A pilot study comparing the effect of orally administered esomeprazole and omeprazole on gastric fluid pH in horses.

AIMS To compare the efficacy of an enteric coated esomeprazole paste with an enteric coated omeprazole paste to increase gastric pH after oral administration in horses. METHODS Nine adult Standardbred horses were randomly assigned to three groups, each containing three horses, for a study comprising three phases of 10 days, with an 18-day washout period between each phase. In each phase, three horses received either 0.5 mg/kg esomeprazole, 1 mg/kg omeprazole or a placebo, as an oral paste, once daily for 10 days (Days 0-9). Over the course of study all horses received all three treatments. Gastric fluid samples were collected using a gastroscope on Days 1, 3, 5, 8 and 10, with food and water withheld for 16 hours prior to collection of samples. The pH of all samples was measured immediately after collection. RESULTS Mean pH (3.38; SD 1.75) of the gastric fluid samples in the horses that received the placebo was lower than in the horses that received esomeprazole (6.28; SD 1.75) or omeprazole (6.13; SD 1.75) (p<0.001). There was no difference in the mean pH between horses receiving esomeprazole and those receiving omeprazole (p=0.56). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Under these study conditions, esomeprazole paste was equally as effective as omeprazole paste in increasing gastric pH in horses. Enteric coated esomeprazole, may be a therapeutic alternative to omeprazole for the prevention of gastric ulcers in horses.

The urticating setae of Ochrogaster lunifer, an Australian processionary caterpillar of veterinary importance.

The bag-shelter moth, Ochrogaster lunifer Herrich-Schaffer (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae), is associated with a condition called equine amnionitis and fetal loss (EAFL) on horse farms in Australia. Setal fragments from O. lunifer larvae have been identified in the placentas of experimentally aborted fetuses and their dams, and in clinical abortions. The gregarious larvae build silken nests in which large numbers cohabit over spring, summer and autumn. The final instars disperse to pupation sites in the ground where they overwinter. Field-collected O. lunifer larvae, their nests and nearby soil were examined using light and electron microscopy to identify setae likely to cause EAFL and to determine where and how many were present. Microtrichia, barbed hairs and true setae were found on the exoskeletons of the larvae. True setae matching the majority of setal fragments described from equine tissue were found on third to eighth instar larvae or exuviae. The number of true setae increased with the age of the larva; eighth instars carried around 2.0-2.5 million true setae. The exuvia of the pre-pupal instar was incorporated into the pupal chamber. The major sources of setae are likely to be nests, dispersing pre-pupal larvae and their exuviae, and pupal chambers.

Processionary caterpillar setae and equine fetal loss: 2. Histopathology of the fetal-placental unit from experimentally exposed mares.

Pregnant mares were experimentally exposed to whole caterpillar or exoskeleton of the Processionary caterpillar (Ochrogaster lunifer) via gavage. Tissues were collected from resulting abortions and near or full-term pregnancies consisting of 13 aborted fetuses, 3 fetuses from treated euthanized mares, membranes of 5 foals, and organs from 3 foals. Three control membranes and 1 control fetus and membranes were examined. Caterpillar setal fragments were present in the allantochorion of the 3 fetuses from the euthanized mares and 11 of 12 aborted fetuses (92%) embedded in the chorion (villi or stroma) or allantois (vasculature or stroma). Placental locations of fragments ranged from the cervical pole region to the body encompassing the umbilical insertion and pregnant horn. Numbers in each fetus ranged from 1 to 7 fragments. Setae were present in the allantochorion from 2 to 22 days after the initial treatment. Acute to chronic active inflammation was present in all aborted fetuses, all euthanized fetuses, and within at least 1 tissue level (chorion, allantois, umbilical cord, or amnion) of the membranes from full-term foals. Amnionitis, funisitis, and allantoitis were present in 95% of the examined membranes. Pneumonia was present in 95% of the specimens, and bacteria were present histologically in 90.5% of the specimens with or without accompanying inflammation. The rapid migration of setae within 2 days after mare exposure suggests that direct setal migration into the fetal membranes is a likely initiating factor for equine amnionitis and fetal loss (EAFL).

Processionary caterpillar setae and equine fetal loss: 1. Histopathology of experimentally exposed pregnant mares.

Six pregnant Standardbred mares aged between 6 and 14 years were gavaged with 50 g or 100 g of suspended emulsified whole Processionary caterpillars (Ochrogaster lunifer) for 5 days during 2 experiments undertaken to study the etiology of equine amnionitis and fetal loss (EAFL). The 6 treated mares and 1 untreated mare were between 128 and 252 days gestation. Mare 1 (untreated) was euthanized on day 5 of the treatment period, while the treated mares were euthanized on days 2, 4, 8, 10, 12, and 24 days from their first treatment. Caterpillar setae were not found in the untreated mare. Setal fragments were present in all regions of the gastrointestinal tracts in all treated mares, the uteri and mesenteric lymph nodes of 5 mares, and the liver of 4 mares. Acute gastroenteritis of varying severity was present in all treated mares, and 5 of 6 mares had acute colitis and endometritis. Focal hyperplastic serositis was found in the duodenum, cecum, dorsal colon, and uteri of various mares occasionally with embedded setal fragments. Setal invasion of the mucosa evoked a range of lesions including superficial erosion to deep ulceration. Inflammation in deeper tissues ranged from unapparent to neutrophilic (microabscesses), eosinophilic, or mononuclear (microgranulomas). The finding of setal fragments within the uterus of experimental mares suggests that direct migration of setal fragments acting as a bacterial vector is a likely mechanism for the bacterial abortions that characterize equine amnionitis and fetal loss.

Prevalence and spatial distribution of Coxiella burnetii seropositivity in northern Australian beef cattle adjusted for diagnostic test uncertainty.

Q fever is a zoonotic disease caused by infection with Coxiella burnetii transmitted from animals including, but not limited to, cattle, sheep and goats. The infection in cattle is typically sub-clinical with some evidence suggesting associated reproductive loss. There is currently limited data on the true prevalence and distribution of coxiellosis in beef cattle across northern Australia. During this study, 2,012 sera samples from beef cattle managed on commercial farms located in Queensland and the Northern Territory were tested using an indirect immunofluorescent assay (IFA) for serological evidence of IgG antibodies against C. burnetii. Bayesian latent class models were used to estimate the true prevalence, adjusted for diagnostic test sensitivity and specificity and incorporating the hierarchical structure of the cattle within farms and regions. In this study, cattle in the Northern Territory had lower estimated true prevalence than cattle within most regions of Queensland with the exception of south-east Queensland. Results from this study have described the geographic distribution and estimated the true prevalence of antibodies to C. burnetii in a sample of extensively managed beef cattle located across the tropical grazing regions of northern Australia.

An evaluation of Brix refractometry instruments for measurement of colostrum quality in dairy cattle.

Acquisition of high quality colostrum is an important factor influencing neonatal calf health. Many methods have been used to assess the Ig concentration of colostrum; however, improved, validated evaluation tools are needed. The aims of this study were to evaluate both optical and digital Brix refractometer instruments for the measurement of Ig concentration of colostrum as compared with the gold standard radial immunodiffusion assay laboratory assessment and to determine the correlation between Ig measurements taken from fresh and frozen colostrum samples for both Brix refractometer instruments. This research was completed using 288 colostrum samples from 3 different farms. It was concluded that the optical and digital Brix refractometers were highly correlated for both fresh and frozen samples (r=0.98 and r=0.97, respectively). Correlation between both refractometer instruments for fresh and frozen samples and the gold standard radial immunodiffusion assay were determined to be very similar, with a correlation coefficient between 0.71 and 0.74. Both instruments exhibited excellent test characteristics, indicating an appropriate cut-off point of 22% Brix score for the identification of good quality colostrum.

Effects of topical treatment of cannabidiol extract in a unique manuka factor 5 manuka honey carrier on second intention wound healing on equine distal limb wounds: a preliminary study.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effect of topical 1% cannabidiol on second intention wound healing in distal limb wounds of horses. DESIGN: Experimental. ANIMALS: Six Standardbred horses. METHODS: A total of five 2.5 cm × 2.5 cm full thickness skin wounds were created on the dorsomedial aspect of the metacarpi of 6 horses. Wounds were contaminated with faeces on the day of wound creation. Each wound was then assigned to a treatment group; compounded 1% cannabidiol in unique manuka factor (UMF) 5 manuka honey, UMF 5 manuka honey, UMF 20 manuka honey or saline. Each treatment was applied topically daily for a total of 42 days. Legs were bandaged and bandages were changed, daily, for 13 days postoperatively. Digital photographs of each wound were taken on day 1 then weekly for 6 weeks. Wound size, daily healing rate and total time to healing were recorded and compared statistically. RESULTS: Irrespective of the treatment, wounds did not retract as expected in the first 7 days after wound creation. There was no difference in wound area, daily healing rate, days to complete healing between treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study failed to demonstrate any difference in wound healing variables between treatment groups in this model of second intention wound healing. This was unexpected due to the established effects of UMF 20 manuka honey on wound healing using the same model. This may be due to systemic effects of cannabidiol and study design. Further research into the use of cannabidiol in equine wounds is warranted.

An analysis of the relationship between bulk tank milk quality and wash water quality on dairy farms in Ontario, Canada.

The objective of this study was to identify regions at high risk for bacterial water or milk contamination, as well as risk factors associated with high bacteria counts in raw milk in Ontario, Canada. Between 2003 and 2004, the Dairy Farmers of Ontario (DFO) tested water samples from 5,421 farms in Ontario for the presence of Escherichia coli and coliforms. The water samples were collected as "point-of-use" samples, meaning that each sample was taken from a tap or water hose in the milk house as soon as the water was turned on. Routine, monthly raw milk bacterial counts were determined by DFO using BactoScan (Foss, Hillerød, Denmark). BactoScan data were retrieved from DFO for all of the farms with water test results. The prevalence of samples with E. coli and coliforms in water and elevated bacteria counts in raw milk was 13.6, 53.8, and 2.8%, respectively. The spatial analysis, using a scan statistic, revealed 1 coliform and 3 E. coli clusters of contaminated water, but no clusters of elevated milk bacteria counts in raw milk in southern Ontario. The coliform water contamination cluster was the largest, with a radius of approximately 200 km. Regression analysis indicated that risk factors associated with the occurrence of high levels of bacteria in raw milk were elevated average monthly somatic cell count, increased total milk production, cooler seasons of the year, and the presence of E. coli in wash water.

Effect of bandaging on second intention healing of wounds of the distal limb in horses.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of a non-occlusive dressing incorporated in a 3-layer bandage on second intention healing of wounds of the distal portion of the limb. STUDY DESIGN: Untreated wounds in 33 adult horses used in four studies using the same wound-healing model conducted over 5 years. METHODS: Standardised, full-thickness wounds were made in the skin overlying the dorsomedial aspect of the mid-metacarpus; 17 horses were bandaged with a non-occlusive dressing covered by gauze-coated cotton wool that was compressed with adhesive tape; 16 horses were left unbandaged. Wounds were photographed weekly for 9 weeks and the images were analysed electronically. RESULTS: There were significant effects associated with bandage (P < 0.0001), week (P < 0.001), and bandage by week interaction (P < 0.0001). There was no difference in wound area at the first time-point after wound creation (P = 0.38). After week 1, there was a difference between bandaged and unbandaged wounds in wound area at each measurement until the end of the study. Bandaged wounds showed greater and more prolonged retraction. Unbandaged wounds retracted for 2 weeks before beginning to contract, whereas bandaged wounds continued to retract for 3 weeks. In bandaged wounds excess granulation tissue required regular trimming, but not in unbandaged wounds. There was no difference between groups in the total days to healing or the overall rate of healing. CONCLUSIONS: These results should be treated with caution until validated with contemporaneous, controlled studies. Covering a wound with a non-occlusive dressing in a 3-layer bandage led to greater wound retraction, modulated the rate of wound contraction and promoted excessive granulation tissue. If excessive granulation tissue is excised regularly, bandaging has no effect on total time to healing.

Equine amnionitis and fetal loss: the case definition for an unrecognised cause of abortion in mares.

A series of abortions occurred in mares in New South Wales during 2004 that involved similar and unusual findings on post mortem examination of aborted fetuses and fetal membranes. The term Equine Amnionitis and Fetal Loss (EAFL) was developed to describe the condition. This form of abortion had not been previously recognised in Australia. The pathology alone is not specific for EAFL and diagnosis requires demonstration of a combination of certain pathological and bacteriological features. The purpose of this paper is to describe patterns considered consistent with EAFL cases as a working case definition for use by veterinarians and veterinary pathologists in identifying future cases of EAFL. More detailed papers are in preparation to fully describe the epidemiological, histopathological, and microbiological aspects of EAFL.

The large-scale capture of eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus) and red kangaroos (Osphranter rufus) and its application to a population management project.

OBJECTIVE: A large-scale capture method was developed to enable sterilisation of a macropod population in western Sydney from 2005 to 2018. METHODS: Until March 2007, free ranging eastern grey kangaroos and red kangaroos were herded into purpose-built 15 m diameter capture yards (CYs) for darting with a projectile syringe. From March 2007 onwards, animals were free-range darted in large areas without herding. Kangaroos were darted with 1.33-5.10 mg/kg tiletamine/zolazepam and 0.01-0.02 mg/kg medetomidine, ± 0.03 mg/kg acepromazine. Deaths were monitored. Population counts were performed annually. RESULTS: There were 5825 capture events involving 3963 kangaroos. Over 85% of all captures occurred from 2005 to 2008. Of all reported deaths (n = 523), 135 were attributed to ill health. Musculoskeletal injuries incurred during capture were the main project-related cause of death (n = 116). Post capture myopathy was uncommonly diagnosed following capture (n = 19). CONCLUSION: The herding and capture method enabled a large number of kangaroos to be mobilised and captured with low mortality rates, and the use of CYs resulted in fewer capture-related injuries and deaths than free-range capture. The drug doses and combinations used for darting were safe and effective, and the capture technique was successfully applied to a population management project.

Speed of induction of anaesthesia in dogs administered halothane, isoflurane, sevoflurane or propofol in a clinical setting.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the speed and quality of induction of general anaesthesia using three different inhalant agents and one intravenous agent, in healthy dogs undergoing desexing surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Less excitable dogs were not premedicated; others were premedicated with intramuscular acepromazine and morphine. Anaesthesia induction protocol was randomly assigned, with halothane, isoflurane or sevoflurane delivered by mask, or propofol delivered intravenously. Maximum vaporiser settings were used for inhalant inductions. Induction of anaesthesia was considered complete at the time of endotracheal intubation. Quality of induction was scored by the administering veterinarian. RESULTS: Seventy-one dogs were enrolled. Twenty-four received no premedication and 47 received premedication. Isoflurane inductions were significantly faster than halothane inductions (2.86 +/- 0.25 vs 3.71 +/- 0.22 min; mean +/- SE, P = 0.013). Sevoflurane inductions (3.29 +/- 0.24 min) were not significantly different from either halothane (3.71 +/- 0.22 min, P = 0.202) or isoflurane inductions (2.86 +/- 0.25 min, P = 0.217). Induction with propofol (1.43 +/- 0.13 min) was significantly faster than inhalant induction (P < 0.001 in each case). Premedication decreased the dose requirement and time to induction for dogs induced with propofol, but did not significantly change the time to intubation for inhalant inductions. Dogs administered propofol and/or premedication were significantly more likely to have an excellent quality of induction, but there was no difference between inhalant agents in terms of induction quality. CONCLUSION: Sevoflurane possesses chemical properties that should produce a more rapid induction of anaesthesia in comparison to halothane or isoflurane. However, in clinical practice patient related factors outweigh this improvement.

Comparison of conventional radiography and computed tomography as aids in the diagnosis of osteomyelitis in 11 foals.

BACKGROUND: Conventional radiography is currently the most common imaging modality used by veterinarians investigating foals with suspected osteomyelitis. Emerging evidence in adult horses and humans suggests computed tomography (CT) is a superior modality for evaluation of osseous changes in general. This study aimed to evaluate the potential benefits of CT versus conventional radiography in cases of osteomyelitis in foals. METHODS: Cases of osteomyelitis in foals under 6 months of age admitted over a 6-year period at a single referral hospital that had both CT and conventional radiography images were retrieved. Case details and measurements of the largest area of bone lysis identified in two planes (lateromedial/sagittal and dorsopalmar/dorsal) were evaluated by three veterinarians with a range of experience. RESULTS: A significant difference regarding lesion size was seen on the lateromedial (LM) radiographic projections compared with the equivalent sagittal plane CT image. The LM radiographic evaluation resulted in a 37% underestimation of the area of the lesion. Additionally, use of the LM radiographic projections were 2.5-fold more variable in the measurement area compared with CT. In general, regardless of projection, CT produced more information regarding lesion area and, in some cases, detected osseous changes that were not evident on the radiographs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: LM radiographic projections are less reliable and commonly result in an under-appreciation of lesion size and extent. CT detected lesions that were difficult or impossible to identify on radiographs and may allow improved treatment planning.

Effect of reducing inspired oxygen concentration on oxygenation parameters during general anaesthesia in horses in lateral or dorsal recumbency.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of two concentrations of oxygen delivered to the anaesthetic breathing circuit on oxygenation in mechanically ventilated horses anaesthetised with isoflurane and positioned in dorsal or lateral recumbency. METHODS: Selected respiratory parameters and blood lactate were measured and oxygenation indices calculated, before and during general anaesthesia, in 24 laterally or dorsally recumbent horses. Horses were randomly assigned to receive 100% or 60% oxygen during anaesthesia. All horses were anaesthetised using the same protocol and intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV) was commenced immediately following anaesthetic induction and endotracheal intubation. Arterial blood gas analysis was performed and oxygenation indices calculated before premedication, immediately after induction, at 10 and 45 min after the commencement of mechanical ventilation, and in recovery. RESULTS: During anaesthesia, the arterial partial pressure of oxygen was adequate in all horses, regardless of position of recumbency or the concentration of oxygen provided. At 10 and 45 min after commencing IPPV, the arterial partial pressure of oxygen was lower in horses in dorsal recumbency compared with those in lateral recumbency, irrespective of the concentration of oxygen supplied. Based on oxygenation indices, pulmonary function during general anaesthesia in horses placed in dorsal recumbency was more compromised than in horses in lateral recumbency, irrespective of the concentration of oxygen provided. CONCLUSION: During general anaesthesia, using oxygen at a concentration of 60% instead of 100% maintains adequate arterial oxygenation in horses in dorsal or lateral recumbency. However, it will not reduce pulmonary function abnormalities induced by anaesthesia and recumbency.

Clinical and epidemiological features of canine leptospirosis in North Queensland.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical signs, results of clinical pathology and serology tests, and treatment outcome of clinical leptospirosis in 40 dogs from North Queensland. DESIGN: Retrospective study from January 1995 to August 1999. PROCEDURE: Case records were reviewed for age, breed, sex, month of submission, geographical location and presenting clinical signs in 40 dogs with titres of > or = 200 for leptospirosis by the microscopic agglutination test. A biochemistry panel and complete blood count were performed on 18 dogs. RESULTS: Canine leptospirosis occurred most frequently during the summer and autumn particularly in the 'wet' tropical coastal areas of Mackay and Cairns. Fewer cases were seen in the Atherton Tablelands and 'dry' tropics around Townsville. Young and male dogs were more commonly affected. Most cases were caused by L australis (80%) and L zanoni (15%) with individual cases of L hardjo and L copenhageni. All dogs showed a distinctive multiorgan disease pattern including renal failure and cholestatic hepatopathy. Presenting clinical signs were related to these disease syndromes and included jaundice, vomiting, lethargy, inappetence, dehydration, pyrexia, abdominal pain and diarrhoea. Just over 50% of the dogs in the present study failed to recover. Clinical biochemical changes indicative of renal failure and cholestasis were significantly less severe in dogs that recovered compared with dogs that did not survive. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical pathology testing should be performed on all dogs presented for illness in the endemic areas so as to help make a presumptive diagnosis and assist in determining the prognosis as soon as possible. The presumptive diagnosis should be confirmed serologically.

Effect of hypothermia on recovery from general anaesthesia in the dog.

OBJECTIVE: To discern the effects of anaesthesia protocols and decreasing core body temperature on time to recovery from general anaesthesia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Healthy adult dogs undergoing desexing surgery were enrolled. More excitable dogs were premedicated with intramuscular acepromazine and morphine; calmer dogs were not premedicated. Anaesthesia was induced using halothane, isoflurane or sevoflurane delivered by mask, or by intravenous propofol, and maintained in standard fashion using one of the three inhalant agents. Thermostat controlled heat mats were used during surgical preparation and surgery. Oesophageal temperature was recorded throughout surgery. The time from cessation of anaesthetic administration until the dog successfully raised itself to sternal recumbency was considered the time of recovery. RESULTS: Sixty-nine dogs completed the study, 42 males anaesthetised for 60.4 +/- 20.5 min, and 27 females anaesthetised for 85.4 +/- 33.2 min. Oesophageal temperature at the end of surgery was 36.8 +/- 0.80 degrees C. Oesophageal temperature had a significant effect on recovery time, with lower temperatures contributing to slower recoveries. Premedication significantly lengthened recovery times. The choice of induction or maintenance anaesthetic agent had no effect on recovery time. DISCUSSION: Hypothermia is a common complication of general anaesthesia and surgery. Amongst other deleterious effects, it is associated with slower recovery from anaesthesia, likely due to a number of different mechanisms.

Comparison of the effects of topical application of UMF20 and UMF5 manuka honey with a generic multifloral honey on wound healing variables in an uncontaminated surgical equine distal limb wound model.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of application of manuka honey with unique manuka factor (UMF) 5 or 20 with a generic multifloral honey on equine wound healing variables. METHODS: Two full-thickness skin wounds (2.5 × 2.5 cm) were created on the metatarsus of both hindlimbs of eight Standardbred horses. The wounds on each horse were assigned to 1 of 4 treatments: UMF20 (UMF20) and UMF5 (UMF5) manuka honey; generic multifloral honey (GH); and a saline control. Bandages were changed daily for 12 days, after which treatment was stopped and the bandages were removed. Wound area was measured on day 1, then weekly until day 42. Overall wound healing rate (cm2 /day) and time to complete healing were recorded. RESULTS: There was no difference in wound area for any of the treatments on any measurement day except for day 21, where the mean wound area for wounds treated with UMF20 was smaller than the mean wound area for the UMF5-treated wounds (P = 0.031). There was no difference in mean (± SE) overall healing rate (cm2 /day) among the treatment groups. There were differences in mean (± SE) days to complete healing. Wounds treated with UMF20 healed faster than wounds treated with GH (P = 0.02) and control wounds (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of wounds with UMF20 reduced overall wound healing time compared with wounds treated with GH and control wounds. However, using this model the difference in the overall time to complete healing was small.

Effect of Manuka honey gel on the transforming growth factor ß1 and ß3 concentrations, bacterial counts and histomorphology of contaminated full-thickness skin wounds in equine distal limbs.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of 66% Manuka honey gel on the concentrations of transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1 and TGF-ß3, bacterial counts and histomorphology during healing of contaminated equine distal limb wounds. METHODS: In this experimental study of 10 Standardbred horses, five full-thickness skin wounds (2 × 1.5 cm) were created on one metacarpus and six similar wounds were created on the contralateral metacarpus. Wounds were assigned to three groups: non-contaminated control wounds; contaminated control wounds; contaminated wounds treated daily with 1 mL Manuka honey gel topically for 10 days. For the contaminated wounds, faeces were applied for 24 h after wound creation. In five horses wounds were bandaged and in the other five horses wounds were left without a bandage. Biopsies were taken on days 1, 2, 7 and 10 after wounding to evaluate the effects of Manuka honey gel, wound contamination and bandaging on TGF-ß1 and TGF-ß3 concentrations, aerobic and anaerobic bacterial counts, and histomorphology. RESULTS: Manuka honey gel had no significant effect on TGF-ß1 and TGF-ß3 concentrations or wound bacterial counts. Manuka honey gel decreased wound inflammation (days 7, 10), increased angiogenesis (days 2, 7, 10), increased fibrosis and collagen organisation (day 7) and increased epithelial hyperplasia (days 7, 10). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with Manuka honey gel resulted in a more organised granulation tissue bed early in wound repair, which may contribute to enhanced healing of equine distal limb wounds.

The effective life of ivermectin on Western Australian sheep farms--a survival analysis.

A mail survey of 235 Western Australian sheep farmers who had performed faecal egg count reduction tests for anthelmintic resistance in 1999 or 2000 was conducted, with some telephone follow-up. A response of 56% was achieved. Resistance to ivermectin, a member of the macrocyclic lactone class of anthelmintics, had developed on 44% of the farms surveyed. We used time to occurrence of resistance to ascertain factors that contributed to extending the time ivermectin remained an effective drench on these farms (median time=10.5 years). This time was significantly longer when farmers implemented more worm control practices on their farms (P=0.003). We developed a multivariable survival model that contained the following main effects: reduced winter drenching frequency, 0-2 flock treatments in 5 years (hazard ratio (HR) 0.52); availability of alternative effective anthelmintic classes on the farm (HR 0.30); always using safe pastures (HR 0.23); and veterinarians as the primary source of worm control advice (HR 0.58). The relationship of these findings to the understanding of anthelmintic resistance is discussed.

Risk factors for mortality in cattle during live export from Australia by sea.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated mortality trends and risk factors for death for cattle exported live from Australia by sea. METHODS: Mortality data for all voyages from Australia to all destinations between 1995 and 2012 were analysed retrospectively. Daily mortality trends were assessed for 20 long-haul voyages from Australia to the Middle East and to the Russian Federation between 2010 and 2012. RESULTS: The overall voyage mortality percentage was 0.17% across the 13 million cattle exported on 6447 voyages. Mortality rates decreased significantly after 2000 and stabilised at low levels from 2003. The mortality rate for voyages to the Middle East and north Africa (0.44%) was significantly higher than for voyages to south-east Europe (0.28%), north-east Asia (0.12%) and south-east Asia (0.09%). Cattle exported from ports in southern Australia carried a higher mortality risk than those exported from northern ports for both long- and short-haul voyages. The daily mortality rate on long-haul voyages peaked at 3-4 weeks post-departure, although there was a smaller peak at 1-2 weeks. CONCLUSION: The marked reduction in mortality rate since 2000 is related to a number of factors, including industry initiatives, government legislation and market demand, that have resulted in changes to both the selection of cattle for export and the management of cattle prior to and during voyages. Routine collection of animal performance data, combined with NLIS records and use of methods described here, have the potential to contribute to more effective management of mortality risks across the export chain.