PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Marcolongo-Pereira C., Sallis E.S.V., Grecco F.B., Raffi, M.B., Soares M.P. & Schild A.L. 2011. [Rabies in cattle in southern Rio Grande do Sul: Epidemiology and immunohistochemistry diagnosis.] Raiva em bovinos na Região Sul do Rio Grande do Sul: epidemiologia e diagnóstico imuno-histoquímico. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 31(4):331-335. Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário s/n, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: alschild@terra.com.br A retrospective study of paralytic rabies in cattle in southern Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, diagnosed from 1978 to 2007 by the Regional Diagnostic Laboratory (LRD) of the Veterinary School, Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel), with 77 outbreaks or isolated cases of paralytic rabies in cattle, is reported. A study of 11 outbreaks of rabies, observed from 2008 to 2010 in the same region, where 42 cattle aged 1-6 years died from a total of 686 at risk, with a clinical course of 4 to 14 days, was also made. The morbidity of all outbreaks diagnosed from 1978-2010 ranged from 0.37% to 20%; 24 cases occurred in autumn, 7 in spring, 14 in summer, and 16 in winter. The diagnosis was achieved by epidemiology, clinical signs and histological lesions. Immunohistochemistry using rabies virus polyclonal antibody was positive in all cases. In two cases non-suppurative meningoencephalitis was not observed, and the diagnosis was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. This technique is an important tool for the diagnosis of rabies and should be used in all suspected cases in which no evidence of encephalitis is observed.

• Rabies raiva

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Marcolongo-Pereira C., Sallis E.S.V., Grecco F.B., Raffi, M.B., Soares M.P. & Schild A.L. 2011. [Rabies in cattle in southern Rio Grande do Sul: Epidemiology and immunohistochemistry diagnosis.] Raiva em bovinos na Região Sul do Rio Grande do Sul: epidemiologia e diagnóstico imuno-histoquímico. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 31(4):331-335. Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário s/n, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: alschild@terra.com.br Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo de casos de raiva paralítica em bovinos na área de influência do Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico (LRD) da Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel), ocorridos em 1978-2007. Foram estudados também 11 surtos de raiva observados em 2008-2010, na mesma região. Neste período morreram 42 animais de um total de 686 sob risco. A idade dos animais foi de 1-6 anos e o curso clínico de 4-14 dias. No estudo retrospectivo de 1978-2007 foram identificados 77 surtos ou casos isolados de raiva paralítica em bovinos. A morbidade em todos os surtos diagnosticados em 1978-2010 variou de 0,37% a 20%. Vinte e quatro casos ocorreram no outono, sete na primavera, 14 no verão e 16 no inverno. O diagnóstico foi realizado pela epidemiologia, sinais clínicos e lesões histológicas observadas. No estudo dos casos de raiva paralítica em bovinos ocorridos a partir de 2008, o diagnóstico foi confirmado pela técnica de imuno-histoquímica utilizando anticorpo policlonal anti-virus rábico. Em dois destes casos não foi observada meningoencefalite não-supurativa, porém a imuno-histoquímica demonstrou a presença do antígeno viral. Esta técnica é uma importante ferramenta para o diagnóstico de raiva, devendo ser utilizada em todos os casos suspeitos nos quais não se evidenciam lesões de encefalite.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Alves T.M,, Stynen A.P.R, Miranda K.L. & Lage A.P. 2011. [Bovine genital campylobacteriosis and bovine genital trichomonosis: Epidemiology, diagnosis and control.] Campilobacteriose genital bovina e tricomonose genital bovina: epidemiologia, diagnóstico e controle. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 31(4):336-344. Laboratório de Bacteriologia Aplicada, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Cx. Postal 567, Belo Horizonte, MG 30123-970, Brazil. E-mail: alage@vet.ufmg.br The present update deals with two of the most important sexually transmitted diseases of cattle: bovine genital campylobacteriosis and bovine genital trichomonosis. Epidemiological aspects, mainly their distribution in Brazil, alongside with their diagnosis in cattle are presented and commented. The main points in their diagnoses, including the description of the techniques and the interpretation of the results are also reviewed. Finally the control and prevention of both diseases are discussed.

• Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis Tritrichomonas foetus bovine genital campylobacteriosis abortion aborto

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Alves T.M,, Stynen A.P.R, Miranda K.L. & Lage A.P. 2011. [Bovine genital campylobacteriosis and bovine genital trichomonosis: Epidemiology, diagnosis and control.] Campilobacteriose genital bovina e tricomonose genital bovina: epidemiologia, diagnóstico e controle. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 31(4):336-344. Laboratório de Bacteriologia Aplicada, Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Av. Antônio Carlos 6627, Cx. Postal 567, Belo Horizonte, MG 30123-970, Brazil. E-mail: alage@vet.ufmg.br A presente atualização trata de duas das mais importantes doenças sexualmente transmitidas de bovinos, a campilobacteriose genital bovina e a tricomonose genital bovina. São abordados aspectos relacionados à epidemiologia destas doenças, principalmente em relação a sua distribuição no Brasil. Também são revisados aspectos importantes de diagnóstico, incluindo as técnicas e interpretação dos resultados, além de medidas de controle para ambas as doenças.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Sant’Ana F.J.F., Rissi D.R., Lucena R.B., Lemos R.A.A., Nogueira A.P.A. & Barros C.S.L. 2009. [Bovine polioencephalomalacia: epidemiology, clinical signs and distribution of lesions in the brain.] Polioencefalomalacia em bovinos: epidemiologia, sinais clínicos e distribuição das lesões no encéfalo. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(7):487-497. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Thirty one cases of polioencephalomalacia (PEM) diagnosed from 1999-2008 in cattle from the Southern (13 cases) and Midwestern (18 cases) Brazil were studied. Morbidity (0.04%-6.66 %), mortality (0.04%-6.66 %), and lethality (50%-100%) rates were similar in both regions studied. There was no clear association between PEM cases and age, sex or seasonality. Cases occurred mainly in cattle raised at pasture; in the Southern the disease affected mainly young cattle (one-year old or less) while mainly older cattle (three-year-old or older) were affected in the Midwest. Clinical signs more frequently observed included blindness, incoordination, circling, opisthotonus, recumbence and peddling movements. Clinical course varied from 12 hours to 8 days (average three days and a half). In 11 cases no gross changes were observed in the brain. Main gross findings in the brain of remaining cases included congestion with swelling and flattening of gyri, softening and yellow discoloration of cerebral cortex, hemorrhagic foci in the brain stem, cerebellum and telencephalon, and cerebellar herniation. The main histopathological changes were in the cortex of occipital, parietal and frontal telencephalic lobes; however less prominent and less frequently found lesions occurred in the hippocampus, basal nuclei, thalamus, midbrain, and cerebellum. The type of microscopic cortical lesions was consistent in all cases and included segmentar laminar neuronal necrosis (red neurons), spongiosis, swollen of vascular endothelial nuclei, Alzheimer type II astrocytes and infiltration of gitter cells. In 20% of the cases there was mild lymphohistiocytic cellular infiltrate and in 13% of the cases there was mild infiltrate by neutrophils and eosinophils. Additionally, mild to moderate necro-hemorrhagic lesions were observed in 49% of the cases in the basal nuclei, in 39% of the cases in brain stem and in 26% of the cases in the thalamus. Brain lesions were consistently found in the cortical laminae of the occipital, parietal and frontal telencephalic lobes. In such locations, most frequently affected cortical layers both by neuronal necrosis and edema were external and internal granular layers. Both gyri and sulci were equally affected.

• Diseases of cattle neuropathology distribution of lesions polioencephalomalacia

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Sant’Ana F.J.F., Rissi D.R., Lucena R.B., Lemos R.A.A., Nogueira A.P.A. & Barros C.S.L. 2009. [Bovine polioencephalomalacia: epidemiology, clinical signs and distribution of lesions in the brain.] Polioencefalomalacia em bovinos: epidemiologia, sinais clínicos e distribuição das lesões no encéfalo. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(7):487-497. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br RESUMO.- Trinta e um casos de polioencefalomalacia (PEM) diagnosticados de 1999-2008 em bovinos do Sul (13 casos) e Centro-Oeste (18 casos) brasileiros foram estudados. As taxas de morbidade (0,04%-6,66 %), mortalidade (0,04%-6,66 %) e letalidade (50%-100%) foram semelhantes em ambas as regiões estudadas. Não houve uma associação clara entre os casos de PEM e a idade, sexo dos bovinos e sazonalidade. Os casos ocorreram principalmente em bovinos criados de forma extensiva em pastagem. Na Região Sul a doença afetou principalmente bovinos jovens (um ano de idade ou menos), enquanto que principalmente bovinos mais velhos (3 anos de idade ou mais) foram afetados no Centro-Oeste. Os sinais clínicos mais frequentemente observados incluíram cegueira, incoordenação, andar em círculos, opistótono, decúbito e movimentos de pedalagem. A evolução do quadro clínico variou de 12 horas a 8 dias (media 3 dias e meio). Em 11 encéfalos não foram observadas alterações macroscópicas; as principais alterações macroscópicas nos outros casos incluíam congestão com tumefação e achatamento das circunvoluções, amolecimento e amarelamento do córtex telencefálico, focos de hemorragia no tronco encefálico, cerebelo e telencéfalo e herniação cerebelar. As principais alterações histológicas ocorreram no córtex dos lobos telencefálicos occipital, parietal e frontal; no entanto, lesões menos acentuadas e menos frequentemente observadas ocorreram no hipocampo, núcleos da base, tálamo, mesencéfalo e cerebelo. O tipo de lesão microscópica cortical era consistente em todos os casos e incluía necrose neuronal (neurônio vermelho) laminar segmentar, espongiose, tumefação do núcleo das células endoteliais, astrócitos Alzheimer tipo II e infiltração por células gitter. Em 20% dos casos havia um leve infiltrado celular linfo-histiocitário e em 13% dos casos havia leve infiltrado de neutrófilos e eosinófilos. Adicionalmente, lesões necro-hemorrágicas leves ou moderadas foram observadas em 49% dos casos nos núcleos da base, em 39% dos casos no tronco encefálico e em 26% dos casos no tálamo. Lesões telencefálicas foram consistentemente observadas nas lâminas dos córtices dos lobos occipital, parietal e frontal. Nessas regiões as camadas granular externa e interna foram as mais afetadas tanto por neurônios necróticos quanto por edema em todas as regiões avaliadas. Tanto os giros quanto os sulcos foram afetados igualmente.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Silva S.M.M.S., Castro R.S., Costa F.A.L., Vasconcelos A.C., Batista M.C.S., Riet-Correa F. & Carvalho E.M.S. 2007. [Epidemiology and symptoms of conidiobolomycosis in sheep in the State of Piauí, Brazil.] Epidemiologia e sinais clínicos da conidiobolomicose em ovinos no Estado do Piauí. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(4):184-190. Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal do Piauí, Campus da Socopo s/n, Teresina, PI 64049-550, Brazil. E-mail: silvanammss@ufpi.br Conidiobolomycosis is reported in 25 farms, from January 2002 to December 2004, in the state of Piauí. The disease affects only sheep, mainly in April-June. The mean morbidity rate was 2.80%, but was higher in the first semester (2.1%), during the raining period, than in the second one (0.69%), during the dry period. Morbidity rate among flocks varied from 0.1-14.3%. Case fatality rate was 100%, and the clinical manifestation period varied from 1-5 weeks. Clinical signs were serous, mucous and/or bloody nasal secretion, respiratory distress, snoring respiration, cranium-facial asymmetry, exophthalmia, fever and progressive emaciation. Marked depression, sometimes with the head down or head pressing was observed in some cases. Gross, microscopic and ultrastructural lesions and identification of the agent are reported elsewhere. This is the first report of conidiobolomycosis in Brazil, which is endemic and has a high frequency in sheep in the State of Piauí, associated with high rainfalls (1000-1600mm annually) and high temperature (19-36°C).

• Conidiobolomycosis Conidiobolus coronatus zygomycosis clinical signs epidemiology sheep

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Silva S.M.M.S., Castro R.S., Costa F.A.L., Vasconcelos A.C., Batista M.C.S., Riet-Correa F. & Carvalho E.M.S. 2007. [Epidemiology and symptoms of conidiobolomycosis in sheep in the State of Piauí, Brazil.] Epidemiologia e sinais clínicos da conidiobolomicose em ovinos no Estado do Piauí. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(4):184-190. Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal do Piauí, Campus da Socopo s/n, Teresina, PI 64049-550, Brazil. E-mail: silvanammss@ufpi.br Conidiobolomycosis is reported in 25 farms, from January 2002 to December 2004, in the state of Piauí. The disease affects only sheep, mainly in April-June. The mean morbidity rate was 2.80%, but was higher in the first semester (2.1%), during the raining period, than in the second one (0.69%), during the dry period. Morbidity rate among flocks varied from 0.1-14.3%. Case fatality rate was 100%, and the clinical manifestation period varied from 1-5 weeks. Clinical signs were serous, mucous and/or bloody nasal secretion, respiratory distress, snoring respiration, cranium-facial asymmetry, exophthalmia, fever and progressive emaciation. Marked depression, sometimes with the head down or head pressing was observed in some cases. Gross, microscopic and ultrastructural lesions and identification of the agent are reported elsewhere. This is the first report of conidiobolomycosis in Brazil, which is endemic and has a high frequency in sheep in the State of Piauí, associated with high rainfalls (1000-1600mm annually) and high temperature (19-36°C).

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Rech R.R., Rissi D.R., Rodrigues A., Pierezan F., Piazer J.V.M., Kommers G.D. & Barros C.S.L. 2006. [Poisoning by Solanum fastigiatum (Solanaceae) in cattle: epidemiology, clinical signs and morphometry of cerebellar lesions.] Intoxicação por Solanum fastigiatum (Solanaceae) em bovinos: epidemiologia, sinais clínicos e morfometria das lesões cerebelares. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(3):183-189. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Nineteen cases of Solanum fastigiatum (Solanaceae) poisoning in cattle from three municipalites in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, occurring from 2003 to 2005, are described. Morbidity and mortality rates were respectively 6.7% and 3.4%. Average age of affected cattle was five-year-old (2 to 8-year-old) and duration of clinical courses was 3-18 months. Clinical signs observed in all affected cattle were cerebellar deficits characterized by hypermetry, incoordination, falls, muscle tremors, transitory seizures and wide base stance. One affected bovine had encephalic traumatic subdural hemorrhage and another had gross atrophy of the cerebellum. Histologically, lesions were restricted to the cerebellum and consisted of partial or complete vacuolation of the perikaria of Purkinje neurons with occasional axonal spheroids in the granular cell layer and in the white matter of the cerebellum. In advanced cases there were extensive loss of cerebellar Purkinje neurons and proliferation of the Bergmann’s glia. The morphometric evaluation of the numbers of Purkinje neurons and of the thickness of the cerebellar molecular layer indicated decreased numbers of Purkinje neurons with consequent decrease in the molecular layer thickness.

• Poisonous plants Solanum fastigiatum Solanaceae lysosomal storage diseases central nervous system diseases of cattle neuropathology

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Rech R.R., Rissi D.R., Rodrigues A., Pierezan F., Piazer J.V.M., Kommers G.D. & Barros C.S.L. 2006. [Poisoning by Solanum fastigiatum (Solanaceae) in cattle: epidemiology, clinical signs and morphometry of cerebellar lesions.] Intoxicação por Solanum fastigiatum (Solanaceae) em bovinos: epidemiologia, sinais clínicos e morfometria das lesões cerebelares. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(3):183-189. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Nineteen cases of Solanum fastigiatum (Solanaceae) poisoning in cattle from three municipalites in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, occurring from 2003 to 2005, are described. Morbidity and mortality rates were respectively 6.7% and 3.4%. Average age of affected cattle was five-year-old (2 to 8-year-old) and duration of clinical courses was 3-18 months. Clinical signs observed in all affected cattle were cerebellar deficits characterized by hypermetry, incoordination, falls, muscle tremors, transitory seizures and wide base stance. One affected bovine had encephalic traumatic subdural hemorrhage and another had gross atrophy of the cerebellum. Histologically, lesions were restricted to the cerebellum and consisted of partial or complete vacuolation of the perikaria of Purkinje neurons with occasional axonal spheroids in the granular cell layer and in the white matter of the cerebellum. In advanced cases there were extensive loss of cerebellar Purkinje neurons and proliferation of the Bergmann’s glia. The morphometric evaluation of the numbers of Purkinje neurons and of the thickness of the cerebellar molecular layer indicated decreased numbers of Purkinje neurons with consequent decrease in the molecular layer thickness.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Rissi D.R., Oliveira F.N., Rech R.R., Pierezan F., Lemos R.A.A. & Barros C.S.L. 2006. [Epidemiology, clinical signs and distribution of the encephalic lesions in cattle affected by meningoencephalitis caused by bovine herpesvirus-5.] Epidemiologia, sinais clínicos e distribuição das lesões encefálicas em bovinos afetados por meningoencefalite por herpesvírus bovino-5. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(2):123-132. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Seven outbreaks and an isolated case of meningoencephalitis caused by bovine herpesvirus-5 (BoHV-5) in cattle in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, occurring in 2002-2004, are described. From a total population at risk of 1,359 cattle, 54 1-18-month-old calves from both sexes and several breeds were affected and 50 died spontaneously or were euthanatized while moribund. The highest frequency of cases was in recently weaned calves or calves submitted to other stressing factors. General rates of morbidity, mortality and lethality were respectively 3.97, 3.67 and 92.59%. Clinical courses varied from 3-10 days and included depression, nasal and ocular discharge, grinding of teeth, circling, blindness, fever, nistagmus, trembling, anorexia, dysphagia, drooling, incoordination, head pressing, rough hair coat, tachycardia, tachypnea, abdominal pain, melena, falls, recumbency, opisthotonus, convulsions and paddling. Nineteen calves were necropsied. Necropsy findings were characterized by hyperemia of leptomeninges, swollen rostral portions of the telencephalon, and flattening of frontal lobes gyri; frequently in these frontal areas there were segmental brown-yellow discoloration and softening (malacia) of the cortex. In cases with more protracted clinical courses there were extensive swelling, softening and hemorrhaging of the telencephalic frontal lobes. Microscopically, all affected cattle had a necrotizing non-suppurative meningoencephalitis with variable distribution among the 19 cases and among the various telencephalic regions of the same case. The severity of these changes were more marked, in decreasing order of intensity, in the telencephalic frontal cortex, basal ganglia (nuclei), thalamus, brain stem, parietal telencephalic cortex, occipital telencephalic cortex and cerebellum. Perivascular inflammatory infiltrate consisted predominantly of lymphocytes, plasm cells, and less frequently of neutrophils. Additional microscopic findings included variable degrees of gliosis, edema, neuronal necrosis in the telencephalic cortex characterized by shrinking and eosinophilia of perikaria and nuclear picnosis (red neuron); basophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies in astrocytes and neurons (21.05% of the cases); sattelitosis; and neuronophagia. The areas of softening in the cortical substance consisted of necrosis of the neuroctodermal elements with maintenance of mesenchymal structures (vessels and microglia), infiltrate of Gitter cells, and, in more severe cases, extensive hemorrhages. In chronic cases, only vascular structures and a few Gitter cells remained in the cortical area leaving a cavity between white matter and leptomeninges (residual lesion).

• Bovine herpesvirus-5 BoHV-5 encephalitis diseases of cattle viral diseases neuropathology.

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Rissi D.R., Oliveira F.N., Rech R.R., Pierezan F., Lemos R.A.A. & Barros C.S.L. 2006. [Epidemiology, clinical signs and distribution of the encephalic lesions in cattle affected by meningoencephalitis caused by bovine herpesvirus-5.] Epidemiologia, sinais clínicos e distribuição das lesões encefálicas em bovinos afetados por meningoencefalite por herpesvírus bovino-5. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(2):123-132. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Seven outbreaks and an isolated case of meningoencephalitis caused by bovine herpesvirus-5 (BoHV-5) in cattle in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, occurring in 2002-2004, are described. From a total population at risk of 1,359 cattle, 54 1-18-month-old calves from both sexes and several breeds were affected and 50 died spontaneously or were euthanatized while moribund. The highest frequency of cases was in recently weaned calves or calves submitted to other stressing factors. General rates of morbidity, mortality and lethality were respectively 3.97, 3.67 and 92.59%. Clinical courses varied from 3-10 days and included depression, nasal and ocular discharge, grinding of teeth, circling, blindness, fever, nistagmus, trembling, anorexia, dysphagia, drooling, incoordination, head pressing, rough hair coat, tachycardia, tachypnea, abdominal pain, melena, falls, recumbency, opisthotonus, convulsions and paddling. Nineteen calves were necropsied. Necropsy findings were characterized by hyperemia of leptomeninges, swollen rostral portions of the telencephalon, and flattening of frontal lobes gyri; frequently in these frontal areas there were segmental brown-yellow discoloration and softening (malacia) of the cortex. In cases with more protracted clinical courses there were extensive swelling, softening and hemorrhaging of the telencephalic frontal lobes. Microscopically, all affected cattle had a necrotizing non-suppurative meningoencephalitis with variable distribution among the 19 cases and among the various telencephalic regions of the same case. The severity of these changes were more marked, in decreasing order of intensity, in the telencephalic frontal cortex, basal ganglia (nuclei), thalamus, brain stem, parietal telencephalic cortex, occipital telencephalic cortex and cerebellum. Perivascular inflammatory infiltrate consisted predominantly of lymphocytes, plasm cells, and less frequently of neutrophils. Additional microscopic findings included variable degrees of gliosis, edema, neuronal necrosis in the telencephalic cortex characterized by shrinking and eosinophilia of perikaria and nuclear picnosis (red neuron); basophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies in astrocytes and neurons (21.05% of the cases); sattelitosis; and neuronophagia. The areas of softening in the cortical substance consisted of necrosis of the neuroctodermal elements with maintenance of mesenchymal structures (vessels and microglia), infiltrate of Gitter cells, and, in more severe cases, extensive hemorrhages. In chronic cases, only vascular structures and a few Gitter cells remained in the cortical area leaving a cavity between white matter and leptomeninges (residual lesion).

Abstract in English:

Lima E.F., Riet-Correa F., Castro R.S., Gomes A.A.B. & Lima F.S. 2005. [Clinical signs, distribution of the lesions in the central nervous system and epidemiology of rabies in northeastern Brazil.] Sinais clínicos, distribuição das lesões no sistema nervoso e epidemiologia da raiva em herbívoros na região Nordeste do Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(4):250-264. Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Campus de Patos, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Patos, PB 58700-000, Brazil. E-mail: riet@cstr.ufcg.br Twenty four outbreaks of rabies in cattle, 4 in horses, 2 in sheep, and 2 in goats are reported in northeastern Brazil. All outbreaks occurred in the state of Paraíba, except one in horses that occurred in the state of Rio Grande do Norte. All outbreaks, except one in sheep, were probably transmitted by vampire-bats, but the transmission by foxes (Dusicyon vetulus) is also possible. Clinical signs were characteristic for distribution of the lesions in the central nervous system (CNS). In cattle, signs were mainly of the paralytic form of rabies, caused by lesions on the spinal cord, brain stem and cerebellum; but some animals showed also depression, excitation and other signs due to cerebral lesions. In 3 out of 5 horses, the main clinical signs were due to lesions in the cerebrum, and 2 had the paralytic form. From 4 sheep and 2 goats affected, 4 showed clinical signs of the paralytic form; but in 1 goat and 1 sheep the main clinical signs were caused by cerebral lesions. All affected animals, except 1 goat, had a clinical manifestation period of 2-8 days. The only gross lesions were distention of the urinary bladder in 4 cattle and distention of the rectum in 2 others. Two horses had skin lesions due to traumatic injury. Histologic lesions were diffuse non-suppurative encephalomyelitis and meningitis. In the horses, and in one goat with a clinical manifestation period of 35 days, the lesions were more severe, with neuronal necrosis, neuronophagia, and presence of axonal spheroids. Negri bodies were found in 87% (20/23) of the cattle cases examined histologically. In small ruminants Negri bodies were found in 83% (5/6) of the cases. In sheep, goats and cattle, Negri bodies were more frequent in the cerebellum, but they were found also in brain stem, spinal cord and cerebrum. In horses, Negri bodies were found in small amounts only in the cortex of one animal, and in the cortex and hippocampus of another. Histologic lesions and Negri bodies in the trigeminal ganglia were less frequent than in the CNS. These results show that in rabies of herbivores, clinical signs and distribution of lesions in the CNS are variable, so that for the diagnosis and adequate clinical evaluation and the histologic study of different areas of the CNS are necessary. This also suggests that when the fluorescent antibody test and mouse inoculation test are negative, they should be repeated with samples from different areas of the brain and spinal cord. Frequency data of diseases from 4 diagnostic laboratories were used to estimate cattle deaths due to rabies in 3 Brazilian states. In Paraíba, with a population of 918,262 cattle, the annual death rate is estimated in 8,609 heads. In Mato Grosso do Sul, with a population of 23 millions cattle, deaths caused by rabies are estimated in 149,500 heads, and in Rio Grande do Sul, with a cattle population of 13 millions, cattle deaths due to rabies are estimated in 13,000 to 16,250 heads. If these data are used to estimate cattle losses in Brazil, with a cattle population of 195 millions, it can be estimated that 842,688 deaths are caused annually by rabies.

• Rabies cattle sheep goats horses pathology clinical signs economical impact.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Lima E.F., Riet-Correa F., Castro R.S., Gomes A.A.B. & Lima F.S. 2005. [Clinical signs, distribution of the lesions in the central nervous system and epidemiology of rabies in northeastern Brazil.] Sinais clínicos, distribuição das lesões no sistema nervoso e epidemiologia da raiva em herbívoros na região Nordeste do Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(4):250-264. Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Campus de Patos, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Patos, PB 58700-000, Brazil. E-mail: riet@cstr.ufcg.br Twenty four outbreaks of rabies in cattle, 4 in horses, 2 in sheep, and 2 in goats are reported in northeastern Brazil. All outbreaks occurred in the state of Paraíba, except one in horses that occurred in the state of Rio Grande do Norte. All outbreaks, except one in sheep, were probably transmitted by vampire-bats, but the transmission by foxes (Dusicyon vetulus) is also possible. Clinical signs were characteristic for distribution of the lesions in the central nervous system (CNS). In cattle, signs were mainly of the paralytic form of rabies, caused by lesions on the spinal cord, brain stem and cerebellum; but some animals showed also depression, excitation and other signs due to cerebral lesions. In 3 out of 5 horses, the main clinical signs were due to lesions in the cerebrum, and 2 had the paralytic form. From 4 sheep and 2 goats affected, 4 showed clinical signs of the paralytic form; but in 1 goat and 1 sheep the main clinical signs were caused by cerebral lesions. All affected animals, except 1 goat, had a clinical manifestation period of 2-8 days. The only gross lesions were distention of the urinary bladder in 4 cattle and distention of the rectum in 2 others. Two horses had skin lesions due to traumatic injury. Histologic lesions were diffuse non-suppurative encephalomyelitis and meningitis. In the horses, and in one goat with a clinical manifestation period of 35 days, the lesions were more severe, with neuronal necrosis, neuronophagia, and presence of axonal spheroids. Negri bodies were found in 87% (20/23) of the cattle cases examined histologically. In small ruminants Negri bodies were found in 83% (5/6) of the cases. In sheep, goats and cattle, Negri bodies were more frequent in the cerebellum, but they were found also in brain stem, spinal cord and cerebrum. In horses, Negri bodies were found in small amounts only in the cortex of one animal, and in the cortex and hippocampus of another. Histologic lesions and Negri bodies in the trigeminal ganglia were less frequent than in the CNS. These results show that in rabies of herbivores, clinical signs and distribution of lesions in the CNS are variable, so that for the diagnosis and adequate clinical evaluation and the histologic study of different areas of the CNS are necessary. This also suggests that when the fluorescent antibody test and mouse inoculation test are negative, they should be repeated with samples from different areas of the brain and spinal cord. Frequency data of diseases from 4 diagnostic laboratories were used to estimate cattle deaths due to rabies in 3 Brazilian states. In Paraíba, with a population of 918,262 cattle, the annual death rate is estimated in 8,609 heads. In Mato Grosso do Sul, with a population of 23 millions cattle, deaths caused by rabies are estimated in 149,500 heads, and in Rio Grande do Sul, with a cattle population of 13 millions, cattle deaths due to rabies are estimated in 13,000 to 16,250 heads. If these data are used to estimate cattle losses in Brazil, with a cattle population of 195 millions, it can be estimated that 842,688 deaths are caused annually by rabies.

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:

Groff F.H.S., Merlo M.A., Stoll P.A., Stepan A.L., Weiblen R. & Flores E.F. 2005. [Epidemiology and control of pseudorabies outbreaks in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, 2003.] Epidemiologia e controle dos focos da doença de Aujeszky no Rio Grande do Sul, em 2003. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(1):25-30. Depto Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universi-dade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil. E-mail: flores@ccr.ufsm.br Aujeszky’s disease (AD) or pseudorabies is an important viral disease of swine and has significant economic impact on the pig industry worldwide. The infection produces direct and indirect economic losses, mainly due to restrictions to international trade of swine products. Since the beginning of the 20th century, AD had been notified in several Brazilian regions, yet the state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS) remained as a “provisionally free” area under the International Organization of Epizooties (OIE) guidelines. In 2003, two outbreaks were notified in swine herds located in northern RS, boundary with Santa Catarina, a state where the infection is endemic. Control/eradication measures consisted in tracing back all swine movements, quarantine and eradication of the affected herds by sanitary slaughter under official inspection. In outbreak # 1 (Pinheirinho do Vale, January/2003) six herds were affected, one of which presented animals with clinical signs. Starting from this outbreak, 146 herds and 42.399 pigs were traced back, six herds (7.822 animals) being depopulated – the herd where the index outbreak plus five other herds with positive serology. The outbreak # 2 (Aratiba, September/2003) resulted in a wider spread of the infection, involving another three counties and 77 herds (9 with clinical signs, 68 with positive serology). From the index case, 109.316 pigs in 630 herds were traced back; 28.443 animals from positive herds were slaughtered. Total numbers reached 151.715 traced back animals in 776 herds; 71 herds were found serologically positive. The adopted measures were efficient to eliminate the outbreaks and to stop the disease spread to neighboring areas, reestablishing the sanitary status previous to the outbreaks.

• Aujeszky’s disease pseudorabies ADV PRV epidemiology.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Groff F.H.S., Merlo M.A., Stoll P.A., Stepan A.L., Weiblen R. & Flores E.F. 2005. [Epidemiology and control of pseudorabies outbreaks in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, 2003.] Epidemiologia e controle dos focos da doença de Aujeszky no Rio Grande do Sul, em 2003. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(1):25-30. Depto Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universi-dade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil. E-mail: flores@ccr.ufsm.br Aujeszky’s disease (AD) or pseudorabies is an important viral disease of swine and has significant economic impact on the pig industry worldwide. The infection produces direct and indirect economic losses, mainly due to restrictions to international trade of swine products. Since the beginning of the 20th century, AD had been notified in several Brazilian regions, yet the state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS) remained as a “provisionally free” area under the International Organization of Epizooties (OIE) guidelines. In 2003, two outbreaks were notified in swine herds located in northern RS, boundary with Santa Catarina, a state where the infection is endemic. Control/eradication measures consisted in tracing back all swine movements, quarantine and eradication of the affected herds by sanitary slaughter under official inspection. In outbreak # 1 (Pinheirinho do Vale, January/2003) six herds were affected, one of which presented animals with clinical signs. Starting from this outbreak, 146 herds and 42.399 pigs were traced back, six herds (7.822 animals) being depopulated – the herd where the index outbreak plus five other herds with positive serology. The outbreak # 2 (Aratiba, September/2003) resulted in a wider spread of the infection, involving another three counties and 77 herds (9 with clinical signs, 68 with positive serology). From the index case, 109.316 pigs in 630 herds were traced back; 28.443 animals from positive herds were slaughtered. Total numbers reached 151.715 traced back animals in 776 herds; 71 herds were found serologically positive. The adopted measures were efficient to eliminate the outbreaks and to stop the disease spread to neighboring areas, reestablishing the sanitary status previous to the outbreaks.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Pimentel Neto M. & Fonseca A.H. 2002. [Epidemiology of pulmonary and gastrintestinal helmintoses in calves in the lowland of the state of Rio de Janeiro.] Epidemiologia das helmintoses pulmonares e gastrintestinais de bezerros em região de baixada do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 22(4):148-152. Depto Epidemiologia e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23851-970, Brazil. E-mail: adivaldo@ufrrj.br The epidemiology of pulmonary and gastrintestinal helmintoses of calves has been studied in cross-bred Zebu-Friesian calves, 6 to 9 month old, with natural infections. The calves were maintained in permanent pasturing in the lowland, with climate Aw, in the state of Rio de Janeiro. The experiments had the duration of 24 months. At the end the animais were bearer of natural infection of several helminth species. The research was based on fecal analysis and necropsies of at least four calves every 28 days. The animais maintained in permanent pasturing showed tendency to have larger helminth populations in autumn and spring. The graphical representation of an ellipse, obtained through the relationship of total rainfall and average minimum temperature per month, was effective in demonstrating the potential for clinical parasitism in autumn and spring.

• Epidemiology pulmonary and gastrintestinal helmintoses Haemonchus placei Cooperia sp Oesophagostomum radiatum calves Epidemiologia helmintoses pulmonares e gastrintestinais bezerros.

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Pimentel Neto M. & Fonseca A.H. 2002. [Epidemiology of pulmonary and gastrintestinal helmintoses in calves in the lowland of the state of Rio de Janeiro.] Epidemiologia das helmintoses pulmonares e gastrintestinais de bezerros em região de baixada do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 22(4):148-152. Depto Epidemiologia e Saúde Pública, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23851-970, Brazil. E-mail: adivaldo@ufrrj.br Foi estudada a epidemiologia das helmintoses pulmonares e gastrintestinais em bezerros mestiços (Zebu x Holandês) mantidos em regime de pastoreio permanente em região de baixada, correspondente ao clima Aw, no Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Os animais tinham entre 6 e 9 meses de idade, e o experimento teve duração de 24 meses. Os animais eram portadores de infecção natural por diversas espécies de helmintos e o trabalho baseou-se na contagem de ovos por grama de fezes e necropsias de pelo menos quatro animais a cada 28 dias. Observou-se a tendência dos animais abrigarem maiores populações de helmintos nas estações de outono e primavera. Os parâmetros bioclimatográficos representados por elipse, obtida por meio da relação precipitação pluviométrica e temperatura média das mínimas, foram eficientes para demonstrar o potencial de parasitose clínica, a qual correspondeu às estações de outono e primavera.