G. 2008. [Sarcocystis cruzi (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae) in the crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous).] Sarcocystis cruzi (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae) no cachorro-do-mato (Cerdocyon thous). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(11):561-564. Departamento de Parasitologia Animal, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: lopescwg@ufrrj.br Sporocysts of Sarcocystis were identified in feces samples of a crab-eating fox, and were orally given to a suckling calf; after 3 months of infection, sarcocysts morphologically similar to Sarcocystis cruzi were observed in cardiac and skeletal striated muscles. The cardiac muscles of this calf were orally given to a puppy free of coccidia, that shed sporocysts in its feces.with a prepatent and patent period of 11 and 12 days after infection, respectively. To compare the morphology of the sporocysts and cysts, a second puppy was fed on bovine cardiac muscles infected naturally, and sporocysts identical to those shed by the first dog were recovered from its feces. In spite of the significant difference between sporocysts found in the mucosa of the crab-eating fox and those shed by the first and second puppies, the species observed in this study was considered to be Sarcocystis cruzi, based on size of the sporocyts, morphology of the cyst wall, and the pray-predator cycle.

• Sarcocystis cruzi sporocysts cysts crab-eating fox Cerdocyon thous dogs cattle

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Rodrigues J., Meireles G.S., Carvalho Filho P.R., Ribeiro C.T., Flausino W. & Lopes C.W.G. 2008. [Sarcocystis cruzi (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae) in the crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous).] Sarcocystis cruzi (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae) no cachorro-do-mato (Cerdocyon thous). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(11):561-564. Departamento de Parasitologia Animal, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: lopescwg@ufrrj.br Sporocysts of Sarcocystis were identified in feces samples of a crab-eating fox, and were orally given to a suckling calf; after 3 months of infection, sarcocysts morphologically similar to Sarcocystis cruzi were observed in cardiac and skeletal striated muscles. The cardiac muscles of this calf were orally given to a puppy free of coccidia, that shed sporocysts in its feces.with a prepatent and patent period of 11 and 12 days after infection, respectively. To compare the morphology of the sporocysts and cysts, a second puppy was fed on bovine cardiac muscles infected naturally, and sporocysts identical to those shed by the first dog were recovered from its feces. In spite of the significant difference between sporocysts found in the mucosa of the crab-eating fox and those shed by the first and second puppies, the species observed in this study was considered to be Sarcocystis cruzi, based on size of the sporocyts, morphology of the cyst wall, and the pray-predator cycle.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Munerato M.S., Zanetti E.S., Marques J.A. & Duarte J.M.B. 2008. Effects of laparoscopy on the cardiorespiratory system of brown brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira) anesthetized with ketamine/ xylazine/ midazolam combination and isoflurane. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(11):555-560. Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinária, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Via de Acesso Professor Paulo Donato Castellane s/n, Jaboticabal, SP 14884-900, Brazil. E-mail: marinamunerato@gmail.com Laparoscopy is not widely used as a tool to perform assisted reproduction techniques in South American cervids; thus, scarce information in literature is available regarding its effects and appropriate anesthetic protocols to perform it. This study evaluated the effect of laparoscopy on heart rate (HR), respiration rate (RR), saturation of oxyhemoglobin (SpO2) and rectal temperature (RT) of six female brown brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira) anesthetized with ketamine (5mg/kg), xylazine (0.3mg/kg), midazolam (0.5mg/kg) combination i.v. and isoflurane. Twelve laparoscopies were performed and each animal was used twice with a 40-day interval. After anesthetized, the animals were placed in dorsal recumbency to perform laparoscopy procedure using abdominal CO2 insufflations (14.2 ± 2.39mmHg; M ± SE). The main events of the laparoscopy procedure were divided into three periods: animal without (P1) and with abdominal insufflation (P2) and abdominal insufflation with the hips raised at 45° (P3). As a control, the animals were anesthetized again 40 days after the last laparoscopy, and were maintained in a dorsal recumbency for the same average duration of the previous anesthesia and no laparoscopy procedure was conducted. The period of anesthesia for the controls was also divided into P1, P2, and P3 considering the average duration of these periods in previous laparoscopies performed. Data were analyzed through the (ANOVA) variance analysis followed by Tukey test and values at P<0.05 were considered significant. No significant differences were observed in the parameters evaluated at P1, P2 and P3 between the animals submitted to laparoscopy and control. However, the RR mean between P1 (38.8 ± 4.42) and P3 (32.7 ± 4.81); and the RT mean between the P1 (38.2°C ± 0.17), P2 (37.6°C ± 0.19) and P3 (37.0°C ± 0.21) varied significantly, independent of the laparoscopy. These data indicated that laparoscopy didn’t cause any significant alterations in the cardiorespiratory parameters evaluated, even though the anesthetic protocol used can cause a reduction in the RT contributing to development of hypothermia during anesthesia.

• Abdominal insufflation capnoperitoneum cervids inhalatory anesthesia

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Munerato M.S., Zanetti E.S., Marques J.A. & Duarte J.M.B. 2008. Effects of laparoscopy on the cardiorespiratory system of brown brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira) anesthetized with ketamine/ xylazine/ midazolam combination and isoflurane. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(11):555-560. Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinária, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Via de Acesso Professor Paulo Donato Castellane s/n, Jaboticabal, SP 14884-900, Brazil. E-mail: marinamunerato@gmail.com Laparoscopy is not widely used as a tool to perform assisted reproduction techniques in South American cervids; thus, scarce information in literature is available regarding its effects and appropriate anesthetic protocols to perform it. This study evaluated the effect of laparoscopy on heart rate (HR), respiration rate (RR), saturation of oxyhemoglobin (SpO2) and rectal temperature (RT) of six female brown brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira) anesthetized with ketamine (5mg/kg), xylazine (0.3mg/kg), midazolam (0.5mg/kg) combination i.v. and isoflurane. Twelve laparoscopies were performed and each animal was used twice with a 40-day interval. After anesthetized, the animals were placed in dorsal recumbency to perform laparoscopy procedure using abdominal CO2 insufflations (14.2 ± 2.39mmHg; M ± SE). The main events of the laparoscopy procedure were divided into three periods: animal without (P1) and with abdominal insufflation (P2) and abdominal insufflation with the hips raised at 45° (P3). As a control, the animals were anesthetized again 40 days after the last laparoscopy, and were maintained in a dorsal recumbency for the same average duration of the previous anesthesia and no laparoscopy procedure was conducted. The period of anesthesia for the controls was also divided into P1, P2, and P3 considering the average duration of these periods in previous laparoscopies performed. Data were analyzed through the (ANOVA) variance analysis followed by Tukey test and values at P<0.05 were considered significant. No significant differences were observed in the parameters evaluated at P1, P2 and P3 between the animals submitted to laparoscopy and control. However, the RR mean between P1 (38.8 ± 4.42) and P3 (32.7 ± 4.81); and the RT mean between the P1 (38.2°C ± 0.17), P2 (37.6°C ± 0.19) and P3 (37.0°C ± 0.21) varied significantly, independent of the laparoscopy. These data indicated that laparoscopy didn’t cause any significant alterations in the cardiorespiratory parameters evaluated, even though the anesthetic protocol used can cause a reduction in the RT contributing to development of hypothermia during anesthesia.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Ramírez-Duarte W.F., Rondón-Barragán I.S. & Eslava-Mocha P.R. 2008. Acute toxicity and histopathological alterations of Roundup® herbicide on “cachama blanca” (Piaractus brachypomus). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(11):547-554. Insti-tuto de Acuicultura, Universidad de los Llanos, Apartado Aéreo 110, Km 4 vía Puerto López, vereda Barcelona, Villavicencio, Meta, Colombia. E-mail: wramirezduarte@yahoo.com.mx Acute toxicity of the glyphosate -N (phosphonomethyl) glycine- herbicide, Roundup®, in juveniles of cachama blanca, (Piaractus brachypomus), was evaluated and the histo-pathological lesions were assessed. The 96 h lethal concentration 50 was 97.47mg.L-1 (P<0.05). In the gill, necrotic and proliferative lesions were detected. In the liver, congestion, degenerative foci, hyaline droplets and lipidic vacuolization of the hepatocytes were observed. In the stomach mild hyperplasia of mucous cells was detected, which was also observed in the skin. In this latter tissue, a large increase in the thickness of the epidermis with necrotic lesions, infiltration of leukocytes and melanin pigment were observed. In the brain, degenerative foci of neuronal bodies in the telencephalon associated with gliosis and infiltration of eosinophilic granule cells/mast cells were shown. In conclusion, gills, liver, skin and brain are susceptible to Roundup®. Moreover, effects on the central nervous system could affect olfaction as well as individual and group behavior, the reproductive performance of the fish and hence have repercussions at the population level.

• Roundup® glyphosate acute toxicity histopathology Piaractus brachypomus

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Ramírez-Duarte W.F., Rondón-Barragán I.S. & Eslava-Mocha P.R. 2008. Acute toxicity and histopathological alterations of Roundup® herbicide on “cachama blanca” (Piaractus brachypomus). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(11):547-554. Insti-tuto de Acuicultura, Universidad de los Llanos, Apartado Aéreo 110, Km 4 vía Puerto López, vereda Barcelona, Villavicencio, Meta, Colombia. E-mail: wramirezduarte@yahoo.com.mx Acute toxicity of the glyphosate -N (phosphonomethyl) glycine- herbicide, Roundup®, in juveniles of cachama blanca, (Piaractus brachypomus), was evaluated and the histo-pathological lesions were assessed. The 96 h lethal concentration 50 was 97.47mg.L-1 (P<0.05). In the gill, necrotic and proliferative lesions were detected. In the liver, congestion, degenerative foci, hyaline droplets and lipidic vacuolization of the hepatocytes were observed. In the stomach mild hyperplasia of mucous cells was detected, which was also observed in the skin. In this latter tissue, a large increase in the thickness of the epidermis with necrotic lesions, infiltration of leukocytes and melanin pigment were observed. In the brain, degenerative foci of neuronal bodies in the telencephalon associated with gliosis and infiltration of eosinophilic granule cells/mast cells were shown. In conclusion, gills, liver, skin and brain are susceptible to Roundup®. Moreover, effects on the central nervous system could affect olfaction as well as individual and group behavior, the reproductive performance of the fish and hence have repercussions at the population level.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Juvenal J.C., Erdmann R.H., Moreira N., Moraes W., Cubas P.H., Delgado L.E.S., Carvalho A.L. & Pachaly J.R. 2008. [Chemical restraint of tigrinas, Leopardus tigrinus, for semen collection with allometrically scaled doses of tiletamine, zolazepam, and xylazine.] Contenção farmacológica de gato-do-mato-pequeno, Leopardus tigrinus, para colheita de sêmen, pela associação de tiletamina zolazepam e xilazina. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(11):541-546. Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Pa-ranaense, Cx. Postal 162, Umuarama, PR 87502-970, Brazil. E-mail: pachaly@uol.com.br This paper reports the anesthetic effects of the combination of tiletamine HCl, zolazepam HCl, and xylazine HCl in tigrinas, Leopardus tigrinus Schreber, 1775 (Fam. Felidae), submitted to semen collection by electroejaculation. Three different protocols and the individual anesthetic doses were calculated by interspecific allometric scaling, based on the usual recommendations for a 10.0 kg domestic dog: On Protocol 1 (n=10) the basis for calculation was 5.0mg/kg for tiletamine + zolazepam and 0.5mg/kg for xylazine; on Protocol 2 (n=12) 5.0mg/kg for tiletamine + zolazepam and 0.75mg/kg for xylazine; and on Protocol 3 (n=11) 5.0mg/kg for tiletamine + zolazepam and 1.0mg/kg for xylazine. The tigrinas were anesthetized on three different occasions with a minimum interval of 30 days. During 120 minutes after the drug administration cardiac and respiratory frequencies, rectal temperature, limb myorelaxation and sensitivity to deep pain were monitored. Latency period, anesthetic period, and contamination of the semen with urine were also monitored. From a total of 32 collections, 10 samples (31.2%) and 18 aliquots (0.07%) were contaminated and rejected, but this episodes were not detrimental for semen analysis and processing. A discrete increase in rectal temperature during electroejaculation caused by muscle contraction, followed by temperature decrease, was observed. Cardiac and respiratory frequency varied during the experiment, but remained within physiological standards for the species. The three tested protocols showed to be safe and effective to produce analgesia and anesthesia in L. tigrinus during semen collection by electroejaculation.

• Chemical restraint anesthesia tigrina Leopardus tigrinus allometric scaling semen collection

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Juvenal J.C., Erdmann R.H., Moreira N., Moraes W., Cubas P.H., Delgado L.E.S., Carvalho A.L. & Pachaly J.R. 2008. [Chemical restraint of tigrinas, Leopardus tigrinus, for semen collection with allometrically scaled doses of tiletamine, zolazepam, and xylazine.] Contenção farmacológica de gato-do-mato-pequeno, Leopardus tigrinus, para colheita de sêmen, pela associação de tiletamina zolazepam e xilazina. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(11):541-546. Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Pa-ranaense, Cx. Postal 162, Umuarama, PR 87502-970, Brazil. E-mail: pachaly@uol.com.br This paper reports the anesthetic effects of the combination of tiletamine HCl, zolazepam HCl, and xylazine HCl in tigrinas, Leopardus tigrinus Schreber, 1775 (Fam. Felidae), submitted to semen collection by electroejaculation. Three different protocols and the individual anesthetic doses were calculated by interspecific allometric scaling, based on the usual recommendations for a 10.0 kg domestic dog: On Protocol 1 (n=10) the basis for calculation was 5.0mg/kg for tiletamine + zolazepam and 0.5mg/kg for xylazine; on Protocol 2 (n=12) 5.0mg/kg for tiletamine + zolazepam and 0.75mg/kg for xylazine; and on Protocol 3 (n=11) 5.0mg/kg for tiletamine + zolazepam and 1.0mg/kg for xylazine. The tigrinas were anesthetized on three different occasions with a minimum interval of 30 days. During 120 minutes after the drug administration cardiac and respiratory frequencies, rectal temperature, limb myorelaxation and sensitivity to deep pain were monitored. Latency period, anesthetic period, and contamination of the semen with urine were also monitored. From a total of 32 collections, 10 samples (31.2%) and 18 aliquots (0.07%) were contaminated and rejected, but this episodes were not detrimental for semen analysis and processing. A discrete increase in rectal temperature during electroejaculation caused by muscle contraction, followed by temperature decrease, was observed. Cardiac and respiratory frequency varied during the experiment, but remained within physiological standards for the species. The three tested protocols showed to be safe and effective to produce analgesia and anesthesia in L. tigrinus during semen collection by electroejaculation.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Peixoto P.V., Ribeiro C.T., Bezerra Jr P.S., Driemeier D. & França T.N. 2008. Proliferative enteropathy (Lawsonia intracellularis) outbreak in rabbits in Brazil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(10):447-451. Departamento de Nutrição Animal e Pastagem, Instituto de Zootecnia, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: pfpeixoto@terra.com.br An outbreak of Lawsonia intracellularis infection in rabbits, which occurred in 1988 in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, is reported. The disease had an acute course (24-48 hours) with clinical signs characterized by brownish or green diarrhea and dehydration. Occasionally, the animals died one day after the onset of diarrhea, without showing any other clinical signs. At necropsy, the ileum was prominent, firm and had a thickened wall; it was dilated in the caudal direction and had a somewhat reticulated appearance, perceptible through the serosa. The thickened mucous membrane had finely corrugated aspect and a shiny surface. The ileocecal valve and surrounding areas were slightly edematous and irregular. The Peyer’s patches were sometimes more evident. There was moderate enlargement of the mesenteric lymph nodes. The histological examination revealed different degrees of hyperplasia of the epithelial cells of intestinal crypts consisting of poorly differentiated, hyperchromatic cells with high mitotic index, arranged in a pseudostratified layer which, in some cases, reached the apical portions of the villi. The inflammatory infiltrate between the hyperplastic epithelial cells was composed of lymphocytes, plasma cells, macrophages, some eosinophils and globular leukocytes. Silver impregnation revealed large numbers of bacteria with morphology of the genus Lawsonia in the apical pole of cryptal enterocytes. These bacteria reacted positively to a Lawsonia intracellularis polyclonal antibody by the avidin-biotin immunohistochemistry method.

• Lawsonia intracellularis proliferative enteropathy rabbits Brazil

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Peixoto P.V., Ribeiro C.T., Bezerra Jr P.S., Driemeier D. & França T.N. 2008. Proliferative enteropathy (Lawsonia intracellularis) outbreak in rabbits in Brazil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(10):447-451. Departamento de Nutrição Animal e Pastagem, Instituto de Zootecnia, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: pfpeixoto@terra.com.br An outbreak of Lawsonia intracellularis infection in rabbits, which occurred in 1988 in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, is reported. The disease had an acute course (24-48 hours) with clinical signs characterized by brownish or green diarrhea and dehydration. Occasionally, the animals died one day after the onset of diarrhea, without showing any other clinical signs. At necropsy, the ileum was prominent, firm and had a thickened wall; it was dilated in the caudal direction and had a somewhat reticulated appearance, perceptible through the serosa. The thickened mucous membrane had finely corrugated aspect and a shiny surface. The ileocecal valve and surrounding areas were slightly edematous and irregular. The Peyer’s patches were sometimes more evident. There was moderate enlargement of the mesenteric lymph nodes. The histological examination revealed different degrees of hyperplasia of the epithelial cells of intestinal crypts consisting of poorly differentiated, hyperchromatic cells with high mitotic index, arranged in a pseudostratified layer which, in some cases, reached the apical portions of the villi. The inflammatory infiltrate between the hyperplastic epithelial cells was composed of lymphocytes, plasma cells, macrophages, some eosinophils and globular leukocytes. Silver impregnation revealed large numbers of bacteria with morphology of the genus Lawsonia in the apical pole of cryptal enterocytes. These bacteria reacted positively to a Lawsonia intracellularis polyclonal antibody by the avidin-biotin immunohistochemistry method.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Feitosa F.L.F., Shimamura M.G., Roberto T., Mendes L.C.N., Peiró J.R., Feres F,C., Bovino, F., Perri S.H.V. & Meireles M.V. 2008. [Importance of Cryptospori-dium spp. as a cause of diarrhea in calves.] Importância de Cryptosporidium spp. como causa de diarréia em bezerros. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(10):452-456. Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Campus de Araçatuba, Rua Clóvis Pestana 793, Araçatuba, SP 16050-680, Brazil. E-mail: leydsonf@fmva.unesp.br The aim of this research was to evaluate the shedding of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts in fecal samples from 14 calves from one dairy farm, from birth until 60 days old and from cows until eight weeks after parturition. The higher percentage of oocysts excreted was observed in 7-day-old calves. In the post-partum period 43.7% of cows were positive for Cryptosporidium oocysts. Further analyses were accomplished in 57 calves from another 32 milk farms, previously known as positive for Cryptosporidium, through oocysts fecal screening and clinical signs analyses until calves were 30 days old. Fecal samples from all animals that presented diarrhea were screened for the presence of bacteria, virus (Rotavirus and Coronavirus ) and protozoa (Eimeria spp.).

• Calves cows cryptosporidiosis Cryptosporidium spp

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Feitosa F.L.F., Shimamura M.G., Roberto T., Mendes L.C.N., Peiró J.R., Feres F,C., Bovino, F., Perri S.H.V. & Meireles M.V. 2008. [Importance of Cryptospori-dium spp. as a cause of diarrhea in calves.] Importância de Cryptosporidium spp. como causa de diarréia em bezerros. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(10):452-456. Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Campus de Araçatuba, Rua Clóvis Pestana 793, Araçatuba, SP 16050-680, Brazil. E-mail: leydsonf@fmva.unesp.br The aim of this research was to evaluate the shedding of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts in fecal samples from 14 calves from one dairy farm, from birth until 60 days old and from cows until eight weeks after parturition. The higher percentage of oocysts excreted was observed in 7-day-old calves. In the post-partum period 43.7% of cows were positive for Cryptosporidium oocysts. Further analyses were accomplished in 57 calves from another 32 milk farms, previously known as positive for Cryptosporidium, through oocysts fecal screening and clinical signs analyses until calves were 30 days old. Fecal samples from all animals that presented diarrhea were screened for the presence of bacteria, virus (Rotavirus and Coronavirus ) and protozoa (Eimeria spp.).

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Vasconcelos J.S., Riet-Correa F., Dantas A.F., Medeiros R.M.T. & Dantas A.J.A. 2008. [Sudden deaths caused by Palicourea aeneofusca (Rubiaceae) and Mascagnia rigida (Malpighiaceae) in cattle in the Zona da Mata of Paraíba.] Mortes súbitas em bovinos causadas por Palicourea aeneofusca (Rubiaceae) e Mascagnia rigida (Malpighiaceae) na Zona da Mata Paraibana. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(10):457-460. Hospital Veterinário, CSTR, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Patos, PB 58700-000, Brazil. E-mail: franklin.riet@pq.cnpq.br. This paper reports an outbreak of poisoning by Palicourea aeneofusca in cattle, in the municipality of Jacaraú, and another by Mascagnia rigida in the municipality of Sapé. Both outbreaks occurred in the Zona da Mata of Paraíba, where there are no previous reports of poisoning by toxic plants causing sudden death associated to exercise. The toxicity of both plants was tested in rabbits. The lethal dose was of 3g per kg body weight (g/kg) for fresh P. aeneofusca and 10g/kg for fresh Mascagnia rigida. On the farm where the poisoning by P. aeneofusca was observed, M. rigida also was found. The farmer reported that this plant also caused sudden death previously. M. rigida collected on that farm and given dried to rabbits caused death at the dose of 10gkg. The poisoning by P. aeneofusca in cattle had been previously reported in the Zona da Mata and Agreste of Pernambuco and east of Bahia. There are also numerous farmers’ reports about the occurrence of the poisoning in the Zona da Mata of Alagoas, suggesting that it occurs in the whole coastal region, from Bahia to Paraíba. M. rigida is the most important toxic plant for cattle in the Brazilian semiarid. The results of this paper demonstrate that this plant poisoning also occurs in the tropical wet climate of the Zona da Mata.

• Toxic plants Palicourea aeneofusca Mascagnia rigida cattle rabbits plant poisoning fluoroacetic acid cardiac failure

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Vasconcelos J.S., Riet-Correa F., Dantas A.F., Medeiros R.M.T. & Dantas A.J.A. 2008. [Sudden deaths caused by Palicourea aeneofusca (Rubiaceae) and Mascagnia rigida (Malpighiaceae) in cattle in the Zona da Mata of Paraíba.] Mortes súbitas em bovinos causadas por Palicourea aeneofusca (Rubiaceae) e Mascagnia rigida (Malpighiaceae) na Zona da Mata Paraibana. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(10):457-460. Hospital Veterinário, CSTR, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Patos, PB 58700-000, Brazil. E-mail: franklin.riet@pq.cnpq.br. This paper reports an outbreak of poisoning by Palicourea aeneofusca in cattle, in the municipality of Jacaraú, and another by Mascagnia rigida in the municipality of Sapé. Both outbreaks occurred in the Zona da Mata of Paraíba, where there are no previous reports of poisoning by toxic plants causing sudden death associated to exercise. The toxicity of both plants was tested in rabbits. The lethal dose was of 3g per kg body weight (g/kg) for fresh P. aeneofusca and 10g/kg for fresh Mascagnia rigida. On the farm where the poisoning by P. aeneofusca was observed, M. rigida also was found. The farmer reported that this plant also caused sudden death previously. M. rigida collected on that farm and given dried to rabbits caused death at the dose of 10gkg. The poisoning by P. aeneofusca in cattle had been previously reported in the Zona da Mata and Agreste of Pernambuco and east of Bahia. There are also numerous farmers’ reports about the occurrence of the poisoning in the Zona da Mata of Alagoas, suggesting that it occurs in the whole coastal region, from Bahia to Paraíba. M. rigida is the most important toxic plant for cattle in the Brazilian semiarid. The results of this paper demonstrate that this plant poisoning also occurs in the tropical wet climate of the Zona da Mata.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Arenhart S., Silva L.F., Henzel A., Ferreira R., Weiblen R. & Flores E.F. 2008. [Fetal protection against bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in pregnant cows previously immunized with an experimental attenuated vaccine.] Proteção fetal contra o vírus da diarréia viral bovina (BVDV) em vacas prenhes previamente imunizadas com uma vacina experimental atenuada. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(10):461-470. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Centro de Ciências Rurais, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: flores@ccr.ufsm.br This paper reports the antibody response and fetal protection in pregnant cows conferred by an experimental vaccine containing two attenuated strains of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV-1 and BVDV-2). Cows (n=19) were vaccinated twice, with a 34-days-interval, with the experimental vaccine and together with non-vaccinated controls (n=18), were mated and challenged between days 60 and 90 of gestation by intranasal inoculation of four heterologous BVDV-1 and BVDV-2 isolates. The antibody response was evaluated by serum-neutralization tests performed at different intervals after vaccination (days 34, 78 and 138 post-vaccination [pv]). Fetal protection was monitored by ultrassonographic and clinical examination of the dams and fetuses during the rest of gestation; and through virological and serological examination of pre-colostral blood obtained from aborted and/or recently born fetuses/calves. At the day of challenge (day 138 pv), all vaccinated cows had neutralizing antibodies in high titers against BVDV-1 (1,280- ³10,240), and with one exception (titer 20), presented moderate to high titers to BVDV-2 (80-1,280). At the end of the monitoring, only three out of 18 control cows (16.6%) delivered healthy, virus-free calves. Fifteen non-vaccinated cows (83.3%) presented signs of fetal infection and/or had reproductive losses. Seven of these cows (38.8%) delivered virus-positive calves; five were healthy and survived (27.7%); two were premature or weak and lasted three and 15 days, respectively. The other eight cows (44.4%) aborted between day 30 post-challenge and the parturition; or delivered premature or stillbirth calves. In contrast, 17 out of 19 (89.4%) vaccinated cows delivery virus-free, healthy calves. One vaccinated cow aborted around day 130 post-challenge, yet this fetus could not be examined for the presence of virus. Another cow delivered a virus-positive calf (5.2%). In summary, the experimental vaccine induced adequate antibody titers in most animals and the immunological response induced by vaccination was able to prevent fetal infection and reproductive losses upon challenge with a pool of heterologous BVDV isolates. Hence, this experimental vaccine may be an attractive alternative for the prevention of reproductive losses associated with BVDV infection.

• Bovine viral diarrhea virus BVDV experimental vaccine fetal protection

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Arenhart S., Silva L.F., Henzel A., Ferreira R., Weiblen R. & Flores E.F. 2008. [Fetal protection against bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in pregnant cows previously immunized with an experimental attenuated vaccine.] Proteção fetal contra o vírus da diarréia viral bovina (BVDV) em vacas prenhes previamente imunizadas com uma vacina experimental atenuada. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(10):461-470. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Centro de Ciências Rurais, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: flores@ccr.ufsm.br This paper reports the antibody response and fetal protection in pregnant cows conferred by an experimental vaccine containing two attenuated strains of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV-1 and BVDV-2). Cows (n=19) were vaccinated twice, with a 34-days-interval, with the experimental vaccine and together with non-vaccinated controls (n=18), were mated and challenged between days 60 and 90 of gestation by intranasal inoculation of four heterologous BVDV-1 and BVDV-2 isolates. The antibody response was evaluated by serum-neutralization tests performed at different intervals after vaccination (days 34, 78 and 138 post-vaccination [pv]). Fetal protection was monitored by ultrassonographic and clinical examination of the dams and fetuses during the rest of gestation; and through virological and serological examination of pre-colostral blood obtained from aborted and/or recently born fetuses/calves. At the day of challenge (day 138 pv), all vaccinated cows had neutralizing antibodies in high titers against BVDV-1 (1,280- ³10,240), and with one exception (titer 20), presented moderate to high titers to BVDV-2 (80-1,280). At the end of the monitoring, only three out of 18 control cows (16.6%) delivered healthy, virus-free calves. Fifteen non-vaccinated cows (83.3%) presented signs of fetal infection and/or had reproductive losses. Seven of these cows (38.8%) delivered virus-positive calves; five were healthy and survived (27.7%); two were premature or weak and lasted three and 15 days, respectively. The other eight cows (44.4%) aborted between day 30 post-challenge and the parturition; or delivered premature or stillbirth calves. In contrast, 17 out of 19 (89.4%) vaccinated cows delivery virus-free, healthy calves. One vaccinated cow aborted around day 130 post-challenge, yet this fetus could not be examined for the presence of virus. Another cow delivered a virus-positive calf (5.2%). In summary, the experimental vaccine induced adequate antibody titers in most animals and the immunological response induced by vaccination was able to prevent fetal infection and reproductive losses upon challenge with a pool of heterologous BVDV isolates. Hence, this experimental vaccine may be an attractive alternative for the prevention of reproductive losses associated with BVDV infection.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Asanome W., Koller F.L., Nottar E., Carregaro F.B., Corrêa A.M.R., Zlotowski P., Driemeier D. & Barcellos D.E.S.N. 2008. [Association between bacterial otitis and porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) infection in pigs.] Associação entre otites bacterianas e infecção pelo circovírus suíno tipo 2 (PCV2) em suínos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(10):471-476. Setor de Suínos, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davidbarcellos@terra.com.br The occurrence and bacteriology of purulent otitis in groups of pigs affected by three different clinical conditions are described: postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS), depressed growth (attrition) and normal growth (control). A total of 385 animals, 60-130 days of age, were examined. Diagnosis of PMWS was confirmed by the presence of clinical signs and pathological findings compatible with the disease, and through detection of viral antigens in tissues by immunohistochemistry. From 242 pigs with PMWS, 57 (23.5%) showed purulent lesions in the middle ear. Among 119 pigs with attrition, only 1 (0.7%) presented the lesion. In 24 control pigs, middle ear lesions were not detected. The most frequently isolated agents from the lesions were Arcanobacterium pyogenes (43%), á–hemolytic Streptococci (37.2%) and Pasteurella multocida (27.9 %) out of 86 materials. The frequent occurrence of purulent lesions in the middle ear of PMWS affected pigs suggests that PCV2 infection may increase the susceptibility to bacterial otitis. The low occurrence of this disease in piglets with attrition suggests that otitis does not represent a significant cause for depressed growth in pigs from growing and finishing age. The isolation of A. pyogenes, á-hemolytic Streptococci and P. multocida from most of the lesions emphasizes the importance of these organisms as causal agents of otitis media in swine.

• Otitis media PCV2 PMWS PCVAD growth depression attrition bacteriology swine

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Asanome W., Koller F.L., Nottar E., Carregaro F.B., Corrêa A.M.R., Zlotowski P., Driemeier D. & Barcellos D.E.S.N. 2008. [Association between bacterial otitis and porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) infection in pigs.] Associação entre otites bacterianas e infecção pelo circovírus suíno tipo 2 (PCV2) em suínos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(10):471-476. Setor de Suínos, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davidbarcellos@terra.com.br The occurrence and bacteriology of purulent otitis in groups of pigs affected by three different clinical conditions are described: postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS), depressed growth (attrition) and normal growth (control). A total of 385 animals, 60-130 days of age, were examined. Diagnosis of PMWS was confirmed by the presence of clinical signs and pathological findings compatible with the disease, and through detection of viral antigens in tissues by immunohistochemistry. From 242 pigs with PMWS, 57 (23.5%) showed purulent lesions in the middle ear. Among 119 pigs with attrition, only 1 (0.7%) presented the lesion. In 24 control pigs, middle ear lesions were not detected. The most frequently isolated agents from the lesions were Arcanobacterium pyogenes (43%), á–hemolytic Streptococci (37.2%) and Pasteurella multocida (27.9 %) out of 86 materials. The frequent occurrence of purulent lesions in the middle ear of PMWS affected pigs suggests that PCV2 infection may increase the susceptibility to bacterial otitis. The low occurrence of this disease in piglets with attrition suggests that otitis does not represent a significant cause for depressed growth in pigs from growing and finishing age. The isolation of A. pyogenes, á-hemolytic Streptococci and P. multocida from most of the lesions emphasizes the importance of these organisms as causal agents of otitis media in swine.