PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

Sallis E.S.V., Raffi M.B. & Riet-Correa F. 2004. [Experimental poisoning in sheep with frozen or dried Ramaria flavo-brunnescens.] Intoxicação experimental em ovinos com Ramaria flavo-brunnescens congelada ou dessecada. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(2):107-110. Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário, Cx. Postal 354, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: esvsallis@yahoo.com.br Ramaria flavo-brunnescens is a toxic mushroom affecting cattle and sheep. Its active principle is unknown. The experiment was done to obtain information about the toxicity of the mushroom after been frozen or dried. R. flavo-brunnescens was collected in autumn 1991. One part was frozen at –15ºC for 2-4 months, and another was dried in the shade. Other samples collected at the same time were given immediately after harvest to two sheep, at a total dose of 200 g/kg for 3 and 4 days, causing severe poisoning. The dried mushroom did not cause clinical signs at doses of 60 and 75 g/kg bw (equivalent to 400 and 500 g/kg of the fresh mushroom). The frozen mushroom at 200 g/kg bw caused hyperthermia, depression, hyperemia of the sclera and hemorrhages of the anterior chamber of the eye. Sheep that ingested 350 and 400 g/kg bw showed also nervous signs, and with the highest dose hyperemic lesions of the coronary band. All sheep recovered within 3 to 12 days. Clinical signs when given the frozen mushroom were less severe than clinical signs induced by the fresh mushroom. These results showed loss of toxicity of the dried material and decrease of toxicity of the frozen mushroom. It is suggested that chemical analyses for the toxic principle can be performed with the frozen or lyophilized mushroom.

• Poisonous plants toxic mushroom Ramaria flavo-brunnescens sheep.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Sallis E.S.V., Raffi M.B. & Riet-Correa F. 2004. [Experimental poisoning in sheep with frozen or dried Ramaria flavo-brunnescens.] Intoxicação experimental em ovinos com Ramaria flavo-brunnescens congelada ou dessecada. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(2):107-110. Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário, Cx. Postal 354, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: esvsallis@yahoo.com.br Ramaria flavo-brunnescens is a toxic mushroom affecting cattle and sheep. Its active principle is unknown. The experiment was done to obtain information about the toxicity of the mushroom after been frozen or dried. R. flavo-brunnescens was collected in autumn 1991. One part was frozen at –15ºC for 2-4 months, and another was dried in the shade. Other samples collected at the same time were given immediately after harvest to two sheep, at a total dose of 200 g/kg for 3 and 4 days, causing severe poisoning. The dried mushroom did not cause clinical signs at doses of 60 and 75 g/kg bw (equivalent to 400 and 500 g/kg of the fresh mushroom). The frozen mushroom at 200 g/kg bw caused hyperthermia, depression, hyperemia of the sclera and hemorrhages of the anterior chamber of the eye. Sheep that ingested 350 and 400 g/kg bw showed also nervous signs, and with the highest dose hyperemic lesions of the coronary band. All sheep recovered within 3 to 12 days. Clinical signs when given the frozen mushroom were less severe than clinical signs induced by the fresh mushroom. These results showed loss of toxicity of the dried material and decrease of toxicity of the frozen mushroom. It is suggested that chemical analyses for the toxic principle can be performed with the frozen or lyophilized mushroom.

Abstract in English:

Riet-Correa F., Tabosa I.M., Vasconcelos J.S. & Medeiros J.M. 2004. [Floppy Kid Syndrome.] Síndrome do Cabrito Mole (“Floppy Kid”). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(2):111-113. Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Campus de Patos, 58700-000 Patos, PB. E-mail: riet@cstr.ufcg.edu.br The Floppy Kid Syndrome is an acute disease of unknown cause, which affects 3 to 10 day-old kids. It is characterized by severe depression, flacid paralysis, dilatation of the abdomen and metabolic acidosis, without dehydration (paradoxical acidosis). The disease was decribed for the first time in the United States in 1987 and later in Canada and several countries in Europe (Tremblay et al. 1991, Meier 2002). This paper has the objective to show the characteristics of the disease, which already has been diagnosed in Paraíba and occurs probably in other states of Brazil, so that veterinarians and research workers could recognize it and give informations, which may clarify its etiology and pathogenic aspects. Additionally, the epidemiology, clinical signs and pathology of four outbreaks of floppy kid syndrome in Paraiba are reported.

• “Cabrito Mole” Floppy Kid goats acidosis.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Riet-Correa F., Tabosa I.M., Vasconcelos J.S. & Medeiros J.M. 2004. [Floppy Kid Syndrome.] Síndrome do Cabrito Mole (“Floppy Kid”). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(2):111-113. Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Campus de Patos, 58700-000 Patos, PB. E-mail: riet@cstr.ufcg.edu.br The Floppy Kid Syndrome is an acute disease of unknown cause, which affects 3 to 10 day-old kids. It is characterized by severe depression, flacid paralysis, dilatation of the abdomen and metabolic acidosis, without dehydration (paradoxical acidosis). The disease was decribed for the first time in the United States in 1987 and later in Canada and several countries in Europe (Tremblay et al. 1991, Meier 2002). This paper has the objective to show the characteristics of the disease, which already has been diagnosed in Paraíba and occurs probably in other states of Brazil, so that veterinarians and research workers could recognize it and give informations, which may clarify its etiology and pathogenic aspects. Additionally, the epidemiology, clinical signs and pathology of four outbreaks of floppy kid syndrome in Paraiba are reported.

Abstract in English:

Malafaia P., Pimentel V.A., Freitas K.P., Coelho C.D., Brito M.F. & Peixoto P.V. 2003. [Daily weight gain, economic, nutritional and clinical aspects of goats receiving two types of mineral supplements.] Desempenho ponderal, aspectos econômicos, nutricionais e clínicos de caprinos submetidos a dois esquemas de suplementação mineral. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(1):15-22. Depto de Nutrição Animal e Pastagem, Instituto de Zootecnia, UFRRJ, Km 47, Seropédica, RJ 23835-000, Brazil. E-mail: malafaia1@ig.com.br Daily weight gain, economic, nutritional and clinical aspects of goats receiving two types of mineral supplements were evaluated during 148 days in Seropédica county, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The animals were daily fed with fresh and chopped Andropogon gayanus or Pennisetum purpureum; the concentrate ration was formulated without a mineral mixture and was offered together with the forage of 300 up to 500 g/animal/day. Sixteen goats were divided into two groups of 8 animals each (4 small and 4 larger goats). For one group a commercial mineral mixture was used, and to the other group a selective mineral mixture containing only Na, P and Cu was offered. The animals were weighed every 30 days and the mineral supplement intake was measured monthly. Blood samples were collected at the beginning and the end of the experimental period. There was no difference in daily weight gain when the selective or commercial mixture was given for both groups. The selective mineral supplementation was 2.3 (for the smaller animals) and 3.9 (for larger animals) times more economic than the conventional supplementation with a “complete” mineral mix. The two groups showed recovery of hair quality and had an increase of hair pigmentation around the eyes, which was attributed to the correction of copper deficiency. In the larger animals the intake of both supplements increased the red blood cells counts, and the haematocrit and haemoglobin values. The forage intake was sufficient to meet the Ca and Co needs of the animals, and for P the concentrate intake was sufficient to overcome the demand for this element. The requirement of zinc was supplied through the forage and the concentrate ration. Thus, when an adequate concentrate and a good quality forage is given, only the deficient mineral element(s) should be supplemented. In this specific case only Na and Cu should be given. The result of this experiment confirms the hypothesis that selective mineral supplementation – i.e. supplementation of the mineral element(s) deficient in the diet – was correct and can result in reduction of the cost with the mineral supplementation of a herd.

• Goats copper deficiency mineral supplementation tropical forages.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Malafaia P., Pimentel V.A., Freitas K.P., Coelho C.D., Brito M.F. & Peixoto P.V. 2003. [Daily weight gain, economic, nutritional and clinical aspects of goats receiving two types of mineral supplements.] Desempenho ponderal, aspectos econômicos, nutricionais e clínicos de caprinos submetidos a dois esquemas de suplementação mineral. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(1):15-22. Depto de Nutrição Animal e Pastagem, Instituto de Zootecnia, UFRRJ, Km 47, Seropédica, RJ 23835-000, Brazil. E-mail: malafaia1@ig.com.br Daily weight gain, economic, nutritional and clinical aspects of goats receiving two types of mineral supplements were evaluated during 148 days in Seropédica county, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The animals were daily fed with fresh and chopped Andropogon gayanus or Pennisetum purpureum; the concentrate ration was formulated without a mineral mixture and was offered together with the forage of 300 up to 500 g/animal/day. Sixteen goats were divided into two groups of 8 animals each (4 small and 4 larger goats). For one group a commercial mineral mixture was used, and to the other group a selective mineral mixture containing only Na, P and Cu was offered. The animals were weighed every 30 days and the mineral supplement intake was measured monthly. Blood samples were collected at the beginning and the end of the experimental period. There was no difference in daily weight gain when the selective or commercial mixture was given for both groups. The selective mineral supplementation was 2.3 (for the smaller animals) and 3.9 (for larger animals) times more economic than the conventional supplementation with a “complete” mineral mix. The two groups showed recovery of hair quality and had an increase of hair pigmentation around the eyes, which was attributed to the correction of copper deficiency. In the larger animals the intake of both supplements increased the red blood cells counts, and the haematocrit and haemoglobin values. The forage intake was sufficient to meet the Ca and Co needs of the animals, and for P the concentrate intake was sufficient to overcome the demand for this element. The requirement of zinc was supplied through the forage and the concentrate ration. Thus, when an adequate concentrate and a good quality forage is given, only the deficient mineral element(s) should be supplemented. In this specific case only Na and Cu should be given. The result of this experiment confirms the hypothesis that selective mineral supplementation – i.e. supplementation of the mineral element(s) deficient in the diet – was correct and can result in reduction of the cost with the mineral supplementation of a herd.

Abstract in English:

Lima M., Flores E.F., Weiblen R., Flores F.S.F. & Arenhart S. 2004. [Characterization of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) types 1 and 2 isolates for use in vaccines.] Caracterização de amostras atenuadas do vírus da Diarréia Viral Bovina (BVDV) tipos 1 e 2 para uso em vacinas. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(1):35-42. Depto Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Rurais, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil. E-mail: flores@ccr.ufsm.br This article reports the characterization of two cytopathic isolates of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV-1: IBSP-2; BVDV-2:SV-253) submitted to multiple passages (n=30) in tissue culture associated with ultraviolet irradiation. The vaccine candidate strains were characterized in vitro (plaque size and morphology, growth kinetics and antigenic profile) and in vivo (attenuation and serological response in calves). In vitro characterization of biologically cloned viruses obtained at passages 0, 1, 10, 20 and 30 demonstrated that the attenuation process did not significantly affect the phenotypic and antigenic properties of the viruses. No major differences in plaque size and morphology and in the growth kinetics in tissue culture were observed among the viruses obtained at different passages. Likewise, the antigenic profile of these viruses did not change upon successive passages in tissue culture, as ascertained by the pattern of binding by 48 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Intramuscular inoculation of both viruses (IBSP-2: 107.3 TCID50; SV-253: 106.8 TCID50) at passage 30 (p30) in twelve 15 months old heifers did not produce clinical signs, demonstrating the attenuation of the viruses. Following inoculation, infectious virus was detected in leucocytes of most inoculated animals (10/12) between days 3 and 6 post-inoculation (pi) and in nasal secretions of three animals (days 4, 7 and 8pi). However, the vaccine viruses were not transmitted to three seronegative calves maintained as sentinels. All vaccinated calves seroconverted at day 14 post-vaccination. A moderate to high serum neutralizing response against five Brazilian BVDV-1 (titers from 80 to ³1,280) and four Brazilian BVDV-2 isolates (titers from 20 to 640) was observed at day 33 post-vaccination (pv). In general, the highest titers were observed against the Brazilian BVDV-1 isolates. At day 240 post-vaccination, the animals received a booster administration (IBSP-2: 107.3 TCID50 and SV-253: 106.8 TCID50). Revaccination resulted in a strong anamnestic response in most animals, with increasing antibody titers mainly to BVDV-2. These are promising results towards the future use of these strains in modified-live vaccines for the control of BVDV infection in Brazil.

• Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) modified-live vaccine attenuation.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Lima M., Flores E.F., Weiblen R., Flores F.S.F. & Arenhart S. 2004. [Characterization of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) types 1 and 2 isolates for use in vaccines.] Caracterização de amostras atenuadas do vírus da Diarréia Viral Bovina (BVDV) tipos 1 e 2 para uso em vacinas. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(1):35-42. Depto Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Rurais, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil. E-mail: flores@ccr.ufsm.br This article reports the characterization of two cytopathic isolates of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV-1: IBSP-2; BVDV-2:SV-253) submitted to multiple passages (n=30) in tissue culture associated with ultraviolet irradiation. The vaccine candidate strains were characterized in vitro (plaque size and morphology, growth kinetics and antigenic profile) and in vivo (attenuation and serological response in calves). In vitro characterization of biologically cloned viruses obtained at passages 0, 1, 10, 20 and 30 demonstrated that the attenuation process did not significantly affect the phenotypic and antigenic properties of the viruses. No major differences in plaque size and morphology and in the growth kinetics in tissue culture were observed among the viruses obtained at different passages. Likewise, the antigenic profile of these viruses did not change upon successive passages in tissue culture, as ascertained by the pattern of binding by 48 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Intramuscular inoculation of both viruses (IBSP-2: 107.3 TCID50; SV-253: 106.8 TCID50) at passage 30 (p30) in twelve 15 months old heifers did not produce clinical signs, demonstrating the attenuation of the viruses. Following inoculation, infectious virus was detected in leucocytes of most inoculated animals (10/12) between days 3 and 6 post-inoculation (pi) and in nasal secretions of three animals (days 4, 7 and 8pi). However, the vaccine viruses were not transmitted to three seronegative calves maintained as sentinels. All vaccinated calves seroconverted at day 14 post-vaccination. A moderate to high serum neutralizing response against five Brazilian BVDV-1 (titers from 80 to ³1,280) and four Brazilian BVDV-2 isolates (titers from 20 to 640) was observed at day 33 post-vaccination (pv). In general, the highest titers were observed against the Brazilian BVDV-1 isolates. At day 240 post-vaccination, the animals received a booster administration (IBSP-2: 107.3 TCID50 and SV-253: 106.8 TCID50). Revaccination resulted in a strong anamnestic response in most animals, with increasing antibody titers mainly to BVDV-2. These are promising results towards the future use of these strains in modified-live vaccines for the control of BVDV infection in Brazil.

Abstract in English:

Spilki F.R, Esteves P.A., Lima M., Franco A.C., Chiminazzo C., Flores E.F., Weiblen R., Driemeier D. & Roehe P.M. 2004. Comparative pathogenicity of bovine herpesviruses type 1 (BHV-1) subtypes 1 (BHV-1.1) and 2a (BHV-1.2a). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(1):43-49. Centro de Pesquisas Desidério Finamor, Fepagro Saúde Animal, Cx. Postal 47, Eldorado do Sul, RS 92990-000, Brazil. E-mail: proehe@ufrgs.br The study aimed to examine the capacity of two bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BHV-1) isolates of different subtypes (EVI 123/96, BHV-1.1; SV265/98, BHV-1.2a) to induce respiratory disease in calves. These two isolates are representative of the BHV-1 subtypes prevalent in Brazil. Viral subtypes were confirmed by monoclonal antibody analysis and by restriction enzyme digestion of viral genomes. The viruses were inoculated intranasally into seven 3 months old calves (four with BHV-1.1, three with BHV-1.2a). Three other calves of identical age and condition were kept as uninfected controls. In both groups of infected calves, the clinical signs observed were consistent with typical infectious bovine rhinothracheitis (IBR), including pyrexia, apathy, anorexia, nasal and ocular mucopurulent discharges, erosions on the nasal mucosa, conjunctivitis, lachrymation, redness of nasal mucosa, dyspnoea, coughing, tracheal stridor and enlargement of retropharingeal, submandibular and cervical lymphnodes. No significant differences were observed between the clinical scores attributed to both groups. Virus shedding in nasal and ocular secretions were also similar, apart from a significant difference in nasal virus shedding on day 1 to 3 post-inoculation, which was higher for BHV-1.1 than for BHV-1.2a. Following corticosteroid induced reactivation of the latent infection, recrudescence of clinical signs was also observed, with no significant differences on both groups. It was concluded that both subtypes BHV-1.1 and BHV-1.2a were able to induce clinically undistinguishable respiratory disease in calves, either subsequent to a primary infection or following reactivation.

• Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis IBR BHV-1.1 BHV-1.2a subtypes pathogenicity.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Spilki F.R, Esteves P.A., Lima M., Franco A.C., Chiminazzo C., Flores E.F., Weiblen R., Driemeier D. & Roehe P.M. 2004. Comparative pathogenicity of bovine herpesviruses type 1 (BHV-1) subtypes 1 (BHV-1.1) and 2a (BHV-1.2a). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(1):43-49. Centro de Pesquisas Desidério Finamor, Fepagro Saúde Animal, Cx. Postal 47, Eldorado do Sul, RS 92990-000, Brazil. E-mail: proehe@ufrgs.br The study aimed to examine the capacity of two bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BHV-1) isolates of different subtypes (EVI 123/96, BHV-1.1; SV265/98, BHV-1.2a) to induce respiratory disease in calves. These two isolates are representative of the BHV-1 subtypes prevalent in Brazil. Viral subtypes were confirmed by monoclonal antibody analysis and by restriction enzyme digestion of viral genomes. The viruses were inoculated intranasally into seven 3 months old calves (four with BHV-1.1, three with BHV-1.2a). Three other calves of identical age and condition were kept as uninfected controls. In both groups of infected calves, the clinical signs observed were consistent with typical infectious bovine rhinothracheitis (IBR), including pyrexia, apathy, anorexia, nasal and ocular mucopurulent discharges, erosions on the nasal mucosa, conjunctivitis, lachrymation, redness of nasal mucosa, dyspnoea, coughing, tracheal stridor and enlargement of retropharingeal, submandibular and cervical lymphnodes. No significant differences were observed between the clinical scores attributed to both groups. Virus shedding in nasal and ocular secretions were also similar, apart from a significant difference in nasal virus shedding on day 1 to 3 post-inoculation, which was higher for BHV-1.1 than for BHV-1.2a. Following corticosteroid induced reactivation of the latent infection, recrudescence of clinical signs was also observed, with no significant differences on both groups. It was concluded that both subtypes BHV-1.1 and BHV-1.2a were able to induce clinically undistinguishable respiratory disease in calves, either subsequent to a primary infection or following reactivation.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Fighera R.A., Rozza D.B., Piazer J.V., Copetti M.V., lrigoyen L.F. & Barros C.S.L. 2003. [Interstitial pneumonia in cattle fed moldy sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas).] Pneumonia intersticial em bovinos associada à ingestão de batata-doce (lpomoea batatas) mofada. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 23(4):161-166. Depto Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105- 900 Santa Maria, RS, Brasil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Cases of respiratory disease were diagnosed in five out of 23 cattle (21. 7%) after they wete fed moldy damaged sweet potatoes (lpomoea batatas) on a small farm in the county of São Vicente do Sul, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Of those five cattle, three died spontaneously and another one was euthanatized for necropsy while showing advanced respiratory clinicai signs. The disease manifested itself approximately 24 hours after the ingestion of the sweet potatoes and lasted from 1 to 4 days. Clinicai signs included dyspnea (labored breathing and abdominal respiration), tachypnea, extended neck with Iow carriage of the head and rhythmical flaring of the nostrils. Two cows were necropsied. Necropsy findings included distended pale and rubbery lungs which failed to collapse when the thorax was open, and marked pulmonar interstitial emphysema and edema. Lymphoid hyperplasia was observed in the hilar nodes and spleen. Histologically, the lesions were those of interstitial pneumonia. Alveolar septa were thickened by fibroblasts and inflammatory cells, and there was hypertrophy and hyperplasia of type li pneumocytes; the interlobular septa were distended by edema and emphysema. The culture of the moldy sweet potatoes yielded Fusarium solani and Fusarium oxysporum.

• Toxic diseases mycotoxicoses respiratory diseases interstitial pneumonia diseases of cattle sweet potatoes lpomoea batatas Intoxicações micotoxicoses doenças respiratórias pneumonia intersticial doenças de bovinos batata-doce.

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Fighera R.A., Rozza D.B., Piazer J.V., Copetti M.V., lrigoyen L.F. & Barros C.S.L. 2003. [Interstitial pneumonia in cattle fed moldy sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas).] Pneumonia intersticial em bovinos associada à ingestão de batata-doce (lpomoea batatas) mofada. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 23(4):161-166. Depto Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105- 900 Santa Maria, RS, Brasil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Uma doença respiratória foi diagnosticada em cinco dentre 23 bovinos (21, 7%) após terem sido alimentados com batata-doce (lpomoea batatas) mofada em uma pequena propriedade rural em São Vicente do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Três dos cinco bovinos afetados morreram espontaneamente, e o quarto foi sacrificado para necropsia quando mostrava sinais clínicos respiratórios avançados. A manifestação clínica iniciara cerca de 24 horas após a ingestão das batatasdoces e a evolução clínica foi de 1 a 4 dias. Os sinais clínicos incluíam dispnéia (respiração laboriosa e abdominal), taquipnéia, pescoço estendido com cabeça baixa e dilatação ritmada das narinas. Dois bovinos foram necropsiados. Os achados de necropsia incluíam pulmões distendidos, pálidos e de consistência borrachenta, que não colapsavam quando o tórax era aberto; enfisema e edema acentuados eram evidentes no pulmão. Os linfonodos e o baço apresentavam alterações características de hiperplasia linfóide. Histologicamente, as lesões eram típicas de pneumonia intersticial. Os septos alveolares estavam espessados por fibroblastos e células inflamatórias, havia hipertrofia e hiperplasia de pneumócitos tipo II; os septos interlobulares estavam distendidos por edema e enfisema. A cultura de amostras das batatas-doces mofadas produziu Fusarium solani e F. oxysporum.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Barbosa]. D., Oliveira C. M. C., Tokarnia C. H. & Riet-Correa E 2003. [Comparison of the sensibility of cattle and buffaloes to poisoning by Palicourea marcgravii (Rubiaceae).] Comparação da sensibilidade de bovinos e búfalos à intoxicação por Palicourea marcgravii (Rubiaceae). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 23(4): 167-172. Escola de Medicina Veterinária, Campus Castanhal, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Maximino Porpino 1000, Castanhal, PA 68743- 080, Brazil. E-mail: diomedes@ufpa.br In order to verify if buffaloes are more resistant than cattle to poisoning by Palicourea marcgravii, the plant was given per os simultaneously to buffaloes and cattle. Seven buffaloes and three head of cattle were used. Doses of 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 g/kg did not cause signs of poisoning in buffaloes; but doses of 3.0, 4.0 and 6.0 g/kg caused death. In cattle 0.25 g/kg did not cause symptoms; but 0.5 and 2.0 g/kg were lethal. The influence of exercise on the onset of symptoms, the time which elapsed from the beginning of the administration of the plant to the appearance of symptoms, and the symptoms themselves, were similar in the two animal species. The clinical course was longer in buffaloes; whilst in cattle the period between the onset of severe symptoms and death lasted 9 to 17 minutes; in buffaloes it varied from 10 minutes to 1 hour 28 minutes. It can be concluded, that buffaloes are about six times more resistant than cattle to the toxic action of P. maracgravii. The lower incidence of deaths in buffaloes by poisonous plants in the Amazon region is, at least in part, due the lower sensibility of buffaloes to poisoning by this plant. Another factor responsible for the smaller number of buffaloes which die due to plant poisoning in the Amazon region, is possibly that buffaloes prefer the Jowlands, e.g. temporarily flooded areas, which are the habitat of Arrabidaea bilabiata, the second most important poisonous plant of the Amazon region. This plant is less poisonous than P. marcgravii, and its habitat are the higher not flooded areas. So it would be safer, in order to diminish losses, to breed buffaloes instead of cattle in areas where P. marcgravii occurs. The reason for the greater resistance of buffaloes should be further investigated as a possible prophylactic measure to avoid poisoning by P. marcgravii in cattle. On the other hand, Australian investigators modified genetically the ruminai bacteria Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens by introducing a gene, isolated from a Moraxella sp, which codifies a dehalogenase, capable of hydrolyzing fluoroacetate, the poisonous principle of P. marcgravii. Transferring the genetically modified B. fibrisolvens into the rumen of animal, which consume plants that contain fluoroacetate, would be a viable method to control that poisoning through a ruminal detoxifying process for the toxin. Through preliminary contacts, the director of the consorcium in Australia, responsible for the modification of the bacteria, declared that he is interested to sell the technology to our country, but it would be necessary to know if it is permitted to introduce into Brazil the genetically modified bacteria. If allowed, it would be necessary to perform investigations on the viability and the methodology for using this bacteria to control P. marcgravii poisoning in our country.

• Poisonous plants plant poisoning Palicourea marcgravii Rubiaceae cattle buffaloes prophylaxis Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens genetically modified bactéria Intoxicação por planta Rubiaceae bovinos búfalos profilaxia bactérias geneticamente modificadas.

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Barbosa]. D., Oliveira C. M. C., Tokarnia C. H. & Riet-Correa E 2003. [Comparison of the sensibility of cattle and buffaloes to poisoning by Palicourea marcgravii (Rubiaceae).] Comparação da sensibilidade de bovinos e búfalos à intoxicação por Palicourea marcgravii (Rubiaceae). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 23(4): 167-172. Escola de Medicina Veterinária, Campus Castanhal, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Maximino Porpino 1000, Castanhal, PA 68743- 080, Brazil. E-mail: diomedes@ufpa.br O presente estudo foi realizado para verificar se búfalos são mais resistentes do que bovinos à ação tóxica de Palicourea marcgravii, mediante a administração da planta por via oral, simultaneamente, a bovinos e a búfalos. Foram usados sete búfalos e três bovinos. Verificou-se que em búfalos doses de 0,5 g/kg, 1,0 g/kg e 2,0 g/kg não causaram sintomas de intoxicação. As doses de 3,0 g/kg, 4,0 g/kg e 6,0 g/kg causaram a morte dos búfalos. Em bovinos, a dose de 0,25g/kg não causou sinais clínicos de intoxicação, enquanto que doses de 0,5 g/kg e 2,0 g/kg causaram a morte. A influência do exercício sobre o aparecimento dos sintomas, o prazo decorrido desde o começo da administração da planta até o início de sintomas, e os próprios sintomas, foram semelhantes nas duas espécies animais. O curso clínico foi mais longo nos búfalos. Enquanto nos bovinos o período entre o aparecimento dos sintomas graves e a morte foi de 9 a 17 minutos, nos búfalos variou de 10 minutos a 1 hora e 28 minutos. Pode se concluir que os bubalinos são aproximadamente seis vezes mais resistentes do que os bovinos à ação tóxica de P. marcgravii. O menor índice de mortes pela ação de plantas tóxicas na Amazônia em búfalos é, pelo menos em parte, devido à maior resistência do búfalo à intoxicação por essa planta. Outro fator responsável pelo menor número de mortes em búfalos pela intoxicação por plantas, na Amazônia, poderia ser que os búfalos preferem a várzea, que é o habitat de Arrabidaea bilabiata, a segunda planta tóxica mais importante da Amazônia, menos tóxica do que P. marcgravii, e com habitat na terra firme. Em áreas onde ocorre P. marcgravii seria mais prudente, para diminuir os prejuízos, criar búfalos em lugar de bovinos. A causa dessa maior resistência do búfalo merece ser investigada para a eventual elaboração de métodos profiláticos da intoxicação por P. marcgravii em bovinos. Por outro lado, pesquisadores australianos modificaram geneticamente a bactéria ruminal Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens, mediante a introdução de um gene, isolado de Moraxella sp, que codifica uma dehalogenase, capaz de hidro-lizar fluoroacetato. A transferência de B.fibrisolvens geneticamente modificado para o rúmen de animais ingerindo plantas que contêm fluoroacetato, como é o caso de P. marcgravii, seria um método viável para o controle da intoxicação mediante a detoxificação ruminal do princípio ativo. Em contatos preliminares o diretor responsável do consórcio na Austrália responsável pela modificação da bactéria, declarou o interesse em vender a tecnologia ao nosso país, porém seria necessário saber se é possível importar essa bactéria geneticamente modificada no Brasil. Caso positivo, seria indispensável realizar pesquisas sobre a viabilidade e a metodologia para o uso dessa bactéria em nosso meio.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Colodel E.M., Driemeier D., Schmitz M., Germer M., Nascimento R.A.P., Assis R.A., Lobato F.C.F. & Uzal F.A. 2003. [Caprine enterotoxaemia in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.] Enterotoxemia em caprinos no Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 23(4):173-178. Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Depto Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Cx. Postal 15094, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: moleta@terra.com.br Five outbreaks of caprine enterotoxaemia in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, were studied. The animais were found dead or had a clinical course that usually lásted 2-3 hours. From two farms a clinical manifestation period of 12 hours was reported. Clinical signs were characterized by depression, marked abdominal discomfort, profuse watery diarrhea with fibrin clots, and death. Thirteen necropsies were performed and hydropericardium, hydrothorax and hydroperitoneum were commonly found. The mucosa and serosa of the colon were congested, and its contents was watery with multiple fibrin clots. Serosal hemorrhages and fibrin clots in the gallbladder were also seen. Fibrinous colitis and thyphilitis were the most frequent histological changes. Cerebral microangiopathy was observed in one case, which was characterized by acute perivascular proteinaceous edema around arterioles of the nucleus caudatus and thalamus. Large numbers of Gram-positive rods, of ten in clumps and with morphology consistent with Clostridium perfringens, were seen in intestinal smears. The intestinal contents of six goats were positive for epsilon toxin by mouse neutralization test. These findings suggest that enterotoxaemia is an important disease of goat flocks in southern Brazil.

• Goat enterotoxaemia Clostridium perfringens epsilon toxin Enterotoxemia caprina toxina épsilon.

Abstract in Portuguese:

SINOPSE.- Colodel E.M., Driemeier D., Schmitz M., Germer M., Nascimento R.A.P., Assis R.A., Lobato F.C.F. & Uzal F.A. 2003. [Caprine enterotoxaemia in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.] Enterotoxemia em caprinos no Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 23(4):173-178. Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Depto Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Cx. Postal 15094, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: moleta@terra.com.br São descritos surtos de enterotoxemia em caprinosem cinco propriedades no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Os animais afetados eram, normalmente, encontrados mortos ou apresentavam evolução aguda de 2 a 3 horas com acentuada depressão, cólicas abdominais e diarréia profusa com fibrina. Em duas propriedades relataram-se casos com a evolução de até 12 horas. Em treze animais necropsiados observaram-se aumento de líquidos nas cavidades abdominal, torácica e pericárdica, congestão e hiperemia da serosa e mucosa do intestino, conteúdo do cólon líquido com fibrina além de hemorragias de serosa e fibrina. Em um animal constatou- se microangiopatia cerebral caracterizada por acúmulo de material homogêneo e eosinofilico no espaço perivascular. No conteúdo intestinal, colônias com bastonetes morfológica e bioquímicamente sugestivos de Clostridium pe,fringens foram caracterizadas no estudo bacteriológico. A soroneutralização em camundongos com conteúdo intestinal dos animais afetados, revelou a presença da toxina épsilon. Estes achados evidenciam a enterotoxemia como doença de importância para criação de caprinos no Rio Grande do Sul.

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.- Viana J.H.M., Nascimento A.A., Pinheiro N.L., Ferreira A.M., Camargo L.S.A., Sá W.F. & Marques Júnior A.P. 2003. [Characterization of tissue damages after ovum pick-up in bovine.) Caracterização de seqüelas subseqüentes à punção folicular em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 23(3):119-124. Embrapa Gado de Leite, Juiz de Fora, MG 36038-330, Brazil. E-mail: jhmviana@cnpgl.embrapa.br The aim of this studywas to evaluate lesions of the genital tract in animais used as oocyte donors. Gir breed cows (n=20) used in different experiments involving the ovum pick-up technique were evaluated. At the end of each experimental period the animais were examined by rectal palpation, ultrasonography and vaginoscopy. A group of cows (n=8) were selected for histopathologic characterization of ovarian lesions. Ovaries were surgically removed, fixed and processed for histological examination. The cows evaluated underwent 9 to 42 puncture sessions, and yielded 10 to 719 oocytes. There was a low prevalence (5.26%) of inflammatory changes in the vagina mucosa. The occurrence of adherence was significantly correlated with the number of puncture sessions the animal underwent (r=0.31; P<0.05), but not with the total of oocytes collected (r=0.03; P>0.05). The opposite was observed reganding ovarian fibrosis, which showed a high correlation with oocyte yield (r=0.53; P<0.05). Histopathologic evaluation revealed scar tissue, inflammatory cell infiltration and presence of luteal tissue dispersed within the ovarian stroma.

• Adherence cattle fibrosis follicular ablation ovarian lesions Ablação folicular aderência fibrose lesões de ovário bovinos.

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Viana J.H.M., Nascimento A.A., Pinheiro N.L., Ferreira A.M., Camargo L.S.A., Sá W.F. & Marques Júnior A.P. 2003. [Characterization of tissue damages after ovum pick-up in bovine.] Caracterização de seqüelas subseqüentes à punção folicular em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 23(3):119-124. Embrapa Gado de Leite, Juiz de Fora, MG 36038-330, Brazil. E-mail: jhmviana@cnpgl.embrapa.br Objetivaram-se avaliar lesões no trato genital em animais utilizados como doadores de oócitos. Foram examinadas vacas da raça Gir (n=20) que participaram de diferentes experimentos envolvendo a técnica de punção folicular. Ao término de cada período experimental, os animais foram examinados por palpação retal, ultra-sonografia e vagi-noscopia. Um grupo de vacas (n=8) foi selecionado para a caracterização histopatológica das lesões ovarianas. Os ovários foram retirados cirurgicamente, fixados e processados, e as lâminas obtidas coradas e analisadas. Fóram avaliados animais submetidos a entre nove e 42 sessões de punção, e que produziram entre 10 e 719 oócitos. Observou-se uma baixa prevalência (5,26%) de processos inflamatórios na mucosa do fundo de saco vaginal. A ocorrência de aderências apresentou uma correlação positiva com o número de sessões de punção a que o animal foi submetido (r=0,31; P<0,05), mas não com o total de oócitos recuperados (r=0,03; P>0,05). Tendência oposta foi observada em relação à fibrose ovariana, que apresentou uma alta correlação com o número de oócitos recuperados (r=0,53; P<0,05). A avaliação histopatológica demonstrou a presença de tecido cicatricial, infiltrados de células inflamatórias e presença de tecido luteal disperso no estroma ovariano.