Measurement of joint angles for the objective assessment of limb conformation in dairy calves.

Poor limb conformation in cattle is believed to be closely associated with claw and limb disorders. Limb conformation is part of genetic evaluation and is assessed visually. In this descriptive study, the assessment of conformation in calves was evaluated objectively using joint angle measurements. A total of 100, 30- to 90-d-old, heifer calves of the Brown Swiss (n = 50) and Holstein (n = 50) breeds were photographed from both sides and the front and rear. Carpal, tarsal, autopodium and fetlock joint angles of the fore- or hind limbs were measured on the images using anatomic reference points and the ImageJ/Fiji® program. Each angle was measured 3 times, and the mean was used for analysis. Values from both sides were pooled. Deviations from defined standard angles were classified as slight or moderate. The positions of the front and hind feet were measured and scored. On average, the calves had moderate "knock-kneed" carpal conformation, and the autopodium of the front limb had a slight lateral deviation. In the rear view, the calves had slight, but close to moderate, "cow-hocked" tarsal conformation, and the autopodium of the hind limbs was parallel, but close to slightly deviated. Holstein calves were moderately, and Brown Swiss calves were slightly "cow-hocked". A moderate lateral deviation occurred in the metacarpal-digit angle in the front view and a slight lateral deviation occurred in the metatarsal-digit angle in the rear view. The front feet position score was >17° in 69% of the calves, and the hind feet position score was <17° in 90% of the calves. In the side views, the calves were slightly "over at the carpus" and slightly "straight-hocked" and had average fetlock conformation. In the mean values, most measured joint angles did not correspond to the straight or parallel classifications in our calves; moderate "knock-kneed" and slight "cow-hocked", and "toed-out" classifications were most common. The limb angles measured were based on anatomical features and therefore are unlikely to change substantially with increasing age. These aspects should be considered when assessing linear traits and investigating the relationship between limb conformation and claw diseases.

A framework for assessing confidence in freedom from infection in animal disease control programmes.

In the Surveillance Tool for Outcome-based Comparison of FREEdom from infection (STOC free) project (https://www.stocfree.eu), a data collection tool was constructed to facilitate standardised collection of input data, and a model was developed to allow a standardised and harmonised comparison of the outputs of different control programmes (CPs) for cattle diseases. The STOC free model can be used to evaluate the probability of freedom from infection for herds in CPs and to determine whether these CPs comply with the European Union's pre-defined output-based standards. Bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) was chosen as the case disease for this project because of the diversity in CPs in the six participating countries. Detailed BVDV CP and risk factor information was collected using the data collection tool. For inclusion of the data in the STOC free model, key aspects and default values were quantified. A Bayesian hidden Markov model was deemed appropriate, and a model was developed for BVDV CPs. The model was tested and validated using real BVDV CP data from partner countries, and corresponding computer code was made publicly available. The STOC free model focuses on herd-level data, although that animal-level data can be included after aggregation to herd level. The STOC free model is applicable to diseases that are endemic, given that it needs the presence of some infection to estimate parameters and enable convergence. In countries where infection-free status has been achieved, a scenario tree model could be a better suited tool. Further work is recommended to generalise the STOC free model to other diseases.

Dans le cadre du projet européen STOC free (Surveillance Tool for Outcome-based Comparison of FREEdom from infection, outil de surveillance permettant de comparer les probabilités d'absence d'infection sur la base des résultats, https://www.stocfree.eu), un outil de recueil des données a été construit pour faciliter une collecte normalisée des données d'entrée ; un modèle a également été élaboré pour permettre une comparaison normalisée et harmonisée des données sur les résultats des différents programmes de contrôle des maladies des bovins. Le modèle STOC free peut être utilisé pour évaluer la probabilité d'absence d'infection au sein des troupeaux dans le cadre des programmes de contrôle et déterminer si ces programmes sont conformes aux normes définies par l'Union européenne en termes de résultats attendus. L'infection par le virus de la diarrhée virale bovine a été choisie comme maladie d'étude pour ce projet en raison de la diversité des programmes de contrôle dans les six pays participants. Les informations relatives aux programmes de contrôle et aux facteurs de risque d'infection ont été recueillies à l'aide de l'outil de collecte des données. Les aspects clés et valeurs par défaut ont été quantifiés en vue d'être inclus dans le modèle STOC free. Un modèle de Markov caché dont les paramètres sont estimés par inférence bayésienne a été considéré comme le plus adapté et développé pour une application aux données issues des programmes de contrôle de la diarrhée virale bovine. Ce modèle a été testé et validé en utilisant des données réelles des programmes de contrôle du virus de la diarrhée virale bovine des pays participants ; le code informatique correspondant a été rendu public. Le modèle STOC free utilise des données au niveau des troupeaux, même si des données au niveau des animaux individuels peuvent être incluses une fois agrégées au niveau du troupeau. Le modèle STOC free s'applique aux maladies endémiques, puisqu'un certain niveau de présence de l'infection est nécessaire pour estimer les paramètres et permettre la convergence. Dans les pays ayant obtenu le statut indemne d'infection, un modèle du type arbre de scénario pourrait être un outil plus adapté. Des travaux supplémentaires sont recommandés pour généraliser le modèle STOC free à d'autres maladies.

Como parte del proyecto europeo STOC free (Surveillance Tool for Outcome-based Comparison of FREEdom from infection, herramienta de vigilancia para comparaciones por resultados respecto a la ausencia de infecciones, https://www.stocfree.eu), se confeccionó una herramienta de obtención de datos para facilitar la recogida normalizada de datos entrantes y se elaboró un modelo que posibilitara una comparación normalizada y armonizada de los resultados (datos salientes) de distintos programas de control de enfermedades bovinas. El modelo STOC free puede servir para calcular la probabilidad de ausencia de infección en los rebaños como parte de los programas de control y para determinar si estos programas se ajustan a las normas predefinidas de resultados de la Unión Europea. Como ejemplo de estudio para el proyecto se eligió el virus de la diarrea viral bovina (virus DVB) por la diversidad que presentaban los correspondientes programas de control de los seis países participantes. Empleando la herramienta de obtención de datos, se reunió información pormenorizada de los programas de control del virus DVB y los factores de riesgo. Para incluir los datos en el modelo STOC free, se cifraron unos aspectos clave y valores predeterminados Juzgando conveniente el empleo de un modelo oculto de Markov cuyos parámetros se estiman por inferencia bayesiana, se elaboró un modelo de esta índole aplicable a los programas de control del virus DVB. Para ensayar y validar el modelo se utilizaron datos reales de los programas de control del virus DVB de los países participantes, tras lo cual se hizo público el correspondiente código informático. El modelo STOC free trabaja con los datos por rebaño, aunque tras la agregación por rebaños pueden incluirse también datos por individuo. Para que este modelo sea aplicable a una enfermedad es preciso que esta sea endémica, pues el modelo requiere la presencia de cierto nivel de infección para calcular los parámetros y determinar convergencias. En aquellos países donde ya esté reconocida la ausencia de infección, sería más apropiado utilizar como herramienta un modelo de árbol de hipótesis. Los autores recomiendan ahondar en esta línea de trabajo para poder extender a otras enfermedades el uso del modelo STOC free.

Output-based assessment of herd-level freedom from infection in endemic situations: Application of a Bayesian Hidden Markov model.

Countries have implemented control programmes (CPs) for cattle diseases such as bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) that are tailored to each country-specific situation. Practical methods are needed to assess the output of these CPs in terms of the confidence of freedom from infection that is achieved. As part of the STOC free project, a Bayesian Hidden Markov model was developed, called STOC free model, to estimate the probability of infection at herd-level. In the current study, the STOC free model was applied to BVDV field data in four study regions, from CPs based on ear notch samples. The aim of this study was to estimate the probability of herd-level freedom from BVDV in regions that are not (yet) free. We additionally evaluated the sensitivity of the parameter estimates and predicted probabilities of freedom to the prior distributions for the different model parameters. First, default priors were used in the model to enable comparison of model outputs between study regions. Thereafter, country-specific priors based on expert opinion or historical data were used in the model, to study the influence of the priors on the results and to obtain country-specific estimates. The STOC free model calculates a posterior value for the model parameters (e.g. herd-level test sensitivity and specificity, probability of introduction of infection) and a predicted probability of infection. The probability of freedom from infection was computed as one minus the probability of infection. For dairy herds that were considered free from infection within their own CP, the predicted probabilities of freedom were very high for all study regions ranging from 0.98 to 1.00, regardless of the use of default or country-specific priors. The priors did have more influence on two of the model parameters, herd-level sensitivity and the probability of remaining infected, due to the low prevalence and incidence of BVDV in the study regions. The advantage of STOC free model compared to scenario tree modelling, the reference method, is that actual data from the CP can be used and estimates are easily updated when new data becomes available.

A description and qualitative comparison of the elements of heterogeneous bovine viral diarrhea control programs that influence confidence of freedom.

For endemic infections in cattle that are not regulated at the European Union level, such as bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), European Member States have implemented control or eradication programs (CEP) tailored to their specific situations. Different methods are used to assign infection-free status in CEP; therefore, the confidence of freedom associated with the "free" status generated by different CEP are difficult to compare, creating problems for the safe trade of cattle between territories. Safe trade would be facilitated with an output-based framework that enables a transparent and standardized comparison of confidence of freedom for CEP across herds, regions, or countries. The current paper represents the first step toward development of such a framework by seeking to describe and qualitatively compare elements of CEP that contribute to confidence of freedom. For this work, BVDV was used as a case study. We qualitatively compared heterogeneous BVDV CEP in 6 European countries: Germany, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Scotland. Information about BVDV CEP that were in place in 2017 and factors influencing the risk of introduction and transmission of BVDV (the context) were collected using an existing tool, with modifications to collect information about aspects of control and context. For the 6 participating countries, we ranked all individual elements of the CEP and their contexts that could influence the probability that cattle from a herd categorized as BVDV-free are truly free from infection. Many differences in the context and design of BVDV CEP were found. As examples, CEP were either mandatory or voluntary, resulting in variation in risks from neighboring herds, and risk factors such as cattle density and the number of imported cattle varied greatly between territories. Differences were also found in both testing protocols and definitions of freedom from disease. The observed heterogeneity in both the context and CEP design will create difficulties when comparing different CEP in terms of confidence of freedom from infection. These results highlight the need for a standardized practical methodology to objectively and quantitatively determine confidence of freedom resulting from different CEP around the world.

Existence of bovine neonatal pancytopenia before the year 2005? Retrospective evaluation of 215 cases of haemorrhagic diathesis in cattle.

Haemorrhagic diathesis (HD) in cattle is a relatively rare syndrome that can have many different causes. With the occurrence of bovine neonatal pancytopenia (BNP) in 2007, the number of cases of HD in cattle has increased. This led to an enhanced interest in diseases presenting with bleeding disorders. The possible causes of HD in cattle, the clinical findings, and the course of various diseases are described and evaluated. Furthermore, we determined whether cases of BNP occurred before the introduction of the vaccine Pregsure BVD since its widespread use was associated with the syndrome. Records of 215 cases of HD in cattle that had been referred to the Clinic for Ruminants with Ambulatory and Herd Health Services at the Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, between 1982 and 2014 were evaluated. The two most commonly diagnosed diseases were BNP (n = 95) and septicaemia (n = 35), with fatality rates of 82% and 66%, respectively. In 27 (13%) cases, no clear cause for the HD could be designated. Statistically significant differences were found with regard to the course of the various disorders and the clinical findings. A receiver operating characteristic analysis of thrombocyte counts of affected animals at the time of arrival at the clinic did not provide any predictive information on disease outcome. Two cases of HD occurred before the introduction of Pregsure BVD (1989, 1991). In both cases, clinical, haematological, and pathological findings were identical to BNP. The cause of HD in these two cases could not be determined retrospectively.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N8 in Germany: Outbreak Investigations.

Epidemiological outbreak investigations were conducted in highly pathogenic avian influenza virus of the subtype H5N8 (HPAIV H5N8)-affected poultry holdings and a zoo to identify potential routes of entry of the pathogen via water, feedstuffs, animals, people, bedding material, other fomites (equipment, vehicles etc.) and the presence of wild birds near affected holdings. Indirect introduction of HPAIV H5N8 via material contaminated by infected wild bird seems the most reasonable explanation for the observed outbreak series in three commercial holdings in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Lower Saxony, while direct contact to infected wild birds may have led to outbreaks in a zoo in Rostock and in two small free-range holdings in Anklam, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.

[Impact of the simultaneous implementation of husbandry procedures on suckling piglets]. / Auswirkungen der zeitgleichen Durchführung zootechnischer Eingriffe an Saugferkeln.

OBJECTIVE: In addition to castration, further husbandry procedures are performed in piglets during the first week of life without anaesthesia. The aim of the present study was to investigate the pain-induced stress of the husbandry procedures castration, tail docking and ear tagging performed in piglets in combination in comparison with castration or handling alone. Furthermore, the effect of the presurgical administration of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug meloxicam alone or in combination with iron was investigated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The levels of pain and stress were evaluated based on cortisol and catecholamine concentrations, as well as from behavioural observations. The compatibility and the effect of combined drug administration were assessed, and the daily weight gain and blood iron level were determined. RESULTS: When comparing the application procedures, the slight changes observed at the iron injection site were reduced by 40% when using the mixture. After performing all three husbandry procedures without administration of meloxicam (KSO group), higher cortisol concentrations were induced for up to 4 hours compared to the handling (H) and castration (K) groups. In piglets receiving meloxicam or the mixture of iron and meloxicam presurgically, the cortisol concentration was significantly reduced for 0.5 hours after castration and up to 4 hours following all three husbandry procedures when compared to piglets without medication (groups K and KSO, respectively). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The results indicate that the blood cortisol concentration significantly rose due to multiple pain and distress when combining castration, ear tagging and tail docking. Application of meloxicam before performing these husbandry procedures reduced pain equally to its application before castration alone. The application of a mixed preparation of iron and meloxicam did not affect the efficacy of either drug and improved the local tolerance of the iron injection.

Polyurethane dressing, tetracycline and salicylic acid use for treatment of digital dermatitis in cattle. A comparative study.

OBJECTIVE: The use of antibiotics is a proven approach for local and systemic treatment of digital dermatitis (DD). Even if they are administered only locally and at low dosage, their use should be restricted to an absolute minimum. The efficacy of a commercial polyurethane wound dressing in treating acute digital dermatitis was compared with topical treatment using a commercially available tetracycline spray and a salicylic acid paste. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 105 cows in a dairy farm (with about 160 dairy cows) were included in the study, with 101 cows needing topical treatment for digital dermatitis on one or both hind feet. All animals underwent hoof trimming prior to the treatment. Affected feet (n = 152) were randomly assigned to one of three comparable treatment groups. Topical treatment was administered to all visible digital dermatitis lesions. Animals in the positive control groups were given a topical treatment of tetracycline (53 DD lesions in 49 cows) or salicylic acid (53 DD lesions in 50 cows) formulations, whose therapeutic effects were scientifically verified. Spray was applied once, at a usual dosage and without any bandage. Salicylic acid paste was fixed in place with a bandage for 5 days. In the test group (46 DD lesions in 45 cows), a polyurethane bandage was left in place for 10 days. Whereas, 47 feet (from 38 cows) without lesions or with lesions showing no pain were designated as group 0. Each lesion was evaluated at day 0 during trimming, and on day 10 and 36. The lesions were scored based on severity and size. RESULTS: All groups showed a statistically significant improvement in the clinical appearance of the lesions at day 10. There were no significant differences in the findings between the second and the third evaluation (day 10 and day 36) either within a group or between the groups. CONCLUSION: The use of an alternative treatment regimen like a polyurethane wound dressing shows good clinical healing, it is as effective as the conventional methods, and unlike the conventional methods, does not require a latency period.

[The intradermal tuberculin test: literature, directive and implementation in practice]. / Der Tuberkulin-Hauttest: Literatur, Richtlinie und Umsetzung in der Praxis.

OBJECTIVE: Because of an increase in the number of cases of bovine tuberculosis in southern Germany (Allgäu region, mainly in the administrative district Swabia) during recent years, blanket tuberculosis testing was resumed in this region. The aim of this study was to review the veterinarians' current knowledge regarding the technique of the intradermal tuberculin test. As a consequence, a guide with precise instructions for the execution and interpretation of intradermal tuberculin testing in cattle based on the current legislation should be created. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Using a questionnaire, farm-animal practitioners' knowledge and experiences of intradermal tuberculin testing were surveyed, collected and evaluated. Legislative texts on tuberculosis (particularly testing of tuberculosis) were evaluated in their current and previous versions, and compared with the experiences reported by the veterinarians. RESULTS: A total of 137 veterinarians participated and 130 returned questionnaires could be evaluated. Forty-four of the 130 participants were involved in tuberculosis testing when the survey was performed. Of these 44 questionnaires, 42 were incorporated in the final evaluation. The majority of the veterinarians perform the intradermal tuberculosis test as laid down in the Commission Regulation (EC) no. 1226/2002 of 8 July 2002 amending Annex B to Council Directive 64/432/EEC. However, many practitioners do not comply with the requirements of the Commission Regulation (EC) no. 1226/2002 when evaluating the results of the intradermal tuberculosis test. Veterinarians showing the least accordance with required standards only test single animals or work in areas other than Swabia. CONCLUSIONS: In areas severely affected by tuberculosis, the technique of intradermal tuberculosis testing is performed almost as demanded by the Commission Regulation (EC) no. 1226/2002. However, a more uniform and careful approach should be sought when monitoring the results. The guide designed in the context of this study can help to improve the performance of the intradermal tuberculosis test. The information from the literature review also shows that there is currently no standardized method of intradermal tuberculosis testing.

A controlled trial on the effect of feeding dietary chestnut extract and glycerol monolaurate on liver function in newborn calves.

Beginning in the fall of 2010, an increasing and alarming number of cases of calves suffering from liver dystrophy were reported in the south of Germany. An epidemiological investigation was carried out by the authors between November 2010 and July 2011, leading to the implication of a commercial dietary supplement as the potential cause for this outbreak. The components of this product were first tested in a cell culture model and two of them (dietary chestnut extract and glycerol monolaurate) showed a cytotoxic effect. The objective of this study was therefore to evaluate the effect of supplemental feeding of both components alone or in combination on liver function in newborn calves on a commercial dairy farm. Ten calves were enrolled in each of the three treatment groups and the control group (group O) following a blocked design. Treatment consisted of supplementation with chestnut extract at 0.02% of birth body mass (BM) (group C), supplementation with glycerol monolaurate at 0.006% of BM (group G) or a combined treatment (group CG) for five consecutive days. The effect of treatments on liver function was evaluated clinically and by measurement of glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities as well as the determination of the concentrations of glucose, L-lactate and total bilirubin in serum. There was a significant increase in GLDH and AST activities and a significant decrease in glucose concentration in treatment groups C and CG compared with the control group (p ≤ 0.035), whereas no difference was shown for group G. Survival was significantly decreased in groups C (p = 0.029) and CG (p = 0.001) compared with both group G and the control group. These results suggest that dietary chestnut extract in an amount of 0.02% of BM alone or in combination has a toxic effect on liver function in newborn calves.

Feline lower urinary tract disease in a German cat population. A retrospective analysis of demographic data, causes and clinical signs.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate epidemiologic data, clinical signs, results of urinalysis and causes of lower urinary tract disease in a German veterinary hospital population of cats and to determine if the demographic data, history, clinical signs and urinalysis results correlate with a particular etiology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cats presented with signs of feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) with a documented history and physical examination, a complete urinalysis (urine specific gravity, urine dipstick and sediment, urine culture) of urine obtained by cystocentesis or catheterization, and diagnostic imaging of the urinary tract were included into the study. Cats that had received a previous treatment during the same episode of FLUTD were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 302 cats were included into the study. Cats with FLUTD presented throughout the seasons with similar frequency. The most common diagnosis was feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) (55.0%), followed by bacterial urinary tract infection (UTI) (18.9%), urethral plug (10.3%) and urolithiasis (7.0%). Urethral obstruction was significantly more frequent in cats with FIC than in cats with UTI. Cats with FIC and urethral plugs were significantly younger and had significantly higher body weights than cats with UTI and neoplasia. FIC and urethral plugs were significantly more common causes of FLUTD in cats younger than 10 years compared to cats that were 10 years or older (65.2% versus [vs.] 35.8% and 13.3% vs. 3.0%), while the incidences of UTI and neoplasia increased with age (12.9% vs. 41.8% and 1.0% vs. 13.4%). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: FIC and UTI are the most common diagnoses in cats with FLUTD, with a significant age-related difference in incidence.

Encephalitozoon cuniculi in rabbits in Germany: prevalence and sensitivity of antibody testing.

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of Encephalitozoon cuniculi antibodies in healthy and diseased rabbits in Germany. Age and gender dependencies were taken into consideration. The sensitivity of the E cuniculi antibody test and its relevance for the diagnosis of E cuniculi infection in rabbits was also examined. A total of 773 healthy and diseased rabbits were tested for E cuniculi antibodies (indirect immune fluorescence antibody test (IFAT) or carbon immunoassay (CIA). No differences between diseased and healthy rabbits were observed with regard to gender, but diseased rabbits were significantly older (P>0.001). Forty-three percent (336/773) of all rabbits were positive for E cuniculi antibodies. Of the diseased rabbits, 48 per cent (266/555) were positive for E cuniculi antibodies. While 96 per cent (91/95) of the rabbits with histopathologically or PCR confirmed encephalitozoonosis were E cuniculi antibody-positive, only 60 per cent (144/241) of the rabbits suspected of E cuniculi infection were antibody-positive. Of the healthy rabbits, 18 per cent (39/218) were positive for E cuniculi antibodies. Diseased rabbits were almost three times more likely to be E cuniculi antibody-positive than healthy ones (P>0.001; relative risk (RR): 2.68; 95% CI 1.99 to 3.61). The sensitivity of the E cuniculi antibody test was 96 per cent.

The effect of a spot-on formulation containing polyunsaturated fatty acids and essential oils on dogs with atopic dermatitis.

Recent studies have shown that immunological aberrations and epidermal barrier defects could be important in the pathogenesis of canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) and that oral polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) might influence the epidermal barrier. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a spot-on formulation containing PUFAs and essential oils on pruritus and lesions caused by CAD. Forty-eight privately owned dogs of different breeds, ages and genders diagnosed with atopic dermatitis were included in a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, multicentre clinical trial. Dogs were treated with a spot-on formulation containing PUFAs and essential oils or placebo on the dorsal neck once weekly for 8weeks. Before and after the study, CAD extent and severity index-03 (CADESI-03) and pruritus scores were determined by veterinarians and owners, respectively. There was significantly more improvement in CADESI-03 and pruritus scores in the treatment group than in the placebo group (P=0.011 and P=0.036, respectively). Additionally, more dogs improved by at least 50% in CADESI-03 and pruritus scores in the treatment group than in the placebo group (P=0.008 and P=0.070, respectively). No adverse reactions were observed. The topical preparation containing PUFAs and essential oils was a safe treatment and beneficial in ameliorating the clinical signs of CAD.

The Rivalta's test as a diagnostic variable in feline effusions--evaluation of optimum reaction and storage conditions.

OBJECTIVE: The Rivalta's test is used to diagnose feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) in cats with effusion. Only little information on the influence of sample storage and reaction conditions on test results is available, and diagnostic sensitivity and specificity to diagnose FIP vary considerably between few available studies. This study determined the influence of storage of effusion, modifications on reaction conditions, and inter-observer variation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The Rivalta's test was repeated up to 21 days after storage at room temperature, in the refrigerator, or freezer. The test was performed by two independent, blinded investigators. It was also performed using different volumes of acetic acid, different acids, and different kinds of water. RESULTS: Even after storage for 21 days, test results were comparable. While inter-observer variation revealed substantial disagreement, different modifications in performance showed no major influence on test outcome. CONCLUSION: The Rivalta's test seems to be a very robust test concerning storage conditions. Modifications in reaction condition also do not substantially influence outcome. However, the test is subjective and depends on the evaluating person.

Occurrence of zoonotic clostridia and Yersinia in healthy cattle.

Zoonotic pathogens are a frequent cause of disease worldwide. This study was designed to determine the occurrence of Clostridium difficile, Clostridium botulinum, and Yersinia enterocolitica in cattle in southern Bavaria, Germany. The study population included 49 farms; 34 were dairy farms (30 also fattening beef cattle) and 15 were solely beef cattle farms. Fecal and dust samples were collected from summer 2011 to summer 2012 and analyzed using a combination of enrichment procedures and real-time PCR. For the detection of C. difficile, samples were screened for the presence of the tpi gene and toxin genes tcdA, tcdB, and cdtA. Samples also were screened for genes for C. botulinum toxins A through F and for the ail gene of Y. enterocolitica. Of 506 samples, C. difficile genes were found in 29 samples (5.7%): 25 samples from dairy farms and 4 samples from beef cattle farms. Toxin genes were identified in 17 samples, with toxigenic profiles of A(+)B(+)CDT(-), A(+)B(-)CDT(+), and A(+)B(+)CDT(+). C. botulinum toxin genes were not detected in fecal samples from cattle, but the gene for toxin B was detected in 1 (0.8%) of 125 dust samples. Y. enterocolitica genes were found in 6 (1.6%) of 382 fecal samples from three dairy farms and one beef cattle farm. This study revealed that C. difficile and Y. enterocolitica are rare on cattle farms in Bavaria, Germany. In contrast to results of previous studies, C. botulinum was not detected in fecal samples but was found very rarely in dust samples from the cattle environment.

Hyperkalemia in neonatal diarrheic calves depends on the degree of dehydration and the cause of the metabolic acidosis but does not require the presence of acidemia.

Hyperkalemia is a clinically important electrolyte imbalance in neonatal diarrheic calves that has previously been associated with skeletal muscle weakness and life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. The aim of the present retrospective analysis was to identify risk factors for hyperkalemia in a convenience sample of 832 calves (≤ 21 d of age) with a clinical diagnosis of diarrhea admitted to a veterinary teaching hospital. Plasma potassium concentrations were most closely associated with parameters of dehydration and renal function such as serum creatinine [Spearman correlation (rs) = 0.61], urea (rs = 0.51), and inorganic phosphorus concentrations (rs = 0.64). Plasma potassium concentrations were weakly associated with venous blood pH (rs = -0.21). Although venous blood pH was not predictive in a multivariate linear regression analysis, the odds of having hyperkalemia (>5.8 mmol/L) in acidemic calves was found to be 8.6 times as high as in nonacidemic calves [95% confidence interval (CI): 4.8-15.4]. However, the presence of hyperkalemia depended on the nature of an existing acidosis, and the odds for the presence of hyperkalemia in acidemic calves with hyper-D-lactatemia (>3.96 mmol/L) were only 0.15 times as high as in acidemic calves with normal D-lactate concentrations (95% CI, 0.11-0.22). Acidemia in hyperkalemic diarrheic calves was associated with hyponatremia and increased concentrations of inorganic phosphorus, L-lactate, and unidentified strong anions that presumably included uremic anions such as sulfate. We conclude that hyper-D-lactatemia in neonatal diarrheic calves is not usually associated with elevated plasma potassium concentrations. Application of the simplified strong ion acid-base model indicated that dehydration is an important contributor to the pathogenesis of hyperkalemia and acidemia in neonatal calves with diarrhea.

Evaluation of a conjunctival swab polymerase chain reaction for the detection of Leishmania infantum in dogs in a non-endemic area.

Due to the increasing numbers of dogs imported from or visiting Mediterranean countries, canine leishmaniasis has become an important infectious disease in countries where natural transmission typically does not occur. Although conjunctival swabs have recently been described as a useful diagnostic tool in endemic areas, their usefulness in non-endemic areas is unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of a conjunctival swab polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in dogs in a non-endemic area. Dogs (n=74) that were presented for suspected canine leishmaniasis or for screening purposes after a history of travelling were prospectively included. PCR results from conjunctival swabs were compared to those from bone marrow, lymph nodes and blood and also to antibody results determined by an indirect immunofluorescence antibody test or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Dogs were considered infected if bone marrow, lymph node, or blood PCR was positive and were defined as not infected if bone marrow PCR, the gold standard of testing, was negative. The sensitivity and specificity of the conjunctival swab PCR were 78.4% (confidence interval [CI] 95%, 62.8-88.6) and 93.8% (CI 95%, 79.8-98.3), respectively. There was substantial agreement between PCR results from conjunctival swabs and lymph nodes (κ=0.642), fair to moderate agreement between conjunctival swabs and bone marrow (κ=0.483), and almost no agreement between conjunctival swabs and blood (κ=0.070). Dogs with high antibody titres were more likely to be positive on conjunctival swab PCR than dogs with negative or doubtful antibody titres (P<0.001). Thus, conjunctival swab PCR is a good non-invasive test to diagnose Leishmania infection in dogs in non-endemic countries.

[Reference values for haematological and clinical-chemical parameters in the dog]. / Hämatologische und klinisch-chemische Referenzwerte für Hunde.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to establish reference values for haematological and clinical-chemical parameters in adult dogs and to evaluate whether they are influenced by age, sex and feeding. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 508 clinically healthy dogs of both genders and different breeds aged between ≤ 1 and 17 years. To establish reference values, results of 396 dogs aged 1-9 years were used. Analysis of haematological and clinical-chemical parameters was performed using the following devices: Cell-Dyn 3500, Hitachi 911, GEM Premier 3000 and the coagulometer BE CL 4. The statistical program SPSS was used to calculate the reference values. RESULTS: In 75% of the tested parameters no major discrepancies were noted in comparison to existing reference values. For eosinophils, basophils, monocytes, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, glutamate dehydrogenase, lipase, creatine kinase, bilirubin and creatinine cleardeviationsfromthe existing referencevalues were demonstrated. The reference ranges for eosinophils, monocytes and glutamate dehydrogenase were higher than reported inthe literature whereas for basophils they were lower. The reference ranges for the enzymes alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and lipase in young (< 1 year) and old dogs (≥ 10 years) differed significantly from the reference values of dogs aged 1-9 years. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Reference require regular re-evaluation because through continuing developments and new knowledge, some factors related to their determination, particularly methods and equipment, change.

Prevalence of extended-spectrum ß-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli on Bavarian dairy and beef cattle farms.

Extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli strains are believed to be widely distributed among humans and animals; however, to date, there are only few studies that support this assumption on a regional or countrywide scale. Therefore, a study was designed to assess the prevalence of ESBL-producing E. coli in dairy cows and beef cattle in the southern part of Bavaria, Germany. The study population included 30 mixed dairy and beef cattle farms and 15 beef cattle farms. Fecal samples, boot swabs, and dust samples were analyzed for ESBL-producing E. coli using selective media. PCR was performed to screen for CTX-M and ampC resistance genes. A total of 598 samples yielded 196 (32.8%) that contained ESBL-producing E. coli, originating from 39 (86.7%) of 45 farms. Samples obtained from mixed farms were significantly more likely to be ESBL-producing E. coli positive than samples from beef cattle farms (fecal samples, P < 0.001; boot swabs, P = 0.014; and dust samples, P = 0.041). A total of 183 isolates (93.4%) of 196 ESBL-producing E. coli-positive strains harbored CTX-M genes, CTX-M group 1 being the most frequently found group. Forty-six additional isolates contained ampC genes, and 5 of the 46 isolates expressed a blaCMY-2 gene. The study shows that ESBL-producing E. coli strains are commonly found on Bavarian dairy and beef cattle farms. Moreover, to our knowledge, this is the first report of the occurrence of blaCMY-2 in cattle in Germany.