PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

Lima V.M.F., Biazzono L., Silva A.C., Correa A.P.F.L. & Luvizotto M.C.R. 2005. Serological diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis by an enzyme immunoassay using protein A in naturally infected dogs. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(4):215-218. Departamento de Clínica, Cirurgia e Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Rua Clóvis Pestana 793, Araçatuba, SP 16050-680, Brazil. E-mail: vmflima@fmva.unesp.br A rapid indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed for measuring antibodies against Leishmania chagasi using total antigen from lysed promastigotes. Fifty symptomatic mixed breed dogs from a region of high incidence of visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil were examined. The results showed that in the positive animals, diagnosed by cytological examination, the ELISA using protein A assay system (mean optical density ± SD / 2.078 ± 0.631) detected more antibodies than the anti-IgG assay (mean optical density ± SD / 1.008 ± 0.437), while in the negative animals, the results by both systems were similar. These results suggest that the ELISA assay using protein A peroxidase conjugated could be useful to detect early infected animals in endemic areas, and thus help to control the spread of the infection.

• Leishmania chagasi visceral leishmaniasis protein A dogs.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Lima V.M.F., Biazzono L., Silva A.C., Correa A.P.F.L. & Luvizotto M.C.R. 2005. Serological diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis by an enzyme immunoassay using protein A in naturally infected dogs. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(4):215-218. Departamento de Clínica, Cirurgia e Reprodução Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Rua Clóvis Pestana 793, Araçatuba, SP 16050-680, Brazil. E-mail: vmflima@fmva.unesp.br A rapid indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed for measuring antibodies against Leishmania chagasi using total antigen from lysed promastigotes. Fifty symptomatic mixed breed dogs from a region of high incidence of visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil were examined. The results showed that in the positive animals, diagnosed by cytological examination, the ELISA using protein A assay system (mean optical density ± SD / 2.078 ± 0.631) detected more antibodies than the anti-IgG assay (mean optical density ± SD / 1.008 ± 0.437), while in the negative animals, the results by both systems were similar. These results suggest that the ELISA assay using protein A peroxidase conjugated could be useful to detect early infected animals in endemic areas, and thus help to control the spread of the infection.

Abstract in English:

Barbosa J.D., Oliveira C.M.C., Duarte M.D., Peixoto P.V. & Tokarnia C.H. 2005. [Experimental and natural poisoning by Ipomoea asarifolia (Convolvulaceae) in buffaloes and other ruminants.] Intoxicações experimental e natural por Ipomoea asarifolia (Convolvulaceae) em búfalos e outros ruminantes. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(4):231-234. Escola de Medicina Veterinária, Campus Castanhal, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Maximino Porpino 1000, Castanhal, PA 68743-080, Brazil. E-mail: tokarnia@ufrrj.br Ipomoea asarifolia R. et Schult. is a plant responsible for occasional outbreaks of poisoning in cattle, sheep and goats. Its oral administration to cattle and buffalos showed that the buffalo is as susceptible as cattle. One to 4 daily doses of 10-20g/kg caused similar symptoms in both species, as incoordination, muscular twiching and swaying of the head and anterior part of the body (pendular movement). In buffaloes the signs of incoordination were observed to a smaller extent. There is no report yet on natural poisoning by I. asarifolia in buffaloes, possibly because cases are not being noticed.

• Poisonous plants Ipomoea asarifolia Convolvulaceae plant poisoning buffaloes bovines sheep goats.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Barbosa J.D., Oliveira C.M.C., Duarte M.D., Peixoto P.V. & Tokarnia C.H. 2005. [Experimental and natural poisoning by Ipomoea asarifolia (Convolvulaceae) in buffaloes and other ruminants.] Intoxicações experimental e natural por Ipomoea asarifolia (Convolvulaceae) em búfalos e outros ruminantes. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(4):231-234. Escola de Medicina Veterinária, Campus Castanhal, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Maximino Porpino 1000, Castanhal, PA 68743-080, Brazil. E-mail: tokarnia@ufrrj.br Ipomoea asarifolia R. et Schult. is a plant responsible for occasional outbreaks of poisoning in cattle, sheep and goats. Its oral administration to cattle and buffalos showed that the buffalo is as susceptible as cattle. One to 4 daily doses of 10-20g/kg caused similar symptoms in both species, as incoordination, muscular twiching and swaying of the head and anterior part of the body (pendular movement). In buffaloes the signs of incoordination were observed to a smaller extent. There is no report yet on natural poisoning by I. asarifolia in buffaloes, possibly because cases are not being noticed.

Abstract in English:

Soto P., Echevarría H.M., Monteavaro C.E. & Catena M.C. 2005. Experimentally induced intravaginal Tritrichomonas foetus infection in a mouse model. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(4):225-230. Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Microbiology, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, UNCPBA, Pinto 399, Tandil (7000), Buenos Aires, Argentina. E-mail: psoto@vet.unicen.ar The interest to develop research on the host-parasite relationship in bovine tritrichomonosis has accomplished the use of experimental models alternative to cattle. The BALB/c mouse became the most appropriate species susceptible to vaginal Tritrichomonas foetus infection requiring previous estrogenization. For the need of an experimental model without persistent estrogenization and with normal estrous cycles, the establishment and persistence of vaginal infection on BALB/c mouse with different concentrations of T. foetus in two experimental groups was evaluated. Group A was treated with 5mg of b-estradiol 3-benzoate to synchronize the estrous, 48 hours before the T. foetus vaginal inoculation, and Group B was inoculated in natural estrus. At 5-7 days after treatment, estrogenic effect decreased allowing all animals to cycle regularly during the experiment. From the first week post-infection, samples of vaginal mucus were taken from all animals during 34 weeks, in order to evaluate the course of infection and the stage of the estrus cycle. Group A showed 93.6% of infected animals, and Group B showed 38%. Different doses of T. foetus were assayed to establish the vaginal infection, with a persistence of 34 weeks. Although different behavior was observed in each subgroup belonging to either Group A or Group B, there were no significant differences among the infecting doses used. The b-estradiol 3-benzoate treatment had a favorable effect on the establishment of the infection (P<0.0001), but it did not influence its persistence (P=0.1097). According to the results, an experimental mouse model is presented, appropriate for further studies on mechanisms of pathogenicity, immune response, protective evaluation of immunogen and therapeutic effect of drugs.

• Tritrichomonas foetus mouse model experimental tritrichomonosis.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Soto P., Echevarría H.M., Monteavaro C.E. & Catena M.C. 2005. Experimentally induced intravaginal Tritrichomonas foetus infection in a mouse model. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(4):225-230. Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Microbiology, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, UNCPBA, Pinto 399, Tandil (7000), Buenos Aires, Argentina. E-mail: psoto@vet.unicen.ar The interest to develop research on the host-parasite relationship in bovine tritrichomonosis has accomplished the use of experimental models alternative to cattle. The BALB/c mouse became the most appropriate species susceptible to vaginal Tritrichomonas foetus infection requiring previous estrogenization. For the need of an experimental model without persistent estrogenization and with normal estrous cycles, the establishment and persistence of vaginal infection on BALB/c mouse with different concentrations of T. foetus in two experimental groups was evaluated. Group A was treated with 5mg of b-estradiol 3-benzoate to synchronize the estrous, 48 hours before the T. foetus vaginal inoculation, and Group B was inoculated in natural estrus. At 5-7 days after treatment, estrogenic effect decreased allowing all animals to cycle regularly during the experiment. From the first week post-infection, samples of vaginal mucus were taken from all animals during 34 weeks, in order to evaluate the course of infection and the stage of the estrus cycle. Group A showed 93.6% of infected animals, and Group B showed 38%. Different doses of T. foetus were assayed to establish the vaginal infection, with a persistence of 34 weeks. Although different behavior was observed in each subgroup belonging to either Group A or Group B, there were no significant differences among the infecting doses used. The b-estradiol 3-benzoate treatment had a favorable effect on the establishment of the infection (P<0.0001), but it did not influence its persistence (P=0.1097). According to the results, an experimental mouse model is presented, appropriate for further studies on mechanisms of pathogenicity, immune response, protective evaluation of immunogen and therapeutic effect of drugs.

Abstract in English:

Caron L., Brum M.C.S., Moraes M.P., Golde W.T., Arns C.W. & Grubman M.J. 2005. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor does not increase the potency or efficacy of a foot-and-mouth disease virus subunit vaccine. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(3):150-158. USDA, ARS, PIADC-FMD Research Unit, PO.Box 848, Greenport, NY 11944 0848, USA. E-mail: mgrubman@piadc.ars.usda.gov Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is one of the most feared diseases of livestock worldwide. Vaccination has been a very effective weapon in controlling the disease, however a number of concerns with the current vaccine including the inability of approved diagnostic tests to reliably distinguish vaccinated from infected animals and the need for high containment facilities for vaccine production, have limited its use during outbreaks in countries previously free of the disease. A number of FMD vaccine candidates have been tested and a replication-defective human adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) vector containing the FMDV capsid (P1-2A) and 3C protease coding regions has been shown to completely protect pigs against challenge with the homologous virus (FMDV A12 and A24). An Ad5-P1-2A+3C vaccine for FMDV O1 Campos (Ad5-O1C), however, only induced a low FMDV-specific neutralizing antibody response in swine potency tests. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) has been successfully used to stimulate the immune response in vaccine formulations against a number of diseases, including HIV, hepatitis C and B. To attempt to improve the FMDV-specific immune response induced by Ad5-O1C, we inoculated swine with Ad5-O1C and an Ad5 vector containing the gene for porcine GM-CSF (pGM-CSF). However, in the conditions used in this trial, pGM-CSF did not improve the immune response to Ad5-O1C and adversely affected the level of protection of swine challenged with homologous FMDV.

• Foot-and-mouth disease virus O1 Campos Adenovirus Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Caron L., Brum M.C.S., Moraes M.P., Golde W.T., Arns C.W. & Grubman M.J. 2005. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor does not increase the potency or efficacy of a foot-and-mouth disease virus subunit vaccine. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(3):150-158. USDA, ARS, PIADC-FMD Research Unit, PO.Box 848, Greenport, NY 11944 0848, USA. E-mail: mgrubman@piadc.ars.usda.gov Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is one of the most feared diseases of livestock worldwide. Vaccination has been a very effective weapon in controlling the disease, however a number of concerns with the current vaccine including the inability of approved diagnostic tests to reliably distinguish vaccinated from infected animals and the need for high containment facilities for vaccine production, have limited its use during outbreaks in countries previously free of the disease. A number of FMD vaccine candidates have been tested and a replication-defective human adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) vector containing the FMDV capsid (P1-2A) and 3C protease coding regions has been shown to completely protect pigs against challenge with the homologous virus (FMDV A12 and A24). An Ad5-P1-2A+3C vaccine for FMDV O1 Campos (Ad5-O1C), however, only induced a low FMDV-specific neutralizing antibody response in swine potency tests. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) has been successfully used to stimulate the immune response in vaccine formulations against a number of diseases, including HIV, hepatitis C and B. To attempt to improve the FMDV-specific immune response induced by Ad5-O1C, we inoculated swine with Ad5-O1C and an Ad5 vector containing the gene for porcine GM-CSF (pGM-CSF). However, in the conditions used in this trial, pGM-CSF did not improve the immune response to Ad5-O1C and adversely affected the level of protection of swine challenged with homologous FMDV.

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:

Lima E.S.C., Pinto P.S.A., Santos J.L., Vanetti M.C.D., Bevilacqua P.D., Almeida L.P., Pinto M.S. & Dias F.S. 2004. [Isolation of Salmonella sp and Staphylococcus aureus at swine slaughtering as subsidy for HACCP, the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point system.] Isolamento de Salmonella sp e Staphylococcus aureus no processo do abate suíno como subsídio ao sistema de Análise de Perigos e Pontos Críticos de Controle - APPCC. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(4):185-190. Depto Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36571-000 Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil. E-mail: pintopsa@ufv.br This study was done to evaluate the superficial contamination of swine carcasses by Salmonella sp and Staphylococcus aureus, the identification of microbiological hazards in different segments of the processing line, and critical control points (CCPs), through the quantification of risks. A total of 120 surface swabbing carcasses were collected in a slaughterhouse: after the scalding/dehairing (point A), before evisceration (B), after evisceration and splitting (C), and after 24 hours of refrigeration (D). Salmonella sp and S. aureus were isolated from 14 (11.7%) carcasses. No statistical difference between the points studied was observed. The number of S. aureus isolated was between 1.2 and 1.5 log UFC/cm2. It was concluded that the risks observed were the same for both microorganisms.

• Salmonella sp Staphylococcus aureus swine carcass slaughterhouse HACCP.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Lima E.S.C., Pinto P.S.A., Santos J.L., Vanetti M.C.D., Bevilacqua P.D., Almeida L.P., Pinto M.S. & Dias F.S. 2004. [Isolation of Salmonella sp and Staphylococcus aureus at swine slaughtering as subsidy for HACCP, the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point system.] Isolamento de Salmonella sp e Staphylococcus aureus no processo do abate suíno como subsídio ao sistema de Análise de Perigos e Pontos Críticos de Controle - APPCC. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(4):185-190. Depto Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36571-000 Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil. E-mail: pintopsa@ufv.br This study was done to evaluate the superficial contamination of swine carcasses by Salmonella sp and Staphylococcus aureus, the identification of microbiological hazards in different segments of the processing line, and critical control points (CCPs), through the quantification of risks. A total of 120 surface swabbing carcasses were collected in a slaughterhouse: after the scalding/dehairing (point A), before evisceration (B), after evisceration and splitting (C), and after 24 hours of refrigeration (D). Salmonella sp and S. aureus were isolated from 14 (11.7%) carcasses. No statistical difference between the points studied was observed. The number of S. aureus isolated was between 1.2 and 1.5 log UFC/cm2. It was concluded that the risks observed were the same for both microorganisms.

Abstract in English:

Karam F.S.C., Soares M.P., Haraguchi M., Riet-Correa F., Méndez M.C. & Jarenkow J.A. 2004. [Epidemiological aspects of seneciosis in southern Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.] Aspectos epidemiológicos da seneciose na região sul do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(4):191-198. Laboratório de Toxicologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, URCAMP, Bagé, RS 96400-110, Brazil. E-mail: fernando@alternet.com.br Seneciosis is the main cause of livestock mortality due to poisonous plants in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. This paper presents epidemiological data of 24 outbreaks in cattle and one in horses, diagnosed by the Regional Diagnostic Laboratory at Pelotas University in southern Rio Grande do Sul, from 1998 to 2000. Additionally, data of 54 outbreaks which occurred in 1978-1997 were analyzed. The farms where outbreaks occurred in 1998-2000 were visited to obtain clinical and epidemiological data and to verify the presence of Senecio spp. Eleven outbreaks (45.83%) affected cattle up to 3 years of age, and 13 (54.16%) cattle over 3 years. Nine (37.5%) outbreaks affected females and 15 (62.5%) males. Ten (41.66%) outbreaks occurred in spring, 4 (16.66%) in summer, 5 (20.83%) in autumn, and 5 (20.83%) in winter. Morbidity rate was estimated with 4.92% and case fatality with 95.59%. The predomionating Senecio species were S. brasiliensis on 12 farms (57.14%), S. selloi on 10 (47.61%), S. oxyphyllus on 6 (28.57%), S. heterotrichius on 3 (14.28%), and S. leptolobus on 1 farm (4.76%). The main clinical signs were progressive emaciation, incoordination, diarrhea, tenesmus, rectal prolapse and aggressiveness. The clinical manifestation periods of affected cattle observed during the farm visits, or of cattle sent for post-mortem examination,were 24-96 hours in 4 outbreaks (16.66%), 4-7 days in 7 (29.16%), 1-2 weeks in 4 (16.66%), 2-3 weeks in 2 (8.33%), 1-2 months in 2 (8.33%), and 2-3 months in 1 outbreak (4.16%). In 4 outbreaks (16.66%) the clinical manifestation period was not established. In outbreaks with longer clinical manifestation periods some animals showed photosensitization. The main necropsy findings were a hard and enlarged liver, distended gall bladder, edema of the mesenterium and abomasum, and increased amount of liquid in the cavities. Histopathological findings were fibroplasia, megalocytosis and biliary ductal proliferation of the liver, and spongy degeneration of the cerebral white matter. Samples of different Senecio species, in different seasons, were analyzed for detection of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) by thin layer chromatography. Retrorsine was found in Senecio brasiliensis, S. heterotrichius, S. selloi and S. oxyphyllus. In S. brasiliensis and S. heterotrichius one and two more non-identified PAs were detected, respectively. The total PAs concentration by spectrophotometric method was 0.25% for S. brasiliensis, 0.19% for S. heterotrichius, 0.03% for S. oxyphyllus, and 0.03% for S. selloi. The highest PAs concentration occurred in winter (June/July). No alkaloids were found in samples of S. leptolobus. These results show that S. brasiliensis is the most important cause of seneciosis in southern Rio Grande do Sul. Additional data obtained dealt with 54 outbreaks of PAs poisoning in 1978-1997. During this period, 7 outbreaks (12.96%) affected cattle up to 3 years of age, 39 (72.22%) cattle over 3 years, and 3 outbreaks (5.55%) affected cattle of different ages. In 5 outbreaks (9.25%) the age was not informed. Seven outbreaks (12.96%) affected males, 39 (72.22%) females, 3 (5.55%) both sexes, and in 5 outbreaks (9.25%) the sex was not informed. Twenty-three outbreaks (42.59%) occurred in spring, 9 (16.66%) in summer, 9 (16.66%) in autumn, and 13 (24.07%) in winter. The greater number of outbreaks during 1998-2000 (24 outbreaks in 3 years) in regard to 1978-1997 (54 outbreaks in 20 years) is probably due to a decrease of more than 50% in the number of sheep in the region.

• Seneciosis epidemiology poisonous plants Senecio spp Asteraceae pyrrolizidine alkaloids cattle.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Karam F.S.C., Soares M.P., Haraguchi M., Riet-Correa F., Méndez M.C. & Jarenkow J.A. 2004. [Epidemiological aspects of seneciosis in southern Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.] Aspectos epidemiológicos da seneciose na região sul do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(4):191-198. Laboratório de Toxicologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, URCAMP, Bagé, RS 96400-110, Brazil. E-mail: fernando@alternet.com.br Seneciosis is the main cause of livestock mortality due to poisonous plants in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. This paper presents epidemiological data of 24 outbreaks in cattle and one in horses, diagnosed by the Regional Diagnostic Laboratory at Pelotas University in southern Rio Grande do Sul, from 1998 to 2000. Additionally, data of 54 outbreaks which occurred in 1978-1997 were analyzed. The farms where outbreaks occurred in 1998-2000 were visited to obtain clinical and epidemiological data and to verify the presence of Senecio spp. Eleven outbreaks (45.83%) affected cattle up to 3 years of age, and 13 (54.16%) cattle over 3 years. Nine (37.5%) outbreaks affected females and 15 (62.5%) males. Ten (41.66%) outbreaks occurred in spring, 4 (16.66%) in summer, 5 (20.83%) in autumn, and 5 (20.83%) in winter. Morbidity rate was estimated with 4.92% and case fatality with 95.59%. The predomionating Senecio species were S. brasiliensis on 12 farms (57.14%), S. selloi on 10 (47.61%), S. oxyphyllus on 6 (28.57%), S. heterotrichius on 3 (14.28%), and S. leptolobus on 1 farm (4.76%). The main clinical signs were progressive emaciation, incoordination, diarrhea, tenesmus, rectal prolapse and aggressiveness. The clinical manifestation periods of affected cattle observed during the farm visits, or of cattle sent for post-mortem examination,were 24-96 hours in 4 outbreaks (16.66%), 4-7 days in 7 (29.16%), 1-2 weeks in 4 (16.66%), 2-3 weeks in 2 (8.33%), 1-2 months in 2 (8.33%), and 2-3 months in 1 outbreak (4.16%). In 4 outbreaks (16.66%) the clinical manifestation period was not established. In outbreaks with longer clinical manifestation periods some animals showed photosensitization. The main necropsy findings were a hard and enlarged liver, distended gall bladder, edema of the mesenterium and abomasum, and increased amount of liquid in the cavities. Histopathological findings were fibroplasia, megalocytosis and biliary ductal proliferation of the liver, and spongy degeneration of the cerebral white matter. Samples of different Senecio species, in different seasons, were analyzed for detection of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) by thin layer chromatography. Retrorsine was found in Senecio brasiliensis, S. heterotrichius, S. selloi and S. oxyphyllus. In S. brasiliensis and S. heterotrichius one and two more non-identified PAs were detected, respectively. The total PAs concentration by spectrophotometric method was 0.25% for S. brasiliensis, 0.19% for S. heterotrichius, 0.03% for S. oxyphyllus, and 0.03% for S. selloi. The highest PAs concentration occurred in winter (June/July). No alkaloids were found in samples of S. leptolobus. These results show that S. brasiliensis is the most important cause of seneciosis in southern Rio Grande do Sul. Additional data obtained dealt with 54 outbreaks of PAs poisoning in 1978-1997. During this period, 7 outbreaks (12.96%) affected cattle up to 3 years of age, 39 (72.22%) cattle over 3 years, and 3 outbreaks (5.55%) affected cattle of different ages. In 5 outbreaks (9.25%) the age was not informed. Seven outbreaks (12.96%) affected males, 39 (72.22%) females, 3 (5.55%) both sexes, and in 5 outbreaks (9.25%) the sex was not informed. Twenty-three outbreaks (42.59%) occurred in spring, 9 (16.66%) in summer, 9 (16.66%) in autumn, and 13 (24.07%) in winter. The greater number of outbreaks during 1998-2000 (24 outbreaks in 3 years) in regard to 1978-1997 (54 outbreaks in 20 years) is probably due to a decrease of more than 50% in the number of sheep in the region.

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:

Oliveira C.M.C., Barbosa J.D., Macedo R.S.C., Brito M.F., Peixoto P.V. & Tokarnia C.H. 2004. [A comparative study of the toxicity of Palicourea juruana (Rubiaceae) to buffalo and cattle.] Estudo comparativo da toxidez de Palicourea juruana (Rubiaceae) para búfalos e bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(1):27-30. Escola de Medicina Veterinária, Campus Castanhal, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Maximino Porpino 1000, Castanhal, PA 68743-080, Brazil. E-mail: tokarnia@ufrrj.br An experimental study was performed to establish the toxicity of Palicourea juruana for buffaloes and to add new data on the toxicity of this plant for cattle. The clinical and pathological pictures were similar, but a comparison of the lethal doses for buffaloes (1-2g/kg) and cattle (0.25g/kg) shows that the buffalo is at least 4 times more resistant. In experiments performed 10 years earlier with the fresh leaves - collected on the same farm in July, at the beginning of the dry season, only 2 months later than in this second experimental series - the lethal dose for cattle was 2 g/kg. No explanation was found for the extremely high toxicity of the plant observed in the present study.

• Plant poisoning Palicourea juruana Rubiaceae cattle buffaloes.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Oliveira C.M.C., Barbosa J.D., Macedo R.S.C., Brito M.F., Peixoto P.V. & Tokarnia C.H. 2004. [A comparative study of the toxicity of Palicourea juruana (Rubiaceae) to buffalo and cattle.] Estudo comparativo da toxidez de Palicourea juruana (Rubiaceae) para búfalos e bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(1):27-30. Escola de Medicina Veterinária, Campus Castanhal, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Maximino Porpino 1000, Castanhal, PA 68743-080, Brazil. E-mail: tokarnia@ufrrj.br An experimental study was performed to establish the toxicity of Palicourea juruana for buffaloes and to add new data on the toxicity of this plant for cattle. The clinical and pathological pictures were similar, but a comparison of the lethal doses for buffaloes (1-2g/kg) and cattle (0.25g/kg) shows that the buffalo is at least 4 times more resistant. In experiments performed 10 years earlier with the fresh leaves - collected on the same farm in July, at the beginning of the dry season, only 2 months later than in this second experimental series - the lethal dose for cattle was 2 g/kg. No explanation was found for the extremely high toxicity of the plant observed in the present study.

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.