PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Jardim G.C., Pires P.P., Mathias L.A. & Ribeiro O.C. & Kuchembuck M.R.G. 2006. [Serological diagnosis of bovine brucellosis in adult herd vaccinated with Brucella abortus strain 19 reduced dose.] Diagnóstico sorológico da brucelose bovina em animais adultos vacinados com dose reduzida da cepa 19 de Brucella abortus. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(3):177-182. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade para o Desenvolvimento do Estado e Região do Pantanal (Uniderp), Rua Alexandre Herculano 1400, Parque dos Poderes, Campo Grande, MS 79037-280, Brazil. E-mail: gustavoj@mail.uniderp.br The study evaluated the use of a reduced dose of the Brucella abortus strain 19 vaccine, in an adult herd negative for the disease, by serological diagnostic techniques, advocated by the Brazilian Program for Animal Brucellosis and Tuberculosis Control and Eradication, and by an indirect ELISA. The complement fixation test detecteed 46.77% positives, the rose bengal test 67.74%, the mercaptoethanol with standard agglutination test 87.09% and the ELISA ID 100%. The reduced dose influenced the serological diagnosis. None of the techniques reached a suitable specificity for use in the herd under those conditions, up to 3 months after vaccination.

• Bovine brucellosis vaccination strain 19 serological diagnosis

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Jardim G.C., Pires P.P., Mathias L.A. & Ribeiro O.C. & Kuchembuck M.R.G. 2006. [Serological diagnosis of bovine brucellosis in adult herd vaccinated with Brucella abortus strain 19 reduced dose.] Diagnóstico sorológico da brucelose bovina em animais adultos vacinados com dose reduzida da cepa 19 de Brucella abortus. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(3):177-182. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade para o Desenvolvimento do Estado e Região do Pantanal (Uniderp), Rua Alexandre Herculano 1400, Parque dos Poderes, Campo Grande, MS 79037-280, Brazil. E-mail: gustavoj@mail.uniderp.br The study evaluated the use of a reduced dose of the Brucella abortus strain 19 vaccine, in an adult herd negative for the disease, by serological diagnostic techniques, advocated by the Brazilian Program for Animal Brucellosis and Tuberculosis Control and Eradication, and by an indirect ELISA. The complement fixation test detecteed 46.77% positives, the rose bengal test 67.74%, the mercaptoethanol with standard agglutination test 87.09% and the ELISA ID 100%. The reduced dose influenced the serological diagnosis. None of the techniques reached a suitable specificity for use in the herd under those conditions, up to 3 months after vaccination.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Rech R.R., Rissi D.R., Rodrigues A., Pierezan F., Piazer J.V.M., Kommers G.D. & Barros C.S.L. 2006. [Poisoning by Solanum fastigiatum (Solanaceae) in cattle: epidemiology, clinical signs and morphometry of cerebellar lesions.] Intoxicação por Solanum fastigiatum (Solanaceae) em bovinos: epidemiologia, sinais clínicos e morfometria das lesões cerebelares. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(3):183-189. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Nineteen cases of Solanum fastigiatum (Solanaceae) poisoning in cattle from three municipalites in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, occurring from 2003 to 2005, are described. Morbidity and mortality rates were respectively 6.7% and 3.4%. Average age of affected cattle was five-year-old (2 to 8-year-old) and duration of clinical courses was 3-18 months. Clinical signs observed in all affected cattle were cerebellar deficits characterized by hypermetry, incoordination, falls, muscle tremors, transitory seizures and wide base stance. One affected bovine had encephalic traumatic subdural hemorrhage and another had gross atrophy of the cerebellum. Histologically, lesions were restricted to the cerebellum and consisted of partial or complete vacuolation of the perikaria of Purkinje neurons with occasional axonal spheroids in the granular cell layer and in the white matter of the cerebellum. In advanced cases there were extensive loss of cerebellar Purkinje neurons and proliferation of the Bergmann’s glia. The morphometric evaluation of the numbers of Purkinje neurons and of the thickness of the cerebellar molecular layer indicated decreased numbers of Purkinje neurons with consequent decrease in the molecular layer thickness.

• Poisonous plants Solanum fastigiatum Solanaceae lysosomal storage diseases central nervous system diseases of cattle neuropathology

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Rech R.R., Rissi D.R., Rodrigues A., Pierezan F., Piazer J.V.M., Kommers G.D. & Barros C.S.L. 2006. [Poisoning by Solanum fastigiatum (Solanaceae) in cattle: epidemiology, clinical signs and morphometry of cerebellar lesions.] Intoxicação por Solanum fastigiatum (Solanaceae) em bovinos: epidemiologia, sinais clínicos e morfometria das lesões cerebelares. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(3):183-189. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Nineteen cases of Solanum fastigiatum (Solanaceae) poisoning in cattle from three municipalites in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, occurring from 2003 to 2005, are described. Morbidity and mortality rates were respectively 6.7% and 3.4%. Average age of affected cattle was five-year-old (2 to 8-year-old) and duration of clinical courses was 3-18 months. Clinical signs observed in all affected cattle were cerebellar deficits characterized by hypermetry, incoordination, falls, muscle tremors, transitory seizures and wide base stance. One affected bovine had encephalic traumatic subdural hemorrhage and another had gross atrophy of the cerebellum. Histologically, lesions were restricted to the cerebellum and consisted of partial or complete vacuolation of the perikaria of Purkinje neurons with occasional axonal spheroids in the granular cell layer and in the white matter of the cerebellum. In advanced cases there were extensive loss of cerebellar Purkinje neurons and proliferation of the Bergmann’s glia. The morphometric evaluation of the numbers of Purkinje neurons and of the thickness of the cerebellar molecular layer indicated decreased numbers of Purkinje neurons with consequent decrease in the molecular layer thickness.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Almeida A.P.M.G., Kommers G.D., Nogueira A.P.A., Júnior L.G.B., Marques B.M.F.P. & Lemos R.A.A. 2006. [Evaluation of the toxicity of Leucaena leucocephala (Leg. Mimosoi-deae) in sheep.] Avaliação do efeito tóxico de Leucaena leucocephala (Leg.Mimosoideae) em ovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(3):190-194. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina Vetetinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Av. Senador Filinto Müller 2443, Cx.Postal 549, Campo Grande, MS 79070-900, Brazil. E-mail: eqrural@nin.ufms.br An experiment was performed to evaluate the toxicity of Leucaena leucocephala for sheep. Two ewes and six lambs were divided into seven treatments and fed the plant. The adult ewes did not show clinical signs of poisoning. The 4 to 5-month-old lambs presented partial wool loss 6 days after beginning of the administration of the plant and total wool loss after 12 or 20 days. The age of the sheep in this experiment suggests resistance of adult ewes and susceptibility of young lambs to L. leucocaephala poisoning.

• Poisonous plants Leucaena leucocephala Leguminosae Mimosoideae plant poisoning sheep diseases pathology

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Almeida A.P.M.G., Kommers G.D., Nogueira A.P.A., Júnior L.G.B., Marques B.M.F.P. & Lemos R.A.A. 2006. [Evaluation of the toxicity of Leucaena leucocephala (Leg. Mimosoi-deae) in sheep.] Avaliação do efeito tóxico de Leucaena leucocephala (Leg.Mimosoideae) em ovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(3):190-194. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina Vetetinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Av. Senador Filinto Müller 2443, Cx.Postal 549, Campo Grande, MS 79070-900, Brazil. E-mail: eqrural@nin.ufms.br An experiment was performed to evaluate the toxicity of Leucaena leucocephala for sheep. Two ewes and six lambs were divided into seven treatments and fed the plant. The adult ewes did not show clinical signs of poisoning. The 4 to 5-month-old lambs presented partial wool loss 6 days after beginning of the administration of the plant and total wool loss after 12 or 20 days. The age of the sheep in this experiment suggests resistance of adult ewes and susceptibility of young lambs to L. leucocaephala poisoning.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Tokarnia C.H. & Peixoto P.V. 2005. [The importance of snake bites as cause of cattle death in Brazil.] A importância dos acidentes ofídicos como causa de mortes em bovinos no Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(2):55-68. Projeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Km 47, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: tokarnia@ufrrj.br A review of the literature shows that opinions on the importance of snake bites as cause of cattle death in Brazil are divergent among veterinarians; some think they are of no importance or of only minor significance, others are of the opinion that snake bites are frequent. However, the literature only reports two confirmed fatal cases by Bothrops and none by Crotalus in cattle in the country. A questionnaire which was submitted for appraisal to veterinary pathologists and clinicians in various States of Brazil, revealed only suspected cases of fatal accidents by snakes in cattle. During our field and laboratory diagnostic work we never made a diagnosis of a snake bite accident. Many “diagnoses” have apparently been made at a distance from where the animals died, without clinical and post-mortem examination, nor histological studies. By this way, the great majority of cases seems to be only supposition. In Brazil there are only few snakes of the genus Bothrops theoretically able to produce sufficient amounts of venom to kill an adult bovine. Nevertheless, in experiments, only Bothrops alternatus was able to cause the death of just one out of three bovines bitten, and this animal only weighed 279 kg. Snakes of the genus Crotalus can produce sufficient amounts of venom to kill an adult bovine; however it is known, that snakes of the genus Crotalus as well as of Bothrops generally inoculate only a part of their venom. These considerations indicate that the deaths suspected to have been caused by snake bites in cattle in Brazil have to be studied more thoroughly. A diagnosis can only be confirmed by establishing the precise clinical and pathological picture. Our current opinion is that fatal snake bites are much less frequent in cattle than often believed, and that their importance is generally much exaggerated.

• Snake bites snakes Crotalus spp Bothrops spp cattle.

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Tokarnia C.H. & Peixoto P.V. 2005. [The importance of snake bites as cause of cattle death in Brazil.] A importância dos acidentes ofídicos como causa de mortes em bovinos no Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(2):55-68. Projeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Km 47, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: tokarnia@ufrrj.br A review of the literature shows that opinions on the importance of snake bites as cause of cattle death in Brazil are divergent among veterinarians; some think they are of no importance or of only minor significance, others are of the opinion that snake bites are frequent. However, the literature only reports two confirmed fatal cases by Bothrops and none by Crotalus in cattle in the country. A questionnaire which was submitted for appraisal to veterinary pathologists and clinicians in various States of Brazil, revealed only suspected cases of fatal accidents by snakes in cattle. During our field and laboratory diagnostic work we never made a diagnosis of a snake bite accident. Many “diagnoses” have apparently been made at a distance from where the animals died, without clinical and post-mortem examination, nor histological studies. By this way, the great majority of cases seems to be only supposition. In Brazil there are only few snakes of the genus Bothrops theoretically able to produce sufficient amounts of venom to kill an adult bovine. Nevertheless, in experiments, only Bothrops alternatus was able to cause the death of just one out of three bovines bitten, and this animal only weighed 279 kg. Snakes of the genus Crotalus can produce sufficient amounts of venom to kill an adult bovine; however it is known, that snakes of the genus Crotalus as well as of Bothrops generally inoculate only a part of their venom. These considerations indicate that the deaths suspected to have been caused by snake bites in cattle in Brazil have to be studied more thoroughly. A diagnosis can only be confirmed by establishing the precise clinical and pathological picture. Our current opinion is that fatal snake bites are much less frequent in cattle than often believed, and that their importance is generally much exaggerated.

Abstract in English:

Abstract.- Brocchi M., Ferreira A., Lancellotti M., Stehling E.G., Campos T.A., Nakazato G., Pestana de Castro A.F. & Silveira W.D. 2006. Typing of avian pathogenic Escherichia coli strains by REP-PCR. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(2):69-73. Departamento de Microbiologia e Imunologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade de Campinas, Cx. Postal 6109, Campinas, SP 13081-862, Brazil. E-mail: wds@unicamp.br In the present study the repetitive extragenic palindromic (REP) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique was used to establish the clonal variability of 49 avian Escherichia coli (APEC) strains isolated from different outbreak cases of septicemia (n=24), swollen head syndrome (n=14) and omphalitis (n=11). Thirty commensal strains isolated from poultry with no signs of these illnesses were used as control strains. The purified DNA of these strains produced electrophoretic profiles ranging from 0 to 15 bands with molecular sizes varying from 100 bp to 6.1 kb, allowing the grouping of the 79 strains into a dendrogram containing 49 REP-types. Although REP-PCR showed good discriminating power it was not able to group the strains either into specific pathogenic classes or to differentiate between pathogenic and non-pathogenic strains. On the contrary, we recently demonstrated that other techniques such as ERIC-PCR and isoenzyme profiles are appropriate to discriminate between commensal and APEC strains and also to group these strains into specific pathogenic classes. In conclusion, REP-PCR seems to be a technique neither efficient nor universal for APEC strains discrimination. However, the population clonal structure obtained with the use of REP-PCR must not be ignored particularly if one takes into account that the APEC pathogenic mechanisms are not completely understood yet.

• Avian Escherichia coli typing REP-PCR.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Abstract.- Brocchi M., Ferreira A., Lancellotti M., Stehling E.G., Campos T.A., Nakazato G., Pestana de Castro A.F. & Silveira W.D. 2006. Typing of avian pathogenic Escherichia coli strains by REP-PCR. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(2):69-73. Departamento de Microbiologia e Imunologia, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade de Campinas, Cx. Postal 6109, Campinas, SP 13081-862, Brazil. E-mail: wds@unicamp.br In the present study the repetitive extragenic palindromic (REP) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique was used to establish the clonal variability of 49 avian Escherichia coli (APEC) strains isolated from different outbreak cases of septicemia (n=24), swollen head syndrome (n=14) and omphalitis (n=11). Thirty commensal strains isolated from poultry with no signs of these illnesses were used as control strains. The purified DNA of these strains produced electrophoretic profiles ranging from 0 to 15 bands with molecular sizes varying from 100 bp to 6.1 kb, allowing the grouping of the 79 strains into a dendrogram containing 49 REP-types. Although REP-PCR showed good discriminating power it was not able to group the strains either into specific pathogenic classes or to differentiate between pathogenic and non-pathogenic strains. On the contrary, we recently demonstrated that other techniques such as ERIC-PCR and isoenzyme profiles are appropriate to discriminate between commensal and APEC strains and also to group these strains into specific pathogenic classes. In conclusion, REP-PCR seems to be a technique neither efficient nor universal for APEC strains discrimination. However, the population clonal structure obtained with the use of REP-PCR must not be ignored particularly if one takes into account that the APEC pathogenic mechanisms are not completely understood yet.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- D’Andrea L.A.Z., Sartor I.F., Madruga C.R., Freitas S.B.Z., Kroll L.B. & Kronka S.N. 2005. [Immunological condition of cattle in Holstein and Nelore breed in regard to Babesia bovis and B. bigemina in two regions of the State of São Paulo.] Condição imunológica de bovinos das raças Holandesa e Nelore frente a Babesia bovis e B. bigemina em duas regiões do Estado de São Paulo. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(2):74-78.. Seção de Biologia Médica do Instituto Adolfo Lutz, Laboratório Regional de Presidente Prudente, Av. Cel José Soares Marcondes 2357, Presidente Prudente, SP 19013-050, Brazil. E-mail: zampieri@ial.sp.gov.br The immunological reply of a population to an infectious agent can vary between races and handling of this population. Regional research becomes important, in order to know the interrelation between the agent and its host. In this way, the occurrence of immunoglobulins of class G, anti-Babesia bovis and anti-Babesia bigemina in the Nelore (Bos indicus) and Hostein breed (Bos taurus), was investigated in two regions of the State of São Paulo, 300 km distant from each other. For the indirect method of ELISA, 1,161 bovine serum samples were tested. The medium frequencies of antibodies showed that in the two regions exists an enzootic stability for B. bovis in both breeds studied; even so there was a tendency of marginal area for the Nelore breed in one of the regions. Regarding B. bigemina, in both regions exists enzootic stability for the Hostein and enzootic instability for the Nelore breed. Therefore, acute cases of the disease or specific outbreaks by B. bigemina infection in the Nelore breed may occur in these regions.

• Babesia bovis Babesia bigemina ELISA cattle immunological condition.

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- D’Andrea L.A.Z., Sartor I.F., Madruga C.R., Freitas S.B.Z., Kroll L.B. & Kronka S.N. 2005. [Immunological condition of cattle in Holstein and Nelore breed in regard to Babesia bovis and B. bigemina in two regions of the State of São Paulo.] Condição imunológica de bovinos das raças Holandesa e Nelore frente a Babesia bovis e B. bigemina em duas regiões do Estado de São Paulo. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(2):74-78.. Seção de Biologia Médica do Instituto Adolfo Lutz, Laboratório Regional de Presidente Prudente, Av. Cel José Soares Marcondes 2357, Presidente Prudente, SP 19013-050, Brazil. E-mail: zampieri@ial.sp.gov.br The immunological reply of a population to an infectious agent can vary between races and handling of this population. Regional research becomes important, in order to know the interrelation between the agent and its host. In this way, the occurrence of immunoglobulins of class G, anti-Babesia bovis and anti-Babesia bigemina in the Nelore (Bos indicus) and Hostein breed (Bos taurus), was investigated in two regions of the State of São Paulo, 300 km distant from each other. For the indirect method of ELISA, 1,161 bovine serum samples were tested. The medium frequencies of antibodies showed that in the two regions exists an enzootic stability for B. bovis in both breeds studied; even so there was a tendency of marginal area for the Nelore breed in one of the regions. Regarding B. bigemina, in both regions exists enzootic stability for the Hostein and enzootic instability for the Nelore breed. Therefore, acute cases of the disease or specific outbreaks by B. bigemina infection in the Nelore breed may occur in these regions.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Bianchin I., Koller W.W. & Detmann E. 2006. [The seasonality of Haematobia irritans in central Brazil.] Sazonalidade de Haematobia irritans no Brasil Central. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(2):79-86. Área de Sanidade Animal, Embrapa Gado de Corte, Cx. Postal 154, Campo Grande, MS 79002-970, Brazil. E-mail: bianchin@cnpgc.embrapa.br Horn fly (Haematobia irritans) is one of the most important Brazilian cattle ectoparasites. Epidemiological studies are needed due the increasing difficulty of their chemical control. In order to obtain a better knowledge of their seasonal population dynamics, 14 days interval fly counts were made on 7-30 month old beef cattle, from winter 1996 to summer 2002. Horn fly population levels increase (P<0.05) was observed during the seasons of each infestation period (spring until autumn), mainly in spring and summer, and sometimes in autumn, followed by a significant reduction (P<0.05) in winter, when the relative humidity decreases to less than 60%. A straight (P<0.05) and immediate correlation between the relative humidity and the fly count was found, whilst the most evident effects of temperature and rain fall (P<0.05) were associated with counts done 42-56 days after attainment of the climatic data. The highest parasitism load (average number of flies per animal) observed for the genetic groups used were: Aberdeen Angus x Nellore = 173.5 (134-254); ½ Brown Swiss x Nellore = 183.5 (32-540); ¾ Aberdeen Angus x Nellore = 133.0 (18-374), and Valdostana x Nellore = 219.0 (58-620). Torrential rain falls during the initial half of the infestation period (spring until midsummer) are common in this region and were considered the main reason for the low to moderate population levels verified at that time, in comparison with those which occurred during the last half of the infestation period.

• Horn fly epidemiology population dynamics ectoparasites cattle.

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Bianchin I., Koller W.W. & Detmann E. 2006. [The seasonality of Haematobia irritans in central Brazil.] Sazonalidade de Haematobia irritans no Brasil Central. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(2):79-86. Área de Sanidade Animal, Embrapa Gado de Corte, Cx. Postal 154, Campo Grande, MS 79002-970, Brazil. E-mail: bianchin@cnpgc.embrapa.br Horn fly (Haematobia irritans) is one of the most important Brazilian cattle ectoparasites. Epidemiological studies are needed due the increasing difficulty of their chemical control. In order to obtain a better knowledge of their seasonal population dynamics, 14 days interval fly counts were made on 7-30 month old beef cattle, from winter 1996 to summer 2002. Horn fly population levels increase (P<0.05) was observed during the seasons of each infestation period (spring until autumn), mainly in spring and summer, and sometimes in autumn, followed by a significant reduction (P<0.05) in winter, when the relative humidity decreases to less than 60%. A straight (P<0.05) and immediate correlation between the relative humidity and the fly count was found, whilst the most evident effects of temperature and rain fall (P<0.05) were associated with counts done 42-56 days after attainment of the climatic data. The highest parasitism load (average number of flies per animal) observed for the genetic groups used were: Aberdeen Angus x Nellore = 173.5 (134-254); ½ Brown Swiss x Nellore = 183.5 (32-540); ¾ Aberdeen Angus x Nellore = 133.0 (18-374), and Valdostana x Nellore = 219.0 (58-620). Torrential rain falls during the initial half of the infestation period (spring until midsummer) are common in this region and were considered the main reason for the low to moderate population levels verified at that time, in comparison with those which occurred during the last half of the infestation period.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Barros R.R., Irigoyen L.F., Kommers G.D., Rech R.R., Fighera R.A. & Barros C.S.L. 2006. [Poisoning by Ramaria flavo-brunnescens (Clavariaceae) in cattle.] Intoxicação por Ramaria flavo-brunnescens (Clavariaceae) em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(2):87-96. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Two oubreaks of poisoning by the mushroom Ramaria flavo-brunnescens are reported in cattle from two farms located in the municipalities of Santa Maria and São Gabriel, state of Rio Grande do Sul, during April-May 2005. Out of a total of 180 yearling calves that had access to a pasture with eucalyptus woods, 19 were affected and 10 died. The clinical courses were 8-15 days and clinical signs included depression, weight loss, dehydration, drooling, loosening and loss of the long hairs of the tip of the tail, smoothening of the dorsal surface of the tongue with occasional ulceration, loosening of the corneal encasement of horns, hard and ball-shaped feces covered with a film of mucous, hypopion, hyphema and corneal opacity. Two calves had leucocytosis due to mild regenerative left shift. Nine calves were necropsied. Necropsy findings confirmed the clinical observation and additionaly included fibrinonecrotic esophagitis, mainly in the distal third of the esophageal mucosa. Histopathological changes in the skin of the tail included orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis; hair folicles with irregular contours, thickening of the tricolemmal keratin layer with occasional formation of keratin plugs, and degeneration and necrosis of the outer root sheath. At the laminar region of the hooves, there was hyperplasia of the top of epidermal laminae with irregular keratinization and retention of nuclei; several epidermal laminae were shortened and fused. There was hemorrhage, fibrin and neutrophilic infiltrate in the dermal laminae. In the mucosa of the tongue there was thinning of the covering epithelium, atrophy and loss of filiform papillae, multifocal areas of dyskeratosis, and spongiosis of the basal cell layer. In some parts the epithelium was lost and the surface consisted of granulation tissue and mixed inflammatory cell infiltrate. The esophageal mucosae of six calves had varying degree of epithelial necrosis and inflammation. The loss of the covering epithelium revealed an underneath area of granulation tissue with heavy inflammatory infiltrate composed predominantly of neutrophils and macrophages. In six calves there were focal symmetric bilateral areas of malacia observed at the level of obex in the medulla oblongata and affecting the white matter and parts of the dorsal nucleus of the vagus and of the hypoglossal nucleus. The epidemiology, clinical signs, pathology, and pathogenesis of poisoning by R. flavo-brunnescens in cattle are discussed.

• Poisonous plants Ramaria flavo-brunnescens Clavariaceae plant poisoning mushroom poisoning keratinization defect focal symmetric encephalomalacia diseases of cattle pathology.

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Barros R.R., Irigoyen L.F., Kommers G.D., Rech R.R., Fighera R.A. & Barros C.S.L. 2006. [Poisoning by Ramaria flavo-brunnescens (Clavariaceae) in cattle.] Intoxicação por Ramaria flavo-brunnescens (Clavariaceae) em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(2):87-96. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Two oubreaks of poisoning by the mushroom Ramaria flavo-brunnescens are reported in cattle from two farms located in the municipalities of Santa Maria and São Gabriel, state of Rio Grande do Sul, during April-May 2005. Out of a total of 180 yearling calves that had access to a pasture with eucalyptus woods, 19 were affected and 10 died. The clinical courses were 8-15 days and clinical signs included depression, weight loss, dehydration, drooling, loosening and loss of the long hairs of the tip of the tail, smoothening of the dorsal surface of the tongue with occasional ulceration, loosening of the corneal encasement of horns, hard and ball-shaped feces covered with a film of mucous, hypopion, hyphema and corneal opacity. Two calves had leucocytosis due to mild regenerative left shift. Nine calves were necropsied. Necropsy findings confirmed the clinical observation and additionaly included fibrinonecrotic esophagitis, mainly in the distal third of the esophageal mucosa. Histopathological changes in the skin of the tail included orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis; hair folicles with irregular contours, thickening of the tricolemmal keratin layer with occasional formation of keratin plugs, and degeneration and necrosis of the outer root sheath. At the laminar region of the hooves, there was hyperplasia of the top of epidermal laminae with irregular keratinization and retention of nuclei; several epidermal laminae were shortened and fused. There was hemorrhage, fibrin and neutrophilic infiltrate in the dermal laminae. In the mucosa of the tongue there was thinning of the covering epithelium, atrophy and loss of filiform papillae, multifocal areas of dyskeratosis, and spongiosis of the basal cell layer. In some parts the epithelium was lost and the surface consisted of granulation tissue and mixed inflammatory cell infiltrate. The esophageal mucosae of six calves had varying degree of epithelial necrosis and inflammation. The loss of the covering epithelium revealed an underneath area of granulation tissue with heavy inflammatory infiltrate composed predominantly of neutrophils and macrophages. In six calves there were focal symmetric bilateral areas of malacia observed at the level of obex in the medulla oblongata and affecting the white matter and parts of the dorsal nucleus of the vagus and of the hypoglossal nucleus. The epidemiology, clinical signs, pathology, and pathogenesis of poisoning by R. flavo-brunnescens in cattle are discussed.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Coimbra H.S., Fernandes C.G., Soares M.P., Meireles M.C.A., Radamés R. & Schuch L.F.D. 2006. [Equine monocytic Ehrlichiosis in Rio Grande do Sul: clinical, pathological and epidemiological aspects.] Ehrlichiose monocítica eqüina no Rio Grande do Sul: aspectos clínicos, anátomo-patológicos e epidemiológicos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(2):97-101. Laboratório de Doenças Infecciosas, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: bitoxu@ig.com.br A spontaneous outbreak of equine monocytic Ehrlichiosis (EME) is described. The disease occurred from November 2001 to February 2002 on a farm in the municipality of Arroio Grande, located at the western edge of the Mirim Lake, state of Rio Grande do Sul. Out of 50 horses 13 were affected and 6 died. The morbidity was 26% and the mortality 46.1%. The affected horses were 1-5 years old. The most important clinical sign was a profuse acute diarrhea. At necropsy of a horse that died with clinical signs of the disease, the main alterations were characterized by hemorrhagic areas of the mucosa of the large intestine with liquid contents, and congested and hemorrhagic areas alternating with normal areas as well as nodules with purulent secretion in the mucosa of the small intestine. The histological changes were characterized by moderate mononuclear infiltration of the mucosa, characterizing a lympho-histiocytic enteritis with predominance of macrophages. In the jejunum and ileum, related to the invagination of crypts and villi, a granulomatous enteritis was observed. To confirm the diagnosis of infection by Neorickettsia (Ehrlichia) risticii, blood samples of seven affected horses were taken and a polimerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed. Three tested blood samples were positive (42.8%) with observation of a band of 529pb characteristic of N. risticii.

• Neorickettsia (Ehrlichia) risticii equine monocytic Ehrlichiosis.

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Coimbra H.S., Fernandes C.G., Soares M.P., Meireles M.C.A., Radamés R. & Schuch L.F.D. 2006. [Equine monocytic Ehrlichiosis in Rio Grande do Sul: clinical, pathological and epidemiological aspects.] Ehrlichiose monocítica eqüina no Rio Grande do Sul: aspectos clínicos, anátomo-patológicos e epidemiológicos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(2):97-101. Laboratório de Doenças Infecciosas, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: bitoxu@ig.com.br A spontaneous outbreak of equine monocytic Ehrlichiosis (EME) is described. The disease occurred from November 2001 to February 2002 on a farm in the municipality of Arroio Grande, located at the western edge of the Mirim Lake, state of Rio Grande do Sul. Out of 50 horses 13 were affected and 6 died. The morbidity was 26% and the mortality 46.1%. The affected horses were 1-5 years old. The most important clinical sign was a profuse acute diarrhea. At necropsy of a horse that died with clinical signs of the disease, the main alterations were characterized by hemorrhagic areas of the mucosa of the large intestine with liquid contents, and congested and hemorrhagic areas alternating with normal areas as well as nodules with purulent secretion in the mucosa of the small intestine. The histological changes were characterized by moderate mononuclear infiltration of the mucosa, characterizing a lympho-histiocytic enteritis with predominance of macrophages. In the jejunum and ileum, related to the invagination of crypts and villi, a granulomatous enteritis was observed. To confirm the diagnosis of infection by Neorickettsia (Ehrlichia) risticii, blood samples of seven affected horses were taken and a polimerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed. Three tested blood samples were positive (42.8%) with observation of a band of 529pb characteristic of N. risticii.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Aguiar D.M, Gennari S.M., Cavalcante G.T., Labruna M.B., Vasconcellos S.A., Rodrigues A.A.R., Moraes Z.M. & Camargo L.M.A. 2006. Seroprevalence of Leptospira spp in cattle from Monte Negro municipality, western Amazon. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(2):102-104. Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, São Paulo, SP 05508-900, Brazil. E-mail: danmoura@aptaregional.sp.gov.br The prevalence of anti-Leptospira spp antibodies was investigated in 2,109 female cattle from 86 herds of Monte Negro municipality, Rondônia, Brazil. Sera samples were evaluated by Microscopic Agglutination Test against 24 leptospira serovars. Titers =100 for at least one of 24 leptospira serovars were detected in 1,114 cows (52.8%) from 82 (95.3%) herds. The adjusted overall prevalence for Monte Negro municipality was 53.9% (49-58.7%; CI: 95%). The most prevalent serovars were Hardjo (14.5%), Wolffi (12.3%), Shermani (10.8%), Patoc (7.9%), and Hebdomadis (6.1%). Other serovars worldwidely reported like Bratislava, Pomona and Grippotyphosa were detected in low levels.

• Leptospira spp cattle epidemiology Amazon.

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Aguiar D.M, Gennari S.M., Cavalcante G.T., Labruna M.B., Vasconcellos S.A., Rodrigues A.A.R., Moraes Z.M. & Camargo L.M.A. 2006. Seroprevalence of Leptospira spp in cattle from Monte Negro municipality, western Amazon. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(2):102-104. Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, São Paulo, SP 05508-900, Brazil. E-mail: danmoura@aptaregional.sp.gov.br The prevalence of anti-Leptospira spp antibodies was investigated in 2,109 female cattle from 86 herds of Monte Negro municipality, Rondônia, Brazil. Sera samples were evaluated by Microscopic Agglutination Test against 24 leptospira serovars. Titers =100 for at least one of 24 leptospira serovars were detected in 1,114 cows (52.8%) from 82 (95.3%) herds. The adjusted overall prevalence for Monte Negro municipality was 53.9% (49-58.7%; CI: 95%). The most prevalent serovars were Hardjo (14.5%), Wolffi (12.3%), Shermani (10.8%), Patoc (7.9%), and Hebdomadis (6.1%). Other serovars worldwidely reported like Bratislava, Pomona and Grippotyphosa were detected in low levels.