An outbreak of caprine toxoplasmosis - investigation and case report / Surto de toxoplasmose caprina-investigação e relato de caso

The present study aimed to investigate an abortion outbreak in a dairy goat herd in the municipality of Arapoti, Parana, Brazil. At the beginning of the outbreak, blood samples were collected from 33 goats with clinical signs; later, of the whole goat herd, two cats and two dogs. Milk samples were collected from 78 lactating goats. Four environmental soil samples and four samples of feed residue from goat feeders were collected too. Immunofluorescence antibody test (IFA) was used for serodiagnosis, the molecular analysis was conducted by means of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), for the isolation of the etiological agent the bioassay was used. The results of the IFA revealed that 76.53% (137/179) of the goats, two dogs and two cats were seropositive for Toxoplasma gondii. Bioassay revealed one buffy coat and two milk sample having viable T. gondii. In the PCR, 11 whole blood samples, eight milk, three feeder troughs, and all soil samples were positive. The findings of the present study confirmed an outbreak caused by environmental contamination (of soil and feed) with T. gondii oocysts that could have been shed by kittens that lived on the farm and had access to the stock of goat food, facilitating this contamination, which reinforces the need for veterinary assistance and good management practices on farms.

O presente estudo teve como objetivo investigar um surto de aborto em um rebanho de cabras leiteiras no município de Arapoti, Paraná, Brasil. No início do surto, foram coletadas amostras de sangue de 33 cabras com sinais clínicos; mais tarde, de todo o rebanho caprino, dois gatos e dois cachorros. Foram obtidas amostras de leite das 78 cabras em lactação. Quatro amostras ambientais de solo e quatro de resíduos de comedouro também foram coletadas. O teste de imunofluorescência (IFI) foi utilizado para o sorodiagnóstico, a análise molecular foi conduzida por meio da reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR), para isolamento do agente etiológico utilizou-se o bioensaio. Os resultados da IFI revelaram que 76,53% (137/179) das cabras, todos os cães e gatos eram soropositivos para Toxoplasma gondii. O bioensaio revelou uma amostra de camada leucocitória e duas de leite contaminadas com T. gondii viável. Na PCR, 11 amostras de sangue total, oito de leite, três resíduos alimentares e todas as amostras de solo foram positivas. Os resultados do presente estudo confirmaram um surto causado por contaminação ambiental (de solo e alimentos) com oocistos de T. gondii que, provavelmente, foram eliminados por gatos que permaneceram na fazenda e tinham acesso ao estoque de alimento dos caprinos, reforçando a necessidade de assistência técnica veterinária e boas práticas de manejo.

An outbreak of caprine toxoplasmosis - investigation and case report / Surto de toxoplasmose caprina-investigação e relato de caso

The present study aimed to investigate an abortion outbreak in a dairy goat herd in the municipality of Arapoti, Parana, Brazil. At the beginning of the outbreak, blood samples were collected from 33 goats with clinical signs; later, of the whole goat herd, two cats and two dogs. Milk samples were collected from 78 lactating goats. Four environmental soil samples and four samples of feed residue from goat feeders were collected too. Immunofluorescence antibody test (IFA) was used for serodiagnosis, the molecular analysis was conducted by means of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), for the isolation of the etiological agent the bioassay was used. The results of the IFA revealed that 76.53% (137/179) of the goats, two dogs and two cats were seropositive for Toxoplasma gondii. Bioassay revealed one buffy coat and two milk sample having viable T. gondii. In the PCR, 11 whole blood samples, eight milk, three feeder troughs, and all soil samples were positive. The findings of the present study confirmed an outbreak caused by environmental contamination (of soil and feed) with T. gondii oocysts that could have been shed by kittens that lived on the farm and had access to the stock of goat food, facilitating this contamination, which reinforces the need for veterinary assistance and good management practices on farms.(AU)

O presente estudo teve como objetivo investigar um surto de aborto em um rebanho de cabras leiteiras no município de Arapoti, Paraná, Brasil. No início do surto, foram coletadas amostras de sangue de 33 cabras com sinais clínicos; mais tarde, de todo o rebanho caprino, dois gatos e dois cachorros. Foram obtidas amostras de leite das 78 cabras em lactação. Quatro amostras ambientais de solo e quatro de resíduos de comedouro também foram coletadas. O teste de imunofluorescência (IFI) foi utilizado para o sorodiagnóstico, a análise molecular foi conduzida por meio da reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR), para isolamento do agente etiológico utilizou-se o bioensaio. Os resultados da IFI revelaram que 76,53% (137/179) das cabras, todos os cães e gatos eram soropositivos para Toxoplasma gondii. O bioensaio revelou uma amostra de camada leucocitória e duas de leite contaminadas com T. gondii viável. Na PCR, 11 amostras de sangue total, oito de leite, três resíduos alimentares e todas as amostras de solo foram positivas. Os resultados do presente estudo confirmaram um surto causado por contaminação ambiental (de solo e alimentos) com oocistos de T. gondii que, provavelmente, foram eliminados por gatos que permaneceram na fazenda e tinham acesso ao estoque de alimento dos caprinos, reforçando a necessidade de assistência técnica veterinária e boas práticas de manejo.(AU)

Relationship between shape of teat and teat tip and somatic cell count (SCC) in dairy cows

Background: Mastitis is characterized by inflammation of the mammary gland, usually caused by pathogens, these infections may be classified as either clinical or subclinical, which are responsible for physical, chemical and bacteriological changes in milk and/or changes in the glandular tissue. The shape of both teat and teat tip are among the factors that may predispose to the development of clinical and subclinical mastitis, it is therefore important that they have a desirable morphology so that they are less susceptible to pathogens. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between teat shape and Somatic Cell Count (SCC) in dairy cattle.Materials, Methods & Results: The research was carried out in two dairy farms located in the municipality of Arapongas, Parana state, Brazil. Data were obtained from 150 Holstein cows variety black and white, where 597 teat shape and teat tip were evaluated during entry into the milking parlor. The teat shape was classified as desirable; bottle-shaped; cone-shaped; short; funnel-shaped; plump; and pencil-shaped, while the teat tip was classified as round; flat; funnel shape (inverted); disk, and pointed (hyperkeratosis). The somatic cell count (SCC) was carried out by flow cytometry by the equipment Somacount 500®1. The variable SCC was evaluated taking into account the shape of the teat, then two groups were formed...(AU)

Losses in milk production and quality due to milk somatic cell count and heat stress of Holsteins cows in temperate climate / Perdas na produção e qualidade do leite devido contagem de células somáticas no leite e estresse térmico de vacas da raça Holandesa em clima temperado

The aims of present study were to evaluate the effects of milk somatic cell count (SCC) and heat stress on yield and milk composition of cows in a herd for commercial production in a temperate region during the period 2008-2012. Data from the monthly milk test-day records of 161±9 Holstein, totaling 9,650 milkings, were provided by the Association of Holstein Cattle Breeders of Parana State, and analyzed by descriptive analysis, correlation, analysis of variance, and regression analysis. The average daily milk yield was 31.78 kg/cow, which decreased to 29.31% when the somatic cell score (SCS) was 9, and to 11% when the Equivalent Temperature Index (ETI) was 32 or above. Lactose content decreased from SCS 0 until 9 and fat content decreased from SCS 1 until 9, totaling decrease 7.88 and 9.23%, respectively, when the SCS was 9. An opposite effect was observed for the protein content, which increased by 3.6% at SCS 8, when compared to SCS 0. Losses were observed in the daily total solids production from the SCS 0, totaling 30.64% at SCS 9.The increase in ETI to 32 or above reduced all milk constituents as much as 3.42%, except protein. These results, combined with the losses in milk yield at that ETI level, led to a decrease of up to 12.74% of milk solids. It is concluded that since losses in milk quality and yield resulting from SCC and ETI are significant, actions to prevent infection in the mammary gland and to provide a comfortable environment for dairy cattle are needed even in temperate regions.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a influencia da contagem de células somáticas (CCS) no leite e o estresse térmico sobre a produção e composição do leite de vacas de um rebanho de produção comercial em região de clima temperado, durante o período de 2008 a 2012. Os dados do dia de controle leiteiro de 161±9 vacas Holandesas, totalizando 9650 ordenhas, foram fornecidos pela Associação Paranaense de Criadores de Bovinos da Raça Holandesa e analisados através de estatística descritiva, correlação, análise de variância e regressão. A produção média diária de leite foi de 31,78 kg/vaca, com diminuição de 29,31% quando o escore de contagem de células somáticas (ECS) foi 9 e até 11% quando o Índice de Temperatura Equivalente (ITE) foi 32 ou maior. Os teores de lactose decresceram a partir do ECS 0 até 9 e de gordura a partir de ECS 1 até 9, totalizando diminuição de 7,88 e 9,23%, respectivamente, quando o ECCS foi 9. Um efeito inverso foi observado em relação ao teor de proteína, o qual aumentou 3,6% com ECS 8, comparado com o ECS 0. A produção diária de sólidos totais iniciou perdas a partir do ECS 0 e totalizou perdas de 30,64% quando este foi 9. O aumento do ITE até 32 ou mais diminuiu a concentração de todos os componentes do leite, exceto de proteína, em valores de até 3,42% da concentração. Estes efeitos, somados a diminuição na produção diária de leite com este nível de ITE, totalizaram perdas de até 12,74% na produção de sólidos totais. Conclui-se que as perdas de produção e qualidade de leite com o aumento da CCS e ITE são significativas e podem justificar a adoção de medidas para prevenir infecções na glândula mamária e conforto de vacas leiteiras, mesmo em região de clima temperado.(AU)

Relationship between shape of teat and teat tip and somatic cell count (SCC) in dairy cows

Background: Mastitis is characterized by inflammation of the mammary gland, usually caused by pathogens, these infections may be classified as either clinical or subclinical, which are responsible for physical, chemical and bacteriological changes in milk and/or changes in the glandular tissue. The shape of both teat and teat tip are among the factors that may predispose to the development of clinical and subclinical mastitis, it is therefore important that they have a desirable morphology so that they are less susceptible to pathogens. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between teat shape and Somatic Cell Count (SCC) in dairy cattle.Materials, Methods & Results: The research was carried out in two dairy farms located in the municipality of Arapongas, Parana state, Brazil. Data were obtained from 150 Holstein cows variety black and white, where 597 teat shape and teat tip were evaluated during entry into the milking parlor. The teat shape was classified as desirable; bottle-shaped; cone-shaped; short; funnel-shaped; plump; and pencil-shaped, while the teat tip was classified as round; flat; funnel shape (inverted); disk, and pointed (hyperkeratosis). The somatic cell count (SCC) was carried out by flow cytometry by the equipment Somacount 500®1. The variable SCC was evaluated taking into account the shape of the teat, then two groups were formed...

Occurrence of pathogens causing subclinical mastitis in Jaguapitã county, state of Paraná - Brazil / Ocorrência de patógenos causadores de mastite subclínica no município de Jaguapitã, estado do Paraná - Brasil

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi identificar a ocorrência dos patógenos causadores de mastite subclínica em um rebanho leiteiro tipo B no município de Jaguapitã, estado do Paraná, Brasil. Foram realizados 400 testes de Califórnia Mastite Teste (CMT) em amostras de leite de 100 animais, totalizando 400 tetos. Dentre os animais testados 55% reagiram ao CMT apresentando grau dois ou superior, com 157 tetos positivos. Após as amostras de leite dos 157 tetos serem submetidos à cultura em ágar sangue, 25,48% (40/157) não apresentaram crescimento ou houve crescimento de mais de duas colônias bacterianas, 28,03% (44/157) foram observadas Staphylococcus coagulase negativa (CNS), 8,28% (13/157) Streptococcus uberis, 7,64% (12/157) Staphylococcus aureus, 7,64% (12/157) Corynebacterium spp, 7,01% (11/157) Staphylococcus intermedius, 4,46% (7/157) Staphylococcus hyicus, 3,82% (6/157) Bacillus spp., 2,55% (4/157) para Streptococcus dysgalacteae, Enterobactéria e Leveduras. Conclui-se que a CNS é o mais relevante agente causador de mastite subclínica.(AU)

The aim of this research was to identify the occurrence of pathogens causing subclinical mastitis in grade B milk farms of the Jaguapitã county, state of Paraná, Brazil. California Mastitis Test (CMT) were carried out in 400 milk samples from 100 animals and 157 teats from 55 animals (55%) were positive, showed score two or higher to CMT. When these 157 positive samples to CMT were transported for bacterial culture in blood agar, 25.48% (40/157) samples showed no bacterial growth or more than two types of bacterial colonies grew, 28.03% (44/157) were Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS), 8.28% (13/157) were Streptococcus uberis, 7.64% (12/157) were Staphylococcus aureus, 7.64% (12/157) were Corynebacterium spp, 7.01% (11/157) were Staphylococcus intermedius, 4.46% (7/157) were Staphylococcus hyicus, 3.82% (6/157) were Bacillus spp., 2.55% (4/157) were Streptococcus dysgalacteae, Enterobacteria and Yeasts. We conclude that CNS is the most relevant subclinical mastitis causative agent.(AU)

Histopathological and molecular characterization of encephalitic listeriosis in small ruminants from northern Paraná, Brazil

Listeriosis is a disease primarily of ruminants caused by the Gram-positive bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. Ruminants either demonstrate manifestations of the encephalitic, septicemic, or reproductive form of listeriosis. The pathological and molecular findings with encephalitic listeriosis in a 5.5-month-old, male, mixed-breed goat and a 3-year-old Texel-crossed sheep from northern Paraná, Brazil are described. Clinically, the kid demonstrated circling, lateral protrusion of the tongue, head tilt, and convulsions, the ewe presented ataxia, motor incoordination, and lateral decumbency. Brainstem dysfunctions were diagnosed clinically and listeriosis was suspected. Necropsy performed on both animals did not reveal remarkable gross lesions, significant histopathological alterations were restricted to the brainstem (medulla oblongata, rhombencephalitis) and were characterized as meningoencephalitis that consisted of extensive mononuclear perivascular cuffings, neutrophilic and macrophagic microabscesses, and neuroparenchymal necrosis. PCR assay and direct sequencing, using genomic bacterial DNA derived from the brainstem of both animals, amplified the desired 174 base pairs length amplicon of the listeriolysin O gene of L. monocytogenes. Phylogenetic analyses demonstrated that the strains associated with rhombencephalitis during this study clustered with known strains of L. monocytogenes lineage I from diverse geographical locations and from cattle of the state of Paraná with encephalitic listeriosis. Consequently, these strains should be classified as L. monocytogenes lineage I. These results confirm the active participation of lineage I strains of L. monocytogenes in the etiopathogenesis of the brainstem dysfunctions observed during this study, probably represent the first characterization of small ruminant listeriosis by molecular techniques in Latin America, and suggest that ruminants within the state of Paraná were infected by the strains of the same lineage of L. monocytogenes.(AU)

Occurrence of pathogens causing subclinical mastitis in Jaguapitã county, state of Paraná - Brazil / Ocorrência de patógenos causadores de mastite subclínica no município de Jaguapitã, estado do Paraná - Brasil

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi identificar a ocorrência dos patógenos causadores de mastite subclínica em um rebanho leiteiro tipo B no município de Jaguapitã, estado do Paraná, Brasil. Foram realizados 400 testes de Califórnia Mastite Teste (CMT) em amostras de leite de 100 animais, totalizando 400 tetos. Dentre os animais testados 55% reagiram ao CMT apresentando grau dois ou superior, com 157 tetos positivos. Após as amostras de leite dos 157 tetos serem submetidos à cultura em ágar sangue, 25,48% (40/157) não apresentaram crescimento ou houve crescimento de mais de duas colônias bacterianas, 28,03% (44/157) foram observadas Staphylococcus coagulase negativa (CNS), 8,28% (13/157) Streptococcus uberis, 7,64% (12/157) Staphylococcus aureus, 7,64% (12/157) Corynebacterium spp, 7,01% (11/157) Staphylococcus intermedius, 4,46% (7/157) Staphylococcus hyicus, 3,82% (6/157) Bacillus spp., 2,55% (4/157) para Streptococcus dysgalacteae, Enterobactéria e Leveduras. Conclui-se que a CNS é o mais relevante agente causador de mastite subclínica.

The aim of this research was to identify the occurrence of pathogens causing subclinical mastitis in grade B milk farms of the Jaguapitã county, state of Paraná, Brazil. California Mastitis Test (CMT) were carried out in 400 milk samples from 100 animals and 157 teats from 55 animals (55%) were positive, showed score two or higher to CMT. When these 157 positive samples to CMT were transported for bacterial culture in blood agar, 25.48% (40/157) samples showed no bacterial growth or more than two types of bacterial colonies grew, 28.03% (44/157) were Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS), 8.28% (13/157) were Streptococcus uberis, 7.64% (12/157) were Staphylococcus aureus, 7.64% (12/157) were Corynebacterium spp, 7.01% (11/157) were Staphylococcus intermedius, 4.46% (7/157) were Staphylococcus hyicus, 3.82% (6/157) were Bacillus spp., 2.55% (4/157) were Streptococcus dysgalacteae, Enterobacteria and Yeasts. We conclude that CNS is the most relevant subclinical mastitis causative agent.

Losses in milk production and quality due to milk somatic cell count and heat stress of Holsteins cows in temperate climate / Perdas na produção e qualidade do leite devido contagem de células somáticas no leite e estresse térmico de vacas da raça Holandesa em clima temperado

The aims of present study were to evaluate the effects of milk somatic cell count (SCC) and heat stress on yield and milk composition of cows in a herd for commercial production in a temperate region during the period 2008-2012. Data from the monthly milk test-day records of 161±9 Holstein, totaling 9,650 milkings, were provided by the Association of Holstein Cattle Breeders of Parana State, and analyzed by descriptive analysis, correlation, analysis of variance, and regression analysis. The average daily milk yield was 31.78 kg/cow, which decreased to 29.31% when the somatic cell score (SCS) was 9, and to 11% when the Equivalent Temperature Index (ETI) was 32 or above. Lactose content decreased from SCS 0 until 9 and fat content decreased from SCS 1 until 9, totaling decrease 7.88 and 9.23%, respectively, when the SCS was 9. An opposite effect was observed for the protein content, which increased by 3.6% at SCS 8, when compared to SCS 0. Losses were observed in the daily total solids production from the SCS 0, totaling 30.64% at SCS 9.The increase in ETI to 32 or above reduced all milk constituents as much as 3.42%, except protein. These results, combined with the losses in milk yield at that ETI level, led to a decrease of up to 12.74% of milk solids. It is concluded that since losses in milk quality and yield resulting from SCC and ETI are significant, actions to prevent infection in the mammary gland and to provide a comfortable environment for dairy cattle are needed even in temperate regions.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a influencia da contagem de células somáticas (CCS) no leite e o estresse térmico sobre a produção e composição do leite de vacas de um rebanho de produção comercial em região de clima temperado, durante o período de 2008 a 2012. Os dados do dia de controle leiteiro de 161±9 vacas Holandesas, totalizando 9650 ordenhas, foram fornecidos pela Associação Paranaense de Criadores de Bovinos da Raça Holandesa e analisados através de estatística descritiva, correlação, análise de variância e regressão. A produção média diária de leite foi de 31,78 kg/vaca, com diminuição de 29,31% quando o escore de contagem de células somáticas (ECS) foi 9 e até 11% quando o Índice de Temperatura Equivalente (ITE) foi 32 ou maior. Os teores de lactose decresceram a partir do ECS 0 até 9 e de gordura a partir de ECS 1 até 9, totalizando diminuição de 7,88 e 9,23%, respectivamente, quando o ECCS foi 9. Um efeito inverso foi observado em relação ao teor de proteína, o qual aumentou 3,6% com ECS 8, comparado com o ECS 0. A produção diária de sólidos totais iniciou perdas a partir do ECS 0 e totalizou perdas de 30,64% quando este foi 9. O aumento do ITE até 32 ou mais diminuiu a concentração de todos os componentes do leite, exceto de proteína, em valores de até 3,42% da concentração. Estes efeitos, somados a diminuição na produção diária de leite com este nível de ITE, totalizaram perdas de até 12,74% na produção de sólidos totais. Conclui-se que as perdas de produção e qualidade de leite com o aumento da CCS e ITE são significativas e podem justificar a adoção de medidas para prevenir infecções na glândula mamária e conforto de vacas leiteiras, mesmo em região de clima temperado.