Examinations on the prevalence of footpad lesions and breast skin lesions in British United Turkeys Big 6 fattening turkeys in Germany. Part I: prevalence of footpad lesions.

The present study demonstrates the prevalence of footpad lesions in turkeys and their level of expression in both live birds and in carcasses. In clinical investigations of 11,860 turkeys (5,740 males, 6,120 females) of the strain British United Turkeys Big 6, individuals of all the observed flocks showed alterations to the plantar skin. In general, the degree and severity of skin alterations were higher in the 16th week of life than in the 6th or 11th week of life. Epithelial necrosis, however, was already apparent in about 45% of individuals in the 6th week of life. At this point, deep lesions on the footpad surface were still rare findings. In the 11th week of life, such skin changes were apparent in 14.7% of males and 25.7% of hens. In general, the feet of male turkeys were less affected by footpad damage than those of females in the subsequent fattening period. In hens, the prevalence of lesions of the footpads at wk 16 of age was 60.0%, almost twice as high as in males of the same age group (33.8%). A comparison of the findings from the right and left feet showed that the state of the 2 extremities was correlated (Spearman correlation: r = 0.830). During the visual inspection of 16,200 slaughtered turkeys (7,800 males, 8,400 hens), almost all carcasses studied showed alterations to the footpad skin. Only 2.1% of males and 0.6% of females were without lesions. The most frequently observed lesions measured up to 2 cm in diameter (males: 59.2%; hens: 57.7%). Pronounced skin lesions of the footpad (males: 21.1%; females: 29.5%) and necrosis of the superficial epithelium (males: 17.5%; females: 12.1%) were less common. Foot abscesses were diagnosed only sporadically (males: 0.1%; females: 0.1%).

Examinations on the prevalence of footpad lesions and breast skin lesions in B.U.T. Big 6 fattening turkeys in Germany. Part II: Prevalence of breast skin lesions (breast buttons and breast blisters).

This project involves the prevalence of breast skin alterations (breast buttons, blisters, purulent bursitis) in male and female fattened turkeys (British United Turkeys Big 6) from conventional intensive farming. In this case, 24 turkey farms across Germany and 11,860 turkeys (5,740 toms, 6,120 hens) were clinically examined, and 16,200 birds (8,400 hens, 7,800 toms) were evaluated on slaughter lines at 7 turkey abattoirs. Each turkey farm included examination of at least 3 consecutive fattening cycles. Especially in the meat examinations, breast skin alterations were a frequent discovery, particularly in the form of breast buttons. The turkey toms exhibited a prevalence of 27.15%, and the toms were affected significantly more frequently (P < 0.001) by these variations than the turkey hens (7.77%). It is possible that the higher BW of the male specimens leads to increased lying times and is therefore connected with more severe strain on the breast region. The increased fattening period of the turkey toms (slaughtering at wk 21 to 22 of life) vs. the female specimens (slaughtering at wk 15 to 17 of life) must be discussed as a cause. Breast blisters and bursitis sternalis were discovered with a prevalence of 7.36 and 1.24% in toms and more seldom in hens, at 0.30% and 0.15%. Large differences in prevalence were partially recognizable between individual farms as well as between the 3 fattening cycles on a farm. Breast buttons and breast blisters are pathological skin variations for which the etiology is multifactorial. Clear correlations between the prevalence of breast skin alterations and the manner of rearing the birds were not able to be determined. An improvement in this situation, which is considered very problematic from the perspective of bird protection and economics, may be achieved only via cooperation to achieve optimized rearing methods, management, and breeding practices.

Control of Fundamental Frequency in Dysphonic Patients During Phonation and Speech.

PURPOSE: The pitch-shift reflex (PSR) is the adaptation of the fundamental frequency during phonation and speech and describes the auditory feedback control. Speakers without voice and speech disorders mostly show a compensation of the pitch change in the auditory feedback and adapt their fundamental frequency to the opposite direction. Dysphonic patients often display problems with the auditory perception and control of their voice during therapy. Our study focuses on the auditory and kinesthetic control mechanisms of patients with muscle tension dysphonia (MTD) and speakers without voice and speech problems. Main purpose of the study is the analysis of the functionality of the control mechanisms within phonation and speech between patients with MTD and normal speakers. METHOD: Sixty-one healthy subjects (17 male, 44 female) and 22 patients with MTD (7 male, 15 female) participated following two paradigms including a sustained phonation (vowel /a/) and speech (['mama]). Within both paradigms the fundamental frequency of the auditory feedback was increased synthetically. For the analysis of the PSR the electroencephalogram, electroglottography, the voice signal, and the high-speed endoscopy data were recorded simultaneously. The PSR in the electroencephalogram was detected via the N100 and the mismatch negativity. Statistical tests were applied for the detection of the PSR in the physiological response within the electroglottography, voice, and high-speed endoscopy signals. The results were compared between both groups. RESULTS: No differences were found between the controls and patients with MTD regarding latency and magnitude of the perception of the pitch shift in both paradigms, but for the magnitude of the behavioral response. Differences also could be found for both groups between the "no pitch" and "pitch" condition of the two paradigms regarding vocal fold dynamics and voice quality. Patients with MTD showed more vibrational irregularities during the PSR than the controls, especially regarding the symmetry of vocal fold dynamics. CONCLUSION: Patients with MTD seem to have a disturbed interaction between the auditory and kinesthetic feedback inducing the execution of an overriding behavioral response.

[Animal welfare guideline of Lower Saxony for the keeping of dairy cows]. / Tierschutzleitlinie für die Milchkuhhaltung des Landes Niedersachsen.

In May 2007 a working group passed a guideline, which deals with requirements for the indoor keeping of dairy cows to perform Article 2 of the animal welfare legislation. The guideline should support the local district veterinary authorities and the stockman in the animal welfare judgement both of new and rebuilding as well as already existing stables. Whereas for new buildings minimum standards for the protection of cows are put together and beyond that additional recommendations for more "cow comfort" are given, for old buildings only standard values are presented. The guideline mentioned especially those aspects, which from previous experience always gives cause for discussion. For example: size and construction of cubicles, width and floor design of passageways or the relation between the number of animals and the number of feeding places and cubicles. All together the guideline enables the local district veterinary authorities in Lower Saxony to judge the keeping of dairy cows following equal standards. This leads to confidence in planning and investment for the livestock owners.

[Alteration of the order on animal welfare in farmed animals sections: hen and pig husbandry]. / Anderung der Tierschutz- Nutztierhaltungsverordnung Abschnitte: Legehennenund Schweinehaltung.

The authors report on the recent situation regarding the Animal Welfare Regulation of farmed Animals, which now has additional requirements for hen and pig husbandry, introduced by the amending regulation from 1st August 2006. In particular they describe, which parts of the Council Directive 91/630/EEC of 19th November 1991 with minimum standards for the protection of pigs is originally implemented and where the national legislation demands higher animal welfare standards.

Pituitary macroadenoma manifesting as an isolated fourth nerve palsy.

PURPOSE: To describe an unusual ophthalmic manifestation of a pituitary adenoma. METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: A 32-year-old man had left supraorbital and frontal headaches and new-onset vertical diplopia. Examination showed a left fourth nerve palsy and increased vertical fusional amplitudes. Magnetic resonance imaging disclosed a sellar mass consistent with a pituitary macroadenoma. CONCLUSION: A pituitary adenoma may rarely manifest with an isolated fourth nerve palsy.

Isolated comitant esotropia and Chiari I malformation.

PURPOSE: To report four patients with isolated comitant esotropia and Chiari I malformation and discuss the most appropriate management. METHODS: Case reports and literature review. RESULTS: All four patients (5, 14, 16, and 37 years of age) presented with an isolated comitant esotropia that led to the diagnosis of Chiari I malformation. The first two patients underwent uncomplicated neurosurgical decompression of their malformation, followed by complete resolution of their esotropia. The third patient underwent strabismus surgery and experienced initial resolution of the esotropia, but eventual recurrence resulted in the strabismus surgery being repeated 5 years later. The fourth patient had strabismus surgery with resolution of the esotropia but only 2 months of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Although management of patients with Chiari I malformation and severe neurologic findings typically includes surgical decompression, management is less straightforward in cases with subtle findings or in which ocular findings are isolated. The decision to perform neurosurgical decompression or strabismus surgery should still be made on a case-by-case basis, with the understanding that strabismus surgery may provide only temporary ocular alignment.

Expression and partial characterization of an elastase from Chromobacterium violaceum.

Chromobacterium violaceum was recovered at necropsy from the lungs, liver, spleen, and an interscapular abscess of a Chinese red panda (strain 98-9187) [J. Vet. Diagn. Invest. 12 (2000) 177]. As the lungs exhibited extensive, necrotizing lesions harboring bacterial aggregates, we sought to determine whether C. violaceum produced an elastase that might in part account for these lesions. The C. violaceum type strain (ATCC 12472(T)) and strain 98-9187 were shown to exhibit elastolytic activity by elastin Congo red and elastin nutrient agar assays. The activity was isolated from the periplasmic fraction and was present throughout the growth cycle. Activity increased markedly in late logarithmic phase growth. In elastin-limiting medium, activity rapidly decreased in early stationary phase indicating a tight regulation of yield. The activity was optimal at neutral pH and was sensitive to the metalloproteinase inhibitors EDTA and 1,10-phenanthroline. Activity was restored upon addition of zinc indicating the enzyme is a zinc metalloproteinase. A band corresponding to purified elastase activity was present at approximately 30kDa in a denaturing polyacrylamide gel.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa from canine otitis externa exhibit a quorum sensing deficiency.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa LasB elastase gene (lasB) transcription depends on cell density-dependent quorum-sensing mechanisms of gene activation. Previously, we collected several non-mucoid P. aeruginosa veterinary isolates and showed that the total matrix protease phenotype was similar for isolates regardless of host and site of isolation. In contrast, isolates from chronic canine ear infections (otitis externa) were significantly more likely to exhibit less elastase activity as measured by elastin Congo red than from any other site [Clin. Diag. Lab. Immun. 8 (2001) 632]. In this study, we found that the elastase deficiency phenotype is stable upon passage in broth culture. Transcript amplification analyses indicated that the elastase deficiency appears to be strain-specific, with each isolate exhibiting a unique expression profile relative to strain PAO1. Although a number of strain-specific transcriptional differences were observed, the overall pattern that emerges is a quorum sensing deficiency among canine ear P. aeruginosa isolates.

[Laying hens in alternative housing systems--practical experiences]. / Legehennen in alternativen Haltungssystemen--Praktische Erfahrungen.

Alternative keeping systems of laying hens in Germany at present are run as deep litter-, aviary- and free-range systems. After a short description of these housing types special requirements on management are considered. First solutions for the reduction of parasite and environmental burden in front of the hen-house are presented as well as opportunities to improve the utilization of that part of the outside run, which lay far from the pen. Although the management has improved a lot, the average mortality in alternative keeping systems of laying hens is still very high, probable reasons were discussed. Beside that the further development of furnished cages for groups of laying hens up to 40 and 60 individuals per unit is described; the first experiences from scientifically attended pilot projects are reported.

[Animal Welfare Service of Lower Saxony--first report of experiences]. / Tierschutzdienst Niedersachsen--1. Erfahrungsbericht.

The Animal Welfare Service of Lower Saxony-part of the state veterinary services within the regional government of Weser-Ems-started its work in February 1995 at Oldenburg. The experiences during the first 18 months of activity are discussed. The main duties of the Service consist of: Advising the local district veterinary authorities concerning "problem" holdings including common control visits on occasion. Advising the offices of the court on matters concerning animal protection. Advising government offices and legislative bodies on the development and improvement of animal welfare legislation. Working on special problems of animal welfare. In particular the Service aided by various working groups is currently establishing welfare recommendations for the special fields of turkey fattening and all year grazing of cattle and sheep.

[Domestic animal welfare--practice oriented solutions]. / Tierschutz in der Nutztierhaltung--Lösungsmöglichkeiten aus der Praxis.

Examples for practical solutions of animal welfare questions in poultry and pig holdings are described: A new inspection trolley for laying hens in battery cages with 8 floors, rearing conditions for laying hens in alternative housing systems including outdoor areas, improvement of hen-runs with plantation and mobile shelters, incidence of day-light in broiler houses, use of an automatic broiler catching machine, straw-racks and structured pens for fattening turkeys, outdoor husbandry of "Kelleyturkeys", kennelled system with "bungalows" for weaners (Nürtinger System), "Straw-Flow" systems with a sloping floor and straw provided from a freely accessible dispenser, outdoor areas with solid surface for fattening pigs, straw-racks, animal friendly construction of farrowing pens as well as an outdoor system for breeding sows.

[Animal welfare aspects of broiler husbandry--studies of fattening cockerel husbandry in the administrative district of Weser-Ems]. / Tierschutzaspekte in der Broilerhaltung--Untersuchungen zur Masthähnchenhaltung im Regierungsbezirk Weser-Ems.

In January 1993 a working team "animal protection in poultry fattening" at the district council of Weser-Ems presented a report of important aspects of animal welfare in broiler fattening in the district of Weser-Ems. The following main points were discussed: lighting, stable-climate, litter, feed and water, diseases and stocking density. A list of claims for animal welfare in broiler production is given.

[The "diseased" or "dead" guillemots (Uria aalge), three-toed gulls (Rissa tridactyla), silver gulls (Larus argentatus) and laughing gulls (Larus ridibundus) found in the area of the German Bay, 1982-1985]. / Untersuchungsbefunde an "krank" bzw. "tot" gefundenen Trottellummen (Uria aalge), Dreizehen- (Rissa tridactyla), Silber- (Larus argentatus) und Lachmöwen (Larus ridibundus) aus dem Bereich der Deutschen Bucht, 1982-1985).

Between 1982 and 1985 the cadavers of 50 Guillemots (Uria aalge), 41 Kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla), 26 Herring Gulls (Larus argentatus) and 34 Black-headed Gulls (Larus ridibundus) were examined pathological, bacteriological and virological. The probable cause of death was established. Parasitosis were particularly prevalent in Herring Gulls (49%), where the main infection--as in Black-headed Gulls--was with Cestoides. In Kittiwakes and Guillemots mainly Spiruroideae were recorded. The commonest bacterium isolated in organs and intestinal tract was Escherichia coli, followed by Aeromonas hydrophila and Clostridium perfringens. Salmonella were found in the organs of 5% and in the intestinal tract of 3% of the birds. The species of Salmonella most frequently isolated was Salmonella typhimurium varieties copenhagen. Also recorded were Yersinia intermedia Serovar 0:17 (1x), Pseudomonas spp. (2x), bacteria of the Haemophilus-Pasteurella-Actinobacillus group (1x), Pasteurella multocida (2x), Moraxella septicaemiae (1x), Campylobacter spec. (1x), Mycoplasma spec. (6x), DNase positive Staphylococcus spec. (4x) and Streptococcus spec. (6x). Less in evidence among the birds examined were fungus diseases with Aspergillus spec. (4x) and Blastomyces spec. (4x). As for viruses one Guillemot was found to have an Adenovirus and another one to have a Paramyxovirus. From one of the Herring Gulls there also was isolated a Paramyxovirus, from a second one to a Reovirus. Three other species isolated have get to be identified. The chief cause of sickness and death in the Guillemots was oil-contamination. The majority of the examined Kittiwakes and Herring Gulls were victims of pathogenic agents. Many of the Black-headed Gulls died through traumata as gunshots or road traffic etc. In order to establish the causes of sickness and death in seabirds and to ascertain the importance of the various species as possible carriers of infectious diseases, a systematic series of investigation will be necessary. Without this it will not be possible to assess their epidemiological relevance for other wild birds, domestic poultry and humans.

[The occurrence and characterization of Campylobacter spp. in silver gulls (Larus argentatus), three-toed gulls (Rissa tridactyla) and house sparrows (Passer domesticus)]. / Vorkommen und Charakterisierung von Campylobacter spp. bei Silbermöwen (Larus argentatus), Dreizehenmöwen (Rissa tridactyla) und Haussperlingen (Passer domesticus).

Altogether 16 Campylobacter (C.) isolates could be recovered from 65 Herring gulls: 5 x C. laridis, 2 x C. jejuni biovar 1, 4 x C. jejuni biovar 2 and 5 x C. coli. Campylobacter spp. were isolated from 15 out of 51 samples from Kittiwakes: 2 x C. jejuni biovar 1 and 13 x C. laridis. All C. coli isolates grew on agar containing 1.5% NaCl. Two Campylobacter isolates from 50 House sparrows differed from all other isolates by a distinct beta-hemolysis and other phenotypic characteristics and could not be associated with a certain Campylobacter species. Epidemiological aspects and the possible role of the examined birds as a source of infection for man and domestic animals are discussed.

Intrapartum hepatitis B screening.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of acute hepatitis B in intrapartum patients and to describe the birth-to-administration interval of the hepatitis B vaccine and immune globulin in hepatitis B surface antigen-positive patients detected by intrapartum screening. STUDY DESIGN: Hepatitis B screening was performed on 8712 laboring patients admitted to Forsyth Memorial Hospital in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, between July 1, 1992, and Jan. 31, 1994. RESULTS: Fourteen laboring patients had positive results for hepatitis B surface antigen (prevalence 0.16%), and two of the 14 had a profile consistent with acute disease. The average interval from birth to administration of the hepatitis B immune globulin and hepatitis B virus vaccine was 18.6 hours (range 3.9 to 31.0 hours) for hepatitis B virus-infected patients whose hepatitis B surface antigen status was unknown before labor. CONCLUSION: Intrapartum screening allows for diagnosis of the asymptomatic patient with acute hepatitis B virus infection whose hepatitis B surface antigen status was unknown before labor who would not have received hepatitis B immune globulin had only early prenatal screening been performed.

Elastase deficiency phenotype of Pseudomonas aeruginosa canine otitis externa isolates.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa veterinary isolates were assayed for elastase and total matrix protease activity. The elastase activity of canine ear isolates was much less than that of strain PAO1 and that of all other veterinary isolates (P < 0.0001). The results indicate that canine ear isolates have a distinct elastase phenotype.