Marek's disease in roosters in the Potiguar semi-arid region

Background: Marek's disease (MD) is a transmissible disease in chickens caused by Gallid alphaherpesvirus 2 (GaHV-2). The infection is characterized by lymphocyte cellular infiltrates in peripheral nerves and other organs and tissues, including the skin; which can lead to dysfunction causing progressive asymmetric paresis and complete spastic paralysis of body extremities. Dermatitis and cardiac myositis caused by GaHV-2 in free-range chickens has rarely been described in Brazil. This reports the occurrence of the disease with a confirmatory molecular diagnosis in free-range poultry showing signs of dermatitis, poor performance, and cachexia and no mortality in the semi-arid Potiguar region. Cases: Twenty roosters of the Shamo lineage, among a brood of 42 birds, had a history of progressive weight loss and skin lesions. Two birds with poor body condition, erythema, and scaling of the skin in the head and cervical regions were sent for clinical care. All birds were between 12 and 18 months of age and were vaccinated against Newcastle disease and Fowlpox with only a few receiving vaccines against MD and Gumboro disease. According to the owner's report, some birds were previously kept outdoors, and when they were transferred to a small shed with little air circulation, they began to develop clinical signs after approximately 15 days. The first signs of the disease were also reported to have appeared 2.5 months before clinical care and, in the meantime, several treatments were instituted without success. Owing to the general condition of the animals and inconclusive clinical suspicion, the birds were subjected to euthanasia and necropsy. Tissue samples were collected for histopathological and polymerase chain reaction analyses to search for the GaHV-2 DNA meq gene. The main clinicopathological findings were erythema (47%, 20/42) and desquamation of skin and mild, prominent white multifocal areas in the heart. Histopathology revealed infiltration of pleomorphic lymphoblastic cells in the skin, heart, and sciatic nerve. The amplification of the L-meq and meq oncoprotein genes in these organs and in the liver, confirmed the infection by GaHV-2, consistent with that of a field strain. Discussion: MD was confirmed based on the macroscopic and histological lesions, and with the detection of GaHV-2 DNA in the affected tissues. The unusual clinical presentation represented an initial challenge for diagnosis. The clinical history was important to lead to the suspicion of MD, as roosters initiated clinical signs 15 days after they were transferred to a small shed with poor air circulation. This probably favored the high viral concentration and disease transmission among susceptible birds in the brood because the feather follicle is the primary site of viral replication for transmission; and desquamation of infected epithelial cells favor airborne horizontal transmission to susceptible chickens. The roosters had not been vaccinated against MD, which probably favored the infection, as vaccination is known to be a fundamental approach for MD control for effective growth of the poultry industry. Clinical findings and lesions, together with viral molecular detection, were fundamental for the diagnosis, a premise for the application of adequate prevention and control measures for the disease in breeding. This is the first report of MD with a confirmatory molecular diagnosis in northeastern Brazil.

Expressão e caracterização da glicoproteína D do herpesvírus equídeo 1 em Pichia pastoris / Expression and characterization of equid herpesvirus 1 glycoprotein D in Pichia pastoris

O herpesvírus equídeo 1 (EHV-1) apresenta distribuição mundial e causa graves prejuízos à equideocultura. É agente de surtos de doença respiratória, reprodutiva e neurológica, em equídeos jovens e adultos. A glicoproteína D (gD) do envelope viral é essencial para ligação e penetração em células permissivas e direcionamento do sistema imunológico do hospedeiro, induz respostas imunes humorais e celulares, sendo um antígeno apropriado para ser utilizado em vacinas e imunodiagnóstico. O objetivo deste trabalho foi expressar e caracterizar a gD do EHV-1 em Pichia pastoris para posterior utilização como antígeno em técnicas de imunodiagnóstico e formulação de vacinas recombinantes. Uma sequência de DNA que codifica uma forma truncada da gDEHV-1 foi clonada no vetor pPICZαA de expressão em P. pastoris. Obteve-se uma proteína de ~41 kDa, como esperado. A proteína apresentou glicosilação entre 4 kDa e 16 kDa, demonstrada por deglicosilação enzimática. A proteína recombinante foi caracterizada antigenicamente e imunogenicamente por Western blot, utilizando-se anticorpos policlonais equinos anti-EHV-1, e por ELISA indireto em modelo murino, demonstrando que a gD recombinante manteve epítopos similares aos da proteína nativa. Esses resultados sugerem que a gDEHV-1 é um antígeno promissor para uso como imunobiológico no controle do EHV-1.(AU)

Equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) has a worldwide distribution and causes serious damage to horse breeding. It is an agent of respiratory, reproductive and neurological disease outbreaks in young and adult equids. Viral envelope glycoprotein D (gD) is essential for binding and penetration into permissive cells and targeting the host immune system, inducing humoral and cellular immune responses, and is an appropriate antigen for use in vaccines and immunodiagnostics. The objective of this work was to express in Pichia pastoris and to characterize EHV-1 gD for later use as an antigen in immunodiagnostic techniques and formulation of recombinant vaccines. A DNA sequence encoding a truncated form of gDEHV-1 has been cloned into the P. pastoris expression vector pPICZαA. A protein of ~41 kDa was obtained as expected. The protein presented glycosylation between 4 kDa and 16 kDa, demonstrated by enzymatic deglycosylation. The recombinant protein was antigenically and immunogenically characterized by Western blot using equine polyclonal anti-EHV-1 antibodies, and by indirect ELISA in a murine model, demonstrating that the recombinant gD maintained epitopes similar to those of the native protein. These results suggest that gDEHV-1 is a promising antigen for use as an immunobiological in the control of EHV-1.(AU)

Expressão e caracterização da glicoproteína D do herpesvírus equídeo 1 em Pichia pastoris / Expression and characterization of equid herpesvirus 1 glycoprotein D in Pichia pastoris

O herpesvírus equídeo 1 (EHV-1) apresenta distribuição mundial e causa graves prejuízos à equideocultura. É agente de surtos de doença respiratória, reprodutiva e neurológica, em equídeos jovens e adultos. A glicoproteína D (gD) do envelope viral é essencial para ligação e penetração em células permissivas e direcionamento do sistema imunológico do hospedeiro, induz respostas imunes humorais e celulares, sendo um antígeno apropriado para ser utilizado em vacinas e imunodiagnóstico. O objetivo deste trabalho foi expressar e caracterizar a gD do EHV-1 em Pichia pastoris para posterior utilização como antígeno em técnicas de imunodiagnóstico e formulação de vacinas recombinantes. Uma sequência de DNA que codifica uma forma truncada da gDEHV-1 foi clonada no vetor pPICZαA de expressão em P. pastoris. Obteve-se uma proteína de ~41 kDa, como esperado. A proteína apresentou glicosilação entre 4 kDa e 16 kDa, demonstrada por deglicosilação enzimática. A proteína recombinante foi caracterizada antigenicamente e imunogenicamente por Western blot, utilizando-se anticorpos policlonais equinos anti-EHV-1, e por ELISA indireto em modelo murino, demonstrando que a gD recombinante manteve epítopos similares aos da proteína nativa. Esses resultados sugerem que a gDEHV-1 é um antígeno promissor para uso como imunobiológico no controle do EHV-1.(AU)

Equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) has a worldwide distribution and causes serious damage to horse breeding. It is an agent of respiratory, reproductive and neurological disease outbreaks in young and adult equids. Viral envelope glycoprotein D (gD) is essential for binding and penetration into permissive cells and targeting the host immune system, inducing humoral and cellular immune responses, and is an appropriate antigen for use in vaccines and immunodiagnostics. The objective of this work was to express in Pichia pastoris and to characterize EHV-1 gD for later use as an antigen in immunodiagnostic techniques and formulation of recombinant vaccines. A DNA sequence encoding a truncated form of gDEHV-1 has been cloned into the P. pastoris expression vector pPICZαA. A protein of ~41 kDa was obtained as expected. The protein presented glycosylation between 4 kDa and 16 kDa, demonstrated by enzymatic deglycosylation. The recombinant protein was antigenically and immunogenically characterized by Western blot using equine polyclonal anti-EHV-1 antibodies, and by indirect ELISA in a murine model, demonstrating that the recombinant gD maintained epitopes similar to those of the native protein. These results suggest that gDEHV-1 is a promising antigen for use as an immunobiological in the control of EHV-1.(AU)

Avipoxvirus detected in tumor-like lesions in a white-faced whistling duck (Dendrocygna viduata) / Avipoxvirus detectado em lesões tipo tumorais em uma marreca-irerê (Dendrocygna viduata)

Avipoxvirus is the etiological agent of the avian pox, a well-known disease of captive and wild birds, and it has been associated with tumor-like lesions in some avian species. A white-faced whistling duck (Dendrocygna viduata) raised in captivity was referred to a Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Northeast due to cutaneous nodules present in both wings. A few days after the clinical examination, the animal died naturally. Once submitted to necropsy, histopathological evaluation of the lesions revealed clusters of proliferating epithelial cells expanding toward the dermis. Some of these cells had round, well-defined, intracytoplasmic eosinophilic material suggestive of poxvirus inclusion (Bollinger bodies). PCR performed on the DNA extracted from tissue samples amplified a fragment of the 4b core protein gene (fpv167), which was purified and sequenced. This fragment of Avipoxvirus DNA present in these tumor-like lesions showed high genetic homology (100.0%) with other poxviruses detected in different avian species in several countries, but none of them were related to tumor-like lesions or squamous cell carcinoma. This is the first report of Avipoxvirus detected in tumor-like lesions of a white-faced whistling duck with phylogenetic analysis of the virus.(AU)

Avipoxvirus é o agente etiológico da varíola (bouba) aviária, uma doença bem descrita em aves de cativeiro e selvagens, tendo sido associada a lesões semelhantes a tumores em algumas dessas espécies. Uma marreca piadeira (Dendrocygna viduata), criada em cativeiro, foi atendida em um Hospital Veterinário na região nordeste devido à presença de nódulos cutâneos em ambas as asas. Alguns dias após o exame clínico, o animal veio a óbito naturalmente. A ave foi submetida à necropsia e coletados fragmentos das lesões para análise histopatológica, que revelou proliferação de células epiteliais expandindo para a derme. Algumas dessas células possuíam material eosinofílico intracitoplasmático e bem definido, sugestivo de inclusão de poxvírus (corpúsculos de Bollinger). A PCR realizada a partir do DNA extraído de amostras das lesões amplificou um fragmento do gene da proteína do núcleo 4b (fpv 167), que foi purificado e sequenciado. Esse fragmento de DNA de Avipoxvirus presente nas lesões relevou alta homologia genética (100,0%) com outros poxvírus detectados em diferentes espécies de aves em vários países, mas nenhum deles estava relacionado a lesões tumorais ou carcinoma espinocelular. Este é o primeiro relato de Avipoxvirus detectado em lesões semelhantes a tumores em uma marreca piadeira com caracterização molecular do vírus.(AU)

Avipoxvirus detected in tumor-like lesions in a white-faced whistling duck (Dendrocygna viduata) / Avipoxvirus detectado em lesões tipo tumorais em uma marreca-irerê (Dendrocygna viduata)

Avipoxvirus is the etiological agent of the avian pox, a well-known disease of captive and wild birds, and it has been associated with tumor-like lesions in some avian species. A white-faced whistling duck (Dendrocygna viduata) raised in captivity was referred to a Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Northeast due to cutaneous nodules present in both wings. A few days after the clinical examination, the animal died naturally. Once submitted to necropsy, histopathological evaluation of the lesions revealed clusters of proliferating epithelial cells expanding toward the dermis. Some of these cells had round, well-defined, intracytoplasmic eosinophilic material suggestive of poxvirus inclusion (Bollinger bodies). PCR performed on the DNA extracted from tissue samples amplified a fragment of the 4b core protein gene (fpv167), which was purified and sequenced. This fragment of Avipoxvirus DNA present in these tumor-like lesions showed high genetic homology (100.0%) with other poxviruses detected in different avian species in several countries, but none of them were related to tumor-like lesions or squamous cell carcinoma. This is the first report of Avipoxvirus detected in tumor-like lesions of a white-faced whistling duck with phylogenetic analysis of the virus.(AU)

Avipoxvirus é o agente etiológico da varíola (bouba) aviária, uma doença bem descrita em aves de cativeiro e selvagens, tendo sido associada a lesões semelhantes a tumores em algumas dessas espécies. Uma marreca piadeira (Dendrocygna viduata), criada em cativeiro, foi atendida em um Hospital Veterinário na região nordeste devido à presença de nódulos cutâneos em ambas as asas. Alguns dias após o exame clínico, o animal veio a óbito naturalmente. A ave foi submetida à necropsia e coletados fragmentos das lesões para análise histopatológica, que revelou proliferação de células epiteliais expandindo para a derme. Algumas dessas células possuíam material eosinofílico intracitoplasmático e bem definido, sugestivo de inclusão de poxvírus (corpúsculos de Bollinger). A PCR realizada a partir do DNA extraído de amostras das lesões amplificou um fragmento do gene da proteína do núcleo 4b (fpv 167), que foi purificado e sequenciado. Esse fragmento de DNA de Avipoxvirus presente nas lesões relevou alta homologia genética (100,0%) com outros poxvírus detectados em diferentes espécies de aves em vários países, mas nenhum deles estava relacionado a lesões tumorais ou carcinoma espinocelular. Este é o primeiro relato de Avipoxvirus detectado em lesões semelhantes a tumores em uma marreca piadeira com caracterização molecular do vírus.(AU)

Reproductive performance of Nellore heifers raised in extensive system undergoing different vaccination protocols in fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) / Desempenho reprodutivo de novilhas Nelore criadas em sistema extensivo no Pantanal, submetidas a diferentes protocolos vacinais na Inseminação Artificial em tempo Fixo (IATF)

This study evaluated the reproductive performance of Nellore heifers without previous vaccination undergoing fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) and subsequent natural breeding under different vaccination protocols against infectious bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1), bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), and bovine leptospirosis (BL). A total of 763 animals were included; the group assignment was as follows: T1, control without vaccination; T2, vaccination against BL; T3, vaccination against BHV-1and BVDV; T4,vaccination against combination of BL + BHV-1and BVDV. Vaccination was started 30 days before FTAI (D-40), and a booster dose was administered at D-10. Serological tests were used to verify the occurrence rate of natural infection by BL, BHV-1, and BVDV. Initial pregnancy was diagnosed at D30, D60, and D120 after FTAI. Final pregnancy rates were evaluated by group, weight, body-condition score, occurrence of estrus, inseminator, bull, and occurrence of abortions or embryonic death. In all groups, results indicated seropositivity of 100% for leptospirosis, 77.0-94.0% for BHV-1, and 64.0-87.0% for BVDV. The vaccination protocol was not a significant influencing factor of pregnancy rate and embryonic or fetal mortality; whereas, animal weight at the beginning of the breeding season and presence of estrus at FTAI were significant influencing factors of pregnancy rate. The vaccination protocol had no interference with the reproductive performance of the experimental groups.(AU)

O estudo foi conduzido para avaliar o desempenho reprodutivo de novilhas Nelore, não imunizadas para herpesvirus bovino tipo 1 (BHV-1), vírus da diarreia viral bovina (BVDV) e leptospirose bovina (LB), submetidas a diferentes protocolos vacinais em manejo de inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF) e repasse com touro em monta natural. Um total de 763 animais foram distribuídos em quatro grupos: T1 - controle sem vacinação; T2 - vacinação contra LB; T3 - vacinação contra BHV-1 e BVDV T4 - vacinação com LB+ BHV-1 e BVDV. A vacinação foi iniciada 30 dias antes da IATF (D-40) com a aplicação da segunda dose em D-10. Verificou-se a taxa de ocorrência de infecção natural por LB, BHV-1 e BVDV realizando-se exames sorológicos. O diagnóstico de gestação inicial foi feito aos 30, 60 e 120 dias. Avaliou-se as taxas de prenhez em função dos grupos, do peso, escore de condição corporal, presença ou ausência de cio, inseminador, touro, ocorrência de abortos ou morte embrionária. Os resultados obtidos revelaram que soropositividade para leptospirose foi de 100% para todos os grupos, variando de 77,0% a 94,0% para BHV-1 e 64,0% a 87,0% para BVDV. O protocolo vacinal não interferiu na taxa de prenhez, de mortalidade embrionária ou fetal. Houve diferença na taxa de prenhez em relação ao peso dos animais no início da estação reprodutiva e a presença de cio no momento da IATF. Concluiu-se que o protocolo vacinal não interferiu no desempenho reprodutivo dos grupos experimentais.(AU)

Outbreak of bovine herpetic meningoencephalomyelitis in Southern Brazil

Background: Herpetic meningoencephalitis is an infectious contagious disease worldwide distributed, most often caused by bovine alphaherpesvirus type 5 (BoHV-5), although bovine alphaherpesvirus type 1 (BoHV-1) may occasionally be the causative agent. The disease is characterized by subacute to acute clinical onset, often affecting animals submitted to stressful situations. Clinical signs are mainly neurologic due to meningoencephalitis and cortical necrosis. The involvement of the spinal cord has also been reported, however in BoHV-1 associated disease only. The aim of this report is to describe an outbreak of bovine meningoencephalomyelitis associated to BoHV-5.Case: In August 2017, nine 1-year-old calves died in a beef cattle farm with a flock of approximately 400 bovines. The animals presented neurological clinical signs characterized by excessive salivation, nasal and ocular discharges, incoordination, apathy, head tremors, head pressing, wide-based stance, recumbency followed by convulsions and paddling. According to the owner and referring veterinarian, affected animals displayed severe clinical signs with rapid progression and often leading to death in up to seven days. Four of these calves were submitted for necropsy, and gross lesions were present in the brain, characterized by mild to moderate multifocal hemorrhagic and soft areas. On cut surface, extensive areas of dark brown discoloration and malacia were observed. Histologically, lesions were characterized by extensive areas of liquefactive necrosis in the cerebral cortex grey matter, associated with inflammatory infiltrates composed of neutrophils, lymphocytes, plasma cells and foamy macrophages, as well as multifocal to coalescing areas of hemorrhage and fibrin deposition. Intranuclear eosinophilic inclusion bodies were rarely observed in neurons and astrocytes. On leptomeninges, there was diffuse inflammatory infiltrates of lymphocytes and plasma cells.[...]

Outbreak of bovine herpetic meningoencephalomyelitis in Southern Brazil

Background: Herpetic meningoencephalitis is an infectious contagious disease worldwide distributed, most often caused by bovine alphaherpesvirus type 5 (BoHV-5), although bovine alphaherpesvirus type 1 (BoHV-1) may occasionally be the causative agent. The disease is characterized by subacute to acute clinical onset, often affecting animals submitted to stressful situations. Clinical signs are mainly neurologic due to meningoencephalitis and cortical necrosis. The involvement of the spinal cord has also been reported, however in BoHV-1 associated disease only. The aim of this report is to describe an outbreak of bovine meningoencephalomyelitis associated to BoHV-5.Case: In August 2017, nine 1-year-old calves died in a beef cattle farm with a flock of approximately 400 bovines. The animals presented neurological clinical signs characterized by excessive salivation, nasal and ocular discharges, incoordination, apathy, head tremors, head pressing, wide-based stance, recumbency followed by convulsions and paddling. According to the owner and referring veterinarian, affected animals displayed severe clinical signs with rapid progression and often leading to death in up to seven days. Four of these calves were submitted for necropsy, and gross lesions were present in the brain, characterized by mild to moderate multifocal hemorrhagic and soft areas. On cut surface, extensive areas of dark brown discoloration and malacia were observed. Histologically, lesions were characterized by extensive areas of liquefactive necrosis in the cerebral cortex grey matter, associated with inflammatory infiltrates composed of neutrophils, lymphocytes, plasma cells and foamy macrophages, as well as multifocal to coalescing areas of hemorrhage and fibrin deposition. Intranuclear eosinophilic inclusion bodies were rarely observed in neurons and astrocytes. On leptomeninges, there was diffuse inflammatory infiltrates of lymphocytes and plasma cells.[...](AU)

Infecção pelo vírus influenza A em suínos no sul de Moçambique / Influenza A virus infection in pigs in southern Mozambique

A influenza suína (IS) é uma doença aguda e altamente contagiosa do trato respiratório de suínos, causada pelo vírus influenza A (VIA). A doença provoca perdas econômicas na suinocultura e também, tem importância na saúde pública devido ao seu potencial zoonótico. O objetivo deste trabalho foi relatar a infecção pelo VIA em suínos de Moçambique e realizar a caracterização anatomopatológica e imuno-histoquímica (IHQ) das lesões pulmonares associadas. Pulmões de 457 suínos abatidos foram avaliados e coletados 38 (8,3%) pulmões de suínos com áreas de consolidação pulmonar em um abatedouro na cidade da Matola, no Sul de Moçambique. As áreas de consolidação em cada lobo pulmonar foram classificadas em 4 graus de acordo com a extensão da lesão. Amostras de pulmões com consolidação foram submetidas ao exame histopatológico e IHQ para a detecção de antígenos do VIA, Circovírus suíno tipo 2 (PCV2) e Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae. Os pulmões coletados apresentaram áreas multifocais ou coalescentes de consolidação pulmonar, frequentemente, observadas nos lobos craniais, mediais e acessório. Estas lesões acometiam principalmente um ou três lobos pulmonares e as lesões de grau 1 e 2 foram as mais frequentes. As principais lesões histopatológicas observadas foram bronquiolite necrotizante (23/38), infiltrado de neutrófilos nos alvéolos (24/38), hiperplasia de pneumócitos tipo II (26/38), hiperplasia de tecido linfoide peribronquiolar (28/38), e pneumonia intersticial mononuclear (29/38). No exame de IHQ, antígenos do VIA foram detectados em 84.3% (32/38) dos pulmões com pneumonia, e a nucleoproteína do vírus foi visualizada, no núcleo de células epiteliais de brônquios e bronquíolos e em macrófagos alveolares. Suínos positivos para o VIA na IHQ eram provenientes do distrito de Matutuine (5/32), distrito da Moamba (2/32), distrito de Namaacha (21/32), distrito de Boane (3/32) e Cidade da Matola (1/32). Todas as amostras foram negativas para PCV2 e Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae pelo exame de IHQ. Os resultados demonstram que o VIA está presente e é causa de pneumonia em suínos em Moçambique.(AU)

Swine influenza (SI) is an acute and highly contagious disease of the respiratory tract of pigs caused by influenza A virus (IAV). The disease causes economic losses in swine production and is of great public importance for its zoonotic potential. The aim of the present study was to report IAV infection in pigs from Mozambique and characterize the anatomopathological and immunohistochemical features of associated lung lesions. Lungs from 457 slaughtered pigs were subjected to gross evaluation and 38 (8.3%) lungs with cranioventral consolidation were collected from a slaughterhouse in Matola City, southern Mozambique. Areas of consolidation in each lung lobe were classified in 4 grades according to the lesion extension. Samples with consolidated lung tissue were examined for histopathology and immunohistochemistry (IHC) for the presence of IAV, Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae antigens. The lungs had multifocal to coalescing areas of consolidation observed most frequently in the cranial, middle, and accessory lobes. The lesions involved mainly one or three pulmonary lobes and grade 1 and 2 lesions were the most frequent. The main histopathological findings were necrotizing bronchiolitis (23/38), alveolar neutrophil infiltration (24/38), type II pneumocytes hyperplasia (26/38), peribronchiolar lymphoid tissue hyperplasia (28/38) and interstitial mononuclear cells infiltrate (29/38). Immunohistochemistry revealed positive staining in 84.3% (32/38) of the samples and IAV nucleoprotein was present in the nucleus of bronchial and bronchiolar epithelial cells and alveolar macrophages. Positive IHC pigs were from Matutuine district (5/32), Moamba district (2/32), Namaacha district (21/32), Boane district (3/32) and Matola city (1/32). All lung samples were immunohistochemically negative for PCV2 and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae. These results demonstrate that IAV is a cause of pneumonia in pigs in Mozambique.(AU)

Infecção pelo vírus influenza A em suínos no sul de Moçambique / Influenza A virus infection in pigs in southern Mozambique

A influenza suína (IS) é uma doença aguda e altamente contagiosa do trato respiratório de suínos, causada pelo vírus influenza A (VIA). A doença provoca perdas econômicas na suinocultura e também, tem importância na saúde pública devido ao seu potencial zoonótico. O objetivo deste trabalho foi relatar a infecção pelo VIA em suínos de Moçambique e realizar a caracterização anatomopatológica e imuno-histoquímica (IHQ) das lesões pulmonares associadas. Pulmões de 457 suínos abatidos foram avaliados e coletados 38 (8,3%) pulmões de suínos com áreas de consolidação pulmonar em um abatedouro na cidade da Matola, no Sul de Moçambique. As áreas de consolidação em cada lobo pulmonar foram classificadas em 4 graus de acordo com a extensão da lesão. Amostras de pulmões com consolidação foram submetidas ao exame histopatológico e IHQ para a detecção de antígenos do VIA, Circovírus suíno tipo 2 (PCV2) e Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae. Os pulmões coletados apresentaram áreas multifocais ou coalescentes de consolidação pulmonar, frequentemente, observadas nos lobos craniais, mediais e acessório. Estas lesões acometiam principalmente um ou três lobos pulmonares e as lesões de grau 1 e 2 foram as mais frequentes. As principais lesões histopatológicas observadas foram bronquiolite necrotizante (23/38), infiltrado de neutrófilos nos alvéolos (24/38), hiperplasia de pneumócitos tipo II (26/38), hiperplasia de tecido linfoide peribronquiolar (28/38), e pneumonia intersticial mononuclear (29/38). No exame de IHQ, antígenos do VIA foram detectados em 84.3% (32/38) dos pulmões com pneumonia, e a nucleoproteína do vírus foi visualizada, no núcleo de células epiteliais de brônquios e bronquíolos e em macrófagos alveolares. Suínos positivos para o VIA na IHQ eram provenientes do distrito de Matutuine (5/32), distrito da Moamba (2/32), distrito de Namaacha (21/32), distrito de Boane (3/32) e Cidade da Matola (1/32). Todas as amostras foram negativas para PCV2 e Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae pelo exame de IHQ. Os resultados demonstram que o VIA está presente e é causa de pneumonia em suínos em Moçambique.(AU)

Swine influenza (SI) is an acute and highly contagious disease of the respiratory tract of pigs caused by influenza A virus (IAV). The disease causes economic losses in swine production and is of great public importance for its zoonotic potential. The aim of the present study was to report IAV infection in pigs from Mozambique and characterize the anatomopathological and immunohistochemical features of associated lung lesions. Lungs from 457 slaughtered pigs were subjected to gross evaluation and 38 (8.3%) lungs with cranioventral consolidation were collected from a slaughterhouse in Matola City, southern Mozambique. Areas of consolidation in each lung lobe were classified in 4 grades according to the lesion extension. Samples with consolidated lung tissue were examined for histopathology and immunohistochemistry (IHC) for the presence of IAV, Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae antigens. The lungs had multifocal to coalescing areas of consolidation observed most frequently in the cranial, middle, and accessory lobes. The lesions involved mainly one or three pulmonary lobes and grade 1 and 2 lesions were the most frequent. The main histopathological findings were necrotizing bronchiolitis (23/38), alveolar neutrophil infiltration (24/38), type II pneumocytes hyperplasia (26/38), peribronchiolar lymphoid tissue hyperplasia (28/38) and interstitial mononuclear cells infiltrate (29/38). Immunohistochemistry revealed positive staining in 84.3% (32/38) of the samples and IAV nucleoprotein was present in the nucleus of bronchial and bronchiolar epithelial cells and alveolar macrophages. Positive IHC pigs were from Matutuine district (5/32), Moamba district (2/32), Namaacha district (21/32), Boane district (3/32) and Matola city (1/32). All lung samples were immunohistochemically negative for PCV2 and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae. These results demonstrate that IAV is a cause of pneumonia in pigs in Mozambique.(AU)

Proventricular dilatation disease (PDD) outbreak in blue-and-gold macaws (Ara ararauna) in the State of Santa Catarina, southern Brazil / Surto de doença da dilatação proventricular em araras-canindé (Ara ararauna) no estado de Santa Catarina, sul do Brasil

Proventricular dilatation disease (PDD) is a lethal and important disease of captive psittacine birds, and affects a wide range of species, including endangered ones, and lacks an effective treatment. This report describes PDD in three blue-and-gold macaws (Ara ararauna) in southern Brazil. All three macaws originated from the same aviary and presented similar clinical signs including anorexia, apathy, emaciation and prostration. At necropsy, one of the macaws presented an enlarged proventriculus. Histologically, lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates was observed in the ganglia and nerves of the esophagus, crop, proventriculus, ventriculus, heart, adrenal glands, and adrenal medulla of all three cases. Two macaws had meningoencephalomyelitis and one had myocarditis. Immunohistochemistry identified PaBV antigen in the brain, proventricular, ventricular ganglia, and epicardial ganglia, and cardiomyocytes of all three macaws.(AU)

A doença da dilatação proventricular (PDD) e uma importante e fatal doença de psitacídeos de cativeiro, que afeta uma grande variedade de espécies e não tem um tratamento efetivo até o momento. Este relato descreve PDD em três araras canindé (Ara ararauna) no sul do Brasil. Todas as três araras eram provenientes do mesmo criatório e apresentaram sinais clínicos semelhantes incluindo anorexia, apatia, emaciação e prostração. Na necropsia, uma das araras apresentou proventrículo dilatado. No exame histopatológico, infiltrados linfoplasmacitários foram observados em gânglios e nervos do esôfago, inglúvio, proventrículo, moela, coração, glândulas adrenais e rins de todos os casos. Adicionalmente, meningoencefalomielite foi observada em duas araras e miocardite em uma. A imuno-histoquímica identificou antígenos de PaBV no encéfalo, coração, proventrículo e moela de todos os casos.(AU)

Proventricular dilatation disease (PDD) outbreak in blue-and-gold macaws (Ara ararauna) in the State of Santa Catarina, southern Brazil / Surto de doença da dilatação proventricular em araras-canindé (Ara ararauna) no estado de Santa Catarina, sul do Brasil

Proventricular dilatation disease (PDD) is a lethal and important disease of captive psittacine birds, and affects a wide range of species, including endangered ones, and lacks an effective treatment. This report describes PDD in three blue-and-gold macaws (Ara ararauna) in southern Brazil. All three macaws originated from the same aviary and presented similar clinical signs including anorexia, apathy, emaciation and prostration. At necropsy, one of the macaws presented an enlarged proventriculus. Histologically, lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates was observed in the ganglia and nerves of the esophagus, crop, proventriculus, ventriculus, heart, adrenal glands, and adrenal medulla of all three cases. Two macaws had meningoencephalomyelitis and one had myocarditis. Immunohistochemistry identified PaBV antigen in the brain, proventricular, ventricular ganglia, and epicardial ganglia, and cardiomyocytes of all three macaws.(AU)

A doença da dilatação proventricular (PDD) e uma importante e fatal doença de psitacídeos de cativeiro, que afeta uma grande variedade de espécies e não tem um tratamento efetivo até o momento. Este relato descreve PDD em três araras canindé (Ara ararauna) no sul do Brasil. Todas as três araras eram provenientes do mesmo criatório e apresentaram sinais clínicos semelhantes incluindo anorexia, apatia, emaciação e prostração. Na necropsia, uma das araras apresentou proventrículo dilatado. No exame histopatológico, infiltrados linfoplasmacitários foram observados em gânglios e nervos do esôfago, inglúvio, proventrículo, moela, coração, glândulas adrenais e rins de todos os casos. Adicionalmente, meningoencefalomielite foi observada em duas araras e miocardite em uma. A imuno-histoquímica identificou antígenos de PaBV no encéfalo, coração, proventrículo e moela de todos os casos.(AU)

Bovine leukosis virus and antibodies against bovine herpesvirus type-1 and bovine viral diarrhea virus and in bufaloes of the State of Pará, Brazil / Ocorrência do vírus da leucose enzoótica dos bovinos (BLV) e de anticorpos contra herpesvírus bovino tipo-1 (BoHV-1) e vírus da diarreia viral bovina (BVDV) em búfalos no Estado do Pará

Background: Viral diseases affecting reproduction cause economic losses in cattle, as reproductive failure interrupts the production cycle, thus reducing herd productivity. Buffaloes are susceptible to most of the diseases that affect cattle. Some of the viral diseases of reproductive importance are infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), bovine viral diarrhea (BVD), and bovine leukosis (BL). The objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of IBR virus (bovine herpes virus-1, BoHV-1), BVD virus (BVDV), and BL virus (BLV) in female buffaloes living in wetland areas or plains in the state of Pará, as well as the seroprevalence of BoHV-1, BVDV, and BLV in females of different age groups. Materials, Methods & Results: It were used 225 crossbred buffaloes from 4 buffalo exclusive farms. The buffaloes reared on farms A (n = 50) and B (n = 89) were kept in wetland areas on Marajó Island (n = 139), Pará. On farms C (n = 30) and D (n = 56) buffaloes were kept in plains (n = 86) in a northeastern mesoregion of Para. Animals were categorized into age groups: I: 0-3 years (n = 34), II: 3-6 years (n = 58), III: 7-9 years (n = 55), and IV: over 9 years (n = 78). Blood samples were collected and sera were sent for processing at the Bovine Virus Laboratory, Biological Institute of São Paulo, Brazil. The presence of IBRV and BVDV was determined by neutralization and BLV [...]

Bovine leukosis virus and antibodies against bovine herpesvirus type-1 and bovine viral diarrhea virus and in bufaloes of the State of Pará, Brazil / Ocorrência do vírus da leucose enzoótica dos bovinos (BLV) e de anticorpos contra herpesvírus bovino tipo-1 (BoHV-1) e vírus da diarreia viral bovina (BVDV) em búfalos no Estado do Pará

Background: Viral diseases affecting reproduction cause economic losses in cattle, as reproductive failure interrupts the production cycle, thus reducing herd productivity. Buffaloes are susceptible to most of the diseases that affect cattle. Some of the viral diseases of reproductive importance are infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), bovine viral diarrhea (BVD), and bovine leukosis (BL). The objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of IBR virus (bovine herpes virus-1, BoHV-1), BVD virus (BVDV), and BL virus (BLV) in female buffaloes living in wetland areas or plains in the state of Pará, as well as the seroprevalence of BoHV-1, BVDV, and BLV in females of different age groups. Materials, Methods & Results: It were used 225 crossbred buffaloes from 4 buffalo exclusive farms. The buffaloes reared on farms A (n = 50) and B (n = 89) were kept in wetland areas on Marajó Island (n = 139), Pará. On farms C (n = 30) and D (n = 56) buffaloes were kept in plains (n = 86) in a northeastern mesoregion of Para. Animals were categorized into age groups: I: 0-3 years (n = 34), II: 3-6 years (n = 58), III: 7-9 years (n = 55), and IV: over 9 years (n = 78). Blood samples were collected and sera were sent for processing at the Bovine Virus Laboratory, Biological Institute of São Paulo, Brazil. The presence of IBRV and BVDV was determined by neutralization and BLV [...](AU)

Risk factors associated with Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) infection in the semiarid of the state of Paraíba, in the northeast region of Brazil / Fatores de risco associados à infecção pelo vírus da diarreia viral bovina (BVDV) no semiárido do estado da Paraíba, região nordeste do Brasil

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) has become an important viral infectious agent in cows and is considered endemic in many regions. This study aimed to determine the epidemiological status of BVDV in bovine herds in the semiarid state of Paraíba, in northeastern Brazil, by determining the frequency of anti-BVDV antibodies and risk factors associated with the infection. We tested 359 cows from 20 farms. Three had a history of clinically suspected bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) or mucosal disease (MD), whereas the other 17 locations were randomly selected. Detection of anti-BVDV antibodies was performed by indirect ELISA using a commercial kit (IDEXX BVDV p80 Ab Test). Risk factor analysis was performed in two steps, univariate and multivariate analysis. Seven samples were considered suspicious and were excluded from the analysis of seropositive animals. Of 352 animals, 141 (40.1 %; CI 95 % = 34. 9% 45.2 %) were seropositive. Of the 20 farms analyzed, 19 (95%) had seropositive animals and the frequency of seropositivity per farm varied between 4.5 % and 85.7 %. The risk factors identified were as follows: area ? 120 hectares (OR = 3.06; CI 9 5% = 1.43 6.53), high animal density (OR = 3.48; CI 95 % = 1.24-9.79), weaning age ? 60 days (OR = 10.99; CI 95 % = 1.31-91.9), exchange of animals (OR = 4.95; CI 95 % = 2.08-11.8), calf mortality > 5% (OR = 2.33; CI 95 % = 1.07-5.11), and use of natural breeding and artificial insemination (OR = 3.06; 95% CI = 1.22 – 7.67). It was suggested that to avoid the transmission of BVDV infection in bovine herds in the Sertão of Paraíba, it is important to prevent identified associated risk factors and to perform further studies, identifying persistently infected animals.

O vírus da diarreia viral bovina (BVDV) tem emergido como um dos mais importantes agentes virais infecciosos em bovinos, sendo considerado endêmico em várias regiões. Objetivou-se com este estudo determinar a situação epidemiológica da infecção pelo BVDV em rebanhos bovinos do semiárido paraibano, nordeste do Brasil, pela determinação da frequência de anticorpos anti-BVDV e de fatores de risco associados à infecção. Foram utilizadas 359 vacas de 20 propriedades rurais, sendo três propriedades com histórico de suspeita clínica de diarreia viral bovina (BVD) ou doença das mucosas (DM) e 17 sorteadas aleatoriamente. A detecção de anticorpos anti-BVDV foi realizada com kit comercial ELISA indireto (IDEXX BVDV p80 Ab Test) e a análise de fatores de risco foi efetuada em duas etapas: análise univariada e análise multivariada. Sete amostras foram consideradas suspeitas e foram excluídas do cálculo da frequência de animais soropositivos. Dos 352 animais, 141 (40,1%; IC 95% = 34,9% 45,2%) foram soropositivos. Das 20 propriedades analisadas, em 19 (95%) havia animais soropositivos e a frequência de soropositividade por propriedade variou de 4,5% a 85,7%. Os fatores de risco identificados foram: área ? 120 ha (OR = 3,06; IC 95% = 1,43 6,53), alta densidade de animais (OR = 3,48; IC 95% = 1,24 9,79), idade ao desmame até 60 dias (OR = 10,99; IC 95% = 1,31 91,9), permuta de animais (OR = 4,95; IC 95% = 2,08 – 11,8), mortalidade de bezerros > 5% (OR = 2,33; IC 95% = 1,07 – 5,11) e utilização de monta natural mais inseminação artificial (OR = 3,06; IC 95% = 1,22 – 7,67). Sugere-se que para evitar a difusão da infecção pelo BVDV em rebanhos bovinos do sertão paraibano é importante a correção dos fatores de risco identificados, bem como é necessário conduzir estudos para a identificação de animais persistentemente infectados.

Diagnoses of ovine infection by the serotype-4 bluetongue virus on Minas Gerais, Brazil

Background: Bluetongue (BT) is a viral disease transmitted by hematophagous vectors of the genus Culicoides. In Brazil, the identification of antibodies against the virus has been held for over thirty years, however clinicopathological diagnosis of the disease are scarce. The first reported case occurred in the state of Paraná in 2001, confirmed by isolation and identification of serotype 12 of BTV. In the state of Rio Grande do Sul, in 2009, two outbreaks confirmed and was identified the serotype 12. Serotype 4 was isolated during an outbreak in the state of Rio de Janeiro in 2013. This study describes the Diagnoses of ovine infection by the serotype-4 bluetongue virus in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Case: In a farm in the Southern region of the state of Minas Gerais, a group of 28 male sheep, was sent for necropsy at the Setor de Patologia Veterinária of Universidade Federal de Lavras (SPV-UFLA). In a flock of 80 male sheep 28 died with clinical signs of respiratory distress, whereas other showed signs of anemia and hypoproteinemia, cough, sneezing, prostration, fever, mucopurulent nasal discharge, anemia and submandibular edema. At necropsy, the main changes observed were cranioventral pulmonary consolidation, hemorrhage at the base of the pulmonary artery and ulcerating lesions in the hard palate mucosa, rumen and reticulum. The histological changes consisted of bacterial [...]

Diagnoses of ovine infection by the serotype-4 bluetongue virus on Minas Gerais, Brazil

Background: Bluetongue (BT) is a viral disease transmitted by hematophagous vectors of the genus Culicoides. In Brazil, the identification of antibodies against the virus has been held for over thirty years, however clinicopathological diagnosis of the disease are scarce. The first reported case occurred in the state of Paraná in 2001, confirmed by isolation and identification of serotype 12 of BTV. In the state of Rio Grande do Sul, in 2009, two outbreaks confirmed and was identified the serotype 12. Serotype 4 was isolated during an outbreak in the state of Rio de Janeiro in 2013. This study describes the Diagnoses of ovine infection by the serotype-4 bluetongue virus in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Case: In a farm in the Southern region of the state of Minas Gerais, a group of 28 male sheep, was sent for necropsy at the Setor de Patologia Veterinária of Universidade Federal de Lavras (SPV-UFLA). In a flock of 80 male sheep 28 died with clinical signs of respiratory distress, whereas other showed signs of anemia and hypoproteinemia, cough, sneezing, prostration, fever, mucopurulent nasal discharge, anemia and submandibular edema. At necropsy, the main changes observed were cranioventral pulmonary consolidation, hemorrhage at the base of the pulmonary artery and ulcerating lesions in the hard palate mucosa, rumen and reticulum. The histological changes consisted of bacterial [...](AU)

Risk factors associated with Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) infection in the semiarid of the state of Paraíba, in the northeast region of Brazil / Fatores de risco associados à infecção pelo vírus da diarreia viral bovina (BVDV) no semiárido do estado da Paraíba, região nordeste do Brasil

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) has become an important viral infectious agent in cows and is considered endemic in many regions. This study aimed to determine the epidemiological status of BVDV in bovine herds in the semiarid state of Paraíba, in northeastern Brazil, by determining the frequency of anti-BVDV antibodies and risk factors associated with the infection. We tested 359 cows from 20 farms. Three had a history of clinically suspected bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) or mucosal disease (MD), whereas the other 17 locations were randomly selected. Detection of anti-BVDV antibodies was performed by indirect ELISA using a commercial kit (IDEXX BVDV p80 Ab Test). Risk factor analysis was performed in two steps, univariate and multivariate analysis. Seven samples were considered suspicious and were excluded from the analysis of seropositive animals. Of 352 animals, 141 (40.1 %; CI 95 % = 34. 9% 45.2 %) were seropositive. Of the 20 farms analyzed, 19 (95%) had seropositive animals and the frequency of seropositivity per farm varied between 4.5 % and 85.7 %. The risk factors identified were as follows: area ? 120 hectares (OR = 3.06; CI 9 5% = 1.43 6.53), high animal density (OR = 3.48; CI 95 % = 1.24-9.79), weaning age ? 60 days (OR = 10.99; CI 95 % = 1.31-91.9), exchange of animals (OR = 4.95; CI 95 % = 2.08-11.8), calf mortality > 5% (OR = 2.33; CI 95 % = 1.07-5.11), and use of natural breeding and artificial insemination (OR = 3.06; 95% CI = 1.22 7.67). It was suggested that to avoid the transmission of BVDV infection in bovine herds in the Sertão of Paraíba, it is important to prevent identified associated risk factors and to perform further studies, identifying persistently infected animals.(AU)

O vírus da diarreia viral bovina (BVDV) tem emergido como um dos mais importantes agentes virais infecciosos em bovinos, sendo considerado endêmico em várias regiões. Objetivou-se com este estudo determinar a situação epidemiológica da infecção pelo BVDV em rebanhos bovinos do semiárido paraibano, nordeste do Brasil, pela determinação da frequência de anticorpos anti-BVDV e de fatores de risco associados à infecção. Foram utilizadas 359 vacas de 20 propriedades rurais, sendo três propriedades com histórico de suspeita clínica de diarreia viral bovina (BVD) ou doença das mucosas (DM) e 17 sorteadas aleatoriamente. A detecção de anticorpos anti-BVDV foi realizada com kit comercial ELISA indireto (IDEXX BVDV p80 Ab Test) e a análise de fatores de risco foi efetuada em duas etapas: análise univariada e análise multivariada. Sete amostras foram consideradas suspeitas e foram excluídas do cálculo da frequência de animais soropositivos. Dos 352 animais, 141 (40,1%; IC 95% = 34,9% 45,2%) foram soropositivos. Das 20 propriedades analisadas, em 19 (95%) havia animais soropositivos e a frequência de soropositividade por propriedade variou de 4,5% a 85,7%. Os fatores de risco identificados foram: área ? 120 ha (OR = 3,06; IC 95% = 1,43 6,53), alta densidade de animais (OR = 3,48; IC 95% = 1,24 9,79), idade ao desmame até 60 dias (OR = 10,99; IC 95% = 1,31 91,9), permuta de animais (OR = 4,95; IC 95% = 2,08 11,8), mortalidade de bezerros > 5% (OR = 2,33; IC 95% = 1,07 5,11) e utilização de monta natural mais inseminação artificial (OR = 3,06; IC 95% = 1,22 7,67). Sugere-se que para evitar a difusão da infecção pelo BVDV em rebanhos bovinos do sertão paraibano é importante a correção dos fatores de risco identificados, bem como é necessário conduzir estudos para a identificação de animais persistentemente infectados.(AU)

Prevalência de anticorpos contra o vírus da arterite equina nas mesorregiões Noroeste, Centro Ocidental e Norte Central do Paraná / Prevalence of antibodies against equine viral arteritis virus in Northwest, Western Central and North Central Regions of the State of Paraná, Brazil

O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a prevalência de anticorpos contra o vírus da arterite viral equina (EVAV) em equinos sadios criados nas mesorregiões Noroeste, Centro Ocidental e Norte Central do estado do Paraná. Após o cálculo do tamanho amostral, foram analisadas, utilizando a técnica de soroneutralização, amostras de soro sanguíneo de 653 equinos. Nenhum animal sororreagente foi encontrado nas mesorregiões Noroeste (0/236) e Centro Ocidental (0/99). Na mesorregião Norte Central a prevalência foi de 0,62% (2/318), totalizando 0,30%. Pode-se concluir que a arterite viral equina (AVE) ainda não representa um problema de importância epidemiológica nos equinos criados nas mesorregiões paranaenses estudadas.(AU)

The prevalence of antibodies against equine viral arteritis virus (EVAV) in healthy horses raised in Northwest, Western Central and North Central regions of the State of Paraná, Brazil was investigated. According to calculated sample size, serum samples of 653 horses were analyzed through standard virus neutralization test. No horse had antibodies to EVAV in Northwest (0/236) and in Western Central (0/99) regions. In North Central region frequency was 0.62% (2/318), with an overall prevalence of 0.30%. It can be concluded that EVA does not represent a problem of epidemiological importance in the studied regions of Paraná.(AU)

Outbreak of contagious echtyma in sheep in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil / Surto de ectima contagioso em ovinos no Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

Background: Contagious ecthyma is a viral disease caused by a Parapoxvirus, which affects primarily sheep and goats. The disease has a worldwide distribution and is characterized by cutaneous pustules and crusts mainly in the muzzle and lips. Although the disease has a worldwide distribution, there are few reports in the literature of contagious ecthyma outbreaks in Brazil. Moreover, this is an important disease, as well as causing huge economic losses due to high morbidity rates, is also a zoonosis occupational character. This report describes the epidemiological, clinical, and anatomopathological aspects of an outbreak of contagious echtyma in sheep in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Case: Cases were observed on January and February of 2016. Seventeen out of 45 Texel sheep were affected including five 4-6-month-old lambs, three 7-12-month-old male sheep and nine 2-year-old ewes. Before the outbreak, a Texel ram was introduced in the herd as replacement. Clinically, affected sheep had pustules, ulcers, and crusts in the lips, labial commissures, muzzle, and nasal bridge. They also presented dyspnea, submandibular and facial subcutaneous edema. One of the affected sheep was euthanized due to the poor prognosis. At necropsy, the lesions observed clinically were confirmed. Histopathology of the skin in the lips and muzzles showed marked acanthosis of the epidermis, [...]