Total and pathogen-specific serum Immunoglobulin G concentrations in neonatal beef calves, Part 1: Risk factors.

Maternal antibodies, delivered to the calf via colostrum, are crucial to prevent calfhood diseases and death. However, knowledge regarding the factors influencing this transfer of total and specific Immunoglobulin G (IgG) against common enteric and respiratory disease pathogens under current production conditions is sparse. The objectives of this study were to determine risk factors influencing total and pathogen-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations against Escherichia coli (E. coli), bovine Rotavirus (BRoV), Cryptosporidium parvum (C. parvum), Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus type 1 and 2 (BVDV), Parainfluenza Virus Type 3 (PI-3), Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus (BRSV), and Bovine Herpesvirus type 1 (BHV-1) in the serum of newborn beef calves. A total of 420 serum samples were collected from 1- to 7-day-old beef calves born on 6 farms in Alberta, Canada. Samples were analyzed by radial immunodiffusion for total IgG concentration and by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for pathogen-specific IgG concentrations against E. coli, BRoV, C. parvum, BVDV, PI-3, BRSV, and BHV-1. Multivariable multilevel linear and logistic regression models were built to evaluate dam- and calf-level risk factors associated with total and pathogen-specific IgG concentrations, failed transfer of passive immunity (FTPI; serum IgG < 10 g/L), and inadequate transfer of passive immunity (ITPI; serum IgG < 24 g/L). Farm was included as a random effect in all models to account for clustering at the herd level. Of the 420 calves included in this study, 5% (n = 20) and 18% (n = 75) of calves had FTPI and ITPI, respectively. Receiving colostrum intervention (i.e., being fed colostrum or colostrum product by either bottle or tube) was the most consistent risk factor for low total IgG concentration and significantly increased the odds of FTPI (Odds ratio (OR): 6.1, 95% CI: 2.0-18.9) and ITPI (OR: 4.8, 95% CI: 2.1-10.8). Calves born to cows consistently had higher pathogen-specific IgG concentrations (P < 0.0001), compared to calves born from heifers, and calves born to vaccinated dams had significantly higher BRoV, BVDV, and BHV-1-specific IgG concentrations. Interestingly, E.coli-specific IgG concentrations were associated with dam vaccination only in cows but not in heifers, which was likely due to differing vaccination strategies used. This study highlights the need to review and refine protocols with respect to dam vaccination and colostrum intervention on cow-calf operations.

Total and pathogen-specific serum Immunoglobulin G concentrations in neonatal beef calves, Part 2: Associations with health and growth.

The association of poor transfer of passive immunity (TPI) with negative health outcomes is extensively researched in dairy calves. However, few field studies have examined the effect of total and particularly pathogen-specific Immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations on pre-weaning health and growth of beef calves. Hence, the objective of this study was to determine the association of total and pathogen-specific IgG concentrations against selected pathogens associated with neonatal calf diarrhea (NCD) and bovine respiratory disease (BRD) and the odds of pre-weaning treatments, mortality, and the growth of newborn beef calves. A total of 420 serum samples from 1- to 7-day old beef calves born on 6 farms in Alberta, Canada, were available for this observational study. Serum samples were analyzed by radial immunodiffusion for total IgG concentration and by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for pathogen-specific IgG concentrations against Escherichia coli (E. coli), bovine Rotavirus (BRoV), Cryptosporidium parvum (C. parvum), Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV), Parainfluenza Virus Type 3 (PI-3), Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus (BRSV), and Bovine Herpesvirus Type 1 (BHV-1). Data about the individual dam- and calf-level risk factors, calf treatments, mortality, and birth and weaning weights were collected. Multivariable multilevel logistic and linear regression models were built to evaluate the association of total and pathogen-specific IgG concentrations with the odds of mortality and average daily gain (ADG), respectively, while their association with the odds of pre-weaning treatment was established by univariable logistic regression analysis. The odds of calves with IgG concentrations < 10 g/L of getting treated (OR 7.9, 95 % CI 2.7-23.7) and dying (OR: 18.5, 95 % CI: 3.7-93.4) were higher than for their counterparts (P < 0.0001). Calves with IgG concentrations < 24 g/L also had higher odds of dying (OR: 10.1, 95 % CI: 2.6-40.2) and had lower ADG (-0.09 kg, SE: 0.03, P < 0.002) than calves with IgG concentrations ≥ 24 g/L. Higher BVDV-specific IgG concentration was protective against mortality (OR: 0.97, 95 % CI: 0.96-0.99, P < 0.001). This study highlights the negative association of inadequate TPI with health and growth of beef calves and thus, the need to refine protocols for dam vaccination and colostrum intervention in cow-calf operations to meet these higher IgG targets.

Evaluation of 3 refractometers to determine transfer of passive immunity in neonatal beef calves.

BACKGROUND: Refractometry is used to assess transfer of passive immunity (TPI), but studies evaluating different refractometers and appropriate thresholds for recommended target immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations for beef calves are limited. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate test performance of digital (DSTP) and optical (OSTP) serum total protein (STP) refractometers and a digital Brix (DBRIX) refractometer for assessment of passive immunity in beef calves. ANIMALS: A total of 398 beef calves from 6 herds, 1 to 7 days of age. METHODS: Serum IgG concentration was estimated by DSTP, OSTP, and DBRIX, and measured by radial immunodiffusion (RID). Correlation coefficients (r) among results were calculated. Optimal STP and Brix thresholds for identification of IgG <10, <16, and <24 g/L were determined using interval likelihood ratios. Refractometer performance and agreement were assessed using areas under the curve (AUC), diagnostic test characteristics, Cohen's kappa (κ), and Bland-Altman analysis. RESULTS: Refractometer results were highly correlated with RID (r = 0.82-0.91) and with each other (r = 0.91-0.95), and overall test performance was excellent (AUC = 0.93-0.99). The STP concentrations of ≤5.1, ≤5.1, and ≤5.7 g/dL and Brix percentages of ≤7.9%, ≤8.3%, and ≤8.7% indicated IgG concentrations <10, <16, and <24 g/L, respectively. Agreement of refractometers with RID was variable (κ = 0.46-0.80) and among refractometers was substantial (κ = 0.62-0.89). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: All refractometers showed good utility as monitoring tools for assessment of TPI in beef calves.

The use of ITS-2 rDNA nemabiome metabarcoding to enhance anthelmintic resistance diagnosis and surveillance of ovine gastrointestinal nematodes.

A lack of quantitative information on the species composition of parasite communities present in fecal samples is a major limiting factor for the sensitivity, accuracy and interpretation of the diagnostic tests commonly used to assess anthelmintic efficacy and resistance. In this paper, we investigate the ability of ITS-2 rDNA nemabiome metabarcoding to enhance fecal egg count reduction testing by providing information on the effect of drug treatments on individual parasite species. Application of ITS-2 rDNA nemabiome metabarcoding to fecal samples from ewes from over 90 flocks across western Canada revealed high gastrointestinal nematode infection intensities in many flocks with Haemonchus contortus being the most abundant species followed by Teladorsagia circumcincta and then Trichostrongylus colubriformis. Integration of ITS-2 rDNA nemabiome metabarcoding with pre- and post-treatment fecal egg counting revealed consistently poor efficacy of producer-applied ivermectin and benzimidazole treatments against H. contortus, but much better efficacy against T. circumcincta and T. colubriformis, except for in a small number of flocks. Integration of nemabiome ITS-2 rDNA metabarcoding with Fecal Egg Count Reduction Tests (FECRT), undertaken on farm visits, confirmed that ivermectin and fenbendazole resistance is widespread in H. contortus but is currently less common in T. circumcincta and T. colubriformis in western Canada. FECRT/nemabiome testing did not detect moxidectin resistance in any GIN species but suggested the early emergence of levamisole resistance specifically in T. circumcincta. It also revealed that although poor efficacy to closantel was relatively common, based on total fecal egg counts, this was due to its narrow spectrum of activity rather than the emergence of anthelmintic resistance. This study illustrates the value of ITS-2 rDNA nemabiome metabarcoding to improve fecal egg count resistance testing, perform large-scale anthelmintic resistance surveillance and direct more targeted rational anthelmintic use.

Assessment of Brix refractometry to estimate immunoglobulin G concentration in beef cow colostrum.

BACKGROUND: Brix refractometry can be used to assess colostral immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration, but studies identifying Brix percentages to detect high- and low-IgG colostrum are lacking for beef cows and interlaboratory agreement is unknown. OBJECTIVES: Evaluate Brix refractometer performance and interlaboratory agreement for assessing beef cow colostrum IgG concentration, including determination of thresholds to identify colostrum containing IgG concentrations <100 g/L and ≥150 g/L. ANIMALS: Beef cows (n = 416) from 11 cow-calf operations in Alberta, Canada. METHODS: Colostral IgG concentrations were measured using radial immunodiffusion (RID) and estimated by Brix refractometry for this retrospective study. Spearman correlation coefficients were assessed between RID and Brix refractometry. Likelihood ratios and misclassification cost-term analysis were used to determine optimal Brix percentages for detecting colostrum containing IgG concentrations <100 g/L and ≥150 g/L. Concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) and Bland-Altman analyses were performed for Brix percentages obtained at 3 different laboratories. RESULTS: Brix percentages obtained at 3 laboratories were positively correlated with IgG results (r = 0.72, 0.68, and 0.76, respectively). Colostrum Brix percentages of <24% and ≥30% were optimal for indicating IgG concentrations of <100 g/L and ≥150 g/L, respectively. Interlaboratory agreement was substantial, with CCC ranging from 0.89 to 0.96 and Bland-Altman analysis showing small mean differences (-1.2% to 0.09% Brix) and narrow limits of agreements (-4.8% to 2.4% Brix) among laboratories. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Brix refractometry shows good potential for reliably estimating IgG concentrations in beef cow colostrum across multiple laboratories and can be recommended to aid colostrum management decisions on farms.

A randomised controlled trial investigating the effects of administering a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug to beef calves assisted at birth and risk factors associated with passive immunity, health, and growth.

BACKGROUND: The objectives of this study were to investigate the impact of pain mitigation at birth to assisted beef calves and determine the risk factors associated with transfer of passive immunity (TPI), health, and growth. METHODS: Two hundred and thirty cow-calf pairs requiring calving assistance were enrolled. Calves were randomised to receive meloxicam (0.5 mg/kg) or an equivalent volume of placebo subcutaneously at birth. Calf blood samples were collected between one and seven days of age to determine serum immunoglobulin (IgG) concentration. Colostrum intake, treatment for disease, mortality, and weaning weights were recorded. Multilevel linear or logistic regression models were used to determine the effects of meloxicam and to identify risk factors. RESULTS: There was no effect of meloxicam on serum IgG concentrations, average daily gain (ADG), or risk of inadequate TPI (serum IgG concentration <24 g/l), treatment for disease, or mortality (P>0.05). Bottle or tube feeding calves were associated with decreased serum IgG concentrations (P=0.01) compared with nursing. Calves with an incomplete tongue withdrawal reflex had higher odds of being treated for disease compared with those with complete withdrawal (P=0.009). Being born meconium-stained and having decreased serum IgG concentrations were associated with an increased risk of mortality (P=0.03). Being born of a mature cow, having a higher birth weight, and increased serum IgG concentrations were associated with greater ADG to weaning (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Vigour assessment at birth along with good colostrum management may be important to improve TPI and health in high-risk calves such as those assisted at birth.

Validation of ITS-2 rDNA nemabiome sequencing for ovine gastrointestinal nematodes and its application to a large scale survey of UK sheep farms.

We have validated ITS-2 rDNA nemabiome next-generation amplicon sequencing to determine relative species abundance of gastrointestinal nematode species in ovine fecal samples. In order to determine species representation biases, ITS-2 rDNA amplicon sequencing was applied to mock communities or field populations with known proportions of L3 for eight of the major ovine gastrointestinal nematode species: Teladorsagia circumcincta, Trichostrongylus vitrinus, Haemonchus contortus, Cooperia curticei, Trichostrongylus axei, Trichostrongylus colubriformis, Chabertia ovina and Oesophagostumum venulosum. Correction factors, calculated from this data, were shown to reduce species representation biases when applied to an independent set of field samples of known composition. We compared ITS-2 rDNA amplicon sequencing data that was generated from harvested eggs, freshly hatched L1 or L3 larvae following fecal culture and no statistically significant differences were found for the more abundant parasite species. We then applied the validated ITS-2 rDNA nemabiome amplicon sequencing assay to a set of archived L1 gastrointestinal nematode populations, collected in 2008 from fecal samples from 93 groups of 20 ewes and 61 groups of 20 lambs derived from 99 UK sheep farms. The presence of the major gastrointestinal nematode species had previously been determined on this large sample set by species-specific PCR. We show how the ITS-2rDNA amplicon sequencing data provided much more detailed information on species abundance than the previous species-specific PCR. This new data represents the most comprehensive overview of the relative abundance of the major gastrointestinal nematode species across UK sheep farms to date. Substantial variance in the relative abundance of both T. circumcincta and T. vitrinus between farms was revealed with the former species being of statistically significantly higher abundance in all three regions sampled (England, Scotland and Wales). The data also revealed that the relative abundance of T. circumcinta was statistically significantly higher in ewes than in lambs with the opposite pattern being the case for T. vitrinus. The nemabiome sequencing data also clearly illustrated the sporadic nature and skewed distribution of H. controtus across UK sheep farms as well as a higher relative abundance on farms from England compared to Wales and Scotland. The nemabiome survey also provides the first widescale data on the relative abundance of the two major large intestinal nematodes C. ovina and O. venulosum. This work validates ITS-2 rDNA nemabiome sequencing for use in sheep and illustrates the power of the approach for large scale surveillance of ovine gastrointestinal nematodes.

Clinical impacts of administering a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug to beef calves after assisted calving on pain and inflammation, passive immunity, health, and growth.

Assisted calves are often born weak, injured, or oxygen deprived and have a higher risk of morbidity and mortality. The objective was to investigate the impact of using pain mitigation at birth in assisted beef calves on physiological indicators of pain and inflammation, passive immunity, health, and growth. Thirty-three primiparous cows and their calves requiring assistance at birth on two ranches located in southern Alberta were enrolled. Data collected at birth include date and time of calving, calf sex, meconium staining, presentation of calf, and calving difficulty (easy assist: one person manually delivered the calf; difficult assist: delivery by two or more people, or mechanical assistance). Within 10 min of birth, calves were stratified by calving difficulty, randomized to a medication group, and received a subcutaneous dose of meloxicam (0.5 mg/kg BW) or an equivalent volume of placebo. Cow-calf pairs were then placed in individual box stalls for observation and sampling. At birth, 1, 4, and 24 h after birth, heart rate, respiratory rate, and rectal temperature were assessed and blood samples collected to measure indicators of pain and inflammation (cortisol, corticosterone, substance P, and haptoglobin). Serum IgG concentration and failed transfer of passive immunity (serum IgG concentration <24 g/L) were assessed in the 24-h blood samples. Preweaning treatment for disease and mortality information was collected and calves were weighed at 7 to 10 d of age and at weaning. Of the 33 calves enrolled, 17 calves received meloxicam and 16 calves received a placebo. Meloxicam-medicated calves had significantly greater ADG to 7 to 10 d of age (P = 0.05) (mean = 0.9 kg/d; SE = 0.10) compared with placebo-medicated calves (mean = 0.6 kg/d; SE = 0.12). There was no significant effect of meloxicam on physiological indicators of pain and inflammation, standing or nursing by 1 h, passive immunity, health outcomes, or ADG to weaning (P > 0.1). Although this was a small sample population, meloxicam given to assisted calves at birth improved ADG in the first week of life, which may indicate an important production management tool for improving well-being in assisted calves.

Quantifying subclinical trauma associated with calving difficulty, vigour, and passive immunity in newborn beef calves.

This cross-sectional study quantifies subclinical trauma associated with calving difficulty, calf vigour, and passive immunity (PI) in newborn beef calves. The degree of calving difficulty was categorised as: unassisted, easy assist (one or two people manually pulling to deliver the calf) and difficult assist (more than two people pulling, a fetal extractor (ie, calf jack), or caesarean section). Vigour assessment occurred at 10 minutes and blood sampling at 24 hours after birth in 77 beef calves. The measured blood parameters associated with trauma were creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and haptoglobin. Serum IgG concentration was measured, and an IgG concentration at least 24 g/l was considered as adequate PI. Calving difficulty was associated with elevated levels of CK (P=0.002) and AST (P=0.01), weak suckle reflex (P=0.001), abnormal mucous membrane colour (P<0.0001), and decreased odds of adequate PI (P=0.004). Elevated levels of CK and AST were associated with abnormal mucous membrane colour, incomplete tongue withdrawal and weak suckle reflex at birth (P<0.001). An incomplete tongue withdrawal (P=0.005) and weak suckle reflex (P=0.02) were associated with decreased IgG concentrations. Abnormal mucous membrane colour, incomplete tongue withdrawal, and a weak suckle reflex were associated with decreased odds of having adequate PI (P<0.05). Haptoglobin was not associated with any of the parameters measured. Subclinical trauma was associated with calving difficulty, decreased vigour and decreased odds of having adequate PI. Understanding the impacts of a traumatic birth may aid the development of management strategies for compromised newborn beef calves.

Benchmarking calving management practices on western Canada cow-calf operations.

Benchmarking current calving management practices and herd demographics in the western Canadian cow-calf production system helps to fill the gap in knowledge and understanding of how this production system works. Further investigation into the relationships between management decisions and calf health may guide the development of management practices and protocols to improve calf health, especially in compromised calves after a difficult birth. Therefore, the objectives of this cross-sectional study were to describe current calving management practices on western Canadian cow-calf ranches and to investigate the association of herd demographics with herd-level incidence of calving assistance, morbidity, mortality, and use of calving and colostrum management practices. Cow-calf producers were surveyed in January 2017 regarding herd inventory and management practices during the 2016 calving season. Ninety-seven of 110 producers enrolled in the western Canadian Cow-Calf Surveillance Network responded. Average herd-level incidence of assisted calvings was 4.9% (13.5% heifers, 3.2% cows), stillbirths was 2.1% (3.3% heifers, 1.9% cows), preweaning mortality was 4.5%, and preweaning treatment for disease was 9.4% (3.0% neonatal calf diarrhea, 3.8% bovine respiratory disease, 2.6% other diseases). Greater than 90% of producers assisted calvings and would intervene with colostrum consumption if the calf did not appear to have nursed from its dam. Late calving herds (i.e., started calving in March or later) had significantly lower average herd-level incidence of assistance, treatment for disease, and mortality (P < 0.05). In earlier calving herds (i.e., started calving in January or February) producers had shorter intervals between checking on dams for signs of calving or intervening to assist with a calving (P < 0.05). In early calving herds, producers were more likely to perform hands-on colostrum management techniques such as placing the cow and calf together or feeding stored, frozen colostrum (P < 0.05). There were no associations between herd size and herd-level incidences or management techniques (P > 0.05). This study suggests that in western Canada earlier calving herds are more intensively managed, whereas later calving herds are more extensively managed. Herd demographics may be important to consider when investigating factors associated with management strategies, health, and productivity in cow-calf herds.

[Considerations relating to the body in the Jewish religion]. / Considérations sur le corps dans la religion juive.

In the Jewish religion, the body is the receptacle of the soul, and both are connected. Created in God's image, the body must be respected by the caregiver and by the patient. Judaism imposes constraints, but these restrictions must be lifted if a person's life is in danger.

[Recommendations for Communication and Solicitation of Patients Potentially or Already Involved in Clinical Studies]. / Recommandations en matière de communication et de sollicitation de patients pouvant participer ou participant déjà à des études cliniques.

The active patient participation in clinical trials is key for a competitive clinical research. Given this, the Health Industry Physicians and Actors Association (AMIPS) has set up a working group to make communication recommendations towards patients. The group was made of patients, investigators and industry sponsors representatives. Efficacious communication is rarely obtained because it is not clear what is possible to do ethically and regulatory and because of technical and financial constraints. After having identified the expectations and limitations for every actor category, the group has summarized all types of communication, in a sort of tool box, before and during the whole of a study. The benefits and regulatory prerequisites such as the submission to the Ethical Committee and to the National Data Information and Freedom Commission (CNIL) as well as the practical feasibility are described for each tool.

[Not Available]. / Recommandations en matière de communication et de sollicitation de patients pouvant participer ou participant déjà à des études cliniques.

The active patient participation in clinical trials is key for a competitive clinical research. Given this, the Health Industry Physicians and Actors Association (AMIPS) has set up a working group to make communication recommendations towards patients. The group was made of patients, investigators and industry sponsors representatives. Efficacious communication is rarely obtained because it is not clear what is possible to do ethically and regulatory and because of technical and financial constraints. After having identified the expectations and limitations for every actor category, the group has summarized all types of communication, in a sort of tool box, before and during the whole of a study. The benefits and regulatory prerequisites such as the submission to the Ethical Committee and to the National Data Information and Freedom Commission (CNIL) as well as the practical feasibility are described for each tool.

Aganirsen antisense oligonucleotide eye drops inhibit keratitis-induced corneal neovascularization and reduce need for transplantation: the I-CAN study.

OBJECTIVE: Eye drops of aganirsen, an antisense oligonucleotide preventing insulin receptor substrate-1 expression, inhibited corneal neovascularization in a previous dose-finding phase II study. We aimed to confirm these results in a phase III study and investigated a potential clinical benefit on visual acuity (VA), quality of life (QoL), and need for transplantation. DESIGN: Multicenter, double-masked, randomized, placebo-controlled phase III study. PARTICIPANTS: Analysis of 69 patients with keratitis-related progressive corneal neovascularization randomized to aganirsen (34 patients) or placebo (35 patients). Patients applied aganirsen eye drops (86 µg/day/eye) or placebo twice daily for 90 days and were followed up to day 180. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary end point was VA. Secondary end points included area of pathologic corneal neovascularization, need for transplantation, risk of graft rejection, and QoL. RESULTS: Although no significant differences in VA scores between groups were observed, aganirsen significantly reduced the relative corneal neovascularization area after 90 days by 26.20% (P = 0.014). This improvement persisted after 180 days (26.67%, P = 0.012). Aganirsen tended to lower the transplantation need in the intent-to-treat (ITT) population at day 180 (P = 0.087). In patients with viral keratitis and central neovascularization, a significant reduction in transplantation need was achieved (P = 0.048). No significant differences between groups were observed in the risk of graft rejection. However, aganirsen tended to decrease this risk in patients with traumatic/viral keratitis (P = 0.162) at day 90. The QoL analyses revealed a significant improvement with aganirsen in composite and near activity subscores (P = 0.039 and 0.026, respectively) at day 90 in the per protocol population. Ocular and treatment-related treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were reported in a lower percentage with aganirsen compared with placebo. Only 3 serious TEAEs (2 with aganirsen and 1 with placebo) were considered treatment-related. CONCLUSIONS: This first phase III study on a topical inhibitor of corneal angiogenesis showed that aganirsen eye drops significantly inhibited corneal neovascularization in patients with keratitis. The need for transplantation was significantly reduced in patients with viral keratitis and central neovascularization. Topical application of aganirsen was safe and well tolerated.

Evaluation of horizontal transmission of bovine viral diarrhea virus type 1a from experimentally infected white-tailed deer fawns (Odocoileus virginianus) to colostrum-deprived calves.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the transmission of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) from experimentally infected white-tailed deer fawns to colostrum-deprived calves by use of a BVDV strain isolated from hunter-harvested white-tailed deer. ANIMALS: 5 white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) fawns and 6 colostrum-deprived calves. PROCEDURES: Fawns were inoculated intranasally with a noncytopathic BVDV-1a isolate (2 mL containing 10(6.7) TCID(50)/mL), and 2 days after inoculation, animals were commingled until the end of the study. Blood and serum samples were obtained on days -6, 0, 7, 14, and 21 after inoculation for reverse transcriptase PCR assay, virus neutralization, and BVDV-specific antibody ELISA. Nasal, oral, and rectal swab specimens were collected on days 0, 3, 7, 14, 17, and 21 for reverse transcriptase PCR testing. By 21 days after inoculation, all animals were euthanized and necropsied and tissues were collected for histologic evaluation, immunohistochemical analysis, and virus isolation. RESULTS: All fawns became infected and shed the virus for up to 18 days as determined on the basis of reverse transcriptase PCR testing and virus isolation results. Evidence of BVDV infection as a result of cohabitation with acutely infected fawns was detected in 4 of the 6 calves by means of reverse transcriptase PCR testing and virus isolation. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: On the basis of these findings, BVDV transmission from acutely infected fawns to colostrum-deprived calves appeared possible.

Experimental infection of colostrum-deprived calves with bovine viral diarrhea virus type 1a isolated from free-ranging white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus).

The objective of this study was to experimentally infect calves with bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) isolated from free-ranging white-tailed deer. Twelve colostrum-deprived male Holstein calves were used. Eight were inoculated intranasally with a BVDV type 1a isolated from free-ranging white-tailed deer, and the other four were inoculated with the cell culture medium only and served as a control group. Whole blood, saliva, and nasal and rectal secretions were collected on days 0, 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, and 21 after inoculation for virus isolation and real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). On days 14 and 21, 4 calves in the infected group and 2 in the control group were euthanized; multiple tissue samples were collected for histopathologic study. Histopathologic changes included thymic atrophy and lymphoid depletion of the Peyer's patches in all 8 infected calves. The RT-PCR gave positive results with the buffy coat of all 8 infected calves, the nasal samples of 7, and the saliva samples of 2. Virus neutralization testing of the serum gave positive results for 4 of the 8 infected calves, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of the serum gave positive results for 3. All of the samples from the control calves yielded negative results.

Survey on management practices related to the prevention and control of bovine viral diarrhea virus on dairy farms in Indiana, United States.

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to describe the application of management practices known to be associated with the prevention of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) infection on Indiana dairy farms and to determine the extent of BVDV vaccine use within Indiana dairy herds. The population in this study was Indiana dairy producers enrolled under the Indiana Premise ID list by the Indiana State Board of Animal Health (n=1600). During the fall of 2008 a questionnaire was mailed to Indiana dairy producers. Returned questionnaires were entered into a database and descriptive statistics were performed. A total of 208 questionnaires were found useful for analysis. Small herds (<100 head) constituted 60% of the sample population, 33% farms were categorized as medium herds (100-499 head) and finally 7% were large herds (>500 head). Most of the herds (68%) acquired their replacements from external sources (open herds); however, preventive measures against the introduction of BVDV into the farm such as purchased animal history, quarantine and BVDV testing were not commonly performed. Even though producers commonly reported the use of BVDV vaccines, not all animals groups were vaccinated within herds. This study highlights the aspects of management practices of BVDV control on Indiana dairy farms that need reinforcement. In particular, dairy producers should be made aware that vaccination should be complementary to a comprehensive biosecurity program.

Hypertrophic osteopathy associated with mycotic pneumonia in two juvenile elk (Cervus elaphus).

Two yearling bull elk (cervus claphus) from the same farm developed anorexia, weight loss, and lameness. On physical examination, both elk were thin and showed diffuse swelling of all lower limbs. Radiographs of the lower limbs showed periosteal thickening of the distal extremities, consistent with hypertrophic osteopathy. Thoracic radiographs indicated the presence of pulmonary nodules. Cytologic evaluations of tracheal washes on both elk were consistent with inflammation. Acid-fast stains on both samples were negative. Because of the poor prognosis, both elk were euthanized. At necropsy, the carpal, metacarpal, tarsal, and metatarsal bones, as well as the radius, ulna, and tibia had thickening of cortical bone. There were multiple encapsulated nodules throughout the lungs, lymph nodes, and kidney, and smaller nodules in the myocardium. On microscopic examination, these nodules contained myriads of hyphae, and immunohistochemistry for Aspergillus sp. was strongly positive. Aspergillus fumigatus was isolated from affected tissue in 1 elk. Necropsy findings in both elk were consistent with disseminated fungal granulomas and periosteal hyperostosis. This case presents the first description of hypertrophic osteopathy in elk. The source of infection was undetermined, but inhalation of spores from contaminated feed or bedding was suspected.

A multicenter case-control study of risk factors for equine protozoal myeloencephalitis.

OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors for equine protozoal myeloencephalitis (EPM) among horses examined at 11 equine referral hospitals. DESIGN: Case-control study. ANIMALS: 183 horses with EPM, 297 horses with neurologic disease other than EPM (neurologic controls), and 168 horses with non-neurologic diseases (non-neurologic controls) examined at 11 equine referral hospitals in the United States. PROCEDURES: A study data form was completed for all horses. Data were compared between the case group and each of the control groups by means of bivariate and multivariate polytomous logistic regression. RESULTS: Relative to neurologic control horses, case horses were more likely to be > or = 2 years old and to have a history of cats residing on the premises. Relative to non-neurologic control horses, case horses were more likely to be used for racing or Western performance. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicated that cats may play a role in the natural epidemiology of EPM, that the disease is less common among horses < 2 years of age relative to other neurologic diseases, and that horses used for particular types of competition may have an increased risk of developing EPM.

Investigation of an outbreak of encephalomyelitis caused by West Nile virus in 136 horses.

OBJECTIVE: To describe an outbreak of encephalomyelitis caused by West Nile virus (WNV) in horses in northern Indiana. DESIGN: Case series. ANIMALS: 170 horses. PROCEDURES: Horses with clinical signs suggestive of encephalomyelitis caused by WNV were examined. Date, age, sex, breed, and survival status were recorded. Serum samples were tested for anti-WNV antibodies, and virus isolation was attempted from samples of brain tissue. Climate data from local weather recording stations were collected. An epidemic curve was constructed, and case fatality rate was calculated. RESULTS: The most common clinical signs were ataxia, hind limb paresis, and muscle tremors and fasciculations. Eight horses had been vaccinated against WNV from 2 to 21 days prior to the appearance of clinical signs. West Nile virus was isolated from brain tissue of 2 nonvaccinated horses, and anti-WNV IgM antibodies were detected in 132 nonvaccinated horses; in 2 other nonvaccinated horses, anti-WNV antibodies were detected and WNV was also isolated from brain tissue. Thirty-one (22.8%) horses died or were euthanatized. The peak of the outbreak occurred on September 6, 2002. Ambient temperatures were significantly lower after the peak of the outbreak, compared with prior to the peak. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The peak risk period for encephalomyelitis caused by WNV in northern Indiana was mid-August to mid-September. Reduction in cases coincided with decreasing ambient temperatures. Because of a substantial case fatality rate, owners of horses in northern Indiana should have their horses fully protected by vaccination against WNV before June. In other regions of the United States with a defined mosquito breeding season, vaccination of previously nonvaccinated horses should commence at least 4 months before the anticipated peak in seasonal mosquito numbers, and for previously vaccinated horses, vaccine should be administered no later than 2 months before this time.