PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Macêdo J.T.S.A., Riet-Correa F., Simões S.V.D., Dantas A.F.M. & Nobre V.M.T. 2007. [Malignant catarrhal fever in cattle in Paraíba, northeastern Brazil.] Febre catarral maligna em bovinos na Paraíba. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(7):277-281. Hospital Veterinário, CSTR, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Campus de Patos, 58700-000 Patos, PB, Brazil. E-mail: franklin.riet@pesquisador.cnpq.br Six cases of malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) observed from 2000 to 2005, and one outbreak occurred from 1986 to 1987 are reported in the state of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil. In one case the disease was diagnosed clinically and in 5 cases also by histopathology consisting of diffuse vasculitis with fibrinoid degeneration and perivascular infiltration of mononuclear cells in many organs. In 5 cases only one cattle was affected, and in one, 2 out of 6 cattle were affected. Five cases occurred from May to August, at the end of the raining season during the lambing season. Clinical signs and pathology were characteristics of the disease. Four cattle died after a clinical manifestation period of 5-8 days, another was euthanized after 40 days, and another recovered. The outbreak reported in the municipality of Taperoá occurred from August 1986 to December 1987, with a morbidity rate of 8.22% and a fatality rate of 100%. The disease occurred after the introduction of a ram in the farm. The outbreak was controlled after the slaughter of all sheep in the farm. These results demonstrated that MCF is endemic in Paraíba, and outbreaks with high morbidity and fatality rates can also occur. As it was previously reported in the state of Rio Grande do Sul few affected cattle can recovered. Because the 6 cases of MCF represent 3.1% of the 190 cases of different diseases diagnosed by the Veterinary Hospital from 2000 to 2005, it can be estimated that the disease affects 0.125% of cattle population in the state of Paraíba.

• Malignant catarrhal fever vasculitis diseases of cattle viral diseases semiarid

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Macêdo J.T.S.A., Riet-Correa F., Simões S.V.D., Dantas A.F.M. & Nobre V.M.T. 2007. [Malignant catarrhal fever in cattle in Paraíba, northeastern Brazil.] Febre catarral maligna em bovinos na Paraíba. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(7):277-281. Hospital Veterinário, CSTR, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Campus de Patos, 58700-000 Patos, PB, Brazil. E-mail: franklin.riet@pesquisador.cnpq.br Six cases of malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) observed from 2000 to 2005, and one outbreak occurred from 1986 to 1987 are reported in the state of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil. In one case the disease was diagnosed clinically and in 5 cases also by histopathology consisting of diffuse vasculitis with fibrinoid degeneration and perivascular infiltration of mononuclear cells in many organs. In 5 cases only one cattle was affected, and in one, 2 out of 6 cattle were affected. Five cases occurred from May to August, at the end of the raining season during the lambing season. Clinical signs and pathology were characteristics of the disease. Four cattle died after a clinical manifestation period of 5-8 days, another was euthanized after 40 days, and another recovered. The outbreak reported in the municipality of Taperoá occurred from August 1986 to December 1987, with a morbidity rate of 8.22% and a fatality rate of 100%. The disease occurred after the introduction of a ram in the farm. The outbreak was controlled after the slaughter of all sheep in the farm. These results demonstrated that MCF is endemic in Paraíba, and outbreaks with high morbidity and fatality rates can also occur. As it was previously reported in the state of Rio Grande do Sul few affected cattle can recovered. Because the 6 cases of MCF represent 3.1% of the 190 cases of different diseases diagnosed by the Veterinary Hospital from 2000 to 2005, it can be estimated that the disease affects 0.125% of cattle population in the state of Paraíba.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Sant’Ana F.J.F., Garcia E.C., Rabelo R.E., Costa Y.L., Schild A.L. & Riet-Correa F. 2007. [Oropharyngeal and neurologic lesions in sheep associated with the use of drenching guns.] Lesões orofaríngeas e neurológicas em ovinos associadas ao uso de pistolas dosificadoras. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(7):282-286. Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Campus Jataí, 75800-000 Jataí, GO, Brazil. E-mail: santanafjf@yahoo.com Six outbreaks of oropharyngeal lesions caused by drenching guns in sheep are reported. In 2 outbreaks in Rio Grande do Sul the morbidity was 6.25% and 15%, and the lesions observed after antihelmintic treatment in adult sheep were characterized by a fistula extending from mouth to skin of the face. All sheep died or were euthanatized after continuous weight loss for up to 8 months. Another outbreak in the same State affected 26 out of 360 adult sheep after being dosed with molasses, causing lesions in the oral mucosa followed by malignant edema of the oral and subcutaneous tissues. All sheep died within 10 days after treatment. Another case observed in Rio Grande do Sul affected one out of 88 adult ewes. The animal died with hemorrhages from the nose and mouth 8 days after antihelmintic treatment. At necropsy an ulcerated lesion covered by a clot of fibrine was found in the oral mucosa. The lesion had a fistulated tract with purulent exudate extending through the soft tissues in direction to the right eye. Two outbreaks occurred in the State of Goiás 16-20 days after antihelmintic treatment in 5-9 months old lambs. Morbidity was 11.43% and 15.62% and fatality rate was 7.14% and 9.38%. Main clinical signs were nervous signs caused by abscesses with a diameter of 0.5-3cm, containing purulent exudates in the oropharynx, soft palate and adjacent muscles extending to the meninges through the atlantoaxial joint. Not-purulent meningitis was observed histologically. The need to use proper drenching guns and pay attention during dosing to avoid lesions of the oropharynx is pointed out.

• Oropharyngeal abscess neurologic alterations drenching guns sheep

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Sant’Ana F.J.F., Garcia E.C., Rabelo R.E., Costa Y.L., Schild A.L. & Riet-Correa F. 2007. [Oropharyngeal and neurologic lesions in sheep associated with the use of drenching guns.] Lesões orofaríngeas e neurológicas em ovinos associadas ao uso de pistolas dosificadoras. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(7):282-286. Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Campus Jataí, 75800-000 Jataí, GO, Brazil. E-mail: santanafjf@yahoo.com Six outbreaks of oropharyngeal lesions caused by drenching guns in sheep are reported. In 2 outbreaks in Rio Grande do Sul the morbidity was 6.25% and 15%, and the lesions observed after antihelmintic treatment in adult sheep were characterized by a fistula extending from mouth to skin of the face. All sheep died or were euthanatized after continuous weight loss for up to 8 months. Another outbreak in the same State affected 26 out of 360 adult sheep after being dosed with molasses, causing lesions in the oral mucosa followed by malignant edema of the oral and subcutaneous tissues. All sheep died within 10 days after treatment. Another case observed in Rio Grande do Sul affected one out of 88 adult ewes. The animal died with hemorrhages from the nose and mouth 8 days after antihelmintic treatment. At necropsy an ulcerated lesion covered by a clot of fibrine was found in the oral mucosa. The lesion had a fistulated tract with purulent exudate extending through the soft tissues in direction to the right eye. Two outbreaks occurred in the State of Goiás 16-20 days after antihelmintic treatment in 5-9 months old lambs. Morbidity was 11.43% and 15.62% and fatality rate was 7.14% and 9.38%. Main clinical signs were nervous signs caused by abscesses with a diameter of 0.5-3cm, containing purulent exudates in the oropharynx, soft palate and adjacent muscles extending to the meninges through the atlantoaxial joint. Not-purulent meningitis was observed histologically. The need to use proper drenching guns and pay attention during dosing to avoid lesions of the oropharynx is pointed out.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Melo E.S.P., Araújo F.R., Ramos C.A.N., Soares C.O., Rosinha G.M.S., Elisei C. & Madruga C.R. 2007. [ELISA based on recombinant truncated MSP5 for detection of antibodies against Anaplasma marginale in cattle.] ELISA com MSP5 recombinante truncada para detecção de anticorpos contra Anaplasma marginale em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(7):301-306. Embrapa Gado de Corte, Cx. Postal 154, Campo Grande, MS 79002-970, Brazil. E-mail: flabio@cnpgc.embrapa.br The objective of this study was the production and solubilization of recombinant truncated MSP5 of Anaplasma marginale and the evaluation of its performance in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), to detect antibodies against the rickettsia in cattle. The fragment of msp5 gene, except the hydrophobic N-terminal region, was amplified by PCR, cloned in pTrcHis-TOPO plasmid and expressed in Escherichia coli. Solubilization of the recombinant protein was evaluated in different pHs and concentrations of urea. The sensibility and specificity of the assay were evaluated with 66 sera from cattle experimentally-infected and 96 sera from cattle free of A. marginale defined by polymerase chain reaction for msp5 gene. Serum samples from 1,666 cattle from Brazil - states of Rio Grande do Sul (73), Mato Grosso do Sul (91), Pernambuco (86), Bahia (314) and Minas Gerais (267), Uruguay (32) and Costa Rica (803), were tested by ELISAs with recombinant truncated MSP5 and with recombinant MSP1a, and the agreement between both ELISAs was calculated. ELISA with recombinant truncated MSP5 protein detected infected animals with sensibility of 96.97% and specificity of 100%. In cattle experimentally-infected, the ELISA detected antibodies from the 12th day post-infection (DPI) to the end of the experiment, at the 37th DPI. The agreement between the ELISAs with truncated MSP5 and MSP1a antigens was 95.67%, with a kappa index of 0.81. Disagreement results showed significative difference (p <0.001). Antibodies for A. marginale were detected in animals of the all the region analyzed. The ELISA with recombinant truncated MSP5 showed a good performance in ELISA for detention of antibodies against A. marginale, with high sensitivity and specificity, representing an important tool for the diagnosis of anaplasmose bovine in epidemiological studies.

• Anaplasma marginale ELISA MSP5 solubilization recombinant protein

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Melo E.S.P., Araújo F.R., Ramos C.A.N., Soares C.O., Rosinha G.M.S., Elisei C. & Madruga C.R. 2007. [ELISA based on recombinant truncated MSP5 for detection of antibodies against Anaplasma marginale in cattle.] ELISA com MSP5 recombinante truncada para detecção de anticorpos contra Anaplasma marginale em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(7):301-306. Embrapa Gado de Corte, Cx. Postal 154, Campo Grande, MS 79002-970, Brazil. E-mail: flabio@cnpgc.embrapa.br The objective of this study was the production and solubilization of recombinant truncated MSP5 of Anaplasma marginale and the evaluation of its performance in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), to detect antibodies against the rickettsia in cattle. The fragment of msp5 gene, except the hydrophobic N-terminal region, was amplified by PCR, cloned in pTrcHis-TOPO plasmid and expressed in Escherichia coli. Solubilization of the recombinant protein was evaluated in different pHs and concentrations of urea. The sensibility and specificity of the assay were evaluated with 66 sera from cattle experimentally-infected and 96 sera from cattle free of A. marginale defined by polymerase chain reaction for msp5 gene. Serum samples from 1,666 cattle from Brazil - states of Rio Grande do Sul (73), Mato Grosso do Sul (91), Pernambuco (86), Bahia (314) and Minas Gerais (267), Uruguay (32) and Costa Rica (803), were tested by ELISAs with recombinant truncated MSP5 and with recombinant MSP1a, and the agreement between both ELISAs was calculated. ELISA with recombinant truncated MSP5 protein detected infected animals with sensibility of 96.97% and specificity of 100%. In cattle experimentally-infected, the ELISA detected antibodies from the 12th day post-infection (DPI) to the end of the experiment, at the 37th DPI. The agreement between the ELISAs with truncated MSP5 and MSP1a antigens was 95.67%, with a kappa index of 0.81. Disagreement results showed significative difference (p <0.001). Antibodies for A. marginale were detected in animals of the all the region analyzed. The ELISA with recombinant truncated MSP5 showed a good performance in ELISA for detention of antibodies against A. marginale, with high sensitivity and specificity, representing an important tool for the diagnosis of anaplasmose bovine in epidemiological studies.

Abstract in English:

Abstract.- Gomes M.N., Monteiro A.M.V., Nogueira Filho V.S. & Gonçalves C.A. 2007. [Areas prone for vampire bat (Desmodus rotundus) attack on cattle in the São João da Boa Vista region, State of São Paulo.] Áreas propícias para o ataque de morcegos hematófagos em bovinos na região de São João da Boa Vista, Estado de São Paulo. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(7):307-313. Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais, Cx. Postal 515, São José dos Campos, SP 12201-970, Brazil. E-mail: murilong@dpi.inpe.br Supported by previous studies that selected areas prone for the development of Desmodus rotundus roosts and bovine rabies transmitted by vampire bats in São Paulo state, the Department of Agriculture of the State of São Paulo (CDA) has conducted interventions for bovine rabies control in areas mostly close to the main rivers of surveillance regions. Inquiries of the actual concepts led to the development of a descriptive model to analyze the vampire bat Desmodus rotundus attacks on cattle far beyond main rivers and water streams in the São João da Boa Vista region, São Paulo state. The model was elaborated using satellite images classification, parameters from previous studies about vampire bats behaviour, data from the CDA and the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). All this information was used to build a geographical database and integrate in a Geographical Information System then analyzed through spatial statistical and analytical methods. The results showed that areas close to the main rivers of the towns Aguaí, Casa Branca, Santa Cruz das Palmeiras and Tambaú were found not to be under risk of bat attacks, suggesting that the hypothesis behind the CDA control areas definition does not hold when contracted with the obtained spatial data. The results indicate that the technicians from CDA need to reformulate their strategy for defining the surveillance of vampire bat populations and rabies control.

• Epidemiology rabies Desmodus rotundus GIS remote sensing

Abstract in Portuguese:

Abstract.- Gomes M.N., Monteiro A.M.V., Nogueira Filho V.S. & Gonçalves C.A. 2007. [Areas prone for vampire bat (Desmodus rotundus) attack on cattle in the São João da Boa Vista region, State of São Paulo.] Áreas propícias para o ataque de morcegos hematófagos em bovinos na região de São João da Boa Vista, Estado de São Paulo. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(7):307-313. Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais, Cx. Postal 515, São José dos Campos, SP 12201-970, Brazil. E-mail: murilong@dpi.inpe.br Supported by previous studies that selected areas prone for the development of Desmodus rotundus roosts and bovine rabies transmitted by vampire bats in São Paulo state, the Department of Agriculture of the State of São Paulo (CDA) has conducted interventions for bovine rabies control in areas mostly close to the main rivers of surveillance regions. Inquiries of the actual concepts led to the development of a descriptive model to analyze the vampire bat Desmodus rotundus attacks on cattle far beyond main rivers and water streams in the São João da Boa Vista region, São Paulo state. The model was elaborated using satellite images classification, parameters from previous studies about vampire bats behaviour, data from the CDA and the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). All this information was used to build a geographical database and integrate in a Geographical Information System then analyzed through spatial statistical and analytical methods. The results showed that areas close to the main rivers of the towns Aguaí, Casa Branca, Santa Cruz das Palmeiras and Tambaú were found not to be under risk of bat attacks, suggesting that the hypothesis behind the CDA control areas definition does not hold when contracted with the obtained spatial data. The results indicate that the technicians from CDA need to reformulate their strategy for defining the surveillance of vampire bat populations and rabies control.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Boghossian M.R., Peixoto P.V., Brito M.F. & Tokarnia C.H. 2007. [Experimental poisoning by Crotalaria mucronata (Fabaceae) seeds in cattle.] Aspectos clínico-patológicos da intoxicação experimental pelas sementes de Crotalaria mucronata (Fabaceae) em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(4):149-156. Projeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: mailto:mubogho@hotmail.com Experiments were performed to define the clinical and pathological picture of prolonged administration of the seeds of Crotalaria mucronata Desv. to cattle, in order to obtain additional information about this toxicosis. The ground seeds were administered orally to 9 bovines. Doses of 1g/kg/day, 2g/kg/day, 3g/kg/day each in one bovine, and 5g/kg/day in two of three bovines, given for 61- 63 days, did not cause poisoning. Doses of 5g/kg, in one bovine, 7.5g/kg in two bovines and 10g/kg in one bovine, given for 47-61 days, caused symptoms between 47 and 80 days after the first administration and caused death between 3 hours and 5 days after the onset of symptoms. The main clinical signs were positive venous pulse of the jugular vein, abdominal breath, tachycardia, loss of appetite, dry feces, sub-mandibular edema and weakness. Bovines that did not die, were slaughtered 8 or 9 months after first administration. At necropsy pulmonary paleness, hydropericardium, hydrothorax, hydroperitoneum, mesenteric edema, augmented hepatic consistency, discoloration of the liver, right cardiac ventricle dilatation and ruminal wall edema were seen. The main histological lesions were thickening of the alveolar walls and of the arterioles with narrowing of their lumen, and periarteriolar fibrosis, besides hepatic and cardiac lesions of minor importance. It is concluded, that the lesions caused by ingestion of the seeds of C. mucronata over a long period are caused by the difficulties of blood passage through the pulmonar vessels due to fibrosis and thickening of the arteriolar walls through the pneumotoxic action of the plant.

• Poisonous plants Crotalaria mucronata pyrrolizidine alkaloids interstitial pneumonia

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Boghossian M.R., Peixoto P.V., Brito M.F. & Tokarnia C.H. 2007. [Experimental poisoning by Crotalaria mucronata (Fabaceae) seeds in cattle.] Aspectos clínico-patológicos da intoxicação experimental pelas sementes de Crotalaria mucronata (Fabaceae) em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(4):149-156. Projeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: mailto:mubogho@hotmail.com Experiments were performed to define the clinical and pathological picture of prolonged administration of the seeds of Crotalaria mucronata Desv. to cattle, in order to obtain additional information about this toxicosis. The ground seeds were administered orally to 9 bovines. Doses of 1g/kg/day, 2g/kg/day, 3g/kg/day each in one bovine, and 5g/kg/day in two of three bovines, given for 61- 63 days, did not cause poisoning. Doses of 5g/kg, in one bovine, 7.5g/kg in two bovines and 10g/kg in one bovine, given for 47-61 days, caused symptoms between 47 and 80 days after the first administration and caused death between 3 hours and 5 days after the onset of symptoms. The main clinical signs were positive venous pulse of the jugular vein, abdominal breath, tachycardia, loss of appetite, dry feces, sub-mandibular edema and weakness. Bovines that did not die, were slaughtered 8 or 9 months after first administration. At necropsy pulmonary paleness, hydropericardium, hydrothorax, hydroperitoneum, mesenteric edema, augmented hepatic consistency, discoloration of the liver, right cardiac ventricle dilatation and ruminal wall edema were seen. The main histological lesions were thickening of the alveolar walls and of the arterioles with narrowing of their lumen, and periarteriolar fibrosis, besides hepatic and cardiac lesions of minor importance. It is concluded, that the lesions caused by ingestion of the seeds of C. mucronata over a long period are caused by the difficulties of blood passage through the pulmonar vessels due to fibrosis and thickening of the arteriolar walls through the pneumotoxic action of the plant.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Curci V.C.M., Dutra I.S., Döbereiner J. & Lucas Junior J. 2007. [The effect of composting cattle carcasses on botulinum spores and toxin content.] Pré-compostagem de cadáveres de bovinos acometidos pelo botulismo. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(4):157-161. Unidade de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Tecnológico do Agronegócio, APTA Regional Extremo Oeste, Laboratório de Sanidade Animal, Av. Alcides Fagundes Chagas 122, Araçatuba, SP 15055-240, Brazil. E-mail: vlmcursi@aptaregional.sp.gov.br Five carcasses of cattle that died from botulism were composted in individual isolated beds with the purpose of monitoring the effect on spores of Clostridium botulinum and of botulinum toxin. The diagnosis of botulinum poisoning was based on clinical and pathological, epidemic and/or laboratorial characteristics. Of the five bovines with clinical signs of chronic botulism, three were affected by the type D toxin, one by the CD complex, and one was negative for toxin and spores of C. botulinum in the viscera using a mouse bioassay. The composting process was carried out in beds with carcasses cut up and mixed with sawdust as a carbon source. They were kept anaerobic under a plastic sheet for 50 days. The temperature of the beds was monitored during the period and oscillated from 40.5 to 52.4°C. After this time, soft tissue had complete decomposed with a significant loss of weight (26.5-44.5%). The remaining bones no longer contained spores or botulinum toxin in the 5 samples taken from each carcass. Only 2 of the 200 samples of homogenized remaining (40 for each carcass) contained spores of C. botulinum type C. All samples were negative for botulinum toxin using the mouse bioassay. Composting carcasses of cattle that died from botulism eliminated botulinum spores and toxin from the remains.

• Composting bovine carcasses botulism botulinum toxin C and D Clostridium botu-linum

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Curci V.C.M., Dutra I.S., Döbereiner J. & Lucas Junior J. 2007. [The effect of composting cattle carcasses on botulinum spores and toxin content.] Pré-compostagem de cadáveres de bovinos acometidos pelo botulismo. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(4):157-161. Unidade de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Tecnológico do Agronegócio, APTA Regional Extremo Oeste, Laboratório de Sanidade Animal, Av. Alcides Fagundes Chagas 122, Araçatuba, SP 15055-240, Brazil. E-mail: vlmcursi@aptaregional.sp.gov.br Five carcasses of cattle that died from botulism were composted in individual isolated beds with the purpose of monitoring the effect on spores of Clostridium botulinum and of botulinum toxin. The diagnosis of botulinum poisoning was based on clinical and pathological, epidemic and/or laboratorial characteristics. Of the five bovines with clinical signs of chronic botulism, three were affected by the type D toxin, one by the CD complex, and one was negative for toxin and spores of C. botulinum in the viscera using a mouse bioassay. The composting process was carried out in beds with carcasses cut up and mixed with sawdust as a carbon source. They were kept anaerobic under a plastic sheet for 50 days. The temperature of the beds was monitored during the period and oscillated from 40.5 to 52.4°C. After this time, soft tissue had complete decomposed with a significant loss of weight (26.5-44.5%). The remaining bones no longer contained spores or botulinum toxin in the 5 samples taken from each carcass. Only 2 of the 200 samples of homogenized remaining (40 for each carcass) contained spores of C. botulinum type C. All samples were negative for botulinum toxin using the mouse bioassay. Composting carcasses of cattle that died from botulism eliminated botulinum spores and toxin from the remains.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Rozza D.B., Corrêa A.M.R., Leal J.S., Bandarra P.M., Guagnini F.S. & Djeison Lutier Raymundo D.L. & Driemeier D. 2007. [Experimental monensin poisoning in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) and cattle.] Intoxicação experimental por monensina em búfalos e bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(4):172-178. Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@ufrgs.br Monensin is widely used as a feed additive to improve performance of livestock; however accidental poisoning by this ionophore compound has been reported in a number of animal species. Typical clinical signs and lesions of monensin poisoning were induced in water buffaloes dosed with single dosages of 15, 10, 7.5, and 5mg/kg of the compound. Only buffaloes dosed with 2.5 mg/kg (1 day) and 1mg/kg (7 days) survived. Clinical signs initiated about 6 h post-dosing and included apathy, anorexia, diarrhea, drooling, muscular weakness, locomotion disorders, dyspnea, tachycardia, jugular distension and pulse, recumbency and death. The creatine kinase (CK) levels were highly augmented in blood samples of buffaloes dosed with monensin. Most prominent gross changes were ascites, hydrothorax, hydropericardium, cardiomegaly, hepatomegaly, and focal pale areas in the myocardium and in skeletal muscles. Degeneration and necrosis of myofibers were the principal histopathological findings. Conversely, no evidence of disease, neither change in CK levels were observed in the beef cattle steers dosed with same doses, confirming preliminary findings that buffaloes are more susceptible to monensin than cattle. In addition, this communication presents the minimal toxic dosage of monensin to buffaloes and suggests that CK tests may serve as health monitoring tools in the management of buffalo herds supplemented with monensin.

• Buffaloes cattle CK levels degenerative myopathy monensin toxicity monensin tolerance

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Rozza D.B., Corrêa A.M.R., Leal J.S., Bandarra P.M., Guagnini F.S. & Djeison Lutier Raymundo D.L. & Driemeier D. 2007. [Experimental monensin poisoning in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) and cattle.] Intoxicação experimental por monensina em búfalos e bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(4):172-178. Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@ufrgs.br Monensin is widely used as a feed additive to improve performance of livestock; however accidental poisoning by this ionophore compound has been reported in a number of animal species. Typical clinical signs and lesions of monensin poisoning were induced in water buffaloes dosed with single dosages of 15, 10, 7.5, and 5mg/kg of the compound. Only buffaloes dosed with 2.5 mg/kg (1 day) and 1mg/kg (7 days) survived. Clinical signs initiated about 6 h post-dosing and included apathy, anorexia, diarrhea, drooling, muscular weakness, locomotion disorders, dyspnea, tachycardia, jugular distension and pulse, recumbency and death. The creatine kinase (CK) levels were highly augmented in blood samples of buffaloes dosed with monensin. Most prominent gross changes were ascites, hydrothorax, hydropericardium, cardiomegaly, hepatomegaly, and focal pale areas in the myocardium and in skeletal muscles. Degeneration and necrosis of myofibers were the principal histopathological findings. Conversely, no evidence of disease, neither change in CK levels were observed in the beef cattle steers dosed with same doses, confirming preliminary findings that buffaloes are more susceptible to monensin than cattle. In addition, this communication presents the minimal toxic dosage of monensin to buffaloes and suggests that CK tests may serve as health monitoring tools in the management of buffalo herds supplemented with monensin.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Silva S.M.M.S., Castro R.S., Costa F.A.L., Vasconcelos A.C., Batista M.C.S., Riet-Correa F. & Carvalho E.M.S. 2007. [Epidemiology and symptoms of conidiobolomycosis in sheep in the State of Piauí, Brazil.] Epidemiologia e sinais clínicos da conidiobolomicose em ovinos no Estado do Piauí. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(4):184-190. Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal do Piauí, Campus da Socopo s/n, Teresina, PI 64049-550, Brazil. E-mail: silvanammss@ufpi.br Conidiobolomycosis is reported in 25 farms, from January 2002 to December 2004, in the state of Piauí. The disease affects only sheep, mainly in April-June. The mean morbidity rate was 2.80%, but was higher in the first semester (2.1%), during the raining period, than in the second one (0.69%), during the dry period. Morbidity rate among flocks varied from 0.1-14.3%. Case fatality rate was 100%, and the clinical manifestation period varied from 1-5 weeks. Clinical signs were serous, mucous and/or bloody nasal secretion, respiratory distress, snoring respiration, cranium-facial asymmetry, exophthalmia, fever and progressive emaciation. Marked depression, sometimes with the head down or head pressing was observed in some cases. Gross, microscopic and ultrastructural lesions and identification of the agent are reported elsewhere. This is the first report of conidiobolomycosis in Brazil, which is endemic and has a high frequency in sheep in the State of Piauí, associated with high rainfalls (1000-1600mm annually) and high temperature (19-36°C).

• Conidiobolomycosis Conidiobolus coronatus zygomycosis clinical signs epidemiology sheep

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Silva S.M.M.S., Castro R.S., Costa F.A.L., Vasconcelos A.C., Batista M.C.S., Riet-Correa F. & Carvalho E.M.S. 2007. [Epidemiology and symptoms of conidiobolomycosis in sheep in the State of Piauí, Brazil.] Epidemiologia e sinais clínicos da conidiobolomicose em ovinos no Estado do Piauí. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(4):184-190. Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal do Piauí, Campus da Socopo s/n, Teresina, PI 64049-550, Brazil. E-mail: silvanammss@ufpi.br Conidiobolomycosis is reported in 25 farms, from January 2002 to December 2004, in the state of Piauí. The disease affects only sheep, mainly in April-June. The mean morbidity rate was 2.80%, but was higher in the first semester (2.1%), during the raining period, than in the second one (0.69%), during the dry period. Morbidity rate among flocks varied from 0.1-14.3%. Case fatality rate was 100%, and the clinical manifestation period varied from 1-5 weeks. Clinical signs were serous, mucous and/or bloody nasal secretion, respiratory distress, snoring respiration, cranium-facial asymmetry, exophthalmia, fever and progressive emaciation. Marked depression, sometimes with the head down or head pressing was observed in some cases. Gross, microscopic and ultrastructural lesions and identification of the agent are reported elsewhere. This is the first report of conidiobolomycosis in Brazil, which is endemic and has a high frequency in sheep in the State of Piauí, associated with high rainfalls (1000-1600mm annually) and high temperature (19-36°C).

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Vieira A.C.S., Afonso J.A.B. & Mendonça C.L. 2007. [Ruminal fluid characteristics of Santa Inês sheep under pasture conditions in the State of Pernambuco.] Características do fluído ruminal de ovinos Santa Inês criados extensivamente em Pernambuco. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(3):110-114. Clínica de Bovinos, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Cx. Postal 152, Garanhuns, PE 55292-901, Brazil. E-mail: acynnara@gmail.com The objective of this study was to determine normal standards to ruminal fluid characteristics of Santa Inês sheep under pasture conditions in the State of Pernambuco. Fifty samples were collected, using an esophageal tube, during winter (rainy season) and summer (dry season). The predominant colors were an olive green in the rainy season and a nut-brown in the dry season. The smell was aromatic, but was stronger in winter. A slight viscous consistence was found in most of the samples, with a greater proportion in winter. The sedimentation and flotation time was 6.73min (±1.63) in the rainy period and 3.15min (±0.72) in the dry period. In the biochemical tests, the average values found in winter and summer were, respectively: pH 6.76±0.21 and 6,59±0.14; methylene blue reduction, 3.20min (±0.76) and 7.76min (±3.00); chloride, 28.14±4,16mEq/L and 24.97±5.65mEq/L; acidity, 21.90±4.38UC and 13.68±2.97UC. Ruminal microbiotic analyses revealed abundant and moderate density of protozoa in winter and summer, respectively. The motility was very active and there were almost 90% of live protozoa in both seasons. Protozoa numbers were 425.373±217.258/mL in winter and 155.375±83.113/mL in summer. There was a mixed population of bacteria with prevalence of Gram-negative forms in both seasons.

• Ruminal fluid sheep bacteria protozoa

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Vieira A.C.S., Afonso J.A.B. & Mendonça C.L. 2007. [Ruminal fluid characteristics of Santa Inês sheep under pasture conditions in the State of Pernambuco.] Características do fluído ruminal de ovinos Santa Inês criados extensivamente em Pernambuco. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(3):110-114. Clínica de Bovinos, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Cx. Postal 152, Garanhuns, PE 55292-901, Brazil. E-mail: acynnara@gmail.com The objective of this study was to determine normal standards to ruminal fluid characteristics of Santa Inês sheep under pasture conditions in the State of Pernambuco. Fifty samples were collected, using an esophageal tube, during winter (rainy season) and summer (dry season). The predominant colors were an olive green in the rainy season and a nut-brown in the dry season. The smell was aromatic, but was stronger in winter. A slight viscous consistence was found in most of the samples, with a greater proportion in winter. The sedimentation and flotation time was 6.73min (±1.63) in the rainy period and 3.15min (±0.72) in the dry period. In the biochemical tests, the average values found in winter and summer were, respectively: pH 6.76±0.21 and 6,59±0.14; methylene blue reduction, 3.20min (±0.76) and 7.76min (±3.00); chloride, 28.14±4,16mEq/L and 24.97±5.65mEq/L; acidity, 21.90±4.38UC and 13.68±2.97UC. Ruminal microbiotic analyses revealed abundant and moderate density of protozoa in winter and summer, respectively. The motility was very active and there were almost 90% of live protozoa in both seasons. Protozoa numbers were 425.373±217.258/mL in winter and 155.375±83.113/mL in summer. There was a mixed population of bacteria with prevalence of Gram-negative forms in both seasons.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Farias M.M.M.D, Wenceslau C.V., Passos J., Teixeira D.G., Araújo K.P.C., Ambrósio C.E., Martins D.S. & Prada I.L.S. 2007. [Behavior of the glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves in the retropharyngeal region of sheep: apparent origin in cranium, course, branching and dis-tribution.] Comportamento dos nervos glossofaríngeo e vago, na região retrofaríngea de ovinos: origem aparente no crânio, trajeto, ramificação e distribuição. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(3):115-123. Setor de Anatomia dos Animais Domésticos e Silvestres, Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia. Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP 05508-900, Brazil. E-mail: ceambrosio@usp.br In 60 hemiheads of sheep of the Santa Ines breed the apparent origin in the skull of itinerary, ramification and distribution of the glossopharingeal nerve (Gf) and the vagus nerve (Vg) in the retropharyngeal region (Rr) were studied. By fixation and dissection of the specimens it was seen that the glossopharyngeal nerve and the vagus nerve arise from the jugular foramen in 100% of the cases. The right and the left glossopharingeal nerve (Glde) are frequently (86.6%) located more medially to the tympanic bulla, pass caudally to the stylohyoid bone, bypass the margin of the caudal stylopharyngeal muscle, the tonsilla, of the pharyngeal and the lingual mucous membrane. These branches are distributed, respectively, in the carotid sinus, pharyngeal musculature, soft palate, stylopharyngeal muscle, palatine tonsil, pharyngeal mucosa and the caudal third of the tongue (100%). The right and the left vagus nerve run caudally in association with the accessory nerves (Ac) up to the atlas (70%) and go then medially to the occipital artery, dorsally to the common carotid and the sympathetic trunk in the cervical region (80%). The vague nerves have pharyngeal (86.6%) and cranial laryngeal (100%) branches.

• Anatomy sheep glossopharingeal nerve vagus nerve

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Farias M.M.M.D, Wenceslau C.V., Passos J., Teixeira D.G., Araújo K.P.C., Ambrósio C.E., Martins D.S. & Prada I.L.S. 2007. [Behavior of the glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves in the retropharyngeal region of sheep: apparent origin in cranium, course, branching and dis-tribution.] Comportamento dos nervos glossofaríngeo e vago, na região retrofaríngea de ovinos: origem aparente no crânio, trajeto, ramificação e distribuição. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(3):115-123. Setor de Anatomia dos Animais Domésticos e Silvestres, Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia. Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP 05508-900, Brazil. E-mail: ceambrosio@usp.br In 60 hemiheads of sheep of the Santa Ines breed the apparent origin in the skull of itinerary, ramification and distribution of the glossopharingeal nerve (Gf) and the vagus nerve (Vg) in the retropharyngeal region (Rr) were studied. By fixation and dissection of the specimens it was seen that the glossopharyngeal nerve and the vagus nerve arise from the jugular foramen in 100% of the cases. The right and the left glossopharingeal nerve (Glde) are frequently (86.6%) located more medially to the tympanic bulla, pass caudally to the stylohyoid bone, bypass the margin of the caudal stylopharyngeal muscle, the tonsilla, of the pharyngeal and the lingual mucous membrane. These branches are distributed, respectively, in the carotid sinus, pharyngeal musculature, soft palate, stylopharyngeal muscle, palatine tonsil, pharyngeal mucosa and the caudal third of the tongue (100%). The right and the left vagus nerve run caudally in association with the accessory nerves (Ac) up to the atlas (70%) and go then medially to the occipital artery, dorsally to the common carotid and the sympathetic trunk in the cervical region (80%). The vague nerves have pharyngeal (86.6%) and cranial laryngeal (100%) branches.