Factors associated with small ruminant lentivirus infection in goat herds from Pernambuco state, Northeast region of Brazil.

Serum samples (n = 1532) were collected between May 2011 to April 2012 from goats from 76 herds (49 from dairy farms and 27 herds for genetic improvement) from three geographical regions from the state of Pernambuco, Brazil: Zona da Mata, Agreste, and Sertão. Samples were processed using agar gel immunodiffusion test, with p28 CAEV antigen. The objective was to determine the risk factors for small ruminant lentivirus (SRLV) in dairy goats and goats with high genetic value. Overall, seroprevalence was 13.7% (210/1532) [95% CI: 12-15.4%] in animals and 67.1% (51/76) [95% CI: 56.5%- 77.7%] in herds. In dairy farms the seroprevalence was 73.5% (36/49) [95% CI: 61.1%- 85.8%], and in properties with animals of high genetic value it was 55.6% (15/27) [95% CI: 36.8%- 74.3%]. Robust Poisson regression analysis adjusted by the random effect of the herd showed that risk factors were: importing bucks from another Brazilian state (prevalence ratio [PR] = 4.73 [95% CI: 2.05; 10.88]), not isolating sick animals (PR = 3.27 [95% CI: 2.24; 4.76]), and participating in fairs/animal crowding (PR = 1.52 [95% CI: 1.09; 2.11]). Prevalence results show that SRLV is present in caprine herds in the state of Pernambuco and identified risk factors are strongly related to animal transit. Considering the epidemiological situation, the first step for mitigating the consequences of this disease would be controlling animal transit.

Ecological implications on the aggregation of Amblyomma fuscum (Acari: Ixodidae) on Thrichomys laurentius (Rodentia: Echimyidae), in northeastern Brazil.

We investigated the Amblyomma fuscum load on a pullulating wild rodent population and the environmental and biological factors influencing the tick load on the hosts. One hundred and three individuals of Thrichomys laurentius were caught in an Atlantic forest fragment in northeastern Brazil, as part of a longitudinal survey on ticks infesting non-volant small mammals. Ticks (n = 342) were found on 45 individuals and the overall mean intensity of infestation was 7.6 ticks per infested rodent. Ticks were highly aggregated in the host population and the negative binomial distribution model provides a statistically satisfactory fit. The aggregated distribution was influenced by sex and age of the host. The microhabitat preference by T. laurentius probably increases contact opportunities between hosts and aggregated infesting stages of the ticks and represents important clues about the habitat suitability for A. fuscum.

Seroepidemiological investigation of animal leptospirosis and molecular characterization of the first Leptospira strain isolated from Fernando de Noronha archipelago, Brazil.

Leptospirosis has been widely reported in insular environments worldwide, characterizing a major public health threat. Although low-genetic biodiversity is expected in these regions, the introduction of domestic and synanthropic mammals may contribute to the wider diversity of leptospiral strains in insular settings. This study proposes a large-scale seroepidemiological investigation of Leptospira infection in animals from Fernando de Noronha archipelago and describes the characterization of the first leptospiral strain ever isolated from an insular setting in Brazil. A total of 1,265 blood samples from domestic (n = 682), synanthropic (n = 133) and wild (n = 450) animals were collected between 2007 and 2014, totalling 12 species. The presence of anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies was investigated by the microscopic agglutination test (MAT), and kidney samples from 20 synanthropic rodents were collected for the isolation of Leptospira spp. The leptospires recovered were further characterized by serogrouping with polyclonal antibodies, whole-genome sequencing and multilocus sequence typing (MLST). The MAT results revealed the presence of agglutinins in 90 samples (7.1%) and the most frequently found serogroup was Icterohaemorrhagiae (n = 57) in practically all species included. Viable leptospires were recovered from one brown rat, and characterization revealed that the isolate belongs to L. interrogans serogroup Pyrogenes. The results suggest that synanthropic rodents might play an important role in leptospiral infection among wildlife and domestic species in the archipelago.

Staphylococcus aureus mastitis in a white-eared opossum (Didelphis albiventris) in the Atlantic Forest of northeast Brazil.

This is the first brief communication of clinical mastitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus occurring in a white-eared opossum (Didelphis albiventris) captured in a remnant of the Atlantic Forest in northeast Brazil. The bacterium was cultured from a milk sample by using sheep blood and Levine agars. Phenotyping of S aureus was performed with coagulase biochemical tests, DNase agar, mannitol agar, and anaerobic glucose and mannitol fermentation.

Serologic survey for selected infectious diseases in free-ranging Brazilian tapirs (Tapirus terrestris) in the cerrado of central Brazil.

From September 2000 to January 2002, a serologic survey was conducted in a population of free-ranging Brazilian tapirs (Tapirus terrestris) inhabiting Emas National Park and surrounding areas in Goiás state, central Brazil, as part of an ecologic study. Ten tapirs were immobilized with a tiletamine-zolazepam combination, and blood samples were collected. All sera were negative for Leptospira spp., Brucella abortus, and equine infectious anemia; and one of 10 animals was positive for Toxoplasma gondii. This report represents the first serologic survey for selected infectious diseases in a free-ranging population of Brazilians tapirs in central Brazil.

Experimental leptospirosis in capybaras (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris) infected with Leptospira interrogans serovar Pomona.

Capybara (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris), the largest rodent in the world, is widely distributed in South America. These animals live in areas with abundant water, which makes them a potential reservoir for Leptospira. The objective of this study was to investigate seroconversion, leptospiremia, and leptospiruria in capybaras experimentally infected with a virulent strain of Leptospira interrogans serovar Pomona. Seven capybaras were used: one control and six infected. Agglutinins against serovar Pomona were initially detected in serum 6 or 7 day after innoculation with Leptospira (10(9)-10(11) organisms, given i.v.), peaked (titer, approximately 3,200) between 9 and 27 day, and were still present at 83 day (end of study). The earliest and latest isolation of leptospires from the blood was from 2-12 day and from urine, 9-19 day after exposure. However, polymerase chain reaction and isolation results from kidney and liver samples were negative for leptospires. The control animal tested negative on all diagnostic tests. Hence, the capybara can serve as a host for Leptospira.

Risk factors associated with sero-positivity to Toxoplasma gondii in captive neotropical felids from Brazil.

From September 1995 to February 2001, blood samples were collected from 865 neotropical felids belonging to 8 different species. These animals were housed in 86 institutions located in 78 cities of 20 Brazilian states. Our goal was to identify the risk factors associated with sero-positivity to Toxoplasma gondii in captive neotropical felids from Brazil. All serum samples were tested by the modified agglutination test (MAT), using formalin-fixed whole tachyzoites and mercaptoethanol. For each animal an individual questionnaire was filled with questions about tattoo number, felid species, age, sex, origin, number of animals in the group, introduction of new animals in the group, time in the institution, eating meat previously frozen for a period <7 days in the last 6 months, eating meat of run-over or euthanized animals in the last 6 months, predation of rodents or birds in the last 6 months and presence of domestic cats near the enclosures in the last 6 months. The total sero-prevalence was 55% (95% CI: 52%, 57%). We estimated a prevalence of 46% (95% CI: 40%, 54%) for jaguarundi (Puma yagouaroundi); 58% (95% CI: 53%, 63%) for ocelot (Leopardus pardalis); 50% (95% CI: 45%, 56%) for oncilla (L. tigrinus); 54% (95% CI: 46%, 62%) for margay (L. wiedii); 12% (95% CI: 4%, 31%) for Pampas-cat (L. colocolo); 83% (95% CI: 65%, 93%) for Geoffroy's-cat (L. geoffroyi); 64% (95% CI: 50%, 68%) for jaguar (Panthera onca) and 48% (95% CI: 42%, 54%) for puma (Puma concolor). Multiple logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between the variables in the questionnaire and sero-positivity to T. gondii. We concluded that the independent risk factors for toxoplasmosis were: age >3 years (OR=4.75 [2.75; 8.2]), eating meat previously frozen for a period <7 days (OR=2.23 [1.24; 4.01]), and consumption of animals that were run-over or euthanized (OR=1.64; [1.14; 2.37]).

Cat-rodent Toxoplasma gondii Type II-variant circulation and limited genetic diversity on the Island of Fernando de Noronha, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: In Brazil, studies on animals and humans in mainland areas have shown that most strains of Toxoplasma gondii are pathogenic to mice and exhibit great genetic variability. RESULTS: In this study, using a set of 11 PCR-RFLP and 15 microsatellite markers, we isolated and genetically characterised T. gondii strains from one cat and three rats on Fernando de Noronha Island. The cat had antibodies to T. gondii, which were revealed using a modified agglutination test (MAT, cut-off 1:25) and the seroprevalence among the 46 rodents was 15.2%. Viable T. gondii was isolated from one cat (TgCatBrFN1), two brown rats (TgRatnoBrFN1 and TgRatnoBrFN2) and one black rat (TgRatraBrFN1). Unlike the strains from mainland Brazil, these isolates were not pathogenic to outbred mice. The genotypes of these strains were compared with strains previously isolated on the island and in mainland Brazil. The analysis based on microsatellite data showed a limited genetic diversity of T. gondii on Fernando de Noronha Island with the majority of strains clustered into the following three groups: type II, III, and Caribbean 1. CONCLUSIONS: There was little variation among strains within the same group, suggesting that the majority of strains circulating on Fernando de Noronha are derived from only a few strains that were recently introduced to the island, likely from imported cats. Except for the strain belonging to the Caribbean 1 group that originates from northeast Brazil, there was little evidence that strains from the other groups were introduced to Fernando de Noronha via mainland Brazil.

Survey of bovine brucellosis on the island of Fernando de Noronha, Pernambuco, Brazil / Investigação sobre brucelose bovina na Ilha de Fernando de Noronha, Pernambuco, Brasil

Considering the lack of information about livestock diseases on Brazilian oceanic islands, the occurrence of bovine brucellosis was investigated on the island of Fernando de Noronha, state of Pernambuco, Brazil. Serum samples were collected in October 2009, from all the 105 cows raised on the island at that time. These were examined concurrently using the Rose Bengal test and the Complement Fixation Test. All the samples were negative in both tests, indicating that the cows on the island were likely free from infection by smooth forms of Brucella. These results can partly be explained by the prohibition of introduction and importation of both small and large-sized animals that had been implemented through District Decree 19 of February 28, 2004.(AU)

Tendo em vista a inexistência de informações sobre a ocorrência da brucelose bovina em ilhas oceânicas brasileiras, investigou-se a presença da infecção na ilha de Fernando de Noronha, Estado de Pernambuco, Brasil. Soros de todas as 105 fêmeas bovinas existentes, colhidos em outubro de 2009, foram examinados concomitantemente pelo teste do Antígeno Acidificado Tamponado e pela Reação de Fixação de Complemento. Todas as amostras foram negativas em ambos os testes, indicando que provavelmente os animais presentes na ilha encontravam-se livres da infecção por Brucella. Estes resultados podem ser explicados, em partes, pela proibição da introdução e importação de grandes e pequenos animais, implementada pelo Decreto Distrital 19, de 28 de fevereiro de 2004.(AU)

Surveillance using serological and molecular methods for the detection of infectious agents in captive Brazilian neotropic and exotic felids.

The aim of the current study was to investigate the exposure of captive wild felids to various infectious pathogens using serological and molecular methods. One hundred and fifty-nine neotropic felids and 51 exotic felids from 28 captive settings in Brazil were tested. While antibodies against Feline parvovirus and Feline coronavirus (FCoV), Feline calicivirus and Bartonella spp. were frequently detected by serologic tests, antibodies against Felid herpesvirus 1 or infection with hemotropic mycoplasmas were less prevalent. Serologic evidence of exposure to Ehrlichia spp., Feline immunodeficiency virus, and Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) was detected rarely, and infections with FeLV, Ehrlichia spp., and Cytauxzoon spp. were found infrequently. The detected Bartonella sequence was molecularly similar to B. koehlerae and B. henselae; for Cytauxzoon, the sequence resembled those from domestic cats. No Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Theileria spp. infections were detected. The positive test results varied significantly among different facilities and species. Additionally, FCoV seropositivity was more prevalent in captivity than in free-ranging populations. Results suggest that testing is appropriate prior to relocation of felids.

Seroprevalence of Maedi-Visna in sheep flocks State of Maranhão, Brazil / Soroprevalência de Maedi-visna em rebanhos ovinos do estado do Maranhão, Brasil

Although it has been reported in several states, no information about Maedi-Visna (MV) in the state of Maranhão is available. The aim of the present study was to determine the seroprevalence of Maedi Visna Virus (MVV) in sheep flocks of the three most important sheep rearing areas from Maranhão State, Brazil. We surveyed 1.495 blood samples from sheep older than six months, of both sexes and various breeds. The samples were collected from 83 herds of 23 municipalities present in the Central, East and North regions of Maranhão. The immunodifusion agar gel (micro-AGID) performed serological diagnosis of infection MVV. The statistical analysis was performed by Fishers test, using Epi Info. It was found an overall prevalence of MVV infection of 0,7% (CI95%:0,4-1,3%) the ovines and prevalence of 0,5% (CI95%:0,1-1,4%), 0,7% (CI95%:0,2-1,8%) e 1% (CI95%:0,3-2,4%) in the Central, East and North regions, respectively. In relation to sex, there wasnt a significant difference (P>0.05) between males (0,5,%, CI95%:0-2,7%) and females (0,8%, CI95%:0,4-1,4%), as well as in relation to genetic comparing sheep purebreds (1,5%, CI95%:0,4-8,1%), crossbred (1%, CI95%:0,4-2,0%) and SRD (0,3%, IC95%:0,04-1,1%). In relation to age wasnt observed significant difference. It has concluded that infection with MVV is present in the studied population in low prevalence. This is the first record of MVV in sheep in the State of Maranhão. Considering the low prevalence is necessary to prevent the introduction and spread of the virus between flocks by requiring negative tests for MVV and disposal of positive sheep.(AU)

Apesar de ter sido relatada em vários estados, não há informação sobre o Vírus da Maedi Visna (MVV) no Maranhão, e com o crescimento de sua ovinocultura, aumenta o fluxo de animais de outras regiões. Com isso objetivou-se determinar a soroprevalência do MVV em rebanhos ovinos das três principais mesorregiões produtoras do estado do Maranhão, através da pesquisa das 1.495 amostras sanguíneas de ovinos, com idade superior a seis meses, pertencentes a 83 rebanhos de 23 municípios das mesorregiões Cento, Leste e Norte. O diagnóstico sorológico da infecção pelo vírus MVV foi realizado por meio do teste de imunodifusão em gel de ágar (micro-IDGA). Constatou-se uma prevalência geral de 0,7% (IC95%:0,4-1,3%) de ovinos soropositivos e prevalências nas mesorregiões Centro, Leste e Norte de 0,5% (IC95%:0,1-1,4%), 0,7% (IC95%:0,2-1,8%) e 1% (IC95%:0,3-2,4%) respectivamente. Em relação à variável sexo, não foi observada diferença significativa (P>0,05) entre machos (0,5%, IC95%:0-2,7%) e fêmeas (0,8%, IC95%:0,4-1,4%), assim como quanto a genética comparando-se ovinos de raças puras (1,5%, IC95%: 0,4-8,1%), mestiços (1%, IC95%:0,4-2,0%) e SRD (0,3%, IC95%:0,04-1,1%). A análise quanto à idade não demonstrou diferença significante (P>0,05). Conclui-se que a infecção pelo MVV está presente em ovinos das mesorregiões estudadas, sendo este o primeiro registro desta enfermidade no estado do Maranhão. Considerando a baixa prevalência, é necessário evitar a introdução e a propagação do vírus entre os rebanhos, através da exigência de testes negativos para MVV e descarte dos ovinos positivos.(AU)

Soroprevalência da infecção por lentivírus de pequenos ruminantes em abatedouros do estado de Pernambuco, Brasil / Seroprevalence small ruminant lentiviruses in the state of Pernambuco slaughterhouses, Brazil

A soroprevalência da infecção por lentivírus de pequenos ruminantes (LVPR) foi determinada em amostras de soros sanguíneos de caprinos e ovinos de aptidão cárnea provenientes de abatedouros de dez municípios do estado de Pernambuco, Brasil. O diagnóstico sorológico ocorreu por meio da imunodifusão em gel de agarose (micro-IDGA) com antígenos dos vírus artrite encefalite caprina (CAE)/Maedi-Visna. Entre as 369 amostras de caprinos, 7(1,89%) (0,8-3,9%) eram soropositivas, e, entre as 383 de ovinos, 1 (0,26%) (0,0-1,4%) estava infectada. Os 7 caprinos soropositivos procederam dos abatedouros públicos dos municípios de Gravatá (n=2), Sertânia (n=4) e Timbaúba (n=1), e o ovino soropositivo veio do abatedouro público de Serra Talhada. A soroprevalência da infecção por LVPR em pequenos ruminantes oriundos de abatedouros do estado de Pernambuco, de 1,06% (8/752), é considerada baixa.(AU)

The prevalence of lentivirus infection of small ruminants (LVPR) was determined in samples of serum from goats and sheep in slaughterhouses from ten districts of Pernambuco State. The serological test was used in agarose gel immunodiffusion (AGID) with antigen caprine arthritis and encephalitis virus (CAE)/Maedi Visna virus. Among the 369 blood serum samples of goats examined, seven (1.89%) (0.8-3.9%) were seropositive, and among the 383 sheep samples examined, just one (0.26%) (0.0-1.4%) was infected. The seven seropositive goats came from public slaughterhouses from Gravatá (n=2), Sertânia (n=4) and Timbaúba (n=1), and the soropositive sheep was from a public slaughterhouse of Serra Talhada. The soroprevalence of LVPR infection in small ruminants from Pernambuco's slaughterhouses, of 1.06% (8/752), is considered low.(AU)

Seroprevalence small ruminant lentiviruses in the state of Pernambuco slaughterhouses, Brazil / Soroprevalência da infecção por lentivírus de pequenos ruminantes em abatedouros do estado de Pernambuco, Brasil

The prevalence of lentivirus infection of small ruminants (LVPR) was determined in samples of serum from goats and sheep in slaughterhouses from ten districts of Pernambuco State. The serological test was used in agarose gel immunodiffusion (AGID) with antigen caprine arthritis and encephalitis virus (CAE)/Maedi Visna virus. Among the 369 blood serum samples of goats examined, seven (1.89%) (0.83.9%) were seropositive, and among the 383 sheep samples examined, just one (0.26%) (0.01.4%) was infected. The seven seropositive goats came from public slaughterhouses from Gravatá (n=2), Sertânia (n=4) and Timbaúba (n=1), and the soropositive sheep was from a public slaughterhouse of Serra Talhada. The soroprevalence of LVPR infection in small ruminants from Pernambucos slaughterhouses, of 1.06% (8/752), is considered low.

A soroprevalência da infecção por lentivírus de pequenos ruminantes (LVPR) foi determinada em amostras de soros sanguíneos de caprinos e ovinos de aptidão cárnea provenientes de abatedouros de dez municípios do estado de Pernambuco, Brasil. O diagnóstico sorológico ocorreu por meio da imunodifusão em gel de agarose (micro-IDGA) com antígenos dos vírus artrite encefalite caprina (CAE)/Maedi-Visna. Entre as 369 amostras de caprinos, 7(1,89%) (0,83,9%) eram soropositivas, e, entre as 383 de ovinos, 1 (0,26%) (0,01,4%) estava infectada. Os 7 caprinos soropositivos procederam dos abatedouros públicos dos municípios de Gravatá (n=2), Sertânia (n=4) e Timbaúba (n=1), e o ovino soropositivo veio do abatedouro público de Serra Talhada. A soroprevalência da infecção por LVPR em pequenos ruminantes oriundos de abatedouros do estado de Pernambuco, de 1,06% (8/752), é considerada baixa.

Seroprevalence small ruminant lentiviruses in the state of Pernambuco slaughterhouses, Brazil / Soroprevalência da infecção por lentivírus de pequenos ruminantes em abatedouros do estado de Pernambuco, Brasil

The prevalence of lentivirus infection of small ruminants (LVPR) was determined in samples of serum from goats and sheep in slaughterhouses from ten districts of Pernambuco State. The serological test was used in agarose gel immunodiffusion (AGID) with antigen caprine arthritis and encephalitis virus (CAE)/Maedi Visna virus. Among the 369 blood serum samples of goats examined, seven (1.89%) (0.83.9%) were seropositive, and among the 383 sheep samples examined, just one (0.26%) (0.01.4%) was infected. The seven seropositive goats came from public slaughterhouses from Gravatá (n=2), Sertânia (n=4) and Timbaúba (n=1), and the soropositive sheep was from a public slaughterhouse of Serra Talhada. The soroprevalence of LVPR infection in small ruminants from Pernambucos slaughterhouses, of 1.06% (8/752), is considered low.(AU)

A soroprevalência da infecção por lentivírus de pequenos ruminantes (LVPR) foi determinada em amostras de soros sanguíneos de caprinos e ovinos de aptidão cárnea provenientes de abatedouros de dez municípios do estado de Pernambuco, Brasil. O diagnóstico sorológico ocorreu por meio da imunodifusão em gel de agarose (micro-IDGA) com antígenos dos vírus artrite encefalite caprina (CAE)/Maedi-Visna. Entre as 369 amostras de caprinos, 7(1,89%) (0,83,9%) eram soropositivas, e, entre as 383 de ovinos, 1 (0,26%) (0,01,4%) estava infectada. Os 7 caprinos soropositivos procederam dos abatedouros públicos dos municípios de Gravatá (n=2), Sertânia (n=4) e Timbaúba (n=1), e o ovino soropositivo veio do abatedouro público de Serra Talhada. A soroprevalência da infecção por LVPR em pequenos ruminantes oriundos de abatedouros do estado de Pernambuco, de 1,06% (8/752), é considerada baixa.(AU)

Prevalence and associated risk factors for bovine brucellosis in the State of Pernambuco, Brazil / Prevalência e fatores de risco para brucelose bovina no Estado de Pernambuco, Brasil

This study was conducted to characterize the epidemiology of bovine brucellosis in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. The state was divided into three regions, and in each region, approximately 300 properties were randomly sampled. From these selected properties, a pre-established number of animals were randomly selected and blood serum samples were obtained. A total of 3,901 animals were selected from 900 properties. For each selected property, an epidemiological questionnaire was administered to assess the type of farming, the animal husbandry practices and the sanitary practices that could be associated with the presence of brucellosis infection. The testing protocol consisted of screening the samples with a buffered acidified plate antigen test and retesting the positive samples with a complement fixation test (CF). One positive animal was enough to define an infected herd. The prevalence rates of infected herds and animals in the state were 4.5% [3.2; 6.4%] and 1.4% [0.7; 2.7%], respectively. By region, the prevalence rates of infected herds and animals, respectively, were as follows: Zona da Mata, 3.3% [1.8; 6.1%] and 1.7% [0.5; 3.0%]; Agreste, 7.4% [4.9; 10.9%] and 1.9% [0.8; 3.0%]; and Sertão, 1.3% [0.5; 3.5%] and 0.7% [0.0; 1.6%]. Flooded pastures (OR = 2.86 [1.37; 6.42]) and the presence of 13 or more females in the herd (3rd quartile) (OR = 2.65 [1.19; 5.89])were identified as risk factors. The existence of veterinary care emerged as a protective factor against bovine brucellosis in the state of Pernambuco (OR = 0.24 [0.10; 0.58]).(AU)

Realizou-se um estudo para caracterizar a situação epidemiológica da brucelose bovina no Estado de Pernambuco. O estado foi dividido em três circuitos pecuários e em cada um foram amostradas aleatoriamente cerca de 300 propriedades e, dentro dessas, foi escolhido, de forma aleatória, um número pré-estabelecido de animais, dos quais foi obtida uma amostra soro sanguíneo. No total, foram amostrados 3.901 animais, provenientes de 900 propriedades. Em cada propriedade amostrada foi aplicado um questionário epidemiológico para verificar o tipo de exploração e as práticas zootécnicas e sanitárias que poderiam estar associadas ao risco de infecção pela doença. O protocolo de testes utilizado foi o da triagem com o teste do antígeno acidificado tamponado (AAT) e o reteste dos positivos com o teste de Fixação de Complemento (FC). O rebanho foi considerado positivo, se pelo menos um animal foi reagente às duas provas sorológicas. As prevalências de focos e de animais infectados do Estado foram de 4,5% [3,2; 6,4%] e 1,4% [0,7; 2,7%], respectivamente. Os resultados para os circuitos pecuários da prevalência de focos e de animais infectados foram respectivamente: Zona da Mata, 3,3% [1,8; 6,1%] e 1,7% [0,5; 3,0%]; Agreste, 7,4% [4,9; 10,9%] e 1,9% [0,8; 3,0%] e Sertão, 1,3% [0,5; 3,5%] e 0,7% [0,0; 1,6%]. Os fatores de risco (odds ratio, OR) associado à condição de foco foram: presença de pastos alagados (OR = 2,86 [1,37; 6,42]) e a presença de 13 ou mais fêmeas no rebanho (terceiro quartil) (OR = 2,65 [1,19; 5,89]). A existência de assistência veterinária na propriedade foi considerado um fator de proteção contra a brucelose bovina no Estado de Pernambuco (OR = 0,24 [0,10; 0,58]).(AU)

Prevalence and associated risk factors for bovine brucellosis in the State of Pernambuco, Brazil / Prevalência e fatores de risco para brucelose bovina no Estado de Pernambuco, Brasil

This study was conducted to characterize the epidemiology of bovine brucellosis in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. The state was divided into three regions, and in each region, approximately 300 properties were randomly sampled. From these selected properties, a pre-established number of animals were randomly selected and blood serum samples were obtained. A total of 3,901 animals were selected from 900 properties. For each selected property, an epidemiological questionnaire was administered to assess the type of farming, the animal husbandry practices and the sanitary practices that could be associated with the presence of brucellosis infection. The testing protocol consisted of screening the samples with a buffered acidified plate antigen test and retesting the positive samples with a complement fixation test (CF). One positive animal was enough to define an infected herd. The prevalence rates of infected herds and animals in the state were 4.5% [3.2; 6.4%] and 1.4% [0.7; 2.7%], respectively. By region, the prevalence rates of infected herds and animals, respectively, were as follows: Zona da Mata, 3.3% [1.8; 6.1%] and 1.7% [0.5; 3.0%]; Agreste, 7.4% [4.9; 10.9%] and 1.9% [0.8; 3.0%]; and Sertão, 1.3% [0.5; 3.5%] and 0.7% [0.0; 1.6%]. Flooded pastures (OR = 2.86 [1.37; 6.42]) and the presence of 13 or more females in the herd (3rd quartile) (OR = 2.65 [1.19; 5.89])were identified as risk factors. The existence of veterinary care emerged as a protective factor against bovine brucellosis in the state of Pernambuco (OR = 0.24 [0.10; 0.58]).

Realizou-se um estudo para caracterizar a situação epidemiológica da brucelose bovina no Estado de Pernambuco. O estado foi dividido em três circuitos pecuários e em cada um foram amostradas aleatoriamente cerca de 300 propriedades e, dentro dessas, foi escolhido, de forma aleatória, um número pré-estabelecido de animais, dos quais foi obtida uma amostra soro sanguíneo. No total, foram amostrados 3.901 animais, provenientes de 900 propriedades. Em cada propriedade amostrada foi aplicado um questionário epidemiológico para verificar o tipo de exploração e as práticas zootécnicas e sanitárias que poderiam estar associadas ao risco de infecção pela doença. O protocolo de testes utilizado foi o da triagem com o teste do antígeno acidificado tamponado (AAT) e o reteste dos positivos com o teste de Fixação de Complemento (FC). O rebanho foi considerado positivo, se pelo menos um animal foi reagente às duas provas sorológicas. As prevalências de focos e de animais infectados do Estado foram de 4,5% [3,2; 6,4%] e 1,4% [0,7; 2,7%], respectivamente. Os resultados para os circuitos pecuários da prevalência de focos e de animais infectados foram respectivamente: Zona da Mata, 3,3% [1,8; 6,1%] e 1,7% [0,5; 3,0%]; Agreste, 7,4% [4,9; 10,9%] e 1,9% [0,8; 3,0%] e Sertão, 1,3% [0,5; 3,5%] e 0,7% [0,0; 1,6%]. Os fatores de risco (odds ratio, OR) associado à condição de foco foram: presença de pastos alagados (OR = 2,86 [1,37; 6,42]) e a presença de 13 ou mais fêmeas no rebanho (terceiro quartil) (OR = 2,65 [1,19; 5,89]). A existência de assistência veterinária na propriedade foi considerado um fator de proteção contra a brucelose bovina no Estado de Pernambuco (OR = 0,24 [0,10; 0,58]).

Perfil zoosanitário dos rebanhos caprinos e ovinos em três mesorregiões do estado do Maranhão, Brasil / Zoosanitary profile of breeding goats and sheep in three mesoregion of Maranhão State, Brazil

Objetivou-se caracterizar o manejo zoosanitário da caprinovinocultura nas mesorregiões Centro, Lestee Norte do Estado do Maranhão. Foram visitados 30 criatórios de caprinos, 31 de ovinos e 52 mistos, localizados em23 municípios. Para a formação dos rebanhos base utilizou-se animais oriundos dos Estados do Piauí, Pernambuco,Ceará, Bahia e Paraíba. O sistema de criação mais adotado foi o semi-extensivo, tanto nas criações de caprinos(93,9%) quanto nas de ovinos (92,8%). Quanto ao tipo de aprisco, o ripado (52,4% e 41,0%) e o de chão batido(36,6% e 44,6%) foram os mais frequentes. As práticas sanitárias mais adotadas foram a limpeza das instalações,desinfecção do aprisco, corte e desinfecção do cordão umbilical, casqueamento, enterro dos cadáveres e separação deanimais doentes. Alterações clínicas mais citadas nos rebanhos caprinos e ovinos foram, respectivamente, verminose(97,6% e 95,2%), linfadenite caseosa (84,1% e 79,5), miíase (79,3% e 73,5), aborto (73,3% e 67,5), pododermatite(70,7% e 68,7%), ectoparasitose (57,3% e 47,0%), mastite (50,0% e 42,2%), artrite (39,0% e 30,1%), ectimacontagioso (37,8% e 43,5%), ceratoconjuntivite (35,4% e 39,8%), pneumonia (29,3% e 22,9%), diarreia (23,2% e19,3%) e alterações nervosas (8,5% e 7,2%). A vacinação foi adotada em 58,5% e 61,4%, enquanto que adesveminação por 92,7% e 95,2% dos criadores de caprinos e ovinos, respectivamente. Conclui-se que o manejosanitário, adotado nas propriedades de pequenos ruminantes das mesorregiões Maranhense estudadas, é deficiente,apresentando sérios problemas que podem interferir no desempenho dos rebanhos, necessitando de adequaçõesvisando à maximização da produtividade e redução de custos

This study aimed to characterize the animal health management of goat and sheep creation of themesoregions Center, East and North of Maranhão state, Brazil. Were visited 30 farms of goats, 31 sheep and 52mixed, from 23 cities. The base herds were formed with animals coming from different states as Piauí, Pernambuco,Ceará, Bahia and Paraíba. The main creation system is the semi-extensive with the use of battens or knocked groundsheepfold. The most frequent health practices seen were the structure cleaning and desinfection, cut and disinfectionof the umbilical cord, trimming, burial of corpses and separating sick animals. The most cited clinical changes indescending order were worms, caseous lymphadenitis, myiasis, abortion, pododermatitis, parasitic skin disease,mastitis, arthritis, contagious ecthyma, keratoconjunctivitis, pneumonia, diarrhea and nervous changes. Vaccinationwas adopted in 58.5% and 61.4%, and the use of anthelmintics by 92.7% and 95.2% of sheep and goats heards,respectively. The study allowed to conclude that the sanitary management, applied at the properties of smallruminants in the central, eastern and northern regions of Maranhão, is deficient, showing serious problems that maybe compromising the livestock performance, requiring adjustments in order to maximize productivity and reducecosts

Perfil zoosanitário dos rebanhos caprinos e ovinos em três mesorregiões do estado do Maranhão, Brasil / Zoosanitary profile of breeding goats and sheep in three mesoregion of Maranhão State, Brazil

Objetivou-se caracterizar o manejo zoosanitário da caprinovinocultura nas mesorregiões Centro, Lestee Norte do Estado do Maranhão. Foram visitados 30 criatórios de caprinos, 31 de ovinos e 52 mistos, localizados em23 municípios. Para a formação dos rebanhos base utilizou-se animais oriundos dos Estados do Piauí, Pernambuco,Ceará, Bahia e Paraíba. O sistema de criação mais adotado foi o semi-extensivo, tanto nas criações de caprinos(93,9%) quanto nas de ovinos (92,8%). Quanto ao tipo de aprisco, o ripado (52,4% e 41,0%) e o de chão batido(36,6% e 44,6%) foram os mais frequentes. As práticas sanitárias mais adotadas foram a limpeza das instalações,desinfecção do aprisco, corte e desinfecção do cordão umbilical, casqueamento, enterro dos cadáveres e separação deanimais doentes. Alterações clínicas mais citadas nos rebanhos caprinos e ovinos foram, respectivamente, verminose(97,6% e 95,2%), linfadenite caseosa (84,1% e 79,5), miíase (79,3% e 73,5), aborto (73,3% e 67,5), pododermatite(70,7% e 68,7%), ectoparasitose (57,3% e 47,0%), mastite (50,0% e 42,2%), artrite (39,0% e 30,1%), ectimacontagioso (37,8% e 43,5%), ceratoconjuntivite (35,4% e 39,8%), pneumonia (29,3% e 22,9%), diarreia (23,2% e19,3%) e alterações nervosas (8,5% e 7,2%). A vacinação foi adotada em 58,5% e 61,4%, enquanto que adesveminação por 92,7% e 95,2% dos criadores de caprinos e ovinos, respectivamente. Conclui-se que o manejosanitário, adotado nas propriedades de pequenos ruminantes das mesorregiões Maranhense estudadas, é deficiente,apresentando sérios problemas que podem interferir no desempenho dos rebanhos, necessitando de adequaçõesvisando à maximização da produtividade e redução de custos(AU)

This study aimed to characterize the animal health management of goat and sheep creation of themesoregions Center, East and North of Maranhão state, Brazil. Were visited 30 farms of goats, 31 sheep and 52mixed, from 23 cities. The base herds were formed with animals coming from different states as Piauí, Pernambuco,Ceará, Bahia and Paraíba. The main creation system is the semi-extensive with the use of battens or knocked groundsheepfold. The most frequent health practices seen were the structure cleaning and desinfection, cut and disinfectionof the umbilical cord, trimming, burial of corpses and separating sick animals. The most cited clinical changes indescending order were worms, caseous lymphadenitis, myiasis, abortion, pododermatitis, parasitic skin disease,mastitis, arthritis, contagious ecthyma, keratoconjunctivitis, pneumonia, diarrhea and nervous changes. Vaccinationwas adopted in 58.5% and 61.4%, and the use of anthelmintics by 92.7% and 95.2% of sheep and goats heards,respectively. The study allowed to conclude that the sanitary management, applied at the properties of smallruminants in the central, eastern and northern regions of Maranhão, is deficient, showing serious problems that maybe compromising the livestock performance, requiring adjustments in order to maximize productivity and reducecosts(AU)

Wild canids, domestic dogs and their pathogens in Southeast Brazil: disease threats for canid conservation.

Wild canids are under many pressures, including habitat loss, fragmentation and disease. The current lack of information on the status of wildlife health may hamper conservation efforts in Brazil. In this paper, we examined the prevalence of canine pathogens in 21 free-ranging wild canids, comprising 12 Cerdocyon thous (crab-eating fox), 7 Chrysocyon brachyurus (maned wolf), 2 Lycalopex vetulus (hoary fox), and 70 non-vaccinated domestic dogs from the Serra do Cipó National Park area, Southeast Brazil. For wild canids, seroprevalence of antibodies to canine parvovirus, canine adenovirus, canine coronavirus and Toxoplasma gondii was 100 (21/21), 33 (7/21), 5 (1/19) and 68 (13/19) percent, respectively. Antibodies against canine distemper virus, Neospora caninum or Babesia spp. were not found. We tested domestic dogs for antibodies to canine parvovirus, canine distemper virus and Babesia spp., and seroprevalences were 59 (41/70), 66 (46/70), and 42 (40/70) percent, respectively, with significantly higher prevalence in domestic dogs for CDV (P < 0.001) and Babesia spp. (P = 0.002), and in wild canids for CPV (P < 0.001). We report for the first time evidence of exposure to canine coronavirus in wild hoary foxes, and Platynossomun sp. infection in wild maned wolves. Maned wolves are more exposed to helminths than crab-eating foxes, with a higher prevalence of Trichuridae and Ancylostomidae in the area. The most common ectoparasites were Amblyomma cajennense, A. tigrinum, and Pulex irritans. Such data is useful information on infectious diseases of Brazilian wild canids, revealing pathogens as a threat to wild canids in the area. Control measures are discussed.

Situação epidemiológica da brucelose bovina no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul / Epidemiological situation of bovine brucelosis in Rio Grande do Sul State

Para dar suporte à implementação do Programa Nacional de Controle e Erradicação da Brucelose e Tuberculose Bovina no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, foi realizado um estudo para caracterizar a situação epidemiológica da brucelose. Assim, o Estado foi dividido em sete regiões. Em cada região foram amostradas aleatoriamente cerca de 300 propriedades, e dentro dessas foi escolhido de forma aleatória um número pré-estabelecido de animais, dos quais foi obtida uma amostra de sangue. No total foram amostrados 16.072 animais, provenientes de 1.957 propriedades. Em cada propriedade amostrada foi aplicado um questionário epidemiológico indagando sobre a tipologia da propriedade e sobre práticas zootécnicas e sanitárias que poderiam estar associadas ao risco de infecção pela doença. O protocolo de testes utilizado foi a triagem com o teste do Antígeno Acidificado Tamponado e o re-teste dos positivos com o teste do 2-Mercaptoetanol. O rebanho foi considerado positivo se pelo menos um animal fosse reagente às duas provas sorológicas. Para o Estado, as prevalências de focos e dos animais foram respectivamente de 2,06% [1,50-2,63%] e 1,02% [0,60-1,43%]. Para os circuitos, as prevalências de focos e dos animais foram respectivamente: circuito 1: 3,06% [1,40-5,73%] e 0,95% [0,00-1,97%]; circuito 2: 7,71% [4,95-11,35%] e 1,04% [0,40-1,68%]; circuito 3: 5,66% [3,38-8,79%] e 2,12% [0,41-3,83%]; circuito 4: 0,66% [0,08-2,37%] e 0,66% [0,00-1,81%]; circuito 5: 0,66% [0,08-2,38%] e 0,05% [0,00-0,13%]; circuito 6: 0,00% [0,00-1,30%] e 0,00% [0,00-0,25%]; circuito 7: 5,45% [2,52-10,10%] e 2,88% [0,49-5,27%]. Os fatores associados à condição de foco foram: exploração de corte (OR = 4,27 [1,82-10,01]) e histórico de aborto (OR = 3,27 [1,71-6,25])

To support the planning and implementation of the National Program for the Control and Eradication of Bovine Brucellosis in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, a study to characterize the epidemiological status of brucellosis was carried out. The State was divided in seven regions. Three hundred herds were randomly sampled in each region, and a pre-established number of animals were sampled in each of these herds. A total of 16,072 serum samples from 1,957 herds were collected. In each herd it was applied an epidemiological questionnaire focused on herd traits as well as husbandry and sanitary practices that could be associated with the risk of infection. The serum samples were screened for antibodies against Brucella spp. by the Rose-Bengal Test and all test positives were re-tested by the 2-Mercaptoethanol Test. The herd was considered positive if at least one animal tested positive on both tests. The prevalence of infected herds and of animals at the state level were respectively 2.06% [1.50-2.63%] and 1.02% [0.60-1.43%]. In the regions, the prevalence of infected herds and animals were respectively: region 1: 3.06% [1.40-5.73%] and 0.95% [0.00-1.97%]; region 2: 7.71% [4.95-11.35%] and 1.04% [0.40-1.68%]; region 3: 5.66% [3.38-8.79%] and 2.12% [0.41-3.83%]; region 4: 0.66% [0.08-2.37%] and 0.66% [0.00-1.81%]; region 5: 0.66% [0.08-2.38%] and 0.05% [0.00-0.13%]; region 6: 0.00% [0.00-1.30%] and 0.00% [0.00-0.25%]; region 7: 5.45% [2.52-10.10%] and 2.88% [0.49-5.27%]. The factors associated with the presence of infection were: beef herd (OR = 4.27 [1.82-10.01]) and recent history of abortion (OR = 3.27 [1.71-6.25])