The occurrence and pathology of chlamydiosis in domestic and laboratory animals: a review.

The literature on the various disease syndromes caused by chlamydia in domestic and laboratory animals is summarized. A review of the pathological lesions which characterize these diseases is presented and the pathogenesis of chlamydiosis is briefly discussed. Some aspects of unpublished findings on the occurrence of intestinal, kidney and genital lesions in natural and experimental cases of chlamydiosis in cattle and sheep, abortions and conjunctivitis in horses in South Africa are recorded.

Q fever in cattle and sheep in Southern Africa. A preliminary report.

In the course of a study initiated to elucidate the role of known abortifacient in ruminants in Southern Africa, Coxiella burnetti was identified in smears prepared from bovine and ovine placental tissues obtained from 12 farms. The organism was also isolated in embryonated eggs, and specific antibodies were demonstrated in sera of animals originating from these farms. In 7 of the 12 herds in which Q fever was diagnosed, other pathogens were identified concomitantly.

[Examination for infertility in cattle (author's transl)]. / Ondersoeke na onvrugbaarheid by beeste.

In order to evaluate clinically recognisable manifestations while undertaking examinations for fertility in cattle it is necessary to take cognizance of the physiological events taking place during the puerperium. The frequently incorrect diagnoses of cystic degeneration of the ovaries during this period can be avoided if the mechanisms controlling ovarian activity are properly understood. The close interaction between the ovaries, the hypothalamus, the hypophysis and adrenals as well as the luteolytic mechanism controlling ovarian activity is discussed. Attention is focussed on the effect of various pathogens on the endometrium, the influence of nutrition on the reproductive cycle and the consequent ovarian changes. The necessity to institute fertility examinations on a herd basis is stressed rather than attempts at treating the individual animal which, according to the owner, requires veterinary attention. By doing so a much more satisfactory service can be rendered. The existence of competent diagnostic centres, where the practitioner can obtain a metabolic or infection profile, is absolutely essential when fertility examinations on a herd basis are considered.

[Infectious causes of perinatal mortalities in ruminants (author's transl)]. / Besmetlike oorsake van perinatale vrektes by herkouers.

The advantages and disadvantages of the different diagnostic techniques e.g. pathological and microbiological studies, immunoglobulin and specific antibody determinations and fluorescent antibody studies in relation to these mortalities are discussed. The most important pathological lesions in the placentas and foetuses are described.

[The diagnosis of brucellosis in cattle (author's transl)]. / Die diagnose van brucellose by beeste.

Tests currently in use of the diagnosis of brucellosis and the immune response in cattle following exposure to Brucella antigens are reviewed. The interpretation and evaluation of results obtained by different tests under conditions where S19 vaccine is used, are discussed. Attention is focussed on the possible role of the bull in disseminating Brucella organisms.

The "herd approach" to bovine reproductive disorders. Part I: The diagnosis and management of infectious infertility.

The authors describe the methods employed by the Artificial Insemination Section of the Division of Veterinary Services in collaboration with the Reproduction and Bacteriology Section of the Veterinary Research Institute, Onderstepoort when herds are examined for infertility. A "herd" rather than an "individual animal" approach is advocated and certain infectious causes of infertility are discussed.

Chlamydiosis in a beef herd.

Chlamydial infection in a large beef herd is illustrated and discussed. The pre-natal and post-natal losses that occurred during 1972 are highlighted. Total pre-natal losses for the nine calving herds comprising 2,915 animals varied between 3,7% and 12,4%. Between 1,2% and 11,4% of the calves born alive in the nine herds died before weaning with 70% of the losses occurring within the first three weeks of life. Chlamydial organisms were demonstrated in pre-natal and post-natal losses from all nine herds. Clinical manifestations and lesions involving the intestinal, respiratory, nervous, skeletal, reticulo-endothelial and urinary systems were observed in chlamydia-infected calves. Invariably at autopsy in chlamydia positive cases there was some degree of a fibrinous inflammatory process present. Serological evidence showed that chlamydial organisms had been present on both farms prior to the 1972 investigations.

The isolation of Brucella abortus biotype I from African buffalo in the Kruger National Park.

The isolation of Brucella abortus from free living wild africal buffalo (Syncerus caffer) in the Kruger National Park, South Africa, is described. The four isolates testes proved to be biotype I and it is speculated that the origin of brucellosis in wild animals is from domestic stock.