Review: Non-surgical artificial insemination and embryo recovery as safe tools for genetic preservation in small ruminants.

Artificial insemination (AI) and in vivo embryo production (or multiple ovulation and embryo transfer, MOET) programs are both instrumental in accelerating the propagation of genetically and economically superior goats and sheep. The aim of this review was to present the current gestalt of non-surgical AI and embryo recovery (NSER) procedures in small ruminants. Small body size, precluding rectal palpation, and highly limited penetrability of the uterine cervix in ewes are the major reasons for the scarce use of non-surgical assisted reproduction techniques in this species. As a result, AI and embryo recovery techniques in sheep mainly involve laparoscopy or laparotomy (LAP). In does, however, the Embrapa method of AI allows for successful intrauterine deposition of semen, resulting in pregnancy rates from 50 to 80% under field conditions (>3 000 goats inseminated) when frozen-thawed semen is used. After the administration of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α), non-surgical (transcervical) embryo recovery is also feasible in goats, with the cervical penetration rate approaching 100%. There is a paucity of information on the efficacy of non-surgical AI using frozen semen in sheep, but the results are satisfactory with fresh, cooled, or chilled ram semen. An application of the NSER technique in ewes has greatly improved over the last decade, and cervical penetration rates of ∼90% can be achieved when a hormonal cervical dilation protocol using PGF2α, oxytocin, and/or estradiol ester (e.g., estradiol benzoate) is applied. In some genotypes of sheep, sufficient cervical dilation can be induced without estradiol ester included in the protocol. Several studies indicated that recovery of transferable quality ovine embryos using NSER is comparable to that employing a ventral midline laparotomy, and NSER is evidently a method of choice when animal welfare is concerned. Considering both the number of retrievable embryos and animal well-being, the NSER is a viable alternative for surgical procedures. With further developments, it has the makings of a primary, if not exclusive, embryo recovery technique in small ruminants worldwide.

Sympatric and allopatric combinations of Lymnaea columella and Fasciola hepatica from southern and south-eastern Brazil.

Experimental infections of Lymnaea columella with Fasciola hepatica were carried out to test the effect of sympatric and allopatric combinations between parasite and host, by using snails and flukes from southern and south-eastern Brazil. Four groups of 50 snails were infected with four miracidia per snail: two groups in sympatric and two groups in allopatric combinations. Sympatric combinations between parasite and host were more efficient than allopatric ones when snails from Itajubá were used, but the opposite was observed in infections involving snails from Pelotas. The sympatric association between L. columella and F. hepatica from Itajubá was significantly higher than in the other combinations. We concluded that the host-parasite relationship between L. columnella and F. hepatica may vary according to the geographical origin of the snails and flukes involved.

Interaction between the nematophagous fungus Duddingtonia flagrans and infective larvae of Haemonchus contortus (Nematoda: Trichostrongyloidea).

The interaction between Duddingtonia flagrans and infective larvae of Haemonchus contortus was studied in vitro under optical and scanning electron microscopy. Trap formation by the fungus started 9 hours after inoculation and first larvae were found 11 hours after larval inoculation on colonies grown on the surface of dialysis membranes. Scanning electron micrographs were taken 12, 24, 36 and 48 h after larval predation. Details of predation structures and fungus-larvae interaction are described. A mucilaginous substance occurred at the points of adherence of traps to nematode cuticle. Bacteria were also found at some points of interaction between fungus and larval cuticle. Cuticle penetration by fungus hyphae occurred only 48 h after predation.

Risk factors for gastrointestinal parasite infections of dogs living around protected areas of the Atlantic Forest: implications for human and wildlife health.

Despite the ubiquity of domestic dogs, their role as zoonotic reservoirs and the large number of studies concerning parasites in urban dogs, rural areas in Brazil, especially those at the wildlife-domestic animal-human interface, have received little attention from scientists and public health managers. This paper reports a cross-sectional epidemiological survey of gastrointestinal parasites of rural dogs living in farms around Atlantic Forest fragments. Through standard parasitological methods (flotation and sedimentation), 13 parasite taxa (11 helminths and two protozoans) were found in feces samples from dogs. The most prevalent were the nematode Ancylostoma (47%) followed by Toxocara (18%) and Trichuris (8%). Other less prevalent (<2%) parasites found were Capillaria, Ascaridia, Spirocerca, Taeniidae, Acantocephala, Ascaris, Dipylidium caninum, Toxascaris, and the protozoans Cystoisospora and Eimeria. Mixed infections were found in 36% of samples, mostly by Ancylostoma and Toxocara. Previous deworming had no association with infections, meaning that this preventive measure is being incorrectly performed by owners. Regarding risk factors, dogs younger than one year were more likely to be infected with Toxocara, and purebred dogs with Trichuris. The number of cats in the households was positively associated with Trichuris infection, while male dogs and low body scores were associated with mixed infections. The lack of associations with dog free-ranging behavior and access to forest or villages indicates that infections are mostly acquired around the households. The results highlight the risk of zoonotic and wildlife parasite infections from dogs and the need for monitoring and controlling parasites of domestic animals in human-wildlife interface areas.

Biochemical serum profiles in dogs experimentally infected with Angiostrongylus vasorum (Baillet, 1866).

The biochemical profiles of crossbred dogs experimentally infected with the parasite Angiostrongylus vasorum were studied. Two groups of five dogs were experimentally inoculated with 50 and 100 third stage infective larvae (L3) of A. vasorum per kilogram of body weight. A third group of five uninfected animals were used as control. Serum from these animals were used for biochemical tests to measure total and fractioned proteins, urea, creatinine and to determine the activities of aspartate (AST), alanine (ALT) aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (PAL) and creatine kinase isoenzyme MB (CK-MB). The alpha-1, alpha-2 and beta-globulins fractions showed alterations during acute phase of the infection. No modifications were observed in the biochemical profiles of ALT, AST, GGT, PAL, urea and creatinine. CK-MB was shown to be a good early indicator of cardiac injury in dogs experimentally infected with A. vasorum.

Effective immune protection of pigs against cysticercosis.

A scolex protein antigen (SPA) was prepared from cysticerci of Taenia solium obtained from naturally infected pigs. Yorkshire pigs were vaccinated with SPA plus incomplete Freund's adjuvant (IFA) or with SPA plus Corynebacterium parvum (CP). Controls were given IFA plus phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) or CP plus PBS. All animals were given three subcutaneous injections at 20-day intervals. Ten days after the third injection, the pigs were fed with 10(4) viable eggs of T. solium. All pigs developed a delayed type hypersensitivity, and a transient eosinophilia after the first dose of vaccine. High titers of specific antibodies were detected in the sera of vaccinated animals and in infected controls. A protection level of 71.43% was recorded in animals vaccinated with SPA plus IFA and of 75.00% in those vaccinated with SPA plus CP.

Hematological and coagulation profiles in dogs experimentally infected with Angiostrongylus vasorum (Baillet, 1866).

Hematological and coagulation profiles were studied in crossbred dogs experimentally infected with Angiostrongylus vasorum. Two groups of five dogs were experimentally inoculated with 50 and 100 third stage infective larvae (L(3)) of A. vasorum per kilogram of body weight. A third group of five uninfected animals was used as control. One sample of 10 ml of blood was collected from each animal on the 10, 20, 30, and 45 days after inoculation (dai) and at 30-day intervals thereafter for the remainder of the 210-day experimental period. The blood sample was used for the complete hemogram and platelet count, as well as measurements of prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time and factors V and VIII. Anemia was observed in infected dogs, 6 weeks after the infection. The eosinophils presented peaks in four periods after infection. Thrombocytopenia became accentuated on the 72 dai. Decreased prothrombin time activity and increased partial thromboplastin time were observed at the 6 and 9 weeks after infection and decreased of factors VIII and V activities occurred from 4 to 6 weeks after infection. It may be conclude that infection by A. vasorum in dogs may cause a discrete anemia during the acute phase which is probably regenerative. In addition, important hemostatic alterations due to the infection suggest a chronic intravascular consumption coagulopathy.

Western blot analysis of the humoral response of dogs experimentally infected with Angiostrongylus vasorum (Baillet, 1866).

Seven cross-bred dogs were inoculated with Angiostrongylus vasorum and serum samples were analyzed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot (WB). ELISA detected specific antibodies anti-A. vasorum, from 14 to 28 days after inoculation (DAI) and persisted throughout the experiment. Using WB, the main antigens detected had molecular weight of approximately 115, 102, 86, 76, 69, 56, 41, 32, 28, 20-22 and 10kDa.

Strategic control of gastrointestinal nematodes in dairy calves in Florestal, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Following epidemiological studies of gastrointestinal helminthiasis in dairy cattle in Florestal County, Minas Gerais, 80 Swiss and crossbred Zebu x Holstein calves, 8-10-months old, were selected to test the efficacy of three treatment protocols using ivermectin for helminth control. The calves were treated in Brachiaria grass paddocks, naturally infected with Haemonchus, Cooperia, Oesophagostomum and Trichostrongylus species, and then divided into four groups of 20 animals each: group 1 was treated with 200 microg/kg body weight ivermectin in April (at the end of the rainy season) and October (beginning of the rainy season); group 2 was treated in April, August (middle of the dry season) and October; group 3 was treated in April, August, October and December (middle of the rainy season); and group 4 was left untreated as a control. The treatments effectively eliminated the worm burden only in groups 2 and 3 (p < 0.05), although the calves continued to excrete Cooperia eggs after each treatment with ivermectin.

Gross and histologic features of gastritis due to Ophidascaris arndti in tropical rattlesnakes (Crotalus durissus) / Alterações macro e microscópicas da gastrite associadas com Ophidascaris arndti em cascavéis (Crotalus durissus)

The tropical rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus) is a snake of great importance for biomedical industry since its poison is used for the production of antiophidic serum and researches. Several conditions related to animal health, such as diseases and parasites, which can promote the reduction of poison production by these snakes should be investigated. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to characterize the gross and microscopic lesions related to the presence of Ophidascaris arndti in stomachs of tropical rattlesnakes. The gastrointestinal tract of thirty-five South American rattlesnakes captured in Southeastern region of Brazil were analyzed and nineteen animals showed infestation by the parasites, found in the small intestine and, especially, in the stomach of the hosts. Grossly, lesions were characterized by mucosal ulcers occasionally associated with hemorrhage. Microscopic alterations included histiocytic granulomas, fibrosis, necrosis, and hemorrhage. Based on these findings, the diagnosis of a parasitic granulomatous disease was made. The lesions may be related to the cause of death in captivity snakes, since the lesions can promote secondary infections by opportunistic bacteria. Moreover, the intense inflammatory response accompanied by fibrosis may be related to poor functioning of the gastric snakes, which it may exhibit frequent regurgitation of the food.(AU)

A cascavel (Crotalus durissus) é uma serpente de grande importância para a indústria biomédica, uma vez que seu veneno é utilizado para a produção de soro antiofídico e para pesquisas. Condições diversas relacionadas ao estado de saúde do animal, como doenças e parasitoses, que possam promover a diminuição da produção de veneno por essas serpentes, devem ser investigadas. O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar os achados macro e microscópicos relacionados à presença de nematódeos Ophidascaris arndti nos estômagos de cascavéis. O trato gastrointestinal de 35 cascavéis capturadas na região Sudeste do Brasil foi avaliado Dessas, 19 apresentavam infestação pelo parasito, que foi encontrado predominantemente no estômago e no intestino delgado dos hospedeiros. Macroscopicamente, as lesões foram caracterizadas por úlceras nas camadas mucosas, ocasionalmente associadas com hemorragia. As alterações microscópicas apresentaram granulomas histiocíticos, fibrose, necrose e hemorragia. Baseado em tais achados, o diagnóstico de doença granulomatosa parasitária foi realizado. As lesões encontradas podem estar relacionadas à causa das mortes das serpentes em cativeiro, uma vez que podem favorecer infecções secundárias por bactérias oportunistas. Além disso, a intensa resposta inflamatória e a fibrose podem estar relacionadas ao mau funcionamento gástrico das serpentes, que podem apresentar frequente regurgitação do alimento.(AU)

Risk factors for gastrointestinal parasite infections of dogs living around protected areas of the Atlantic Forest: implications for human and wildlife health / Fatores de risco para infecções parasitárias gastrointestinais em cães do entorno de áreas protegidas da Mata Atlântica: implicações para a saúde humana e da vida selvagem

Abstract Despite the ubiquity of domestic dogs, their role as zoonotic reservoirs and the large number of studies concerning parasites in urban dogs, rural areas in Brazil, especially those at the wildlife-domestic animal-human interface, have received little attention from scientists and public health managers. This paper reports a cross-sectional epidemiological survey of gastrointestinal parasites of rural dogs living in farms around Atlantic Forest fragments. Through standard parasitological methods (flotation and sedimentation), 13 parasite taxa (11 helminths and two protozoans) were found in feces samples from dogs. The most prevalent were the nematode Ancylostoma (47%) followed by Toxocara (18%) and Trichuris (8%). Other less prevalent (<2%) parasites found were Capillaria, Ascaridia, Spirocerca, Taeniidae, Acantocephala, Ascaris, Dipylidium caninum, Toxascaris, and the protozoans Cystoisospora and Eimeria. Mixed infections were found in 36% of samples, mostly by Ancylostoma and Toxocara. Previous deworming had no association with infections, meaning that this preventive measure is being incorrectly performed by owners. Regarding risk factors, dogs younger than one year were more likely to be infected with Toxocara, and purebred dogs with Trichuris. The number of cats in the households was positively associated with Trichuris infection, while male dogs and low body scores were associated with mixed infections. The lack of associations with dog free-ranging behavior and access to forest or villages indicates that infections are mostly acquired around the households. The results highlight the risk of zoonotic and wildlife parasite infections from dogs and the need for monitoring and controlling parasites of domestic animals in human-wildlife interface areas.

Resumo Apesar da ubiquidade dos cães domésticos, de seu papel como reservatório de doenças, e do grande número de estudos sobre parasitas de cães urbanos, as áreas rurais no Brasil, especialmente aquelas na interface entre animais silvestres - animais domésticos - humanos, tem recebido pouca atenção de cientistas e gestores de saúde pública. Este artigo relata um estudo epidemiológico seccional de parasitas gastrointestinais de cães rurais em propriedades no entorno de fragmentos de Mata Atlântica. Através de métodos parasitológicos como flutuação e sedimentação, 13 táxons de parasitas (11 helmintos e dois protozoários) foram encontrados em amostras de fezes dos cães. O mais prevalente foi o nematóide Ancylostoma (47%), seguido por Toxocara (18%) e Trichuris (8%). Outros parasitas menos prevalentes (<2%) encontrados foram Capillaria, Ascaridia, Spirocerca, Taeniidae, Acantocephala, Ascaris, Dipylidium caninum, Toxascaris, e os protozoários Cystoisospora and Eimeria. Infecções mistas foram detectadas em 36% das amostras, a maioria por Ancylostoma e Toxocara. Vermifugações prévias não foram associadas a infecções, indicando que esta medida preventiva está sendo realizada incorretamente pelos proprietários. Com relação aos fatores de risco, cães com menos de um ano tiveram maior probabilidade de infecção por Toxocara, e os cães de raça pura por Trichuris. O número de gatos na propriedade foi associado positivamente com a infecção por Trichuris, enquanto cães machos e baixos escores corporais foram associados a infecções mistas. A ausência de associações com comportamento de vida livre e acesso a florestas ou vilas pelos cães indica que as infecções estão sendo predominantemente adquiridas nas propriedades. Os resultados destacam o risco de infecções parasitárias zoonóticas e para animais silvestres a partir dos cães, e a necessidade de monitorar e controlar os parasitas de animais domésticos em áreas de interface entre humanos e a vida selvagem.

Development and pathology of Fasciola hepatica in CCL3-deficient mice.

Fasciola hepatica is a parasitic helminth that predominantly infects the liver and bile ducts of cattle and causes great losses of cattle production in the southern and southeastern regions of Brazil. The generation of liver lesions and the consequent inflammatory responses are intimately related to the migration of this parasite. The CC-group of chemokines plays a crucial role in the attraction of several cell types and in the recruitment of additional macrophages to an inflammatory focus in numerous diseases. In order to evaluate the role of CCL3 in the development of F. hepatica, we compared parasitological and pathological parameters in C57Bl/6J mice that were assigned to one of two experimental groups: the first group contained CCL3-producing mice (CCL3(+/+) mice) and the other group contained mice that were genetically deficient in CCL3 production (CCL3(-/-) mice). The mortality rate in the CCL3 non-deficient group was higher than of the deficient animals. In most animals from both experimental groups, the necropsied animals contained hemorrhages in their abdominal cavities. In the genetically modified animals, the lesioned liver areas were less extensive and presented focal and sub-capsular lesions. This work demonstrates that the development of F. hepatica is not affected by the absence of CCL3.

Avaliação genética de caprinos da raça Saanen nascidos no Brasil de 1979 a 2009 / Genetic evaluation of Saanen goats born in Brazil from 1979 to 2009

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estimar herdabilidades, correlações genéticas e fenotípicas e tendências genéticas das características morfológicas e de tipo de caprinos da raça Saanen nascidos no Brasil de 1979 a 2009. Dados de 1243 caprinos, 197 machos e 1046 fêmeas, foram utilizados para estimar parâmetros genéticos e tendência das características: perímetro torácico, comprimento corporal, altura na cernelha, altura, largura e comprimento da garupa, bem como as principais características que definem o padrão racial e a aptidão do animal (paleta e linha superior, membros e pés, tipo leiteiro, capacidade de corpo, úbere, ligamento traseiro e dianteiro, textura do úbere, tetos e nota). Os componentes de variância foram estimados pelo método da máxima verossimilhança restrita em análise multicaracterística. A tendência genética foi obtida por meio da regressão dos valores genéticos médios por ano de nascimento. As estimativas de herdabilidade das características morfofuncionais variaram de 0,08 a 0,45, as correlações genéticas de -0,58 a 0,89 e fenotípicas de -0,11 a 0,87. A tendência foi de um leve declínio ao longo dos anos para a maior parte das características avaliadas, o que evidencia a existência de variabilidade genética aditiva entre os animais, mas demonstra que a seleção praticada tem sido pouco efetiva...

The aim of this study was to estimate heritability, genetic and phenotypic correlations and genetic trends of morphological characteristics and type of Saanen goats born in Brazil from 1979 to 2009. Data from 1243 goats, 197 males and 1046 females were used to estimate genetic parameters and trends for the following traits: girth, body length, wither height, height, width and rump length, and the main traits that define the breed standard and ability of the animal (shoulder and topline, limbs and feet, dairy type, body capacity, mammary gland, linking front and rear, texture of the udder, teats and note). Variance components were estimated by Restricted Maximum Likelihood multi-trait analysis. Genetic trends were obtained by regression of mean breeding values by year of birth. The heritability estimates of morphological and functional traits ranged from 0.08 to 0.45, the genetic correlations from -0.58 to 0.89 and phenotypes from -0.11 to 0.87. The trend was a slight decline over the years for most traits, which shows the existence of additive genetic variability among animals, but it demonstrates that the selection practiced has been ineffective...

Influence of shell size of Lymnaea columella on infectivity and development of Fasciola hepatica.

Experimental infections of Lymnaea columella with Fasciola hepatica were carried out to determine the influence of shell size on the infection rate and on the outcome of rediae and cercariae. Snails were divided into seven groups according to shell size: 2-4 mm, 5-6 mm, 7-8 mm, 9-10 mm, 11-12 mm, 13-14 mm and 15 mm or more. One hundred snails in each group were infected by using four miracidia for each snail. Snails with larger shell size showed a lower infection rate, the groups presenting the highest (79%) and lowest (2%) proportions of positives being those of 5-6 mm and 15 mm or more, respectively. Cercariae were present in 21% of them at 31 days post-infection, and cercarial shedding was observed 61 days post-infection. It was concluded that there is a non-linear negative association between shell size and infection rate.

Ações de vigilância para influenza aviária desenvolvida no Brasil, no período de 2004 e 2007 / Avian influenza surveillance activities, developed in Brazil from 2004 to 2007

No início dos anos 2000, o Brasil se consolidou como maior exportador mundial de carne de frango, mesmo período em que se observou a emergência global de focos de HPAI. Para assegurar a qualidade sanitária do produto avícola nacional, o Mapa organizou um programa oficial de vigilância para o vírus de IA. Na primeira fase, foram coletados 106.226 soros e 7.017 pools de suabes traqueais e cloacais, provenientes de granjas avícolas de produção comercial intensiva de frangos de corte, no período entre janeiro de 2004 e março de 2005. Não se obteve isolamento viral para IA, porém foi identificado um conglomerado epidemiológico de 24 municípios, delineado pela interpolação de dados relacionados às localizações geográficas, e os resultados sorológicos das amostras dessas origens, ELISA reagente para IA, no estado de Rondônia. Na segunda fase da vigilância, três distintas ações para pesquisa do vírus de IA foram executadas entre 2006 e 2007, em: 1) aves comerciais de corte de criação intensiva; 2) aves de reprodução; e 3) aves migratórias e de subsistência. Não houve identificação de resposta sorológica ou isolamento de vírus de IA em aves dos grupos 1 e 2. Foram isolados vírus de IA do subtipo H3 em aves migratórias, capturadas nos estados de Pará e Pernambuco. Também foram identificados vírus de IA dos subtipos H2, H3 e H4 em aves de subsistência, de propriedades localizadas no Amazonas, Pará, Pernambuco, Rio Grande do Sul e Santa Catarina. Observou-se risco sanitário para LPAI associado às populações de aves silvestres e de subsistência localizadas em áreas próximas ao sistema comercial. Estudos adicionais serão necessários para se avaliar o risco associado à introdução de IA no sistema comercial avícola brasileiro.

In the early 2000s Brazil had established itself as the world's largest exporter of poultry meat, the same period in which the emergence of HPAI global outbreaks was observed. To ensure the national health quality of Brazilian poultry product, MAPA organized an official AI surveillance program. In the first stage, during the period between January 2004 and March 2005, 106.226 sera were collected and 7.017 tracheal and cloacae pools of swabs were obtained from intensive commercial broiler farms. No AI virus isolation was obtained, however, an epidemiological cluster was identified in the state of Rondonia, outlined by the interpolation of data related to municipalities' geographic location and serological response to AI in ELISA tests. Between 2006 and 2007, during the second stage, three AI surveillance actions were executed in: 1) intensive commercial broiler farms, 2) breeding farms and 3) migratory and backyard birds. There was neither serological response identification nor IA virus isolation in birds belonging to groups 1 and 2. H3 LPAI subtype viruses were isolated from migratory birds captured in the states of Pará and Pernambuco. H2, H3 and H4 LPAI subtypes were also identified in backyard birds from samples collected in the states of Amazonas, Pará, Pernambuco, Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina. There are health risks to LPAI associated to wild and backyard bird populations located in areas close to commercial farms. Additional studies are needed for risk assessment regarding the possibility of AI introduction in the Brazilian commercial poultry system.

Cotylophoron Travassosi sp. n. (Trematoda--Paramphistomidae) from cattle.

A new species of the genus Cotylophoron (Trematoda--Paramphistomidae) --Cotylophoron travassosi sp. n.--is described. The measurements of the worm and its structures are compared with the valid known species.

Prevalence of Cooperia punctata, C. pectinata and C. oncophora infections in dairy calves in Brazil.

Cooperia is the most prevalent helminth parasitizing calves in Brazil. Three species of this genus occur most often: C. punctata, C. pectinata and C. oncophora. Six calves from dairy farms in the south of the State of Minas Gerais aged six to 15 months were killed and necropsied each month over a period of two years. The Cooperia species were identified, counted, and the numbers related to the calves' age. The worm burdens due to the three species of Cooperia were statistically different. C. punctata was the most prevalent species and had a positive correlation with the age of the calves; C. pectinata appeared with lower intensity but was always present, and C. oncophora was not found in calves older than 11 months. These results show the existence of different degrees of resistance to Cooperia species among calves as the three species did not behave similarly. It seems to be an acquired resistance. C. punctata appears to be less immunogenic than C. pectinata and C. oncophora. As C. punctata and C. pectinata are more pathogenic than C. oncophora, it seems that this pathogenicity can be related to immunogenic aspects associated with the species.