Runting and Stunting Syndrome in Broiler Chickens: Histopathology and Association With a Novel Picornavirus.

Runting stunting syndrome (RSS) in commercial chickens has been reported worldwide, and although several studies have attempted to clarify the cause and describe the lesions, there are gaps in knowledge of the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and etiology. The study objective was to use commercial chicks naturally affected by RSS to describe the histologic changes of RSS in all segments of the small intestine in chicks of different ages and to identify viral gene sequences in affected chicks and their association with histologic lesions. Chicks lacking clinical signs but from the same houses and from unaffected houses were used as controls. The average weight of affected chicks was significantly lower than expected for their flocks. Macroscopically, the small intestines had paler serosa, with watery, mucoid, or foamy contents and poorly digested food. Histologic lesions were characterized by necrotic crypts, crypt dilation, and flattening of the crypt epithelium. Histomorphometry of the intestines revealed villous atrophy especially in the jejunum and ileum. Histologic changes in other organs were not observed. Random next-generation sequencing of total RNA extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues detected avian nephritis virus, avian rotavirus, and picornavirus in jejunal segments from 7-day-old chicks. No viruses were detected in the jejunum of 1-day-old chicks. Detection of picornaviral reads was significantly associated (P < .05) with histologic lesions of RSS. Sequence analysis of the picornavirus revealed genetic similarity with the genus Gallivirus. Using in situ hybridization for galliviral nucleic acid sequences, the signal was associated with crypt lesion severity, although signal was detected both in chicks with and without RSS.

Subcutaneous and cardiopulmonary dirofilariasis in a dog.

Canine subcutaneous dirofilariasis is rare and typically caused by Dirofilaria repens. An adult male, intact, mixed breed dog from South Carolina, USA, was examined because of physical trauma to the right maxilla. The dog died during hospitalization and was submitted for necropsy. Gross post-mortem changes included approximately 150 adult nematodes morphologically consistent with Dirofilaria spp. in the pulmonary artery, right atrium, and right ventricle. Histologically there was widespread proliferative pulmonary endarteritis with intraluminal nematodes morphologically consistent with Dirofilaria spp. Four similar nematodes were present in the subcutaneous tissue of the left medial thigh and tibial area. These nematodes were located within the fascia and skeletal muscles. They were surrounded by epithelioid macrophages and multinucleated giant cells, with some lymphocytes and plasma cells, and areas of mineralization (interpreted as mineralized cross sections of nematodes). Nematodes were morphologically identified as D. immitis. Subcutaneous dirofilariasis caused by D. immitis occurs when migrating nematode larvae develop into adults in the subcutaneous and skeletal muscle tissues. Key clinical message: Subcutaneous dirofilariasis in dogs is rare and most often associated with Dirofilaria repens. This case highlights the pathology findings of subcutaneous D. immitis in a dog.

Dirofilariose sous-cutanée et cardio-pulmonaire chez un chien. La dirofilariose sous-cutanée canine est rare et généralement causée par Dirofilaria repens. Un chien de race mixte, mâle adulte intact, originaire de la Caroline du Sud, aux États-Unis, a été examiné en raison d'un traumatisme physique au maxillaire droit. Le chien est décédé pendant l'hospitalisation et a été soumis à une nécropsie. Les changements post-mortem macroscopiques incluaient environ 150 nématodes adultes morphologiquement compatibles avec Dirofilaria spp. dans l'artère pulmonaire, l'oreillette droite et le ventricule droit. Sur le plan histologique, il y avait une endartérite pulmonaire proliférative généralisée avec des nématodes intraluminaux morphologiquement compatibles avec Dirofilaria spp. Quatre nématodes similaires étaient présents dans le tissu sous-cutané de la cuisse médiale gauche et de la région tibiale. Ces nématodes étaient situés dans le fascia et les muscles squelettiques. Ils étaient entourés de macrophages épithélioïdes et de cellules géantes multinucléées, avec quelques lymphocytes et plasmocytes, et des zones de minéralisation (interprétées comme des coupes transversales minéralisées de nématodes). Les nématodes ont été identifiés morphologiquement comme D. immitis. La dirofilariose sous-cutanée causée par D. immitis survient lorsque les larves de nématodes en migration se développent en adultes dans les tissus musculaires sous-cutanés et squelettiques.Message clinique clé :La dirofilariose sous-cutanée chez les chiens est rare et le plus souvent associée à Dirofilaria repens. Le cas présent souligne les trouvailles pathologiques associées à la présence sous-cutanée de D. immitis chez un chien.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

COELOMIC TERATOMA IN A BLUE-AND-YELLOW MACAW (ARA ARARAUNA).

A 2-mo-old, female blue-and-yellow macaw (Ara ararauna) presented with severe abdominal distension, pain, and respiratory distress. Ultrasonographic examination detected a heterogeneous mass with multiple anechoic areas, compatible with a multilocular cyst, occupying most of the coelomic cavity. Postmortem examination revealed a mass of 12.0 × 8.5 × 5.0 cm, which had an irregular surface and was connected by a pedicle to the ileum. This mass compressed and displaced the liver, proventriculus, gizzard, and intestines cranially to the left. The cut surface was lobulated, gray-white, mildly firm or soft, and was interspersed with multiple cysts filled with viscous and opaque liquid. Microscopically, it was composed of well- differentiated embryonic tissues from the endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm; therefore, it was diagnosed as a mature teratoma, which was theorized to have originated from Meckel's diverticulum. This study is the first, to the authors' knowledge to report a case of a teratoma in a blue-and-yellow macaw.

Tear ferning test in horses and its correlation with ocular surface evaluation.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the tear ferning test (TFT) in healthy horses and its correlation with other parameters for evaluating the ocular surface. ANIMALS STUDIED: Thirty male and female adult healthy horses (60 eyes), of no defined breed. PROCEDURES: Tear sample was collected with a microcapillary tube, placed on the surface of a glass slide, and allowed to dry at room temperature. The crystallization pattern was classified according to Rolando (Chibret International Journal Ophthamology, 1984; 2, 32). The program STEPanizer(©) stereology tool, version 1.0, was utilized for counting points on the digitally captured crystallization image. A conjunctival biopsy was performed. RESULTS: Tear ferning test was classified as Type I in 18 eyes (30%), Type II in 31 eyes (51.7%), and Type III in 11 eyes (18.3%), at a mean temperature of 27.3 ± 1.5 °C and relative humidity of 61.5 ± 5.7%. In the Type I crystallization, the count varied between 27 and 36 points (mean: 33.27 ± 2.40), in Type II between 22 and 31 points (25.42 ± 1.95), and in Type III between 13 and 25 points (16.82 ± 3.76). There was no statistical difference or correlation between the right and left eyes, nor was there a statistically significant influence (P < 0.05) on TFT by the factors evaluated. The mean goblet cells values were 50 ± 11.4 cells/field. All samples showed the presence of lymphocytes, plasmocytes, and eosinophils. CONCLUSION: Tear ferning test is easy to perform, without risks to the patient. Once standardized for horses, associated or not with the program STEPanizer(©) stereology tool, it is an additional method for evaluating the ocular surface.

Infections by entomopathogenic fungi in common green iguanas (Iguana iguana) in captivity in Brazil.

Entomopathogenic fungi, widely available biological agents used to control agricultural pests, are sporadically reported to cause focal or disseminated infection in reptiles and mammals, including humans. This study summarizes the clinical presentation, histopathological and molecular findings by panfungal polymerase chain reaction and sequencing of four cases of hypocrealean fungal infections in captive common green iguanas (Iguana, iguana). One case of granulomatous pneumonia, hepatitis and serositis was related to Metarhizium flavoviride complex infection. Two disseminated fungal infection cases, with scarce inflammatory cell infiltration, were caused by Beauveria bassiana while there was one case of multifocal granulomatous and necrotizing pneumonia by Purpureocillium spp. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of fatal mycosis infection due to entomopathogenic fungi in captive common green iguanas.

Pathology in Practice.

In collaboration with the American College of Veterinary Pathologists.

Retrospective and prospective studies of transmissible viral proventriculitis in broiler chickens in Brazil.

We investigated the occurrence and pathologic findings of transmissible viral proventriculitis (TVP) associated with the chicken proventricular necrosis virus (CPNV) in commercial broiler chickens in southeastern Brazil. Seventy-three broilers, 25-36 d old, with a history of reduced growth, were referred to our veterinary pathology services from 2013 to 2017. Broilers were clinically examined, weighed, and euthanized for postmortem examination. Broilers of different ages with proventricular histologic lesions were positive for CPNV by RT-PCR; however, the intensity of histologic lesions was higher among 33-d-old animals, and viral RNA detection was more frequent among those that were 28 d old. In the proventriculi of 35 of 73 (48%) broilers, lesions were characterized by glandular epithelial necrosis, lymphoplasmacytic and histiocytic infiltrates, and metaplasia of glandular epithelium to ductal epithelium. In 24 of 73 (36%) broilers with histologic TVP-compatible lesions, CPNV was detected by RT-PCR for the viral protein 1 (VP1) gene. Broilers with histologic lesions were lighter than expected compared to the Cobb 500 standard weight. TVP has not been reported previously in broiler chickens in Brazil, to our knowledge.

Non-tuberculous Mycobacterial Granulomatous Dermatitis in an African Pygmy Hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris).

A 2-year-old female African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) with a cutaneous nodular lesion on the dorsal surface of the right forelimb was presented for clinical examination. Histopathological findings included granulomatous dermatitis with extensive necrosis. Long and slender acid-fast bacilli were seen within the cytoplasm of macrophages and in extracellular spaces. Bacteriological culture of skin revealed acid-fast bacilli and non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection was confirmed by gene sequencing and identity analysis using the BLAST tool. To our knowledge, this is the first report of non-tuberculous granulomatous dermatitis in hedgehogs.

Bilirubin encephalopathy (kernicterus) in an adult cat.

CASE SUMMARY: An adult cat presented with neurological signs and marked icterus. Clinical pathology tests detected increased serum alkaline phosphatase levels, as well as alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin, unconjugated bilirubin and conjugated bilirubin above the normal reference intervals. Ultrasonography showed hepatomegaly and a dilated gall bladder. Following these results, the cat was referred for a cholecystectomy owing to a clinical suspicion of obstructive cholecystitis. The animal died in the postoperative period and was referred for necropsy. Grossly, the animal had marked icterus. On the cortical surface and in the brain parenchyma there were marked yellowish areas. The liver was diffusely reddish-orange, enlarged and the capsular surface was slightly irregular. The gall bladder was absent. At its anatomical site and surrounding the common hepatic duct, a whitish nodular neoplasia of 2.0 cm was found. Microscopically, a cholangioma was diagnosed in the region of the common hepatic duct. In the white matter of the cerebellar vermis, there was axonal degeneration associated with gliosis. In the Purkinje neuron layer there was slight multifocal necrosis. Some neurons contained amorphous and brownish pigment (bilirubin) in the cytoplasm. Clinical and pathological findings indicated hepatic and post-hepatic icterus from obstructive cholangioma, resulting in kernicterus. RELEVANCE AND NOVEL INFORMATION: Kernicterus is a neurological disorder that is rarely diagnosed in animals, especially in adults. This report provides evidence that kernicterus can occur in adult cats, secondary to increased unconjugated and conjugated bilirubin concentrations.

Lesions of the oral cavity of dogs: 720 cases / Lesões da cavidade oral de cães: 720 casos

Seven hundred twenty cases of oral cavity lesions in dogs were diagnosed from 2015 to 2020 in Distrito Federal, Brazil. Four hundred thirty-two (60%) lesions were neoplastic, and 288 (40%) were non-neoplastic. Of the neoplasms, 229 (53%) were considered malignant and 203 (47%) benign, affecting mainly males, of 43 different breeds, with an average age of 9.4 years, mainly the gum and lip. Melanoma was the most (96/432, 22.2%) commonly diagnosed neoplasm, followed by peripheral odontogenic fibroma (68/432, 15.7%), papilloma (63/432, 14.5%) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (56/432, 12.9%). Non-neoplastic lesions also affected males predominantly, from 41 different breeds, with an average age of 8.9 years, mainly in the gums, lip, and tongue. These lesions were diagnosed as inflammatory (230/288, 79.8%), hyperplastic (47/288, 16.3%) and other lesions (11/288, 3.8%).

Foram estudados 720 casos de lesões na cavidade oral em cães diagnosticados entre 2015 e 2020, no Distrito Federal. Dessas alterações, 432 (60%) foram neoplásicas e 288 (40%) não neoplásicas. Dentre os neoplasmas, 229 (53%) foram consideradas malignos e 203 (47%) benignos, acometendo principalmente machos, de 43 raças diferentes, com idade média 9,4 anos, afetando principalmente gengiva e lábio. Melanoma foi o neoplasma mais comumente diagnosticado (96/432; 22,2%), seguido do fibroma odontogênico periférico (68/432; 15,7%), papiloma (63/432; 14,5%) e carcinoma de células escamosas (56/432; 12,9%). As lesões não neoplásicas também acometeram predominantemente machos, de 41 raças diferentes, com idade média 8,9 anos, afetando principalmente gengiva, lábio e língua. Essas lesões foram diagnosticadas como inflamatórias (230/288; 79,8%), hiperplásicas (47/288; 16,3%) e como outras alterações (11/288; 3,8%).

An outbreak of fatal Pullorum disease (Salmonella Pullorum) in Guinea fowl keets (Numida meleagris) / Surto fatal de pulorose (Salmonella Pullorum) em pintinhos de galinhas-d'Angola (Numida meleagris)

Pullorum disease is described worldwide and is caused by Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Gallinarum biovar Pullorum (S. Pullorum). S. Pullorum infection is important in commercial poultry, provoking a systemic disease with high mortality rates. Its occurrence requires notification, and when it is diagnosed in commercial breeding flocks, its eradication is demanded. The aim of this study was to report a severe outbreak of Pullorum disease in young Guinea fowl (Numida meleagris), resulting in 100% mortality of keets (n=290) within the first two weeks of age. All examined keets had enlarged liver, kidneys and spleen (5/5), and the affected tissues were submitted to histological and bacteriological examination. On histopathology, random paratyphoid nodules characterized by areas of necrosis with fibrin and a moderate infiltrate of macrophages and heterophils were observed in the liver. In kidneys, discrete areas of necrosis associated with moderate multifocal infiltrates of lymphocytes, and plasma cells were observed. In the spleen, a moderate infiltrate of macrophages was noticed. Isolation of colonies suggestive of S. Pullorum from liver and spleen was performed in selective agars and, after biochemical tests, confirmed by specific duplex-PCR. The antimicrobial susceptibility test of the isolated strain revealed resistance to only sulfamethoxazole + trimethoprim among the tested antimicrobials. The S. Pullorum isolate recovered in the present study was highly pathogenic to N. meleagris and may represent a risk to other avian species, including industrial poultry.

A pulorose é descrita mundialmente e é causada por Salmonella enterica subespécie enterica sorovar Gallinarum biovar Pullorum (S. Pullorum). A infecção por S. Pullorum é importante em aves comerciais, provocando doença sistêmica com altas taxas de mortalidade. Sua ocorrência requer notificação e quando diagnosticada em aves de criação comercial resulta na erradicação do plantel. O objetivo deste estudo foi relatar um surto grave de pulorose em filhotes de galinhas-d'Angola (Numida meleagris), resultando em 100% de mortalidade das aves (n=290) nas primeiras duas semanas de idade. Os pintinhos recebidos tinham hepato, espleno e nefromegalia (5/5). Os tecidos dos cinco indivíduos recebidos foram submetidos a exame histológico e bacteriológico. Na histopatologia, foram observados nódulos paratifoides aleatórios caracterizados por áreas de necrose com fibrina e infiltrado moderado de macrófagos e heterófilos no fígado. Nos rins, foram observadas áreas discretas de necrose associadas a infiltrados multifocais moderados de linfócitos e plasmócitos. No baço, foi observado infiltrado moderado de macrófagos. O isolamento de colônias sugestivas de S. Pullorum de fígados e baços foi realizado em ágares seletivos e, após testes bioquímicos, confirmado por duplex-PCR específico. A susceptibilidade antimicrobiana da cepa isolada revelou resistência apenas ao sulfametoxazol + trimetoprim entre os antimicrobianos testados. O isolado de S. Pullorum recuperado no presente estudo foi altamente patogênico para N. meleagris e pode representar um risco para outras espécies de aves, incluindo aves industriais.

Partial pericardial agenesis in a dog

Pericardial defects are considered rare in animals and humans. Pericardial agenesis is characterized by partial or total pericardial sac malformation. Here is reported a case of apical partial pericardial agenesis in an adult mixed-breed male dog referred for necropsy. The pericardial sac was absent from the apical region up to the middle area of the ventricles resulting in a bilateral ventricular compression by the remaining pericardium changed the organ conformation. Microscopically, there was evidence of neutrophilic and hemorrhagic myocarditis with cardiomyocyte atrophy and interstitial fibrosis. Agenesis is often a subclinical disorder, and it is an incidental postmortem finding in most cases; however, it can cause complications in cases of cardiac structure herniation.(AU)

A five-year surveillance study of vaccination schedules using viral-vectored vaccines against infectious laryngotracheitis in a high-density layer region / Cinco anos de monitoramento de esquemas vacinais com vacinas virais vetorizadas contra laringotraqueíte infecciosa em uma região altamente povoada por galinhas poedeiras

The effectiveness of vectored recombinant vaccines to control infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) in chickens from a region (State of Minas Gerais, Brazil) with ~10 million layers was evaluated under field conditions from 2014-2018. During this period, only recombinant turkey herpesvirus (rHVT) or fowl poxvirus (rFPV) vaccines that express antigens of infectious laryngotracheitis virus (Gallid herpesvirus-1; GaHV-1) were used. Layer chickens (n=1,283), from eight different egg-producing companies, were individually sampled and examined (active surveillance), and in instances when government poultry health veterinarians were notified due to respiratory disease (passive surveillance). Clinical, macroscopic, and histopathology examinations were performed to diagnose ILT as well as molecular techniques for the detection and characterization of the GaHV-1 DNA from the trachea and trigeminal ganglia (TG). The layer hens sampled and examined belonged to flocks and farms that used different vaccination protocols (non-vaccinated, single dose vaccination, and prime/ boost vaccination). This is the first long-term field study of the effectiveness of ILT vectored vaccines in a high-density multiple age layer hen region. Using various diagnostic methods, the occurrence of GaHV-1 infection and ILT clinical disease in layer hens vaccinated with vectored recombinant vaccines in one quarantined region of Brazil were investigated. The number of ILTV positive chickens by PCR and ILT clinical disease cases was lower in farms when all chickens were vaccinated with at least one vaccine. However, the difference in the detection rates of GaHV-1 infection was significant only when compared farms with prime/ boost and farms using single dose of HTV-LT.

A efetividade das vacinas recombinantes vetorizadas para o controle da laringotraqueíte infecciosa (LTI) nas aves de uma região (Minas Gerais, Brasil) com aproximadamente 10 milhões de poedeiras foi avaliada em condições de campo, no período de 2014 a 2018. Durante este período, somente as vacinas recombinantes "turkey herpesvirus" (rHVT) ou "fowl poxvirus" (rFPV), que expressam antígenos do vírus da laringotraqueíte (Gallid herpesvirus-1; GaHV-1) foram utilizadas. Galinhas poedeiras (n=1.283), de oito diferentes granjas produtoras de ovos, foram individualmente amostradas e examinadas por monitoramento ativo e, na ocorrência de notificação de doença respiratória aos veterinários do serviço oficial, por monitoramento passivo. Exames clínicos, macroscópicos e histopatológicos foram realizados para o diagnóstico de LTI, bem como técnicas moleculares para a detecção e caracterização do DNA de GaHV-1 da traqueia e gânglio trigêmeo. As galinhas poedeiras pertenciam a lotes e granjas que usavam diferentes protocolos de vacinação (não vacinadas, uma dose ou tipo de vacina e duas doses ou tipos de vacina). Este é o primeiro longo estudo a campo sobre a efetividade das vacinas vetorizadas em uma região com população elevada de poedeiras de múltiplas idades. Utilizando vários métodos de diagnóstico, a ocorrência da infecção por GaHV-1 e a LTI clínica em poedeiras de uma região interditada do Brasil foi investigada. O número de galinhas positivas para o vírus GaHV-1 e para casos clínicos de LTI nas granjas foi menor quando todas as aves estavam vacinadas com, pelo menos, um tipo ou dose de vacina. Entretanto, a diferença na taxa de detecção da infecção por GaHV-1 foi significativa somente quando a comparação foi realizada entre granjas com aves vacinadas com duas doses e aves de granjas vacinadas com uma única dose de HVT-LT.

Crotalaria spectabilis poisoning in a horse

Plant poisoning is an important cause of death in horses and cattle in Brazil. Crotalaria spp. has stood out in this scenario due to its toxic potential caused by monocrotaline, a pyrrolizidine alkaloid found throughout the plant, mainly in seeds. Here is reported a case of Crotalaria spectabilis poisoning a horse. A horse consumed oats contaminated with Crotalaria spectabilis seed and presented clinical signs of toxicosis characterized by jaundice, progressive weight loss, hemoglobinuria, subcutaneous edema in the pectoral region and neurological symptoms typical of hepatic encephalopathy. In the serum evaluation, there was an increase in the activity of the enzymes alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and aspartate transaminase (AST), urea, creatinine and creatine phosphokinase (CPK). At necropsy, the main macroscopic findings were opaque and congested liver with capsular irregularity and accentuated the lobular pattern, trachea with foamy and pinkish fluid and congested and edematous pulmonary lobes. The main histopathological findings were hepatic fibrosis, periportal ductal hyperplasia, centrilobular necrosis, megalocytosis and binucleated hepatocytes. The brain parenchyma showed perivascular edema and Alzheimer type II astrocytes. Crotalaria spp. is among the main plants that cause acute or chronic mortality after exposure to the toxic compound in horses and farm animals.

Crotalaria spectabilis poisoning in a horse

Plant poisoning is an important cause of death in horses and cattle in Brazil. Crotalaria spp. has stood out in this scenario due to its toxic potential caused by monocrotaline, a pyrrolizidine alkaloid found throughout the plant, mainly in seeds. Here is reported a case of Crotalaria spectabilis poisoning a horse. A horse consumed oats contaminated with Crotalaria spectabilis seed and presented clinical signs of toxicosis characterized by jaundice, progressive weight loss, hemoglobinuria, subcutaneous edema in the pectoral region and neurological symptoms typical of hepatic encephalopathy. In the serum evaluation, there was an increase in the activity of the enzymes alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and aspartate transaminase (AST), urea, creatinine and creatine phosphokinase (CPK). At necropsy, the main macroscopic findings were opaque and congested liver with capsular irregularity and accentuated the lobular pattern, trachea with foamy and pinkish fluid and congested and edematous pulmonary lobes. The main histopathological findings were hepatic fibrosis, periportal ductal hyperplasia, centrilobular necrosis, megalocytosis and binucleated hepatocytes. The brain parenchyma showed perivascular edema and Alzheimer type II astrocytes. Crotalaria spp. is among the main plants that cause acute or chronic mortality after exposure to the toxic compound in horses and farm animals.(AU)

Evaluation of actions of the official veterinary service to mitigate outbreaks of infectious laryngotracheitis and improve biosecurity on laying hen farms / Avaliação de ações do serviço veterinário oficial para bloqueio de foco de laringotraqueite infecciosa e melhoria da biosseguridade em granjas de postura

Infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT), caused by an Alphaherpesvirus (Gallid herpesvirus-1; GaHV-1), has been noticed in the region of the Terras Altas da Mantiqueira, Minas Gerais. From 2010 to 2018, the "Serviço Veterinário Oficial" (SVO) of the "Instituto Mineiro Agropecuário" (IMA), implemented measures to prevent spread of the virus to other regions and control the disease in the area. Due to the close proximity and consequent epidemiological link among farms, the region was considered a unique epidemiological unit. To check the efficiency of the ILT control measures, we carried out: (1) a seroepidemiological survey, (2) questionnaires for evaluating biosecurity measures; and (3) an evaluation of the influence of farm population density on the occurrence of ILT. In 2016, 2017, and 2018, ILT was investigated using epidemiological and clinicopathological methods, along with GaHV-1 molecular detection. Serological survey was carried out on 24 farms in the quarantined region and on 13 farms from other regions of the state. In 2010 and 2018, questionnaires were applied to collect data and determine indicators of biosecurity practices in all farms of the quarantined area. The differences were then assessed (Wilcoxon's p<0.05). The results indicated positive serology throughout the region, although only on four farms (16.6%) the chickens have clinical signs, macroscopic and histological lesions of ILT. The prevalence of viral infection increased from 2016 (27%) to 2017 (50%) and was higher in farms with a high stock density (p=0.033). No disease, virus or antibodies were detected in the farms outside of the quarantined area. Although the biosecurity indicators had improved on all farms in the quarantined area (p<0.05), the virus was active and circulating in the region. The contingency measures have contained the outbreak, but biosecurity practices are paramount in the control of new outbreaks. Official control will be maintained in the region, including surveillance of new cases and biosecurity procedures to mitigate the risk of the virus reaching other regions.(AU)

Laringotraqueíte infecciosa (LTI), causada por um alfaherpesvírus (herpesvírus Gallid-1; GaHV-1), foi observada na região das Terras Altas da Mantiqueira, Minas Gerais. De 2010 a 2018, o Serviço Veterinário Oficial (SVO) do Instituto Mineiro Agropecuário (IMA) implementou medidas para impedir a disseminação do vírus para outras regiões do estado e controlar a doença na região interditada. Devido à proximidade e consequente vínculo epidemiológico entre as granjas, a região foi considerada uma unidade epidemiológica única. Para verificar a eficiência das medidas de controle de LTI, foram realizados: (1) pesquisa soroepidemiológica, (2) questionários para avaliar medidas de biosseguridade; e (3) avaliação da influência da densidade populacional da granja na ocorrência de LTI. Em 2016, 2017 e 2018, a LTI foi investigada usando métodos epidemiológicos e clínico-patológicos, com a detecção molecular de GaHV-1. O levantamento sorológico foi realizado em 24 granjas da região interditada e em 13 granjas de outras regiões do estado. Em 2010 e 2018, foram aplicados questionários para coletar dados e determinar indicadores de medidas de biosseguridade em todas as granjas da área interditada. As diferenças foram avaliadas (p<0,05 de Wilcoxon). Os resultados indicaram sorologia positiva em toda a região, embora apenas em quatro granjas (16,6%) as galinhas apresentaram sinais clínicos, lesões macroscópicas e histológicas da LTI. A prevalência de infecção viral aumentou de 2016 (27%) para 2017 (50%) e foi maior em fazendas com alta densidade de alojamento (p=0,033). Presença da doença, vírus ou anticorpos foram detectados nas granjas fora da área interditada. Embora os indicadores de biosseguridade tenham melhorado em todas as fazendas da área interditada (p<0,05), o vírus está ativo e circulava na região. As medidas de contingência contiveram o surto, mas as práticas de biosseguridade são fundamentais para o controle de novos surtos. O controle oficial será mantido na região, incluindo a vigilância de novos casos e procedimentos de biosseguridade para mitigar o risco de transmissão do vírus para outras regiões.(AU)

Evaluation of actions of the official veterinary service to mitigate outbreaks of infectious laryngotracheitis and improve biosecurity on laying hen farms

ABSTRACT: Infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT), caused by an Alphaherpesvirus (Gallid herpesvirus-1; GaHV-1), has been noticed in the region of the Terras Altas da Mantiqueira, Minas Gerais. From 2010 to 2018, the Serviço Veterinário Oficial (SVO) of the Instituto Mineiro Agropecuário (IMA), implemented measures to prevent spread of the virus to other regions and control the disease in the area. Due to the close proximity and consequent epidemiological link among farms, the region was considered a unique epidemiological unit. To check the efficiency of the ILT control measures, we carried out: (1) a seroepidemiological survey, (2) questionnaires for evaluating biosecurity measures; and (3) an evaluation of the influence of farm population density on the occurrence of ILT. In 2016, 2017, and 2018, ILT was investigated using epidemiological and clinicopathological methods, along with GaHV-1 molecular detection. Serological survey was carried out on 24 farms in the quarantined region and on 13 farms from other regions of the state. In 2010 and 2018, questionnaires were applied to collect data and determine indicators of biosecurity practices in all farms of the quarantined area. The differences were then assessed (Wilcoxons p 0.05). The results indicated positive serology throughout the region, although only on four farms (16.6%) the chickens have clinical signs, macroscopic and histological lesions of ILT. The prevalence of viral infection increased from 2016 (27%) to 2017 (50%) and was higher in farms with a high stock density (p=0.033). No disease, virus or antibodies were detected in the farms outside of the quarantined area. Although the biosecurity indicators had improved on all farms in the quarantined area (p 0.05), the virus was active and circulating in the region. The contingency measures have contained the outbreak, but biosecurity practices are paramount in the control of new outbreaks. Official control will be maintained in the region, including surveillance of new cases and biosecurity procedures to mitigate the risk of the virus reaching other regions.

RESUMO: Laringotraqueíte infecciosa (LTI), causada por um alfaherpesvírus (herpesvírus Gallid-1; GaHV-1), foi observada na região das Terras Altas da Mantiqueira, Minas Gerais. De 2010 a 2018, o Serviço Veterinário Oficial (SVO) do Instituto Mineiro Agropecuário (IMA) implementou medidas para impedir a disseminação do vírus para outras regiões do estado e controlar a doença na região interditada. Devido à proximidade e consequente vínculo epidemiológico entre as granjas, a região foi considerada uma unidade epidemiológica única. Para verificar a eficiência das medidas de controle de LTI, foram realizados: (1) pesquisa soroepidemiológica, (2) questionários para avaliar medidas de biosseguridade; e (3) avaliação da influência da densidade populacional da granja na ocorrência de LTI. Em 2016, 2017 e 2018, a LTI foi investigada usando métodos epidemiológicos e clínico-patológicos, com a detecção molecular de GaHV-1. O levantamento sorológico foi realizado em 24 granjas da região interditada e em 13 granjas de outras regiões do estado. Em 2010 e 2018, foram aplicados questionários para coletar dados e determinar indicadores de medidas de biosseguridade em todas as granjas da área interditada. As diferenças foram avaliadas (p 0,05 de Wilcoxon). Os resultados indicaram sorologia positiva em toda a região, embora apenas em quatro granjas (16,6%) as galinhas apresentaram sinais clínicos, lesões macroscópicas e histológicas da LTI. A prevalência de infecção viral aumentou de 2016 (27%) para 2017 (50%) e foi maior em fazendas com alta densidade de alojamento (p=0,033). Presença da doença, vírus ou anticorpos foram detectados nas granjas fora da área interditada. Embora os indicadores de biosseguridade tenham melhorado em todas as fazendas da área interditada (p 0,05), o vírus está ativo e circulava na região. As medidas de contingência contiveram o surto, mas as práticas de biosseguridade são fundamentais para o controle de novos surtos. O controle oficial será mantido na região, incluindo a vigilância de novos casos e procedimentos de biosseguridade para mitigar o risco de transmissão do vírus para outras regiões.

Evaluation of actions of the official veterinary service to mitigate outbreaks of infectious laryngotracheitis and improve biosecurity on laying hen farms / Avaliação de ações do serviço veterinário oficial para bloqueio de foco de laringotraqueite infecciosa e melhoria da biosseguridade em granjas de postura

Infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT), caused by an Alphaherpesvirus (Gallid herpesvirus-1; GaHV-1), has been noticed in the region of the Terras Altas da Mantiqueira, Minas Gerais. From 2010 to 2018, the "Serviço Veterinário Oficial" (SVO) of the "Instituto Mineiro Agropecuário" (IMA), implemented measures to prevent spread of the virus to other regions and control the disease in the area. Due to the close proximity and consequent epidemiological link among farms, the region was considered a unique epidemiological unit. To check the efficiency of the ILT control measures, we carried out: (1) a seroepidemiological survey, (2) questionnaires for evaluating biosecurity measures; and (3) an evaluation of the influence of farm population density on the occurrence of ILT. In 2016, 2017, and 2018, ILT was investigated using epidemiological and clinicopathological methods, along with GaHV-1 molecular detection. Serological survey was carried out on 24 farms in the quarantined region and on 13 farms from other regions of the state. In 2010 and 2018, questionnaires were applied to collect data and determine indicators of biosecurity practices in all farms of the quarantined area. The differences were then assessed (Wilcoxon's p<0.05). The results indicated positive serology throughout the region, although only on four farms (16.6%) the chickens have clinical signs, macroscopic and histological lesions of ILT. The prevalence of viral infection increased from 2016 (27%) to 2017 (50%) and was higher in farms with a high stock density (p=0.033). No disease, virus or antibodies were detected in the farms outside of the quarantined area. Although the biosecurity indicators had improved on all farms in the quarantined area (p<0.05), the virus was active and circulating in the region. The contingency measures have contained the outbreak, but biosecurity practices are paramount in the control of new outbreaks. Official control will be maintained in the region, including surveillance of new cases and biosecurity procedures to mitigate the risk of the virus reaching other regions.(AU)

Laringotraqueíte infecciosa (LTI), causada por um alfaherpesvírus (herpesvírus Gallid-1; GaHV-1), foi observada na região das Terras Altas da Mantiqueira, Minas Gerais. De 2010 a 2018, o Serviço Veterinário Oficial (SVO) do Instituto Mineiro Agropecuário (IMA) implementou medidas para impedir a disseminação do vírus para outras regiões do estado e controlar a doença na região interditada. Devido à proximidade e consequente vínculo epidemiológico entre as granjas, a região foi considerada uma unidade epidemiológica única. Para verificar a eficiência das medidas de controle de LTI, foram realizados: (1) pesquisa soroepidemiológica, (2) questionários para avaliar medidas de biosseguridade; e (3) avaliação da influência da densidade populacional da granja na ocorrência de LTI. Em 2016, 2017 e 2018, a LTI foi investigada usando métodos epidemiológicos e clínico-patológicos, com a detecção molecular de GaHV-1. O levantamento sorológico foi realizado em 24 granjas da região interditada e em 13 granjas de outras regiões do estado. Em 2010 e 2018, foram aplicados questionários para coletar dados e determinar indicadores de medidas de biosseguridade em todas as granjas da área interditada. As diferenças foram avaliadas (p<0,05 de Wilcoxon). Os resultados indicaram sorologia positiva em toda a região, embora apenas em quatro granjas (16,6%) as galinhas apresentaram sinais clínicos, lesões macroscópicas e histológicas da LTI. A prevalência de infecção viral aumentou de 2016 (27%) para 2017 (50%) e foi maior em fazendas com alta densidade de alojamento (p=0,033). Presença da doença, vírus ou anticorpos foram detectados nas granjas fora da área interditada. Embora os indicadores de biosseguridade tenham melhorado em todas as fazendas da área interditada (p<0,05), o vírus está ativo e circulava na região. As medidas de contingência contiveram o surto, mas as práticas de biosseguridade são fundamentais para o controle de novos surtos. O controle oficial será mantido na região, incluindo a vigilância de novos casos e procedimentos de biosseguridade para mitigar o risco de transmissão do vírus para outras regiões.(AU)

Pathology of severe urolithiasis in a flock of egg-laying hens

Fourteen, 31-week-old Lohmann white layers from a flock of 30,000 chickens had a history of apathy, and a drop in egg production. Clinical signs were observed in approximately 40% of the flock, and lasted for three months. Fourteen hens were euthanized for post-mortem examinations. Macroscopic findings included marked atrophy and loss of renal lobes along with compensatory renal hypertrophy of the contralateral lobe. Ureters were markedly dilated and filled with mucus and/or with molded white to yellow-grey uroliths that obliterated the lumen. At histopathology, the uroliths inside ureters and tubules were composed of concentrically arranged mineralized concretions, as well as urates associated with heterophilic infiltrations and epithelial hyperplasia. Renal parenchyma adjacent to obstructed ureters was compressed with tubules replaced by fibrous tissue. Multifocal interstitial lymphocytic nephritis, proteinuria and membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis were also found. Heterophilic and caseous ureteritis associated with numerous Gram-positive coccoid bacteria occurred in three chickens. Immunohistochemistry for avian coronavirus was negative. This negative result along with the case history indicated that water restriction was the most likely cause of mortality. This condition resulted in significant economic loss for this farmer.

Pathology of severe urolithiasis in a flock of egg-laying hens

Fourteen, 31-week-old Lohmann white layers from a flock of 30,000 chickens had a history of apathy, and a drop in egg production. Clinical signs were observed in approximately 40% of the flock, and lasted for three months. Fourteen hens were euthanized for post-mortem examinations. Macroscopic findings included marked atrophy and loss of renal lobes along with compensatory renal hypertrophy of the contralateral lobe. Ureters were markedly dilated and filled with mucus and/or with molded white to yellow-grey uroliths that obliterated the lumen. At histopathology, the uroliths inside ureters and tubules were composed of concentrically arranged mineralized concretions, as well as urates associated with heterophilic infiltrations and epithelial hyperplasia. Renal parenchyma adjacent to obstructed ureters was compressed with tubules replaced by fibrous tissue. Multifocal interstitial lymphocytic nephritis, proteinuria and membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis were also found. Heterophilic and caseous ureteritis associated with numerous Gram-positive coccoid bacteria occurred in three chickens. Immunohistochemistry for avian coronavirus was negative. This negative result along with the case history indicated that water restriction was the most likely cause of mortality. This condition resulted in significant economic loss for this farmer.(AU)