Appendicular skeletal muscle mass assessment in dogs: a scoping literature review.

BACKGROUND: Monitoring changes in appendicular skeletal muscle mass is frequently used as a surrogate marker for limb function. The primary objective of this study was to review scientific information related to the assessment of appendicular skeletal muscle mass in dogs. The secondary objective was to develop practical recommendations for serial evaluation of muscle mass. METHODS: A scoping review was conducted with a systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, CAB abstract, and Cochrane from inception to June 2021. The following modalities were included in the search: limb circumference, diagnostic ultrasound, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: A total of 62 articles that measured appendicular skeletal muscle mass in dogs were identified. Limb circumference (55 articles) was the most commonly used modality. Its reliability was investigated in five studies. Several factors, including measuring tape type, body position, joint angles, and the presence of hair coat, were reported as variables that can affect measurements. Diagnostic ultrasound (five articles) was validated in three articles, but there is scarce information about observer reliability and variables affecting the measurement. Computed tomography (four articles) and magnetic resonance imaging (one article) have been used to validate other modalities at a single time point rather than as a clinical tool for serial muscle mass monitoring. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (two articles) has been used to quantify specific skeletal muscle mass but was mainly used to evaluate body composition in dogs. CONCLUSION: Limb circumference and ultrasound are likely the main modalities that will continue to be used for serial muscle mass measurement in the clinical setting unless a new technology is developed. The reliability of limb circumference is questionable. Several key factors, including measuring tape type, body position, joint angles, and coat clipping, need to be controlled to improve the reliability of limb circumference measurements. Ultrasound may provide a reasonable alternative, but further studies are required to evaluate the reliability of this modality and identify factors that influence ultrasound measurements.

Comparison of cross-sectional geometrical properties and bone density of the proximal radius between Saint Bernard and other giant breed dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the geometrical properties and bone mineral density (BMD) of the proximal radius between Saint Bernard and other giant breed dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Observational, cross-sectional, descriptive study. ANIMALS: Thirteen client-owned Saint Bernard dogs and 13 other client-owned giant breed dogs. METHODS: Computed tomography (CT) studies of Saint Bernard and other giant breed dogs were reviewed. Multiplanar reconstruction of the CT images was used to determine cross-sectional variables at the proximal half of the radius, including mean cortical thickness (mCT) and moment of inertia (MOI). Cortical BMD was estimated from Hounsfield unit measurements at each cross-section and averaged per bone. One-way analysis of variance was used to detect differences between groups. RESULTS: Proximal radii of Saint Bernard dogs had a lower cortical/medullary ratio (1.75 vs 2.2, P < .001), mCT (1.96 vs 2.64 mm, P < .001), and MOI in all planes (mediolateral [ML]: 2086.09 vs 2757.69 mm4 , P < .001; craniocaudal [CrCd]: 3736.36 vs 4370.28 mm4 , P = .025; and polar: 5852.45 vs 7127.97 mm4 , P = .002) compared with bones of other breeds. Cross-sectional BMD did not differ between groups of dogs, but the mean BMD of all cross-sections was lower in Saint Bernard dogs (1214.27 vs 1289.80 mg/mm3 , P = .029). CONCLUSION: The proximal radii of Saint Bernard dogs had thinner cortices and lower CrCd, ML, and polar MOI compared with corresponding bones in giant breed dogs. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The structural properties of the proximal radius of the Saint Bernard differ from those in other giant breeds and could reduce the ability of this region to sustain biomechanical loads. These properties could predispose Saint Bernard dogs to complications after surgical limb-sparing procedures.

Evaluation of antibody response to an adjuvanted hapten-protein vaccine as a potential inhibitor of sexual maturation for farmed Atlantic salmon.

An experimental contraceptive vaccine was evaluated in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). A peptide derived from the beta subunit of luteinizing hormone (LH) was conjugated to two different carrier proteins, bovine serum albumin (BSA) and keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH), and formulated with one of four immunostimulants in a water-in-oil emulsion. Specific antibody responses to the peptide and each carrier protein were evaluated. While the antibody response to KLH was stronger than the response to BSA, both carrier proteins stimulated comparable antibody responses to the LH peptide. The immunostimulant proved to be more important for enhancing the LH peptide antibody response than the carrier protein selection; vaccines containing a combination of Aeromonas salmonicida and Vibrio anguillarum stimulated significantly greater LH peptide antibody production than any of the other three immunostimulants evaluated at 12 weeks post-vaccination. This study provides proof-of-concept for specific antibody production against a hapten-carrier protein antigen in Atlantic salmon and reinforces the importance of vaccine immunostimulant selection.

Rinderpest: A Disease of the Past, and a Present Threat.

Rinderpest is a highly contagious viral disease that affects ungulates such as cattle, buffalo, yak, and various wildlife species, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The global eradication of rinderpest was successfully accomplished in 2011 through extensive vaccination efforts. Today, safeguarding against the re-emergence of rinderpest in animal populations is paramount. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Organization for Animal Health are entrusted through a series of resolutions with the responsibility to prevent the re-emergence of rinderpest in animals.

Association of environmental traits with the geographic ranges of ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) of medical and veterinary importance in the western Palearctic. A digital data set.

We compiled information on the distribution of ticks in the western Palearctic (11°W, 45°E; 29°N, 71°N), published during 1970-2010. The literature search was filtered by the tick's species name and an unambiguous reference to the point of capture. Records from some curated collections were included. We focused on tick species of importance to human and animal health, in particular: Ixodes ricinus, Dermacentor marginatus, D. reticulatus, Haemaphysalis punctata, H. sulcata, Hyalomma marginatum, Hy. lusitanicum, Rhipicephalus annulatus, R. bursa, and the R. sanguineus group. A few records of other species (I. canisuga, I. hexagonus, Hy. impeltatum, Hy. anatolicum, Hy. excavatum, Hy. scupense) were also included. A total of 10,280 records was included in the data set. Almost 42 % of published references are not adequately referenced (and not included in the data set), host is reported for only 61 % of records and a reference to time of collection is missed for 84 % of published records. Ixodes ricinus accounted for 44.3 % of total records, with H. marginatum and D. marginatus accounting for 7.1 and 8.1 % of records, respectively. The lack of homogeneity of the references and potential pitfalls in the compilation were addressed to create a digital data set of the records of the ticks. We attached to every record a coherent set of quantitative descriptors for the site of reporting, namely gridded interpolated monthly climate and remotely sensed data on vegetation (NDVI). We also attached categorical descriptors of the habitat: a standard classification of land biomes and an ad hoc classification of the target territory from remotely sensed temperature and NDVI data. A descriptive analysis of the data revealed that a principal components reduction of the environmental (temperature and NDVI) variables described the distribution of the species in the target territory. However, categorical descriptors of the habitat were less effective. We stressed the importance of building reliable collections of ticks with specific references as to collection point, host and date of capture. The data set is freely downloadable.

Transcutaneous Detection of Intramural Microchips for Tracking the Migration of the Equine Large Colon: A Pilot Study.

Colic remains the number one cause of mortality in horses, and large colon displacement including colonic volvulus is one of the leading causes for equine hospitalization and surgery. Currently, there is not an adequate model to study the pathophysiology of this condition. The objective of this proof-of-concept study was to determine if subserosal implantation of bioinert microchips in the large intestine would be detectable by a RFID (radio-frequency identification) receiver when the implanted microchips were adjacent to the body wall, thus identifying the location of the colon within the abdomen. A horse with no history of gastrointestinal disease underwent a ventral midline celiotomy to implant twelve bioinert microchips into the subserosa at predetermined locations within the large colon and cecum. A RFID scanner was used to monitor the location of the colon via transcutaneous identification 1-3 times daily for a one-month period. Following humane euthanasia, a postmortem examination of the horse was performed to assess microchip implantation sites for migration and histologic assessment. Eleven out of the 12 implanted microchips were successfully identified transcutaneously at occurrences as high as 100%. Odds ratios were calculated for the likelihood of identifying each chip in a location different from its most common location. Microchips implanted into the subserosa of the equine large colon can be used as a means of identifying the approximate location of the equine large colon via transcutaneous identification with an RFID scanner.

Influence of Chronic Lameness on Thoracolumbar Musculus Multifidus Structure in the Horse.

The clinical relationship between equine limb lameness and secondary back dysfunction is largely unknown. Proper function of the spine is critical to maintain the integrity of the kinetic chain and attenuate forces from the appendicular skeleton. The musculus multifidus (m. multifidus) is the primary muscle providing spinal intersegmental stabilization and a functional relationship between m. multifidus hypertrophy and equine postural stability has been established. The relationship between equine thoracolumbar m. multifidus cross-sectional area (CSA) and limb lameness is unknown. The objective was to evaluate ultrasonographic changes in thoracolumbar m. multifidus CSA in horses with chronic single limb lameness, compared with sound horses. We hypothesized that the CSA of m. multifidus, ipsilateral to the lame limb would be smaller than the contralateral side, and within the sound group there would be no difference between sides. Thirty-six horses were enrolled, with twelve horses per group: sound, forelimb lame, and hindlimb lame. M. multifidus CSA was measured ultrasonographically at multiple spinal levels and compared between groups, spinal levels, and sides. M. multifidus CSA at the spinal level T18 was significantly larger than at all other measured levels, regardless of group (P ≤ .05). CSA at all levels was significantly larger in sound horses than the forelimb lame group, regardless of side (P = .002). This is the first study to evaluate the impact of chronic lameness on the axial skeleton and showed a decrease in m. multifidus CSA with forelimb lameness. These results support that axial skeletal adaptation occurs in response to naturally occurring chronic lameness.

Identification of the molecular characteristics of Bacillus anthracis (1982-2020) isolates in East Indonesia using multilocus variable-number tandem repeat analysis.

Background and Aim: Anthrax is one of the endemic strategic diseases in East Indonesia, particularly in the provinces of South Sulawesi, West Sulawesi, Gorontalo, East Nusa Tenggara, and West Nusa Tenggara. Anthrax is an important disease due to its zoonotic and economic impact on the livestock industry. This study aimed to identify the molecular characteristics of Bacillus anthracis in East Indonesia using multilocus variable-number tandem repeat (VNTR) analysis (MLVA). Materials and Methods: Isolates were obtained from an investigation of anthrax outbreaks in five provinces of East Indonesia from 1982 to 2020. Conventional polymerase chain reaction for B. anthracis was used to identify MLVA-8. Deoxyribonucleic acid sequencing analysis was based on MLVA-8 primers for VNTR identification of the phylogenetic relationship among 24 isolates of B. anthracis obtained from 17 distinct districts/cities in East Indonesia. Tandem Repeats Finder was used for VNTR identification, and Molecular Evolutionary Genetics Analysis X was used to construct phylogenetic analysis. Results: In this study, 24 isolates were classified as genotype or lineage A. There were four subgroups of B. anthracis circulating in East Indonesia based on eight molecular marker loci sequence results. Conclusion: The findings of this study show that MLVA-8 typing might be useful as a subtyping tool for the epidemiological investigation of identical genotypes and low genetic diversity of B. anthracis. No other lineage of B. anthracis was circulating in East Indonesia. Other molecular methods are needed, such as extended MLVA, whole-genome sequencing, and canonical single-nucleotide polymorphism, for a more precise study of B. anthracis genetic diversity.

Safety and Efficacy of Combined Intramuscular/Intranasal RAZI-COV PARS Vaccine Candidate Against SARS-CoV-2: A Preclinical Study in Several Animal Models.

Several vaccine candidates for COVID-19 have been developed, and few vaccines received emergency approval with an acceptable level of efficacy and safety. We herein report the development of the first recombinant protein-based vaccine in Iran based on the recombinant SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in its monomeric (encompassing amino acid 1-674 for S1 and 685-1211 for S2 subunits) and trimer form (S-Trimer) formulated in the oil-in-water adjuvant system RAS-01 (Razi Adjuvant System-01). The safety and immunity of the candidate vaccine, referred to as RAZI-COV PARS, were evaluated in Syrian hamster, BALB/c mice, Pirbright guinea pig, and New Zeeland white (NZW) rabbit. All vaccinated animals received two intramuscular (IM) and one intranasal (IN) candidate vaccine at 3-week intervals (days 0, 21, and 51). The challenge study was performed intranasally with 5×106 pfu of SARS-CoV-2 35 days post-vaccination. None of the vaccinated mice, hamsters, guinea pigs, or rabbits showed any changes in general clinical observations; body weight and food intake, clinical indicators, hematology examination, blood chemistry, and pathological examination of vital organs. Safety of vaccine after the administration of single and repeated dose was also established. Three different doses of candidate vaccine stimulated remarkable titers of neutralizing antibodies, S1, Receptor-Binding Domain (RBD), and N-terminal domain (NTD) specific IgG antibodies as well as IgA antibodies compared to placebo and control groups (P<0.01). Middle and high doses of RAZI-COV PARS vaccine significantly induced a robust and quick immune response from the third-week post-immunization. Histopathological studies on vaccinated hamsters showed that the challenge with SARS-CoV-2 did not induce any modifications in the lungs. The protection of the hamster was documented by the absence of lung pathology, the decreased virus load in the lung, rapid clearance of the virus from the lung, and strong humoral and cellular immune response. These findings confirm the immunogenicity and efficacy of the RAZI-COV PARS vaccine. Of the three tested vaccine regimens, the middle dose of the vaccine showed the best protective immune parameters. This vaccine with heterologous prime-boost vaccination method can be a good candidate to control the viral infection and its spread by stimulating central and mucosal immunity.

Comparison of RNA extraction methods to augment the sensitivity for the differentiation of vesicular stomatitis virus Indiana1 and New Jersey.

Two methods for the extraction of RNA of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) Indiana1 and New Jersey and their simultaneous amplification by one-step polymerase chain reaction using reverse transcriptase were evaluated. A guanidine-thiocyanate-based RNA extraction (Qiagen RNeasy Mini Kit, Qiagen, Valencia, CA ) followed by column-based purification coupled with one-step RT-PCR proved to be a simple, safe, practicable, and reliable tool for rapid, highly sensitive, and specific differential diagnosis of both types of VSV in cell lysate and spiked tissue samples as compared with the tri-phasic extraction method (Tri-reagent method). When RNA was extracted either from VSV cell culture stock or from VSV spiked bovine lymph nodes by using Qiagen RNeasy Mini Kit, the detection limit in the multiplex RT-PCR was as low as 0.505 to 2.84 TCID(50) for VSV-IND and VSV-NJ, respectively. The multiplex RT-PCR consistently detected VSV-IND and NJ RNA in as little as 0.1-1.0 fg of total RNA from spiked BHK-21 cell suspension when Qiagen RNeasy mini kit was used. The multiplex RT-PCR assay was capable of detecting both types of VSV in a one-step reaction tube. The minimum sensitivity of this assay in various experiments was 0.1683 TCID(50) (IND), 0.0946 TCID(50) (NJ), and 0.057 fg (IND and NJ) per 2 µl PCR sample, which is significantly more sensitive than reported previously (0.28-2.8 TCID50/1 µl). So the present study improved the sensitivity of previously reported multiplex RT-PCR for the detection and differentiation of VSV-IND and VSV-NJ in a single assay.

The COVID-19 pandemic: A time for veterinary leadership in one health.

The COVID-19 pandemic is a wake-up call for leaders of the North American veterinary profession. Veterinary professionals constitute an invaluable workforce capable of delivering public services essential to weathering the current pandemic and preventing future pandemics. Yet North American veterinary professionals are often underutilized in efforts that could maximize their contributions to public health and research. Misguided public perception about the utility of the profession might hinder One Health partnerships between veterinary professionals and diverse collaborators. Society in general demands that leadership across several levels of the profession expand and diversify efforts aimed at greater public service while preserving societal benefits stemming from companion animal care. The pandemic's most deeply rooted effects could lie in its potential degradation of global food security, which can be better preserved if more veterinarians embrace their public health foundations. The pandemic is an opportunity and obligation for change. Failing to seize this moment could undermine public health and global security for generations.

Antimicrobial drug resistance profile of isolated bacteria in dogs and cats with urologic problems at Chiang Mai University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Thailand (2012-2016).

The present study aimed to estimate the proportion of bacterial urinary tract infection (UTI) in dogs and cats, assess risks associated with bacterial UTI, and to determine bacterial isolates' antimicrobial susceptibility and resistance pattern from the urinary tract of dogs and cats with urologic problems. The medical records from animals visiting Chiang Mai University Small Animal Veterinary Teaching Hospital between January 2012 and December 2016 were reviewed. In total, 203 dogs and 49 cats with urinary tract diseases that had samples submitted for bacterial culture were identified;198 and 24 bacterial isolates were recovered from dogs' and cats' submitted samples, respectively. At least one episode of bacterial UTI was detected in 75.4% (95% CI: 69.4-81.3) of dogs and in 40.8% (95% CI: 26.6-55.1) of cats with UTI and submitted urine cultures. Of 242 submitted urinary samples from dogs and 60 urinary samples from cats, bacteria were identified in 74.0% (95% CI: 68.4-79.5) and 38.3% (95% CI: 26.0-50.6), respectively. The most common pathogen of bacteria positive cultured from dogs was Staphylococcus spp. (30.3%), followed by Escherichia coli (16.7%), and Proteus spp. (13.6%). For cats, the most common pathogen was Pseudomonas spp. (25.0%), followed by E. coli (20.8%) and Proteus spp. (16.7%). Staphylococcus spp. isolates from dogs and Proteus spp. isolates from cats were highly susceptible to Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (AMC) at 88% and 75%, respectively. Of all isolated bacteria, 67.1% of the bacteria from dogs and 83.3% from cats were multidrug-resistant (MDR). The proportion of MDR-bacterial urinary tract infections in dogs and cats with urologic problems in this study was high. This observation raises concerns regarding the potential of zoonotic transmission of MDR-bacteria from these companion animals. The results suggested that AMC remains a good empirical drug for treating UTIs in dogs in this region.

Socio-ecological Factors of Zoonotic Diseases Exposure in Colorado Dairy Workers.

Objectives: Zoonotic pathogens on dairy farms are a known risk for people who work and live there. Exposure and/or transmission of Salmonella serovars, E. coli (O157; H7), Campylobacter jejuni, and Cryptosporidium parvum have been documented to occur in the dairy farm environment. Social ecological factors have been identified as determinants of preventive behaviors of people at risk of infectious diseases.Methods: This study described the effect of socio-ecological factors on selected zoonotic bacterial and protozoal diseases in 42 workers of two dairy farms.Results: Occupational exposure to Salmonella ser. Dublin, E. coli, and Campylobacter spp. was confirmed. Self-efficacy and negative workplace perceptions were risk factors for Salmonella Dublin exposure (OR = 1.43[95% CI 1.11-2.22] & 1.22 [95% CI 1.02-1.53] respectively,). Additionally, safety knowledge and risk perceptions were protective factors of exposure (OR = 0.90 [95% CI 0.79-1.00]). Positive perceptions of supervisors and coworkers was a protective factor of Campylobacter exposure (OR = 0.89 [95% CI 0.79-0.98]).Conclusion: Results indicated that the presence of a supporting organizational environment, good communication with supervisors and coworkers, and training on prevention of zoonotic diseases would potentially reduce occupational exposures to zoonotic diseases on these farms.

Epizootic hemorrhagic disease outbreak in a captive facility housing white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), bison (Bison bison), elk (Cervus elaphus), cattle (Bos taurus), and goats (Capra hircus) in Colorado, U.S.A.

An ungulate research facility in Fort Collins, Colorado, U.S.A., experienced mortality in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) because of epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) infection from 20 August 2007 through 26 September 2007. Epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) was detected by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and virus isolation from the spleen and lung tissues of two white-tailed deer. Virus neutralization tests were performed on pre- and postoutbreak sera from other species maintained in the same facility, including bison (Bison bison), elk (Cervus elaphus), domestic cattle (Bos taurus), and domestic goats (Capra hircus), as well as postoutbreak sera from the surviving white-tailed deer. Serum samples that represented all species in the facility neutralized EHDV-1 and EHDV-2 either before or after the outbreak. The animals that neutralized EHDV-1 did not neutralize EHDV-2. No clinical signs attributable to EHDV infection were noted in any of the species other than the deer during the outbreak. Although experimental EHDV infections have been reported in bison and elk, natural exposures have not been previously documented in these species in North America. The roles that elk, bison, cattle, and goats might play in the epidemiology of EHDV in a close-contact multispecies situation remain unknown.

Challenges to the Application of Spatially Explicit Stochastic Simulation Models for Foot-and-Mouth Disease Control in Endemic Settings: A Systematic Review.

Simulation modeling has become common for estimating the spread of highly contagious animal diseases. Several models have been developed to mimic the spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in specific regions or countries, conduct risk assessment, analyze outbreaks using historical data or hypothetical scenarios, assist in policy decisions during epidemics, formulate preparedness plans, and evaluate economic impacts. Majority of the available FMD simulation models were designed for and applied in disease-free countries, while there has been limited use of such models in FMD endemic countries. This paper's objective was to report the findings from a study conducted to review the existing published original research literature on spatially explicit stochastic simulation (SESS) models of FMD spread, focusing on assessing these models for their potential use in endemic settings. The goal was to identify the specific components of endemic FMD needed to adapt these SESS models for their potential application in FMD endemic settings. This systematic review followed the PRISMA guidelines, and three databases were searched, which resulted in 1176 citations. Eighty citations finally met the inclusion criteria and were included in the qualitative synthesis, identifying nine unique SESS models. These SESS models were assessed for their potential application in endemic settings. The assessed SESS models can be adapted for use in FMD endemic countries by modifying the underlying code to include multiple cocirculating serotypes, routine prophylactic vaccination (RPV), and livestock population dynamics to more realistically mimic the endemic characteristics of FMD. The application of SESS models in endemic settings will help evaluate strategies for FMD control, which will improve livestock health, provide economic gains for producers, help alleviate poverty and hunger, and will complement efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

African Swine Fever in a commercial pig farm: Outbreak investigation and an approach for identifying the source of infection.

African Swine Fever (ASF) is a contagious disease of domestic and wild pigs caused by the African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV). The disease has spread globally in recent years with serious economic consequences to pork production. This report describes an ASF outbreak that occurred in a large-scale Chinese commercial pig farm. The outbreak started in 2018 and presents the spatial and temporal spread of infection in an intensive pig farm. Pig houses adjacent to exit rooms had a higher risk of infection (Odds ratio = 14.4, 95%CI: 1.5-140). Introduction of disease is presumed to have occurred through a contaminated vehicle used in the sale of pigs with poor productivity. This investigation shows the process of ASFV infection and spread in a facility with presumed adequate biosecurity measures. These findings may benefit others in the control of ASF in large-scale pig farms.

Seasonal distributions and other risk factors for Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp. infections in dogs and cats in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

The objectives of this study were to explore risk factors associated with Giardia and Cryptosporidium infections in dogs and cats in Chiang Mai, Thailand, to describe the seasonal distributions of Giardia and Cryptosporidium prevalence, and to determine the potential for zoonotic transmission through genetic characterization of isolates. Fecal samples from 301 dogs and 66 cats were collected between August 2009 and February 2010. The presence of Giardia cysts and Cryptosporidium oocysts was determined using zinc sulfate centrifugal flotation and immunofluorescent assay (IFA). Genotype/species were determined by DNA sequence analyses of PCR products from Giardia glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh), beta-giardin (bg), and triosephosphateisomerase (tpi) and Cryptosporidium heat shock protein 70KDa (hsp70) and small subunit-rRNA (SSU-rRNA) genes. Information related to specific risk factors was collected from owners of each animal using a questionnaire. The risk factor data were analyzed for associations with Giardia and Cryptosporidium infections using logistic regression. The overall estimated prevalence of Giardia and Cryptosporidium in dogs was 25.2% and 7.6%, respectively and in cats, 27.3% and 12.1%, respectively. The estimated prevalence of Giardia infection in dogs in the rainy season (31.7%) was significantly higher than in the drier, winter season (17.2%) (p < 0.01). The estimated prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in dogs and of Giardia and Cryptosporidium infections in cats was not associated with season (p > 0.05). Multivariable analysis indicated that Giardia cysts were more likely to be detected in fecal samples of dogs that resided in high-density environments, drank untreated water, were shedding Cryptosporidium oocysts, were having acute diarrhea or a history of chronic diarrhea, and were collected in the rainy season. All 19 Giardia PCR positive samples typed as G. duodenalis canine adapted genotypes (assemblages C or D). In cats, of six Giardia PCR positive samples, five typed as dog assemblages and one typed as assemblage AI. Of ten dogs with Cryptosporidium PCR positive samples, eight typed as C. canis, one as C. parvum (a zoonotic species) and one had both C. canis and C. parvum. Of three Cryptosporidium PCR positive samples in cats, one typed as C. felis and two typed as C. parvum. The presence of zoonotic G. duodenalis assemblage AI in a cat, and C. parvum in feces of dogs and cats suggests a potential role for a reservoir for zoonotic transmission. Whether or not these presences were from exposure to other animal or human hosts or environment are needed to be confirmed.

FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE IN EXPERIMENTALLY INFECTED MULE DEER (ODOCOILEUS HEMIONUS).

The only known outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in wildlife in the US occurred in mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) in California in 1924-25. There is little recorded information on the pathogenesis and epidemiology of the disease in deer in that outbreak. In this experimental study, we compared the susceptibility of mule deer to FMD virus (FMDV) serotype O to that of cattle (Bos taurus). We also determined the potential for intra- and interspecies transmission of FMDV serotype O in mule deer and cattle, and assessed conventional laboratory tests in their ability to detect FMDV in mule deer. Two mule deer and one steer were each infected by intraepithelial tongue inoculation with 10,000 bovine tongue infective doses of FMDV, strain O1 Manisa. The inoculated steer and deer were kept in the same room with contact animals of both species. Exposed contact animals were moved to rooms with unexposed animals after becoming febrile. All mule deer (n=14) and cattle (n=6) developed clinical signs and lesions consistent with FMDV infection. Deer had a high prevalence of myocarditis and high mortality. Virus was transmitted between mule deer, from cattle to mule deer, and from mule deer to cattle. Virus and antibodies against nonstructural FMDV proteins in mule deer and cattle were detected by conventional laboratory tests. Virus shedding was detected by PCR and virus isolation up to 9 d postexposure in deer.

Wild felids as hosts for human plague, Western United States.

Plague seroprevalence was estimated in populations of pumas and bobcats in the western United States. High levels of exposure in plague-endemic regions indicate the need to consider the ecology and pathobiology of plague in nondomestic felid hosts to better understand the role of these species in disease persistence and transmission.