Evaluating the effectiveness of a single application of 7% iodine tincture umbilical dip as a prevention of infection of the external umbilical structures in dairy calves.

The objective of this randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of a single application of 7% iodine tincture-based umbilical dip for preventing infection of the external umbilical structures in dairy calves. Five dairy farms in southern Ontario were visited twice weekly from September 2020 through June 2021. Female (n = 244) and male (n = 40) Holstein calves were randomly assigned at birth to receive either a 7% iodine tincture-based umbilical dip (n = 140) or no treatment (n = 144). Calves in the 7% iodine tincture umbilical dip group had the product administered once by the producer shortly after birth. For each newborn calf, the experimental group, calving difficulty, volume and timing of colostrum administration, time of birth, calving pen cleanliness, and the dam ID were recorded. Calf body weight was recorded during the first visit after birth, and a blood sample was collected for measurement of serum IgG concentration. Calves were health scored twice weekly from enrollment until approximately 30 d of age for assessment of external umbilical infection, joint inflammation, respiratory disease, and diarrhea. The primary outcome of the study was external umbilical infection, which was defined as an enlarged umbilicus with pain, heat, or a malodorous discharge. Calves were also weighed at 30 and 60 d to determine average daily gain. Serum IgG concentration and birth weight did not differ significantly between groups. Twenty-nine calves (20%) in the umbilical dip group developed an external umbilical infections, compared with 31 calves (22%) in the control group. A mixed logistic regression model, accounting for farm as a random effect, showed no effect of treatment on the incidence of an external umbilical infection. However, for every additional hour that calves received colostrum after birth, the odds of developing an external umbilical infection increased during the first month of life (odds ratio = 1.15; 95% confidence interval: 1.04-1.26). Additionally, treatment had no effect on respiratory disease, joint inflammation, diarrhea, average daily gain, or mortality, compared with the untreated control. These findings suggest that administering a single application of 7% iodine tincture dip to the umbilicus around the time of birth may not be effective for preventing external umbilical infections. Farm-level management factors, including colostrum management, appear to have more influence on risk of this disease.

Galyean Appreciation Club Review: revisiting nutrition and health of newly received cattle-what have we learned in the last 15 years?

Our objective was to review the literature related to the health and management of newly received cattle published since a previous review by Duff and Galyean (2007). Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) continues to be a major challenge for the beef industry. Depending on disease severity, animals treated for BRD have decreased performance and lowered carcass value. Diagnosis of BRD is less effective than desired, and progress on developing real-time, chute-side methods to diagnose BRD has been limited. Systems that combine lung auscultation with temperature and body weight data show promise. Assessment of blood metabolites and behavior monitoring offer potential for early identification of morbid animals. Vaccination and metaphylaxis continue to be important tools for the prevention and control of BRD, but antimicrobial resistance is a concern with antibiotic use. Dietary energy concentration and roughage source and level continue to be important topics. Mineral supplementation has received considerable attention, particularly the use of organic vs. inorganic sources and injectable minerals or drenches given on arrival. The use of probiotics and prebiotics for newly received cattle has shown variable results, but further research is warranted. The health and nutrition of newly received cattle will continue to be an important research area in the years to come.

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is a significant economic and animal welfare challenge for the beef industry. Experiments related to the health and management of newly received cattle published in the last 15 yr were reviewed. Limited progress is being made in developing accurate, real-time methods for diagnosis of BRD, and overall, diagnosis is less effective than desired. Measurement of lung and heart sounds combined with rectal temperature have been studied as diagnostic tools, as well as measurement of blood metabolites and remote monitoring of behavior. Vaccination for viral and bacterial BRD agents and mass treatment of cattle with antibiotics continue to be important tools for prevention and control of BRD, but the development of antimicrobial resistance is a concern. Energy and roughage concentration as well as roughage source continue to be important dietary considerations, as does mineral supplementation, with mineral source and injectable minerals receiving significant research attention. Probiotics and prebiotics fed to newly received cattle have shown variable results in terms of effects on the incidence of BRD and animal performance. Additional research is needed to define optimal diagnostic, management, and nutritional practices for newly received cattle.

The occurrence of diseases and their relationship with passive immune transfer in Holstein dairy calves submitted to individual management in southern Brazil / Ocorrência de doenças e sua relação com a transferência de imunidade passiva em bezerras Holandês criadas em sistema individual no sul do Brasil

Calves are extremely dependent on colostrum intake for the acquisition of passive immunity. This study aimed to determine the occurrence of diarrhea and respiratory diseases and the impact of Failure of Passive Immune Transfer (FPIT) on the health and zootechnical performance of Holstein dairy calves in individual management. This study has been carried out in five commercial farms in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, from March 2017 to January 2018. In this study, 131 calves were followed from birth to 60 days of age. Total Plasmatic Protein (TPP) has been performed to determine passive immune transfer quality in 53 calves (53/131). A daily clinical follow-up has been accomplished aiming at diagnosing diseases and their incidences, and zootechnical measures such as withers height, width of the croup and weight have been evaluated. FPIT rate was 32.07%, diarrhea occurrence and respiratory diseases were 77.9% and 49.6%, respectively. FPIT increased the chances of calves presenting diarrhea and developing respiratory diseases, but no differences on zootechnical performance were found. The frequency of FPIT is still high and is a factor that corroborated the increased risk for diarrhea and respiratory disease but did not influence the performance of calves in the preweaning phase.(AU)

Bezerras são extremamente dependentes da ingestão de colostro para adquirir imunidade passiva. Este estudo teve o objetivo de determinar os índices de ocorrência de diarreia e de doença respiratória, assim como o impacto da falha na transferência de imunidade passiva (FTIP) no desenvolvimento de doenças e no desempenho zootécnico de bezerras Holandês criadas em sistema individual. O estudo foi desenvolvido em cinco propriedades comerciais no Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, entre março de 2017 e janeiro de 2018. Assim, 131 bezerras foram acompanhadas, do nascimento aos 60 dias de idade. Em 53 animais, foi realizada avaliação de proteínas plasmáticas totais para determinar a qualidade na transferência de imunidade passiva. Acompanhamento clínico diário foi realizado, a fim de diagnosticar doenças e suas incidências, assim como avaliações zootécnicas, como altura de cernelha, largura de garupa, perímetro torácico e peso. O percentual de FTIP foi 32,07%, a ocorrência de diarreias e de doenças respiratórias foi, respectivamente, 77,9% e 49,6%. A FTIP aumentou as chances de as bezerras apresentarem diarreia e doenças respiratórias, mas não alterou o desempenho zootécnico. Conclui-se que a frequência na FTIP ainda é elevada, fator que corroborou o aumento do risco para as diarreias e doença respiratória. Apesar disso, a FTIP não influenciou no desenvolvimento das bezerras na fase de aleitamento.(AU)

Sequential exposure to bovine viral diarrhea virus and bovine coronavirus results in increased respiratory disease lesions: clinical, immunologic, pathologic, and immunohistochemical findings.

Bovine coronaviruses (BoCVs) have been found in respiratory tissues in cattle and frequently associated with bovine respiratory disease (BRD); however, pathogenesis studies in calves are limited. To characterize the pathogenesis and pathogenicity of BoCV isolates, we used 5 different BoCV strains to inoculate colostrum-deprived calves, ~ 2-5 wk of age. Later, to determine if dual viral infection would potentiate pathogenicity of BoCV, calves were inoculated with BoCV alone, bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) alone, or a series of dual-infection (BVDV-BoCV) schemes. A negative control group was included in all studies. Clinical signs and body temperature were monitored during the study and samples collected for lymphocyte counts, virus isolation, and serology. During autopsy, gross lesions were recorded and fixed tissues collected for histopathology and immunohistochemistry; fresh tissues were collected for virus isolation. Results suggest increased pathogenicity for isolate BoCV OK 1776. Increased body temperature was found in all virus-inoculated groups. Lung lesions were present in calves in all dual-infection groups; however, lesions were most pronounced in calves inoculated with BVDV followed by BoCV inoculation 6 d later. Lung lesions were consistent with mild-to-moderate interstitial pneumonia, and immunohistochemistry confirmed the presence of BoCV antigen. Our studies demonstrated that BVDV-BoCV dual infection may play an important role in BRD pathogenesis, and timing between infections seems critical to the severity of lesions.

Antibacterial activity against porcine respiratory bacterial pathogens and in vitro biocompatibility of essential oils.

Bacterial respiratory infections affecting pigs such as pneumonia, pleuropneumonia, and pleurisy, are a major health concern in the swine industry and are associated with important economic losses. This study aimed to investigate the antibacterial activities of essential oils against major swine respiratory pathogens with a view to developing a potential alternative to antibiotics. Their synergistic interactions with the bacteriocin nisin was also examined. Lastly, we assessed the in vitro biocompatibility of the most efficient essential oils using a pig tracheal epithelial cell line. Of the nine essential oils tested, those from cinnamon, thyme, and winter savory were the most active against Streptococcus suis, Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, Actinobacillus suis, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Haemophilus parasuis, and Pasteurella multocida, with minimum inhibitory concentrations and minimum bactericidal concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 0.156% (v/v). The main component found in cinnamon, thyme, and winter savory oils were cinnamaldehyde, thymol, and carvacrol, respectively. Treating pre-formed S. suis and A. pleuropneumoniae biofilms with thyme or winter savory oils significantly decreased biofilm viability. We also observed a synergistic growth inhibition of S. suis with mixtures of nisin and essential oils from thyme and winter savory. Concentrations of nisin and cinnamon, thyme and winter savory essential oils that were effective against bacterial pathogens had no effect on the viability of pig tracheal epithelial cells. The present study brought evidence that essential oils are potential antimicrobial agents against bacteria associated with porcine respiratory infections.

Associations between management practices and within-pen prevalence of calf diarrhea and respiratory disease on dairy farms using automated milk feeders.

Data on management practices used with automated milk feeders (AMF) are needed to identify factors associated with calf health in these systems. The objectives of this observational, longitudinal, cross-sectional study were to estimate the prevalence of calf diarrhea (CD) and bovine respiratory disease (BRD), and to identify factors associated with prevalence of these diseases at the pen level on dairy farms feeding milk to group-housed calves with AMF. Seventeen dairy farms with AMF in Ontario, Canada, were visited 4 times, seasonally, over 1 yr. The clinical health of all calves (n = 1,488) in pens (n = 35) with AMF was scored to identify the number of calves with CD and BRD. Data on calf, feeder, and pen management practices were analyzed using generalized linear mixed regression models for each disease. Overall calf-level prevalence of CD and BRD were 23 and 17%, respectively. Median (interquartile range, IQR) within-pen prevalence of CD and BRD were 17% (7 to 37%) and 11% (0 to 28%), respectively. Median age (IQR) for diarrheic calves was 25 d (16 to 42 d), and for calves with BRD was 43 d (29 to 60 d). Factors associated with lower within-pen prevalence of CD were the administration of vitamin E and selenium at birth [odds ratio (OR) = 0.56; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.32 to 0.99], feeding of probiotics (OR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.22 to 0.93), and adding fresh bedding every 2 to 3 d (OR = 0.43; 95% CI: 0.24 to 0.76) compared with every 7 or more days. In contrast, sharing air with older cattle (>9 mo old) was associated with increased within-pen prevalence of CD (OR = 4.54, 95% CI: 1.88 to 10.52). Additionally, total bacteria counts ≥100,000 cfu/mL in milk samples taken from the AMF mixing jar were associated with increased within-pen prevalence of CD during the summer visit (OR = 3.34; 95% CI: 1.31 to 8.54). Increased total solids in milk or milk replacer (OR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.27 to 0.85) and feeding whole milk versus milk replacer (OR = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.11 to 0.75) were associated with lower within-pen prevalence of BRD. Factors associated with greater within-pen prevalence of BRD were sharing air with weaned cattle up to 8 mo old (OR = 3.21, 95% CI: 1.26 to 8.16), and greater depth of the wet bedding pack. The use of maternity pens for reasons other than just calving was associated with increased prevalence of both CD and BRD (OR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.03 to 3.33; OR = 2.61, 95% CI: 1.21 to 5.58, respectively). These results suggest that isolation from older animals and frequent cleaning of the feeder and pen may help to reduce disease prevalence in group-housed calves fed with an AMF.

Treatment history and antimicrobial susceptibility results for Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, and Histophilus somni isolates from bovine respiratory disease cases submitted to the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory from 2013 to 2015.

Bovine respiratory disease is the most costly disease facing the cattle industry. Increasing resistance to antimicrobial treatment has been presented as a significant contributing factor, often through summarized susceptibility testing data. We assessed the relationship between previous antimicrobial treatment and antimicrobial susceptibility results from isolates of Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, and Histophilus somni cultured from bovine respiratory cases submitted to the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory from 2013 to 2015. Antimicrobial susceptibility data from 1,251 bacterial isolates were included for analysis. More bacterial isolates from cattle that received antimicrobial treatment showed resistance compared to isolates from untreated cattle, and the percentage of resistant isolates increased as the number of antimicrobial treatments increased. Resistance to enrofloxacin, spectinomycin, tilmicosin, and tulathromycin was present in >75% of M. haemolytica isolates from cattle that had received 3 or more antimicrobial treatments; resistance to each of those 4 antimicrobials was present in ≤10% of M. haemolytica isolates from untreated cattle. Similar but less dramatic trends were apparent for isolates of P. multocida and H. somni. The percentage of multi-drug resistant bacterial isolates also increased with the number of treatments. Results of our study suggest that previous antimicrobial treatment may have a profound effect on antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Summarized susceptibility results from diagnostic laboratories should not be used to make generalized statements regarding trends in antimicrobial resistance without providing context regarding antimicrobial treatment history.

EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF BAN HUANG ORAL LIQUID FOR TREATING BOVINE RESPIRATORY DISEASES.

BACKGROUND: Ban Huang oral liquid was developed as a veterinary compound preparation by the Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS). The purpose of this study was to determine whether the oral liquid preparation of traditional Chinese medicine, Ban Huang, is safe and effective for treating respiratory diseases in cattle. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Acute oral toxicity experiments were conducted in Wistar rats and Kunming mice via oral administration. The minimum inhibitory concentration of the drug against Mycoplasma bovis in vitro with the double dilution method was 500 mg/mL, indicating good sensitivity. The results of laboratory pathogen testing, analysis of clinical symptoms, and analysis of pathological anatomy were combined to diagnose bovine respiratory diseases in 147 Simmental cattle caused by mixed infections of M. bovis, bovine respiratory syncytial virus, bovine parainfluenza virus type 3, and Mannheimia haemolytica. These cattle were randomly divided into three groups: drug treatment group 1 (treated via Tilmicosin injection), drug treatment group 2 (treated with Shuang Huang Lian oral liquid combined with Tilmicosin injection), and drug treatment group 3 (treated with Ban Huang oral liquid combined with Tilmicosin injection). Treatment effects were observed within 7 days. RESULTS: The results showed no toxicity and a maximum tolerated dose greater than 20 g/kg BW. For the 87 cattle in drug-treatment group, the cure rate was 90.80%, whereas the response rate was 94.25%. The cure rate of drug treatment group was increased by 14.13% in comparison with that of drug control group 1 and by 7.47% in comparison with that of drug control group 2 (both P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that Ban Huang oral liquid is a safe and effective treatment for bovine respiratory diseases, especially for mixed infection caused by M. bovis, bacteria, and viruses.

Peroxidação lipídica em cabras com anemia e doença respiratória tratadas com ferro por via parenteral / Lipid peroxidation in goats with anemia and respiratory illness treated with parenteral iron

Objetivou-se avaliar a progressão da doença e o dano oxidativo em cabras com anemia e doença respiratória mediante aplicação de ferro parenteral. Foram estudadas seis cabras, adultas, com parâmetros eritrocitários indicativos e anemia e manifestações de doença respiratória (tosse, espirros e secreção nasal). O grupo controle foi composto por seis cabras adultas, sadias. As cabras de ambos os grupos após serem submetidos à avaliação clínica receberam dose similar (0,5g) de hidróxido férrico em complexo dextrânico, por via intramuscular. Amostras de sangue colhidas com EDTA, antes da aplicação do ferro e 48 horas depois foram utilizadas para determinação da concentração de substâncias reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico (TBARS). Nas cabras doentes antes da aplicação do ferro os valores de TBARS foram equivalentes aos valores mensurados nos controles antes e após a aplicação do ferro (p>0,05). Os valores mensurados nas cabras doentes foram muito mais elevados (p<0,001) no mesmo grupo de animais depois da aplicação do ferro e nos controles antes e após a aplicação. A aplicação do ferro agravou a condição clinica dos animais com doença respiratória, sendo evidenciada uma condição de toxidade refletida pelo estresse oxidativo. Assim sendo, não se deve recomendar tal suplementação nos caprinos acometidos de doenças do aparelho respiratório.(AU)

Aimed to evaluate the progression of the disease and oxidative damage in goats with anemia and respiratory disease by application of parenteral iron. Six goats, adults, with anemia and respiratory disease (coughing, sneezing and nasal discharge) were studied. The control group was composed of six adults goats, healthy. The goats of both groups after undergoing clinical evaluation received similar dose (0.5g) of ferric hydroxide in complex dextran intramuscularly. Blood samples collected in EDTA before the application of iron and 48 hours were taken for determination of concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). In patients goats before the application of iron TBARS values were equivalent to the measured values in the control group before and after applying the iron (p>0.05). The values measured in patients goats were significantly higher (p<0.001) in the group of animals even after the application of iron and controls before and after application. The application of iron worsened the clinical condition of the animals with respiratory disease, evidencing a condition of toxicity reflected by oxidative stress. Therefore, one should not recommend to supplementation in goats with respiratory diseases.(AU)

Associations of serum haptoglobin in newborn dairy calves with health, growth, and mortality up to 4 months of age.

The objective of this research was to investigate factors associated with serum haptoglobin (Hp) levels in newborn calves. In addition, the associations between serum Hp levels in newborn calves with growth, morbidity, and mortality in calves <4 mo of age were investigated. A total of 1,365 Holstein heifer calves from 15 dairy farms were enrolled in this study from January to December, 2008. Following calving, a birth record was completed, including information on the calving event, colostrum administration, and other details. During weekly farm visits, each calf was assessed at 1 to 8 d, 15 to 21 d, 36 to 42 d, and 90 to 120 d of age. At these sampling times, each calf was assessed using a standardized clinical score for general health, and height and weight were measured. At 1 to 8 d of age, a blood sample was collected to measure serum total protein and Hp concentrations. Treatment events and death loss were recorded throughout the study by the farm staff. Serum Hp concentration in the first week of life was not significantly associated with the degree of calving difficulty. However, serum Hp was higher in calves with a higher rectal temperature and depressed attitude at the first sampling time. Furthermore, the association between serum Hp and the severity of nasal discharge varied by age at first sampling time. Calves with higher Hp in their first week of life had significantly higher total health scores throughout the entire sampling period. Haptoglobin was not significantly associated with average daily gain or treatment for bovine respiratory disease. Yet, for every 1 g/L increase in serum Hp in the first week of life, the odds of being treated for any other disease during the study period increased by 7.6 times. Treatment for bovine respiratory disease, diarrhea, or any other disease resulted in increased odds of calf mortality. In addition, Hp concentration in the first week of life was associated with mortality in calves <4 mo of age. The optimal cut point for Hp was determined to be 0.13 g/L for the prediction of disease and death, although the sensitivity of Hp concentration alone as a diagnostic test for individual calves was low.

Health and production of feedlot cattle following supplementation with urea-molasses in starter pens.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of providing a urea-molasses supplement to cattle during feedlot introduction on average daily gain, carcase weight and bovine respiratory disease (BRD) morbidity and mortality. METHODS: Commercial mixed sex, mixed breed cattle (387.4 ± 0.2 kg) were systematically allocated to receive 2.1 L/animal of urea-molasses during feedlot introduction (n = 2307) or remain untreated (n = 2336). Cattle remained in the feedlot for an average of 40 days until reaching slaughter weight. Body weight data was collected prior to feedlot induction and all cases of BRD morbidity and mortality were determined during feeding. Hot standard carcase weight and P8 fat thickness were determined at slaughter. RESULTS: Average daily gain (1.94 ± 0.06 vs 1.93 ± 0.06, P = 0.650), BRD incidence (6.46% vs 5.53%, P = 0.183) and BRD mortality (0.17% vs 0.21%, P = 0.752) did not differ between supplemented and unsupplemented cattle. The BRD incidence was higher (P = 0.017) when cattle without permanent incisors were supplemented with urea-molasses (7.26%) compared with unsupplemented cattle (5.26%), and was also higher in steers compared with heifers (12.7% vs 7.8%, P < 0.001) and higher in cattle purchased from saleyards compared with cattle purchased off paddocks (12.4% vs 5.7%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Health and production were not significantly improved following supplementation of cattle with urea-molasses during feedlot introduction. BRD incidence was, however, significantly related to cattle sex and source. Further research is required to understand the relationship between feeding high non-protein nitrogen sources and BRD morbidity in young cattle.

Comparative efficacy of enrofloxacin and tulathromycin for treatment of preweaning respiratory disease in dairy heifers.

Preweaning respiratory disease continues to have a substantial effect on the current and future productivity of dairy replacement animals. Establishing an effective treatment plan for the preweaned calf may have a significant effect on well-being and lifetime productivity by limiting any early development of chronic disease. The primary objective of this study was to examine the efficacy of treatment with tulathromycin (TUL) or enrofloxacin (ENR) on the risk of re-treatment, with a secondary objective of investigating the effect of disease and subsequent treatment choice on average daily gain (ADG). A total of 1,141 Holstein heifers from 4 farms were observed and systematically scored for evidence of respiratory disease from birth through weaning or the time of death. At the time of diagnosis, calves were randomly and blindly allocated into 2 treatment groups. The overall incidence of respiratory disease was 60.9%. In the univariable analysis, the incidence of re-treatment between 7 and 10d of initial therapy for calves treated with ENR was greater than that in calves treated with TUL (27.6 vs. 21.2%). After adjusting for farm ID, clinical score at first treatment, and weight at first treatment, the odds of re-treatment were 1.5 times higher for calves treated with ENR than with TUL. The percentage of calves that required more than one re-treatment was higher for calves that received ENR compared with those that received TUL (9.3 vs. 4.1%). We observed no difference in ADG between calves treated with ENR or TUL, and no difference in ADG between calves that were treated for respiratory disease and those that were not treated for respiratory disease. Appropriate drug therapy for preweaning respiratory disease may have an important role in reducing the odds of re-treatment during the preweaning period.

Effect of selenium and vitamin C on clinical outcomes, trace element status, and antioxidant enzyme activity in horses with acute and chronic lower airway disease. A randomized clinical trial.

Excess production of reactive oxygen species is involved in the pathogenesis of airway disorders in horses. Trace element antioxidants have a beneficial role in oxidant/antioxidant balance. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a combination of sodium selenite and ascorbic acid on clinical outcome, antioxidant enzymes, and trace elements status in horses with lower airway disease. For this purpose, 40 draft horses with lower airway disease were randomly selected (acute, n = 20; chronic, n = 20). Both acute and chronic cases were randomly allocated into two subgroups (ten each). Groups 1 and 2 were the horses with acute disease, while groups 3 and 4 were chronically ill. For all groups, each horse was administered antibiotic, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, and mucolytic drug. In addition, groups 2 and 4 were injected with 15 mg/kg sodium selenite and 30 mg/kg ascorbic acid every 24 h for successive 4 weeks. Venous blood samples were obtained from diseased horses on three occasions; at first examination, and at 2 and 4 weeks post-treatment. Clinically, antioxidant supplementation improved the clinical signs with significant decrease (p < 0.05) of the clinical index score in both acute and chronic cases. In supplemented groups compared with non-supplemented, there was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the levels of copper, zinc, selenium, and iron as well as in the activity of glutathione-S-transferase and catalase. Meanwhile, there was a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the levels of manganese, malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, and low-density lipoprotein and in the activity of glutathione reductase. The results of the present study indicate that administration of sodium selenite and ascorbic acid may have beneficial effect on clinical outcome and antioxidant balance in horses with acute and chronic lower airway disease.

Comparison of enrofloxacin and ceftiofur sodium for the treatment of relapse of undifferentiated fever/bovine respiratory disease in feedlot cattle.

This commercial field trial compared the efficacy of enrofloxacin and ceftiofur sodium in beef cattle at high risk of developing undifferentiated fever (UF), also known as bovine respiratory disease (BRD) that received tilmicosin at feedlot arrival, were diagnosed and initially treated for UF with tilmicosin, and subsequently required a second UF treatment (first relapse). Feedlot cattle (n = 463) were randomly assigned to 2 experimental groups: ENRO or CEF. Second UF relapse, 3rd UF relapse, overall case fatality and BRD case fatality rates were lower in the ENRO group than in the CEF group (P < 0.05). There were no differences in average daily gain (allocation to re-implant date), chronicity, histophilosis case fatality or miscellaneous case fatality rates between the groups (P ≥ 0.05). A per-animal economic advantage of Can$57.08 was calculated for the ENRO group versus the CEF group. In feedlot cattle in western Canada at high risk of developing UF, it was more cost effective to administer enrofloxacin than ceftiofur sodium for treatment of UF relapse.

Ethno-veterinary survey of medicinal plants in Ruoergai region, Sichuan province, China.

AIM OF STUDY: In this study we aimed to survey and investigate the medicinal plants which are used to treat the veterinary diseases in Ruoergai region, Sichuan province, China. Meanwhile, the important medicinal plants were collected and identified for the further study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty folk veterinary practitioners from 8 township animal husbandry and veterinary stations in Ruoergai region were investigated and interviewed. The important local medicinal materials, including plants, animals and mineral drugs, were collected by scientific methods and identified by the pharmacognosist of Lanzhou University, China. RESULTS: According to the investigation, only 20 folk veterinary practitioners still used 129 species of traditional medicine to treat the livestock`s diseases. In these medicine, 93 species were native and Ranunculaceae (12, 12.90%), Compositae (11, 11.83%), Papaveraceae (7, 7.53%) were the predominant families. At the same time, herbs (36.56%) are the most widely used part of plant, and respiratory diseases (21.02%) and gastrointestinal diseases (19.89%) were the main animal's diseases in this region. CONCLUSION: Ethno-veterinary medicine made an extraordinary contribution to the sound development of animal husbandry in Ruoergai. But the inherit, protect and development should be paid more attentions in the future, and the species which have not been studied should be developed priority to find biological activities and new bioactive compounds further.

Quantitative risk from fluoroquinolone-resistant Salmonella and Campylobacter due to treatment of dairy heifers with enrofloxacin for bovine respiratory disease.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the human health impact of using fluoroquinolones to treat bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in dairy heifers less than 20 months of age. Specifically, this study quantified the probability of persistent symptoms in humans treated with a fluoroquinolone, for a fluoroquinolone-resistant Campylobacter, Salmonella, or multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella infection acquired following the consumption of ground beef. To comply with a Food and Drug Administration requirement for approval of enrofloxacin use in dairy heifers, a binomial event tree was constructed following Food and Drug Administration guidance 152. Release was estimated from the slaughter of dairy cattle carrying fluoroquinolone-resistant bacteria attributed to the proposed use in dairy heifers. For exposure, human foodborne exposure to Campylobacter, Salmonella, and MDR Salmonella after consumption of ground beef was estimated. The consequence assessment included illness, fluoroquinolone treatment, and persistent symptoms in patients treated with a fluoroquinolone. Using best available data to estimate the parameters and probabilities of each event, stochastic simulation was used to represent uncertainty and variability in many of the parameters. A scenario analysis was performed to evaluate the uncertainty of the following parameters: (1) probability of resistance development in treated animals, (2) portion of illnesses attributable to ground beef, and (3) probability of persistent symptoms in patients 18 years of age and over treated with a fluoroquinolone. The population at risk was restricted to people 18 years of age and over, as fluoroquinolones are not labeled for treatment of gastroenteritis in children. The mean annual increased risk of cases in the U.S. population (18 years of age and over) where compromised fluoroquinolone treatment resulted in persistent symptoms was estimated to be 1 in 61 billion (one case every 293 years) for Salmonella, 1 in 33 billion (one case every 158 years) for MDR Salmonella, and 1 in 2.8 billion (one case every 13 years) for Campylobacter.

Responses of pigs to a re-challenge with Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae after being treated with different antimicrobials following their initial exposure.

Four groups of six specific pathogen-free (SPF) pigs were inoculated intranasally with Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotype 2 and treated with either enrofloxacin, tetracycline or penicillin at the onset of clinical disease, or left untreated. A fifth group was left uninoculated. The inoculated control and the penicillin-treated groups developed severe disease, but the groups treated with enrofloxacin and tetracycline recovered rapidly. All the inoculated pigs, except those treated with enrofloxacin developed serum antibodies to A pleuropneumoniae. On day 28, all five groups were challenged with A pleuropneumoniae without any subsequent treatment. The previously uninoculated control group and the enrofloxacin-treated group developed severe disease, but the three seropositive groups remained unaffected.

[Frequency of diseases and injuries in the Swiss horse population]. / Häufigkeiten von Erkrankungen und Verletzungen in der Schweizer Pferdepopulation.

Through a written questionnaire, which was sent to a representatively distributed and randomly selected sample of Swiss horse owners, data of 2912 horses and ponies were acquired to extrapolate prevalence data of health disorders. General questions about the horse and associated factors of housing and use, as well as questions about the current health status and the occurrence of diseases and injuries had been asked. 718 horses (24.7% of the sample) had been examined by a veterinarian within the 12 months prior to the survey. Orthopaedic and traumatic disorders (41.5%) had the largest proportion, followed by gastrointestinal--(27.1%) and respiratory (14.0%) diseases. Half of the lameness cases occurred as a direct consequence of a injury. The injuries were associated with pasture/paddock (38.1%), kicking and biting (21.6%), boxstall (7.8%), terrain and hacking (13.4%), training (3.5%), competition (3.5%), transportation (3.0%) or other circumstances (9.1%). A change in feeding management up to 4 weeks before development of a colic episode occurred in 26.5% of all colic cases. In 13.8% of all respiratory cases the same disease was diagnosed in other horses in the same barn. 8.1% of all cases had to be treated surgically, 6.7% required hospitalization for several days. Information about diagnostic or therapeutic procedures was related to specific disease categories. In 25.6% of all cases diagnosed by a veterinarian alternative therapeutic methods were used either in addition to traditional medicine or exclusively.

Low ratios of sodium to potassium in the serum of 238 dogs.

Serum sodium:potassium (Na:K) ratios are often reported in biochemical studies of dogs, although their value has not been assessed. The aims of this study were to identify diseases associated with a low Na:K ratio in dogs and to compare their prevalence with the prevalence in dogs from the same referral hospital with normal Na:K ratios. A total of 238 dogs with a Na:K ratio less than 27 were identified from medical records. Sample contamination with edta was suspected in 74 cases (31 per cent) and these and two cases that had been supplemented with potassium were removed from the analysis. The remaining 162 cases and 147 control dogs were divided into five categories depending on the organ system affected. Among the cases there were significantly more in the endocrine category than among the control dogs. Hypoadrenocorticism was the most single common cause of a low Na:K ratio and affected 27 (16.7 per cent) of the cases. Other clinical problems associated with low Na:K ratios included different urogenital, cardiorespiratory and gastrointestinal diseases.

Effects of source of supplemental zinc on performance and humoral immunity in beef heifers.

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate receiving-period performance, morbidity, and humoral immune response, as well as finishing performance and carcass characteristics of heifers fed different sources of supplemental Zn. In Exp. 1, 97 crossbred beef heifers (initial BW = 223.4 kg) were fed a 65% concentrate diet with no supplemental Zn (control) or 75 mg of supplemental Zn/kg of DM from Zn sulfate, Zn methionine, or Zn propionate. During a 35-d receiving period, heifers were monitored daily for signs of bovine respiratory disease. Serum samples were collected for Zn analysis on d 0, 14, and 28. After the receiving period, heifers were adapted to and fed a high-concentrate diet with no supplemental Zn for 42 d. Heifers were then assigned to finishing diet treatments, with the same concentrations and sources of supplemental Zn as during the receiving period and fed for an average of 168 d. Serum samples also were obtained on d 0 and 56 of the finishing period and at the end of the study. During the receiving period, control heifers had a greater (P < or = 0.05) BW and G:F on d 35 than heifers in the other treatments, but no differences were observed among treatments for morbidity or serum Zn concentrations (P > or = 0.50). For the finishing period, DMI and ADG did not differ among treatments; however, overall G:F tended (P = 0.06) to be less for control heifers than for heifers in the 3 supplemental Zn treatments. On d 56 of the finishing period, control heifers tended (P = 0.06) to have a lower serum Zn concentration than heifers in the 3 supplemental Zn treatments. In Exp. 2, 24 crossbred beef heifers (initial BW = 291.1 kg) were fed the same 4 treatments as in Exp. 1 for a 21-d period. The humoral immune response to treatments was determined by measuring specific antibody titers after s.c. injection of ovalbumin on d 0 and 14. Body weights and blood samples for serum Zn concentration and ovalbumin IgG titers were collected on d 0, 7, 14, and 21. Serum Zn concentration and specific ovalbumin IgG titers did not differ (P > 0.10) among the 4 treatments on any sampling day. Results from these 2 studies showed no major differences among the sources of supplemental Zn for receiving period morbidity, ADG, DMI, and humoral immune response of beef heifers; however, a lack of supplemental Zn during an extended finishing period tended to negatively affect G:F.