Characterization and frequency of foot injuries and foot-related lameness in a sheep herd with prophylactic measures for foot-related diseases / Caracterização e frequência de lesões podais e da claudicação em rebanho ovino com medidas profiláticas de doenças podais

Foot lesions in sheep herds are responsible for great economic losses, because pain during locomotion interferes with feeding and behavior, leading productivity losses. The objective of this work was to describe the main foot disease found in sheep herd that uses prophylactic measures against foot diseases. A total of 346 ewes of different ages, with or without lameness, were assessed for the presence of foot lesions in all limbs, digits and adjacent structures. Among all the 2768 digits evaluated, 103 (29.76%) had lesions, representing 1.04 lesion per animal. 41.75% (43/103) had only one lesion, 39.81% (41/103) had two lesions, 16 (15.53%) had three lesions, and only 2.91% (3/103) had four or more lesions. Hind limbs were the most affected and the most frequent diseases were white line disease (40.05%), interdigital dermatitis (33.70%) and footrot (12.15%). It was concluded that foot disease in sheep is frequent and constitute a health problem for herds, even on farms that use strategies to prevent it. Therefore, it is essential to classify the lesions, as well as the adoption of effective prophylactic and therapeutic measures.

Lesões podais em ovinos são responsáveis por grandes perdas econômicas, pois a dor durante a locomoção interfere na alimentação e no comportamento, levando à perda de produtividade. O objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever as principais doenças podais encontradas em rebanho ovino, que utiliza medidas profiláticas contra as doenças podais. Foram examinadas 346 ovelhas quanto à presença de lesões podais em todos os membros, dígitos e estruturas adjacentes. Entre os 2.768 dígitos avaliados, 103 (29,76%) apresentavam lesões, representando 1,04 lesões por animal. 41,75% (43/103) apresentavam apenas uma lesão, 39,81% (41/103) tinham duas lesões, 16 (15,53%) tinham três lesões, e apenas três animais apresentavam quatro ou mais lesões. Os membros posteriores foram os mais afetados e as doenças mais frequentes foram a doença da linha branca (40,05%), dermatite interdigital (33,70%) e footrot (12,15%). Pode-se concluir que as lesões podais em ovinos são frequentes e constituem um problema sanitário para os rebanhos, mesmo em propriedade que realiza medidas profiláticas. Portanto, é fundamental classificar as lesões, assim como adotar as medidas profiláticas e terapêuticas eficazes.

Eficácia in sílico do florfenicol no tratamento de pododermatite infecciosa por Fusobacterium necrophorum em ovelhas / In sílico efficacy of florfenicol in the treatment of Fusobacterium necrophorum infectious pododermatitis in sheep

Objetivou-se comparar o efeito in silico do florfenicol nas doses de 20 e 30 mg/Kg em ovinos pelas vias intravenosa (IV) e intramuscular (IM), usando a modelagem PK/PD. Realizou-se uma simulação de Monte Carlo com base nos dados de concentração plasmática de um estudo publicado anteriormente. Calculou-se a área sob a curva (ASC) e as taxas de eficácia do florfenicol para os efeitos bacteriostático, bactericida e de erradicação bacteriológica. A dose de 20 mg/Kg IV demonstrou efeitos de erradicação de 100, 93 e 0% para CIM de 0,5, 1 e acima, respectivamente. O efeito bacteriostático foi de 99 e 90% para CIM de 4 e 2 µg/ml, enquanto o bactericida foi de 14% para CIM de 2 µg/ml. A dose de 30 mg/Kg IV apresentou 100% de erradicação para CIM de 1 µg/mL e 100% de efeito bactericida para CIM de 2 µg/mL. Há 100% de efeito bacteriostático em CIM de 4 µg/ml. As doses de 20 e 30 mg/Kg IM mostraram 100% de erradicação para CIM até 1 µg/mL e 0% para CIM maiores. O efeito bacteriostático foi mantido em 100% para uma CIM de 4 µg/mL em ambas as doses. Este estudo mostra o efeito de erradicação bacteriológica do florfenicol nas doses de 20 e 30 mg/Kg, IV e IM. Recomenda-se que seja feito um estudo de eficácia in vivo com a dose de 30mg/Kg IM em ovinos infectados por F. necrophorum com MIC superior a 2 µg/mL.

We aimed to compare the in silico effect of florfenicol at doses of 20 and 30 mg/Kg in sheep by intravenous (IV) and intramuscular (IM) routes, using PK/PD modeling. We performed a Monte Carlo simulation based on plasma concentration data from a previously published study. We calculated the area under the curve (AUC) and the efficacy rates of florfenicol to bacteriostatic, bactericidal, and bacteriological eradication effects. The dose of 20 mg/Kg IV demonstrated 100, 93, and 0% eradication effects for MICs of 0.5, 1, and above, respectively. The bacteriostatic effect was 99 and 90% for MIC of 4 and 2 µg/ml, while the bactericide was 14% for MIC of 2 µg/ml. The 30 mg/Kg IV dose showed 100% eradication for MIC of 1 µg/mL and 100% bactericidal effect for MIC of 2 µg/mL. There is a 100% of bacteriostatic effect at MIC of 4 µg/ml. Doses of 20 and 30 mg/Kg IM showed 100% eradication for MIC up to 1 µg/mL and 0% for MIC above. The bacteriostatic effect was maintained at 100% for a MIC of 4 µg/mL at both doses. This study shows the bacteriological eradication effect of florfenicol at doses of 20 and 30 mg/Kg, IV, and IM. Therefore, we recommend an in vivo efficacy study with a dose of 30mg/Kg IM in sheep infected with F. necrophorum with MIC greater than two µg/mL.

Assessment of oxidative status in foot diseases of sheep

Background: Oxidative stress plays an important role in the etiology and/or progression of various diseases in the livestock. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between foot diseases and oxidant and antioxidant levels, determining catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities and malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) and glutathione (GSH) concentrations in sheep with foot disease such as interdigital dermatitis, footrot and interdigital pouch infection (biflex canal inflammation).Materials, Methods & Results: In the study, a total of 70 sheep aged between 1 and 3, 20 sheep with interdigital dermatitis, 20 with foot-rot, 10 with interdigital pouch inflammation and 20 clinically healthy Akkaraman sheep, were used. The blood samples collected from the V. Jugularis of the sheep were centrifuged and their serums were obtained. MDA and NO levels of the sheep with interdigital dermatitis, footrot and interdigital pouch infection were found to be significantly higher than those of animals in the control group (P < 0.001). CAT activity was determined to be significantly lower in all diseased animals than in the animals in the control group (P < 0.001). GSH-Px and GSH levels were significantly lower in the animals with interdigital dermatitis than in the control group (respectively P < 0.001, P < 0.05).Discussion: Oxidative stress regulates the metabolic activity of some organs and plays an important role in productivity in livestock. The oxidative stress is reported that caused by the increase in the production of excessive free radicals resulting from the exposure of animals to various stress factors and by the weakening of the antioxidant defense has an important role in the pathogenesis of numerous diseases such as foot diseases. In the presence of various stress factors, the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) increases. MDA is determine the degree of cellular damage in tissues.[...]

Assessment of oxidative status in foot diseases of sheep

Background: Oxidative stress plays an important role in the etiology and/or progression of various diseases in the livestock. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between foot diseases and oxidant and antioxidant levels, determining catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities and malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) and glutathione (GSH) concentrations in sheep with foot disease such as interdigital dermatitis, footrot and interdigital pouch infection (biflex canal inflammation).Materials, Methods & Results: In the study, a total of 70 sheep aged between 1 and 3, 20 sheep with interdigital dermatitis, 20 with foot-rot, 10 with interdigital pouch inflammation and 20 clinically healthy Akkaraman sheep, were used. The blood samples collected from the V. Jugularis of the sheep were centrifuged and their serums were obtained. MDA and NO levels of the sheep with interdigital dermatitis, footrot and interdigital pouch infection were found to be significantly higher than those of animals in the control group (P < 0.001). CAT activity was determined to be significantly lower in all diseased animals than in the animals in the control group (P < 0.001). GSH-Px and GSH levels were significantly lower in the animals with interdigital dermatitis than in the control group (respectively P < 0.001, P < 0.05).Discussion: Oxidative stress regulates the metabolic activity of some organs and plays an important role in productivity in livestock. The oxidative stress is reported that caused by the increase in the production of excessive free radicals resulting from the exposure of animals to various stress factors and by the weakening of the antioxidant defense has an important role in the pathogenesis of numerous diseases such as foot diseases. In the presence of various stress factors, the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) increases. MDA is determine the degree of cellular damage in tissues.[...](AU)

Isolamento e caracterização molecular de Dichelobacter nodosus isolados de ovinos no estado da Bahia, Brasil / Isolation and molecular characterization of Dichelobacter nodosus isolated from sheep in Bahia, Brazil

Background: Pododermatitis or footrot is an infectious disease that affects the hoof and interdigital tissue of sheep causing lameness. The disease is caused by the interaction of the agent Dichelobacter nodosus and symbiotic bacteria in the complex environment of the epidermal tissues of the hoof and host immune system. D. nodosus is not able to invadehealthy hooves, so the infection is preceded by colonization of the interdigital skin by Fuso bacterium necrophorum. The aim of this research was to perform the isolation andcharacterization of D. nodosus in sheep farms of different municipalities of Bahia, obtaining the serogroups present in each herd.Materials, Methods & Results: The study was carried out in nine sheep farms from eight municipalities in the state of Bahia. All farms presented history of foot diseases. A total of 620 animals were observed, 140 of which were examined for lameness. To collect the contents of the lesions, sterile swabs were introduced into tubes containing sterile Thorley transport medium under refrigeration at 8°C and sent for laboratory analysis. Subsequently, each swab collected was seeded in two Petri dishes containing 4% hoof agar medium and incubated in anaerobic at 37°C for 96 hours. The purified samples were seeded on 2% hoof agar and incubated under the same conditions as above. The colonies were identified by the morphological characteristic and Gram staining. The DNA was extracted and stored at -20°C until its use in PCR, for identification and classification of D. nodosus in serogroups (A-I). In the nine farms visited were found animals with clinical signs of infectious pododermatitis. After processing, there was success of isolation in 39 samples (41%), confirming the presence of D. nodosus in all municipalities evaluated.[...]

Isolamento e caracterização molecular de Dichelobacter nodosus isolados de ovinos no estado da Bahia, Brasil / Isolation and molecular characterization of Dichelobacter nodosus isolated from sheep in Bahia, Brazil

Background: Pododermatitis or footrot is an infectious disease that affects the hoof and interdigital tissue of sheep causing lameness. The disease is caused by the interaction of the agent Dichelobacter nodosus and symbiotic bacteria in the complex environment of the epidermal tissues of the hoof and host immune system. D. nodosus is not able to invadehealthy hooves, so the infection is preceded by colonization of the interdigital skin by Fuso bacterium necrophorum. The aim of this research was to perform the isolation andcharacterization of D. nodosus in sheep farms of different municipalities of Bahia, obtaining the serogroups present in each herd.Materials, Methods & Results: The study was carried out in nine sheep farms from eight municipalities in the state of Bahia. All farms presented history of foot diseases. A total of 620 animals were observed, 140 of which were examined for lameness. To collect the contents of the lesions, sterile swabs were introduced into tubes containing sterile Thorley transport medium under refrigeration at 8°C and sent for laboratory analysis. Subsequently, each swab collected was seeded in two Petri dishes containing 4% hoof agar medium and incubated in anaerobic at 37°C for 96 hours. The purified samples were seeded on 2% hoof agar and incubated under the same conditions as above. The colonies were identified by the morphological characteristic and Gram staining. The DNA was extracted and stored at -20°C until its use in PCR, for identification and classification of D. nodosus in serogroups (A-I). In the nine farms visited were found animals with clinical signs of infectious pododermatitis. After processing, there was success of isolation in 39 samples (41%), confirming the presence of D. nodosus in all municipalities evaluated.[...](AU)

Histopathological findings of foot-rot disease which causes deaths in a sheep flock

Background: Foot-rot is a contagious bacterial infection of the feet of sheep that causes lameness. This infection leads to major economic losses in wool, meat, and dairy industries throughout the world. Pathogenesis of foot-rot can be described as the damage of the interdigital skin, invasion of fecal bacterium Fusobacterium necrophorum, and finally the involvement of Dichelobacter nodosus in the infection. In the worst cases, the disease becomes widespread, and systemic bacterial infections may occur. The present study aims to describe macroscopic and histopathological findings of foot-rot lesions formed in the foot, heart, liver, and lungs to draw attention to these aspects of the disease.Case: The material of the study consisted of a 3-year-old sheep. The investigation was composed of the disease history; post-mortem examination; and histopathological analysis of lung, liver, heart, and foot lesions. At the anamnesis, it was reported that the diseased animal had lameness and weakness with other clinical symptoms, and approximately 10 infected sheep had died within a 1-week period. At necropsy, malodorous ulcerative lesions between the nails; focal-disseminated foci in the liver, lung, and heart; yellowish matte thickening in the heart valves; and hydropericardium were detected. After necropsy, tissue samples taken from the skin, lungs, spleen, kidneys, and liver were fixed in a 10% buffered formalin solution, paraffin embedded, sectioned, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Giemsa staining was done to detect the agents in the tissues. The slides were examined and photographed using a light microscope. Histopathological examination revealed that ulcerations between the nails were lesions shaped as the result of the foot rot disease...

Histopathological findings of foot-rot disease which causes deaths in a sheep flock

Background: Foot-rot is a contagious bacterial infection of the feet of sheep that causes lameness. This infection leads to major economic losses in wool, meat, and dairy industries throughout the world. Pathogenesis of foot-rot can be described as the damage of the interdigital skin, invasion of fecal bacterium Fusobacterium necrophorum, and finally the involvement of Dichelobacter nodosus in the infection. In the worst cases, the disease becomes widespread, and systemic bacterial infections may occur. The present study aims to describe macroscopic and histopathological findings of foot-rot lesions formed in the foot, heart, liver, and lungs to draw attention to these aspects of the disease.Case: The material of the study consisted of a 3-year-old sheep. The investigation was composed of the disease history; post-mortem examination; and histopathological analysis of lung, liver, heart, and foot lesions. At the anamnesis, it was reported that the diseased animal had lameness and weakness with other clinical symptoms, and approximately 10 infected sheep had died within a 1-week period. At necropsy, malodorous ulcerative lesions between the nails; focal-disseminated foci in the liver, lung, and heart; yellowish matte thickening in the heart valves; and hydropericardium were detected. After necropsy, tissue samples taken from the skin, lungs, spleen, kidneys, and liver were fixed in a 10% buffered formalin solution, paraffin embedded, sectioned, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Giemsa staining was done to detect the agents in the tissues. The slides were examined and photographed using a light microscope. Histopathological examination revealed that ulcerations between the nails were lesions shaped as the result of the foot rot disease...(AU)

Lesões podais em ovinos da Mesorregião Sudoeste do Rio Grande do Sul / Foot lesions of sheep from southwestern Rio Grande do Sul

Lesões podais em ovinos são causas importantes de perdas econômicas por quedas na produtividade, na reprodução, por gastos com tratamentos ineficientes e com o descarte de animais afetados. Dessa forma, os objetivos foram descrever as principais características das lesões podais observadas em ovinos da Mesorregião Sudoeste do Rio Grande do Sul, seus aspectos epidemiológicos e a importância da ocorrência desses distúrbios para a criação de ovinos nessa região. Foram coletados dados epidemiológicos e clinicopatológicos de rebanhos ovinos da região entre abril de 2014 e abril de 2015 através de visitas técnicas em propriedades rurais. Foram avaliados rebanhos ovinos em 27 propriedades rurais localizadas em diferentes municípios, dos quais 21 registraram a ocorrência de lesões podais com relato de perdas econômicas significativas. Aproximadamente 1.700 ovinos, em média 10% dos rebanhos, apresentavam diferentes graus de claudicação decorrente de lesões podais que variavam de brandas a severas. Verificou-se que diversos fatores como clima e manejo foram favoráveis para o desenvolvimento das lesões podais e essas podem estar associadas a diferentes distúrbios e agentes etiológicos. No entanto, embora essas condições sejam importantes, o controle e a prevenção tem se mostrado ineficientes. Observou-se ainda que a pododermatite infecciosa dos ovinos (Footrot), parece ser a principal doença podal na região e atualmente pode ser considerada uma doença negligenciada.(AU)

Foot lesions in sheep are important causes of economic loss due to fall in productivity, reproduction, by spending on ineffective treatment and elimination of affected animals. The purpose of this study was described the main features of foot lesions of sheep from southwestern Rio Grande do Sul, as well as epidemiological aspects and the importance of occurrence of these lesions for sheep farming in the region. Epidemiological and clinic-pathological information of sheep herds from the region between April 2014 and April 2015, by means of visits to farms. In the study were evaluated 27 sheep flocks on farms located in different municipalities. In 21 farms was reported occurrence of foot lesions in sheep having caused significant economic losses. About 1700 sheep, 10% of herds, showed different degree of lameness caused by foot lesions ranging from mild to severe. It was found that several factors, such as climate and breeding were favorable for the development of foot injuries which may be associated with different disorders and etiologic agents. Although these injuries are important, the control and prevention has proved ineffective. Also was observed that infectious pododermatitis (Footrot) may be the main foot disease of sheep in the region, and can be considered a neglected disease.(AU)

Lesões podais em ovinos da Mesorregião Sudoeste do Rio Grande do Sul / Foot lesions of sheep from southwestern Rio Grande do Sul

Foot lesions in sheep are important causes of economic loss due to fall in productivity, reproduction, by spending on ineffective treatment and elimination of affected animals. The purpose of this study was described the main features of foot lesions of sheep from southwestern Rio Grande do Sul, as well as epidemiological aspects and the importance of occurrence of these lesions for sheep farming in the region. Epidemiological and clinic-pathological information of sheep herds from the region between April 2014 and April 2015, by means of visits to farms. In the study were evaluated 27 sheep flocks on farms located in different municipalities. In 21 farms was reported occurrence of foot lesions in sheep having caused significant economic losses. About 1700 sheep, 10% of herds, showed different degree of lameness caused by foot lesions ranging from mild to severe. It was found that several factors, such as climate and breeding were favorable for the development of foot injuries which may be associated with different disorders and etiologic agents. Although these injuries are important, the control and prevention has proved ineffective. Also was observed that infectious pododermatitis (Footrot) may be the main foot disease of sheep in the region, and can be considered a neglected disease.(AU)

Lesões podais em ovinos são causas importantes de perdas econômicas por quedas na produtividade, na reprodução, por gastos com tratamentos ineficientes e com o descarte de animais afetados. Dessa forma, os objetivos foram descrever as principais características das lesões podais observadas em ovinos da Mesorregião Sudoeste do Rio Grande do Sul, seus aspectos epidemiológicos e a importância da ocorrência desses distúrbios para a criação de ovinos nessa região. Foram coletados dados epidemiológicos e clinicopatológicos de rebanhos ovinos da região entre abril de 2014 e abril de 2015 através de visitas técnicas em propriedades rurais. Foram avaliados rebanhos ovinos em 27 propriedades rurais localizadas em diferentes municípios, dos quais 21 registraram a ocorrência de lesões podais com relato de perdas econômicas significativas. Aproximadamente 1.700 ovinos, em média 10% dos rebanhos, apresentavam diferentes graus de claudicação decorrente de lesões podais que variavam de brandas a severas. Verificou-se que diversos fatores como clima e manejo foram favoráveis para o desenvolvimento das lesões podais e essas podem estar associadas a diferentes distúrbios e agentes etiológicos. No entanto, embora essas condições sejam importantes, o controle e a prevenção tem se mostrado ineficientes. Observou-se ainda que a pododermatite infecciosa dos ovinos (Footrot), parece ser a principal doença podal na região e atualmente pode ser considerada uma doença negligenciada.(AU)

Estudo retrospectivo das afecções locomotoras em ruminantes atendidos na Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia da Universidade de São Paulo entre 2000 e 2012 / Retrospective study of locomotor disorders in ruminants attended in the School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo from 2000 to 2012

Foi realizado o estudo retrospectivo das afecções do sistema locomotor de ruminantes atendidos no Serviço de Clínica de Bovinos e Pequenos Ruminantes da Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia da Universidade de São Paulo (FMVZ-USP), no período de 2000 a 2012. Nesse período, foram atendidos 209 casos de animais com problemas lo- comotores, dos quais 62,7% localizados na região distal dos membros e 37,3% na região proximal. Na espécie bovina, com 121 (57,9%) casos atendidos, o comprometimento da região distal dos membros foi observado em 86 (71,07%) e da região proximal em 35 (28,93%) dos casos, respectivamente. A afecção mais frequente observada em bovinos foi a hiperplasia interdigital com 26,74% (23) dos casos atendidos. Entre as afecções na região proximal, houve maior ocor- rência de fraturas, com 48,6% (17) dos casos. Foram atendidos 88 (42,1%) pequenos ruminantes, apresentando lesões na região distal em 51,1% (45) dos casos e 48,9% (43) com lesões na região proximal. Nessas espécies, as lesões de maior ocorrência nas regiões distais e proximais foram, respectivamente, o foot-rot (60%) e as fraturas (77,4%). As afecções do sistema locomotor dos ruminantes foram pouco frequentes entre os animais atendidos no período estudado. Quanto ao prognóstico, foi bom nos animais acometidos com doenças podais, diferentemente das afecções proximais dos bovinos, principalmente fraturas, que apresentaram prognóstico mau.(AU)

This study aimed to perform a retrospective study of ruminants attended at the Clinic for Cattle and Small Ruminants (CBPR) of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (FMVZ), University of São Paulo (USP) with locomotor diseases from 2000 to 2012. During this period 209 cases were treated. It was found that cases located in the distal limb and in the proximal region were 62.7% and 33.7%, respectively. In bovines, 121 (57.9%) cases were treated, with 86 (71.07%) cases presented in the distal limb and 35 (28.93%) cases in the proximal region. The most common disease was interdigital hyperplasia with 23 (26.74%) cases treated. Fractures were the most frequent disease related to the proximal regioncorresponding to 17 (48.6%) occurrences. In small ruminants, 88 animals (42.1%) were treated with 45 (51.1%) cases in the distal region and the other 43 (48.9%) in the proximal region. In these species, the foot-rot (60%) and fractures (77.4%) was the most common diseases found in the distal and the proximal region, respectively. The disorders of the locomotor system of ruminants were uncommon in the CBPR. While the affected animals with claw diseases have a good prognosis, disorders affecting the upper limb in cattle, mainly fracture, have a poor prognosis.(AU)

Evolução clínica e avaliação de parâmetros leucocitários e de proteínas de fase aguda na pododermatite infecciosa ovina / Clinical evolution and evaluation of leukocyte parameters and acute phase protein of ovine footrot

Neste artigo realizou-se a avaliação de ovinos mestiços Santa Inês com pododermatite infecciosa, verificando as alterações no leucograma e proteínas de fase aguda. No primeiro experimento, 70 fêmeas foram separadas em três grupos de acordo com o seu escore podal: Grupo controle (G1) com escore 0; Dermatite interdigital (G2) com escore 1 ou 2 e Pododermatite necrosante (G3) com escore 3, 4 ou 5. Durante dois meses observou-se a evolução clínica e efeitos no leucograma em cinco momentos: M1 (dia 0), M2 (dia 15), M3 (dia 30), M4 (dia 45) e M5 (dia 60). A intensidade do resultado do leucograma foi de baixa magnitude, observando-se alterações significativas (p<0,05) como uma leve leucocitose (G3, M4), atribuída a neutrofilia e um discreto aumento no número total de monócitos (G3, M2 e M3) apesar do extenso dano e necrose tecidual existentes na última fase da doença. No segundo experimento, utilizaram-se 105 animais de sete propriedades com objetivo de isolar o agente etiológico e avaliar os efeitos da doença sobre proteína plasmática total e proteínas de fase aguda. Os animais também foram separados em três grupos: controle, dermatite interdigital e pododermatite necrosante. Em todas as propriedades foi realizado o isolamento de Dichelobacter nodosus. Não houve correlação significativa (p<0,05) das diferentes fases da doença sobre as proteínas estudadas, porém a haptoglobina dos grupos com animais doentes apresentou médias superiores ao grupo controle. De acordo com a metodologia utilizada e resultados obtidos, conclui-se que as proteínas de fase aguda estudadas não foram eficientes na caracterização das fases da pododermatite infecciosa ovina e que a resposta leucocitária foi branda, tornando difícil sua utilização para este fim.(AU)

In this paper, Santa Inês crossbred sheep with footrot were evaluated, checking the changes on leukogram and the acute phase proteins. In the first experiment, 70 females were divided into three groups according to their podal scores: a control group (G1) with score 0, scald group (G2) with score 1 or 2 and a footrot group (G3) with score 3, 4 or 5. During two months, the clinical course and its effect on leukogram were observed at five moments: M1 (day 0), M2 (day 15), M3 (day 30), M4 (day 45) and M5 (day 60). The intensity of the white blood cell count was low magnitude, observing significant changes (p <0.05) as a mild leukocytosis (G3, M4), attributed to neutrophilia and a slight increase in the total number of monocytes (G3, M2 and M3) despite the extensive damage and tissue necrosis existed during the final stage of the disease. In the second experiment, 105 animals from seven farms were used with the objective of isolating the causative agent and to evaluate the effect of disease on total plasma protein and acute phase proteins. The animals were also divided into three groups: control, scald and footrot. In all farms, the isolation of Dichelobacter nodosus was regarded. For the different stages of the disease on the proteins studied there was no significant correlation (p<0.05) but the haptoglobin in scald and footrot groups showed higher average than the control group. Based on these results, we conclude that the acute phase proteins studied were not efficient in the characterization of the phases of the disease and the leukocyte response was mild, making it difficult to use for this purpose.(AU)

LESÕES PODAIS EM OVINOS NA MESORREGIÃO SUDOESTE RIOGRANDENSE

Doenças podais são uma das principais injúrias em rebanhos de pequenos ruminantes em diversos países e a pododermatite infecciosa (Footrot) é relatada como a mais frequente em ovinos no Brasil. No Rio Grande do Sul, as doenças podais ainda são um grave problema para os criadores de ovinos e pouco tem sido feito para saná-las. O Footrot, mesmo se tratando de uma doença de notificação obrigatória e frequente na região, os registros oficiais sobre a situação da doença nos rebanhos são escassos. Esse trabalho teve como objetivo descrever as principais características das lesões podais observadas em ovinos da Mesorregião Sudoeste do Rio Grande do Sul, com ênfase nos aspectos epidemiológicos, macroscópicos, microscópicos e radiográficos das lesões de Footrot. O estudo foi realizado em duas etapas. Inicialmente foram avaliados ovinos em 27 propriedades rurais, das quais 21 registraram a ocorrência de lesões podais em ovinos com perdas econômicas significativas. Aproximadamente 1.700 ovinos, em média 10% dos animais do rebanho, apresentavam diferentes graus de claudicação decorrente de lesões podais que, macroscopicamente, variavam de brandas a severas. Posteriormente, foram avaliados os variados graus de lesões de Footrot nos ovinos. Em casos de abate e necropsia, os cascos dos ovinos com as lesões foram submetidos à avaliação macroscópica, radiográfica e microscópica. Dessa forma a doença foi classificada em cinco graus de severidade que variaram de 1 (lesões leves) a 5 (lesões graves). Verificou-se que diversos fatores como clima e manejo foram favoráveis para o desenvolvimento das lesões podais e essas estão associadas, na maioria dos casos, a Footrot em diferentes estágios de evolução. A partir dessa classificação em graus foi possível classificá-los macroscopicamente em duas síndromes clínicas propostas, a saber Footrot benigno e maligno. Essa classificação facilita o estabelecimento das medidas de controle com intuito de limitar a propagação da doença e evitar a evolução das lesões nos cascos acometidos.

Foot diseases are one of the main disorders in small ruminant flocks in several countries and infectious pododermatite (Footrot) is reported as the most frequent podal lesions in sheep in Brazil. In Rio Grande do Sul state, foot diseases still a serious problem for sheep farmers and little has been done to remedy them. Footrot is a notifiable disease and frequent in the region, the official records on the disease situation in herds are scarce. This study aimed to describe the main features of foot lesions observed in sheep from Mesoregion Southwest of Rio Grande do Sul, with emphasis on epidemiology, macroscopic, microscopic and radiographic changes of Footrot injuries. The study was conducted in two steps. Initially, sheep were evaluated on 27 farms, of which 21 showed records of the occurrence of foot lesions in sheep and significant economic losses. Approximately 1,700 sheep, about 10% of the flocks, showed varying degrees of lameness due to foot lesions, macroscopically characterized as mild to severe. Subsequently, they assessed the varying degrees of injuries Footrot in sheep. Hooves with injuries were submitted to macroscopic, radiographic and microscopic evaluation. Thus the disease was classified into five grades of severity ranging from 1 (mild injury) to 5 (severe damage). It has been found that several factors such as weather and handling were favorable for the development of foot injuries and these are associated in most Footrot cases in different stages of evolution. Based on the classification in degrees of infectious pododermatitis it was possible to classify them macroscopically in clinical syndromes proposed as benign and malignant Footrot. This classification facilitates the establishment of control measures with the intention of reduce spread of disease and prevent the development of lesions in affected hooves.

Afecções podais com ênfase em pododermatite infecciosa em ovinos no estado da Bahia

O presente trabalho foi dividido em dois experimentos visando determinar a ocorrência e diagnosticar as doenças podais que acometem rebanhos ovinos em diferentes municípios baianos, incluindo a caracterização clínica e sorológica nos casos de pododermatite infecciosa. O primeiro trabalho objetivou o isolamento e caracterização do Dichelobacter nodosus em fazendas de criação de ovinos, durante surtos de pododermatite em oito municípios da Bahia. Durante as visitas, 620 animais foram inspecionados, procedendo-se exame podal completo em 140 deles, sendo 95 destinados a coleta por swab para bacteriologia. Após cultura, foi possível isolar 39 amostras, obtendo-se identificação do D. nodosus em todos os municípios visitados. As amostras positivas encaminhadas para sorotipagem por PCR revelaram a presença de sete sorogrupos (A, B, D, E, F, H, I), sendo o D (59%) e H (17%) os mais prevalentes e o sorogrupo I detectado pela primeira vez no país. Do total de amostras, 11,5% apresentaram infecções mistas com dois ou três sorogrupos por animal. A detecção de um novo sorogrupo e de infecções mistas apontaram para a necessidade de ampliar o foco da investigação e das medidas de diagnóstico, profilaxia e controle da pododermatite infecciosa nos ovinos do Brasil. O segundo trabalho objetivou determinar a ocorrência e caracterizar as doenças podais encontradas em criações de ovinos de oito municípios da Bahia. Em cada visita, realizou-se a inspeção do rebanho, questionário e caracterização das doenças encontradas. A ocorrência de animais com doenças podais foi de 23,3% (140/600) variando de 12,8 a 55,5% por propriedade. Em cada fazenda, foi possível observar ao menos três tipos de enfermidades podais. Ao todo foram registrados 220 lesões envolvendo nove doenças. A pododermatite infecciosa foi a enfermidade mais diagnosticada, totalizando 51,3% dos casos (113/220), seguida da dermatite interdigital, com 27,7% (61/220). Dentre os 113 casos de pododermatite infecciosa, 70% correspondiam a estágios avançados e terminais da doença indicando que a forma virulenta era a prevalente nos rebanhos consultados. As outras doenças identificadas foram: crescimento excessivo do casco com 8,6% dos casos (19/220), doença da linha branca com 3,2% (7/220), sola dupla com 3,2% (7/220), granuloma do dígito com 2,3% (5/220), hiperplasia interdigital com 2,3% (5/220), úlcera de sola com 0,9% (2/220) e abscesso de casco com 0,5% (1/220). Quanto ao membro afetado, não houve diferença significativa entre os membros torácicos e pélvicos. Quanto a quantidade de membros acometidos, 20% dos animais (28/140) possuíam lesões em somente um membro, 32,1%(45/140) em dois membros, 20,7% (29/140) em três membros e 27,2% (38/140) apresentaram lesões nos quatro membros. Avaliando-se a quantidade de doenças por animal, observou-se que 53,6% (75/140) dos animais foram acometidos por um único tipo de enfermidade podal, 35,7% (50/140) por dois tipos, 9,3% (13/140) por três tipos e 1,4% (2/140) apresentaram quatro tipos de doenças podais. A claudicação foi observada em todos os animais, porém seu grau variava conforme a gravidade da doença e quantidade de cascos afetados. As condições ambientais e de manejo foram determinantes para o surgimento de lesões podais entre os animais avaliados. Além da influência dos diversos fatores predisponentes encontrados, observou-se que o diagnóstico precoce e profilaxia não são realizados na maioria dos casos, o que contribuiu para a elevada ocorrência e diversidade de doenças podais diagnosticadas.

This study was divided into two experiments to determine the occurrence and diagnose foot diseases that affect sheep flocks in different towns in Bahia, including the clinical and serological characterization of foot rot cases. The first paper aimed the isolation and characterization of Dichelobacter nodosus in sheep farms during outbreaks in eight towns of Bahia. During the visits 620 animals were inspected, proceeding complete foot examination at 140 of them and 95 for collection by swab for bacteriology. After culture was possible to isolate 39 samples, obtaining identification Dichelobacter nodosus in all farms visited. Positive samples sent for serotyping PCR revealed the presence of seven serogroups (A, B, D, E, F, H, I), D (59%) and H (17%) were the most prevalent and serogroup I first reported in the country. Of the total sample, 11.5% had mixed infections with two or three serogroups per animal. The detection of a new serogroup, and mixed infections point to the need to expand the focus of research and the diagnostic, prevention and control measures of footrot in Brazil. The second paper aimed to determine the occurrence and characterize foot diseases found in sheep farms of eight towns in Bahia. In each visit, inspection of the herd, survey questionnaire and characterization of diseases were proceeded. The occurrence of foot diseases was 23.3% (140/600) ranging from 12.8 to 55.5% by farm. In each farm was observed at least three types of foot diseases. Altogether 220 cases were recorded involving nine diseases. Foot rot was the most diagnosed disease totaling 51.3% of the cases (113/220) followed by Interdigital dermatitis with 27.7% (61/220). Among the 113 cases of footrot, 70% were advanced or terminal stages of the disease indicating that the virulent form was prevalent in herds consulted. Other diseases have been identified: excessive growth of the hoof with 8.6% (19/220), white line disease with 3.2% (7/220), double sole with 3.2% (7/220), toe granuloma with 2.3% (5/220), interdigital hyperplasia with 2.3% (5/220), sole ulcer with 0.9% (2/220) and hoof abscess with 0.5% (1/220). As for the affected limb, there was no significant difference between the fore and hindlimbs. As the number of affected limbs, 20% of animals (28/140) had lesions only one limb, 32.1% (45/140) in two limbs 20.7% (29/140) in three limbs and 27.2% (38 / 140) had injuries in all limbs. Evaluating the amount of diseases per animal, it was observed that 53.6% (75/140) of the animals were affected by a single type of foot disease, 35.7% (50/140) of two types, 9.3% (13/140) of three types and 1.4% (2/140) four types of feet diseases. Lameness was observed in all animals, but its level varied according to the severity of the condition and quantity of affected hooves. Environmental conditions and management were crucial to the development of foot lesions in evaluated animals. Besides the influence of various predisposing factors, it was observed that the early diagnosis and prophylaxis are not performed in most cases, which contributed to the occurrence and diversity of diseases diagnosed.

Uso de vacina autógena monovalente(sorogrupo D) no controle do footrot em um rebanho ovino no estado do Rio Grande do Sul / Use of an autogenous monovalent vaccine (serogroup D) in the control of footrot in a sheep flock in the State of Rio Grande do Sul

Este trabalho avaliou a eficácia de uma vacina autógena monovalente (sorogrupoD) com adjuvante oleoso no controle do footrot (FR) em ovinos de uma propriedade rural do município de Santiago/RS. Foram vacinados 347 ovinos, duas doses com intervalo de 30 dias por via subcutânea (SC), administradas na região axilar (150 animais) e na região inguinal (197 animais). Um grupo de 75 animais não recebeu a vacina, constituindo o grupo controle. Os dados mostraram que a prevalência do footrot no grupo de ovinos vacinados(V), que inicialmente era de 4%, sofreu uma redução para 2% na semana 23, chegando a zero na semana 30. No grupo controle (C), a prevalência de animais infectados foi de 6,7%no início do experimento, teve uma redução para 5,3% na semana 23 e, ao final, estava em 3,7%. Observou-se uma redução gradativa no número de ovinos infectados nos dois grupos,entretanto a eliminação seletiva ocorrida no grupo controle prejudicou a análise estatística dos dados. Em cinco ocasiões durante o experimento, amostras de sangue foram colhidas da jugular dos animais para verificar títulos de anticorpos aglutinantes contra o antígeno presente na propriedade. Os resultados mostraram diferenças signifi cativas (p<0,001) entre os títulos de anticorpos aglutinantes contra Dichelobacter nodosus no soro de ovinos vacinados e nãovacinados durante o experimento. A análise das reações vacinais locais apontou a região inguinal como o melhor local para a aplicação da vacina com adjuvante oleoso por via SC e também demonstrou uma relação direta entre a idade dos ovinos e o percentual de reações vacinais locais e a severidade dessas reações. Os resultados sugerem que a vacina autógena com adjuvante oleoso obteve sucesso no controle da doença

This study evaluated the effi cacy of autogenous monovalent vaccine (serogroup D) with oil-adjuvant in the control of footrot in sheep from a farm in the municipality of Santiago/RS. 347 sheep were vaccinated, two doses with an interval of 30 days by subcutaneously administered in the axillary region (150 animals) and in the inguinal region (197 animals).A group of 75 animals did not receive the vaccine, constituting the control group. The data showed that the prevalence of footrot in the group of sheep vaccinated (V) initially set at 4%,was reduced to 2% in 23 weeks, reaching zero at the last inspection. In the control group (C)the prevalence of infected animals was 6.7% at baseline, was reduced to 5.3% at week 23 and the end was 3.7%. There was a gradual reduction in the number of infected sheep in both groups, however the selective elimination occurred in the control group affected the statistical analysis. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein of the animals to see evidence of agglutinating antibodies against the antigen present on the property on five occasions during the experiment. The results showed signifi cant differences (p<0,001) between antibody titers against Dichelobacter nodosus in the serum of sheep vaccinated and not vaccinated during the experiment. The analysis of local vaccine reactions showed the inguinal region as the best place for the application subcutaneously oil-adjuvant vaccine and also demonstrated a direct relationship between the age of the sheep and the percentage of local vaccine reactions and the severity of these reactions. The results suggest that autogenous oil-adjuvant vaccine succeeded in controlling the disease

Uso de vacina autógena monovalente(sorogrupo D) no controle do footrot em um rebanho ovino no estado do Rio Grande do Sul / Use of an autogenous monovalent vaccine (serogroup D) in the control of footrot in a sheep flock in the State of Rio Grande do Sul

Este trabalho avaliou a eficácia de uma vacina autógena monovalente (sorogrupoD) com adjuvante oleoso no controle do footrot (FR) em ovinos de uma propriedade rural do município de Santiago/RS. Foram vacinados 347 ovinos, duas doses com intervalo de 30 dias por via subcutânea (SC), administradas na região axilar (150 animais) e na região inguinal (197 animais). Um grupo de 75 animais não recebeu a vacina, constituindo o grupo controle. Os dados mostraram que a prevalência do footrot no grupo de ovinos vacinados(V), que inicialmente era de 4%, sofreu uma redução para 2% na semana 23, chegando a zero na semana 30. No grupo controle (C), a prevalência de animais infectados foi de 6,7%no início do experimento, teve uma redução para 5,3% na semana 23 e, ao final, estava em 3,7%. Observou-se uma redução gradativa no número de ovinos infectados nos dois grupos,entretanto a eliminação seletiva ocorrida no grupo controle prejudicou a análise estatística dos dados. Em cinco ocasiões durante o experimento, amostras de sangue foram colhidas da jugular dos animais para verificar títulos de anticorpos aglutinantes contra o antígeno presente na propriedade. Os resultados mostraram diferenças signifi cativas (p<0,001) entre os títulos de anticorpos aglutinantes contra Dichelobacter nodosus no soro de ovinos vacinados e nãovacinados durante o experimento. A análise das reações vacinais locais apontou a região inguinal como o melhor local para a aplicação da vacina com adjuvante oleoso por via SC e também demonstrou uma relação direta entre a idade dos ovinos e o percentual de reações vacinais locais e a severidade dessas reações. Os resultados sugerem que a vacina autógena com adjuvante oleoso obteve sucesso no controle da doença(AU)

This study evaluated the effi cacy of autogenous monovalent vaccine (serogroup D) with oil-adjuvant in the control of footrot in sheep from a farm in the municipality of Santiago/RS. 347 sheep were vaccinated, two doses with an interval of 30 days by subcutaneously administered in the axillary region (150 animals) and in the inguinal region (197 animals).A group of 75 animals did not receive the vaccine, constituting the control group. The data showed that the prevalence of footrot in the group of sheep vaccinated (V) initially set at 4%,was reduced to 2% in 23 weeks, reaching zero at the last inspection. In the control group (C)the prevalence of infected animals was 6.7% at baseline, was reduced to 5.3% at week 23 and the end was 3.7%. There was a gradual reduction in the number of infected sheep in both groups, however the selective elimination occurred in the control group affected the statistical analysis. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein of the animals to see evidence of agglutinating antibodies against the antigen present on the property on five occasions during the experiment. The results showed signifi cant differences (p<0,001) between antibody titers against Dichelobacter nodosus in the serum of sheep vaccinated and not vaccinated during the experiment. The analysis of local vaccine reactions showed the inguinal region as the best place for the application subcutaneously oil-adjuvant vaccine and also demonstrated a direct relationship between the age of the sheep and the percentage of local vaccine reactions and the severity of these reactions. The results suggest that autogenous oil-adjuvant vaccine succeeded in controlling the disease(AU)

Resposta imunológica contra o footrot dos ovinos promovida por vacina autógena monovalente e por vacina comercial polivalente / Immunological response against ovine footrot promoted by autogenous monovalent and a commercial polyvalent vaccine

Este trabalho avaliou a resposta imunológica provocada por uma vacina monovalente(sorogrupo D) e por uma vacina polivalente (7 sorogrupos) contra o footrot. Trinta fêmeas ovinas, com idades variadas, foram divididas aleatoriamente em 3 grupos de 10 animais: grupo controle(C) que não foi vacinado, grupo vacinado com vacina monovalente (Vm) e grupo vacinado com vacina polivalente (Vp). Os ovinos vacinados receberam duas doses (2 ml por via subcutânea na região inguinal) com quatro semanas de intervalo. Amostras de sangue foram colhidas da jugular dos animais para verificar títulos de anticorpos aglutinantes contra o Dichelobacter nodosus no início do experimento (dia zero) e em outras três ocasiões, semanas 4, 7 e 12. Os resultados mostraram diferenças significativas (p<0,001) entre os títulos médios geométricos (GMT) de anticorpos aglutinantes contra Dichelobacter nodosus no soro de ovinos vacinados (Vm e Vp) enão vacinados (C) na quarta, sétima e 12ª semanas do experimento. Em relação aos títulos médios geométricos (GMT) entre os grupos Vm e Vp houve diferenças estatisticamente significativas na quarta e sétima semanas. A vacina monovalente induziu títulos de aglutininas superiores contra oDichelobacter nodosus em comparação com a vacina polivalente

This study evaluated the immune response elicited by a monovalent (serogroup D) and a polyvalent vaccine (7 serogroups) against footrot. Thirty ewes, of various ages were randomly divided into 3 groups of 10 animals: control group (C) was not vaccinated, group vaccinated with monovalent vaccine (Vm) and the group vaccinated with polyvalent vaccine (Vp). The sheep were vaccinated with two doses four weeks apart, the dose was 2 ml subcutaneously in the inguinal region. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein of the animals to determine agglutination titers against Dichelobacter nodosus in the beginning of the experiment (day zero) and in other three occasions, weeks 4, 7 and 12. The results showed highly significant differences (p<0,001)between the geometric mean titers (GMT) of antibodies against Dichelobacter nodosus in the serum of sheep vaccinated (Vm e Vp) and unvaccinated (C) in the fourth, seventh and 12th weeks of the experiment. For the geometric mean titers (GMT) between the Vm and Vp groups there was statistically significant differences in the fourth and the seventh weeks. The monovalent vaccine induced titers of higher against Dichelobacter nodosus compared with the polyvalent vaccine

Resposta imunológica contra o footrot dos ovinos promovida por vacina autógena monovalente e por vacina comercial polivalente / Immunological response against ovine footrot promoted by autogenous monovalent and a commercial polyvalent vaccine

Este trabalho avaliou a resposta imunológica provocada por uma vacina monovalente(sorogrupo D) e por uma vacina polivalente (7 sorogrupos) contra o footrot. Trinta fêmeas ovinas, com idades variadas, foram divididas aleatoriamente em 3 grupos de 10 animais: grupo controle(C) que não foi vacinado, grupo vacinado com vacina monovalente (Vm) e grupo vacinado com vacina polivalente (Vp). Os ovinos vacinados receberam duas doses (2 ml por via subcutânea na região inguinal) com quatro semanas de intervalo. Amostras de sangue foram colhidas da jugular dos animais para verificar títulos de anticorpos aglutinantes contra o Dichelobacter nodosus no início do experimento (dia zero) e em outras três ocasiões, semanas 4, 7 e 12. Os resultados mostraram diferenças significativas (p<0,001) entre os títulos médios geométricos (GMT) de anticorpos aglutinantes contra Dichelobacter nodosus no soro de ovinos vacinados (Vm e Vp) enão vacinados (C) na quarta, sétima e 12ª semanas do experimento. Em relação aos títulos médios geométricos (GMT) entre os grupos Vm e Vp houve diferenças estatisticamente significativas na quarta e sétima semanas. A vacina monovalente induziu títulos de aglutininas superiores contra oDichelobacter nodosus em comparação com a vacina polivalente(AU)

This study evaluated the immune response elicited by a monovalent (serogroup D) and a polyvalent vaccine (7 serogroups) against footrot. Thirty ewes, of various ages were randomly divided into 3 groups of 10 animals: control group (C) was not vaccinated, group vaccinated with monovalent vaccine (Vm) and the group vaccinated with polyvalent vaccine (Vp). The sheep were vaccinated with two doses four weeks apart, the dose was 2 ml subcutaneously in the inguinal region. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein of the animals to determine agglutination titers against Dichelobacter nodosus in the beginning of the experiment (day zero) and in other three occasions, weeks 4, 7 and 12. The results showed highly significant differences (p<0,001)between the geometric mean titers (GMT) of antibodies against Dichelobacter nodosus in the serum of sheep vaccinated (Vm e Vp) and unvaccinated (C) in the fourth, seventh and 12th weeks of the experiment. For the geometric mean titers (GMT) between the Vm and Vp groups there was statistically significant differences in the fourth and the seventh weeks. The monovalent vaccine induced titers of higher against Dichelobacter nodosus compared with the polyvalent vaccine(AU)

Perda reprodutiva causada pelo footrot em dois rebanhos ovinos no Rio Grande do Sul / Reproduction losses caused by footrot on two sheep flocks of Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil

O footrot (FR) dos ovinos é considerado o maior problema sanitário da ovinocultura gaúcha. Existem poucas referências sobre o impacto do FR na produção ovina. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo determinar a influência dessa infecção na porcentagem de prenhez (PP) de ovinos criados a campo no RS. Foram estudados dois rebanhos, o rebanho 1, com 880 ovelhas Merino Australiano, criadas no município de Quaraí (RS); o rebanho 2, com 65 ovelhas cruzas (Crioula x Texel), criadas em Osório (RS). As ovelhas foram encarneiradas nos meses de outono (março-abril),com 2% de carneiros férteis. No início do encarneiramento foram examinados todos os cascos de todas as ovelhas dos dois rebanhos, quando foi estimada a gravidade das lesões numa escala de 1 a 4. O diagnóstico de gestação foi realizado por ultrassonografia aos 60 dias após a retirada dos carneiros. No rebanho 2 foi estimada, também, a condição corporal (CC) das ovelhas no início do experimento. A PP das ovelhas sadias e infectadas nos rebanhos 1 e 2 foram respectivamente: 91 87%; 81 e 44%, mostrando diferença estatisticamente significativa entre ovelhas do mesmo rebanho (P<0,05). A prevalência do FR nos rebanhos 1 e 2 foi de 14 e 26,7%, respectivamente.Finalmente, no rebanho 2, a CC das ovelhas sadias (3,32) foi superior a do grupo infectado (2,45) (P<0,001). Os dados sugerem que nesse rebanho, a baixa PP das ovelhas infectadas está associada a menor CC, detectada no início do encarneiramento..

Ovine footrot (FR) is the most pressing problem of the sheep industry of Rio Grande do Sul (RS) the southern most State of Brazil. No accurate information is available concerning the economic impact of FR upon the local sheep industry. The aim of this paper was to evaluated the losses caused by this condition on the pregnancy percentage (PP) of sheep flocks reared in natural pastural areas of RS. The study was carried out in two flocks. Flock 1, comprising 880 Australian Merino ewes, grazed in the district of Quaraí (RS); Flock 2 comprising 65 cross ewes (Crioula x Texel),grazed in the district of Osorio (RS). The ewes were naturaly mated during autumn (March-April), using 2% of fertile rams. At the beginning of the mating season all sheep feet were acessed for footrot lesions, when the severity of the lesions were graded in a scale from 1 to 4. The ewes were scanned 60 days after the finishing of the breeding period. The flock 2 had the ewes body condition score (CS) evaluated at the time of ram intruduction. The PP of the infected and healthy ewes in the flocks 1 and 2 was: 91 and 87%; 81 and 44%, respectively, showing statistical significancy between ewes of the same flock (P<0,05). The prevalence of FR on flocks 1 and 2 was 14 and 26,7%, respectively. Finally, in flock 2, the CS of health ewes (3,32) was significantly higher than the infected ones (2,45) (P<0,001). The data presented sugest that, at least in this flock, the lower PP observed on the infected ewes is associated to the lower CC mean detected at the beginning of the breeding season

Perda reprodutiva causada pelo footrot em dois rebanhos ovinos no Rio Grande do Sul / Reproduction losses caused by footrot on two sheep flocks of Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil

O footrot (FR) dos ovinos é considerado o maior problema sanitário da ovinocultura gaúcha. Existem poucas referências sobre o impacto do FR na produção ovina. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo determinar a influência dessa infecção na porcentagem de prenhez (PP) de ovinos criados a campo no RS. Foram estudados dois rebanhos, o rebanho 1, com 880 ovelhas Merino Australiano, criadas no município de Quaraí (RS); o rebanho 2, com 65 ovelhas cruzas (Crioula x Texel), criadas em Osório (RS). As ovelhas foram encarneiradas nos meses de outono (março-abril),com 2% de carneiros férteis. No início do encarneiramento foram examinados todos os cascos de todas as ovelhas dos dois rebanhos, quando foi estimada a gravidade das lesões numa escala de 1 a 4. O diagnóstico de gestação foi realizado por ultrassonografia aos 60 dias após a retirada dos carneiros. No rebanho 2 foi estimada, também, a condição corporal (CC) das ovelhas no início do experimento. A PP das ovelhas sadias e infectadas nos rebanhos 1 e 2 foram respectivamente: 91 87%; 81 e 44%, mostrando diferença estatisticamente significativa entre ovelhas do mesmo rebanho (P<0,05). A prevalência do FR nos rebanhos 1 e 2 foi de 14 e 26,7%, respectivamente.Finalmente, no rebanho 2, a CC das ovelhas sadias (3,32) foi superior a do grupo infectado (2,45) (P<0,001). Os dados sugerem que nesse rebanho, a baixa PP das ovelhas infectadas está associada a menor CC, detectada no início do encarneiramento(AU)..

Ovine footrot (FR) is the most pressing problem of the sheep industry of Rio Grande do Sul (RS) the southern most State of Brazil. No accurate information is available concerning the economic impact of FR upon the local sheep industry. The aim of this paper was to evaluated the losses caused by this condition on the pregnancy percentage (PP) of sheep flocks reared in natural pastural areas of RS. The study was carried out in two flocks. Flock 1, comprising 880 Australian Merino ewes, grazed in the district of Quaraí (RS); Flock 2 comprising 65 cross ewes (Crioula x Texel),grazed in the district of Osorio (RS). The ewes were naturaly mated during autumn (March-April), using 2% of fertile rams. At the beginning of the mating season all sheep feet were acessed for footrot lesions, when the severity of the lesions were graded in a scale from 1 to 4. The ewes were scanned 60 days after the finishing of the breeding period. The flock 2 had the ewes body condition score (CS) evaluated at the time of ram intruduction. The PP of the infected and healthy ewes in the flocks 1 and 2 was: 91 and 87%; 81 and 44%, respectively, showing statistical significancy between ewes of the same flock (P<0,05). The prevalence of FR on flocks 1 and 2 was 14 and 26,7%, respectively. Finally, in flock 2, the CS of health ewes (3,32) was significantly higher than the infected ones (2,45) (P<0,001). The data presented sugest that, at least in this flock, the lower PP observed on the infected ewes is associated to the lower CC mean detected at the beginning of the breeding season(AU)