PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Arenhart S., Bauermann F.V., Oliveira S.A.M., Weiblen R. & Flores E.F. 2009. [Shedding and transmission of bovine viral diarrhea virus by persistently infected calves.] Excreção e transmissão do vírus da diarréia viral bovina por bezerros persistentemente infectados. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(9):736-742. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Rurais, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: eduardofurtadoflores@gmail.com Persistently infected (PI) calves born to cows infected with non-cytopathic bovine virus diarrhea virus (BVDV) represent the main reservoir of the virus in nature. We herein report an investigation on the patterns of virus shedding and transmission by five PI calves produced experimentally through inoculation of pregnant cows with Brazilian BVDV isolates. Five calves that survived intrauterine infection were born healthy, lacking neutralizing antibodies to BVDV and harboring virus in the blood. After weaning - and following the disappearance of colostral antibodies - PI calves were monitored for virus in serum and body secretions (ocular, oral, nasal and genital) at weekly intervals for up to 150 days. For each animal, the virus titers in serum showed minor variations throughout the collections (with one exception that presented an increase late in infection), yet the titers varied widely among animals (from 102 to 106TCID50/mL). Virus shedding in secretions was detected steadily during all the observation period with minor titer variations for each particular animal. The highest titers were generally detected in nasal and ocular secretions (titers 104 to 106TCID50mL) whereas genital and oral secretions usually contained low amount of virus (102 to 103TCID50mL). To evaluate the kinetics of virus transmission by these animals, one PI was introduced on a group of 10 seronegative calves maintained with a high animal density simulating the conditions of an intensive management. All 10 contact calves seroconverted to BVDV by day 30. Another PI calf was introduced into a 48-head herd kept under a low animal density, extensive grass management. Among these animals, 8/48 (16.6%) seroconverted by day 10, 26/48 (54.1%) by day 40 and 37/48 (77%) were seropositive at day 100, when the monitoring was discontinued. These results show that continuous viremia and virus shedding in high titers in secretions by PI animals assure an efficient and rapid virus transmission to contact animals, being the kinetics of transmission much faster under intensive conditions.

• Bovine viral diarrhea virus BVDV vírua da diarréia viral bovina

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Arenhart S., Bauermann F.V., Oliveira S.A.M., Weiblen R. & Flores E.F. 2009. [Shedding and transmission of bovine viral diarrhea virus by persistently infected calves.] Excreção e transmissão do vírus da diarréia viral bovina por bezerros persistentemente infectados. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(9):736-742. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Rurais, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: eduardofurtadoflores@gmail.com Bezerros persistentemente infectados (PI) nascidos de vacas infectadas com amostras não-citopáticas do vírus da diarréia viral bovina (BVDV) se constituem nos principais reservatórios do vírus na natureza. Este trabalho relata uma investigação do padrão de excreção e transmissão viral por cinco bezerros PI produzidos experimentalmente pela inoculação de vacas prenhes com isolados brasileiros do BVDV. Cinco bezerros que sobreviveram a infecção intrauterina nasceram saudáveis, soronegativos e com a presença de vírus no sangue. Após o desmame - e desaparecimento dos anticorpos colostrais - os bezerros PI foram monitorados semanalmente durante 150 dias para a presença de vírus e títulos virais no soro e em secreções (ocular, oral, nasal e genital). Os títulos virais no soro de cada animal apresentaram pequenas variações durante o período (com exceção de um animal que apresentou um aumento de título tardiamente), mas os títulos variaram amplamente entre os animais (entre 102 e 106TCID50/ml). O vírus também foi excretado continuamente nas secreções de todos os animais, com pequenas variações de título entre as coletas. Os maiores títulos virais foram geralmente detectados nas secreções nasais e oculares (títulos de 104 a 106TCID50/mL), enquanto as secreções orais e genitais usualmente continham títulos virais baixos (102 a 103TCID50/mL). Com o objetivo de avaliar a dinâmica de transmissão viral, um bezerro PI foi introduzido em um grupo de 10 bezerros soronegativos, mantido com uma alta densidade animal e submetido a manejo diário para simular as condições de manejo semi-intensivo. Após 30 dias de convívio com o bezerro PI, todos os demais animais haviam soroconvertido ao BVDV. Para investigar a transmissão viral sob condições extensivas, outro bezerro PI foi incorporado a um rebanho de 48 animais mantido a campo, com baixa densidade animal e submetido a manejo extensivo. Dentre estes animais, 8/48 (16,6%) foram soropositivos para anticorpos no dia 10, 26/48 (54,1%) no dia 40 e 37/48 (77%) haviam soroconvertido no dia 100, quando encerrou-se o monitoramento. Estes resultados demonstram que a viremia e excreção viral contínua em altos títulos por animais PI assegura a transmissão rápida do BVDV a animais mantidos em contato, sendo a transmissão notadamente mais rápida em condições intensivas e de alta densidade animal.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Holz C.L., Cibulski S.P., Teixeira T.F., Batista H.B.C.R., Campos F.S., Silva J.R., Varela A.P.M., Cenci A., Franco A.C. & Roehe P.M. 2009. [Seroprevalence of bovine herpesvirus types 1 and/or 5 in the state of Rio Grande do Sul.] Soroprevalência de herpesvírus bovinos tipos 1 e/ou 5 no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(9):767-773. Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor, Fepagro Saúde Animal, Estrada do Conde 6000, Cx. Postal 47, Eldorado do Sul, RS 92990-000, Brazil. E-mail: proehe@gmail.com This study was carried out to estimate the prevalence of antibodies to bovine herpesviruses types 1(BoHV-1) and 5 (BoHV-5) in the state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil, by testing serum samples against different BoHV-1 and BoHV-5 strains. The sera examined were obtained from a larger sample designed to estimate the prevalence of bovine brucellosis within the state. All sera were collected from cows 24 months or older, not vaccinated to bovine herpesviruses, from both dairy and beef herds. The number of samples to be tested was calculated based on an estimated prevalence of infection of 33%, with an average standard deviation of £1% and a 95% limit of agreement. Sera from 2.200 cattle from 390 farms distributed in 158 counties were tested by serum neutralization (SN) tests in search for antibodies to the following strains: BoHV-1.1 (strains EVI123/98 and Los Angeles), BoHV-5a (strain EVI88/95) and BoHV-5b (strain A663). The overall seroprevalence to BoHV-1 and BoHV-5 in the sampled herds was 29.2% (642/2.200); seropositive animals were detected in 225 (57.7%) of the sampled farms. Prevalence estimates varied according to the virus used for challenge in SN tests. The highest prevalence and sensitivity were attained when positive SN results against the four different strains were added together. The use of only one virus for challenge in SN tests would lead to a loss in sensitivity from 20.4% to 34.6% when compared to the combined SN-positive results. These findings provide evidence that antibodies to BoHV-1 and BoHV-5 are largely spread in dairy and beef herds in RS, although prevalence in distinct geographic regions is quite variable. The results were strongly affected by the virus strains used for challenge in SN testing. This must be taken into account when performing serologic tests to detect BoHV-1 and BoHV-5 antibodies. As SN test is not capable of discriminating between antibody responses to BoHV-1 and BoHV-5, type-specific prevalence remains unknown.

• Bovine herpesvirus type 1 bovine herpesvirus type 5 BoHV-1 BoHV-5 herpesvírus bovinos tipo 1 herpesvírus bovinos tipo 5

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Holz C.L., Cibulski S.P., Teixeira T.F., Batista H.B.C.R., Campos F.S., Silva J.R., Varela A.P.M., Cenci A., Franco A.C. & Roehe P.M. 2009. [Seroprevalence of bovine herpesvirus types 1 and/or 5 in the state of Rio Grande do Sul.] Soroprevalência de herpesvírus bovinos tipos 1 e/ou 5 no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(9):767-773. Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor, Fepagro Saúde Animal, Estrada do Conde 6000, Cx. Postal 47, Eldorado do Sul, RS 92990-000, Brazil. E-mail: proehe@gmail.com Este estudo objetivou estimar a prevalência de anticorpos contra os herpesvírus bovinos tipos 1 e 5 (BoHV-1 e BoHV-5) no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brasil, frente a diferentes cepas de BoHV-1 e BoHV-5. As amostras de soro utilizadas foram extraídas de uma amostragem mais ampla, desenhada para estimar a prevalência de brucelose bovina no Estado. Todos os soros foram coletados de vacas com idade igual ou superior a 24 meses de idade, não vacinadas contra herpesvírus bovinos, de rebanhos de corte e leite. O cálculo amostral foi baseado em uma expectativa de prevalência média de infecção de 33%, considerando-se um erro padrão não superior a 1% e um intervalo de confiança de 95%. Com base nesse cálculo foram examinados 2.200 soros, provenientes de 390 propriedades e 158 municípios. Os soros foram analisados na busca de anticorpos contra BoHV-1 e BoHV-5 pela técnica de soroneutralização (SN), executada frente a quatro cepas de vírus distintas: EVI123/98 e Los Angeles (BoHV-1.1); EVI88/95 (BoHV-5a) e A663 (BoHV-5b). A prevalência média de anticorpos contra o BoHV-1 e BoHV-5 nos animais amostrados foi de 29,2% (642/2200); animais soropositivos foram identificados em 57,7% (225/390) dos rebanhos. As estimativas de prevalência variaram de acordo com a cepa e/ou vírus utilizado para o desafio nos testes de SN. A prevalência e a sensibilidade mais altas foram obtidas quando os resultados positivos à SN frente aos quatro vírus distintos foram somados. O uso de somente um vírus de desafio na SN levaria a redução de sensibilidade de 20,4% a 34,6% quando comparada com os resultados positivos combinados. Estes achados evidenciam que anticorpos contra BoHV-1 e BoHV-5 estão amplamente difundidos nos rebanhos do RS, embora a prevalência em distintas regiões geográficas seja bastante variada. Os resultados obtidos nas estimativas de prevalência foram fortemente afetados pelas diferentes amostras de vírus usadas nos testes de SN. Esse fato deve ser levado em consideração quando estudos sorológicos para BoHV-1 e BoHV-5 forem realizados. Como a SN não é capaz de discriminar as respostas de anticorpos para BoHV-1 e BoHV-5, a prevalência tipo-específica permanece desconhecida.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Schmidt V., Pinto A.T., Schneider R.N. Silva F.F.P. & Mello F.A. 2009. [Characterization of subclinical mastitis in dairy goats herds raised on an organic system in Rio Grande do Sul.] Caracterização da mastite subclínica em caprinos produzidos em sistema orgânico no Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(9):774-778. Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E.mail: veronica.schmidt@ufrgs.br Milk and derivates are recognized as vehicle of different pathogens for humans. These micoorganisms may manifest as post-milking contamination or as in infections in the animal itself, particularly in mastitis. The aim of present study was characterizes the occurrence of mastitis and management aspects in dairy-goats raised in three farms of organic milk. The correlation between mastitis and goat husbandry was also investigated. The clinical exam of the mammary glands of 64 dairy-goats did not reveal the presence of clinical mastitis. Nevertheless, the California Mastitis Test (CMT) identified 54 (22.7%) reactive mammary halves (+ or ++). From 238 milk samples collected, 37 (15.6%) were positive for bacterial isolates. Coincident positive results for bacterial isolate tests and CMT were observed in only eight samples, which indicate a sensitivity index of 21.6% for the caprine subclinical mastitis diagnosis test. Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) were identified as the most frequent pathogen in milk samples (83.8%). The in vitro sensitivity test revealed CNS strains resistant to cotrimoxazole (50%), ampicillin (48.1%), nitrofurantoine (7.7%), cefaclor (7.14%), and oxacilline (3.85%). Cefalotine, gentamicin, neomycin, streptomycin, and tetracycline were the most effective drugs. No correlation was observed between the occurrence of subclinical mastitis and race, lactation period, drinking water quality in farms, or milking system as adopted in the present study.

• Mastitis coagulase-negative staphylococci mastite Staphylococcus coagulase negativo

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Schmidt V., Pinto A.T., Schneider R.N. Silva F.F.P. & Mello F.A. 2009. [Characterization of subclinical mastitis in dairy goats herds raised on an organic system in Rio Grande do Sul.] Caracterização da mastite subclínica em caprinos produzidos em sistema orgânico no Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(9):774-778. Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E.mail: veronica.schmidt@ufrgs.br O leite e derivados são reconhecidos como veículos de patógenos para humanos, secundário a contaminação pós-ordenha ou de infecções do próprio animal, particularmente na mastite. Foi estudada a ocorrência de mastite e aspectos do manejo em cabras de três propriedades criadas em sistema orgânico. O exame clínico da glândula mamária de 64 cabras em diferentes períodos de lactação, não acusou a presença de mastite clínica. Entretanto, o Califórnia Mastitis Test (CMT) identificou 54 (22,7%) metades mamárias reagentes (+ ou ++). Foram colhidas 238 amostras de leite, das quais houve isolamento bacteriano em 37 (15,6%). Em apenas oito amostras houve coincidência entre o isolamento bacteriano e o resultado do CMT, indicando sensibilidade de 21,6% para este teste no diagnóstico de mastite subclínica em caprinos. Staphylococcus coagulase negativa (SCN) foi o microrganismo mais freqüente (83,8%). O teste de sensibilidade microbiana in vitro revelou resistência das linhagens de SCN ao cotrimoxazol (50%), ampicilina (48,1%), nitrofurantoína (7,7%), cefaclor (7,14%) e oxacilina (3,85%). Cefalotina, gentamicina, neomicina, estreptomicina e tetraciclina foram os antimicrobianos mais efetivos frente aos isolados. Não se evidenciou relação entre a ocorrência de mastite subclínica com a raça, a fase de lactação, sistema de ordenha ou qualidade da água utilizada nas propriedades.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Gabriel A.L., Kommers G.D., Masuda E.K, Fighera R.A., Piazer J.V.M., Barros C.S.L., Martins T.B. & Rosa F.B. 2009. [Clinical and hematological aspects and urinary bladder lesions in chronic spontaneous poisoning by Pteridium aquilinum in cattle.] Aspectos clínicos-hematológicos e lesões vesicais nas formas crônicas de intoxicação espontânea por Pteridium aquilinum em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(7):515-525. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Camobi, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil. E-mail: glaukommers@yahoo.com Spontaneous cases of chronic poisoning by Pteridium aquilinum in cattle were studied. The clinical forms of the disease were squamous cell carcinoma (SCCs) of the upper digestive tract (UDT) and bovine enzootic hematuria (BEH). The cases were from the midland Region of the Midwest of Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, and were submitted to the Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária of the Universidade Federal de Santa Maria. Clinical signs and blood work were evaluated at terminal phase of disease. Cattle with UDT SCCs had progressive weigth loss, ruminal atony, cough, dysphagia, bloating, and regurgitation. In cattle with BEH, hematuria was observed in all cases, followed by progressive weight loss. Non-regenerative anemia was detected in 33.33% of the cattle with UDT SCCs form and in 66.66% of the cattle with BEH form. Changes in white blood count occurred in some cases but drop in lymphocyte numbers was uncommon in both forms of disease. For the morphological study, urinary bladders from 46 cattle with UDT SCCs and 11 cattle with BEH were analyzed. Grossly, 16/46 bladders from the UDT SCCs form had gross lesions (red or pale vesical nodules, hemorrhages, and papilomas; red urine was detected at necropsy of only three cases). In BEH form, the bladder had nodules, large neoplastic masses, red urine, papilomas, and hemorrhages. Pyelonephritis and hydronephrosis were seen in a few cases. Microscopically, in the UDT SCCs form, 44/46 (95.65%) bladders had 22 different types of morphological changes, characterized by neoplastic lesions (5/22) and non-neoplastic lesions (17/22); the latter were subdivided in non-neoplastic epithelial changes (6/17), general changes of the lamina propria (6/17), and inflammatory changes (5/17). The bladder changes in BEH form were of 19 different types, characterized by neoplastic lesions (5/19) and non-neoplastic lesions (14/19), which were subdivided in non-neoplastic epitelial changes (9/14), general changes of the lamina propria (3/14), and inflammatory changes (2/14). In BEH, mesenchymal neoplasms were more observed than epithelial ones, and most of them were malignant. Immunohistochemistry was utilized to characterize the histogenesis of poorly differentiated neoplasms. In conclusion, the morphological study demonstrated that urinary bladder lesions identical to the those seen in cattle with BEH, are very often present in cattle with the UDT SCCs form.

• Diseases of cattle poisonous plants; Pteridium aquilinum bovine enzootic hematuria squamous cell carcinomas of the digestive system veterinary pathology

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Gabriel A.L., Kommers G.D., Masuda E.K, Fighera R.A., Piazer J.V.M., Barros C.S.L., Martins T.B. & Rosa F.B. 2009. [Clinical and hematological aspects and urinary bladder lesions in chronic spontaneous poisoning by Pteridium aquilinum in cattle.] Aspectos clínicos-hematológicos e lesões vesicais nas formas crônicas de intoxicação espontânea por Pteridium aquilinum em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(7):515-525. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Camobi, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil. E-mail: glaukommers@yahoo.com Spontaneous cases of chronic poisoning by Pteridium aquilinum in cattle were studied. The clinical forms of the disease were squamous cell carcinoma (SCCs) of the upper digestive tract (UDT) and bovine enzootic hematuria (BEH). The cases were from the midland Region of the Midwest of Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, and were submitted to the Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária of the Universidade Federal de Santa Maria. Clinical signs and blood work were evaluated at terminal phase of disease. Cattle with UDT SCCs had progressive weigth loss, ruminal atony, cough, dysphagia, bloating, and regurgitation. In cattle with BEH, hematuria was observed in all cases, followed by progressive weight loss. Non-regenerative anemia was detected in 33.33% of the cattle with UDT SCCs form and in 66.66% of the cattle with BEH form. Changes in white blood count occurred in some cases but drop in lymphocyte numbers was uncommon in both forms of disease. For the morphological study, urinary bladders from 46 cattle with UDT SCCs and 11 cattle with BEH were analyzed. Grossly, 16/46 bladders from the UDT SCCs form had gross lesions (red or pale vesical nodules, hemorrhages, and papilomas; red urine was detected at necropsy of only three cases). In BEH form, the bladder had nodules, large neoplastic masses, red urine, papilomas, and hemorrhages. Pyelonephritis and hydronephrosis were seen in a few cases. Microscopically, in the UDT SCCs form, 44/46 (95.65%) bladders had 22 different types of morphological changes, characterized by neoplastic lesions (5/22) and non-neoplastic lesions (17/22); the latter were subdivided in non-neoplastic epithelial changes (6/17), general changes of the lamina propria (6/17), and inflammatory changes (5/17). The bladder changes in BEH form were of 19 different types, characterized by neoplastic lesions (5/19) and non-neoplastic lesions (14/19), which were subdivided in non-neoplastic epitelial changes (9/14), general changes of the lamina propria (3/14), and inflammatory changes (2/14). In BEH, mesenchymal neoplasms were more observed than epithelial ones, and most of them were malignant. Immunohistochemistry was utilized to characterize the histogenesis of poorly differentiated neoplasms. In conclusion, the morphological study demonstrated that urinary bladder lesions identical to the those seen in cattle with BEH, are very often present in cattle with the UDT SCCs form.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Costa V.M.M., Simões S.V.D. & Riet-Correa F. 2009. [Parasitic diseases in ruminants in the Brazilian semiarid.] Doenças parasitárias em ruminantes no semi-árido brasileiro. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(7):563-568. Hospital Veterinário, CSTR, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Campus de Patos, 58700-970 Patos, PB, Brazil. Email: franklin.riet@pq.cnpq.br Clinical cases and diagnostic specimens from ruminants received by the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Campina Grande in Patos, Paraíba, Brazil, from January 2000 to August 2007, were reviewed to evaluate some epidemiological aspects of parasitic diseases of ruminants in the semiarid region of Paraíba and neighboring states. The region has an annual rainfall of about 800mm, with irregular rains concentrated in a 3 to 4-month-period, and an average annual temperature of 26°C. During those years, 163 (5.31%) out of 3,064 ruminants were affected by some parasitic disease. The most important parasitosis in goats and sheep was gastrointestinal helminthiasis, mainly hemonchosis; goats were more affected (6.24% of cases in this species) than sheep (4.7% of cases). The higher frequency of the disease in goats may be associated with higher susceptibility or due to treatment mistakes, i.e. use of the same dose for both species, which for most anti-antihelmintics is insufficient for goats. Cattle have a low rate of gastrointestinal helminthiasis (1 out of 1,113 cases). This low frequency is probably due to the farming system in the semiarid, with low stocking rate, up to one adult bovine for every 13-16 ha, and permanence of calves (susceptible) with their mothers (resistant) for nearly one year before weaning. The occurrence of eimeriosis in goats and sheep was observed in 0.76% of the cases, involving only young animals. The main cattle disease was tick fever with 14 outbreaks. Outbreaks of tick fever occur, mainly at the end of the raining season in areas of the semiarid which are marginal for tick, like plateaus and mountains of the Borborema region, irrigated areas, and areas of the basins of two rivers of the region. In the drier areas of the semiarid Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus do not survive during the dry period, but tick fever can occur when cattle with ticks are introduced at the onset of the raining season.

• Ruminant; parasitic diseases helminthiasis parasitosis tick fever

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Costa V.M.M., Simões S.V.D. & Riet-Correa F. 2009. [Parasitic diseases in ruminants in the Brazilian semiarid.] Doenças parasitárias em ruminantes no semi-árido brasileiro. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(7):563-568. Hospital Veterinário, CSTR, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Campus de Patos, 58700-970 Patos, PB, Brazil. Email: franklin.riet@pq.cnpq.br Clinical cases and diagnostic specimens from ruminants received by the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Campina Grande in Patos, Paraíba, Brazil, from January 2000 to August 2007, were reviewed to evaluate some epidemiological aspects of parasitic diseases of ruminants in the semiarid region of Paraíba and neighboring states. The region has an annual rainfall of about 800mm, with irregular rains concentrated in a 3 to 4-month-period, and an average annual temperature of 26°C. During those years, 163 (5.31%) out of 3,064 ruminants were affected by some parasitic disease. The most important parasitosis in goats and sheep was gastrointestinal helminthiasis, mainly hemonchosis; goats were more affected (6.24% of cases in this species) than sheep (4.7% of cases). The higher frequency of the disease in goats may be associated with higher susceptibility or due to treatment mistakes, i.e. use of the same dose for both species, which for most anti-antihelmintics is insufficient for goats. Cattle have a low rate of gastrointestinal helminthiasis (1 out of 1,113 cases). This low frequency is probably due to the farming system in the semiarid, with low stocking rate, up to one adult bovine for every 13-16 ha, and permanence of calves (susceptible) with their mothers (resistant) for nearly one year before weaning. The occurrence of eimeriosis in goats and sheep was observed in 0.76% of the cases, involving only young animals. The main cattle disease was tick fever with 14 outbreaks. Outbreaks of tick fever occur, mainly at the end of the raining season in areas of the semiarid which are marginal for tick, like plateaus and mountains of the Borborema region, irrigated areas, and areas of the basins of two rivers of the region. In the drier areas of the semiarid Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus do not survive during the dry period, but tick fever can occur when cattle with ticks are introduced at the onset of the raining season.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Oliveira C.A., Barbosa J.D., Duarte M.D., Cerqueira V.D., Riet-Correa F. & Riet-Correa G. 2009. [Poisoning by Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa in goats in Island of Marajó, Pará.] Intoxicação por Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa (Convolvulaceae) em caprinos na Ilha do Marajó, Pará. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(7):583-588. Central de Diagnóstico Veterinário, Campus de Castanhal, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Maximino Porpino da Silva 1000, Pirapora, Castanhal, PA 68743-080, Brazil. E-mail: griet@ufpa.br Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa is a swainsonine-containing plant causing a glycoprotein storage diseases in ruminants, mainly in goats in northeastern Brazil. Seven farms were visited on the Marajo Island, state of Pará, northern Brazil, six in the municipality of Cachoeira do Arari and one in the municipality of Soure. In all farms native pastures had shortage of forage and were largely invaded by I. carnea subsp. fistulosa. On the three farms goats presented difficulties in standing, ataxia, hypermetria, wide-based stance, lateral gait, intention tremors, spastic paresis or weakness, abnormal postural reactions, nystagmus, loss of equilibrium and falling to the side or backward. On two farms the prevalence was of 32% (23/71) and 100% (32/32). On another farm one goat out of 19 had severe clinical signs, but the others of the flock were not examined clinically. Cattle, sheep and buffaloes were not affected. Six goats were euthanized and necropsied. No gross lesions were observed. Upon histological examination the main lesion was the vacuolization of the perikaryon of neurons and cytoplasm of epithelial cells of thyroid, liver, kidney, pancreas and macrophages of different organs. In the central nervous system the vacuolization of the perikaria was more sever in Purkinje cells of the cerebellum and in nuclei of the brain stem, mainly the cerebellar nuclei. Wallerian degeneration of axons and gliosis was also observed. The high frequency of the disease on the three farms suggests that poisoning by I. carnea subsp. fistulosa is very important for goats on Marajó Island where there are large amounts of the plant in the pastures.

• Poisonous plants Ipomoea carnea plant poisoning goats swaisonine diseases of nervous system

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Oliveira C.A., Barbosa J.D., Duarte M.D., Cerqueira V.D., Riet-Correa F. & Riet-Correa G. 2009. [Poisoning by Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa in goats in Island of Marajó, Pará.] Intoxicação por Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa (Convolvulaceae) em caprinos na Ilha do Marajó, Pará. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(7):583-588. Central de Diagnóstico Veterinário, Campus de Castanhal, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Maximino Porpino da Silva 1000, Pirapora, Castanhal, PA 68743-080, Brazil. E-mail: griet@ufpa.br Ipomoea carnea subsp. fistulosa is a swainsonine-containing plant causing a glycoprotein storage diseases in ruminants, mainly in goats in northeastern Brazil. Seven farms were visited on the Marajo Island, state of Pará, northern Brazil, six in the municipality of Cachoeira do Arari and one in the municipality of Soure. In all farms native pastures had shortage of forage and were largely invaded by I. carnea subsp. fistulosa. On the three farms goats presented difficulties in standing, ataxia, hypermetria, wide-based stance, lateral gait, intention tremors, spastic paresis or weakness, abnormal postural reactions, nystagmus, loss of equilibrium and falling to the side or backward. On two farms the prevalence was of 32% (23/71) and 100% (32/32). On another farm one goat out of 19 had severe clinical signs, but the others of the flock were not examined clinically. Cattle, sheep and buffaloes were not affected. Six goats were euthanized and necropsied. No gross lesions were observed. Upon histological examination the main lesion was the vacuolization of the perikaryon of neurons and cytoplasm of epithelial cells of thyroid, liver, kidney, pancreas and macrophages of different organs. In the central nervous system the vacuolization of the perikaria was more sever in Purkinje cells of the cerebellum and in nuclei of the brain stem, mainly the cerebellar nuclei. Wallerian degeneration of axons and gliosis was also observed. The high frequency of the disease on the three farms suggests that poisoning by I. carnea subsp. fistulosa is very important for goats on Marajó Island where there are large amounts of the plant in the pastures.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Sant’Ana F.J.F., Rissi D.R., Lucena R.B., Lemos R.A.A., Nogueira A.P.A. & Barros C.S.L. 2009. [Bovine polioencephalomalacia: epidemiology, clinical signs and distribution of lesions in the brain.] Polioencefalomalacia em bovinos: epidemiologia, sinais clínicos e distribuição das lesões no encéfalo. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(7):487-497. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Thirty one cases of polioencephalomalacia (PEM) diagnosed from 1999-2008 in cattle from the Southern (13 cases) and Midwestern (18 cases) Brazil were studied. Morbidity (0.04%-6.66 %), mortality (0.04%-6.66 %), and lethality (50%-100%) rates were similar in both regions studied. There was no clear association between PEM cases and age, sex or seasonality. Cases occurred mainly in cattle raised at pasture; in the Southern the disease affected mainly young cattle (one-year old or less) while mainly older cattle (three-year-old or older) were affected in the Midwest. Clinical signs more frequently observed included blindness, incoordination, circling, opisthotonus, recumbence and peddling movements. Clinical course varied from 12 hours to 8 days (average three days and a half). In 11 cases no gross changes were observed in the brain. Main gross findings in the brain of remaining cases included congestion with swelling and flattening of gyri, softening and yellow discoloration of cerebral cortex, hemorrhagic foci in the brain stem, cerebellum and telencephalon, and cerebellar herniation. The main histopathological changes were in the cortex of occipital, parietal and frontal telencephalic lobes; however less prominent and less frequently found lesions occurred in the hippocampus, basal nuclei, thalamus, midbrain, and cerebellum. The type of microscopic cortical lesions was consistent in all cases and included segmentar laminar neuronal necrosis (red neurons), spongiosis, swollen of vascular endothelial nuclei, Alzheimer type II astrocytes and infiltration of gitter cells. In 20% of the cases there was mild lymphohistiocytic cellular infiltrate and in 13% of the cases there was mild infiltrate by neutrophils and eosinophils. Additionally, mild to moderate necro-hemorrhagic lesions were observed in 49% of the cases in the basal nuclei, in 39% of the cases in brain stem and in 26% of the cases in the thalamus. Brain lesions were consistently found in the cortical laminae of the occipital, parietal and frontal telencephalic lobes. In such locations, most frequently affected cortical layers both by neuronal necrosis and edema were external and internal granular layers. Both gyri and sulci were equally affected.

• Diseases of cattle neuropathology distribution of lesions polioencephalomalacia

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Sant’Ana F.J.F., Rissi D.R., Lucena R.B., Lemos R.A.A., Nogueira A.P.A. & Barros C.S.L. 2009. [Bovine polioencephalomalacia: epidemiology, clinical signs and distribution of lesions in the brain.] Polioencefalomalacia em bovinos: epidemiologia, sinais clínicos e distribuição das lesões no encéfalo. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(7):487-497. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br RESUMO.- Trinta e um casos de polioencefalomalacia (PEM) diagnosticados de 1999-2008 em bovinos do Sul (13 casos) e Centro-Oeste (18 casos) brasileiros foram estudados. As taxas de morbidade (0,04%-6,66 %), mortalidade (0,04%-6,66 %) e letalidade (50%-100%) foram semelhantes em ambas as regiões estudadas. Não houve uma associação clara entre os casos de PEM e a idade, sexo dos bovinos e sazonalidade. Os casos ocorreram principalmente em bovinos criados de forma extensiva em pastagem. Na Região Sul a doença afetou principalmente bovinos jovens (um ano de idade ou menos), enquanto que principalmente bovinos mais velhos (3 anos de idade ou mais) foram afetados no Centro-Oeste. Os sinais clínicos mais frequentemente observados incluíram cegueira, incoordenação, andar em círculos, opistótono, decúbito e movimentos de pedalagem. A evolução do quadro clínico variou de 12 horas a 8 dias (media 3 dias e meio). Em 11 encéfalos não foram observadas alterações macroscópicas; as principais alterações macroscópicas nos outros casos incluíam congestão com tumefação e achatamento das circunvoluções, amolecimento e amarelamento do córtex telencefálico, focos de hemorragia no tronco encefálico, cerebelo e telencéfalo e herniação cerebelar. As principais alterações histológicas ocorreram no córtex dos lobos telencefálicos occipital, parietal e frontal; no entanto, lesões menos acentuadas e menos frequentemente observadas ocorreram no hipocampo, núcleos da base, tálamo, mesencéfalo e cerebelo. O tipo de lesão microscópica cortical era consistente em todos os casos e incluía necrose neuronal (neurônio vermelho) laminar segmentar, espongiose, tumefação do núcleo das células endoteliais, astrócitos Alzheimer tipo II e infiltração por células gitter. Em 20% dos casos havia um leve infiltrado celular linfo-histiocitário e em 13% dos casos havia leve infiltrado de neutrófilos e eosinófilos. Adicionalmente, lesões necro-hemorrágicas leves ou moderadas foram observadas em 49% dos casos nos núcleos da base, em 39% dos casos no tronco encefálico e em 26% dos casos no tálamo. Lesões telencefálicas foram consistentemente observadas nas lâminas dos córtices dos lobos occipital, parietal e frontal. Nessas regiões as camadas granular externa e interna foram as mais afetadas tanto por neurônios necróticos quanto por edema em todas as regiões avaliadas. Tanto os giros quanto os sulcos foram afetados igualmente.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Pierezan F., Rissi D.R., Oliveira Filho J.C., Lucena R.B., Tochetto C., Flores M.M., Rosa F.B & Barros C.S.L. 2009. [Granulomatous enteritis associated with larval cyathostomiasis in horses in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.] Enterite granulomatosa associada a larvas de ciatostomíneos em eqüinos no Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(5):382-386. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Five cases of granulomatous enteritis associated with cyathostomes are described in horses from three farms in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The cases occurred from January 1999 to December 2007. The clinical course in two cases in which clinical follow-up was available was 10-14 days. Clinical signs presented by two horses were similar and included diarrhea (3/3), weight loss (2/3), pyrexia (1/3), tachycardia (1/3), and tachypnea (1/3). Gross changes consisted of thickening of the wall of large colon and cecum by edema and the occurrence of numerous 1-4mm, dark-tan, slightly raised multifocal pinpoints disseminated throughout the mucosa. Up on the incision of these pinpoints, brown-reddish, small (1-2mm) nematode larvae emerged. Large numbers of parasites with morphology compatible with small strongyles were observed in the lumina of large colon and cecum or adhered to the mucosae of these organs. Histologically, multiple granulomas were seen in the mucosa and submucosa of large colon and cecum. These granulomas consisted of moderate to severe inflammatory infiltrate of macrophages, epithelioid macrophages, and eosinophils surrounded by fewer lymphocytes and plasma cells. In the center of these granulomas, transversal cut sections of parasites with morphology compatible with cyathostomes larvae were observed. Additionally, there was edema and moderate to marked lymphohistioplasmacytic and eosinophilic inflammatory infiltrate throughout the mucosa and submucosa of the large colon and cecum; necrosis and lymphohistiocytic proliferation in the submucosal lymphoid follicles, with hyperplasia of goblet cells in the epithelial lining of these organs were also observed. The diagnosis of granulomatous enteritis associated with larval cyathostomiasis was made based on epidemiological, clinical, and gross findings which were confirmed by histopathology.

• Diseases of horses strongylus cyathostomes Doenças de eqüinos estrôngilos ciastotomíneos

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Pierezan F., Rissi D.R., Oliveira Filho J.C., Lucena R.B., Tochetto C., Flores M.M., Rosa F.B & Barros C.S.L. 2009. [Granulomatous enteritis associated with larval cyathostomiasis in horses in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.] Enterite granulomatosa associada a larvas de ciatostomíneos em eqüinos no Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(5):382-386. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Five cases of granulomatous enteritis associated with cyathostomes are described in horses from three farms in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The cases occurred from January 1999 to December 2007. The clinical course in two cases in which clinical follow-up was available was 10-14 days. Clinical signs presented by two horses were similar and included diarrhea (3/3), weight loss (2/3), pyrexia (1/3), tachycardia (1/3), and tachypnea (1/3). Gross changes consisted of thickening of the wall of large colon and cecum by edema and the occurrence of numerous 1-4mm, dark-tan, slightly raised multifocal pinpoints disseminated throughout the mucosa. Up on the incision of these pinpoints, brown-reddish, small (1-2mm) nematode larvae emerged. Large numbers of parasites with morphology compatible with small strongyles were observed in the lumina of large colon and cecum or adhered to the mucosae of these organs. Histologically, multiple granulomas were seen in the mucosa and submucosa of large colon and cecum. These granulomas consisted of moderate to severe inflammatory infiltrate of macrophages, epithelioid macrophages, and eosinophils surrounded by fewer lymphocytes and plasma cells. In the center of these granulomas, transversal cut sections of parasites with morphology compatible with cyathostomes larvae were observed. Additionally, there was edema and moderate to marked lymphohistioplasmacytic and eosinophilic inflammatory infiltrate throughout the mucosa and submucosa of the large colon and cecum; necrosis and lymphohistiocytic proliferation in the submucosal lymphoid follicles, with hyperplasia of goblet cells in the epithelial lining of these organs were also observed. The diagnosis of granulomatous enteritis associated with larval cyathostomiasis was made based on epidemiological, clinical, and gross findings which were confirmed by histopathology.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Costa E.A., Bastianetto E., Vasconcelos A.C., Bomfim M.R.Q., Fonseca F.G., Gomes A.D., Leite R.C. & Resende M. 2009. An outbreak of malignant catarrhal fever in Murrah buffaloes in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(5):395-400. Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil. E-mail: lvc@icb.ufmg.br An outbreak of Malignant Catarrhal Fever (MCF) resulted in death of five female buffaloes and one domestic cow from the same farm. Four buffaloes died 10-15 days after the appearance of clinical signs, while the fifth was euthanized in extremis, after similar clinical signs. Histopathological lesions included multifocal histiolymphocytic epicarditis, myocarditis and lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia, which are commonly seen in cases of MCF in buffaloes. Furthermore, lymphocytic vasculitis centered in the adventitia, with occasional fibrinoid necrosis in the muscular layer, was found in the kidneys, liver, spleen, lymph nodes and brain. Nucleotide sequencing of DNA fragments from the central nervous system amplified by PCR revealed 98% similarity with known OHV-2 sequences from Genbank. Additionally, PCR analysis also revealed the presence of OHV-2 DNA in the peripheral mononuclear blood cells of two clinically healthy buffaloes. The diagnosis of MCF was based on epidemiological, clinical, gross and histopathological findings and on the results of a semi-nested PCR followed by nucleotide sequencing.

• Diseases of buffaloes doenças de búfalos gammaherpesviruses gammaherpesvirus malignant catarrhal fever

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Costa E.A., Bastianetto E., Vasconcelos A.C., Bomfim M.R.Q., Fonseca F.G., Gomes A.D., Leite R.C. & Resende M. 2009. An outbreak of malignant catarrhal fever in Murrah buffaloes in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(5):395-400. Departamento de Microbiologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil. E-mail: lvc@icb.ufmg.br An outbreak of Malignant Catarrhal Fever (MCF) resulted in death of five female buffaloes and one domestic cow from the same farm. Four buffaloes died 10-15 days after the appearance of clinical signs, while the fifth was euthanized in extremis, after similar clinical signs. Histopathological lesions included multifocal histiolymphocytic epicarditis, myocarditis and lymphocytic interstitial pneumonia, which are commonly seen in cases of MCF in buffaloes. Furthermore, lymphocytic vasculitis centered in the adventitia, with occasional fibrinoid necrosis in the muscular layer, was found in the kidneys, liver, spleen, lymph nodes and brain. Nucleotide sequencing of DNA fragments from the central nervous system amplified by PCR revealed 98% similarity with known OHV-2 sequences from Genbank. Additionally, PCR analysis also revealed the presence of OHV-2 DNA in the peripheral mononuclear blood cells of two clinically healthy buffaloes. The diagnosis of MCF was based on epidemiological, clinical, gross and histopathological findings and on the results of a semi-nested PCR followed by nucleotide sequencing.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Alda J.L., Sallis E.S.V., Nogueira C.E.W., Soares M.P., Amaral L., Marcolongo-Pereira C., Frey Jr F. & Schild A.L. 2009. [Spontaneous Baccharis coridifolia (Compositae) poisoning in horses in southern Brazil.] Intoxicação espontânea por Baccharis coridifolia (Compositae) em eqüinos no Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(5):409-414. Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário s/n, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: alschild@terra.com.br An outbreak of spontaneous Baccharis coridifolia poisoning in horses in July 2008 is reported from southern Brazil. The poisoning affected three mares out of four that were transported from the state of Paraná to a farm in the municipality of Acegua, Rio Grande do Sul, and occurred 3 days after arrival of the animals in a paddock with sprouting B. coridifolia. The fourth mare introduced to another paddock without B. coridifolia was not affected. The mares had received only one third of the concentrate ration previously ingested and stayed during the night in a stall. Clinical signs were abdominal discomfort, increased cardiac and respiratory rate, anorexia, hypermotility of the gut, cecal tympany, and diarrhea. The clinical course was of 18-36 hours. One affected mare survived after symptomatic treatment. Gross lesions were severe congestion, hemorrhages, edema and ulcers of the glandular stomach. Congestion, edema and hemorrhages were also observed in ileum, cecum and large colon. Histologic examination revealed degeneration and necrosis of the aglandular epithelium of the stomach, gastritis and enteritis with infiltration by mononuclear cells and neutrophils, edema of the mucosa, and dilatation of lymphatic vessels. One horse was poisoned experimentally with 1g/kg body weight of B. coridifolia. Clinical signs and lesions were similar to those observed in the spontaneous cases.

• Baccharis coridifolia poisonous plants diseases of horses plant poisoning Compositae Plantas tóxicas intoxicação por plantas

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Alda J.L., Sallis E.S.V., Nogueira C.E.W., Soares M.P., Amaral L., Marcolongo-Pereira C., Frey Jr F. & Schild A.L. 2009. [Spontaneous Baccharis coridifolia (Compositae) poisoning in horses in southern Brazil.] Intoxicação espontânea por Baccharis coridifolia (Compositae) em eqüinos no Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(5):409-414. Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário s/n, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: alschild@terra.com.br An outbreak of spontaneous Baccharis coridifolia poisoning in horses in July 2008 is reported from southern Brazil. The poisoning affected three mares out of four that were transported from the state of Paraná to a farm in the municipality of Acegua, Rio Grande do Sul, and occurred 3 days after arrival of the animals in a paddock with sprouting B. coridifolia. The fourth mare introduced to another paddock without B. coridifolia was not affected. The mares had received only one third of the concentrate ration previously ingested and stayed during the night in a stall. Clinical signs were abdominal discomfort, increased cardiac and respiratory rate, anorexia, hypermotility of the gut, cecal tympany, and diarrhea. The clinical course was of 18-36 hours. One affected mare survived after symptomatic treatment. Gross lesions were severe congestion, hemorrhages, edema and ulcers of the glandular stomach. Congestion, edema and hemorrhages were also observed in ileum, cecum and large colon. Histologic examination revealed degeneration and necrosis of the aglandular epithelium of the stomach, gastritis and enteritis with infiltration by mononuclear cells and neutrophils, edema of the mucosa, and dilatation of lymphatic vessels. One horse was poisoned experimentally with 1g/kg body weight of B. coridifolia. Clinical signs and lesions were similar to those observed in the spontaneous cases.