PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Grecco F.B., Schild A.L., Soares M.P., Marcolongo-Pereira C., Estima-Silva P. & Sallis E.S.V. 2010. [Epidemiological aspects and hepatic lesions pattern in 35 outbreaks of Senecio spp. poisoning in cattle in southern Brazil.] Aspectos epidemiológicos e padrões de lesões hepáticas em 35 surtos de intoxicação por Senecio spp. em bovinos no sul do Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 30(5):389-397. Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: alschild@terra.com.br The study aimed to characterize morphological patterns of 59 liver samples of Senecio spp. poisoned cattle from 35 outbreaks, observed in southern Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, from 2000 to 2009. The lesions were associated with epidemiological changes during these years. The climate changes concerning accumulated rain and mean temperature during the different seasons were analyzed. The macroscopic and histological lesions were classified into 6 different patterns. The macroscopic classification was made according to capsular pattern, hepatic cut surface discoloration, and the presence of nodules. The histological classification was based on the distribution of fibrosis, the amount of megalocytes in 10 high magnification fields, and on bile duct proliferation. Pattern 1 was characterized by a whitish liver, diffuse fibrosis, severe bile duct proliferation, and discrete megalocytosis; pattern 2 was characterized by nodules consisting of groups of hepatocytes surrounded by fibrosis, severe bile duct proliferation, and discrete to mild megalocytosis; pattern 3 was characterized by a macro-nodular aspect to the cut surface with hepatic lobules surrounded by a thin septa of fibrous tissue, severe bile duct proliferation, and mild megalocytosis; pattern 4 was characterized by a non-nodular surface with marble aspect, mild to severe bile duct proliferation, and megalocytosis; pattern 5 was characterized by a non-nodular surface and bridging or diffuse fibrosis, mild megalocytosis, and severe bile duct proliferation; and pattern 6 was characterized by a non-nodular surface, severe megalocytosis, discrete bile duct proliferation, and incipient fibrosis of the portal system, central vein or among hepatocyte cords. The results of macroscopic and histological liver analysis showed that patterns 1, 2 and 4 were the most frequently observed. The results of this study demonstrated that the macroscopic lesion observed in Senecio poisoned cattle is variable. Histologically this variation is related to the amount and distribution of fibrosis, megalocytosis and bile duct proliferation observed in each liver. Age of the cattle, evolution period of poisoning and clinical signs did not interfere on the pattern of lesions observed. On the other hand, climatic conditions probably had influence on increased disease prevalence due to major availability of Senecio spp. plants.

• Senecio spp. plant poisoning poisonous plants plantas tóxicas intoxicação por plantas

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Grecco F.B., Schild A.L., Soares M.P., Marcolongo-Pereira C., Estima-Silva P. & Sallis E.S.V. 2010. [Epidemiological aspects and hepatic lesions pattern in 35 outbreaks of Senecio spp. poisoning in cattle in southern Brazil.] Aspectos epidemiológicos e padrões de lesões hepáticas em 35 surtos de intoxicação por Senecio spp. em bovinos no sul do Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 30(5):389-397. Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: alschild@terra.com.br O presente estudo teve como objetivo caracterizar os diferentes padrões morfológicos hepáticos em 59 fígados de bovinos intoxicados por Senecio spp. provenientes de 35 surtos observados na área de influência do Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico da Faculdade de Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Pelotas (LRD) de 2000-2009, dos quais havia registro fotográfico das lesões macroscópicas, fazendo uma relação com as variações epidemiológicas observadas no período. Foram analisadas as variações climáticas referentes à precipitação pluviométrica e temperatura média nas diferentes estações do ano ocorridas neste intervalo de tempo. As alterações hepáticas macro e microscópicas foram agrupadas em padrões morfológicos semelhantes. Foi considerada como critérios de classificação macroscópica a coloração das superfícies capsular e de corte e a presença ou não de nódulos; e como critérios para a classificação histológica a quantidade e distribuição da fibrose, o número de megalócitos por campo de maior aumento, o grau estimado de proliferação de ductos biliares e a presença de hepatócitos vacuolizados. O Padrão 1 caracterizou-se por fígado esbranquiçado, fibrose difusa, acentuada proliferação de células de ductos biliares e megalocitose discreta; o Padrão 2 por presença de nódulos correspondentes a grupos de hepatócitos ou lóbulos hepáticos circundados por tecido conjuntivo fibroso, acentuada proliferação de células de ductos biliares e megalocitose de discreta a moderada; o Padrão 3 por superfície de corte com aspecto macronodular correspondente a lóbulos hepáticos circundados por delgado cordão de tecido conjuntivo, acentuada proliferação de ductos biliares e megalocitose moderada; o Padrão 4 por superfície sem nodulações e com aspecto marmorizado e histologicamente por fibrose em ponte, megalocitose e proliferação de células de ductos de moderadas a acentuadas; o Padrão 5 por superfície sem nodulações e microscopicamente por fibrose em ponte a difusa, megalocitose moderada e acentuada proliferação de células de ductos; e, o Padrão 6 por superfície sem nodulações e microscopicamente por megalocitose acentuada, proliferação de ductos discreta e fibrose em estágio inicial localizada nos espaços porta e veia centrolobular ou como colágeno imaturo entre os cordões de hepatócitos. Os resultados da análise macroscópica e histológica dos fígados dos bovinos demonstraram que os Padrões 1, 2 e 4 foram os mais frequentemente encontrados. Os resultados deste trabalho demonstram que a lesão hepática macroscópica que ocorre em bovinos intoxicados por Senecio spp. é variável e que histologicamente esta variação está relacionada à distribuição e a quantidade da fibrose, à quantidade de megalócitos e à proliferação biliar observadas em cada fígado. A idade dos animais, o tempo de evolução da intoxicação e os sinais clínicos não interferem nos padrões de lesões hepáticas encontradas. Por outro lado, as condições climáticas provavelmente tiveram influência no aumento da freqüência da doença devido ao aumento da disponibilidade da planta.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Pierezan F., Oliveira Filho J.C., Carmo P.M., Lucena R.B., Rissi, D.R., Togni M. & Barros C.S.L. 2010. [Outbreak of aflatoxicosis in calves in southern Brazil.] Surto de aflatoxicose em bezerros no Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 30(5):418-422. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br An outbreak of chronic aflatoxicosis is reported in dairy calves. Forty 4-month-old male Holstein calves of approximately 100kg were kept in individual cages of 1.5 x 1.5m and were fed a ration constituted by alfalfa hay, broken corn and milk substitute. Six calves (15%) died after presenting a disease characterized by general unthriftiness, diarrhea, rough hair coats, abdominal pain, prolapsed rectum, grinding of teeth, and lying down and rolling. The clinical course, as observed by the owners, was 2-3 days; however many calves in this lot that did not die, remained underdeveloped. Three calves were necropsied. Necropsy findings included firm, light tan livers and marked hydrothorax, ascites and edema of the mesentery, mesocolon and of the mucosal folds of the abomasum. Main histopathological changes were restricted to the liver and consisted of fibrosis, moderate megalocytosis, biliary duct hyperplasia and veno-occlusive disease. The search for Senecio spp. contamination in the alfalfa hay resulted negative. The analysis by thin layer chromatography of the corn fed to calves revealed 5,136 ppb of aflatoxin B1. A diagnosis of aflatoxicosis was made based on the characteristic clinical signs and pathology, on the absence of Senecio spp. in the food and on the presence of high levels of aflatoxin in the corn fed to the calves.

• Mycotoxicosis aflatoxicosis micotoxicose aflatoxicose

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Pierezan F., Oliveira Filho J.C., Carmo P.M., Lucena R.B., Rissi, D.R., Togni M. & Barros C.S.L. 2010. [Outbreak of aflatoxicosis in calves in southern Brazil.] Surto de aflatoxicose em bezerros no Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 30(5):418-422. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Um surto de aflatoxicose crônica é relatado em bezerros de raça leiteira. Quarenta bezerros holandeses machos de quatro meses de idade e aproximadamente 100kg eram mantidos em gaiolas individuais de 1,5 x 1,5m e alimentados com uma ração constituída por feno de alfafa, milho quebrado e substituto de leite. Seis bezerros (15%) morreram após apresentar uma doença caracterizada por mau desenvolvimento geral, diarreia, pelagem áspera, dor abdominal, tenesmo, prolapso de reto e bruxismo. Alguns bezerros “deitavam e rolavam” no chão da gaiola. A duração do curso clínico, segundo observado pelos proprietários, foi de 2-3 dias; muitos terneiros desse lote que não morreram permaneceram pouco desenvolvidos. Três bezerros foram necropsiados. Os achados de necropsia incluíam fígado firme e castanho-claro, marcados hidrotórax e ascite, e edema do mesentério, mesocólon e das dobras da mucosa do abomaso. Os principais achados histopatológicos estavam restritos ao fígado e consistiam de fibrose, moderada megalocitose, hiperplasia de ductos biliares e lesão veno-oclusiva. A procura por contaminação de Senecio spp. no feno de alfafa resultou negativa. A análise do milho do alimento dos bezerros por cromatografia de camada delgada revelou 5.136ppb de aflatoxina B1. O diagnóstico de aflatoxicose foi feito baseado nos sinais clínicos e patologia característicos, na ausência de Senecio spp. na alimentação dos terneiros e na presença de altos níveis de aflatoxina no milho da alimentação dos bezerros.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Lucena R.B., Pierezan F., Kommers G.D., Irigoyen L.F., Fighera R.A. & Barros C.S.L. 2010. [Diseases of cattle in southern Brazil: 6.706 cases.] Doenças de bovinos no Sul do Brasil: 6.706 casos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 30(5):428-434. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Camobi, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br The diseases affecting cattle in southern Brazil were studied through a review of the necropsy reports filed at the Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária of the Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (LPV-UFSM), Rio Grande do Sul, and pertaining to the examination of 6.076 cattle during 1964-2008. Of those exams 29.9% were necropsies performed at the LPV-UFSM and 79.1% were mailed-in organ fragments from necropsies performed at the field by veterinary practitioners. Autolysis and non-representative sampling o mailed in organs were the main reasons for non-conclusive diagnosis. Poisoning by Senecio spp. was the main cause of death in cattle in this study and poisonous plants together with toxi-infections accounted for 22.8% of the cases with conclusive diagnosis. Inflammatory diseases together with parasitic diseases accounted for more than 30% of cattle diseases and babesiosis and anaplasmosis were the main diseases in this category. Other categories were distributed in the following order: neoplasms and tumor-like lesions (13.87%), diseases caused by physical agents (2.7%), metabolic and nutritional diseases (2.46%), circulatory disturbances (1.4%), degenerative diseases (1.1%), developmental disorders (0.54%), iatrogenic diseases and sundry lesions. The high prevalence of tumors in cattle in this study was attributed to the chronic ingestion of Pteridium aquilinum, a common toxicosis in the region. The main diseases in cattle from the studied region are related to environmental factors associated to the predominantly husbandry practices adopted in the region.

• Diseases of cattle doenças de bovinos

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Lucena R.B., Pierezan F., Kommers G.D., Irigoyen L.F., Fighera R.A. & Barros C.S.L. 2010. [Diseases of cattle in southern Brazil: 6.706 cases.] Doenças de bovinos no Sul do Brasil: 6.706 casos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 30(5):428-434. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Camobi, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br As doenças que acometem bovinos na região Sul do Brasil foram analisadas através de um estudo dos protocolos de necropsia de 6.706 bovinos examinados pelo Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Santa (LPV-UFSM), Rio Grande do Sul, de 1964-2008. Desses, 20,9% foram necropsias realizadas no LPV-UFSM e 79,1% foram amostras de tecidos submetidos por veterinários de campo. Dos 6.706 exames, 62,9% tinham diagnóstico conclusivo. A autólise ou material insuficiente foram as principais razões para a ocorrência de casos com diagnóstico inconclusivo. A intoxicação por Senecio spp. foi a principal causa de morte de bovinos neste estudo. As plantas tóxicas e as toxiinfecções juntas, responderam por 22,8% dos casos com diagnóstico conclusivo. As doenças inflamatórias e as parasitoses juntas contribuíram com mais de 30% das doenças de bovinos e a tristeza parasitária bovina foi a principal doença nessa categoria. As demais categorias distribuíram-se na seguinte ordem: neoplasmas e lesões tumoriformes (13,87%), doenças causadas por agentes físicos (2,7%), doenças metabólicas e nutricionais (2,46%), distúrbios circulatórios (1,4%), doenças degenerativas (1,1%), distúrbios do desenvolvimento (0,54%), distúrbios iatrogênicos (0,16%), distúrbios imunogênicos (0,19%) e, outros distúrbios (0,21%). A alta prevalência de tumores em bovinos foi atribuída a ingestão crônica de Pteridium aquilinum, uma toxicose comum na região. As principais doenças de bovinos na região estudada estão relacionadas a fatores ambientais resultante do manejo característico de criação predominantemente extensiva adotado na região.

Abstract in English:

RESUMO.- Rissi D.R, Fighera R.A., Irigoyen L.F., Kommers G.D. & Barros C.S.L. 2010. [Neurological diseases in sheep from central Rio Grande do Sul state, southern Brazil.] Doenças neurológicas de ovinos na região Central do Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 30(3):222-228. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Av. Roma 1000, Camobi, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Neste trabalho são descritos aspectos epidemiológicos e clinico-patológicos das principais doenças neurológicas de ovinos diagnosticadas no Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária (LPV) da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM) no período entre 1990 e 2007. A partir de uma busca nos arquivos do LPV-UFSM foram encontrados 586 exames de ovinos correspondentes a necropsias realizadas no laboratório ou a exames de amostras remetidas por veterinários de campo. Sessenta e nove casos experimentais foram excluídos do estudo. Os 517 casos restantes eram compostos de 361 casos (69,8%) com diagnóstico conclusivo e 156 casos (30,2%) com diagnóstico inconclusivo. Ovinos morreram em decorrência de doença neurológica em 58 casos (16%) do grupo com diagnóstico conclusivo. As doenças diagnosticadas mais frequentemente foram cenurose (15 casos ou 25,8%), listeriose (nove casos ou 15,5%), tétano (oito casos ou 13,7%), abscessos vertebrais (quatro casos ou 6,8%) e abscessos encefálicos (três casos ou 5,1%). Intoxicação por Erytroxylum argentinum, mielite supurativa pós-caudectomia, meningoencefalite fibrino-supurativa, polioencefalomalacia e raiva (dois casos ou 3,4% cada) foram ocasionalmente diagnosticadas. Desmielinização medular, edema da substância branca encefálica, encefalomalacia focal simétrica, hidranencefalia, hipoplasia cerebelar, intoxicação por organofosforado, intoxicação por Solanum pseudocapsicum, mielite fibrino-supurativa e provável intoxicação por closantel (um caso ou 1,7% cada) foram raramente observadas.

• Diseases of nervous system neuropathology

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Rissi D.R, Fighera R.A., Irigoyen L.F., Kommers G.D. & Barros C.S.L. 2010. [Neurological diseases in sheep from central Rio Grande do Sul state, southern Brazil.] Doenças neurológicas de ovinos na região Central do Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 30(3):222-228. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Av. Roma 1000, Camobi, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br A retrospective study of neurological diseases of sheep in southern Brazil was conducted over an 18-year period (1990-2007). A data base search was carried out in the files of the Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology (LPV) of the Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), central Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. A total of 586 sheep were examined. These cases corresponded to necropsies performed in the LPV-UFSM or to mailed in samples from practitioners. Out of these, 69 experimental cases were excluded from this study. The remaining 517 cases were composed of 361 (69.8%) cases with conclusive diagnoses and 156 (30.2%) cases with inconclusive diagnoses. In 58 (16%) occasions, sheep died in consequence of neurological disease. Most important diseases included coenurosis (15 cases or 25.8%), listeriosis (9 cases or 15.5%), tetanus (8 cases or 13.7%), vertebral abscesses (4 cases or 6.8%), and cerebral abscesses (3 cases or 5.1%). Poisoning by Erytroxylum argentinum, post-caudectomy suppurative myelitis, fibrinosuppurative meningoencephalitis, polioencephalomalacia, rabies (2 cases or 3.4% each) were occasionally diagnosed. Spinal cord demyelinization, encephalic white matter edema, focal symmetrical encephalomalacia, hydranencephalia, cerebellar hypoplasia, poisoning by organophosphate, poisoning by Solanum pseudocapsicum, fibrinosuppurative myelitis, and presumptive closantel toxicity (1 case or 1.7% each) were rarely seen.

Abstract in English:

Abstract.- Pescador C.A., Bandarra P.M., Castro L.A., Antoniassi N.A.B., Ravazollo, A.P., Sonne L. Cruz C.E.F. & Driemeier D. 2007. Co-infection by porcine circovirus type 2 and porcine parvovirus in aborted fetuses and stillborn piglets in southern Brazil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(10):425-429. Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@ufrgs.br Porcine circovirus types 1 and 2 (PCV1, PCV2) and porcine parvovirus (PPV) are widespread in pig populations around the world. Nevertheless, only PCV2 has been associated with different clinical syndromes, thus representing a major problem to the pig industry. The association of cases of swine abortions and stillborns with PCV1 and PCV2 and PPV was studied retrospectively (2005-2007). Additional pathogens were also investigated in lesioned fetuses. The studied litters included stillborn piglets and several mummified fetuses of varied sizes. Ventricular dilatation, myocardial pale areas, and mesocolic edema were the gross lesions. Escherichia coli was detected as co-infecting with PCV2 the cases in which mesocolic edema was seen. Microscopic lesions included non-suppurative myocarditis, myocardial necrosis and fibrosis, mineralization foci and intranuclear inclusion bodies in cardiomyocytes, and interstitial mononuclear pneumonia. Samples from 7 (5.78 per cent) of 121 aborted fetuses and stillborn piglets had lesions consistent with a viral cause and showed both positive anti-PCV2 immunostaining as well as PCV2-PCR. In samples from 3 (2.47 per cent) of these 7 fetuses, co-infection with PPV was confirmed by Nested-PCR. Both viruses were detected in fetuses at different stages of gestation. Viral antigens of PCV2 were detected by immunohistochemistry mainly in macrophages and myocytes. PCV1 individually was not detected in any of these affected fetuses, but it was associated with PCV2 and/or PPV in some of them. These findings indicate that PCV2 alone or in association with PPV should be kept in mind when investigating causes of infectious abortion in pigs in Brazil.

• Abortion PCV2 PCV1 PPV stillborn swine Brazil

Abstract in Portuguese:

Abstract.- Pescador C.A., Bandarra P.M., Castro L.A., Antoniassi N.A.B., Ravazollo, A.P., Sonne L. Cruz C.E.F. & Driemeier D. 2007. Co-infection by porcine circovirus type 2 and porcine parvovirus in aborted fetuses and stillborn piglets in southern Brazil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(10):425-429. Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@ufrgs.br Porcine circovirus types 1 and 2 (PCV1, PCV2) and porcine parvovirus (PPV) are widespread in pig populations around the world. Nevertheless, only PCV2 has been associated with different clinical syndromes, thus representing a major problem to the pig industry. The association of cases of swine abortions and stillborns with PCV1 and PCV2 and PPV was studied retrospectively (2005-2007). Additional pathogens were also investigated in lesioned fetuses. The studied litters included stillborn piglets and several mummified fetuses of varied sizes. Ventricular dilatation, myocardial pale areas, and mesocolic edema were the gross lesions. Escherichia coli was detected as co-infecting with PCV2 the cases in which mesocolic edema was seen. Microscopic lesions included non-suppurative myocarditis, myocardial necrosis and fibrosis, mineralization foci and intranuclear inclusion bodies in cardiomyocytes, and interstitial mononuclear pneumonia. Samples from 7 (5.78 per cent) of 121 aborted fetuses and stillborn piglets had lesions consistent with a viral cause and showed both positive anti-PCV2 immunostaining as well as PCV2-PCR. In samples from 3 (2.47 per cent) of these 7 fetuses, co-infection with PPV was confirmed by Nested-PCR. Both viruses were detected in fetuses at different stages of gestation. Viral antigens of PCV2 were detected by immunohistochemistry mainly in macrophages and myocytes. PCV1 individually was not detected in any of these affected fetuses, but it was associated with PCV2 and/or PPV in some of them. These findings indicate that PCV2 alone or in association with PPV should be kept in mind when investigating causes of infectious abortion in pigs in Brazil.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Schild A.L., Sallis E.S.V., Priebe A.P., Soares M.P., Almeida M.B., Ladeira S.R.L., Schramm R. & Riet-Correa F. 2006. Anthrax in cattle in southern Brazil: 1978-2006. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(4):243-248. Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico, Faculdade de Veterinária, Univer-sidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário s/n, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: alschild@terra.com.br Ten outbreaks of anthrax occurred in cattle from 1978 to 2006 in southern Brazil, in 5 municipalities on the border with Uruguay, a country where the disease is frequent. The 10 outbreaks represented 0.2% of all bovine specimens received during the period by the Regional Diagnostic Laboratory of the Federal University of Pelotas, causing 267 deaths in a risk population of 6,605 head. The disease affected young and adult cattle mainly during summer. Only one farmer reported that sheep and horses were also affected. Clinically the peracute form was more frequent, but in some outbreaks the acute form with a clinical manifestation period of 6-48 hours was also observed. The source of infection was not established; but the reduced rainfall, associated with low, flat, flooded lands used for agriculture followed by animal grazing after harvest was probably related to the disease occurrence. Annual vaccination is an efficient way to prevent the disease.

• Anthrax Bacillus anthracis infectious disease disease of cattle

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Schild A.L., Sallis E.S.V., Priebe A.P., Soares M.P., Almeida M.B., Ladeira S.R.L., Schramm R. & Riet-Correa F. 2006. Anthrax in cattle in southern Brazil: 1978-2006. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(4):243-248. Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico, Faculdade de Veterinária, Univer-sidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário s/n, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: alschild@terra.com.br Ten outbreaks of anthrax occurred in cattle from 1978 to 2006 in southern Brazil, in 5 municipalities on the border with Uruguay, a country where the disease is frequent. The 10 outbreaks represented 0.2% of all bovine specimens received during the period by the Regional Diagnostic Laboratory of the Federal University of Pelotas, causing 267 deaths in a risk population of 6,605 head. The disease affected young and adult cattle mainly during summer. Only one farmer reported that sheep and horses were also affected. Clinically the peracute form was more frequent, but in some outbreaks the acute form with a clinical manifestation period of 6-48 hours was also observed. The source of infection was not established; but the reduced rainfall, associated with low, flat, flooded lands used for agriculture followed by animal grazing after harvest was probably related to the disease occurrence. Annual vaccination is an efficient way to prevent the disease.

Abstract in English:

Canal C.W., Ferreira D.J., Macagnan M., Fallavena L.C.B., Moraes H.L.S. & Wald V.B. 2004. Prevalence of antibodies against chicken anaemia virus (CAV) in broiler breeders in Southern Brazil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(2):89-92. Centro de Diagnóstico e Pesquisa em Patologia Aviária (CDPA), Faculdade de Veterinária da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: claudio.canal@ufrgs.br Chicks infected during the first two weeks of life with chicken anaemia virus (CAV) manifest clinical disease that can be avoided if the breeder hens transfer enough antibodies to their progeny. The objective of the present work was to establish the prevalence and titer of anti-CAV antibodies in some Brazilian broiler hen breeder flocks and verify in which phase of life the birds were infected. A total of 1,709 serum samples from 12 broiler hen flocks vaccinated against CAV and 64 unvaccinated flocks were analyzed for CAV antibodies with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). All non-vaccinated breeder flocks were found to be infected with CAV, with 89% of the hens tested presenting antibodies, 52% of these with titers considered high enough to protect their progeny against CAV infection. Likewise, all vaccinated hens had antibody titer to CAV capable of conferring protection to their progeny. Thus, vaccination of hens seems capable of conferring protection to chicks against clinically apparent CAV-associated disease.

• Antibodies avian pathology chicken anemia virus CAV epidemiology prevalence.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Canal C.W., Ferreira D.J., Macagnan M., Fallavena L.C.B., Moraes H.L.S. & Wald V.B. 2004. Prevalence of antibodies against chicken anaemia virus (CAV) in broiler breeders in Southern Brazil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(2):89-92. Centro de Diagnóstico e Pesquisa em Patologia Aviária (CDPA), Faculdade de Veterinária da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: claudio.canal@ufrgs.br Chicks infected during the first two weeks of life with chicken anaemia virus (CAV) manifest clinical disease that can be avoided if the breeder hens transfer enough antibodies to their progeny. The objective of the present work was to establish the prevalence and titer of anti-CAV antibodies in some Brazilian broiler hen breeder flocks and verify in which phase of life the birds were infected. A total of 1,709 serum samples from 12 broiler hen flocks vaccinated against CAV and 64 unvaccinated flocks were analyzed for CAV antibodies with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). All non-vaccinated breeder flocks were found to be infected with CAV, with 89% of the hens tested presenting antibodies, 52% of these with titers considered high enough to protect their progeny against CAV infection. Likewise, all vaccinated hens had antibody titer to CAV capable of conferring protection to their progeny. Thus, vaccination of hens seems capable of conferring protection to chicks against clinically apparent CAV-associated disease.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Peixoto P.V., Brust L.A.C., Brito M.F., França T.N., Cunha B.R.M. & Andrade G.B. 2003. [Amaranthus spinosus (Amaranthaceae) poisoning in sheep in southern Brazil.] Intoxicação natural por Amaranthus spinosus (Amaranthaceae) em ovinos no Sudeste do Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 23(4):179-184. Depto Nutrição Animal e Pastagem, Inst Zootecnia, UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ 23835-000, Brazil. An outbreak of acute poisoning caused by Amaranthus spinosus is described in ewes of Southern Brazil. The clinical signs were characterized by uremic halitosis, loss of ruminal motility, dispnoea and abortion. Grossly in the kidneys there were pale red spots, white streaks extending from cortex to medulla, and congestion. Histologically there was a severe acute tubular nephrosis, dispersed foci of coagulative necrosis in the tiver, areas of coagulative necrosis in the myocardium and acute incipient interstitial pneumonia as well as secondary bronchopneumonia. Myocardial coagulative necrosis observed in seven sheep was attributed to hyperkalemia secondary to renal insufficiency. No references to spontaneous A. spinosus poisoning in sheep was found in the literature. Attempt to reproduce the poisoning by administration·of the plant to sheep was insuccessful, probably because A. spinosus used was not from fertilized areas.

• Poisonous plants plant poisononig Amaranthus spinosus Amaranthaceae sheep pathology Plantas tóxicas intoxicação por plantas ovino patologia.

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Peixoto P.V., Brust L.A.C., Brito M.F., França T.N., Cunha B.R.M. & Andrade G.B. 2003. [Amaranthus spinosus (Amaranthaceae) poisoning in sheep in southern Brazil.] Intoxicação natural por Amaranthus spinosus (Amaranthaceae) em ovinos no Sudeste do Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 23(4):179-184. Depto Nutrição Animal e Pastagem, Inst Zootecnia, UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ 23835-000, Brazil. No Estado do Rio de janeiro descreve-se um surto de intoxicação aguda por Amaranthus spinosus em 12 ovelhas, caracterizado clinicamente por hálito urêmico, ausência de movimentos ruminais, dispnéia e aborto. Os animais foram colocados em um pasto adubado e severamente invadido pela planta. A necropsia realizada em seis ovinos revelou rins pálidos, em geral, com estriações esbranquiçadas desde o córtex até a medula; em um animal verificaram-se diversos infartos sob forma de figuras geométricas no córtex. O fígado apresentava-se mais claro, por vezes com lobulação evidente. Em um animal verificaram- se áreas pálidas no miocárdio. Os pulmões congestos, algo mais pesados e consistentes, por vezes evidenciavam áreas de hepatização vermelha e cinzenta na porção cranial. Petéquias, equimoses e sufusões foram observadas em serosas, na mucosa do tubo digestório e em outros órgãos. Ao exame histológico verificaram-se acentuada nefrose tubular tóxica, focos aleatórios de necrose coagulativa no fígado, áreas de necrose coagulativa no miocárdio e pneumonia intersticial aguda incipiente acompanhada por áreas de broncopneumonia. Na literatura não foram encontradas referências à intoxicação natural por A. spinosus em ovinos. Tentativas de reprodução da intoxicação coma planta em ovinos, não foram bem sucedidas, provavelmente porque, nos experimentos, não se utilizou A. spinosus proveniente de áreas adubadas. A necrose do miocárdio encontrada, ao exame microscópico do coração de diversos animais foi atribuída a hipercalemia secundária à insuficiência renal, ao passo que a gênese dos infartos renais verificados em um ovino permanece obscura.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Loretti A.P., Oliveira L.O., Cruz C.E.F. & Driemeier D. 2002. Clinical and pathological study of an outbreak of obstructive urolithiasis in feedlot cattle in Southern Brazil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 23(1):61-64. Depto Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Cx. Postal 15094, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: lorettiufrgsvet3@aol.com The epidemiology, clinical picture and pathology of an outbreak of urolithiasis in cattle in southern Brazil are described. The disease occurred in August 1999 in a feedlot beef cattle herd. Five out of 1,100 castrated steers were affected. Clinical sigos included colic and ventral abdominal distension. White, sand-grain-like mineral deposits precipitated on the preputial hairs. Affected cattle died spontaneously 24-48 hrs after the onset of the clinical signs. Only one animal recovered after perineal urethrostomy. Necropsy findings included calculi blocking the urethral lumen of the distal portion of the penile sigmoid flexure, urinary bladder rupture with leakage of urine into the abdominal cavity and secondary fibrinous peritonitis. Daily water intake was low since water sources were scarce and not readily available. The animais were fed rations high in grains and received limited amounts of roughage. Biochemical analysis revealed that the calculi were composed of ammonium phosphate. A calcium-phosphorus imbalance (0.4:0.6) was detected in the feedlot ration. For the outbreak, it is suggested that contributing factors to urolith formation include insufficient fiber ingestion, low water intake and high dietary leveis of phosphorus. No additional cases were observed in that feedlot after preventive measures were established. Similar dietary mismanagement in fattening steers has been associated with obstructive urolithiasis in feedlot beef cattle in other countries.

• Obstructive urolithiasis uroperitoneum cattle feedlot ammonium phosphate Southern Brazil Urolitíase obstrutiva uroperitônio bovinos confinamento fosfato amônio Região Sul do Brasil.

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Loretti A.P., Oliveira L.O., Cruz C.E.F. & Driemeier D. 2002. Clinical and pathological study of an outbreak of obstructive urolithiasis in feedlot cattle in Southern Brazil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 23(1):61-64. [Estudo clínico e anatomopatológico de um surto de urolitíase obstrutiva em bovinos confinados na Região Sul do Brasil.] Depto Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Cx. Postal 15094, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: lorettiufrgsvet3@aol.com Os aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos e anatomopatológicos de um surto de urolitíase obstrutiva em bovinos são descritos. A enfermidade ocorreu em agosto de 1999 em um rebanho de bovinos de corte confinados na Região Sul do Brasil. De um total de 1.100 novilhos castrados, cinco foram afetados. O quadro clínico consistia em cólica, distensão abdominal ventral e acúmulo de material esbranquiçado, arenoso, aderido aos pêlos da bainha prepucial. Os animais afetados morriam espontaneamente 2448h após o início dos sinais clínicos. Um animal se recuperou após uretrostomia perineal. Os achados de necropsia incluíam a presença de urólitos obstruindo a luz uretral na porção distal da flexura sigmóide peniana, ruptura da bexiga com extravasamento de urina para a cavidade abdominal e peritonite fibrinosa difusa. O consumo diário de água era pequeno devido à escassez e acesso limitado às fontes hídricas. Os novilhos recebiam alimentação rica em grãos e pobre em forragem. A análise química revelou que os cálculos urinários eram formados por fosfato e amônio. Um desequilíbrio na relação cálcio-fósforo (0,4:0,6) foi constatado através da análise da ração utilizada. No presente relato, sugere-se que os fatores associados com a formação de urólitos foram o fornecimento insuficiente de fibra, a ingestão limitada de água e os níveis elevados de fósforo da ração. Não foram observados mais casos da enfermidade após o estabelecimento de medidas para prevenir a ocorrência de urolitíase neste rebanho. De forma semelhante, erros de manejo na alimentação de bovinos confinados têm sido associados à ocorrência de urolitíase em outros países.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Corbellini L.G., Pescador C.A., Frantz F.J., Lima M., Ferreiro L. & Driemeier D. 2003. [Abortus by Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus niger in cattle in southern Brazil.] Aborto por Aspergillusfumigatus eAspergillus niger em bovinos no sul do Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 23(2):82-86. Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária UFRGS, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail:davetpat@vortex.ufrgs.br Mycotic infection has worldwide distribution and may cause placentitis and abortion in almost ali domestic animais. From September 2001 through November 2002 specimens from 147 aborted bovine fetuses along with 34 placentas were submitted to the Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, to investigate infectious causes of abortion in southern Brazil. Mycotic abortion was diagnosed in five cases (3.4%). Aspergilfus fumigatus was isolated from four cases and A. niger from one. Virological, bacteriological and direct immunofluorescent antibody tests for Leptospira sp were negative in those cases where Aspergillus sp was cultured. The gestational age of those fetuses ranged from 5 to 8 months. Macroscopic lesions were observed in four cases. One had several Nodular lesions disseminated throughout the liver, two had skin lesions characterized by white-grayish round plaques mostly on the head and neck, and thickened cotyledons in two placentas sent with those fetuses. The histological lesions were observed in the liver, lungs and placenta and consisted primary of necrotizing hepatitis, suppurative bronchopneumonia of varying degrees and necrotizing placentitis. With the use of Grocott's methenamine-silver staining, septate hyphae could be observed in three cases, surrounding necrotizing lesions in the tiver of one fetus and in two placentas. In two cases hyphae were observed in placenta) tissues and not in fetal tissues, indicating the importance of the placenta in diagnosing mycotic abortion in cattle.

• Bovine abortion mycotic abortion Aspergillus spp. Aborto bovino aborto micótico

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Corbellini L.G., Pescador C.A., Frantz F.J., Lima M., Ferreiro L. & Driemeier D. 2003. [Abortus by Aspergillus fumigatus and Aspergillus niger in cattle in southern Brazil.] Aborto por Aspergillusfumigatus eAspergillus niger em bovinos no sul do Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 23(2):82-86. Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária UFRGS, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail:davetpat@vortex.ufrgs.br As infecções micóticas apresentam distribuição mundial e podem causar placentite e aborto em diversas espécies de animais. Entre setembro 2001 e novembro 2002, foram processados no Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, 147 fetos bovinos abortados com o objetivo de avaliar as principais causas de aborto infeccioso bovino no sul do Brasil. Destes, 34 estavam acompanhados da placenta. Aborto micótico foi diagnosticado em cinco casos (3,4%) mediante cultivo puro de quatro amostras de Aspergillus fumigatus e uma de A. niger associado a lesões histológicas características de fungo. Os exames virológico, bacteriológico e imunofluorescência direta para Leptospira sp foram negativos nestes casos. A idade dos fetos variava entre 5 e 8 meses de idade. Lesões macroscópicas foram observadas em quatro casos e eram caracterizadas por áreas circulares multifocais branco-acinzentadas na pele, principalmente na região da cabeça e dorso, em dois fetos, lesões nodulares no fígado em um caso e espessamento dos cotilédones em duas placentas enviadas juntamente com os fetos. Lesões histológicas foram observadas principalmente no fígado, pulmão e placenta, caracterizadas por hepatite necrótica multifocal, broncopneumonia supurativa e placentite necrótica. Através da coloração de Grocott hifas septadas foram observadas em duas placentas e nas bordas das lesões necróticas no fígado de um feto. Em dois casos hifas foram observadas somente na placenta e não no feto, salientando-se a importância deste tecido para o diagnóstico de aborto micótico bovino.