[The frequency of abnormal ultrasonographic findings in the lungs of 129 calves with bronchopneumonia]. / Häufigkeit abnormer Ultraschallbefunde an der Lunge von 129 Kälbern mit Bronchopneumonie.

INTRODUCTION: The goal of this study was to analyse the frequency of ultrasonographic findings in 129 calves with bronchopneumonia and to determine how often multiple abnormalities occur in individual calves. The frequency of abnormal ultrasonographic findings ranged from 4 to 88%. Comet-tail artifacts were the most common finding (88%) followed in decreasing order by scattered echogenic foci (69%), air bronchograms (44%), superficial alveolograms (29%), pleural effusion (26%), hepatisation (23%), pleural lesions (18%), fluid bronchograms (14%), lung abscesses (6%) and fibrin deposits or fibrin strands (4%). Thoracic ultrasonography yielded a mean of 3.3 ± 1.55 abnormal findings (range, 1-6) per calf. Ultrasonography of the lungs in calves with bronchopneumonia is a useful adjunct to clinical examination and allows the determination of the type and severity of lesions.

INTRODUCTION: Dans la présente étude, la fréquence des constatations échographiques anormales recueillies sur 129 veaux souffrant de bronchopneumonie a été évaluée de manière rétrospective. Il a également été étudié combien de fois un veau présentait simultanément plusieurs découvertes. La fréquence des échographies anormales variait entre 4 et 88%. Des artefacts en queue de comète représentaient, avec 88%, les découvertes anormales les plus courantes. Ils étaient, par ordre décroissant, suivi par des réflexions de l'air (69%), des bronchogrammes aériens (44%), des alvéologrammes superficiels (29%), un épanchement pleural (26%), une hépatisation (23%), des altérations pleurales (18%), des bronchogrammes liquidiens (14%), des abcès pulmonaires (6%) et de la fibrine ou des ponts de fibrine (4%). En moyenne 3,3 ± 1,55 résultats d'échographie anormaux ont été déterminés par veau. L'examen échographique des poumons est, chez les veaux souffrant d'une bronchopneumonie, un complément précieux à l'examen clinique. Il permet de représenter la nature et la gravité des changements de bronchopneumonie et de les objectiver.

Mycosphaerellaceae - Chaos or clarity?

The Mycosphaerellaceae represent thousands of fungal species that are associated with diseases on a wide range of plant hosts. Understanding and stabilising the taxonomy of genera and species of Mycosphaerellaceae is therefore of the utmost importance given their impact on agriculture, horticulture and forestry. Based on previous molecular studies, several phylogenetic and morphologically distinct genera within the Mycosphaerellaceae have been delimited. In this study a multigene phylogenetic analysis (LSU, ITS and rpb2) was performed based on 415 isolates representing 297 taxa and incorporating ex-type strains where available. The main aim of this study was to resolve the phylogenetic relationships among the genera currently recognised within the family, and to clarify the position of the cercosporoid fungi among them. Based on these results many well-known genera are shown to be paraphyletic, with several synapomorphic characters that have evolved more than once within the family. As a consequence, several old generic names including Cercosporidium, Fulvia, Mycovellosiella, Phaeoramularia and Raghnildiana are resurrected, and 32 additional genera are described as new. Based on phylogenetic data 120 genera are now accepted within the family, but many currently accepted cercosporoid genera still remain unresolved pending fresh collections and DNA data. The present study provides a phylogenetic framework for future taxonomic work within the Mycosphaerellaceae.

Genera of phytopathogenic fungi: GOPHY 1.

Genera of Phytopathogenic Fungi (GOPHY) is introduced as a new series of publications in order to provide a stable platform for the taxonomy of phytopathogenic fungi. This first paper focuses on 21 genera of phytopathogenic fungi: Bipolaris, Boeremia, Calonectria, Ceratocystis, Cladosporium, Colletotrichum, Coniella, Curvularia, Monilinia, Neofabraea, Neofusicoccum, Pilidium, Pleiochaeta, Plenodomus, Protostegia, Pseudopyricularia, Puccinia, Saccharata, Thyrostroma, Venturia and Wilsonomyces. For each genus, a morphological description and information about its pathology, distribution, hosts and disease symptoms are provided. In addition, this information is linked to primary and secondary DNA barcodes of the presently accepted species, and relevant literature. Moreover, several novelties are introduced, i.e. new genera, species and combinations, and neo-, lecto- and epitypes designated to provide a stable taxonomy. This first paper includes one new genus, 26 new species, ten new combinations, and four typifications of older names.

Dry matter and digesta particle size gradients along the goat digestive tract on grass and browse diets.

Physical properties of the digesta vary along the ruminant digestive tract. They also vary within the forestomach, leading to varying degrees of rumen contents stratification in 'moose-type' (browsing) and 'cattle-type' (intermediate and grazing) ruminants. We investigated the dry matter concentration (DM) and the mean digesta particle size (MPS) within the forestomach and along the digestive tract in 10 goats fed grass hay or dried browse after a standardized 12-h fast, euthanasia and freezing in the natural position. In all animals, irrespective of diet, DM showed a peak in the omasum and an increase from caecum via colon towards the faeces and a decrease in MPS between the reticulum and the omasum. Both patterns are typical for ruminants in general. In the forestomach, there was little systematic difference between more cranial and more caudal locations ('horizontal stratification'), with the possible exception of large particle segregation in the dorsal rumen blindsac on the grass diet. In contrast, the typical (vertical) contents stratification was evident for DM (with drier contents dorsally) and, to a lower degree, for MPS (with larger particles dorsally). Although evident in both groups, this stratification was more pronounced on the grass diet. The results support the interpretation that differences in rumen contents stratification between ruminants are mainly an effect of species-specific physiology, but can be enhanced due to the diet consumed.

Eating and rumination activities two weeks prepartum to one month postpartum in 100 healthy cows and cows with peripartum diseases.

INTRODUCTION: Eating and rumination activities were investigated in 100 cows from 14 days prepartum to 30 days postpartum. All cows were clinically healthy at the start of the study. A pressure sensor incorporated into the noseband of a halter was used to record jaw movements, which allowed the quantification of the daily duration of eating and rumination, number of regurgitated cuds and number of chewing cycles per cud. The cows were retrospectively divided into 2 main groups healthy (n = 24) and ill cows (n = 76), and the latter were further divided into the following subgroups: cows with periparturient paresis (n = 12), retained placenta (n = 13), metritis (n = 17), primary ketosis (n = 19) and lameness (n = 6). Healthy cows had the shortest eating and rumination times on the day of calving; duration of eating decreased continually before and increased steadily after calving. In contrast, duration of rumination varied little except for a significant drop on the days of calving. Compared with healthy cows, eating times of ill cows were significantly shorter before and after calving and rumination time was reduced on days 2 to 4 postpartum. The duration of eating differed between healthy and ill cows before calving, and therefore the usefulness of eating and rumination variables for early recognition of periparturient diseases in cows requires further investigation.

INTRODUCTION: Dans le présent travail, on examine les paramètres de l'alimentation et de la rumination chez 100 vaches initialement en bonne santé depuis le 14ème jour ante-partum jusqu'au 30ème jour post-partum. Les enregistrements ont été effectués au moyen d'un détecteur de pression fixé dans la muserolle d'un licol qui enregistrait les mouvements de mastication. On a exploité les données relatives à la durée de l'alimentation et de la rumination, au nombre de boli de rumination et au nombre de mouvement de mastication par bolus de rumination. Après la période de mesures, on a réparti les vaches en deux groupes sur la base de leur état de santé, le groupe «saines¼ (n = 24) et le groupe «malades¼ (n = 76). Les vaches malades ont été réparties en divers sous-groupes: parésie puerpérale (n = 12), rétention placentaire (n = 13), métrite (n = 17), cétose primaire (n = 19) et boiterie (n = 6). Chez les 24 vaches saines, les paramètres d'alimentation et de rumination étaient au point le plus bas le jour de la mise-bas. On constatait une réduction continuelle de la durée de l'alimentation durant les 14 jours précédant le vêlage puis une augmentation constante. Par contre la durée de la rumination restait constante avant et après la mise-bas et n'était significativement abaissée que le jour du vêlage. Les 76 vaches malades montraient ante et post partum une durée d'alimentation significativement plus courte que les vaches saines. La durée de rumination était raccourcie du 2ème au 4ème jour post-partum chez les vaches malades par rapport aux vaches saines; on ne constatait sinon pas de différence en ce qui concerne les paramètres de rumination. Puisque la durée d'alimentation est différente déjà avant la mise-bas entre les vaches saines et les vaches malades, il faut étudier si et comment ce paramètre pourrait être utilisé pour une reconnaissance précoce des animaux à risque durant la période péri-partum.

Eating and rumination behaviour in cows with traumatic reticuloperitonitis.

INTRODUCTION: Eating and rumination behaviour in 22 cows with traumatic reticuloperitonitis was recorded after the start of treatment. Based on the results of clinical, ultrasonographic and radiographic examinations, the cows were divided into two groups: Group A consisted of 12 cows without an intramural or perforating foreign body and group B had 10 cows with an intramural or perforating foreign body. Cows of group A received amoxicillin, flunixin meglumine and a NaCl-glucose infusion, and cows of group B received the same treatment accompanied by foreign body removal via ruminotomy. All cows were fitted with a horse halter equipped with a pressure sensor integrated into the noseband, and eating and rumination activities were recorded continuously for 7 days. Additional 24-hour- recording periods occurred on days 14 and 30. Results obtained previously from 300 healthy cows were used for comparison. Median daily eating time in group A was 168 minutes (reference interval 211 to 319 min) on day 1 and increased to within the reference interval by day 3. Eating time on day 14 was 290 minutes and significantly longer than on day 1. Eating time was 294 minutes on day 30. Eating time in group B was comparable, and the patterns of normalisation for the number of chewing cycles related to eating, rumination time, the number of regurgitated cuds per day and the number of chewing cycles per cud were similar to that of group A: all variables were significantly reduced on day 1 and normalised within 3 to 5 days. The findings showed that eating and rumination are reduced in cows with traumatic reticuloperitonitis and that successful treatment results in rapid normalisation. Monitoring eating and rumination behaviour using a pressure sensor integrated into a halter allows objective clinical assessment of cows recovering from traumatic reticuloperitonitis.

Dans le présent travail, on a étudié les paramètres d'alimentation et de rumination de vaches souffrant de réticulo- péritonite traumatique après traitement. Vingtdeux vaches souffrant de réticulo-péritonite traumatique ont été, sur la base des examens cliniques, échographiques et radiologiques, réparties en deux groupes. Le groupe A comprenant les vaches sans corps étranger implanté dans le bonnet, le groupe B les vaches ayant un corps étranger implanté ou perforant le bonnet. Les vaches du groupe A ont reçu uniquement un traitement médicamenteux (amoxicilline, flunixine meglumine, perfusions de NaCl-glucose). Chez les vaches du groupe B, une ruminotmie a en outre été réalisée pour retirer le corps étranger. Par la suite, les vaches ont été équipées d'un licol comprenant un capteur de pression dans la muserolle qui permettait d'enregistrer la prise d'aliments et la rumination. Les mesures ont tout d'abord été faites durant 7 jours puis des enregistrements sur 24 heures ont été réalisés aux jours 14 et 30. Les résultats ont été comparés à ceux de 300 vaches en bonne santé. Chez les vaches du groupe A, la durée d'alimentation (valeur moyenne) était, au jour 1, avec 168 minutes, inférieure aux valeurs de référence situées entre 211 et 319 minutes enregistrées chez les vaches en bonne santé. Elle augmentait jusqu'au jour 3 pour atteindre la norme. Le 14ème jour, la durée d'alimentation, avec 290 minutes, était pour la première fois significativement plus longue qu'au jour 1. Une nouvelle augmentation à 294 minutes se produisait jusqu'au jour 30. On a relevé des données semblables chez les vaches du groupe B. Le nombre de mastications lors de la prise de nourriture, la durée journalière de rumination, le nombre de boli de rumination par jour et le nombre de mastication par bolus montraient une image semblable: ces paramètres étaient nettement abaissés au jour 1 par rapport aux valeurs normales et se normalisaient dans les 3 à 5 jours. Ces études montrent que les paramètres d'alimentation et de rumination chez les vaches souffrant de réticulo-péritonite traumatique sont abaissés et qu'ils se normalisent en peu de jours lors d'un traitement couronné de succès. Le contrôle de l'alimentation et de la rumination avec licol muni d'un capteur de pression permet donc d'objectiver l'évolution chez les vaches atteintes de réticulo-péritonite traumatique.

All that glitters is not Ramularia.

Ramularia is a species-rich genus that harbours plant pathogens responsible for yield losses to many important crops, including barley, sugar beet and strawberry. Species of Ramularia are hyphomycetes with hyaline conidiophores and conidia with distinct, thickened, darkened, refractive conidiogenous loci and conidial hila, and Mycosphaerella sexual morphs. Because of its simple morphology and general lack of DNA data in public databases, several allied genera are frequently confused with Ramularia. In order to improve the delimitation of Ramularia from allied genera and the circumscription of species within the genus Ramularia, a polyphasic approach based on multilocus DNA sequences, morphological and cultural data were used in this study. A total of 420 isolates belonging to Ramularia and allied genera were targeted for the amplification and sequencing of six partial genes. Although Ramularia and Ramulariopsis proved to be monophyletic, Cercosporella and Pseudocercosporella were polyphyletic. Phacellium isolates clustered within the Ramularia clade and the genus is thus tentatively reduced to synonymy under Ramularia. Cercosporella and Pseudocercosporella isolates that were not congeneric with the ex-type strains of the type species of those genera were assigned to existing genera or to the newly introduced genera Teratoramularia and Xenoramularia, respectively. Teratoramularia is a genus with ramularia-like morphology belonging to the Teratosphaeriaceae, and Xenoramularia was introduced to accommodate hyphomycetous species closely related to Zymoseptoria. The genera Apseudocercosporella, Epicoleosporium, Filiella, Fusidiella, Neopseudocercosporella, and Mycosphaerelloides were also newly introduced to accommodate species non-congeneric with their purported types. A total of nine new combinations and 24 new species were introduced in this study.

Treatment of cows with parturient paresis using intravenous calcium and oral sodium phosphate.

INTRODUCTION: The goal of this study was to investigate whether intravenous infusion of 1000 ml 40% calcium borogluconate combined with the oral adminstration of 500 g sodium phosphate leads to a better cure rate and longer-lasting normocalcaemia and normophosphataemia than standard intravenous treatment with 500 ml calcium borogluconate in cows with parturient paresis. Forty recumbent cows with hypocalcaemia and hypophosphataemia were alternately allocated to group A or B. Cows of both groups were treated intravenously with 500 ml 40% calcium borogluconate, and cows of group B additionally received another 500 ml calcium borogluconate via slow intravenous infusion and 500 g sodium phosphate administered via an orogastric tube. Thirty-two cows stood within 8 hours after the start of treatment and 8 did not; of the 32 cows that stood, 18 belonged to group A and 14 to group B (90% of group A vs. 70% of group B; P = 0.23). Seven cows relapsed; of these and the 8 that did not respond to initial treatment, 10 stood after two standard intravenous treatments. Downer cow syndrome occurred in 5 cows, 3 of which recovered after aggressive therapy. The overall cure rate did not differ significantly between groups A and B. Twelve (60%) cows of group A and 14 (70%) cows of group B were cured after a single treatment and of the remaining 14, 11 were cured after two or more treatments. Two downer cows were euthanized and one other died of heart failure during treatment. Serum calcium concentrations during the first eight hours after the start of treatment were significantly higher in group B than in group A, and oral sodium phosphate caused a significant and lasting increase in inorganic phosphate. More cows of group B than group A were cured after a single treatment (P > 0.05). These findings, although not statistically significant, are promising and should be verified using a larger number of cows.

INTRODUCTION: On a étudié si on pouvait obtenir plus souvent, chez les vaches souffrant de parésie post-partum auxquelles on administrait par voie intraveineuse 1000 ml d'une solution à 40% de borogluconate de calcium et par voie orale 500 g de phosphate de sodium, une normo-calcémie et normo-phosphatémie durable et un meilleur résultat thérapeutique que chez les animaux recevant uniquement 500 ml de la solution de borogluconate de calcium. Les essais ont été faits sur 40 vaches laitières souffrant de parésie post-partum qui présentaient toutes initialement une hypocalcémie et une hypophosphatémie. Les animaux ont été répartis alternativement en deux groupes de traitement A et B, comprenant chacun 20 vaches. Les animaux des deux groupes ont été traités avec 500 ml d'une solution à 40% de borogluconate de calcium par voie intraveineuse. Ceux du groupe B ont reçu en outre 500 ml de borogluconate de calcium en perfusion continue et 500 g de phosphate de sodium par sonde naso-oesophagienne. En l'espace de 8 heures, 32 vaches se sont levées et 8 pas. Parmi les 32 vaches qui se sont levées, 18 appartenaient au groupe B (90%) et 14 au groupe A (70%) (P = 0.23). Chez 7 des 32 vaches qui se sont levées, on a observé une récidive. Parmi les 7 cas de récidive et les 8 vaches qui ne s'étaient pas levées après 8 heures, 10 animaux se sont levés après une deuxième perfusion de calcium. Cinq vaches ont développé un Downer-Cow-Syndrom, dont trois purent être guéries après un traitement intensif. Le succès thérapeutique global ne diffère pas significativement d'un groupe à l'autre. Dans le groupe A, 12 animaux (60%) ont été guéris après un seul traitement et, dans le groupe B 14 (70%). Sur le solde de 14 vaches, 11 se sont relevées après deux ou plusieurs traitements. Deux vaches ont dû être euthanasiées pour un Downer-Cow-Syndrom et une a péri d'une insuffisance cardiaque. Le traitement à conduit, chez les vaches du groupe B à des concentrations sanguines de calcium significativement plus élevées dans les premières 8 heures que chez celles du groupe A. D'autre part, l'administration, dans le groupe B, de phosphate de sodium a amené une élévation significative et durable de la concentration de phosphate inorganique. Le pourcentage des animaux qui se sont levés dans les 8 heures et étaient guéris après un seul traitement était plus élevé dans le groupe B que dans le groupe A (P > 0.05). D'autres études, avec des nombres d'animaux plus importants, sont nécessaires pour conforter ces résultats.

Magnetic resonance imaging in a lamb with compression of the thoracic spinal cord by an abscess.

INTRODUCTION: This report describes a two-month-old Ouessant ram lamb with hind limb ataxia, knuckling and falling attributable to an abscess in the thoracic vertebral region. A swelling palpated adjacent to the spinous processes of the 9th to 12th thoracic vertebrae was identified via ultrasonography as an abscess located on the transverse processes of these vertebrae. Magnetic resonance imaging of the lamb postmortem revealed that the abscess had invaded the vertebral canal through a channel at the level of the 9th thoracic vertebra causing extradural spinal cord compression. Postmortem examination confirmed these findings, and histological examination showed acute spinal cord degeneration.

Ultrasonographic findings in two sheep with enzootic calcinosis.

INTRODUCTION: This report describes 2 sheep with enzootic calcinosis characterized by abnormal cardiovascular and respiratory findings and ascites causing abdominal distension. Both sheep were anorexic and listless and had increased heart and respiratory rates. Auscultation of the heart revealed a gallop rhythm in sheep 1 and a loud systolic heart murmur in sheep 2. The activities of liver enzymes were severely increased in both sheep. Abdominal ultrasonography showed severe ascites and congestion of the liver and caudal vena cava. Echocardiography in sheep 2 showed hyperechoic and markedly thickened mitral and aortic valves with moderate-severe mitral insufficiency and generalized cardiomegaly. Both sheep were euthanized and examined postmortem. In addition to ascites and pleural effusion, the principal lesions were nodular thickening of the heart valves and calcification of the aorta and other arteries. Nutrition of the sheep did not include hay pellets, but the sheep were kept together with alpacas and lamas and had access to the hay pellets of these animals. In addition visitors were allowed to feed the sheep with hay pellets offered by the zoo in a dispenser. The two types of hay pellets had Vit D concentrations of 9'900 IU VitD3/kg and 7'000 IU Vit D2/kg, respectively. The definitive diagnosis was enzootic calcinosis.

Common but different: The expanding realm of Cladosporium.

The genus Cladosporium (Cladosporiaceae, Dothideomycetes), which represents one of the largest genera of dematiaceous hyphomycetes, has been intensively investigated during the past decade. In the process, three major species complexes (C. cladosporioides, C. herbarum and C. sphaerospermum) were resolved based on morphology and DNA phylogeny, and a monographic revision of the genus (s. lat.) published reflecting the current taxonomic status quo. In the present study a further 19 new species are described based on phylogenetic characters (nuclear ribosomal RNA gene operon, including the internal transcribed spacer regions ITS1 and ITS2, as well as partial actin and translation elongation factor 1-α gene sequences) and morphological differences. For a selection of the species with ornamented conidia, scanning electron microscopic photos were prepared to illustrate the different types of surface ornamentation. Surprisingly, during this study Cladosporium ramotenellum was found to be a quite common saprobic species, being widely distributed and occurring on various substrates. Therefore, an emended species description is provided. Furthermore, the host range and distribution data for several previously described species are also expanded.

Creatine and creatinine contents in different diet types for dogs - effects of source and processing.

UNLABELLED: The concentrations of creatine and its degradation product creatinine were determined in a variety of unprocessed as well as processed feedstuffs suitable for dogs. Unprocessed feedstuffs were categorised as single feedstuffs, bone and raw food diets (BARF), and small vertebrates, for example prey animals. Processed feedstuffs were categorised as meat/meat and bone meals, complete wet diets and complete dry diets. The feedstuffs were chosen to cover a broad range of each of the three defined processed and unprocessed feed categories available on the market without further subclustering. The creatine content of the samples was compared on a dry matter, protein and energy basis. The relation of creatine to crude protein permitted a rating of the meat quality in terms of muscle tissue. RESULTS: We found no difference in creatine concentrations between the three categories of unprocessed feedstuffs (raw single feedstuffs, prey and BARF diets), neither on a dry matter basis nor when expressed relative to crude protein and metabolisable energy respectively. Significantly lower levels were determined in meat/meat and bone meal and commercial dry diets (e.g. 303 mg creatine/MJ ME in unprocessed vs. 6 mg/MJ ME in processed feedstuffs; p < 0.001). We conclude that in relation to ME, the exclusive use of conventionally processed diets for dogs, especially dry diets, leads to considerably lower intake of creatine which is a natural compound of the diet of this carnivorous and omnivorous species.

Ultrasonographic assessment of reticuloruminal motility in 45 cows.

The goal of this study was to investigate the feasibility of ultrasonographic assessment of reticuloruminal motility in 45 healthy cows. The transducers of five ultrasound machines were connected to a digital video recorder and placed simultaneously at five sites on the left side of the cows to scan the reticulorumen (reticulum; ruminal atrium; dorsal sac of the rumen; left longitudinal groove; ruminal recess, caudodorsal and caudoventral blind sacs). The video streams from all five ultrasound machines were recorded synchronously with the same time line and displayed on a single monitor. Time 0 was defined as the start of a biphasic reticular contraction. The reticulum was visualised in all cows and had 11.0 ± 2.12 biphasic contractions in 9 min. The ruminal atrium was visualised in 40 (89%) cows and had 10.7 ± 2.10 contractions in 9 min, which started at the time point 5.0 ± 0.83 sec and lasted 7.0 ± 2.14 sec. Contractions of the dorsal sac of the rumen, visible in all cows, were visualised in 29 (64%) cows. There were 9.5 ± 1.8 contractions in 9 min that started at the time point 4.0 ± 0.85 sec and lasted 8.2 ± 1.04 sec. The left longitudinal groove was seen contracting in 39 (87%) cows. There were 10.2 ± 1.98 contractions in 9 min that started at the time point 4.1 ± 1.81 sec and lasted 7.8 ± 1.19 sec. Contractions of the ventral sac of the rumen (ruminal recess) were seen in 31 (69%) cows. There were 7.5 ± 2.59 contractions in 9 min that started at the time point 14.3 ± 4.30 sec. Contractions of the caudodorsal and caudoventral blind sacs were seen in 34 (76%) cows. There were 9.0 ± 2.75 (1.0 ± 0.31) contractions/min and 9.4 ± 2.09 (1.0 ± 0.23) contractions/min of the dorsal and ventral blind sacs, and they started at the time points 6.2 ± 1.32 sec and 21.3 ± 6.20 sec, respectively. Primary contraction cycles were seen in all cows and secondary cycles in 22 (49%) cows. The former were complete in 37 (82%) cows and incomplete in 8 (18%). There were 11.0 ± 2.12 primary and 4.5 ± 2.15 secondary cycles in 9 min, and the ratio between primary and secondary cycles averaged 2.4:1. Ultrasonography is suitable for the assessment of reticuloruminal motility

Ultrasonographic examination of the oesophageal groove reflex in young calves under various feeding conditions.

The oesophageal groove reflex was examined in 6 milk-fed Holstein Friesian calves once weekly during the first 17 weeks of life. Additionally, the effect of different feeding methods (bucket, different nipple positions and openings), different milk temperatures (20, 30, 39, 45°C) and milk replacer concentrations (100, 125, 150 grams/litre of water) on oesophageal groove closure was investigated. The reticulum and abomasum were examined ultrasonographically using a 5.0-MHz convex transducer before, during and after feeding, and the oesophageal groove reflex was considered to be functional when milk was seen entering the abomasum during feeding. The reflex was consistently induced throughout the study period in all calves at all examinations and under all experimental conditions. However, it should not be assumed that feeding technique can be neglected in unweaned calves because suboptimal feeding management has been linked to various digestive disorders.

[Haemoabdomen and haemothorax in a cow with metastatic granulosa cell tumor]. / Hämoabdomen und Hämothorax bei einem Rind mit metastasierendem Granulosazelltumor.

This case report describes the clinical, ultrasonographic, pathological and histological findings in a two-year-old Swiss Braunvieh cow with granulosa cell tumor and metastases in the abdomen and thorax. The cow was ill and had tachycardia, coughing, increased breath sounds, positive reticular foreign body tests and a tense abdominal wall. Ultrasonography revealed a massive accumulation of hypoechoic fluid in the thorax and abdomen, and abdomino- and thoracocentesis yielded red fluid indicative of abdominal and thoracic haemorrhage. Because of a poor prognosis, the cow was euthanized and examined postmortem. Multiple nodular lesions were seen in the omentum, liver, spleen and lungs. The left ovary was grossly enlarged and nodular in appearance. Histological examination of the lesions revealed granulosa cell tumour of the left ovary and metastases in the omentum, liver, spleen and lungs.

[Ulcerative colitis and proctitis in two Swiss Braunvieh cows]. / Ulzerierende Colitis und Proktitis bei zwei Braunviehkühen.

Two Swiss Braunvieh cows were referred to our clinic because of narrowing of the rectum and difficult rectal examination attributable to restricted arm movement within the pelvic cavity. Cow 1 also had perforation of the cranial rectum and cow 2 had multiple small funnel-shaped depressions in the rectal mucosa. Both cows had ultrasonographic evidence of peritonitis with thickening of the intestinal wall and fibrin and fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity. A diagnosis of peritonitis was made in both cows, most likely caused by rectal perforation; they were euthanized and a post-mortem examination was carried out. Both cows had proctitis and ulcerative colitis with three or four perforated ulcers which were associated with fibrinopurulent peritonitis. The final diagnosis was ulcerative colitis and proctitis of unknown aetiology. Infectious causes of colitis and proctitis, including bovine viral diarrhoea, adenovirus infection and salmonellosis, and trauma and poisoning were ruled out.

[Sonographic findings in two miniature goats with metastatic bile duct carcinoma]. / Sonographische Befunde bei zwei Zwergziegen mit metastasierendem Gallengangskarzinom.

This case study describes 2 miniature goats with metastatic bile duct carcinoma. The main clinical sign was a pear-shaped abdomen due to abdominal distension in case 1 and stranguria and pollakiuria in case 2. Liver enzyme activity was markedly elevated in both goats, and ultrasonographic examination showed multiple round echoic structures that were partly surrounded by a hypoechoic zone. A tentative diagnosis of liver tumour was made based on the sonographic findings, and a final diagnosis of intrahepatic bile duct carcinoma was made post mortem.

[Interleukin-2 for the treatment of cows with malignant catarrhal fever]. / Behandlung von Rindern mit Bösartigem Katarrhalfieber mit Interleukin-2.

The goal of this study was to investigate whether administration of interleukin-2 (IL-2) would improve the outcome of cows with malignant catarrhal fever (MCF). The study population consisted of ten healthy control cows and 22 cows with MCF. Nineteen cows with MCF and all of the controls were treated with either 2'500 U IL-2 or 25'000 U IL-2, administered intravenously. Three cows with MCF were not treated with IL-2 (MCF controls). All of the cows with MCF received danofloxacin, flunixin meglumine and intravenous fluid therapy. Blood samples for haematological and biochemical evaluation were collected once daily for six days in all cows. Of the 19 cows treated with IL-2, 13 were eutha nized because of deterioration. All cows with MCF that did not receive IL-2 died. The clinical condition of six cows treated with 2'500 U IL-2 gradually improved. Sur viving cows had significantly higher total leukocyte counts than cows that died or were euthanized. The main reason for leukopenia in non-surviving vs. surviv ing cows was persistent lymphopenia. Use of the lower IL-2 dose was associated with clinical recovery in some cows and this treatment might therefore be considered in valuable cows, provided that the lymphocyte count is within the reference interval.

Cattle movement as a risk factor for epidemics.

Cattle movement is one of the most important risk factors for the occurrence of an epidemic. It is a legal requirement in Switzerland that every cattle movement be reported, and this information is held in the Swiss cattle movement database (Tierverkehrsdatenbank, TVD). Using this data we examined all movements, focusing on the geographical distribution of these movements in relation to the spread of epizootic diseases. We considered the period 01 January 2011 through 30 January 2012, in which a total of 786'462 cattle were moved. Looking at premises individually, a maximum of 901 possible transfers of an infectious agent were found on a specific day after the arrival of another cattle. Furthermore, we found that there were more cattle movements in summer than in winter, due to movements of cattle to and from alpine pastures. There were also prominent regional differences. On the first day after the arrival of a cattle there was a minimum of zero and a maximum of 99'168 possible transfers of an infectious agent. Nevertheless, in most cases there were no cattle moved on the first day following the arrival of a cattle (91.4%). In terms of our epizootics of interest, the following numbers of cattle were moved within the relevant incubation periods: 19'779'551 possible transfers for the Lumpy skin disease, with an incubation period of 28 days; 9'891'665 or 15'025'741 possible transfers for foot and mouth disease, depending on the incubation period of 14 or 21 days; 15'025'741 possible transfers for cattle plague and vesicular stomatitis, both with an incubation period of 21 days. The presented data show a large cattle traffic in Switzerland, and therefore suggest that it is very seldom that an infectious agent is able to start an epidemic.

Les déplacements des bovins en tant que facteur de risque épidémiologique Les déplacements d'animaux constituent un des risques les plus importants pour la survenance d'une épidémie. En Suisse, il est prescrit que chaque déplacement d'un animal de rente doit être annoncé et saisi dans la Banque de Données sur le Trafic des Animaux (BDTA). Sur la base de ces annonces, nous avons examiné tous les déplacements de l'année 2011 et concentré notre attention sur leur répartition géographique par rapport à l'extension des maladies animales contagieuses. Entre le 1er janvier 2011 et le 30 janvier 2012, 786'462 bovins au total ont été déplacés. Ce sont au maximum 901 contacts avec possibilité de transmission d'un agent infectieux qui se sont produits un jour donné après l'arrivée d'un nouvel animal. Vu les déplacements liés à la montée et à la descente de l'alpage, il y a eu plus de déplacements en été qu'en hiver. On constate également des différences régionales. Le premier jour après l'arrivée d'un bovin, il existait au minimum 0 et au maximum 99'168 contacts possibles pour la transmission d'un agent infectieux. Dans la plupart des cas (91.4%), il ne se produisait pas de trafic de bovins le jour suivant l'arrivée d'un animal. En ce qui concerne les maladies contagieuses des bovins revêtant un intérêt en Suisse, on a relevé les contacts de bovins suivants durant la période d'incubation: 19'779'551 pour la lumpy skin disease, avec un temps d'incubation de 28 jours, 9'891'665 ou 15'025'741 pour la fièvre aphteuse, selon qu'on considère un temps d'incubation de 14 ou de 21 jours, 15'025'741 pour la peste bovine et la stomatite vésiculeuse, toutes deux avec un temps d'incubation de 21 jours. Ces chiffres démontrent un grand trafic d'animaux en Suisse. C'est une indication qu'un agent infectieux ne peut que rarement faire démarrer une épidémie.

Application of the consolidated species concept to Cercospora spp. from Iran.

The genus Cercospora includes many important plant pathogenic fungi associated with leaf spot diseases on a wide range of hosts. The mainland of Iran covers various climatic regions with a great biodiversity of vascular plants, and a correspondingly high diversity of cercosporoid fungi. However, most of the cercosporoid species found to date have been identified on the basis of morphological characteristics and there are no cultures that support these identifications. In this study the Consolidated Species Concept was applied to differentiate Cercospora species collected from Iran. A total of 161 Cercospora isolates recovered from 74 host species in northern Iran were studied by molecular phylogenetic analysis. Our results revealed a rich diversity of Cercospora species in northern Iran. Twenty species were identified based on sequence data of five genomic loci (ITS, TEF1-α, actin, calmodulin and histone H3), host, cultural and morphological data. Six novel species, viz. C. convolvulicola, C. conyzae-canadensis, C. cylindracea, C. iranica, C. pseudochenopodii and C. sorghicola, are introduced. The most common taxon was Cercospora cf. flagellaris, which remains an unresolved species complex with a wide host range. New hosts were recorded for previously known Cercospora species, including C. apii, C. armoraciae, C. beticola, C. cf. richardiicola, C. rumicis, Cercospora sp. G and C. zebrina.