Comparison between the Mission Plus device and gold standard methods for measuring hemoglobin concentrations and packed cell volumes in cattle.

BACKGROUND: A point-of-care device that can provide immediate and reliable hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations and packed cell volumes (PCVs) would be useful in veterinary medicine. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to compare the use of a human device (Mission Plus; MP) with a gold standard (GS) method for measuring Hb concentrations and PCVs in cattle blood. METHODS: Blood samples from clinically healthy cattle (n = 122) were collected with or without an anticoagulant (K2 EDTA). The GS and MP methods were compared with correlation coefficients. Passing-Bablok regression analyses were also performed, and the acceptability judgment was completed using Bland-Altman plots. RESULTS: The CVmax for Hb values obtained using the GS method, the MP device without K2 EDTA, and the MP device with K2 EDTA were approximately 2.70%, 1.70%, and 2.0%, respectively, whereas the CVmax for PCVs was 0.90%, 1.83%, and 2.05%, respectively. A positive correlation (97.5% confidence interval) was observed between the Hb concentrations and PCV values detected using the MP and GS techniques in blood with and without K2 EDTA. Bland-Altman plots showed agreement between the MP and GS methods. For Hb using blood collected with or without the addition of K2 EDTA, the mean differences were -0.87 g/dL (95% CI: 1.35; -3.96) and 0.08 g/dL (95% CI: 2.16, -1.99), respectively. For PCVs using blood collected with or without the addition of K2 EDTA, the mean differences were -3.75% (95% CI: 0.61. -8.12) and -0.88% (95% CI: 2.86, -4.62), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The MP device can be used to analyze Hb concentrations and PCVs in bovine blood to assist in field diagnoses.

Frequency of bovine cysticercosis in the state of Rondônia, Brazil.

Bovine cysticercosis remains as one of the most important cause of carcasses and viscera condemnation in Brazilian slaughterhouses. However, the efficiency of post-mortem inspection for the diagnosis of this zoonotic disease is relatively low, and few available studies were performed through serological exams. This study evaluated the frequency of bovine cysticercosis in cattle herds located in different farms of the state of Rondônia, Brazil. Among the 987 animals slaughtered from 33 farms, 21 animals (Frequency: 2.13%; 95C.I. 1.23-3.03) were considered as positive through indirect ELISA and confirmed by Immunoblot tests and the cysticercosis was detected in 12 farms (36.36% - C.I. 95% 19.95-52.78). The disease was detected in the municipalities Vale do Paraíso (12.50%), Theobroma (8.11%), Guaporé (7.27%), Rolim de Moura (5.71%), Presidente Médici (5.0%), Ouro Preto do Oeste (4.69%), Nova União (1.77%), Nova Brasilândia d'Oeste (1.14%) and Ministro Andreazza (1.01%). Therefore, prophylactic measures should be taken to improve beef production, control bovine cysticercosis and reduce costs to public health in this Brazilian state.

Surtos consecutivos ocasionados por Eimeria zuernii em bezerros de corte de uma propriedade do estado de São Paulo / Consecutive outbreaks caused by Eimeria zuernii in calves on a rural property located in the municipality of São João da Boa Vista, State of São Paulo, Brazil

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo relatar surtos consecutivos (Agosto de 2015 e 2016) ocasionado por Eimeria zuernii em bezerros de corte, Canchim e Nelore, com aproximadamente 45 dias de vida, em uma propriedade rural localizada no município de São João da Boa Vista, estado de São Paulo. O primeiro surto foi diagnosticado em um lote composto por 78 bezerros, entre 35 e 55 dias de idade. Dos 78 bezerros, 32 eram Nelore e os outros 46 Canchim. Já o segundo, ocorreu em um novo lote de 66 bezerros (sendo 36 Nelore e 47 Canchim), com idade entre 30 e 45 dias. Alguns animais apresentaram diarreia sanguinolenta e desidratação. Colheitas de fezes de todos os animais (vacas e bezerros) foram realizadas para realização de exame coproparasitológico e quantificação de ovos e oocistos por grama (OPG e OoPG) de fezes de parasitos. Com base nos resultados encontrados neste estudo, é possível afirmar que os surtos consecutivos em bezerros de corte entre 30 e 55 dias de idade, na época seca do ano (agosto), foram desencadeados pelo elevado grau de infecção destes animais por E. zuernii. Analisando os dois anos em que os surtos ocorreram, a presença de sinais clínicos (diarreia sanguinolenta) e a mortalidade de bezerros desencadeada pela eimeriose/desidratação, aconteceram em 8,3% 1,4% do rebanho, respectivamente. Estes resultados destacam a importância em se realizar pesquisas de campo, com o objetivo de se melhor entender a dinâmica de parasitismo de E. zuernii e E. bovis em bezerros com idade inferior a três meses, em função dos motivos já discutidos neste estudo. Além disso, é necessário que se investigue as possíveis fontes de infecção, como a água ingerida pelos animais, para que condutas práticas possam ser adotadas/recomendadas aos proprietários, diminuindo desta maneira os prejuízos ocasionados por surtos de Eimeria spp em rebanhos bovinos.(AU)

We report consecutive outbreaks (August 2015 and 2016) of disease caused by Eimeria zuernii in Canchim and Nelore calves about 45 days of age on a rural property in the municipality of São João da Boa Vista, state of São Paulo, Brazil. The first outbreak infected 78 calves (32 Nelore and 46 Canchim) between 35 and 55 days of age. The second outbreak infected 66 calves (36 Nelore and 47 Canchim) between 30 and 45 days of age. Some calves had bloody diarrhea and were dehydrated. Feces were collected from all animals (cows and calves) for coproparasitological examination and quantification of parasite eggs and oocysts per gram. The consecutive outbreaks in the 30 to 55 day-old calves occurred during the dry season (August). These outbreaks were caused by a high degree of infection by E. zuernii. Clinical signs (bloody diarrhea) and mortality of the calves triggered by eimeriosis/dehydration occurred in 8.3 and 1.4% of the herd in 2015 and 2016, respectively. These results highlight the importance of conducting field studies to better understand the parasitic dynamics of E. zuernii in calves younger than three months. Identifying the sources of infection, such as the water ingested by the animals, is also necessary, so that practical husbanddry can be recommended and adopted by the producers, to reduce the damage caused by outbreaks of Eimeria spp. in cattle herds.(AU)

Geospatial distribution and risk factors for bovine cysticercosis in the state of Rondônia, Brazil / Distribuição espacial e fatores de risco para a cisticercose bovina no Estado de Rondônia, Brasil

This study focused on assessing the prevalence, geospatial distribution and risk factors for bovine cysticercosis in cattle from the state of Rondônia, Brazil, through the years 2012 to 2015. The prevalence established was 0.014% (95% C.I. 0.013-0.014), with a higher detection of unviable cysticerci (84.80%). The municipalities of Itapuã do Oeste, Candeias do Jamari, Nova Brasilândia D'Oeste, Pimenteiras do Oeste, Porto Velho, Nova Mamoré, Urupá and Guajará-Mirim had higher risk (OR>1; p<0.05) for cysticercosis occurrence compared with the municipality of Castanheiras (OR=1). The Administrative Regions of Porto Velho, Guajará-Mirim, Colorado D'Oeste, Cacoal, Ji-Paraná had higher risk (OR>1; p<0.05) for cysticercosis occurrence in the slaughtered animals than those reared in Ariquemes Administrative Region (OR=1). Some variables such as human population density (OR=2.15; 2.15-2.16), percentage of urban houses with inappropriate sewage system (OR=1.91, 1.91-.1.92) and percentage of inappropriate rural sewage system (OR=1.14, 1.14-1.14) were significantly associated (p<0.05) with the occurrence of bovine cysticercosis. In conclusion, the prevalence of bovine cysticercosis in the state of Rondônia was 0.014% (95% C.I. 0.013-0.014) and higher-risk areas were identified, providing useful information to Official Sanitary Inspection System in order to improve cysticercosis detection. Also, human population density and the lack of appropriate sewage system in urban and rural areas are closely related to bovine cysticercosis occurrence in this state.(AU)

Este estudo objetivou avaliar a prevalência, distribuição espacial e fatores de risco para a ocorrência de cisticercose bovina em animais abatidos oriundos do Estado de Rondônia, Brasil, entre os anos de 2012 a 2015. A prevalência observada foi de 0,014% (I.C. 95% 0,013-0,014), com maior detecção de cisticercos inviáveis (84,80%). Os municípios de Itapuã do Oeste, Candeias do Jamari, Nova Brasilândia D'Oeste, Pimenteiras do Oeste, Porto Velho, Nova Mamoré, Urupá e Guajará-Mirim apresentaram maior risco (OR>1; p<0.05) para a ocorrência da enfermidade quando comparadas ao município de Castanheiras (OR=1). As Regiões Administrativas de Porto Velho, Guajará-Mirim, Colorado D'Oeste, Cacoal, Ji-Paraná, respectivamente, apresentaram maior risco (OR>1; p<0.05) para a ocorrência de cisticercose nos bovinos abatidos comparadas à Região Administrativa de Ariquemes (OR=1). Algumas variáveis como a densidade populacional humana (OR=2,15; 2,15-2,16), percentual de domicílios urbanos com saneamento inadequado (OR=1,91, 1,91-1,92) e percentual de saneamento rural inadequado (OR=1,14, 1,14-1,14) apresentaram-se como fatores de risco significativos (p<0.05) para a ocorrência de cisticercose bovina. Conclui-se que a prevalência de cisticercose bovina no Estado de Rondônia foi 0,014% (I.C. 95% 0,013-0,014) e que áreas de maior ocorrência puderam ser identificadas, fornecendo informações a serem utilizadas pelo Serviço de Inspeção Federal para melhorar a detecção dos casos. Ainda, a densidade da população humana e a deficiência de sistemas de tratamento de esgotos urbanos e rurais estão intimamente relacionadas com a ocorrência da cisticercose bovina neste estado.(AU)

Preferential infection sites of Cysticercus bovis in cattle experimentally infected with Taenia saginata eggs.

The preferential sites of infection of Cysticercus bovis were evaluated in the skeletal muscle and entrails of 25 cattle that were experimentally infected with Taenia saginata (2×10(4) eggs). Two other animals were not inoculated (control). Ninety days after inoculation, all the cattle were euthanized. The carcasses were deboned and dissected into 26 anatomical sections (masseter muscles, brain, tongue, esophagus, heart, diaphragm, lungs, liver, kidneys, spleen, top sirloin butt, bottom sirloin butt, outside round, top (inside) round, transversus abdominus, top sirloin cap, strip loin, full tenderloin, eye of round, knuckle, shoulder clod, foreshank, shank, chuck, back ribs, and tail muscles). The dissected tissues were sliced into 5mm sections. From the 25 cattle, 9258 C. bovis (cysticerci) were recovered; 75.02% (6946) of these were recovered from skeletal muscles and 24.98% (2312) from the entrails. A high parasitism level was found in the shoulder clod (12.55%), heart (11.02%), liver (9.48%), masseter muscles (8.51%), chuck (8.25%), strip loin and full tenderloin (7.26%), knuckle (6.63%), and back ribs (5.53%), totaling 69.23% (5738) of all of the detected cysticerci. On the other hand, there was a low C. bovis parasitism level in the brain, spleen, tail muscles, kidneys, esophagus, and diaphragm, representing just 3.9% of the total number of cysticerci. Given these results, we conclude that specific skeletal musculature regions, such as the shoulder blade, chuck, strip loin and full tenderloin, knuckle, back ribs and top round, which are not officially examined in many countries, are effective sites to efficiently screen C. bovis infection. To date, these regions have not been considered as preferential sites of C. bovis infection. Based on our work, however, these regions deserve greater attention from health inspectors because they contained a greater number of Cysticercus than the other regions of carcasses that are parasitized by T. saginata larvae.

[Abundance and seasonality of Diptera (Insecta) in a poultry house in the northeast region of the state of São Paulo, Brazil]. / Abundância e sazonalidade de Dípteros (Insecta) em granja aviária da região nordeste do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil.

Modern production systems accommodate broody hens in high densities, leading to the accumulation of excrement under the cages. This substrate is excellent for the development of sinantropic flies. Thus, the accomplishment of surveys in these places becomes essential, in order to plan better strategies of control. The present work aimed at studying the entomofauna and the seasonality of the species of dipterous present in the Crisdan poultry house located in the Municipality of São João da Boa Vista, the State of São Paulo, Brazil. In the period of January of 2001 to December of 2002, 1,012,595 flies were captured using the "jug-trap". The species were identified: Drosophila repleta (Wollaston, 1858), Musca domestica (Linnaeus, 1758), Ophyra spp., Hermetria illucens (Linnaeus, 1758), Fannia canicularis (Linnaeus, 1761), Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius, 1794), and Sepsidae. More frequently D. repleta and M. domestica had added 99.47% of the dipterous. Increased rainfall and the collection months influenced the sampling of dipterous (P<0.05). Drosophila repleta was the most abundant species, representing 91% of all captured flies. However, this diptera did not develop at the surveyed site since immatures were not captured therein.

[Associated arthropodes in the laying hen excrement]. / Artrópodes associados ao excremento de aves poedeiras.

A research about arthropode fauna in laying hen excrement was carried out in a poultry house in the State of São Paulo, from January 2001 to December 2002. The objective was to verify the frequency of Diptera and Coleoptera collected by Berlese funil and flutuation methods, and to show correlation between the collect methods and sazonality possible in the currents seasons. A total of 29,499 insects were collected from seventy five collects, being 16,702 Diptera (six families) and 12,797 Coleoptera (four families). Some arthropodes presented direct relation with the collect method, the seasons of the years and the rainfall precipitation, with significant increase in the number of insects collected in certain periods of the year.

Abundância e sazonalidade de dípteros (Insecta) em granja aviária da região nordeste do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil / Abundance and seasonality of Diptera (Insecta) in a poultry house in the northeast region of the State of São Paulo, Brazil

Nos sistemas modernos de produção de ovos, as aves poedeiras são alojadas em altas densidades, acumulando esterco sob as gaiolas. Esse substrato é excelente para o desenvolvimento de moscas sinantrópicas. Sendo assim, se torna essencial a realização de levantamentos de moscas nesses locais, a fim de se planejar uma melhor estratégia de controle. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo estudar a entomofauna e a sazonalidade das espécies de dípteros da granja Crisdan, em São João da Boa Vista, São Paulo, Brasil. No período de janeiro de 2001 a dezembro de 2002 foram capturados 1.012.595 exemplares utilizando-se armadilha "jug-trap". As espécies identificadas foram: Drosophila repleta (Wollaston, 1858), Musca domestica (Linnaeus, 1758), Ophyra spp., Hermetria illucens (Linnaeus, 1758), Fannia canicularis (Linnaeus, 1761), Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius, 1794) e Sepsidae. Com maior freqüência D. repleta e M. domestica representaram 99,47 por cento dos dípteros capturados. A elevação dos índices pluviométricos em alguns meses dos anos influenciaram a amostragem de dípteros (P<0,05). D. repleta representou cerca de 91 por cento de toda população. Entretanto, este díptero provavelmente não estava se desenvolvendo no local, já que estágios imaturos não foram capturados.

Modern production systems accommodate broody hens in high densities, leading to the accumulation of excrement under the cages. This substrate is excellent for the development of sinantropic flies. Thus, the accomplishment of surveys in these places becomes essential, in order to plan better strategies of control. The present work aimed at studying the entomofauna and the seasonality of the species of dipterous present in the Crisdan poultry house located in the Municipality of São João da Boa Vista, the State of São Paulo, Brazil. In the period of January of 2001 to December of 2002, 1,012,595 flies were captured using the "jug-trap". The species were identified: Drosophi-la repleta (Wollaston, 1858), Musca domestica (Linnaeus, 1758), Ophyra spp., Hermetria illucens (Linnaeus, 1758), Fannia canicularis (Linnaeus, 1761), Chrysomya megacephala (Fabricius, 1794), and Sepsidae. More frequently D. repleta and M. domestica had added 99.47 percent of the dipterous. Increased rainfall and the collection months influenced the sampling of dipterous (P<0.05). Drosophila repleta was the most abundant species, representing 91 percent of all captured flies. However, this diptera did not develop at the surveyed site since immatures were not captured therein.

Artrópodes associados ao excremento de aves poedeiras / Associated arthropodes in the laying hen excrement

Realizou-se um estudo sobre a fauna de artrópodes associados a fezes de aves poedeiras em granja do estado de São Paulo, de janeiro de 2001 a dezembro de 2002. O objetivo foi verificar a freqüência de dípteros e coleópteros coletados por meio do funil de Berlese e pelo método de flutuação, além de correlacionar os métodos de coletas e a possível sazonalidade dos mesmos ao longo das estações. Das setenta e cinco coletas realizadas, capturaram-se 29.499 artrópodes, sendo 16.702 Diptera (seis famílias) e 12.797 Coleoptera (quatro famílias). Algumas espécies de artrópodes apresentaram relação direta entre o método de coleta, as estações do ano e a precipitação pluvial, com aumento significativo do número de insetos coletados em determinadas épocas do ano.

A research about arthropode fauna in laying hen excrement was carried out in a poultry house in the State of São Paulo, from January 2001 to December 2002. The objective was to verify the frequency of Diptera and Coleoptera collected by Berlese funil and flutuation methods, and to show correlation between the collect methods and sazonality possible in the currents seasons. A total of 29,499 insects were collected from seventy five collects, being 16,702 Diptera (six families) and 12,797 Coleoptera (four families). Some arthropodes presented direct relation with the collect method, the seasons of the years and the rainfall precipitation, with significant increase in the number of insects collected in certain periods of the year.