Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium distribution studied in a naturally infected hen flock and in the environment by culture, serotyping and IS901 RFLP methods.

Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium (MAA) of serotype 2 and genotype IS901+ and IS1245+ was cultured from 21 naturally infected hens (Gallus domesticus) from one smallholder aviary. From a total of 330 samples taken from hens, 124 mycobacteria were detected. Out of which MAA was detected in 103 (35.7%) of 288 tissues, in 4 (19.0%) of 21 swabs of cloacae and in 9 (42.9%) of 21 faeces samples, 8 other conditionally pathogenic mycobacterial species were also isolated. Tuberculous (TB) lesions were found in the liver, spleen and intestinal organs of seven hens. The isolates of MAA (n=58) from 16 infected hens (7 with TB lesions and 9 without TB lesions) were found to be of 3 IS901 RFLP types AE (n=48), AD (n=4) and E (n=6), where these MAA isolates are highly virulent to hens. Mixed infections with IS901 RFLP types (AE and AD) and (AE and E) were also evident in seven hens. From a total of 35 examined environmental samples, 23 mycobacterial isolates were detected. Out of which four (17.4%) MAA isolates of IS901 RFLP type AE and 19 (82.6%) other isolates of conditionally pathogenic mycobacteria were detected. The finding of identical IS901 RFLP types from both tissues and faecal isolates confirms that infected domestic hens are the principal source of infection for other susceptible hosts and lead to the contamination of the surrounding environment. The presence of different IS901 RFLP types in tissue isolates may indicate the repeated incidence of MAA infection and the occurrence of polyclonal infection.

Paratuberculosis and avian tuberculosis infections in one red deer farm studied by IS900 and IS901 RFLP analysis.

As the attempt to eradicate paratuberculosis in one red deer (Cervus elaphus) farm failed, all 167 red deer of different age groups were slaughtered and examined by culture for mycobacteria, and the farm was closed down. Spleen and hepatic lymph nodes, mediastinal lymph node, ileocecal lymph node, and ileum were collected from each animal and examined (a total of 835 organs). Neither tuberculosis lesions nor pathognomic signs of paratuberculosis were detected. Among all microscopically negative for mycobacteria organs, Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis alone was isolated from 165 organs, M. a. avium alone from 41 organs, and both pathogens from four organs. M. a. paratuberculosis alone was detected in 71 red deer, M. a. avium alone in 13 red deer and both pathogens in 18 red deer. Using standardised RFLP methods, three IS900 RFLP types B-C1, B-C16, and B-C32 were identified among 40 M. a. paratuberculosis isolates and four IS901 RFLP types N-B1, N-B3, N-B4, and P-B3 among 17 M. a. avium isolates.

Experimental infection with the virulent, Central-European, murine Leptospira pomona strain in the pig.

The virulent, murine Leptospira pomona strain isolated from Apodemus agrarius was used in an experimental infection of six pigs aged 4--5 months. The clinical course of the infection was inapparent, both the blood picture and the uptake of food were normal. All infected pigs produced antibodies against L. pomona at titres from 1:3 200 to 1:50 000. The reisolation of leptospires from the blood of the infected pigs was successful in one case only, and that on day two p.i. Throughout the course of our experiment, no microscopic evidence was obtained of the presence of leptospires in the blood of the infected animals. Of the six guinea pigs injected repeatedly with the urine of the infected pigs, antibodies against L. pomona were detected in two of these at titres 1:3 200 and 1:6 400. However, no direct proof was obtained of leptospires in their kidneys. Leptospires were isolated from the kidneys of two of the infected pigs, at days 10 and 21 p.i. respectively. As suggested by our results, the Central European, murine Leptospira pomona strain should be regarded as an independent biovar incapable of causing a long-term leptospiruria and, hence, apparently unable to result in an epizooty in intensive pig husbandry. According to experimental evidence, Mus musculus can be a potential reservoir of the murine L. pomona biovar in Central Europe.

[Animal foci and routes of transmission of Mycobacterium avium]. / Animální zdroje a cesty sírení Mycobacterium avium.

The main source of Mycobacterium avium are tuberculous birds especially domestic fowl. Tuberculosis seldom occurs in other domesticated birds. Of free living birds, the synantropic species are affected. These birds are infected by contact with tuberculous fowl and spread the infection. The spread of M. avium in free living birds is not assumed. As to domestic mammals, domestic pigs are the most important source of M. avium. Mycobacteria are eliminated for a short time in the faeces of infected pigs. Irregular elimination of mycobacteria in ruminants (cattle, goats) in milk during bacteriaemia is possible. The transmission of M. avium by meat and eggs of tuberculosis poultry. Of M. avium is spread first of all by excrements of infected birds. The great resistance of M. avium to external conditions is very important for contamination of the environment.

[Detection of hantavirus antigen in rodents in the Czech Republic]. / Nálezy hantavirového antigenu u hlodavcu v Ceské republice.

The work is based on the hitherto implemented examinations of lungs of rodents from the territory of the Czech Republic for the presence of hantavirus antigen. For detection of a species specific antigen the ELISA set Hantagnost from the Poliomyelitis Institute in Moscow was used. A total of 1494 micromammalia of 15 species caught in 1991-2001 were examined. The hantavirus antigen was detected in the lungs of 101 individuals (6.8%) whereby representatives of the species Microtus arvalis predominated markedly: 97 positive from 687 examined (14.1%). Twice the hantavirus antigen was proved in Microtus subterraneus and once each in Apodemus sylvaticus and Clethrionomys glareolus. From hitherto assembled findings ensures that most probably genotype Tula was involved. The authors observed a direct correlation of positivity on the increase of volves and the season of their catching with maxima in the spring and autumn months. No correlation with the sex of the host was found.

[Analysis of the incidence of tularemia in the Breclav District 1994-1999]. / Analýza výskytu tularémie na okrese Breclav v letech 1994-1999.

Southern Moravia is one of the areas where there are long-term natural foci of tularaemia. In 1994 in the Breclav district an exacerbation of the disease was recorded in hares. During autumn hunts a positive reaction was recorded in 5.75% of examined hares. An elevated seropositivity persisted also in subsequent years and at the same time a higher human morbidity in the mentioned region. The objective of the investigation was to assess the causes and circumstances which led to the exacerbation of old known but in recent years quiescent foci in the mentioned region. To this end 350 small terrestrial mammals were examined. In one case it proved possible to detect the causal agent in Microtus arvalis. By examination of arthropods it proved possible to isolate 33 strains, i.e. 32 strains from ticks Dermacentor reticulatus and one strain from Ixodes ricinus. The results of the examination revealed that tularaemia as a classical infection with a natural focus may persist in areas where there are prerequisites for survival of the causal agent in the environment. One of the important factors of the environment are susceptible individuals (hares, small terrestrial mammals) as well as blood sucking arthropods as vectors of the disease.

[Leptospirosis in slaughter cattle--serologic and bacterial study]. / Leptospiróza jatecného skotu--sérologické a bakteriologické vysetrení.

Antibodies to leptospiras were demonstrated in 91 cases (7.4%) out of 1,239 animals examined by serological assays of blood sera of cattle slaughtered in slaughter-houses and coming from 21 farms of one district. The antibodies were detected in animals coming from eleven out of the farms investigated (52.4%). The most frequent reactions were proved with leptospiras of the serovar L. grippotyphosa (61.8%) and with leptospiras of the serological group Sejroe (18.9%), rarely with leptospiras of the serovar L. icterohaemorrhagiae or copenhageni (5.7%). Antibodies to leptospiras of other serovars (L. canicola, L. bulgarica and L. hardjo) were demonstrated only as coagglutionations with the above-mentioned leptospira serovars. We failed to demonstrate leptospiras in the animals examined by culture examinations as well as by bacterioscopy. The results of examinations have shown that the cattle on Czech farms is also exposed to infections by various serovars of leptospiras. The infections are not accompanied by manifest clinical symptoms in many cases nor do they cause significant elimination of leptospiras in urine in the serologically positive animals. On the Czech cattle farms the occurrence of antibodies to leptospiras of the serovar L. grippotyphosa is prevailing; this serovar seems not to be expressly pathogenic to cattle and does not cause the formation of anthropurgic foci. Reduction in the occurrence of antibodies to leptospiras of this type is possible to achieve by preventing the contact with natural foci of this type. Hence the prognosis of epizootologic situation in bovine leptospirosis in the conditions of this country is relatively favorable. But special attention should be paid to animals bought and imported from foreign countries. These animals could be a source of some highly pathogenic serovars of leptospiras to cattle.

[Comparison of the pathogenesis and epizootiologic importance of avian mycobacteriosis in various types of domestic and free-living syntropic birds]. / Srovnání patogeneze a epizootologického významu aviární mykobakteriózy ruzných druhu domestikovaných a volne zijících synantropních ptáku.

The sensitivity of domestic and different sorts of synanthropic free living fowl to M. avium and pathogenesis of tuberculous process were observed by experimental infections. The partridge, domestic fowl, pheasant and sparrow were the most sensitive to intramuscular infection by suspension of M. avium. The sparrow, domestic fowl, laughing gull were the most sensitive to peroral infection by food contaminated by tbc poultry liver. After free contact between the poultry, the domestic fowl was the most sensitive to infection and then the sparrow, turkey, guinea fowl, pheasant and partridge were sensitive, too. The tuberculous lesions were observed in majority of infected fowls in cases of guinea fowl, turkey, laughing gull, domestic fowl, sparrow, partridge and pheasant after all types of infections. The pigeon, rook and turtle-dove were very resistant to M. avium infection. The largest quantities of mycobacteria in tissues of infected fowl were found in sparrow and guinea fowl and then in domestic fowl, pheasant and partridge. From the results of patho-morphological and culture examinations, we can distribute the experimentally infected fowl in four groups: very sensitive-domestic fowl, sparrow, pheasant, partridge, laughing gull; little sensitive-guinea fowl, turkey; resistant-goose, duck; very resistant-pigeon, turtle-dove, rook. It is necessary to know that the sensitivity of these sorts of fowl can be affectable by conditions of experimental infection. If we want to criticize the epizootological importance of individual sorts of fowl as a source of M. avium, we must take into account their sensitivity to M. avium, pathogenesis of tuberculous process and their breeding or zoological specificities of individual sorts.

[Pathogenesis of avian mycobacteriosis in the domestic goose (Anser anser f. domestica) and duck (Anas platyrhynchos f. domestica)]. / Patogeneze aviární mykobakteriózy husy domácí (Anser anser f. domestica) a kachny domácí (Anas platyrhynchos f. domestica).

Experimental infections enabled to test susceptibility of the goose and duck to M. avium. After intramuscular implantation of M. avium suspension, local lesions were observed at the spot of puncture in the geese, and miliary tuberculosis of spleen in 35 days, as well as miliary tuberculosis of liver after 69 days. In the ducks, local lesions were found at the spot of puncture in 35 days and miliary tuberculosis of liver and spleen in 69 days. Cultivation demonstrated mycobacteria in various tissues and organs since day 12 after infection. Peroral infection with contaminated feed caused lesions in spleen and intestine in the geese in 106 days, and then in liver and lungs in 133 days. The ducks had lesions in the intestine in 106 days, and in liver and spleen in 133 and 136 days, resp. Cultivation proved sporadic mycobacteria in liver, spleen, lungs and/or bone marrow and brain in both species. No tuberculous lesions were observed in the geese or ducks within 253 days of the experiment after infections by contacts with the TBC fowl. Cultivation demonstrated sporadic mycobacteria in liver, spleen, kidneys, lungs and bone marrow. The goose and the duck are very resistant to M. avium infection. The duck seems to be less susceptible than the duck.

[Pathogenesis of avian mycobacteriosis in the domestic turkey (Meleagris gallopavo f. domestica) and guinea fowl (Numida meleagris f. domestica)]. / Patogeneze aviární mykobakteriózy krocana domácího (Meleagris gallopavo f. domestica) a perlicky domácí (Numida meleagris f. domestica).

Experimental infections enabled to study susceptibility to M. avium and disease pathogenesis in the turkey and guinea fowl. After intramuscular implantation of M. avium suspension macroscopic tuberculous lesions were observed at the spot of puncture in turkeys in 35 days, and miliary tuberculosis of liver and spleen in 55 days. Cultivation demonstrated mycobacteria in various organs and tissues since day 12 after infection. The guinea fowl showed macroscopic lesions at the spot of puncture in 28 days, and miliary tuberculosis of liver and spleen in 42 days. Cultivation of most tissues gave positive results since day 14 with prevailing massive growth of mycobacteria. After infection with feed contaminated with the liver of the tuberculous fowl isolated tuberculous lesions in liver, spleen and lungs were observed in the turkey in 133 days, and in the intestine in 163 days. Cultivation was successful enough to demonstrate sporadic mycobacteria in spleen and lungs in 106 days. The guinea fowl showed isolated tuberculous lesions in liver, spleen and intestines in 160 days. Cultivation after 160 days also gave positive results, particularly the presence of mycobacteria in liver, spleen and lungs was proved to be massive. After contacts with the tuberculous fowl, the turkeys showed isolated tuberculous lesions in the liver, spleen and lungs since day 218. Cultivation gave positive results since day 218. Isolated tuberculous lesions in liver were observed in the guinea fowl in 180 days, as well as in spleen, lungs and intestines in 270 days. Cultivation demonstrated smaller numbers of mycobacteria in the infected tissues.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Epizootiology and pathogenesis of avian mycobacteriosis in the laughing gull (Larus ridibundus)]. / Epizootologie a patogeneze aviární mykobakteriózy racka chechtavého (Larus ridibundus).

The occurrence of avian mycobacteriosis and sensitivity to M. avium were investigated in the laughing gull in this paper. The patho-morphological and culture examination of 35 individuals of the laughing gull caught at four different localities of the Czech Republic did not reveal any tuberculous lesions nor did it enable to isolate mycobacteria. After experimental intramuscular infection by suspension of M. avium macroscopic tuberculous lesions were found at the spot of puncture in 35 days, in liver and spleen in 70 days since the beginning of infection. In the simultaneously infected domestic fowl the lesions were determined at the spot of puncture, in spleen and liver in 35 days. Mycobacteria were isolated from several organs and tissues in both species in 35 days after infection. Tuberculous lesions were found in liver, spleen and intestines of the laughing gull in 118 days since peroral infection by feed contaminated with the liver of tuberculous fowl. This finding was identical in spleen of the domestic fowl only in 118 days. Mycobacteria were demonstrated in both species in 118 days, in liver, spleen, intestine and/or brain in the laughing gull, while in spleen only in the domestic fowl. Intestinal tuberculosis was determined in the laughing gull in 118 days after infection. The results of experimental infections show that the sensitivity of the laughing gull to M. avium is the same as in the domestic fowl. The occurrence of tuberculosis in the laughing gull is apparently depending upon the local epizootological situation, particularly upon the occurrence of M. avium sources and their accessibility.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Epizootiology and pathogenesis of avian mycobacteriosis in domestic pigeons (Columba livia f. domestica)]. / Epizootologie a patogeneze aviární mykobakteriózy holuba domacího (Columba livia f. domestica).

The occurrence and expansion of avian mycobacteriosis in the pigeon, its sensitivity to infection and epizootological importance as a source of M. avium were investigated. A total of 470 pigeons were examined coming from seven localities with different epizootological situation in avian tuberculosis. Tuberculous lesions were found out in 2 birds (0.43%) and mycobacteria were isolated from five birds (1.06%). Four out of the five isolated strains of mycobacteria were pathogenic to the domestic fowl. Experimental infections demonstrated the pigeon's high resistance to M. avium. Intramuscular infection with the suspension of M. avium induced histological lesions in the muscle at the spot of puncture in a fortnight, in the liver it was in 28 days, in the lungs and intestines in 56 days. Macroscopic changes were observed at the spot of puncture only in 21 days, but they were not observed in other organs and tissues. The mycobacteria were isolated since the 12th day after infection, particularly from the muscle at the spot of puncture, from liver, spleen and medulla. Macroscopic changes were found out in the intestine in 160 days after peroral infection with feed contaminated with the liver of tuberculous fowl. The mycobacteria of various organs and tissues were isolated from the pigeons killed in 160 days. After a contact with the tuberculous fowl histological changes in the intestinal wall were observed in 380 days in one case only and the mycobacteria were demonstrated by cultivation in the medulla of a pigeon which died in 68 days.

[Serologic screening for the occurrence of Leptospira antibodies in small wild mammals]. / Sérologická depistáz výskytu protilátek proti leptospirám u volne zijících drobných savcu.

During the five years (1986-1990) free living small mammals were examined serologically for the presence of antibodies to leptospires. Standardized techniques were used in the serological examinations (Sebek, 1979). A total 4634 specimens representing 15 mammalian species were examined. During the studied period, higher occurrence of small terrestrial mammals was noticed in the years 1987-1988. In these years, 61% of specimens out of the total number of trapped animals were examined. The field mice (Apodemus sylvaticus and Apodemus flavicollis) and the common vole (Microtus arvalis) were most frequently examined species, their proportion in the total number being 35.4% and 28.4% respectively. Antibodies to leptospires were demonstrated in 557 cases, i.e. in 12.06%, in specimens representing 10 mammalian species, the higher percentage was recorded only in the year 1988, when antibodies were detected in 15.4%. In 550 cases, i.e. 98.7%, the antibodies were to leptospires of the serovar grippotyphosa and only in 7 cases, i.e. 1.3% to leptospires of the serological group Sejroe. Antibodies to leptospires of the serovar grippotyphosa were found in specimens captured in all localities studied. Antibodies were most frequently detected in the specimens of the common vole (Microtus arvalis) in 6.1% and in both species of field mice (Apodemus sylvaticus and Apodemus flavicollis) in 3.4% of the total number of animals examined. Antibodies to leptospires of the serological group Sejroe were found only in blood sera of the house mouse (Mus musculus) and only in one locality studied. Our results confirmed some previously known facts concerning the distribution and structure of leptospirosis foci on this territory. The study of population dynamics should not be neglected because it is directly proportional to the infestation of individual species as we have evidenced. This fact is most expressive in main reservoir species.

[Epizootiology and pathogenesis of avian mycobacteriosis in doves (Streptopelia sp.)]. / Epizootologie a patogeneze aviární mykobakteriózy hrdlicky (Streptopelia sp.).

The collared turtle-dove (Streptopelia decaocto) and the turtle dove are common synanthropic bird species. The collared turtle dove in particular comes to close contact with farm animals, including with tuberculosis-infected small poultry on farms. It can thus be infected by avian mycobacteria and to become their further source and disseminator. Elucidating the occurrence of avian mycobacteriosis in turtle we examined 218 specimens of the collared turtle-doves and 22 specimens of turtle-doves taken in habitats with different epidemiological setting. We found no pathomorphological tuberculous lesions and isolated no mycobacteria from organs or the contents of intestines in any of them, though we also examined turtles living near poultry farms infected with tuberculosis or near farms where avian tuberculin-positive cattle was reared. Under the same conditions we found repeatedly, e.g. in sparrows, both the tuberculous lesions and mycobacteria. The turtle dove can thus be considered as very resistant to avian mycobacteria and the occurrence of avian mycobacteriosis can be regarded as rather exceptional. The susceptibility of the collared turtle-dove to avian mycobacteria was verified also by experimental infections. After intramuscular infections of M. avium serotype 2 suspension, we demonstrated macroscopic tuberculosis lesions only in the site of inoculation from day 21 onwards. The histological lesions were found in the liver, spleen and bone marrow from day 28 after inoculation. However, mycobacteria were isolated from various organs and tissues as early as 12 days after inoculation. Attempts to demonstrate tuberculous lesions and to isolate mycobacteria from the intestines failed. No tuberculous lesions produced in turtle dove within the period of 122 days after peroral infection by food contaminated by TBC poultry livers and bacteriologically examined was negative too. After free contact between TBC poultry and turtle doves the sporadic histological TBC changes in liver were found after 180 days and in one case mycobacteria were isolated from the liver and muscle after 157 days. The transfer of M. avium from TBC infected turtle doves pigs and poultry was successful. After 45 days of join contact among TBC turtle doves, healthy pigs and poultry in stables and after further stay of pigs and poultry in contaminated environment for additional 65 and 175 days, respectively. In the course of the experiment, 105 days after its onset, marked reaction to avian tuberculin was demonstrated in one pig. Simultaneously with it, the TBC lesions in mandibular and mesenteric lymphatic glands were found. In one pig, mycobacteria were isolated from those suspectedly affected lymphatic glands.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

[Epizootiology and pathogenesis of avian mycobacteriosis in the house sparrow (Passer domesticus) and tree sparrow (Passer montanus)]. / Epizootologie a patogeneze aviární mykobakteriózy vrabce domácího (Passer domesticus) a vrabce polního (Passer montanus).

The occurrence and extension of avian mycobacteriosis in house-sparrows (P. domesticus) and mountain-sparrows (P. montanus) have been followed under different epidemiological conditions. Out of 2.929 totally examined house-sparrow pathological changes of tuberculosis were found in 3 (0.10%) animals and in 14 (0.48%) animals the mycobacteria were isolated. By an examination of 544 mountain-sparrow the mycobacteria in 12 (2.20%) cases and in 1 case were isolated and the mycobacteria were found in the intestinal contents. Out of 11 different locations the mycobacteria were found only in places where a contact between sparrows and poultry contaminated by TBC was possible. In some cases the sparrow could be a source of mycobacteria for cattle as well. Simultaneously, the occurrence of TBC in sparrows out of cattle stables correlated with high incidence of avian tuberculin reactions in cattle stabled there. The sparrow could be here not only the source but also an indicator of mycobacteria environment infection. All isolated strains of mycobacteria were virulent for poultry. In experimental infections there was proven a high sensitivity of both species of sparrows to M. avium. After intramuscular infection of M. avium suspension the histological changes in liver have been observed after 12 days, the microscopic changes after 21 days and miliary TBC after 35 days. Peroral infection by food contaminated by TBC poultry livers caused TBC changes in liver and spleen with clinical symptoms and death after 91 days. After free contact between TBC poultry and healthy sparrows the tuberculous changes of parenchymatous organs in sparrows were found after 180 days. There was no difference in sensitivity between the house-sparrow and mountain-sparrow. The transfer of M. avium from TBC-infected sparrows to pigs and poultry was successful. After 45 days of join contact among TBC sparrows, healthy pigs and poultry in stables and after further stay of pigs and poultry in contaminated surroundings there was found an allergy to tuberculin after 65 or 178 days, respectively. Simultaneously, the TBC liver and spleen in poultry were found. The house-sparrow and mountain-sparrow are very sensitive to the M. avium infections. The occurrence and extension of TBC infections in sparrows depends first of all on the possibility of contacts with TBC-infected poultry. Infected sparrows can be an important source of M. avium for other species of animals.

[Epizootiology and pathogenesis of avian mycobacteriosis in the ring-necked pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) and the Hungarian partridge (Perdix perdix)]. / Epizootologie a patogeneze aviární mykobakteriózy bazanta obecného (Phasianus colchicus) a koroptve polní (Perdix perdix).

Various species of free living birds play an important role in the epidemiological of avian mycobacteriosis as a source of mycobacteria. Among them of certain importance are feathered game, in this country, particularly pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) and partridge (Perdix perdix). In these species, closer contact with domestic animals can be expected. The aim of this work was to find their susceptibility to M. avium, origin and location of tuberculosis process and the occurrence of mycobacteria in organs and tissues. Moreover, in pheasants the possibility of transfer of M. avium through infected individuals to pigs and poultry. After the intramuscular infection of M. avium suspension, the local lesions developed in the point of application in pheasants after 12 days. Microscopic changes in liver and in spleen in pheasants and partridges developed after 21 days. Miliary TBC in liver and spleen and the histological changes in the intestinal wall developed after 35 days. The mycobacteria were isolated sporadic after 12 days and after 21 days they were isolated from most organs and tissues and from the intestinal contents. Peroral infection by food contaminated by TBC poultry livers caused miliary TBC in liver and spleen and TBC changes in intestinal contents in pheasants after 136 days. Mycobacteria were regularly demonstrated in organs and in intestinal contents after 160 days. This model of infection could not be evaluated in partridge, because of early deaths resulting from secondary complicated infection. After free contact between TBC poultry and pheasants and partridges, histological changes were found in spleen of pheasants and in liver of partridges after 180 days. TBC changes were found in liver of pheasants after 238 days and in the intestines of pheasants after 270 days. TBC changes were found in spleen of partridges after 250 days. The transfer of M. avium from TBC infected pheasants to pigs and poultry was successful. After 45 days of join contact among TBC pheasants, healthy pigs and poultry in stables and after further stay of pigs and poultry in contaminated environment, an allergy to tuberculin was found after 65 and 178 days, respectively. Simultaneously, the TBC changes of lymphatic glands in pigs and the TBC changes of liver and spleen in poultry were found. Our results show high susceptibility of pheasant and partridge to the infection by M. avium. The TBC changes develop in these species relatively shortly after infection and elimination of mycobacteria in faeces. Infected pheasants have ability to contaminate the environment and to transfer mycobacterial infection even after relatively short contact with pigs and poultry.

[Occurrence of Leptospira antibodies in the blood of game animals]. / Výskyt protilátek proti Leptospirám v krevních sérech lovné zvere.

The blood serum of game was examined for the presence of antibodies to Leptospiras in 1987-1989. A total of 792 blood sera from animals belonging to 14 zoo-species were examined (Tab. I). The blood serum of red deer (Cervus elephus) was examined the most often within the group of animals, in 398 cases, i.e. 50.2%, followed by 165 blood sera of wild boar (Sus scrofa), representing 20.8%, and by 136 blood sera of roedeer (Capreolus capreolus), representing 18.6%. Small numbers of blood sera of the other animals were examined. A serological reaction of microagglutination-lysion revealed the antibodies to Leptospiras in fifty examined samples, i.e. 6.31%, of the six examined zoo-species: muskrat (Ondatra zibethica) 14.28%, wild boar (Sus scrofa) 13.93%, roedeer (Capreolus capreolus) 6.76%, fox (Vulpes vulpes) 5.26%, red deer (Cervus elephus) 3.76%, mouflon (Ovis musimon) 2.50%. No antibodies to Leptospiras were found in the blood serum of the other animal species (Tab. I). Twelve strains of Leptospira were used for serological examination according to the standard method (Sebek, 1979). The examined blood sera of game reacted only with Leptospiras of the serotype L. grippotyphosa. No reaction with other Leptospira serotypes was observed. Our results have demonstrated, in comparison with the results of foreign authors, great susceptibility of the game to infection with different serotypes of Leptospira. But it is possible to say that with certain exceptions these game species do not play an important role in the epidemiology of Leptospirosis.

[The occurrence of avian mycobacteriosis in wild birds during various epizootic conditions of tuberculosis in poultry]. / Výskyt aviární mykobakteriózy u volne zijícího ptactva v ruzných epizootologických pomerech tuberkulózy drubeze.

The occurrence of tuberculosis in free-living birds was studied in relation to a certain epidemiological situation in a long-term study from 1966 to 1990. A total of 3210 birds were examined. Mycobacteria were isolated in five cases from free-living birds in the environment of six poultry rearing farms where tuberculosis was found in domestic fowl. At individual localities, the occurrence of mycobacteria was 3.5-50.0%. Generalized tuberculosis was found in one case in house sparrow (Passer domesticus). On the investigated poultry rearing farms, the distribution of tuberculosis infection in free-living birds was directly related to the distribution and stage of tuberculosis in poultry or to the achieved extent of eradication. On a poultry rearing farm where no mycobacteria were isolated from free-living birds, a successful eradication of tuberculosis by flock exchange was in progress. During the examination of free-living birds on three farms, mycobacteria were found at two localities where poultry infected with tuberculosis was kept either on the farm or in its immediate vicinity. On the third farm, where no mycobacteria were found in free-living birds, only sporadic reactors to tuberculin were found during survey in spatially separated flocks. No mycobacteria were isolated from birds examined on two farms in whose vicinity poultry was not reared at all. Similarly, bacteriological cultures were negative in a group of 298 birds examined during five years in the environment of a poultry enterprise farm free from tuberculosis. No mycobacteria were found in a large group of 2303 free-living birds taken in the wild except four rooks (Corvus frugilegus). However, this is a migratory species which is noted for its considerable longevity. It is thus more probable that these birds were infected outside the locality which the specimens were taken from. Out of the isolated strains of mycobacteria that were further examined by a biological experiment, 86.6% were pathogenic to domestic fowl, serotype M. avium 2. The results of these examinations suggest that the presence of tuberculosis-infected poultry as a major source of M. avium is necessary for the infection of free-living birds. The infectious agent apparently does not persist and spread within the flocks of free-living birds.

[Incidence of allergic reactions in small flocks of poultry and the pathogenesis of avian mycobacteriosis in domestic fowl]. / Výskyt alergických reakcí v malochovech drubeze a patogeneze aviární mykobakteriózy kura domácího.

Incidence of allergic reactions to avian tuberculin was investigated in 12,549 birds of the domestic fowl in the territory of one district, in 16 villages and in 721 small flocks. The reactions were found in 7.3% of birds and 35.5% flocks were infected. The zero reactions to tuberculin were observed only in one village out of the 16 villages investigated. Experimental infection confirmed high susceptibility of the domestic fowl to M. avium. After intramuscular implantation of M. avium suspension allergy to avian tuberculin was observed within a fortnight while within the same period histological lesions were found in muscle at the spot of puncture, in liver and spleen. Macroscopic lesions at the spot of puncture and in liver appeared in 21 days, and miliary tuberculosis of liver and spleen was detected almost regularly since day 28. Cultivation demonstrated mycobacteria in all the organs and tissues examined except the intestine in 12 days after infection. After peroral infection tuberculin allergy was observed in 106 days. Histological lesions were found in spleen in 49 days, as well as in liver, lungs and intestines in 96 days. Macroscopic lesions occurred in liver, spleen, lungs and intestine in 106 days. Small numbers of mycobacteria were isolated from various organs and tissues in 36 days after infection, and also from the intestine in 160 days. After infection by contacts with the tuberculous fowl tuberculin allergy appeared in 157 days. The first tuberculous lesions appeared in liver in 106 days, in spleen and intestine in 180 days.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Epizootiology and pathogenesis of avian mycobacteriosis in the field rook (Corvus frugilegus)]. / Epizootologie a patogeneze aviární mykobakteriózy havrana polního (Corvus frugilegus).

The occurrence of avian mycobacteriosis in the rook (C. frugilegus) was investigated in the years 1966-1985. A total of 188 birds captured at three localities of the Czech Republic were subjected to patho-morphological examination and to culture examination. Patho-anatomic lesions were observed in five rooks (2.6%), M. avium was isolated from 10 rooks (5.3%). Positive findings occurred in each examined locality. Rook sensitivity to M. avium infection was tested by experimental infections. After intramuscular infection with M. avium suspension macroscopic tuberculosis lesions were found out at the place of puncture, histological lesions in liver and spleen at the beginning of the trial (days 12-35). Mycobacteria were isolated from particular organs and tissues, more frequently at the beginning of the trial. Peroral infection by feed contaminated with liver of tuberculous fowl failed to induce tuberculous lesions, while a proof of M. avium from the organs was the only one after 157 days. The contact of the rook with the tuberculous fowl did not lead to the origin of tuberculous lesions after 238 days nor were the mycobacteria proved in the rook tissues. In comparison with e.g. the house sparrow, tree sparrow and pheasant, the rook is very resistant to M. avium infection according to the results of experimental infections. A relatively frequent occurrence of tuberculous processes or of mycobacteria in the rook captured in the open area is probably conditioned by a possibility of repeated, frequent contacts of the rook with the contaminated environment during its longer life.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)