PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Pimentel L.A., Riet-Correa F., Guedes K.M., Macêdo J.T.S.A., Medeiros R.M.T. & Dantas A.F.M. 2007. [Primary photosensitization in equidae and ruminants in the Brazilian semi-arid caused by Froelichia humboldtiana (Amaranthaceae).] Fotossensibilização primária em eqüídeos e ruminantes no semi-árido causada por Froelichia humboldtiana (Amaranthaceae). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(1):23-28. Hospital Veterinário, CSTR, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Campus de Patos, Patos, PB 58708-110, Brazil. E-mail: franklin.riet@pesquisador.com.br Photosensitization is common in the Brazilian semiarid, affecting mainly horses, but also donkeys, mules, sheep and cattle. The dermatitis affects mainly non pigmented skin, and the animals recover after being withdrawn from the pastures. To demonstrate the etiology of the disease, Froelichia humboldtiana (Roem. et Schult.) Seub., collected in the field one or two times a week and kept in the refrigerator for 1-4 days, was administered for 30 or more days as the only food ad libitum to 2 donkeys and one white sheep, and as the only forage ad libitum, to one white horse. No clinical signs were observed in those animals, and serum activities of aspartate-aminotransferase (AST), alanine-aminotransferase (AST), and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) were within normal ranges. In another experiment, one sheep was tied by a rope, during the day, in a pasture of exclusively F. humboldtiana for a 26 days period. Skin lesions characteristic of photosensitization appeared 4-5 days after the start of the experiment and became severe until day 26. After the withdrawal of the animal from the pasture on day 26 it fully recovered within 30 days. In another experiment, 4 sheep were tied by ropes in the same pasture, during the day, for a 29 days period. Another 4 control sheep were maintained in a neighboring pasture without F. humboldtiana. Skin lesions characteristic of photosensitization were observed after 11-25 days of F. humboldtiana grazing. Serum activities of AST and GGT, and serum levels of bilirubin were within normal ranges. At the end of the 29 days grazing F. humboldtiana, 2 sheep were euthanized, and 2 were withdrawn from the pastures. No gross or histologic liver lesions were observed on the 2 sheep euthanized; the other 2 sheep recovered within 17 and 20 days after the end of grazing. One mare and its foal grazed in the same pasture during 44 days. The mare that had a pigmented skin had no dermatitis, but the foal showed dermatitis on the white areas of the skin after 25 days of grazing. The two horses were withdrawn from the pastures after 44 days grazing, and the foal fully recovered within 15 days. These experiments indicate that F. humboldtiana causes primary photosensitization in domestic animals. The absence of lesions in animals ingesting the plant collected in the field and kept refrigerated suggests that F. humboldtiana lost toxicity after collection. The absence of lesions in the eyes of affected animal, which are characteristic of primary photosensitization caused by furocoumarins containing plants, suggests that F. humboldtiana contains a naphthodianthrone derivate, similar to those found in Fagopyrum esculentum and Hypericum perforatum which do not cause eye lesions.

• Primary photosensitization Froelichia humboldtiana Amaranthaceae equidae ruminants dermatitis

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Pimentel L.A., Riet-Correa F., Guedes K.M., Macêdo J.T.S.A., Medeiros R.M.T. & Dantas A.F.M. 2007. [Primary photosensitization in equidae and ruminants in the Brazilian semi-arid caused by Froelichia humboldtiana (Amaranthaceae).] Fotossensibilização primária em eqüídeos e ruminantes no semi-árido causada por Froelichia humboldtiana (Amaranthaceae). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(1):23-28. Hospital Veterinário, CSTR, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Campus de Patos, Patos, PB 58708-110, Brazil. E-mail: franklin.riet@pesquisador.com.br Photosensitization is common in the Brazilian semiarid, affecting mainly horses, but also donkeys, mules, sheep and cattle. The dermatitis affects mainly non pigmented skin, and the animals recover after being withdrawn from the pastures. To demonstrate the etiology of the disease, Froelichia humboldtiana (Roem. et Schult.) Seub., collected in the field one or two times a week and kept in the refrigerator for 1-4 days, was administered for 30 or more days as the only food ad libitum to 2 donkeys and one white sheep, and as the only forage ad libitum, to one white horse. No clinical signs were observed in those animals, and serum activities of aspartate-aminotransferase (AST), alanine-aminotransferase (AST), and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) were within normal ranges. In another experiment, one sheep was tied by a rope, during the day, in a pasture of exclusively F. humboldtiana for a 26 days period. Skin lesions characteristic of photosensitization appeared 4-5 days after the start of the experiment and became severe until day 26. After the withdrawal of the animal from the pasture on day 26 it fully recovered within 30 days. In another experiment, 4 sheep were tied by ropes in the same pasture, during the day, for a 29 days period. Another 4 control sheep were maintained in a neighboring pasture without F. humboldtiana. Skin lesions characteristic of photosensitization were observed after 11-25 days of F. humboldtiana grazing. Serum activities of AST and GGT, and serum levels of bilirubin were within normal ranges. At the end of the 29 days grazing F. humboldtiana, 2 sheep were euthanized, and 2 were withdrawn from the pastures. No gross or histologic liver lesions were observed on the 2 sheep euthanized; the other 2 sheep recovered within 17 and 20 days after the end of grazing. One mare and its foal grazed in the same pasture during 44 days. The mare that had a pigmented skin had no dermatitis, but the foal showed dermatitis on the white areas of the skin after 25 days of grazing. The two horses were withdrawn from the pastures after 44 days grazing, and the foal fully recovered within 15 days. These experiments indicate that F. humboldtiana causes primary photosensitization in domestic animals. The absence of lesions in animals ingesting the plant collected in the field and kept refrigerated suggests that F. humboldtiana lost toxicity after collection. The absence of lesions in the eyes of affected animal, which are characteristic of primary photosensitization caused by furocoumarins containing plants, suggests that F. humboldtiana contains a naphthodianthrone derivate, similar to those found in Fagopyrum esculentum and Hypericum perforatum which do not cause eye lesions.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Almeida R.F.C., Madruga C.R., Soares C.O., Fernandes M.C., Carvalho N.M., Jorge K.S.G. & Osório A.L.A.R. 2006. [Specific immune response of cattle to experimental sensibilization by inactivated Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium.] Resposta imune específica de bovinos experimentalmente sensibilizados com inóculos inativados de Mycobacterium bovis e Mycobacterium avium. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(4):195-200. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Cidade Universitária, Campo Grande, MS 79070-900, Brazil. E-mail: analudmv@nin.ufms.br The presumptive diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis is based on analysis of the immune response to micobacterial antigens. This experimental simulation of sensibilization by Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium in cattle aimed to verify the immune response by both the cervical comparative test and the evolution of the specific production of gamma-interferon, and also to identify interference of unspecified reactions by M. avium on the test results. The results support that the experimental animals started a response of delayed hypersensitivity to the inactivated bacilli, and that both diagnostic tests for bovine tuberculosis were efficient for the identification of animals sensitized with M. bovis and for discrimination of reactions generated by inoculation of cattle with M. avium.

• Mycobacterium bovis Mycobacterium avium gamma-interferon tuberculin immune response

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Almeida R.F.C., Madruga C.R., Soares C.O., Fernandes M.C., Carvalho N.M., Jorge K.S.G. & Osório A.L.A.R. 2006. [Specific immune response of cattle to experimental sensibilization by inactivated Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium.] Resposta imune específica de bovinos experimentalmente sensibilizados com inóculos inativados de Mycobacterium bovis e Mycobacterium avium. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(4):195-200. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Cidade Universitária, Campo Grande, MS 79070-900, Brazil. E-mail: analudmv@nin.ufms.br The presumptive diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis is based on analysis of the immune response to micobacterial antigens. This experimental simulation of sensibilization by Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium in cattle aimed to verify the immune response by both the cervical comparative test and the evolution of the specific production of gamma-interferon, and also to identify interference of unspecified reactions by M. avium on the test results. The results support that the experimental animals started a response of delayed hypersensitivity to the inactivated bacilli, and that both diagnostic tests for bovine tuberculosis were efficient for the identification of animals sensitized with M. bovis and for discrimination of reactions generated by inoculation of cattle with M. avium.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Monteiro L.A.R.C., Pellegrin A.O., Ishikawa M.M. & Osório A.L.A.R. 2006. [Epidemiological investigation of bovine brucellosis in an extract of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.] Investigação epidemiológica da brucelose bovina em um estrato do Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(4):217-222. Programa Mestrado em Ciência Animal, Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS 79070-900, Brazil. E-mail: leticiacmonteiro@yahoo.com.br The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of bovine brucellosis in 22 counties which make up the region Extract 1 of the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, in order to identify risk factors associated with the infection. The sample region encompasses an area of 70,214.1 km² and represents 19.7% of the State. The region studied has about 5.7 million head of cattle, corresponding to 23% of the total of 24.9 million cattle in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul. On 210 farms, between December 2003 and March 2004, 2,376 blood samples were collected from cows, aged 24 months or older, for serial diagnostic tests. Screening through the buffered acidified antigen test was confirmed by the 2-mercaptoetanol test. On the occasion of sample collection a questionnaire with information related to identification, kind of cattle and management practices was filled out. In individual animals the real prevalence was estimated at 5.6%, and in the cattle herds at 37.3%. The variables, which presented association through odds ratio (OR), univariate analysis and 95% confidence interval (CI) with serum positivity for brucellosis, were: the exploration of beef cattle (OR = 2.82, 95% CI = 1.49-5.34), Zebu breed (OR = 2.62, 95% CI = 1.40-4.88) and abortion (OR = 1.83, 95% CI = 1.01-3.33). The results shown here demonstrate, despite the prevalence of brucellosis in the extract of Mato Grosso do Sul studied, that the control of the disease may depend on adoption of a program focusing upon the exploration of beef cattle, the Zebu breed and the occurrence of abortion.

• Brucellosis cattle epidemiology seroprevalence

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Monteiro L.A.R.C., Pellegrin A.O., Ishikawa M.M. & Osório A.L.A.R. 2006. [Epidemiological investigation of bovine brucellosis in an extract of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.] Investigação epidemiológica da brucelose bovina em um estrato do Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(4):217-222. Programa Mestrado em Ciência Animal, Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS 79070-900, Brazil. E-mail: leticiacmonteiro@yahoo.com.br The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of bovine brucellosis in 22 counties which make up the region Extract 1 of the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, in order to identify risk factors associated with the infection. The sample region encompasses an area of 70,214.1 km² and represents 19.7% of the State. The region studied has about 5.7 million head of cattle, corresponding to 23% of the total of 24.9 million cattle in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul. On 210 farms, between December 2003 and March 2004, 2,376 blood samples were collected from cows, aged 24 months or older, for serial diagnostic tests. Screening through the buffered acidified antigen test was confirmed by the 2-mercaptoetanol test. On the occasion of sample collection a questionnaire with information related to identification, kind of cattle and management practices was filled out. In individual animals the real prevalence was estimated at 5.6%, and in the cattle herds at 37.3%. The variables, which presented association through odds ratio (OR), univariate analysis and 95% confidence interval (CI) with serum positivity for brucellosis, were: the exploration of beef cattle (OR = 2.82, 95% CI = 1.49-5.34), Zebu breed (OR = 2.62, 95% CI = 1.40-4.88) and abortion (OR = 1.83, 95% CI = 1.01-3.33). The results shown here demonstrate, despite the prevalence of brucellosis in the extract of Mato Grosso do Sul studied, that the control of the disease may depend on adoption of a program focusing upon the exploration of beef cattle, the Zebu breed and the occurrence of abortion.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Carvalho N.M., Alonso L.A., Cunha T.G., Ravedutti J., Barros C.S.L. & Lemos R.A.A. 2006. [Poisoning of cattle by Tetrapterys multiglandulosa in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.] Intoxicação de bovinos por Tetrapterys multiglandulosa (Malpighiaceae) em Mato Grosso do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(3):139-146. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Avenida Senador Filinto Müller 2443, Caixa Postal 549, Campo Grande, MS 79070-900, Brazil. E-mail: eqrural@nin.ufms.br Two outbreaks of poisoning by Tetrapterys multiglandulosa in cattle and the experimental reproduction of the toxicosis in sheep are described. Both outbreaks occurred on the same farm in the municipality of Bataiporã, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. The first outbreak occurred in July-October 2004 and involved a cattle population at risk of 290 pregnant cows, which were introduced into a 60 hectare pasture with a legal reservation area heavily infested by T. multiglandulosa. Of these, 230 cows (79.3%) aborted, had stillbirths or delivered weak calves that died few days after birth. Seven cows died, and one cow and a 10-day-old calf were necropsied. The second outbreak occurred in September-October 2005, 40 days after 285 2-year-old heifers were introduced into the same pasture infested by T. multiglandulosa and where the first outbreak had occurred in the previous year. Nine heifers got sick and died, and three of then were necropsied. Clinical signs of affected cattle, including a 10-day-old calf, were marked lethargy, loss of weight with distension of the abdomen (ascites), subcutaneous dependant edema, distended and pulsating jugular veins, dyspnea and cardiac arrhythmia. Necropsy findings included a round and dilated heart with whitish and firm areas in the myocardium, and changes related to cardiac failure such as cavitary edema, nutmeg liver, pulmonary edema, a large blood clot in the left ventricle. Histopathological changes included necrosis and fibrosis in the myocardium, chronic passive hepatic centrolobular congestion, pulmonary edema, and spongy degeneration in the white matter of the brain. Experimental sheep died 29 (Sheep 1) and 35 (Sheep 2) days after being fed average daily doses of T. multiglandulosa corresponding to 14g/kg (Sheep 1) and 7,5 g/kg (Sheep 2) per day. Clinical signs were observed from the 7th day (Sheep1) and the 4th day (Sheep 2) of the experiment and included tachycardia, arrhythmia, lethargy and head pressing. Necropsy and histopathologic findings in both experimental sheep were very similar to those observed in affected cattle of the two spontaneous outbreaks.

• Poisonous plants Tetrapterys multiglandulosa Malpighiaceae plant poisoning cardiomiopathy abortion diseases of cattle pathology

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Carvalho N.M., Alonso L.A., Cunha T.G., Ravedutti J., Barros C.S.L. & Lemos R.A.A. 2006. [Poisoning of cattle by Tetrapterys multiglandulosa in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.] Intoxicação de bovinos por Tetrapterys multiglandulosa (Malpighiaceae) em Mato Grosso do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(3):139-146. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Avenida Senador Filinto Müller 2443, Caixa Postal 549, Campo Grande, MS 79070-900, Brazil. E-mail: eqrural@nin.ufms.br Two outbreaks of poisoning by Tetrapterys multiglandulosa in cattle and the experimental reproduction of the toxicosis in sheep are described. Both outbreaks occurred on the same farm in the municipality of Bataiporã, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. The first outbreak occurred in July-October 2004 and involved a cattle population at risk of 290 pregnant cows, which were introduced into a 60 hectare pasture with a legal reservation area heavily infested by T. multiglandulosa. Of these, 230 cows (79.3%) aborted, had stillbirths or delivered weak calves that died few days after birth. Seven cows died, and one cow and a 10-day-old calf were necropsied. The second outbreak occurred in September-October 2005, 40 days after 285 2-year-old heifers were introduced into the same pasture infested by T. multiglandulosa and where the first outbreak had occurred in the previous year. Nine heifers got sick and died, and three of then were necropsied. Clinical signs of affected cattle, including a 10-day-old calf, were marked lethargy, loss of weight with distension of the abdomen (ascites), subcutaneous dependant edema, distended and pulsating jugular veins, dyspnea and cardiac arrhythmia. Necropsy findings included a round and dilated heart with whitish and firm areas in the myocardium, and changes related to cardiac failure such as cavitary edema, nutmeg liver, pulmonary edema, a large blood clot in the left ventricle. Histopathological changes included necrosis and fibrosis in the myocardium, chronic passive hepatic centrolobular congestion, pulmonary edema, and spongy degeneration in the white matter of the brain. Experimental sheep died 29 (Sheep 1) and 35 (Sheep 2) days after being fed average daily doses of T. multiglandulosa corresponding to 14g/kg (Sheep 1) and 7,5 g/kg (Sheep 2) per day. Clinical signs were observed from the 7th day (Sheep1) and the 4th day (Sheep 2) of the experiment and included tachycardia, arrhythmia, lethargy and head pressing. Necropsy and histopathologic findings in both experimental sheep were very similar to those observed in affected cattle of the two spontaneous outbreaks.

Abstract in English:

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

• Bovine brucellosis vaccination strain 19 serological diagnosis

Abstract in Portuguese:

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

Abstract in English:

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

• Babesia bovis Babesia bigemina ELISA cattle immunological condition.

Abstract in Portuguese:

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

Abstract in English:

Veschi J.L.A., Dutra I.S., Miyakawa M.E.F., Perri S.H.V. & Uzal F.A. 2006. Immunophrophylactic strategies against enterotoxemia caused by Clostridium perfringens type D in goats. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(1):51-54. Departamento de Produção e Saúde Animal, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Rua Clóvis Pestana 793, Araçatuba, SP 16050-680, Brazil. E-mail: isdutra@fmva.unesp.br The serological response to an experimental vaccine against Clostridium perfringens type D enterotoxemia was evaluated in four groups of goats. Group 1 received colostrum from unvaccinated cows and no vaccine. Groups 2, 3 and 4 received colostrum from vaccinated cows. In addition, Groups 3 and 4 received a vaccine dose at 80 days of age, and Group 4 received a second vaccine dose at 120 days of age. Serum antibody levels were determined by ELISA in cows before and after calving, and in goats at 3, 80, 120 and 160 days of age. No significant difference in serum antibody levels was observed between vaccinated and unvaccinated cows, or between the four groups of goats evaluated at 3 days of life. Groups 3 and 4 presented mean antibody titers of 0.6 and 1.1 IU/ml, respectively, 40 days after first vaccination. The vaccine response of Group 4 was 1.8 IU/ml 40 days after the booster dose and was higher than that observed for Group 3 (0.2 IU/ml). Thus, in the proposed regimen the use of heterologous colostrum did not induce passive immunization in goat kids. However, first vaccination and a booster dose after 40 days triggered satisfactory antibody levels.

• Clostridium perfringens type D goat enterotoxemia immunoprophylactic strategies colostrum vaccine.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Veschi J.L.A., Dutra I.S., Miyakawa M.E.F., Perri S.H.V. & Uzal F.A. 2006. Immunophrophylactic strategies against enterotoxemia caused by Clostridium perfringens type D in goats. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(1):51-54. Departamento de Produção e Saúde Animal, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Rua Clóvis Pestana 793, Araçatuba, SP 16050-680, Brazil. E-mail: isdutra@fmva.unesp.br The serological response to an experimental vaccine against Clostridium perfringens type D enterotoxemia was evaluated in four groups of goats. Group 1 received colostrum from unvaccinated cows and no vaccine. Groups 2, 3 and 4 received colostrum from vaccinated cows. In addition, Groups 3 and 4 received a vaccine dose at 80 days of age, and Group 4 received a second vaccine dose at 120 days of age. Serum antibody levels were determined by ELISA in cows before and after calving, and in goats at 3, 80, 120 and 160 days of age. No significant difference in serum antibody levels was observed between vaccinated and unvaccinated cows, or between the four groups of goats evaluated at 3 days of life. Groups 3 and 4 presented mean antibody titers of 0.6 and 1.1 IU/ml, respectively, 40 days after first vaccination. The vaccine response of Group 4 was 1.8 IU/ml 40 days after the booster dose and was higher than that observed for Group 3 (0.2 IU/ml). Thus, in the proposed regimen the use of heterologous colostrum did not induce passive immunization in goat kids. However, first vaccination and a booster dose after 40 days triggered satisfactory antibody levels.

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:

Tokarnia C.H., Barbosa J.D., Oliveira C.M.C., Brito M.F., Oliveira R.B. & Barbas L.A. 2004. [Comparative epidemiological, clinical and pathological aspects of poisoning by Arrabidaea bilabiata (Bignoniaceae) in buffalo and cattle.] Aspectos epidemiológicos e clínico-patológicos comparados da intoxicação por Arrabidaea bilabiata (Bignoniaceae) em búfalos e bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(2):74-79. Projeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Km 47, Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: tokarnia@ufrrj.br Experiments showed that the clinical and pathological pictures were essentially the same, but the buffalo was at least twice more resistant than the bovine to the toxic effect of Arrabidaea bilabiata (Sprague) Sandw. It was also shown that the young leaves are twice (October, end of the dry season) or one and a half (May, end of the rainy season) more toxic than the mature leaves, and that the plant is more toxic in October. These data indicate that the smaller incidence of poisoning by plants of the group that causes sudden death in buffaloes in the Amazon Region is, in part, due to the greater resistance of this animal species to the toxic action of the plant. Also important seems to be the coincidence of the preferential habitat of the buffalo (flooded areas) with the habitat of A. bilabiata, less toxic than Palicourea marcgravii St.Hil. which is a plant of the non-flooded areas, the preferential habitat of cattle.

• Plant poisoning Arrabidaea bilabiata Bignoniaceae toxicity buffalo cattle.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Tokarnia C.H., Barbosa J.D., Oliveira C.M.C., Brito M.F., Oliveira R.B. & Barbas L.A. 2004. [Comparative epidemiological, clinical and pathological aspects of poisoning by Arrabidaea bilabiata (Bignoniaceae) in buffalo and cattle.] Aspectos epidemiológicos e clínico-patológicos comparados da intoxicação por Arrabidaea bilabiata (Bignoniaceae) em búfalos e bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(2):74-79. Projeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Km 47, Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: tokarnia@ufrrj.br Experiments showed that the clinical and pathological pictures were essentially the same, but the buffalo was at least twice more resistant than the bovine to the toxic effect of Arrabidaea bilabiata (Sprague) Sandw. It was also shown that the young leaves are twice (October, end of the dry season) or one and a half (May, end of the rainy season) more toxic than the mature leaves, and that the plant is more toxic in October. These data indicate that the smaller incidence of poisoning by plants of the group that causes sudden death in buffaloes in the Amazon Region is, in part, due to the greater resistance of this animal species to the toxic action of the plant. Also important seems to be the coincidence of the preferential habitat of the buffalo (flooded areas) with the habitat of A. bilabiata, less toxic than Palicourea marcgravii St.Hil. which is a plant of the non-flooded areas, the preferential habitat of cattle.

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.