PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

Rissi D.R., Rech R.R., Fighera R.A., Cagnini D.Q., Kommers G.D. & Barros C.S.L. 2005. [Spontaneous Baccharis coridifolia poisoning in cattle.] Intoxicação espontânea por Baccharis coridifolia em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(2):111-114. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Two outbreaks of Baccharis coridifolia poisoning in cattle in southern Brazil are described. Cases occurred when stressed, hungry and thirsty cattle brought from pastures free of B. coridifolia were placed into pastures heavily infested by this poisonous plant. In the two outbreaks morbidity was 21.73% and 22.51% and lethality was virtually 100%. Clinical signs included mild bloat, instability of hind limbs, muscle tremors, dry muzzle, dry feces or diarrhea, polydipsia and restlessness. Consistent necropsy findings included dehydration, large amounts of ruminal fluid, reddening and erosions of the mucosae of the forestomachs. Degeneration and necrosis of the lining epithelium of the forestomachs and of lymphoid tissue were the main histopathological changes encountered.

• Poisonous plants Baccharis coridifolia Asteraceae diseases of cattle pathology.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Rissi D.R., Rech R.R., Fighera R.A., Cagnini D.Q., Kommers G.D. & Barros C.S.L. 2005. [Spontaneous Baccharis coridifolia poisoning in cattle.] Intoxicação espontânea por Baccharis coridifolia em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(2):111-114. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Two outbreaks of Baccharis coridifolia poisoning in cattle in southern Brazil are described. Cases occurred when stressed, hungry and thirsty cattle brought from pastures free of B. coridifolia were placed into pastures heavily infested by this poisonous plant. In the two outbreaks morbidity was 21.73% and 22.51% and lethality was virtually 100%. Clinical signs included mild bloat, instability of hind limbs, muscle tremors, dry muzzle, dry feces or diarrhea, polydipsia and restlessness. Consistent necropsy findings included dehydration, large amounts of ruminal fluid, reddening and erosions of the mucosae of the forestomachs. Degeneration and necrosis of the lining epithelium of the forestomachs and of lymphoid tissue were the main histopathological changes encountered.

Abstract in English:

Simionatto S., Vaz E.K., Michelon A., Seixas F.K., Dellagostin O.A. 2005. [Development and evaluation of new strategies for immunization against swine colibacillosis.] Desenvolvimento e avaliação de novas estratégias de imunização contra colibacilose suína. Pes-quisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(2):84-90. Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Centro de Bio-tecnologia, UFPel, Campus Capão do Leão, Cx. Postal 354, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: ssimionatto@bol.com.br Swine colibacillosis caused by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli remains one of the main sanitary problems in pig farms. The recombinant DNA technology offers the possibility of developing new immunization strategies. This paper describes the development of a subunit vaccine through the expression and purification of the E. coli K88 FaeC fimbrial protein. The gene that codes for this antigen was amplified by PCR and cloned into an E. coli expression vector fused to a 6X histidine tag. The recombinant protein was purified by affinity chromatography and used for mice immunization. In parallel, the same gene was cloned into an eucariotic expression vector with the addition of the Kozak sequence for improving translation of this gene in muscle cells. The resulting plasmid named pUP310 was purified in large scale and used to immunize mice. The immune response afforded by both forms of immunization was monitored by ELISA. There was an immune response in mice inoculated with pUP310 and purified FaeC. It was possible to detect anti-FaeC antibodies 42 days after the first inoculation. The antibody titer increased with time, being still detectable 7 months after the first inoculation. It is concluded that recombinant FaeC and pUP310 are potential tools for immunization of swine against E. coli K88.

• Swine colibacillosis FaeC Escherichia coli DNA vaccine recombinant vaccine.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Simionatto S., Vaz E.K., Michelon A., Seixas F.K., Dellagostin O.A. 2005. [Development and evaluation of new strategies for immunization against swine colibacillosis.] Desenvolvimento e avaliação de novas estratégias de imunização contra colibacilose suína. Pes-quisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(2):84-90. Laboratório de Biologia Molecular, Centro de Bio-tecnologia, UFPel, Campus Capão do Leão, Cx. Postal 354, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: ssimionatto@bol.com.br Swine colibacillosis caused by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli remains one of the main sanitary problems in pig farms. The recombinant DNA technology offers the possibility of developing new immunization strategies. This paper describes the development of a subunit vaccine through the expression and purification of the E. coli K88 FaeC fimbrial protein. The gene that codes for this antigen was amplified by PCR and cloned into an E. coli expression vector fused to a 6X histidine tag. The recombinant protein was purified by affinity chromatography and used for mice immunization. In parallel, the same gene was cloned into an eucariotic expression vector with the addition of the Kozak sequence for improving translation of this gene in muscle cells. The resulting plasmid named pUP310 was purified in large scale and used to immunize mice. The immune response afforded by both forms of immunization was monitored by ELISA. There was an immune response in mice inoculated with pUP310 and purified FaeC. It was possible to detect anti-FaeC antibodies 42 days after the first inoculation. The antibody titer increased with time, being still detectable 7 months after the first inoculation. It is concluded that recombinant FaeC and pUP310 are potential tools for immunization of swine against E. coli K88.

Abstract in English:

Seitz A.L., Colodel E.M., Barros S.S. & Driemeier D. 2005. [Experimental poisoning by Sida carpinifolia (Malvaceae) in sheep.] Intoxicação experimental por Sida carpinifolia (Malvaceae) em ovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(1):15-20. Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: alseitz@terra.com.br. Seven sheep received dry crushed Sida carpinifolia L.f. One of them died at 18 and other at 53 days of the experiment. Four others were euthanatized and necropsied at 30, 45, 75 and 100 days. For one sheep the supply of S. carpinifolia was interrupted on the 80th day of the experiment, and 70 days later the animal was euthanized and necropsied. The minimal amount of the dry plant consumed was 11 g/kg and the maximum was 30 g/kg. The progression of clinical findings was similar in six animals with slight diarrhea at 20 days of experiment. Neurological signs were observed at 25 days and included ataxia with dysmetria, muscle tremors of the head, atypical postural reactions, frequent falls, sluggish of movements, difficulty in grazing and swallowing. These signs were enhanced when the animals were forced to walk. Four of the animals presented progressive emaciation. The sheep whose supply of the plant was interrupted recovered gradually, and 11 days after the animal returned to normal. During necropsy, only enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes were observed. The histological alterations were more significant in the central nervous system, with multiple and severe cytoplasmic distention and vacuolation which affects specially Purkinje cells of the cerebellum, neurons of cerebral cortex, thalamus, midbrain and the ventral horn of spinal cord. Axonal spheroids in the brain, more frequently in the granular layer of cerebellum were also observed. The cytoplasmic vacuolation was also found in pancreatic acinar cells, renal tubules, thyroid follicular epithelium, hepatocytes and macrophages of lymphoid organs. The ultrastructural lesions observed were cytoplasmic vacuolation, some surrounded by membranes in Purkinje cells of cerebellum and thyroid follicular cells. The sheep, which had S. carpinifolia withdrawn from its diet for 70 days, had no significant histological alterations.

• Toxic plants plant poisoning Sida carpinifolia Malvaceae lysosomal storage disease swainsonine electronic microscopy.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Seitz A.L., Colodel E.M., Barros S.S. & Driemeier D. 2005. [Experimental poisoning by Sida carpinifolia (Malvaceae) in sheep.] Intoxicação experimental por Sida carpinifolia (Malvaceae) em ovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(1):15-20. Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: alseitz@terra.com.br. Seven sheep received dry crushed Sida carpinifolia L.f. One of them died at 18 and other at 53 days of the experiment. Four others were euthanatized and necropsied at 30, 45, 75 and 100 days. For one sheep the supply of S. carpinifolia was interrupted on the 80th day of the experiment, and 70 days later the animal was euthanized and necropsied. The minimal amount of the dry plant consumed was 11 g/kg and the maximum was 30 g/kg. The progression of clinical findings was similar in six animals with slight diarrhea at 20 days of experiment. Neurological signs were observed at 25 days and included ataxia with dysmetria, muscle tremors of the head, atypical postural reactions, frequent falls, sluggish of movements, difficulty in grazing and swallowing. These signs were enhanced when the animals were forced to walk. Four of the animals presented progressive emaciation. The sheep whose supply of the plant was interrupted recovered gradually, and 11 days after the animal returned to normal. During necropsy, only enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes were observed. The histological alterations were more significant in the central nervous system, with multiple and severe cytoplasmic distention and vacuolation which affects specially Purkinje cells of the cerebellum, neurons of cerebral cortex, thalamus, midbrain and the ventral horn of spinal cord. Axonal spheroids in the brain, more frequently in the granular layer of cerebellum were also observed. The cytoplasmic vacuolation was also found in pancreatic acinar cells, renal tubules, thyroid follicular epithelium, hepatocytes and macrophages of lymphoid organs. The ultrastructural lesions observed were cytoplasmic vacuolation, some surrounded by membranes in Purkinje cells of cerebellum and thyroid follicular cells. The sheep, which had S. carpinifolia withdrawn from its diet for 70 days, had no significant histological alterations.

Abstract in English:

D'Ávila da Silva A., Sortica V.A., Braga A.C., Spilki F.R., Franco A.C., Esteves P.A., Rijsewijk F., Rosa J.C.A., Batista H.B.C.R., Oliveira A.P. & Roehe P.M. 2005. [Antigenic and molecular characterization of eight samples of Aujeszky’s disease virus isolated in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, in 2003.] Caracterização antigênica e molecular de oito amostras do virus da doença de Aujeszky isoladas no estado do Rio Grande do Sul em 2003. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(1):21-24. Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor (IPVDF), Fepagro Saúde Animal, Estrada do Conde 6000, Cx. Postal 47, Eldorado do Sul, RS 92990-000, Brazil. E-mail: proehe@ufrgs.br Pseudorabies or Aujeszky’s disease (AD), caused by pseudorabies virus (PRV) is a major concern in swine production. In the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, AD was only detected in 1954, in cattle. In 2003 two outbreaks of encephalitis occurred on the northern region of the state, close to the border with the state of Santa Catarina. Pseudorabies virus (PRV) was isolated from distinct farms within the region and subjected to antigenic and genomic analyses. These isolates were compared with prototype strains NIA-3 and NP. Antigenic characterization with a panel of monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) directed to viral glycoproteins (gB, gC, gD and gE,) was performed by an imunoperoxidase monolayer assay (IPMA) on infected cell monolayers. Genomic characterization was carried out by restriction enzyme analysis (REA) of the whole DNA viral genome with Bam HI. The antigenic profile of the eight isolates from Rio Grande do Sul as well as strains NIA-3 and NP were similar. REA analysis revealed that all isolates from Rio Grande do Sul displayed a genomic type II arrangement, a genotype often found in other outbreaks of AD previously reported in other Brazilian states. The results obtained suggest that the eight isolates examined here were similar.

• Aujeszky's disease epidemiology.

Abstract in Portuguese:

D'Ávila da Silva A., Sortica V.A., Braga A.C., Spilki F.R., Franco A.C., Esteves P.A., Rijsewijk F., Rosa J.C.A., Batista H.B.C.R., Oliveira A.P. & Roehe P.M. 2005. [Antigenic and molecular characterization of eight samples of Aujeszky’s disease virus isolated in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, in 2003.] Caracterização antigênica e molecular de oito amostras do virus da doença de Aujeszky isoladas no estado do Rio Grande do Sul em 2003. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(1):21-24. Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor (IPVDF), Fepagro Saúde Animal, Estrada do Conde 6000, Cx. Postal 47, Eldorado do Sul, RS 92990-000, Brazil. E-mail: proehe@ufrgs.br Pseudorabies or Aujeszky’s disease (AD), caused by pseudorabies virus (PRV) is a major concern in swine production. In the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, AD was only detected in 1954, in cattle. In 2003 two outbreaks of encephalitis occurred on the northern region of the state, close to the border with the state of Santa Catarina. Pseudorabies virus (PRV) was isolated from distinct farms within the region and subjected to antigenic and genomic analyses. These isolates were compared with prototype strains NIA-3 and NP. Antigenic characterization with a panel of monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) directed to viral glycoproteins (gB, gC, gD and gE,) was performed by an imunoperoxidase monolayer assay (IPMA) on infected cell monolayers. Genomic characterization was carried out by restriction enzyme analysis (REA) of the whole DNA viral genome with Bam HI. The antigenic profile of the eight isolates from Rio Grande do Sul as well as strains NIA-3 and NP were similar. REA analysis revealed that all isolates from Rio Grande do Sul displayed a genomic type II arrangement, a genotype often found in other outbreaks of AD previously reported in other Brazilian states. The results obtained suggest that the eight isolates examined here were similar.

Abstract in English:

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

• Disinfection milking chlorine teatcups pre-dipping.

Abstract in Portuguese:

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

Abstract in English:

García y Santos M.C., Schild A.L., Barros S.S., Riet-Correa F., Elias F. & Ramos A.T. 2004. [Perinatal lesions in cattle experimentally poisoned by Ateleia glazioviana (Leg. Papilionoideae).] Lesões perinatais em bovinos na intoxicação experimental por Ateleia glazio-viana (Leg.Papilionoideae). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(3):178-184. Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico, Faculdade de Veterinária, UFPel, Cx.Postal 354, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: alschild@terra.com.br Leaves of Ateleia glaziovian Baill., dried in a 100o C oven for 16-20 hours, were given to seven crossbred cows, always as bolus. Two of them received 9 g/kg at 4 months of pregnancy. Three cows in the 8th month of pregnancy received daily doses of 1-2 g/kg of the leaves, until a total amount of 10, 21 and 28 g/kg/bw was reached. Two 8-month-pregnant cows were fed 15.5 and 18 g/kg of the dried leaves. Two 4-month-pregnant cows were fed 35 g/kg of green leaves of A. glazioviana. The cow treated with 21 g/kg of the dry plant material showed clinical signs of poisoning and delivered a stillborn calf. No clinical signs were observed in the other cows. The calves from cows that received 9, 15.5 and 28 g/kg of the dried leaves showed weakness and suckling difficulties, and were killed. Whitish areas and thickening of the right ventricle wall of the heart were observed in the stillborn calf. Thickening of the wall of the right ventricle was also observed in the calf delivered by the cow treated with 28g/kg of dry plant. The other calves had no gross lesions. The histological changes in all necropsied calves were characterized by tumefaction and vacuolization of muscle fibers and proliferation of fibrous tissue, similar as occurred in spontaneous cases of fibrosis of the heart muscle in cattle poisoned by A. glazioviana. PAS stained slides revealed positive granules in the cardiomyocytes more evident than those of the control calf. The stillborn calf had mild spongiosis of the white matter of the cerebellum, thalamus and rostral colliculi. The ultrastructural pathology revealed cardiac fibers with large glycogen storage within myofibril bundles, which showed loss of bundles and disappearance of whole sarcomers. Mild glycogen storage was observed in a control calf.

• Poisonous plants plant poisoning Ateleia glazioviana Leguminosae Papilionoideae abortion cardiac fibrosis glycogenosis.

Abstract in Portuguese:

García y Santos M.C., Schild A.L., Barros S.S., Riet-Correa F., Elias F. & Ramos A.T. 2004. [Perinatal lesions in cattle experimentally poisoned by Ateleia glazioviana (Leg. Papilionoideae).] Lesões perinatais em bovinos na intoxicação experimental por Ateleia glazio-viana (Leg.Papilionoideae). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(3):178-184. Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico, Faculdade de Veterinária, UFPel, Cx.Postal 354, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: alschild@terra.com.br Leaves of Ateleia glaziovian Baill., dried in a 100o C oven for 16-20 hours, were given to seven crossbred cows, always as bolus. Two of them received 9 g/kg at 4 months of pregnancy. Three cows in the 8th month of pregnancy received daily doses of 1-2 g/kg of the leaves, until a total amount of 10, 21 and 28 g/kg/bw was reached. Two 8-month-pregnant cows were fed 15.5 and 18 g/kg of the dried leaves. Two 4-month-pregnant cows were fed 35 g/kg of green leaves of A. glazioviana. The cow treated with 21 g/kg of the dry plant material showed clinical signs of poisoning and delivered a stillborn calf. No clinical signs were observed in the other cows. The calves from cows that received 9, 15.5 and 28 g/kg of the dried leaves showed weakness and suckling difficulties, and were killed. Whitish areas and thickening of the right ventricle wall of the heart were observed in the stillborn calf. Thickening of the wall of the right ventricle was also observed in the calf delivered by the cow treated with 28g/kg of dry plant. The other calves had no gross lesions. The histological changes in all necropsied calves were characterized by tumefaction and vacuolization of muscle fibers and proliferation of fibrous tissue, similar as occurred in spontaneous cases of fibrosis of the heart muscle in cattle poisoned by A. glazioviana. PAS stained slides revealed positive granules in the cardiomyocytes more evident than those of the control calf. The stillborn calf had mild spongiosis of the white matter of the cerebellum, thalamus and rostral colliculi. The ultrastructural pathology revealed cardiac fibers with large glycogen storage within myofibril bundles, which showed loss of bundles and disappearance of whole sarcomers. Mild glycogen storage was observed in a control calf.

Abstract in English:

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

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

Abstract in Portuguese:

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

Abstract in English:

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

• Foot diseases mastitis metritis epidemiological factors.

Abstract in Portuguese:

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

Abstract in English:

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

• Swine risk factors lymphadenitis.

Abstract in Portuguese:

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

Abstract in English:

Elias F., Schild A.L. & Riet-Correa F. 2004. [Bovine herpesvirus type-5 meningoencephalitis and malacia: histological lesions distribution in the central nervous system of naturally infected cattle.] Meningoencefalite e encefalomalacia por Herpesvírus bovino-5: distribuição das lesões no sistema nervoso central de bovinos naturalmente infectados. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(3):123-131. Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico, Faculdade de Veterinária, UFPel, Cx. Postal 354, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: alschild@terra.com.br The distribution of the histological lesions in the central nervous system (CNS) of cattle naturally infected by bovine herpes virus type-5 (BHV-5) was determined in 12 affected calves from 10 outbreaks of the disease diagnosed by the Regional Diagnostic Laboratory (LRD) at Pelotas University, from 1986 to 2003. The epidemiological data, clinical signs and duration of clinical course were obtained from the files of LRD. Transversal sections were performed at different levels in 10% formalin-fixed CNS. The sections were made in the frontal, parietal, temporal e occipital lobes of the telencephalic hemispheres, basal ganglia and internal capsule, thalamus, anterior colliculus, pons, cerebellar peduncles, cerebellum, medulla oblongata and cervical spinal cord. Paraffin embedded tissues were sectioned and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. The severity and distribution of the inflammatory and malacic lesions were evaluated in all sections. These lesions were related with the epidemiological and clinical aspects of the disease. The outbreaks of the disease were observed in different seasons of the year. Affected animals were 2 to 24-month-old, of different breeds and both sexes. Gross lesions characterized by yellow and depressed areas in the cerebral cortex were observed in five calves. In two of them, similar lesions were additionally observed in thalamus, basal nuclei, and internal capsule. Congestion and multifocal hemorrhages were observed in most cases. The histological lesions were characterized by non-suppurative meningoencephalitis in all sections of CNS, but more severe in the frontal cortex. Focal or widespread malacia with infiltration of Gitter cells were observed in all sections of cerebral cortex, basal ganglia, internal capsule, and thalamus. In some cases mild malacia was also observed in the rostral colliculi, pons, medulla, cerebellum and cervical spinal cord. Intranuclear inclusion bodies were seen in all cases studied; they were frequent in regions of the cerebral cortex near mild to moderate inflammatory or malacic lesions. In two cases the inclusion bodies were also seen in the basal ganglia and thalamus. The severity of the histological lesions was not proportional with the clinical course of the disease. The presence of lesions of malacia in different regions of the CNS, an aspect not mentioned in most reports of BHV-5 infections, could be due to variable pathogenicity of different virus isolates. Alternatively, it is possible that BHV-5 encephalitis occurs due to the reactivation of the virus in cattle previously affected by polioencefalomacia; this last sequence of events was already demonstrated experimentally by our research group.

• Bovine herpesvirus type-5 BHV-5 cattle meningoencephalitis polioencephalomalacia.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Elias F., Schild A.L. & Riet-Correa F. 2004. [Bovine herpesvirus type-5 meningoencephalitis and malacia: histological lesions distribution in the central nervous system of naturally infected cattle.] Meningoencefalite e encefalomalacia por Herpesvírus bovino-5: distribuição das lesões no sistema nervoso central de bovinos naturalmente infectados. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(3):123-131. Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico, Faculdade de Veterinária, UFPel, Cx. Postal 354, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: alschild@terra.com.br The distribution of the histological lesions in the central nervous system (CNS) of cattle naturally infected by bovine herpes virus type-5 (BHV-5) was determined in 12 affected calves from 10 outbreaks of the disease diagnosed by the Regional Diagnostic Laboratory (LRD) at Pelotas University, from 1986 to 2003. The epidemiological data, clinical signs and duration of clinical course were obtained from the files of LRD. Transversal sections were performed at different levels in 10% formalin-fixed CNS. The sections were made in the frontal, parietal, temporal e occipital lobes of the telencephalic hemispheres, basal ganglia and internal capsule, thalamus, anterior colliculus, pons, cerebellar peduncles, cerebellum, medulla oblongata and cervical spinal cord. Paraffin embedded tissues were sectioned and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. The severity and distribution of the inflammatory and malacic lesions were evaluated in all sections. These lesions were related with the epidemiological and clinical aspects of the disease. The outbreaks of the disease were observed in different seasons of the year. Affected animals were 2 to 24-month-old, of different breeds and both sexes. Gross lesions characterized by yellow and depressed areas in the cerebral cortex were observed in five calves. In two of them, similar lesions were additionally observed in thalamus, basal nuclei, and internal capsule. Congestion and multifocal hemorrhages were observed in most cases. The histological lesions were characterized by non-suppurative meningoencephalitis in all sections of CNS, but more severe in the frontal cortex. Focal or widespread malacia with infiltration of Gitter cells were observed in all sections of cerebral cortex, basal ganglia, internal capsule, and thalamus. In some cases mild malacia was also observed in the rostral colliculi, pons, medulla, cerebellum and cervical spinal cord. Intranuclear inclusion bodies were seen in all cases studied; they were frequent in regions of the cerebral cortex near mild to moderate inflammatory or malacic lesions. In two cases the inclusion bodies were also seen in the basal ganglia and thalamus. The severity of the histological lesions was not proportional with the clinical course of the disease. The presence of lesions of malacia in different regions of the CNS, an aspect not mentioned in most reports of BHV-5 infections, could be due to variable pathogenicity of different virus isolates. Alternatively, it is possible that BHV-5 encephalitis occurs due to the reactivation of the virus in cattle previously affected by polioencefalomacia; this last sequence of events was already demonstrated experimentally by our research group.