PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

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.- Bianchin I., Koller W.W. & Detmann E. 2006. [The seasonality of Haematobia irritans in central Brazil.] Sazonalidade de Haematobia irritans no Brasil Central. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(2):79-86. Área de Sanidade Animal, Embrapa Gado de Corte, Cx. Postal 154, Campo Grande, MS 79002-970, Brazil. E-mail: bianchin@cnpgc.embrapa.br Horn fly (Haematobia irritans) is one of the most important Brazilian cattle ectoparasites. Epidemiological studies are needed due the increasing difficulty of their chemical control. In order to obtain a better knowledge of their seasonal population dynamics, 14 days interval fly counts were made on 7-30 month old beef cattle, from winter 1996 to summer 2002. Horn fly population levels increase (P<0.05) was observed during the seasons of each infestation period (spring until autumn), mainly in spring and summer, and sometimes in autumn, followed by a significant reduction (P<0.05) in winter, when the relative humidity decreases to less than 60%. A straight (P<0.05) and immediate correlation between the relative humidity and the fly count was found, whilst the most evident effects of temperature and rain fall (P<0.05) were associated with counts done 42-56 days after attainment of the climatic data. The highest parasitism load (average number of flies per animal) observed for the genetic groups used were: Aberdeen Angus x Nellore = 173.5 (134-254); ½ Brown Swiss x Nellore = 183.5 (32-540); ¾ Aberdeen Angus x Nellore = 133.0 (18-374), and Valdostana x Nellore = 219.0 (58-620). Torrential rain falls during the initial half of the infestation period (spring until midsummer) are common in this region and were considered the main reason for the low to moderate population levels verified at that time, in comparison with those which occurred during the last half of the infestation period.

• Horn fly epidemiology population dynamics ectoparasites cattle.

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Bianchin I., Koller W.W. & Detmann E. 2006. [The seasonality of Haematobia irritans in central Brazil.] Sazonalidade de Haematobia irritans no Brasil Central. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(2):79-86. Área de Sanidade Animal, Embrapa Gado de Corte, Cx. Postal 154, Campo Grande, MS 79002-970, Brazil. E-mail: bianchin@cnpgc.embrapa.br Horn fly (Haematobia irritans) is one of the most important Brazilian cattle ectoparasites. Epidemiological studies are needed due the increasing difficulty of their chemical control. In order to obtain a better knowledge of their seasonal population dynamics, 14 days interval fly counts were made on 7-30 month old beef cattle, from winter 1996 to summer 2002. Horn fly population levels increase (P<0.05) was observed during the seasons of each infestation period (spring until autumn), mainly in spring and summer, and sometimes in autumn, followed by a significant reduction (P<0.05) in winter, when the relative humidity decreases to less than 60%. A straight (P<0.05) and immediate correlation between the relative humidity and the fly count was found, whilst the most evident effects of temperature and rain fall (P<0.05) were associated with counts done 42-56 days after attainment of the climatic data. The highest parasitism load (average number of flies per animal) observed for the genetic groups used were: Aberdeen Angus x Nellore = 173.5 (134-254); ½ Brown Swiss x Nellore = 183.5 (32-540); ¾ Aberdeen Angus x Nellore = 133.0 (18-374), and Valdostana x Nellore = 219.0 (58-620). Torrential rain falls during the initial half of the infestation period (spring until midsummer) are common in this region and were considered the main reason for the low to moderate population levels verified at that time, in comparison with those which occurred during the last half of the infestation period.

Abstract in English:

Gomes M., Uieda W. & Latorre M.R.D.O. 2006. [Influence of sex differences in the same colony for chemical control of vampire Desmodus rotundus (Phyllostomidae) populations in the state of São Paulo, Brazil.] Influência do sexo de indivíduos da mesma colônia no controle químico das populações do morcego hematófago Desmodus rotundus (Phyllstomidae) no Estado de São Paulo. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(1):38-43. Coordenadoria de Defesa Agropecuária/SP, Regional Mogi das Cruzes, Av. Cândido X.A.Sousa 35, Mogi das Cruzes, SP 08780-210, Brazil. E-mail: murilong@usp.br The aim of this study was to verify the fidelity to the diurnal roosts by the genders of the vampire bat Desmodus rotundus, and to analyse the Warfarin gel 2% effectiveness for reduction of the size of vampire bat colonies, when individuals of different sexes were treated. In 1999 and 2000, 626 vampire bats were mist netted while leaving at night 12 diurnal roosts in the state of São Paulo. They were marked, and 10% of the roost population received the Warfarin gel 2% treatment. In Test I only males were treated, in Test II only females were treated, and in Test III 5% of males and females were treated. After 5 and 10 days, the dead and the survivors were counted. Females were more loyal to the roosts (p<0,01) and better wide spreader of the Warfarin gel (p<0,01).

• Rabies vampire bats Desmodus rotundus Warfarin gel.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Gomes M., Uieda W. & Latorre M.R.D.O. 2006. [Influence of sex differences in the same colony for chemical control of vampire Desmodus rotundus (Phyllostomidae) populations in the state of São Paulo, Brazil.] Influência do sexo de indivíduos da mesma colônia no controle químico das populações do morcego hematófago Desmodus rotundus (Phyllstomidae) no Estado de São Paulo. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(1):38-43. Coordenadoria de Defesa Agropecuária/SP, Regional Mogi das Cruzes, Av. Cândido X.A.Sousa 35, Mogi das Cruzes, SP 08780-210, Brazil. E-mail: murilong@usp.br The aim of this study was to verify the fidelity to the diurnal roosts by the genders of the vampire bat Desmodus rotundus, and to analyse the Warfarin gel 2% effectiveness for reduction of the size of vampire bat colonies, when individuals of different sexes were treated. In 1999 and 2000, 626 vampire bats were mist netted while leaving at night 12 diurnal roosts in the state of São Paulo. They were marked, and 10% of the roost population received the Warfarin gel 2% treatment. In Test I only males were treated, in Test II only females were treated, and in Test III 5% of males and females were treated. After 5 and 10 days, the dead and the survivors were counted. Females were more loyal to the roosts (p<0,01) and better wide spreader of the Warfarin gel (p<0,01).

Abstract in English:

Rodrigues A., Fighera R.A., Souza T.M., Schild A.L., Soares M.P., Milano J. & Barros C.S.L. 2005. [Outbreaks of trypanosomiasis in horses by Trypanosoma evansi in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil: epidemiological, clinical, hematological, and pathological aspects.] Surtos de tripanossomíase por Trypanosoma evansi em eqüinos no Rio Grande do Sul: aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos, hematológicos e patológicos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(4):239-249. Depto Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Cases of trypanosomiasis by Trypanosoma evansi were diagnosed in horses in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, between 2003 and 2004. In one stud farm (Farm A) with 125 horses, 52 died. Additionally, around 80 mares were sent to Farm A to be bred. Of those, 66 became ill and 56 died after being returned to their farms of origin. Twenty one horses clinically affected by the disease were observed. Clinical signs included loss of weight (despite voracious appetite), lethargy, incoordination and instability of hindlimbs, atrophy of the large muscles of the hindlimbs, muscle weakness and paleness of mucosae. Specimens of T. evansi were detected in the blood drawn from four affected horses. Normocytic normochromic anemia with PCVs ranging from 15 to 31%, leucocytosis due to lymphocytosis associated to large atypical lymphocytes was observed in several affected horses. High levels of antibodies against T. evansi were detected in the serum of six horses from Farm A. Eight horses presented encephalic neurological signs such as circling, ataxia, blindness, excitation, falls, listlessness, proprioception deficits and head tilt. One horse assumed a “dog-seating position”. Necropsy findings included muscle atrophy, enlargement and lymphoid hyperplasia of the spleen and lymphnodes, edema and softening of the white and grey matter of the brain. Histologically, an overwhelming necrotizing panencephalitis was observed in the seven horses with encephalic signs. This panencephalitis was characterized by marked edema, demyelination and necrosis and perivascular infiltrates of 6-10 layers of lymphocytes and plasm cells affecting both the white and gray matter. Several plasm cells in the inflammatory infiltrate contained numerous eosinophilic globules in their cytoplasm (Mott cells). Similar histological lesions were observed in the spinal cord of the horse with the “dog-seating position”. The brains of five horses with the encephalic signs were submitted to immunohistochemistry stain by the streptavidin-biotin technique. In all of those five brains moderate to abundant specimens of T. evansi in the perivascular spaces and neuropile were marked by the specific antibody. Epidemiological, clinical, hematological, and pathological aspects of equine trypanosomiasis caused by T. evansi are discussed.

• Trypanosomiasis Trypanosoma evansi infectious diseases encephalitis hematology pathology diseases of horses.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Rodrigues A., Fighera R.A., Souza T.M., Schild A.L., Soares M.P., Milano J. & Barros C.S.L. 2005. [Outbreaks of trypanosomiasis in horses by Trypanosoma evansi in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil: epidemiological, clinical, hematological, and pathological aspects.] Surtos de tripanossomíase por Trypanosoma evansi em eqüinos no Rio Grande do Sul: aspectos epidemiológicos, clínicos, hematológicos e patológicos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(4):239-249. Depto Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Cases of trypanosomiasis by Trypanosoma evansi were diagnosed in horses in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, between 2003 and 2004. In one stud farm (Farm A) with 125 horses, 52 died. Additionally, around 80 mares were sent to Farm A to be bred. Of those, 66 became ill and 56 died after being returned to their farms of origin. Twenty one horses clinically affected by the disease were observed. Clinical signs included loss of weight (despite voracious appetite), lethargy, incoordination and instability of hindlimbs, atrophy of the large muscles of the hindlimbs, muscle weakness and paleness of mucosae. Specimens of T. evansi were detected in the blood drawn from four affected horses. Normocytic normochromic anemia with PCVs ranging from 15 to 31%, leucocytosis due to lymphocytosis associated to large atypical lymphocytes was observed in several affected horses. High levels of antibodies against T. evansi were detected in the serum of six horses from Farm A. Eight horses presented encephalic neurological signs such as circling, ataxia, blindness, excitation, falls, listlessness, proprioception deficits and head tilt. One horse assumed a “dog-seating position”. Necropsy findings included muscle atrophy, enlargement and lymphoid hyperplasia of the spleen and lymphnodes, edema and softening of the white and grey matter of the brain. Histologically, an overwhelming necrotizing panencephalitis was observed in the seven horses with encephalic signs. This panencephalitis was characterized by marked edema, demyelination and necrosis and perivascular infiltrates of 6-10 layers of lymphocytes and plasm cells affecting both the white and gray matter. Several plasm cells in the inflammatory infiltrate contained numerous eosinophilic globules in their cytoplasm (Mott cells). Similar histological lesions were observed in the spinal cord of the horse with the “dog-seating position”. The brains of five horses with the encephalic signs were submitted to immunohistochemistry stain by the streptavidin-biotin technique. In all of those five brains moderate to abundant specimens of T. evansi in the perivascular spaces and neuropile were marked by the specific antibody. Epidemiological, clinical, hematological, and pathological aspects of equine trypanosomiasis caused by T. evansi are discussed.

Abstract in English:

Catto J.B., Bianchin I., Torres Junior R.A.A. 2005. [Effects of deworming of cow-calf beef herds in brazilian savannas.] Efeitos da everminação de matrizes e de bezerros lactentes em sistema de produção de bovinos de corte na região de Cerrado. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(3):188-194. Embrapa Gado de Corte, Rodov. 162, Km 4, Campo Grande, MS 79002-950, Brazil. E-mail: catto@cnpgc.embrapa.br The effect of deworming with ivermectin of cows before calving and of suckling calves on fecal egg counts (EPG) and productive performance of two beef cattle herds in Central Brazil was studied. Four groups of pregnant cows received the following treatments: T1- cows and calves not treated, T2- only calves treated, T3- only cows treated, and T4- cows and calves treated. The calves of T2 and T4 were distributed in the following treatments: A- calves treated at 3 to 5 months of age with long action ivermectin, B- treated with ivermectin, and C- control. For the cows, the deworming did not diminish the EPG during lactation and also did not have significant effect on the conception rate, live weight gain and the body weight of their calves at 3 to 5 months of age. The calves of treatment A gained, from the time of treatment to weaning (84 to 108 days), an average of 4.2kg (P=0.0003) and 7.1kg (P<0.0001) more than those of treatment B and C, respectively. The average difference in live weight gain of 2.9kg between the animals of treatment B and C was not significant. The EPG before treatment was not significantly different from the treatments (P=0.8665); but at weaning, the average EPG of the calves from treatment A was lower than for treatment B (P=0.0004) and C (P<0.0001). There was no significant difference in the mean EPG for the calves from treatment B and C.

• Beef cattle cows suckling calves nematodes treatment Brazilian savannas.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Catto J.B., Bianchin I., Torres Junior R.A.A. 2005. [Effects of deworming of cow-calf beef herds in brazilian savannas.] Efeitos da everminação de matrizes e de bezerros lactentes em sistema de produção de bovinos de corte na região de Cerrado. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(3):188-194. Embrapa Gado de Corte, Rodov. 162, Km 4, Campo Grande, MS 79002-950, Brazil. E-mail: catto@cnpgc.embrapa.br The effect of deworming with ivermectin of cows before calving and of suckling calves on fecal egg counts (EPG) and productive performance of two beef cattle herds in Central Brazil was studied. Four groups of pregnant cows received the following treatments: T1- cows and calves not treated, T2- only calves treated, T3- only cows treated, and T4- cows and calves treated. The calves of T2 and T4 were distributed in the following treatments: A- calves treated at 3 to 5 months of age with long action ivermectin, B- treated with ivermectin, and C- control. For the cows, the deworming did not diminish the EPG during lactation and also did not have significant effect on the conception rate, live weight gain and the body weight of their calves at 3 to 5 months of age. The calves of treatment A gained, from the time of treatment to weaning (84 to 108 days), an average of 4.2kg (P=0.0003) and 7.1kg (P<0.0001) more than those of treatment B and C, respectively. The average difference in live weight gain of 2.9kg between the animals of treatment B and C was not significant. The EPG before treatment was not significantly different from the treatments (P=0.8665); but at weaning, the average EPG of the calves from treatment A was lower than for treatment B (P=0.0004) and C (P<0.0001). There was no significant difference in the mean EPG for the calves from treatment B and C.

Abstract in English:

Rech R.R., Schild A.L., Driemeier D., Garmatz S.L., Oliveira F.N., Riet-Correa F. & Barros C.S.L. 2005. [Malignant catarrhal fever in cattle in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil: Epidemiology, clinical signs and pathology.] Febre catarral maligna em bovinos no Rio Grande do Sul: epidemiologia, sinais clínicos e patologia. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(2):97-105. Depto Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br The epidemiology, clinical signs, necropsy and histopathological findings in cases of malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) occurring in cattle from 15 farms in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, from 1973 to 2003, are described. In 9 instances (60%) the disease occurred as sporadic cases affecting 1-3 cattle whereas in six farms (40%) MCF occurred as epizootics involving several cattle in each affected herd. Morbidity rates ranged from 2.4% to 20% and lethality rates were 83.3% and 100%. Cattle of all ages and both sexes were affected. Where the information was available (9 farms) sheep were in contact with affected cattle and cases of MCF occurred more frequently in spring and summer. Clinical courses were acute or subacute and clinical signs included fever, nasal and ocular discharges, conjunctivitis, drooling, hematuria, necrosis and blunting of buccal papillae, enlargement of lymph nodes, diarrhea and neurological disturbances. Necropsy findings included opaque corneas, reddening, erosions and ulcerations in several mucous membranes of the alimentary, respiratory and urogenital tracts, and the conjunctiva; enlargement and haemorrhage of lymph nodes and multiple white foci in the renal cortices and in the hepatic portal triads. Crustous dermatitis was observed in some cases. Main histopathological findings included vasculitis, necrosis of the surface epithelia and accumulation of inflammatory cells in several organs. Vasculitis were associated with fibrinoid necrosis of the medial layer of arteries and inflammatory cells included lymphoblasts, lymphocytes, plasma cells and macrophages.

• Infectious diseases epidemiology viral diseases diseases of cattle pathology.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Rech R.R., Schild A.L., Driemeier D., Garmatz S.L., Oliveira F.N., Riet-Correa F. & Barros C.S.L. 2005. [Malignant catarrhal fever in cattle in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil: Epidemiology, clinical signs and pathology.] Febre catarral maligna em bovinos no Rio Grande do Sul: epidemiologia, sinais clínicos e patologia. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(2):97-105. Depto Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br The epidemiology, clinical signs, necropsy and histopathological findings in cases of malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) occurring in cattle from 15 farms in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, from 1973 to 2003, are described. In 9 instances (60%) the disease occurred as sporadic cases affecting 1-3 cattle whereas in six farms (40%) MCF occurred as epizootics involving several cattle in each affected herd. Morbidity rates ranged from 2.4% to 20% and lethality rates were 83.3% and 100%. Cattle of all ages and both sexes were affected. Where the information was available (9 farms) sheep were in contact with affected cattle and cases of MCF occurred more frequently in spring and summer. Clinical courses were acute or subacute and clinical signs included fever, nasal and ocular discharges, conjunctivitis, drooling, hematuria, necrosis and blunting of buccal papillae, enlargement of lymph nodes, diarrhea and neurological disturbances. Necropsy findings included opaque corneas, reddening, erosions and ulcerations in several mucous membranes of the alimentary, respiratory and urogenital tracts, and the conjunctiva; enlargement and haemorrhage of lymph nodes and multiple white foci in the renal cortices and in the hepatic portal triads. Crustous dermatitis was observed in some cases. Main histopathological findings included vasculitis, necrosis of the surface epithelia and accumulation of inflammatory cells in several organs. Vasculitis were associated with fibrinoid necrosis of the medial layer of arteries and inflammatory cells included lymphoblasts, lymphocytes, plasma cells and macrophages.

Abstract in English:

França T.N., Ribeiro C.T., Cunha B.M. & Peixoto P.V. 2005. [Porcine Circovirosis: a review.] Circovirose Suína. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(2):59-72. Universidade Estácio de Sá, Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Disciplina de Anatomia Patológica, Estrada Boca do Mato 850, Vargem Pequena, RJ 22783-320, Brazil. E-mail: ticianaf@uol.com.br The literature of Porcine Circovirosis, including the main data on epidemiology and clinical, macroscopic and microscopic alterations of the infection of swine by Porcine Circovirus type 2 (PCV-2), is reviewed. There are various forms of infection: the [Porcine] Postweaning Multisystemic Wasting Syndrome (PMWS), Porcine Congenital Tremor, Porcine Dermatitis and Nephropathy Syndrome, and other associated or correlated diseases as the Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome, Proliferative Necrotizing Pneumonia, and reproductive disorders. As PMWS already has been reported from southern Brazil and from the state of Rio de Janeiro, the objective of this review is to draw attention to the implications of this virosis for swine production in Brazil and its economical importance.

• Porcine Circovirosis Porcine Circovirus type 2 Porcine Postweaning Multisystemic Wasting Syndrome Porcine Congenital Tremor Porcine Dermatitis and Nephropathy Syndrome Proliferative Necrotizing Pneumonia reproductive disorders of swine.

Abstract in Portuguese:

França T.N., Ribeiro C.T., Cunha B.M. & Peixoto P.V. 2005. [Porcine Circovirosis: a review.] Circovirose Suína. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(2):59-72. Universidade Estácio de Sá, Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Disciplina de Anatomia Patológica, Estrada Boca do Mato 850, Vargem Pequena, RJ 22783-320, Brazil. E-mail: ticianaf@uol.com.br The literature of Porcine Circovirosis, including the main data on epidemiology and clinical, macroscopic and microscopic alterations of the infection of swine by Porcine Circovirus type 2 (PCV-2), is reviewed. There are various forms of infection: the [Porcine] Postweaning Multisystemic Wasting Syndrome (PMWS), Porcine Congenital Tremor, Porcine Dermatitis and Nephropathy Syndrome, and other associated or correlated diseases as the Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome, Proliferative Necrotizing Pneumonia, and reproductive disorders. As PMWS already has been reported from southern Brazil and from the state of Rio de Janeiro, the objective of this review is to draw attention to the implications of this virosis for swine production in Brazil and its economical importance.

Abstract in English:

Minho A.P., Navarro I.T., Freire R.L., Vidotto O., Gennari S.M., Marana E.M. & Garcia J.L. 2004. Evaluation of the indirect fluorescent antibody test and modified agglutination test for detection of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii in experimentally infected pigs. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(4):199-202. Depto Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Cx. Postal 6001, Londrina, PR 86050-970, Brazil. E-mail: italmar@uel.br The study determined the sensitivity and specificity of the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and modified agglutination test (MAT) for anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibody detection by analyzing sera from 46 experimentally infected pigs. Values for sensitivity were 95.7% (confidence interval 95%: 84.0-99.2%) and for specificity 97.8% (confidence interval 95%: 87.0-99.9%) in both tests. There was an optimum agreement of results between IFAT and MAT evidenced by a Kappa test of 0.86. These results validate these tests for the detection of T. gondii infection in pigs. IFAT and MAT despite methodologies with different characteristics and readings have similar accuracy in pig serum samples.

• Toxoplasma gondii swine antibodies serology indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) modified agglutination test (MAT).

Abstract in Portuguese:

Minho A.P., Navarro I.T., Freire R.L., Vidotto O., Gennari S.M., Marana E.M. & Garcia J.L. 2004. Evaluation of the indirect fluorescent antibody test and modified agglutination test for detection of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii in experimentally infected pigs. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(4):199-202. Depto Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Cx. Postal 6001, Londrina, PR 86050-970, Brazil. E-mail: italmar@uel.br The study determined the sensitivity and specificity of the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and modified agglutination test (MAT) for anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibody detection by analyzing sera from 46 experimentally infected pigs. Values for sensitivity were 95.7% (confidence interval 95%: 84.0-99.2%) and for specificity 97.8% (confidence interval 95%: 87.0-99.9%) in both tests. There was an optimum agreement of results between IFAT and MAT evidenced by a Kappa test of 0.86. These results validate these tests for the detection of T. gondii infection in pigs. IFAT and MAT despite methodologies with different characteristics and readings have similar accuracy in pig serum samples.

Abstract in English:

Rech R.R, Fighera R.A., Oliveira F.N. & Barros C.S.L. 2004. [Granulomatous meningoencephalitis in cattle grazing vetch (Vicia spp).] Meningoencefalite granulomatosa em bovinos em pastoreio de ervilhaca (Vicia spp). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(3): 169-172. Depto Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Granulomatous meningoencephalitis was observed in 7 out of 8 adult dairy cows affected by vetch-associated systemic granulomatous disease, although there was no neurological signs associated with the condition. The cellular inflammatory infiltrates were located in the leptomeninges and as perivascular cuffings within the brain and consisted of epithelioid macrophages, lymphocytes, plasm cells and eosinophils. These inflammatory changes varied from mild to severe from animal to animal and among different brain regions of the same animal. Perivascular cuffings were usually more marked than the leptomeningeal infiltrates. Affected brain regions, in decreasing order of intensity, included diencephalon through the level of massa intermedia, mesencephalon at the level of rostral colliculi, pons and cerebellar peduncles, medulla at the level of obex, frontal lobe at the level of the genu of the corpus callosum, and cerebellum. The character and the distribution of the inflammatory changes are emphasized regarding the differential diagnosis with other diseases and lesions of the bovine central nervous system in the context of the Brazilian surveillance program for bovine spongiform encephalopath.

• Diseases of cattle diseases of the central nervous system meningoencephalitis plant poisoning Vicia spp pathology.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Rech R.R, Fighera R.A., Oliveira F.N. & Barros C.S.L. 2004. [Granulomatous meningoencephalitis in cattle grazing vetch (Vicia spp).] Meningoencefalite granulomatosa em bovinos em pastoreio de ervilhaca (Vicia spp). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(3): 169-172. Depto Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Granulomatous meningoencephalitis was observed in 7 out of 8 adult dairy cows affected by vetch-associated systemic granulomatous disease, although there was no neurological signs associated with the condition. The cellular inflammatory infiltrates were located in the leptomeninges and as perivascular cuffings within the brain and consisted of epithelioid macrophages, lymphocytes, plasm cells and eosinophils. These inflammatory changes varied from mild to severe from animal to animal and among different brain regions of the same animal. Perivascular cuffings were usually more marked than the leptomeningeal infiltrates. Affected brain regions, in decreasing order of intensity, included diencephalon through the level of massa intermedia, mesencephalon at the level of rostral colliculi, pons and cerebellar peduncles, medulla at the level of obex, frontal lobe at the level of the genu of the corpus callosum, and cerebellum. The character and the distribution of the inflammatory changes are emphasized regarding the differential diagnosis with other diseases and lesions of the bovine central nervous system in the context of the Brazilian surveillance program for bovine spongiform encephalopath.

Abstract in English:

Garmatz S.L., Irigoyen L.F., Rech R.R., Brown C.C., Zhang J. & Barros C.S.L. 2004. [Malignant catarrhal fever in cattle in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil: Experimental transmission to cattle and characterization of the etiological agent.] Febre catarral maligna em bovinos no Rio Grande do Sul: transmissão experimental para bovinos e caracterização do agente etiológico. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(2):93-106. Depto Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Two oubreaks of malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) occurring in cattle on two farms (A and B) in the municipality of Santiago, state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil, and the transmission of the disease to susceptible calves as well as the detection of ovine herpesvirus-2 (OvHV-2) in tissues of affected cattle are reported. The two epizootics occurred from November 2001 to February 2002 (Farm A) and in January-February 2003 (Farm B). Numbers of cattle at risk, morbidity and letality rates were respectively 170, 10.59% and 83.33% for Farm A and 500, 2.4% and 100% for Farm B. Contact between affected cattle and sheep was detected in both farms, but lambing ewes were present only in farm A. Duration of clinical courses, gross findings and histopathology were the same for the affected cattle in both farms. Most affected cattle died or were euthanatized in extremis after a clinical course of 2-8 days. Clinical signs included fever (40.5 and 41.5°C), nasal and ocular discharge, corneal opacity, conjunctivitis, drooling, erosions and ulcerations of the mucosae, diarrhea, hematuria, and neurological disturbances. Eleven necropsies (9 on Farm A, 2 on Farm B) were performed. Gross lesions included erosions and ulcers affecting the mucosae of nasal turbinates, oral cavity, gastrointestinal and urogenital tracts; hemorrhage and necrosis of the tip of the buccal papillae, lymph node enlargement, multifocal white foci in renal cortex, and hyperemia of leptomeninges. Microscopically, there were arteritis and fibrinoid degeneration in medium and small arteries and arterioles of multiple organs and tissues, necrosis and inflammation in several mucosal surfaces, keratitis, conjunctivitis, uveitis, intersticial nephritis, and encephalitis. Transmission experiments were attempted in five calves (E1-E5) by inocculating each of them intravenously with 500 ml of whole heparinized blood from a MCF affected cow. The transmission was suscessful in at least three (E1-E3) of the experimental calves which became sick after an incubation period of 15-27 days. Four experimental calves either died or were euthanatized in extremis after a clinical course which varied from 3 days to 8 weeks. The remaining experimental calf (E5) recovered from a mild disease and was euthanatized 14 weeks after inocculation. Necropsies were performed in all five calves. Clinical signs, necropsy and histopathological findings of three calves (E1-E3) were characteristic of MCF. OvHV-2 viral DNA was detected by the polimerase chain reaction (PCR) test in paraffin embedded tissues from seven cattle out of the 11 spontaneous MCF cases and from three experimental calves (E1-E3). PCR tests resulted negative in the remaining four of the 11 spontaneous MCF cases tested and in two (E4,E5) of the five experimental calves. Immunohistochemistry performed in sections of lymphoid tissue from calf E4 failed to detect BVD virus antigen. The experimental transmission of MCF and the characterization of the etiological agent as OvHV-2 were successfully attempted in cattle for the first time in Brazil.

• Infectious diseases malignant catarrhal fever viral diseases diseases of cattle pathology polimerase chain reation.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Garmatz S.L., Irigoyen L.F., Rech R.R., Brown C.C., Zhang J. & Barros C.S.L. 2004. [Malignant catarrhal fever in cattle in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil: Experimental transmission to cattle and characterization of the etiological agent.] Febre catarral maligna em bovinos no Rio Grande do Sul: transmissão experimental para bovinos e caracterização do agente etiológico. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(2):93-106. Depto Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Two oubreaks of malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) occurring in cattle on two farms (A and B) in the municipality of Santiago, state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil, and the transmission of the disease to susceptible calves as well as the detection of ovine herpesvirus-2 (OvHV-2) in tissues of affected cattle are reported. The two epizootics occurred from November 2001 to February 2002 (Farm A) and in January-February 2003 (Farm B). Numbers of cattle at risk, morbidity and letality rates were respectively 170, 10.59% and 83.33% for Farm A and 500, 2.4% and 100% for Farm B. Contact between affected cattle and sheep was detected in both farms, but lambing ewes were present only in farm A. Duration of clinical courses, gross findings and histopathology were the same for the affected cattle in both farms. Most affected cattle died or were euthanatized in extremis after a clinical course of 2-8 days. Clinical signs included fever (40.5 and 41.5°C), nasal and ocular discharge, corneal opacity, conjunctivitis, drooling, erosions and ulcerations of the mucosae, diarrhea, hematuria, and neurological disturbances. Eleven necropsies (9 on Farm A, 2 on Farm B) were performed. Gross lesions included erosions and ulcers affecting the mucosae of nasal turbinates, oral cavity, gastrointestinal and urogenital tracts; hemorrhage and necrosis of the tip of the buccal papillae, lymph node enlargement, multifocal white foci in renal cortex, and hyperemia of leptomeninges. Microscopically, there were arteritis and fibrinoid degeneration in medium and small arteries and arterioles of multiple organs and tissues, necrosis and inflammation in several mucosal surfaces, keratitis, conjunctivitis, uveitis, intersticial nephritis, and encephalitis. Transmission experiments were attempted in five calves (E1-E5) by inocculating each of them intravenously with 500 ml of whole heparinized blood from a MCF affected cow. The transmission was suscessful in at least three (E1-E3) of the experimental calves which became sick after an incubation period of 15-27 days. Four experimental calves either died or were euthanatized in extremis after a clinical course which varied from 3 days to 8 weeks. The remaining experimental calf (E5) recovered from a mild disease and was euthanatized 14 weeks after inocculation. Necropsies were performed in all five calves. Clinical signs, necropsy and histopathological findings of three calves (E1-E3) were characteristic of MCF. OvHV-2 viral DNA was detected by the polimerase chain reaction (PCR) test in paraffin embedded tissues from seven cattle out of the 11 spontaneous MCF cases and from three experimental calves (E1-E3). PCR tests resulted negative in the remaining four of the 11 spontaneous MCF cases tested and in two (E4,E5) of the five experimental calves. Immunohistochemistry performed in sections of lymphoid tissue from calf E4 failed to detect BVD virus antigen. The experimental transmission of MCF and the characterization of the etiological agent as OvHV-2 were successfully attempted in cattle for the first time in Brazil.