PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

Vargas A.C., Costa M.M., Groff A.C.M., Viana L.R., Krewer C.C., Spricigo D.A. & Kirinus J.K. 2005. [Antimicrobial susceptibility of Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis isolated from cattle.] Susceptibilidade antimicrobiana de Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis isolado de bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(1):1-3. Laboratório de Bacteriologia do Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: agueda@ccr.ufsm.br Venereal campylobacteriosis is associated with infection of Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus and Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis. The etiological agent is transmitted by natural bull breeding or artificial insemination using contaminated semen. The present study aimed to determine the in vitro susceptibility of C. fetus subsp. venerealis isolates to antimicrobial drugs generally used in clinical and semen treatment. Reference strains of C. fetus subsp. fetus and C. fetus subsp. venerealis and 21 C. fetus isolates were tested. The susceptibility test was performed by using the modified Kirby-Bauer diffusion disc method. C. fetus subsp. fetus reference strain was resistant to lincomycin and penicillin. C. fetus subsp. venerealis was susceptible to all antimicrobial tested, with exception to C.C. KrewerDnalidixic acid. C. fetus subsp. venerealis samples were sensible to amikacin, ampicillin, cefalotin, streptomycin, gentamycin, penicillin and tetracycline. Drug resistance was observed on 42.86% of lincomycin, 4,76 % of enrofloxacin, and 100% to nalidixic acid. In addition 4.76% of the isolates showed intermediate susceptibility to enrofloxacin, neomycin, polimixin B and 9.52% to lincomycin. The susceptibility of C. fetus isolates to antimicrobial drugs commonly used in clinical and semen treatment was demonstrated.

• Campylobacteriosis cattle semen antibiomicrobials.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Vargas A.C., Costa M.M., Groff A.C.M., Viana L.R., Krewer C.C., Spricigo D.A. & Kirinus J.K. 2005. [Antimicrobial susceptibility of Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis isolated from cattle.] Susceptibilidade antimicrobiana de Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis isolado de bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(1):1-3. Laboratório de Bacteriologia do Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: agueda@ccr.ufsm.br Venereal campylobacteriosis is associated with infection of Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus and Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis. The etiological agent is transmitted by natural bull breeding or artificial insemination using contaminated semen. The present study aimed to determine the in vitro susceptibility of C. fetus subsp. venerealis isolates to antimicrobial drugs generally used in clinical and semen treatment. Reference strains of C. fetus subsp. fetus and C. fetus subsp. venerealis and 21 C. fetus isolates were tested. The susceptibility test was performed by using the modified Kirby-Bauer diffusion disc method. C. fetus subsp. fetus reference strain was resistant to lincomycin and penicillin. C. fetus subsp. venerealis was susceptible to all antimicrobial tested, with exception to C.C. KrewerDnalidixic acid. C. fetus subsp. venerealis samples were sensible to amikacin, ampicillin, cefalotin, streptomycin, gentamycin, penicillin and tetracycline. Drug resistance was observed on 42.86% of lincomycin, 4,76 % of enrofloxacin, and 100% to nalidixic acid. In addition 4.76% of the isolates showed intermediate susceptibility to enrofloxacin, neomycin, polimixin B and 9.52% to lincomycin. The susceptibility of C. fetus isolates to antimicrobial drugs commonly used in clinical and semen treatment was demonstrated.

Abstract in English:

Amaral L.A, Isa H., Dias L.T., Rossi Jr. O.D. & Nader Filho A. 2004. [Efficiency of the disinfection of teatcups and teats during mechanic milking of dairy cows.] Avaliação da eficiência da desinfecção de teteiras e dos tetos no processo de ordenha mecânica de vacas. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(4):173-177. FCAV, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane s/n, Jaboticabal, SP 14884-900, Brazil. E-mail: lamaral@fcav.unesp.br The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the efficiency of the teatcup disinfection process by immersion into a disinfectant solution, using sodium hypochlorite and organic chlorine, to verify the residual chlorine dynamics in both solutions during milking time, and to evaluate three premilking disinfection methods: immersion, spray and sponge. Total coliforms, fecal coliforms, Staphylococcus sp and mesophilic microorganism counting was done. The results showed that the disinfecting clusters between individual cows, using immersion in sodium hypochlorite or organic chlorine solutions with a concentration of 150ppm, was not efficient for the rubber teatcup microorganism reduction. The organic chlorine solution showed more stability. Teatcup is a potential microorganism vehicle for milk and the mammary gland. Disinfection of the teats reduced the number of the microorganisms studied in all treatments, showing to be a simple method that can be used to reduce the microrganism transmission risks during milking and to increase the microbial quality of the milk.

• Disinfection milking chlorine teatcups pre-dipping.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Amaral L.A, Isa H., Dias L.T., Rossi Jr. O.D. & Nader Filho A. 2004. [Efficiency of the disinfection of teatcups and teats during mechanic milking of dairy cows.] Avaliação da eficiência da desinfecção de teteiras e dos tetos no processo de ordenha mecânica de vacas. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(4):173-177. FCAV, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane s/n, Jaboticabal, SP 14884-900, Brazil. E-mail: lamaral@fcav.unesp.br The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the efficiency of the teatcup disinfection process by immersion into a disinfectant solution, using sodium hypochlorite and organic chlorine, to verify the residual chlorine dynamics in both solutions during milking time, and to evaluate three premilking disinfection methods: immersion, spray and sponge. Total coliforms, fecal coliforms, Staphylococcus sp and mesophilic microorganism counting was done. The results showed that the disinfecting clusters between individual cows, using immersion in sodium hypochlorite or organic chlorine solutions with a concentration of 150ppm, was not efficient for the rubber teatcup microorganism reduction. The organic chlorine solution showed more stability. Teatcup is a potential microorganism vehicle for milk and the mammary gland. Disinfection of the teats reduced the number of the microorganisms studied in all treatments, showing to be a simple method that can be used to reduce the microrganism transmission risks during milking and to increase the microbial quality of the milk.

Abstract in English:

Minho A.P., Navarro I.T., Freire R.L., Vidotto O., Gennari S.M., Marana E.M. & Garcia J.L. 2004. Evaluation of the indirect fluorescent antibody test and modified agglutination test for detection of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii in experimentally infected pigs. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(4):199-202. Depto Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Cx. Postal 6001, Londrina, PR 86050-970, Brazil. E-mail: italmar@uel.br The study determined the sensitivity and specificity of the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and modified agglutination test (MAT) for anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibody detection by analyzing sera from 46 experimentally infected pigs. Values for sensitivity were 95.7% (confidence interval 95%: 84.0-99.2%) and for specificity 97.8% (confidence interval 95%: 87.0-99.9%) in both tests. There was an optimum agreement of results between IFAT and MAT evidenced by a Kappa test of 0.86. These results validate these tests for the detection of T. gondii infection in pigs. IFAT and MAT despite methodologies with different characteristics and readings have similar accuracy in pig serum samples.

• Toxoplasma gondii swine antibodies serology indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) modified agglutination test (MAT).

Abstract in Portuguese:

Minho A.P., Navarro I.T., Freire R.L., Vidotto O., Gennari S.M., Marana E.M. & Garcia J.L. 2004. Evaluation of the indirect fluorescent antibody test and modified agglutination test for detection of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii in experimentally infected pigs. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(4):199-202. Depto Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Cx. Postal 6001, Londrina, PR 86050-970, Brazil. E-mail: italmar@uel.br The study determined the sensitivity and specificity of the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and modified agglutination test (MAT) for anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibody detection by analyzing sera from 46 experimentally infected pigs. Values for sensitivity were 95.7% (confidence interval 95%: 84.0-99.2%) and for specificity 97.8% (confidence interval 95%: 87.0-99.9%) in both tests. There was an optimum agreement of results between IFAT and MAT evidenced by a Kappa test of 0.86. These results validate these tests for the detection of T. gondii infection in pigs. IFAT and MAT despite methodologies with different characteristics and readings have similar accuracy in pig serum samples.

Abstract in English:

Alves A.L., Madureira R.C., Silva R.A., Corrêa F.N. & Botteon R.C.C.M. 2004. [Frequency of antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi in dogs from the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro.] Freqüência de anticorpos contra Borrelia burgdorferi em cães na região metropolitana do Rio de Janeiro. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24 (4):203-206. Depto Medicina e Cirurgia Veterinária, Inst. Veterinária, UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ 23851-970, Brazil. E-mail: fabiolanc@ig.com.br Lyme disease is a worldwide zoonosis caused by Borrelia burgdorferi (Spirochaetae) and transmitted through ticks (Ixodidae). Many species of domestic and wild animals are affected. The dog is an important reservoir in the domiciliary environment. The disease affects the joints and causes alterations in other organs. Blood serum samples from 143 dogs, living in the counties of Seropédica, Itaguaí and Rio de Janeiro, were analyzed with the indirect ELISA test, to search for antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi latu sensu. Average positive results were 48.25%, 41.9% in Seropédica, 4.9% in Itaguaí and 1.4% in Rio de Janeiro. The titres varied from 1:400 to 1:6400. The prevalence was lower (p< 0.05) in dogs up to one year of age than in older dogs, with significant difference. Between males and females was no statistical difference with positives titres. The result of this survey should draw attention to the occurrence of Borrelia sp in the area studied, considering the importance of Lyme disease as an emerging zoonosis.

• Borrelia burgdorferi Spirochaetae dogs enzyme immunoassay serology.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Alves A.L., Madureira R.C., Silva R.A., Corrêa F.N. & Botteon R.C.C.M. 2004. [Frequency of antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi in dogs from the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro.] Freqüência de anticorpos contra Borrelia burgdorferi em cães na região metropolitana do Rio de Janeiro. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24 (4):203-206. Depto Medicina e Cirurgia Veterinária, Inst. Veterinária, UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ 23851-970, Brazil. E-mail: fabiolanc@ig.com.br Lyme disease is a worldwide zoonosis caused by Borrelia burgdorferi (Spirochaetae) and transmitted through ticks (Ixodidae). Many species of domestic and wild animals are affected. The dog is an important reservoir in the domiciliary environment. The disease affects the joints and causes alterations in other organs. Blood serum samples from 143 dogs, living in the counties of Seropédica, Itaguaí and Rio de Janeiro, were analyzed with the indirect ELISA test, to search for antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi latu sensu. Average positive results were 48.25%, 41.9% in Seropédica, 4.9% in Itaguaí and 1.4% in Rio de Janeiro. The titres varied from 1:400 to 1:6400. The prevalence was lower (p< 0.05) in dogs up to one year of age than in older dogs, with significant difference. Between males and females was no statistical difference with positives titres. The result of this survey should draw attention to the occurrence of Borrelia sp in the area studied, considering the importance of Lyme disease as an emerging zoonosis.

Abstract in English:

Zlotowski P., Corrêa A. M. R., Rozza D. B., Driemeier D., Mallmann C. A. & Migliavacca F.A. 2004. [Swine aflatoxicosis outbreak in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.] Surto de aflatoxicose em suínos no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(4):207-210. Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Depto Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veteri-nária, UFRGS, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Cx. Postal 15094, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@vortex.ufrgs.br An outbreak of aflatoxicosis in a swine herd, which occurred in fall 2004 in the county of Sentinela do Sul, RS, is described. The corn, which contained the micotoxin and has been used to feed the animals, was produced and processed on the farm. Seven sows and 8 growing pigs died, and 2 cases of abortion were reported. The clinical signs observed were apathy, anorexia, icterus, yellowish urine stained with blood, and photosensitization. Gamma glutamyltransferase and total bilirubin were elevated in the 4 pigs on which post-mortem examination was done. The main macroscopic findings were generalized icterus, an orange-yellow liver, edema of the gall bladder wall and yellowish effusion in the abdominal and pericardial cavities. The most important microscopic changes were found in the liver and included tumefaction, degeneration and individual necrosis of the parenchyme, with ductal proliferation and cholestasis. The diagnosis was based on the clinical signs, macroscopic and histological findings and on the high levels of B1 aflatoxin found in the corn and ration.

• Mycotoxins aflatoxicosis hepatotoxicosis swine pathology.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Zlotowski P., Corrêa A. M. R., Rozza D. B., Driemeier D., Mallmann C. A. & Migliavacca F.A. 2004. [Swine aflatoxicosis outbreak in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.] Surto de aflatoxicose em suínos no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(4):207-210. Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Depto Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veteri-nária, UFRGS, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Cx. Postal 15094, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@vortex.ufrgs.br An outbreak of aflatoxicosis in a swine herd, which occurred in fall 2004 in the county of Sentinela do Sul, RS, is described. The corn, which contained the micotoxin and has been used to feed the animals, was produced and processed on the farm. Seven sows and 8 growing pigs died, and 2 cases of abortion were reported. The clinical signs observed were apathy, anorexia, icterus, yellowish urine stained with blood, and photosensitization. Gamma glutamyltransferase and total bilirubin were elevated in the 4 pigs on which post-mortem examination was done. The main macroscopic findings were generalized icterus, an orange-yellow liver, edema of the gall bladder wall and yellowish effusion in the abdominal and pericardial cavities. The most important microscopic changes were found in the liver and included tumefaction, degeneration and individual necrosis of the parenchyme, with ductal proliferation and cholestasis. The diagnosis was based on the clinical signs, macroscopic and histological findings and on the high levels of B1 aflatoxin found in the corn and ration.

Abstract in English:

Traverso S.D., Correa A.M.R., Schmitz M., Colodel E.M. & Driemeier D. 2004 [Experimental poisoning by Trema micrantha (Ulmaceae) in cattle.] Intoxicação experi-mental por Trema micrantha (Ulmaceae) em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(4):211-216. Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Depto Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veteriná-ria, UFRGS, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@vortex.ufrgs.br Leaves of Trema micrantha were orally given to 13 cattle. Ten animals received green leaves in a single dose, two animals received green leaves in fractionated doses, and one received the dried leaves in a single dose. Eight animals showed clinical signs and six of them died. Clinical signs were observed 16 hours after administration and included apathy, anorexia, drooling, progressive weakness, coma and death. Neurological signs as pressing the head against obstacles and head shaking were observed in four animals . Death occurred between 67 and 153 hours after the end of plant ingestion. The main gross lesions were observed in the liver, and included friable consistency, pronounced lobular pattern and areas of haemorrhages. The liver of one bovine was homogeneously dark reddened. Petechial hemorrhages in serosal membranes and edema in the gall bladder were frequently seen. Pale kidneys with red spots in the cortex were observed in one animal. Microscopically, the most striking lesion in the liver was massive coagulative necrosis, associated with centrolobular haemorrhages, observed in four animals. In the liver of one bovine centrolobular necrosis was observed . Tubular renal necrosis was noted in two animals. Additional microscopic lesions were found in the central nervous system of five bovines, especially in the frontal cortex, and included perineuronal and perivascular edema with basophilia and retraction of the neurons. T T. micrantha caused clinical signs with 50g/kg and death with doses of 54g/kg or higher. The fractionated administration of the green leaves as well as the dried leaves did not cause poisoning.

• Poisonous plants plant poisoning Trema micrantha Ulmaceae cattle liver necrosis.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Traverso S.D., Correa A.M.R., Schmitz M., Colodel E.M. & Driemeier D. 2004 [Experimental poisoning by Trema micrantha (Ulmaceae) in cattle.] Intoxicação experi-mental por Trema micrantha (Ulmaceae) em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(4):211-216. Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Depto Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veteriná-ria, UFRGS, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@vortex.ufrgs.br Leaves of Trema micrantha were orally given to 13 cattle. Ten animals received green leaves in a single dose, two animals received green leaves in fractionated doses, and one received the dried leaves in a single dose. Eight animals showed clinical signs and six of them died. Clinical signs were observed 16 hours after administration and included apathy, anorexia, drooling, progressive weakness, coma and death. Neurological signs as pressing the head against obstacles and head shaking were observed in four animals . Death occurred between 67 and 153 hours after the end of plant ingestion. The main gross lesions were observed in the liver, and included friable consistency, pronounced lobular pattern and areas of haemorrhages. The liver of one bovine was homogeneously dark reddened. Petechial hemorrhages in serosal membranes and edema in the gall bladder were frequently seen. Pale kidneys with red spots in the cortex were observed in one animal. Microscopically, the most striking lesion in the liver was massive coagulative necrosis, associated with centrolobular haemorrhages, observed in four animals. In the liver of one bovine centrolobular necrosis was observed . Tubular renal necrosis was noted in two animals. Additional microscopic lesions were found in the central nervous system of five bovines, especially in the frontal cortex, and included perineuronal and perivascular edema with basophilia and retraction of the neurons. T T. micrantha caused clinical signs with 50g/kg and death with doses of 54g/kg or higher. The fractionated administration of the green leaves as well as the dried leaves did not cause poisoning.

Abstract in English:

Silva L.A.F., Fioravanti M.C.S., Trindade B.R., Silva O.C., Eurides D., Cunha P.H.J., Silva M.L. & Moura M.I. 2004.[Foot diseases in dairy cows: association with clinical mastitis, metrites and predisposing factors.] Enfermidades digitais em vacas de aptidão leiteira: associação com mastite clínica, metrites e aspectos epidemiológicos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(4):217-222. Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Cx. Postal 131, Goiânia, GO 74001-970, Brazil. E-mail: lafranco@vet.ufg.br With the objective to investigate a possible association between foot diseases, clinical mastitis and/or metritis and predisposing factors for foot diseases, 5300 dairy cows from 80 intensive and semi-intensive farms were used. In 325 (6.13%) cows only foot disease was diagnosed, in 35 (0.66%) foot disease and clinical mastitis, in 52 (0.98%) foot disease and metritis, in 28 (0.53%) foot disease, clinical mastitis and metritis, in 128 (2.42%) only metritis, in 165 (3.11%) only clinical mastitis, and in 89 (1.68%) cows metritis and clinical mastitis. Rapid changes in the diet, high exposure time of hoof horn to slurry and wet conditions, concrete floors, use of footbaths, low frequency of claw trimming, irregular quarantine, and no attention to health aspects during acquisition of the animals were considered as major risk factors for the occurrence of those diseases. The McNemar test for dependent samples showed significant statistical differences between the occurrence of foot disease, clinical mastitis and metritis, in spite of the poor association between those diseases. It was concluded that there was no expressive relationship between foot diseases, clinical mastitis and metritis in lactent cows.

• Foot diseases mastitis metritis epidemiological factors.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Silva L.A.F., Fioravanti M.C.S., Trindade B.R., Silva O.C., Eurides D., Cunha P.H.J., Silva M.L. & Moura M.I. 2004.[Foot diseases in dairy cows: association with clinical mastitis, metrites and predisposing factors.] Enfermidades digitais em vacas de aptidão leiteira: associação com mastite clínica, metrites e aspectos epidemiológicos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(4):217-222. Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Cx. Postal 131, Goiânia, GO 74001-970, Brazil. E-mail: lafranco@vet.ufg.br With the objective to investigate a possible association between foot diseases, clinical mastitis and/or metritis and predisposing factors for foot diseases, 5300 dairy cows from 80 intensive and semi-intensive farms were used. In 325 (6.13%) cows only foot disease was diagnosed, in 35 (0.66%) foot disease and clinical mastitis, in 52 (0.98%) foot disease and metritis, in 28 (0.53%) foot disease, clinical mastitis and metritis, in 128 (2.42%) only metritis, in 165 (3.11%) only clinical mastitis, and in 89 (1.68%) cows metritis and clinical mastitis. Rapid changes in the diet, high exposure time of hoof horn to slurry and wet conditions, concrete floors, use of footbaths, low frequency of claw trimming, irregular quarantine, and no attention to health aspects during acquisition of the animals were considered as major risk factors for the occurrence of those diseases. The McNemar test for dependent samples showed significant statistical differences between the occurrence of foot disease, clinical mastitis and metritis, in spite of the poor association between those diseases. It was concluded that there was no expressive relationship between foot diseases, clinical mastitis and metritis in lactent cows.

Abstract in English:

Oliveira C.M.C., Barbosa J.D., Macedo R.S.C., Brito M.F., Peixoto P.V. & Tokarnia C.H. 2004. [A comparative study of the toxicity of Palicourea juruana (Rubiaceae) to buffalo and cattle.] Estudo comparativo da toxidez de Palicourea juruana (Rubiaceae) para búfalos e bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(1):27-30. Escola de Medicina Veterinária, Campus Castanhal, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Maximino Porpino 1000, Castanhal, PA 68743-080, Brazil. E-mail: tokarnia@ufrrj.br An experimental study was performed to establish the toxicity of Palicourea juruana for buffaloes and to add new data on the toxicity of this plant for cattle. The clinical and pathological pictures were similar, but a comparison of the lethal doses for buffaloes (1-2g/kg) and cattle (0.25g/kg) shows that the buffalo is at least 4 times more resistant. In experiments performed 10 years earlier with the fresh leaves - collected on the same farm in July, at the beginning of the dry season, only 2 months later than in this second experimental series - the lethal dose for cattle was 2 g/kg. No explanation was found for the extremely high toxicity of the plant observed in the present study.

• Plant poisoning Palicourea juruana Rubiaceae cattle buffaloes.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Oliveira C.M.C., Barbosa J.D., Macedo R.S.C., Brito M.F., Peixoto P.V. & Tokarnia C.H. 2004. [A comparative study of the toxicity of Palicourea juruana (Rubiaceae) to buffalo and cattle.] Estudo comparativo da toxidez de Palicourea juruana (Rubiaceae) para búfalos e bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(1):27-30. Escola de Medicina Veterinária, Campus Castanhal, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Maximino Porpino 1000, Castanhal, PA 68743-080, Brazil. E-mail: tokarnia@ufrrj.br An experimental study was performed to establish the toxicity of Palicourea juruana for buffaloes and to add new data on the toxicity of this plant for cattle. The clinical and pathological pictures were similar, but a comparison of the lethal doses for buffaloes (1-2g/kg) and cattle (0.25g/kg) shows that the buffalo is at least 4 times more resistant. In experiments performed 10 years earlier with the fresh leaves - collected on the same farm in July, at the beginning of the dry season, only 2 months later than in this second experimental series - the lethal dose for cattle was 2 g/kg. No explanation was found for the extremely high toxicity of the plant observed in the present study.

Abstract in English:

Amaral A.L., Morés N., Barioni W.J., Ventura L., Silva R.A.M. & Silva V.S. 2004. [Risk factors at the growth-termination phase associated with the occurrence of lymphadenitis in swine.] Fatores de risco associados à ocorrência de linfadenite em suínos na fase de crescimento-terminação. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(3):120-122. Depto Epidemiologia, Embrapa Suínos e Aves, Cx. Postal 21, Concórdia, SC 89700-000, Brazil. E-mail: armando@cnpsa.embrapa.br An epidemiological study in 60 units of swine termination (UT), pertaining to producers integrated with the main Agribusiness of the States of Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul. These units had been selected due to the occurrence of lymphadenitis in slaughtered pigs. The batch size studied in each UT varied from 22 to 960 pigs. The animals were considered positive or negative for lymphadenitis, following the evaluation routine of the Service of Federal Inspection (SIF) at slaughter. For data collection at the UTs, a questionnaire with 156 variables was applied at a single visit to the farms. In the 60 UT studied, the percentage of positive animals for lymphadenitis was 10.37%. Among the variables analyzed, nine risk factors were identified (explicative variables) and associated with the occurrence of lymphadenitis (objective variables). The explicative variables were: bad hygiene of the feeders and drinking fountains, untreated drinking water, bad conservation of the facilities, use of the same truck for ration and animal transportation, production of ration inside the farm, free access of other animals to the ingredients of ration, storage of ready usable ration in boxes or bags and handling of the production of animals in an continuous system.

• Swine risk factors lymphadenitis.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Amaral A.L., Morés N., Barioni W.J., Ventura L., Silva R.A.M. & Silva V.S. 2004. [Risk factors at the growth-termination phase associated with the occurrence of lymphadenitis in swine.] Fatores de risco associados à ocorrência de linfadenite em suínos na fase de crescimento-terminação. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(3):120-122. Depto Epidemiologia, Embrapa Suínos e Aves, Cx. Postal 21, Concórdia, SC 89700-000, Brazil. E-mail: armando@cnpsa.embrapa.br An epidemiological study in 60 units of swine termination (UT), pertaining to producers integrated with the main Agribusiness of the States of Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul. These units had been selected due to the occurrence of lymphadenitis in slaughtered pigs. The batch size studied in each UT varied from 22 to 960 pigs. The animals were considered positive or negative for lymphadenitis, following the evaluation routine of the Service of Federal Inspection (SIF) at slaughter. For data collection at the UTs, a questionnaire with 156 variables was applied at a single visit to the farms. In the 60 UT studied, the percentage of positive animals for lymphadenitis was 10.37%. Among the variables analyzed, nine risk factors were identified (explicative variables) and associated with the occurrence of lymphadenitis (objective variables). The explicative variables were: bad hygiene of the feeders and drinking fountains, untreated drinking water, bad conservation of the facilities, use of the same truck for ration and animal transportation, production of ration inside the farm, free access of other animals to the ingredients of ration, storage of ready usable ration in boxes or bags and handling of the production of animals in an continuous system.

Abstract in English:

Colodel E.M., Seitz A.L., Schmitz M., Borba M.R., Raymundo D.L. & Driemeier D. 2004. [Poisoning by Erythroxylum deciduum (Erythroxylaceae) in sheep.] Intoxicação por Erythroxylum deciduum (Erythroxylaceae) em ovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(3):165-168. Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Depto Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Cx. Postal 15094, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E- mail: moleta@terra.com.br. The epidemiological, clinical and pathological aspects of natural poisoning caused by Erythroxylum deciduum fruits in sheep are reported. The outbreak occurred from January to March of 2004, in Lagoa Vermelha county, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The poisoning was experimentally reproduced by oral administration of E. deciduum fruits to 5 sheep.Three of them developed neurological signs and died. Poisoning was caused with a single dose of 60g/kg or when the dosage was fractioned into at least 4 doses of 17 g/kg given every 12 hours. The main clinical signs in natural and experimentally poisoned sheep were ataxia, hyperexcitability and muscular tremors which where more pronounced when the animals were moved. At the final stage, dyspnea with abdominal breathing and cyanosis was observed. The most significant alterations found at necropsy were pronounced edema, lung congestion and presence of the fruits or seeds of E. deciduum in the ruminal content of all animals. Histologically, except edema and pulmonary congestion, there were no other significant changes observed.

• Poisonous plants plant poisoning experimental plant poisoning Erythroxylum deciduum Erythroxylaceae sheep.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Colodel E.M., Seitz A.L., Schmitz M., Borba M.R., Raymundo D.L. & Driemeier D. 2004. [Poisoning by Erythroxylum deciduum (Erythroxylaceae) in sheep.] Intoxicação por Erythroxylum deciduum (Erythroxylaceae) em ovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(3):165-168. Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Depto Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Cx. Postal 15094, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E- mail: moleta@terra.com.br. The epidemiological, clinical and pathological aspects of natural poisoning caused by Erythroxylum deciduum fruits in sheep are reported. The outbreak occurred from January to March of 2004, in Lagoa Vermelha county, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The poisoning was experimentally reproduced by oral administration of E. deciduum fruits to 5 sheep.Three of them developed neurological signs and died. Poisoning was caused with a single dose of 60g/kg or when the dosage was fractioned into at least 4 doses of 17 g/kg given every 12 hours. The main clinical signs in natural and experimentally poisoned sheep were ataxia, hyperexcitability and muscular tremors which where more pronounced when the animals were moved. At the final stage, dyspnea with abdominal breathing and cyanosis was observed. The most significant alterations found at necropsy were pronounced edema, lung congestion and presence of the fruits or seeds of E. deciduum in the ruminal content of all animals. Histologically, except edema and pulmonary congestion, there were no other significant changes observed.