Chimeric Protein Designed by Genome-Scale Immunoinformatics Enhances Serodiagnosis of Bovine Neosporosis.

Neosporosis has become a concern since it is associated with abortion in cattle. Currently, in situ diagnosis is determined through anamnesis, evaluation of the history, and perception of the clinical signs of the herd. There is no practical and noninvasive test adapted to a large number of samples, which represents a gap for the use of new approaches that provide information about infections and the risks of herds. Here, we performed a search in the Neospora caninum genome by linear B-cell epitopes using immunoinformatic tools aiming to develop a chimeric protein with high potential to bind specifically to antibodies from infected cattle samples. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with the new chimeric antigen was developed and tested with sera from natural field N. caninum-infected bovines. The cross-reactivity of the new antigen was also evaluated using sera from bovines infected by other abortive pathogens, including Trypanosoma vivax, Leptospira sp., Mycobacterium bovis, and Brucella abortus, and enzootic bovine leucosis caused by bovine leukemia virus, as well as with samples of animals infected with Toxoplasma gondii The assay using the chimeric protein showed 96.6% ± 3.4% of sensitivity in comparison to healthy animal sera. Meanwhile, in relation to false-positive results provided by cross-reactivity with others pathogens, the specificity value was 97.0% ± 2.9%. In conclusion, immunoinformatic tools provide an efficient platform to build an accurate protein to diagnose bovine neosporosis based on serum samples.

Parasitological and immunological evaluation of cattle experimentally infected with Trypanosoma vivax.

Trypanosoma vivax infection causes relevant economical impact due to high morbidity and mortality leading to negative impact on local livestock. Despite parasitological and serological methods are used for the diagnosis of T. vivax infection, gaps regarding sensitivity and specificity of these methods still represent a challenge. The present study aimed to compare the kinetics of parasitological and serological parameters in cattle experimentally infected with T. vivax along with immunophenotypic analysis of whole blood leukocytes. Based on the parasitemia profile the analysis were performed in three distinct periods, referred as pre-patent, patent and post-treatment. Distinct kinetics of anti-T. vivax IgM and IgG were observed during the pre-patent, patent and post-treatment periods. Increased levels of WC1+ γδ T-cells were observed throughout the infection with strong correlations with other biomarkers observed during post-treatment period. Our findings demonstrated that there is a important participation of Monocytes:CD14+; NK-cells:CD335+ and WC1+ γδ T-cells that coincide with the peak of parasitemia and also with the adaptive immunity, specially CD4+ T-cells in T. vivax infection. The knowledge of the immune response is important not only for understanding the biology of the parasite in the host, but for the design of new treatment strategies for trypanosome infections.

The seasonality as a relevant aspect to be considered for differential diagnosis of Trypanosoma vivax infection and co-infections in female cattle.

Bovine Trypanosomiasis and other infectious diseases cause relevant loss for the livestock industry impacting productive/reproductive indices. This study intended to better understand the frequency, seasonality, and profile of infections associated with Bovine Trypanosomiasis. A total of 1443 serum samples were screened for T. vivax infection and other infectious diseases: Neosporosis, Leptospirosis, Bovine Leukosis Virus infection/(BLV), Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis/(IBR) or Bovine Viral Diarrhea/(BVD). Distinct methods were used for screening and diagnosis: immunofluorescence assay (Trypanosomiasis), ELISA (Neosporosis,BLV,IBR,BVD) and microscopic agglutination test (Leptospirosis). Our findings demonstrated that the seropositivity for Trypanosomiasis=57% was similar to Neosporosis=55%, higher than Leptospirosis=39% and BVL=34%, but lower than IBR=88% and BVD=71%. The seropositivity for Trypanosomiasis was higher in the autumn and lower in the winter. Regardless the season, the IBR seropositivity (min=73%;max=95%) was higher than Trypanosomiasis (min=48%;max=68%). Moreover, Neosporosis (min=71%;max=100%) and BVD (min=65%;max=76%) were more frequent than Trypanosomiasis in the summer, winter and spring. The diagnosis outcome revealed that Trypanosomiasis&IBR=43% and Trypanosomiasis&Neosporosis=35% were the most frequent co-infections with higher seropositivity in the autumn (58%) and summer (80%), respectively. Noteworthy, high seropositivity to Trypanosomiasis&BVD was registered in the autumn (46%). Together, our data re-enforce the relevance of differential diagnosis between Trypanosomiasis with other bovine infectious diseases and that differences in the seasonality profile is a relevant aspect to be considered while selecting the differential diagnosis to be applied.

Methods Applied to the Diagnosis of Cattle Trypanosoma vivax Infection: An Overview of the Current State of the Art.

Bovine trypanosomiasis caused by Trypanosoma vivax is a relevant disease in domestic ungulates in Latin America, causing different types of livestock losses, particularly in African and South American countries, leading to loss of millions of dollars/year related to dairy and meat production. In addition, T. vivax trypanosomiasis requires intensive veterinary care. While vector control is a feasible measure to manage disease spreading, the search for accurate diagnostic tools still represents a gap in routine veterinary practices and a challenge for the scientific community. The parasite is mechanically transmitted by fomites or by the saliva of haematophagous flies, such as Stomoxys sp. and Tabanus sp., infecting cattle as well as a number of animal hosts. The main symptoms of T. vivax bovine trypanosomiasis are apathy, fever, restricted growth, miscarriage, progressive weakness, neurological signs, pale mucous, loss of appetite, lethargy, and substantial weight loss. In most cases, the presence of animals with subclinical infections, nonspecific symptoms and without apparent parasitaemia presents a challenge when making a diagnosis, which requires accurate methods. Herein, we review state of the art concerning current methods available for the diagnosis of T. vivax bovine trypanosomiasis, focusing on clinical, parasitological, immunological and molecular approaches, highlighting the main features of each method, including "pros and cons". Overall, combining several diagnostic techniques is a better choice since it leads to fewer false negative results and contributes to better disease control.

Distinct immune response profile during rhipicephalus (boophilus) microplus infestations of guzerat dairy herd according to the maternal lineage ancestry (mitochondrial DNA).

Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus ticks cause major constraints to public and livestock health, and serious economic losses. It is well known that the immune response to infestations with cattle ticks is influenced by the host genetic background leading to distinct immunological profiles between bovine hosts genetically susceptible and resistant. The influence of Bos indicus (Bi) and Bos taurus (Bt) maternal lineage ancestry of mitochondrial DNA in the profile of the immune response of Zebu cattle to ticks remains unknown. The present work evaluated the hematological parameters and the immune response profile in the peripheral blood of a Guzerat dairy herd, further categorized into two maternal lineage ancestry subgroups (Bi-mtDNA and Bt-mtDNA) after experimental infestation with larvae of R. microplus. Our data demonstrated that although hematological and erythrogram analysis showed a similar profile throughout, some cell populations present a distinct profile between the groups. Especially MON, CD335+ and CD8+ T-cells are predominant in Bi-mtDNA. Moreover, an overall picture of R. microplus infestation demonstrated that Bi-mtDNA presented a more efficient and earlier innate immune response. Bi-mtDNA showed a greater number of connections with R. microplus counts and also with the CD25+ activation marker of the immune response. Bi-mtDNA showed greater number of connections, with an important participation of the innate immune while Bt-mtDNA showed a delay in the immune response. Elucidating the mechanisms by which resistant animals prevent heavy tick infestation is a crucial step in the development of predictive biomarkers for tick resistance for use in selective breeding programs, and is also potentially useful for the development of anti-tick vaccines.

Crises epilépticas reativas por hiperlipidemia em cão Maltês / Reactive seizures due to hyperlipidemia in a maltese dog

Background: Primary hyperlipidemia is a condition that affects some specific breeds. It has been previously describedin Miniature Shnauzer, Beagles, Shetland Shepdog and West Highland White Terrier. There are no reports of primaryhyperlipidemia in Maltese dogs. It is a hereditary disorder of lipoprotein metabolism. The etiology is unknown and maybe related to a genetic problem in lipoprotein lipase or to the absence of apaprotein CII. Clinical signs include spontaneousarterosclerosis, retinal lipemia, cutaneous xanthomas, abdominal pain, lethargy, vomiting and / or diarrhea. Neurologicalmanifestations such as seizures and behavioral changes may also occur. The aim of this report is to describe a case ofreactive seizures due to hyperlipidemia in a dog.Case: A 5-year-old male Maltese dog was admitted with a history of seizures. Hypertension and abdominal distensionwith large amounts of intestinal gases were found in general physical examination. Neurological examination revealedimpaired nasal septum sensory perception, which was slightly bilaterally reduced, and pain on cervical palpation and inthe brachial plexus region. Based on history and clinical examination, it was possible to locate the lesion in the thalamocortical region and to suspect idiopathic epilepsy, reactive seizures, and symptomatic epilepsy due to meningoencephalitisof unknown origin. The diagnosis of primary hyperlipidemia was made by exclusion with the aid of laboratory tests andultrasound. After the establishment of a fat restriction diet, bezafibrate, phenobarbital, and omega-3 supplementation, theanimal improved significantly with the reduction of epileptic seizures.Discussion: The initial clinical suspicion was hyperadrenocorticism as the primary cause of hyperlipidemia. This suspicion was based on the presence of polyphagia, polydipsia, polyuria and abdominal distension, together with laboratory...(AU)

Crises epilépticas reativas por hiperlipidemia em cão Maltês / Reactive seizures due to hyperlipidemia in a maltese dog

Background: Primary hyperlipidemia is a condition that affects some specific breeds. It has been previously describedin Miniature Shnauzer, Beagles, Shetland Shepdog and West Highland White Terrier. There are no reports of primaryhyperlipidemia in Maltese dogs. It is a hereditary disorder of lipoprotein metabolism. The etiology is unknown and maybe related to a genetic problem in lipoprotein lipase or to the absence of apaprotein CII. Clinical signs include spontaneousarterosclerosis, retinal lipemia, cutaneous xanthomas, abdominal pain, lethargy, vomiting and / or diarrhea. Neurologicalmanifestations such as seizures and behavioral changes may also occur. The aim of this report is to describe a case ofreactive seizures due to hyperlipidemia in a dog.Case: A 5-year-old male Maltese dog was admitted with a history of seizures. Hypertension and abdominal distensionwith large amounts of intestinal gases were found in general physical examination. Neurological examination revealedimpaired nasal septum sensory perception, which was slightly bilaterally reduced, and pain on cervical palpation and inthe brachial plexus region. Based on history and clinical examination, it was possible to locate the lesion in the thalamocortical region and to suspect idiopathic epilepsy, reactive seizures, and symptomatic epilepsy due to meningoencephalitisof unknown origin. The diagnosis of primary hyperlipidemia was made by exclusion with the aid of laboratory tests andultrasound. After the establishment of a fat restriction diet, bezafibrate, phenobarbital, and omega-3 supplementation, theanimal improved significantly with the reduction of epileptic seizures.Discussion: The initial clinical suspicion was hyperadrenocorticism as the primary cause of hyperlipidemia. This suspicion was based on the presence of polyphagia, polydipsia, polyuria and abdominal distension, together with laboratory...

Effectiveness of tobramycin and ciprofloxacin against bacterial isolates in canine otitis externa in Uberaba, Minas Gerais / Eficácia de tobramicina e ciprofloxacina contra isolados bacterianos de otite externa canina em Uberaba, Minas Gerais

Canine otitis externa is a common and recurrent disease in domestic dogs. Although not being life threatening, it can result in the overuse of antibiotics, increased bacterial resistance and reduction of options for treatment. This study aimed to determine: the principal characteristics (age, race, and gender) of dogs affected by otitis externa; the most frequently bacteria identified as being associated with it and their antimicrobial resistance profiles. A total of 221 bacterial isolates were identified by morphological staining and biochemical processes and tested against eleven antibiotics. Among the 148 dogs diagnosed with otitis externa, 51.4% (76/148) were males and 48.6% (72/148) females. The cases were detected mainly in dogs with age above 7 years (54.7%; 81/148. Among the races examined, poodles were the most numerous (14.84%; 22/148). The most common bacteria found were: coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (StCN), 33.9% (75/221); coagulase-positive Staphylococcus (StCP), 19% (42/221); Proteus spp., 17.2% (38/221) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 9.5% (21/221). Simultaneous resistance to more than three classes of antimicrobials were most frequently detected in P. aeruginosa (61.9%; 13/21) and Proteus spp (39.47%; 15/38). According to data obtained from this study, two veterinary medications found to be most effective for topical treatment were tobramycin and ciprofloxacin.

A otite externa canina é uma doença comum e recorrente em cães domésticos. Embora não seja uma ameaça à vida, pode resultar no uso excessivo de antibióticos, aumento da resistência bacteriana e redução das opções de tratamento. Este estudo teve como objetivo determinar: as principais características (idade, raça e gênero) de cães afetados por otite externa; as bactérias mais frequentemente identificadas como associadas a enfermidade e seus perfis de resistência. Um total de 221 isolados bacterianos foram identificados por características morfo-tintoriais e testes bioquímicos, e posteriormente testados contra onze antibióticos. Entre os 148 cães com diagnóstico de otite externa, 51,4% (76/148) eram machos e 48,6% (72/148) fêmeas. Os casos foram detectados principalmente em cães com idade acima de 7 anos (54,7%; 81/148). Entre as raças examinadas, poodles foram os mais acometidos (14,84%; 22/148). As bactérias mais encontradas foram: Staphylococcus coagulase-negativo. (StCN), 33,9% (75/221), Staphylococcus coagulase-positiva (StCP), 19% (42/221), Proteus spp., 17,2% (38/221) e Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 9,5% (21/221) Resistência simultânea a mais de três classes de antimicrobianos foi mais frequentemente detectada em P. aeruginosa (61,9%; 13/21) e Proteus spp (39,47%; 15/38). Segundo os dados obtidos neste estudo, os antibióticos com maior capacidade de inibição do crescimento bacteriano in vitro foram tobramicina e ciprofloxacina.

Effectiveness of tobramycin and ciprofloxacin against bacterial isolates in canine otitis externa in Uberaba, Minas Gerais / Eficácia de tobramicina e ciprofloxacina contra isolados bacterianos de otite externa canina em Uberaba, Minas Gerais

Canine otitis externa is a common and recurrent disease in domestic dogs. Although not being life threatening, it can result in the overuse of antibiotics, increased bacterial resistance and reduction of options for treatment. This study aimed to determine: the principal characteristics (age, race, and gender) of dogs affected by otitis externa; the most frequently bacteria identified as being associated with it and their antimicrobial resistance profiles. A total of 221 bacterial isolates were identified by morphological staining and biochemical processes and tested against eleven antibiotics. Among the 148 dogs diagnosed with otitis externa, 51.4% (76/148) were males and 48.6% (72/148) females. The cases were detected mainly in dogs with age above 7 years (54.7%; 81/148. Among the races examined, poodles were the most numerous (14.84%; 22/148). The most common bacteria found were: coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (StCN), 33.9% (75/221); coagulase-positive Staphylococcus (StCP), 19% (42/221); Proteus spp., 17.2% (38/221) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 9.5% (21/221). Simultaneous resistance to more than three classes of antimicrobials were most frequently detected in P. aeruginosa (61.9%; 13/21) and Proteus spp (39.47%; 15/38). According to data obtained from this study, two veterinary medications found to be most effective for topical treatment were tobramycin and ciprofloxacin.(AU)

A otite externa canina é uma doença comum e recorrente em cães domésticos. Embora não seja uma ameaça à vida, pode resultar no uso excessivo de antibióticos, aumento da resistência bacteriana e redução das opções de tratamento. Este estudo teve como objetivo determinar: as principais características (idade, raça e gênero) de cães afetados por otite externa; as bactérias mais frequentemente identificadas como associadas a enfermidade e seus perfis de resistência. Um total de 221 isolados bacterianos foram identificados por características morfo-tintoriais e testes bioquímicos, e posteriormente testados contra onze antibióticos. Entre os 148 cães com diagnóstico de otite externa, 51,4% (76/148) eram machos e 48,6% (72/148) fêmeas. Os casos foram detectados principalmente em cães com idade acima de 7 anos (54,7%; 81/148). Entre as raças examinadas, poodles foram os mais acometidos (14,84%; 22/148). As bactérias mais encontradas foram: Staphylococcus coagulase-negativo. (StCN), 33,9% (75/221), Staphylococcus coagulase-positiva (StCP), 19% (42/221), Proteus spp., 17,2% (38/221) e Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 9,5% (21/221) Resistência simultânea a mais de três classes de antimicrobianos foi mais frequentemente detectada em P. aeruginosa (61,9%; 13/21) e Proteus spp (39,47%; 15/38). Segundo os dados obtidos neste estudo, os antibióticos com maior capacidade de inibição do crescimento bacteriano in vitro foram tobramicina e ciprofloxacina.(AU)

Genetic evolution of milk yield, udder morphology and behavior in Gir dairy cattle

The objective of this study was to analyze the genetic evolution of milk production, udder morphology, and animal behavior of Gir dairy cattle. Data were obtained on the predicted breeding values for milk yield of 60,226 cows born from 1968 to 2015 and standardized predicted breeding values for udder conformation and milking behavior of 7,635 cows born from 1987 to 2015. The influence of tested bulls on genetic trends was discussed, with special focus on the period after 1993, the year when the predicted breeding values of the first group of tested bulls were released. The traits of interest were 305-d milk yield, fore udder attachment, rear udder height, rear udder width, teat length, teat thickness, ease of milking, and reactivity. Significant genetic evolution was observed for 305-d milk yield, with increasing annual growth observed from 1993, as the number of cows sired by the best proven bulls increased. Before 1993, no genetic evolution was observed for any of the studied traits. From 1993 onward, all traits showed genetic gains, except fore udder attachment. The use of geneticallytested bulls since 1993 has led to important genetic gains in the Brazilian Dairy Gir population. Before the identification of genetically superior bulls began, many traits showed no improvement. Selection for milk yield has modified the conformation traits of the Gir mammary system. The longevity of the mammary glands of high-yield cows may be impaired due to poor fore udder attachment. Regarding behavioral traits, this population has evolved to less-reactive animals that are easier to milk.(AU)

Prevalência de parasitos gastrintestinais e de toxoplasmose em ovinos da região de Uberaba, MG / Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites and toxoplasmosis sheep in the region of Uberaba, state of Minas Gerais

Com o objetivo de identificar os principais parasitos gastrintestinais que acometem os ovinos, bem como a ocorrência de anticorpos IgG contra Toxoplasma gondii, foram realizados 270 exames coprológicos (OPG/OOPG) e 250 sorológicos (imunofluorescência indireta-IFI) nos ovinos da região de Uberaba-MG. Das amostras de fezes coletadas, 217 (80,37%) eram positivas, com prevalência de Strongyloidea (88,47%), Eimeria spp. (63,13%), Strongyloides sp. (24,42%), Skrjabinema sp. (0,73%) e Moniezia sp. (0,73%) e Capillaria sp. (0,46%). Dos 250 soros testados para Toxoplasma gondii, 144 (57,60%) apresentavam títulos acima do ponto de corte (64), sendo 77,78% com título de 64 e 22,22% de 128. Esses resultados são importantes para nortear proprietários e veterinários sobre a necessidade de diagnosticar e controlar as parasitoses que acometem os rebanhos ovinos.

In order to identify the gastrointestinal sheep´s parasites, and the occurrence of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii, 270 stool tests (OPG/OOPG) and 250 serological tests (indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) were performed in properties in the region of Uberaba-MG. From the stool samples collected 217 (80.37%) were positive, with a prevalence of Strongyloidea (88.47%), Eimeria spp. (63.13%), Strongyloides sp. (24.42%), Skrjabinema sp. (0.73%), Moniezia (0.73%) and 0.46% Capillaria sp. From the 250 sera tested for Toxoplasma gondii, 144 (57.60%) had titers above the cut-off (64), 77.77% with title 64 and 22.22% with title 128. These results are important to guide owners and veterinarians about the need for prevention and control methods for parasites that affect sheep flocks.

Estudo retrospectivo de cães positivos para cinomose, em ensaio imunocromatográfico, atendidos no hospital veterinário de Uberaba - MG

A Cinomose canina é causada por um vírus do gênero Morbillivirus pertencente à família Paramyxoviridae. O tropismo viral pelos leucócitos pode levar à leucopenia com linfopenia, seguida de imunossupressão. Além disso, também pode ser observada trombocitopenia imunomediada. A detecção de antígenos virais, em swabs das conjuntivas de cães suspeitos de estarem infectados com cinomose, pode ser feita por meio da técnica de imunocromatografia. A infecção com o vírus da cinomose pode ser prevenida através da vacinação dos animais. A determinação da associação entre a infecção pelo Morbillivirus e alterações hematológicas e/ou bioquímicas em cães naturalmente infectados, pode auxiliar no acompanhamento do animal enfermo. Neste estudo retrospectivo, foram analisados os dados hematológicos e bioquímicos de 149 cães, de diferentes raças e idades, atendidos no Hospital Veterinário de Uberaba, Minas Gerais, no período entre os anos de 2008 a 2012, todos com diagnóstico positivo para antígenos virais de cinomose. 18,79% foram vacinados; 45,63% não eram vacinados e 35,57% estavam com vacinação atrasada. Em relação ás alterações hematológicas, obteve-se em maior quantidade: 48,32% anemia; 26,10% desidratação e 50,33% trompocitopenia. Já nas alterações de leucometria, observou-se em maior quantidade: 42,21% com valores normais de leucócitos; 57,71% linfopenia. A maioria dos casos positivos ocorreram no período seco do ano.(AU)

The Canine Distemper is caused by a virus of the genus Morbillivirus belonging to the family Paramyxoviridae. The viral tropism by leukocytes can lead to leukopenia with lymphopenia, followed by immunosuppression. It also can be seen immunomediated thrombocytopenia. The detection of viral antigens in the conjunctival swabs of dogs suspected of being infected with canine distemper, can be made by immunochromatography technique. The infection with canine distemper virus may be prevented by vaccinating the animals. The determination of the association between infection and Morbillivirus hematological and / or biochemical changes in naturally infected dogs, can assist in monitoring the animal sick. In this retrospective study, we analyzed the data of 149 hematological and biochemical dogs of different breeds and ages met at the Veterinary Hospital of Uberaba, Minas Gerais, in the period between the years 2008 to 2012, all with positive diagnosis of distemper viral antigens . 18.79% were vaccinated; 45.63% were not vaccinated and were 35.57% with vaccination records. Regarding hematological ace, was obtained in greater quantity: 48.32% anemia, dehydration 26.10% and 50.33% trompocitopenia. Have changes in leukocyte count was observed in greater amounts: 42.21% with normal leukocytes; 57.71% lymphopenia. Most of the positive cases occurred in the dry season.(AU)

Estudo retrospectivo de cães positivos para cinomose, em ensaio imunocromatográfico, atendidos no hospital veterinário de Uberaba - MG

A Cinomose canina é causada por um vírus do gênero Morbillivirus pertencente à família Paramyxoviridae. O tropismo viral pelos leucócitos pode levar à leucopenia com linfopenia, seguida de imunossupressão. Além disso, também pode ser observada trombocitopenia imunomediada. A detecção de antígenos virais, em swabs das conjuntivas de cães suspeitos de estarem infectados com cinomose, pode ser feita por meio da técnica de imunocromatografia. A infecção com o vírus da cinomose pode ser prevenida através da vacinação dos animais. A determinação da associação entre a infecção pelo Morbillivirus e alterações hematológicas e/ou bioquímicas em cães naturalmente infectados, pode auxiliar no acompanhamento do animal enfermo. Neste estudo retrospectivo, foram analisados os dados hematológicos e bioquímicos de 149 cães, de diferentes raças e idades, atendidos no Hospital Veterinário de Uberaba, Minas Gerais, no período entre os anos de 2008 a 2012, todos com diagnóstico positivo para antígenos virais de cinomose. 18,79% foram vacinados; 45,63% não eram vacinados e 35,57% estavam com vacinação atrasada. Em relação ás alterações hematológicas, obteve-se em maior quantidade: 48,32% anemia; 26,10% desidratação e 50,33% trompocitopenia. Já nas alterações de leucometria, observou-se em maior quantidade: 42,21% com valores normais de leucócitos; 57,71% linfopenia. A maioria dos casos positivos ocorreram no período seco do ano.

The Canine Distemper is caused by a virus of the genus Morbillivirus belonging to the family Paramyxoviridae. The viral tropism by leukocytes can lead to leukopenia with lymphopenia, followed by immunosuppression. It also can be seen immunomediated thrombocytopenia. The detection of viral antigens in the conjunctival swabs of dogs suspected of being infected with canine distemper, can be made by immunochromatography technique. The infection with canine distemper virus may be prevented by vaccinating the animals. The determination of the association between infection and Morbillivirus hematological and / or biochemical changes in naturally infected dogs, can assist in monitoring the animal sick. In this retrospective study, we analyzed the data of 149 hematological and biochemical dogs of different breeds and ages met at the Veterinary Hospital of Uberaba, Minas Gerais, in the period between the years 2008 to 2012, all with positive diagnosis of distemper viral antigens . 18.79% were vaccinated; 45.63% were not vaccinated and were 35.57% with vaccination records. Regarding hematological ace, was obtained in greater quantity: 48.32% anemia, dehydration 26.10% and 50.33% trompocitopenia. Have changes in leukocyte count was observed in greater amounts: 42.21% with normal leukocytes; 57.71% lymphopenia. Most of the positive cases occurred in the dry season.

Causas de variação nos preços de bovinos nelore elite no Brasil / Causes of variation in the prices of nelore elite cattle in Brazil

Este trabalho teve por objetivo estudar as causas de variação nos preços de bovinos da raça nelore pertencentes a rebanhos de seleção, os quais foram comercializados em leilões, para verificar as influências das avaliações genéticas e dos julgamentos de exterior sobre esses preços. Para tanto, foram computados os preços de venda de 426 bovinos da referida raça em 12 leilões ocorridos em diversas localidades brasileiras (regiões Centro-Oeste, Norte e Sudeste), entre os anos de 2002 e 2005. O valor médio foi de R$ 3.325,49, sendo o mínimo de R$ 1.400,00 e o máximo de R$ 10.500,00. Esses dados foram digitados juntamente com outras informações que eram apresentadas nos catálogos dos leilões. As informações registradas incluíram o sexo de cada animal, o nome do leilão e as DEPs informadas nos catálogos. Além da avaliação da influência das informações dos catálogos, também foi avaliada a influência das informações dos reprodutores, pais dos animais vendidos nos leilões, envolvendo suas DEPs publicadas em um sumário de reprodutores da raça e as pontuações de suas progênies em julgamentos. Os métodos estatísticos aplicados foram análises de variâncias e análises de agrupamento (método K-médias). Como resultado, foi observado que animais com superioridade genética em características relacionadas a desempenho ponderal, considerando-se os efeitos diretos e maternos, foram valorizados ao serem comercializados nos leilões. Em contra-partida, a pontuação dos reprodutores nos julgamentos não teve influência significativa sobre os preços médios de venda de suas progênies nos leilões.(AU)

This study aimed to understand the causes of variation in the marketing prices of elite flock nelore cattle commercialized by auction, especially to verify the influences of EPDs and visual assessment. The selling prices of 426 animals from the nelore breed commercialized during 12 auctions held in various Brazilian locations, between the years 2002 and 2005, were considered in the analysis. The average price was R$ 3.325,49, with a minimum of R$ 1.400,00 and a maximum of R$ 10.500,00. The data used in a first analysis included the sex of each animal, the name of the auction and the EPDs of each animal informed in a catalog provided to the buyers during the auctions. A second analysis considered the EPDs of the sires of the commercialized animals, and the accumulated punctuation of these sires through their progeny judged through visual assessment during traditional animal shows in Brazil. Variance analysis and k-means clustering were applied to run the statistical analysis of the data. It was observed that animals with better EPDs, direct and maternal effects, on growth traits were sold with higher prices during the auctions. The punctuation by visual assessment did not significantly affect the prices.(AU)

Causas de variação nos preços de bovinos nelore elite no Brasil / Causes of variation in the prices of nelore elite cattle in Brazil

Este trabalho teve por objetivo estudar as causas de variação nos preços de bovinos da raça nelore pertencentes a rebanhos de seleção, os quais foram comercializados em leilões, para verificar as influências das avaliações genéticas e dos julgamentos de exterior sobre esses preços. Para tanto, foram computados os preços de venda de 426 bovinos da referida raça em 12 leilões ocorridos em diversas localidades brasileiras (regiões Centro-Oeste, Norte e Sudeste), entre os anos de 2002 e 2005. O valor médio foi de R$ 3.325,49, sendo o mínimo de R$ 1.400,00 e o máximo de R$ 10.500,00. Esses dados foram digitados juntamente com outras informações que eram apresentadas nos catálogos dos leilões. As informações registradas incluíram o sexo de cada animal, o nome do leilão e as DEPs informadas nos catálogos. Além da avaliação da influência das informações dos catálogos, também foi avaliada a influência das informações dos reprodutores, pais dos animais vendidos nos leilões, envolvendo suas DEPs publicadas em um sumário de reprodutores da raça e as pontuações de suas progênies em julgamentos. Os métodos estatísticos aplicados foram análises de variâncias e análises de agrupamento (método K-médias). Como resultado, foi observado que animais com superioridade genética em características relacionadas a desempenho ponderal, considerando-se os efeitos diretos e maternos, foram valorizados ao serem comercializados nos leilões. Em contra-partida, a pontuação dos reprodutores nos julgamentos não teve influência significativa sobre os preços médios de venda de suas progênies nos leilões.

This study aimed to understand the causes of variation in the marketing prices of elite flock nelore cattle commercialized by auction, especially to verify the influences of EPDs and visual assessment. The selling prices of 426 animals from the nelore breed commercialized during 12 auctions held in various Brazilian locations, between the years 2002 and 2005, were considered in the analysis. The average price was R$ 3.325,49, with a minimum of R$ 1.400,00 and a maximum of R$ 10.500,00. The data used in a first analysis included the sex of each animal, the name of the auction and the EPDs of each animal informed in a catalog provided to the buyers during the auctions. A second analysis considered the EPDs of the sires of the commercialized animals, and the accumulated punctuation of these sires through their progeny judged through visual assessment during traditional animal shows in Brazil. Variance analysis and k-means clustering were applied to run the statistical analysis of the data. It was observed that animals with better EPDs, direct and maternal effects, on growth traits were sold with higher prices during the auctions. The punctuation by visual assessment did not significantly affect the prices.