[Leonhard Riedmüller: Swiss public enemy or pawn sacrifice?] / Leonhard Riedmüller: Schweizer Staatsfeind oder Bauernopfer?

INTRODUCTION: On June 9, 1945 the Zurich cantonal government issued the lifetime deportation from Switzerland for Prof. Dr. med. vet. Leonhard Riedmüller (1898-1976) and his spouse Helena, née Eltze (1910-1990), both German citizens on grounds of Riedmüllers' membership in the NSDAP, "Landesgruppe Schweiz". Riedmüllers' several attempts to appeal at court were not successful. Riedmüllers biography shows that he served in the German Army at the Western front during WW I. Following the war he studied Veterinary Medicine at the University of Munich where he received the degree of Dr. med. vet. Moving to Zurich in 1926, Riedmüller took a position as veterinary bacteriologist at the University of Zurich. In 1941 he was promoted and became head of the Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology. He left Europe in 1947 for Brazil and took a position as a veterinary bacteriologist at a government laboratory. After retiring from his position in Brazil he returned to Germany where he passed away in 1976. Based on available documents from several Swiss archives the question is discussed whether Riedmüllers' deportation as public enemy in 1945 was appropriate or if Swiss authorities might have been tempted to sacrifice Riedmüller as a pawn in consideration of Switzerlands international political position immediately after the end of WW II.

[The history of detained Polish veterinarians in Switzerland 1940-1947]. / Zur Geschichte internierter polnischer Tierärzte in der Schweiz 1940-1947.

As part of the recent history of veterinary medicine in Switzerland, in Poland and in other countries biographies ofveterinarians among Polish soldiers detained to Switzerland during WWII are described. The information is derived from a number of Swiss and Ukrainian archives and personal contacts with descendants and colleagues of these veterinarians living in Switzerland and abroad.

Pulmonary Arterial Lesions in New World Camelids in Association With Dicrocoelium dendriticum and Fasciola hepatica Infection.

In Switzerland, dicrocoeliasis is regarded as the most significant parasitic infection of llamas and alpacas. Fasciola hepatica infestation is also a problem but less common. The aim of the present retrospective study was to evaluate the lungs of New World camelids (NWCs) for evidence of arterial hypertension in association with liver changes due to liver fluke infestation. The lungs of 20 llamas and 20 alpacas with liver fluke infestation were histologically evaluated. The hematoxylin and eosin and van Gieson (VG)-elastica stains as well as immunohistology for the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were used to visualize the structures of arterial walls. Parasitology of fecal matter (11 llamas and 17 alpacas) confirmed that most of these animals were infested with both Dicrocoelium dendriticum and other gastrointestinal parasites. In most cases (10/12 llamas, 4/6 alpacas), liver enzyme activity in serum was elevated. Histologically, arteries in the lungs of 9 of 20 llamas (45%) and 3 of 20 alpacas (15%) showed severe intimal and adventitial and slight to moderate medial thickening, which was confirmed with α-SMA and VG-elastica staining. All animals exhibited typical liver changes, such as fibrosis and biliary hyperplasia, in association with the presence of liver flukes. This study shows that liver flukes can induce proliferative changes in lung arteries in NWCs that resemble those seen with pulmonary arterial hypertension due to liver parasites in humans. However, the degree of liver fluke infestation was not correlated with the extent of liver damage, or with the amount of thoracic or abdominal effusion or pulmonary arterial changes.

Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour in the nasopharynx of a cow.

This case describes the findings in a Swiss Braunvieh cow with a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour (MPNST) in the nasopharynx. The major clinical signs were mixed dyspnoea with inspiratory and expiratory noises. Radiographic views of the head revealed an irregular mass with soft-tissue density in the nasopharynx originating from the dorsal pharynx and occupying and restricting the pharyngeal cavity. Endoscopic examination showed a lobulated mass obstructing almost the entire lumen of the aboral nasal passages and nasopharynx. Postmortem examination revealed a lobulated mass in the choanae with a broad attachment to the dorsal pharynx and histologically a soft tissue sarcoma with tumour cells positive for the S-100 and p75NTR (neurotrophin receptor) proteins and negative for CNPase. Electron microscopic examination showed few structures that indicated that the tumour originated from Schwann cells.

[Postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) and porcine dermatitis and nephropathy syndrome (PDNS) in Switzerland in the years 2003 - 2006]. / «Postweaning Multisystemic Wasting Syndrome¼ (PMWS) und «Porcine Dermatitis and Nephropathy Syndrome¼ (PDNS) in der Schweiz in den Jahren 2003 - 2006.

In Switzerland postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS), caused by porcine circovirus type 2, was detected for the first time in 2001. To comprise the PMWS epizooty in 2003 - 2006 retrospectively, individual animals were diagnosed according to internationally accepted criteria and temporal and regional patterns of the epizooty were reconstructed. Occurrence of PMWS was predominantly in regions with a high frequency of swine farms (central and eastern Switzerland). Apparently it was spread to other, less affected regions, through trade of infected fattening pigs. Concurrently, disease was found in different establishments of production. Affected were mainly weaners or fattening pigs. In 40 % of the breeding farms and in 25 % of the fattening farms mortality rate was higher than 5 %. Starting in 2003, also a higher frequency of porcine dermatitis and nephropathy syndrome (PDNS) diseased pigs was diagnosed. In the years 2004 to 2006 they accounted for about 10 % of the diagnosed PCV2-associated diseases. Besides the characteristic skin- and kidney lesions approximately half of the PDNS cases showed wasting and lymphoid lesions with high quantities of PCV2 antigen. We termed these mixed forms PMWS-PDNS-hybrid forms.

[The seroconversion of Chlamydia abortus in sheep from the region of Vorarlberg before and after Alpine pasturing]. / Untersuchung der Serokonversion auf Chlamydia abortus von Schafen aus der Region Vorarlberg vor und nach der Alpung.

In total, 796 serum samples of sheep on commune alpine pastures in the region of Vorarlberg were investigated by a commercial ELISA kit for antibodies against Chlamydia abortus, the agent of ovine enzootic abortion. The aim of the study was to determine the seroprevalence within this region and to compare these results with the seroprevalence in the neighboring canton Graubünden as well as to obtain data on the seroconversion after alpine pasturing. Therefore, 421 samples were collected before and 375 samples after alpine pasturing, whereas corresponding serum samples were available from 359 sheep. Within the region of Vorarlberg, a mean seroprevalence of 9.2 % was calculated with a threshold of 60 %. Seroconversion for C. abortus occurred in 5.0 % of animals with corresponding serum samples. Seroprevalence values were comparable to Swiss regions with similar management systems, although the neighboring canton Graubünden is known to have a much more higher seroprevalence of 43 %. In conclusion, the traditional animal exchange between these two regions is not significantly favoring the spread of C. abortus.

Arnold Theiler and colleagues: a -successful cooperation between -Switzerland and South Africa.

INTRODUCTION: The start of the Swiss-South African connection and cooperation dates back to the late 19th century, when a shortage of veterinarians in Transvaal (South African Republic, ZAR) motivated Arnold Theiler to seek his chance there. He became successful and famous fighting a smallpox epidemic and rinderpest after a difficult start as practicing veterinarian. Prior to the establishment of the «Veterinary Bacteriological Laboratories of the Transvaal¼ in 1908 Theiler as the head of the institution could motivate some Swiss veterinarians to come and work with him. The opening of the new laboratory made e. g. Walter Frei, later professor for veterinary pathology at Zurich and Karl Friedrich Meyer, becoming an eminent scientist in the USA later taking the opportunity to work with Theiler. World War I interrupted Theiler's hiring activities of more Swiss veterinarians. Only after the establishment of the veterinary faculty at Onderstepoort in 1920 he was able to recruit more Swiss veterinarians, e. g. Werner Steck, who later became professor at the veterinary faculty in Berne. Many of the other veterinarians at the faculty were sent to Switzerland to obtain further qualification or to obtain the degree of Dr. med. vet. and thus continued the successful cooperation started by Theiler.

INTRODUCTION: Le début des relations et de la coopération Suisse-Afrique du Sud remonte à la fin 19ème siècle, quand une pénurie de vétérinaires au Transvaal (République sud-africaine, RSA) a motivé Arnold Theiler à y tenter sa chance. Après un début difficile en pratique vétérinaire, il y obtint un succès dans une célèbre campagne de lutte contre une épidémie de variole et de peste bovine. Avant même la création des «Laboratoires bactériologiques vétérinaires du Transvaal ¼ en 1908, la présence de Theiler à la tête de l'institution a pu motiver certains vétérinaires suisses à venir travailler avec lui. L'ouverture du nouveau laboratoire a fait par exemple que Walter Frei, plus tard professeur de pathologie vétérinaire à Zurich, et Karl Friedrich Meyer, devenu un éminent scientifique aux États-Unis, ont saisi l'occasion de travailler avec Theiler. La Première Guerre mondiale a interrompu les efforts de Theiler visant à embaucher plus de vétérinaires suisses. Ce n'est qu'après la création de la faculté vétérinaire d'Onderstepoort à 1920, qu'il a pu recruter davantage de vétérinaires suisses, par exemple Werner Steck, qui devint plus tard professeur à la Faculté vétérinaire de Berne. De nombreux autres vétérinaires de la faculté a été envoyée en Suisse pour se perfectionner ou obtenir leur doctorat en médecine-­vétérinaire. C'est ainsi qu'a continué la fructueuse co­opération entamée par Theiler.

Clinical findings and treatment in 63 cows with haemorrhagic bowel syndrome.

The clinical, haematological and biochemical findings, treatment and outcome of 63 cows with haemorrhagic bowel syndrome are described. The general condition and demeanor were moderately to severely abnormal in all the cows. Signs of colic occurred in 27 cows, decreased rectal temperature in 46 and tachycardia in 44. With the exception of one cow, intestinal motility was decreased or absent. Transrectal palpation revealed dilatation of the rumen in 47 cows and dilatation of the small intestine in 18. Faecal output was markedly reduced or absent, and the faeces were dark brown to black and contained blood. Nine cows were euthanized immediately after physical examination. Conservative medical therapy was instituted in two cows; however, both were euthanized a few days later because of deterioration in condition. Exploratory right flank laparotomy was carried out in 52 cows. Of these, 22 were euthanized intraoperatively because of severe lesions. In 27 cows, intestinal massage to reduce the size of blood clots was carried out; 11 were euthanized several days postoperatively because of deterioration in condition. In three other cows, intestinal resection was carried out and all survived. Of the 63 cows, 19 (30.2%) survived and were healthy at the time of discharge from the clinic.

[Veterinary pathological collections: yesterday - today - tomorrow]. / Veterinärpathologische Sammlungen: Gestern ­ Heute ­ Morgen.

INTRODUCTION: History, relevance and development of veterinary pathological collections are presented by analyzing and comparing the collections from Berlin, Munich, Vienna and Zurich of the 19th and 20th century. The indices of the collections are analyzed according to the frequency of animal species, body parts, organs and disease processes or etiologies respectively. Collection differences allow to draw conclusions on the founder of the collection and historical significance. Each collection was part of a university and thus involved in teaching and research. This often ensured the continuous existence of the collections. Nevertheless, changing teaching methods made pathological collections increasingly redundant. A comparison with other university collections, such as those of the University of Zurich, show new application aspects for existing collections and required measurement are discussed.

INTRODUCTION: En analysant et en comparant les collections pathologiques vétérinaires du 19e et 20e siècle de Berlin, Munich, Vienne et Zurich, on illustre l'histoire, la signification et le développement de ces collections. Les catalogues des collections sont analysés par rapport à la fréquence des espèces animales, des parties du corps ou d'organes et des maladies respectivement des étiologies. Les différences permettent des conclusions quant au créateur de la collection et aux circonstances temporelles de la création de la collection. Chacune des collections examinées faisait partie d'une université et étaient donc liée à l'enseignement et à la recherche. Cela a souvent assuré la pérennité des collections. Les changements dans l'enseignement universitaire ont rendu les collections de plus en plus superflues. Une comparaison avec d'autres collections universitaires telles que celles de l'Université de Zurich montre de nouveaux aspects d'utilisation des collections existantes. Les mesures nécessaires pour cela sont discutées.

Molecular evidence for chlamydial infections in the eyes of sheep.

Ocular infections by chlamydiae are associated with ocular disease manifestations such as conjunctivitis and keratitis in humans and animals. Limited evidence exists that members of the order Chlamydiales can also cause ocular disease in sheep. In the current study, the prevalence of chlamydiae in the eyes of sheep was investigated by using PCR methods. Data obtained in sheep by broad-range 16S rRNA order Chlamydiales-specific PCR were compared to the prevalence of antibodies against chlamydiae detected by a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA). Flocks tested included a clinically healthy flock and two flocks suffering from ocular disease and with histories of Ovine Enzootic Abortion (OEA). PCR detected DNA of Chlamydophila (Cp.) abortus and Cp. pecorum in the eyes of both healthy and sick animals but also identified Chlamydia (C.) suis and a variety of uncultured chlamydia-like organisms. Good correlation was found between the presence of Cp. abortus DNA in sheep conjunctival samples and seropositivity detected by cELISA. Despite these findings, no association was found between the presence of chlamydial DNA in the sheep conjunctival samples and the onset of clinical disease. These results suggest that the biodiversity of chlamydiae in the eyes of sheep is greater than that previously thought. Further investigations are needed to determine whether a causal relationship between infection by chlamydiae and ocular disease exists in these animals.

Capillary haemangiomas of the scrotum and testicle in boars.

In boars, scrotal haemangiomas have been described frequently, but intratesticular haemangiomas are rare. Of 12 boars with scrotal haemangiomas, three animals also had testicular tumours, as follow: testicular haemangioma (TH) (n=1); TH with intratubular germ cell tumour (ITGT) (n=1); TH with intratubular germ cell-like tumour (ITGLT) and Sertoli cell tumour (n=1). In the nine remaining boars, no testicular tumours were found. Immunohistochemical examination of scrotal and testicular haemangiomas revealed labelling of endothelial cells for vimentin and factor VIII-related antigen. Labelling of smooth muscle actin was occasionally observed in the walls of neoplastic vessels. In the ITGT, no labelling was produced by any of the antibodies used. The Sertoli cell tumour was strongly positive for S-100. Sperm granulomas and degeneration of seminiferous tubules were also observed.

Clinical and ultrasonographic findings, diagnosis and treatment of pyelonephritis in 17 cows.

The goal of the present study was to describe the clinical, haematological and ultrasonographic findings and treatment of 17 cattle with pyelonephritis. Fifteen cattle had an abnormal general condition, which varied in severity; five animals had signs of colic. The urine was brownish-red in 11 animals and cloudy in 13. Clumps of purulent material were seen in the urine of nine animals and clots of blood in two. The specific gravity was lower than normal in 13 animals and ranged from 1.005 to 1.020. A urine test strip revealed protein in 16 animals, blood in 16 and leukocytes in 12. Bacteriological examination of urine yielded Corynebacterium renale in 11 animals, Arcanobacter pyogenes in two and Escherichia coli in one. Rectal examination revealed abnormalities of the urinary tract in 11 animals; there was dilatation of the left ureter and/or enlargement of the left kidney in eight cases, and dilatation of the right ureter and/or enlargement of the right kidney in three others. The most frequent abnormal haematological finding was an increase in the serum concentrations of total protein, fibrinogen, urea and creatinine, a decreased haematocrit and a positive glutaraldehyde test. In 13 animals, ultrasonography via the rectum and right flank using a 5.0MHz transducer revealed dilatation of the right or left ureter, cystic lesions in one or both kidneys and dilatation of the renal sinus. Eight animals were euthanased or slaughtered at the owners' request or because of a poor prognosis. Nine (53%) animals were successfully treated; five received antibiotics and four underwent unilateral nephrectomy and antibiotic therapy. The treated animals were clinically healthy when discharged from the clinic 10-21 days after admission. A follow-up via telephone 8-24 months later revealed that none had experienced complications and all were in full production. In cattle with severe unilateral pyelonephritis, unilateral nephrectomy is the treatment of choice.

Lumbar osteosarcoma in a chinchilla (Chinchilla laniger).

An 11-year-old male chinchilla was presented for investigation of progressive weight loss, apathy, anorexia, changes in faecal quality and alopecia on the tip of the tail. On clinical examination, a stiffness of the back legs was noted. Abdominal palpation revealed a hard immobile, irregular structure in the region of the last lumbar vertebrae. Subsequent radiography and ultrasonography suggested the presence of neoplasia. The following day the chinchilla was showing hindlimb paralysis, and there was severe self-trauma to the distal 5 cm of the tail. In view of the rapid clinical deterioration, the chinchilla was euthanased with the owner's consent. Macroscopic examination supported the clinical suspicion of neoplasia. Histopathological examination revealed a reactive osteoblastic osteosarcoma. To the author's knowledge, this is the first report of osteosarcoma in chinchillas.

[Diabetes mellitus type 1 in a goat]. / Diabetes mellitus Typ 1 bei einer Ziege.

This case report describes the clinical findings, treatment and outcome of a four-year-old goat with type I diabetes mellitus. Weight loss, polydipsia and polyuria were the main clinical signs. Urinalysis revealed glucosuria, ketonuria and aciduria. The most important haematological and biochemical findings were anaemia attributable to parasitism, hyperglycaemia and hypoinsulinaemia. The goat was treated with insulin administered subcutaneously twice daily for almost four years. The goat developed bronchopneumonia at eight years of age and was euthanased. Postmortem examination showed degeneration of insulin-producing beta-cells of the pancreas.

Feline Injection Site Sarcomas: Data from Switzerland 2009-2014.

Feline injection site sarcomas (FISS) were first described in the early 1990s. Despite extensive research, the pathogenesis of these tumours has not been elucidated conclusively. Their appearance and the marked increase in their incidence has been mainly connected to the injection of vaccines, and it is assumed that a chronic inflammatory reaction at the injection site triggers subsequent malignant transformation. The role of alum-based adjuvants has been discussed, but is controversial. The present study of the Swiss Feline Cancer Registry (SFCR) with data from 2009 to 2014 revealed a marked decrease of the incidence of fibrosarcomas compared with the previous observation period. Notably, this drop occurred after a non-adjuvanted feline leukaemia virus vaccine was introduced in Switzerland in 2007. This observation, together with the previous findings of the SFCR, further supports the notion that alum-adjuvanted vaccines are involved in the genesis of FISS and that non-adjuvanted vaccines might be safer for cats.

Prevalence of chlamydiae in semen and genital tracts of bulls, rams and bucks.

Chlamydiae infect male genital organs of ruminants. However, little is known about their prevalence. Hence, we investigated fresh and cryopreserved semen (bulls: n=304; rams: n=78; bucks: n=44) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), as well as genital organs (bulls: n=13; rams: n=10; bucks: n=6) by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and PCR. Sera from bulls (n=104) and small ruminants (n=61) were tested by LPS and rMOMP (recombinant major outer membrane protein) ELISA and competitive ELISA (cELISA), respectively. Three PCR assays were compared in this study for detection of chlamydial DNA in semen: 16S rRNA, IGS-S (intergenic spacer 16S/23S-short), and IGS-L (intergenic spacer 16S/23S-long) PCRs. PCR sensitivity and inhibitory effects were determined by spiking semen with Chlamydophila (Cp.) abortus DNA. In bull semen, detection limits of the 16S, IGS-S and IGS-L PCRs were 10, 10, 100 templates, respectively. However, PCR sensitivity was reduced in ram and buck semen suggesting the presence of potential PCR inhibitors. Of 304 bull semen samples, the 16S PCR revealed DNA of chlamydiae in 20 samples (6.6%), including Cp. abortus (n=2), Cp. psittaci (n=1), Chlamydia suis (n=2), and Chlamydia-like organisms (n=15). In rams, one semen sample was positive for Chlamydia-like organism. All investigated male genital organs were negative for Chlamydia. Serology revealed 47.1% (49/104) positive bulls by LPS ELISA. Of these, 30 samples were positive by rMOMP ELISA, predominantly for Cp. pecorum. In small ruminants, cELISA displayed 34.8% (16/46) and 60% (9/15) positivity for Cp. abortus in rams and bucks, respectively. There was no correlation between serology and PCR of semen. The presence of chlamydiae in semen suggests the possibility of venereal transmission, although risk may be low in Switzerland.

Dexmedetomidine-induced pulmonary alterations in sheep.

Alpha(2) agonist-induced pulmonary oedema in sheep might be related to alterations in pulmonary haemodynamics and/or activation of inflammatory processes. In seven sevoflurane-anaesthetized sheep pulmonary haemodynamics, arterial oxygen tensions, nitric oxide and prostaglandin E(2) concentrations were determined before and after intravenous dexmedetomidine (2microg kg(-1)). In a second trial, lung tissue was sampled for histopathology and quantitative real-time PCR for IL-1beta and iNOS mRNA in a control sheep and 2, 10 and 30min after dexmedetomidine. Computer tomography of the lung under sevoflurane anaesthesia before and after dexmedetomidine was performed. Two minutes after dexmedetomidine mean pulmonary artery pressure, pulmonary arterial occlusion pressure and estimated capillary pressurewere significantly increased to 34.5mmHg, 22.2mmHg and 27.1mmHg, respectively. On computer tomography, lung density increased immediately after dexmedetomidine, with maximal density occurring between 9 and 12min. Histopathology was consistent with vascular congestion followed by protein and erythrocyte extravasation into alveoli. Increased iNOS mRNA levels were detected in sevoflurane anaesthetized animals only. An IL-1beta signal occurred after morphological changes had occurred in lung tissue. These findings support hydrostatic stress as the underlying cause of alpha(2) agonist-induced pulmonary oedema in sheep.

Histological evaluation of the adrenal glands of seven dogs with hyperadrenocorticism treated with trilostane.

The lesions in the adrenal glands of seven dogs with hyperadrenocorticism that had been treated with trilostane were studied histologically. The glands of the six dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism had moderate to severe cortical hyperplasia that was either diffuse or nodular. The lesions were more pronounced in the zona fasciculata than in the zona reticularis, and the zona glomerulosa was normal. In the dog with a functional adrenal tumour the non-tumour bearing adrenal gland showed mild nodular hyperplasia. Five of the seven dogs had variable degrees of adrenal necrosis, which was severe in two of them. The terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated DUTP nick-end labelling (TUNEL) reaction specified areas of cell death as apoptosis in three of the dogs, and was positive in one of the dogs without visible areas of cell death. There were variable degrees of cortical haemorrhage in three of the dogs. In some of the dogs the lesions were severe enough to lead to hypoadrenocorticism.

A case of equine abortion caused by Encephalitozoon sp.

A Lippizan mare aborted a male fetus a few days before the expected foaling date without showing any clinical sings. Focal lympho-histiocytic hepatitis in the foal and multiplex focal lympho-histiocytic villitis accompanied by villus necroses and marked hypertrophy of chorionic epithelial cells in the arcades were observed. Elongated nucleated organisms were seen in groups in vacuoles or solitarily located in the cytoplasm of the chorionic epithelial cells. The organisms were in large numbers and often extracellularly in areas of villitis and villus necroses. They were Gram-positive, stained with haematoxylin and eosin (HE), periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and Giemsa, weakly with Warthin-Starry silver stain but not with Gömöri's methenamine-silver stain. By ultrastructural and immunohistochemical examinations, the organisms were identified as microsporidia belonging to the genus Encephalitozoon. No Encephalitozoon organisms were detected in the fetal organs. This is the first reported case of equine abortion induced by Encephalitozoon sp. in Europe. Although abortion induced by Encephalitozoon is rare, microsporidia should be considered a differential diagnosis for intracellular organisms observed in the chorionic epithelial cells of horses.

[Notifiable animal diseases diagnosed at the Institute of Veterinary Pathology of the University of Zurich between 1988 and 2004]. / Meldepflichtige Tierseuchen diagnostiziert am Institut für Veterinärpathologie der Universität Zürich zwischen 1988 und 2004.

One of the essential tasks of veterinary pathology is the gross and microscopic examination of animals post mortem. Frequently requests are made for the cause of disease or death in the absence of a precise history or an otherwise specific assignment e.g. whether a notifiable disease is involved. The general examination is supplemented by a spectrum of additional examinations depending on the case whereas attempts are made to keep the costs within limits and to answer the client's request with justifiable effort. 36,365 necropsy cases and 9192 organs submitted between 1988 and 2004 were analysed to give indications on the number and type of notifiable diseases that were diagnosed in the course of routine diagnostic procedures. Notifiable animal diseases were discovered in 2918 cases (6.4% of all investigated cases) namely 2426 farm animals (9.1% of all farm animals) and 492 animals of other species (2.6% of all other animal species). These data illustrate the considerable value of pathological-anatomical examinations and compliment the figures from other databases.