PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

Hofer E. & Reis C.M.F. 2005. [Species and serovars of Listeria isolated from sick and clinically healthy animals in Brazil.] Espécies e sorovares de Listeria isolados de animais doentes e portadores no Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(2):79-83. Laboratório de Zoonoses Bacterianas, Depto Bacteriologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21045-900, Brazil. E-mail: ehofer@ioc.fiocruz.br Two hundred fourty-six strains of the genus Listeria were isolated from sick and clinically healthy animals, collected in three different regions of Brazil during 1971-2000. About 88.2% (217 cultures) yielded Listeria species from faecal specimens of healthy cattle and 29 strains (11.7%) were isolated from sick animals: 15 (6.0%) from central nervous system (CNS) and 14(5.6%) were from otherwise sterile sites. Phenotyping techniques were used to characterize the Listeria isolates. The commonest were L. innocua 6a and non-typable (140/56.9%), L. monocytogenes 4a (37/15.0%) and 4b (22/8.9%), originated mainly from stools of healthy cattle. From sick animals the predominant species and serovars were L. monocytogenes 4b (14/5.6%), and the higher incidence was observed in ruminants (12/4.8%) and 8/3.2% of the serovar 1a from other animal species (rodents and canines) mainly isolated from CNS samples.

• Listeria species serovars sick and healthy animals.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Hofer E. & Reis C.M.F. 2005. [Species and serovars of Listeria isolated from sick and clinically healthy animals in Brazil.] Espécies e sorovares de Listeria isolados de animais doentes e portadores no Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(2):79-83. Laboratório de Zoonoses Bacterianas, Depto Bacteriologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21045-900, Brazil. E-mail: ehofer@ioc.fiocruz.br Two hundred fourty-six strains of the genus Listeria were isolated from sick and clinically healthy animals, collected in three different regions of Brazil during 1971-2000. About 88.2% (217 cultures) yielded Listeria species from faecal specimens of healthy cattle and 29 strains (11.7%) were isolated from sick animals: 15 (6.0%) from central nervous system (CNS) and 14(5.6%) were from otherwise sterile sites. Phenotyping techniques were used to characterize the Listeria isolates. The commonest were L. innocua 6a and non-typable (140/56.9%), L. monocytogenes 4a (37/15.0%) and 4b (22/8.9%), originated mainly from stools of healthy cattle. From sick animals the predominant species and serovars were L. monocytogenes 4b (14/5.6%), and the higher incidence was observed in ruminants (12/4.8%) and 8/3.2% of the serovar 1a from other animal species (rodents and canines) mainly isolated from CNS samples.

Abstract in English:

Dutra I.S., Döbereiner J. & Souza A.M. 2005. [Botulism in beef and dairy cattle fed with poultry litter.] Botulismo em bovinos alimentados com cama de frango. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(2):115-119. Depto Apoio, Produção e Saúde Animal, Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Rua Clóvis Pestana 793, Araçatuba, SP 16065-080, Brazil. E-mail: isdutra@fmva.unesp.br Outbreaks of botulism caused by type C and D of the botulinum toxin are frequent in Brazil, and are associated with bone chewing and ingestion of contaminated food and water. This paper reports the epidemiological, clinical, pathological and laboratorial aspects of 7 outbreaks of botulism in beef and dairy cattle fed with poultry litter, which occurred in the states of São Paulo and Minas Gerais, 1989-2000. Five outbreaks occurred in beef cattle herds, raised in confinement or under pasture conditions and supplemented with poultry litter, and 2 outbreaks occurred in dairy farms. From o total of 1,535 cattle supplemented regularily with poultry litter 455 animals (29.64%) died within 2 to 4 weeks. Morbidity and mortality varied from 3.47 to 100% in the 7 outbreaks. In one of the farms the lethality was 60.52%, and in others more than 88.43%, reaching 100% in three farms. Clinical signs were progressive paralysis, difficulties in moving, decubitus, normal alertness, decreased muscular tonus of tongue and tail, sialorrhoe and dyspnoe. At post-mortem examination of 30 cattle no noteable changes were observed. Spores of Clostridium botulinum were found in poultry litter samples collected on 7 farms. In liver, ruminal and intestinal fluid samples from 30 necropsied cattle botulinum toxin of type C (5) and D (9) or of the CD complex (1) were found in at least one of the samples collected from 15 animals, which confirms the clincial, pathological and epidemiological diagnosis of botulism.

• Botulism cattle poultry litter.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Dutra I.S., Döbereiner J. & Souza A.M. 2005. [Botulism in beef and dairy cattle fed with poultry litter.] Botulismo em bovinos alimentados com cama de frango. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(2):115-119. Depto Apoio, Produção e Saúde Animal, Curso de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp), Rua Clóvis Pestana 793, Araçatuba, SP 16065-080, Brazil. E-mail: isdutra@fmva.unesp.br Outbreaks of botulism caused by type C and D of the botulinum toxin are frequent in Brazil, and are associated with bone chewing and ingestion of contaminated food and water. This paper reports the epidemiological, clinical, pathological and laboratorial aspects of 7 outbreaks of botulism in beef and dairy cattle fed with poultry litter, which occurred in the states of São Paulo and Minas Gerais, 1989-2000. Five outbreaks occurred in beef cattle herds, raised in confinement or under pasture conditions and supplemented with poultry litter, and 2 outbreaks occurred in dairy farms. From o total of 1,535 cattle supplemented regularily with poultry litter 455 animals (29.64%) died within 2 to 4 weeks. Morbidity and mortality varied from 3.47 to 100% in the 7 outbreaks. In one of the farms the lethality was 60.52%, and in others more than 88.43%, reaching 100% in three farms. Clinical signs were progressive paralysis, difficulties in moving, decubitus, normal alertness, decreased muscular tonus of tongue and tail, sialorrhoe and dyspnoe. At post-mortem examination of 30 cattle no noteable changes were observed. Spores of Clostridium botulinum were found in poultry litter samples collected on 7 farms. In liver, ruminal and intestinal fluid samples from 30 necropsied cattle botulinum toxin of type C (5) and D (9) or of the CD complex (1) were found in at least one of the samples collected from 15 animals, which confirms the clincial, pathological and epidemiological diagnosis of botulism.

Abstract in English:

Aguirre J.I., Gomar M.S., Igal, S., Quiroga M.A., Portiansky E.L & Gimeno E.J. 2005. Bone changes caused by experimental Solanum malacoxylon poisoning in rabbits. [Alterações ósseas causadas na intoxicação experimental por Solanum malacoxylon em coelhos.] Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(1):34-38. Institute of Pathology “Prof. Dr. Bernardo Epstein”, School of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata, P.O.Box 296, (1900) La Plata, Argentina. E-mail: ejgimeno@fcv.unlp.edu.ar The aim of this study was to describe the bone changes observed after a daily oral administration of the calcinogenic plant Solanum malacoxylon (syn. S. glaucophyllum) (Sm) during 9 days. The Sm-poisoned rabbits had an increase of bone resorption in the endosteal surface of the cortical zone and also in the surface covered by osteoblasts of the primary and secondary spongiosa of the trabecular bone compartment. Moreover, the epiphyseal growth plates in long bones appeared narrower than in the control rabbits, with reduction of the proliferative and hyperthrophic chondrocyte zones. The electron microscopic study revealed a significant decrease of proteoglycans in the hyperthrophic chondrocyte zone evidenced by a significant reduction of rutenium red positive granules in the poisoned rabbit. Altogether, these data suggest that cell differentiation may play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of Sm-induced bone lesions.

• Solanum malacoxylon S. glaucophyllum calcinogenic plant rabbit bone tissue growth plate.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Aguirre J.I., Gomar M.S., Igal, S., Quiroga M.A., Portiansky E.L & Gimeno E.J. 2005. Bone changes caused by experimental Solanum malacoxylon poisoning in rabbits. [Alterações ósseas causadas na intoxicação experimental por Solanum malacoxylon em coelhos.] Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(1):34-38. Institute of Pathology “Prof. Dr. Bernardo Epstein”, School of Veterinary Sciences, National University of La Plata, P.O.Box 296, (1900) La Plata, Argentina. E-mail: ejgimeno@fcv.unlp.edu.ar The aim of this study was to describe the bone changes observed after a daily oral administration of the calcinogenic plant Solanum malacoxylon (syn. S. glaucophyllum) (Sm) during 9 days. The Sm-poisoned rabbits had an increase of bone resorption in the endosteal surface of the cortical zone and also in the surface covered by osteoblasts of the primary and secondary spongiosa of the trabecular bone compartment. Moreover, the epiphyseal growth plates in long bones appeared narrower than in the control rabbits, with reduction of the proliferative and hyperthrophic chondrocyte zones. The electron microscopic study revealed a significant decrease of proteoglycans in the hyperthrophic chondrocyte zone evidenced by a significant reduction of rutenium red positive granules in the poisoned rabbit. Altogether, these data suggest that cell differentiation may play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of Sm-induced bone lesions.

Abstract in English:

Penatti M.P.A., Silva A.S., Valadares G.F. & Leite D.S. 2005. Occurrence of F42 colonization factor in Escherichia coli strains isolated from piglets with diarrhea. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(1):31-33. Depto Microbiologia e Imunologia, Instituto de Biologia, Unicamp, Campinas, SP 13081-970, Brazil. E-mail: domingos@unicamp.br The objective of this study was to determine the presence of the colonization factor F42 in 168 strains of Escherichia coli isolated from diarrheic stools of newborn piglets. The presence of F42 in 12 (7.1%) strains was detected with the agglutination test. Through the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) of F42 positive strains, gene encoding enterotoxins (ST-I, ST-II, LT-I and LT-II) were detected. The finding of ST-I/ST-II genes in 50% of the strains, ST-I (16%) and ST-II (25%) indicates a strong association of FC F42 with heat-stable enterotoxins (91%). In contrast, the thermolabile enterotoxin (LT-I and LT-II) genes were not detected. Serogroups of F42 positive strains were determined, serogroup O8 being the most prevalent (41,7%). Other serogroups, as there are O9, O11, O18, O32, O35, O98 and O101, were also identified. Thus, FC F42 was confirmed as an additional factor of virulence in the pathogenesis of porcine colibacillosis.

• Escherichia coli F42 piglets fimbriae diarrhea PCR.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Penatti M.P.A., Silva A.S., Valadares G.F. & Leite D.S. 2005. Occurrence of F42 colonization factor in Escherichia coli strains isolated from piglets with diarrhea. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(1):31-33. Depto Microbiologia e Imunologia, Instituto de Biologia, Unicamp, Campinas, SP 13081-970, Brazil. E-mail: domingos@unicamp.br The objective of this study was to determine the presence of the colonization factor F42 in 168 strains of Escherichia coli isolated from diarrheic stools of newborn piglets. The presence of F42 in 12 (7.1%) strains was detected with the agglutination test. Through the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) of F42 positive strains, gene encoding enterotoxins (ST-I, ST-II, LT-I and LT-II) were detected. The finding of ST-I/ST-II genes in 50% of the strains, ST-I (16%) and ST-II (25%) indicates a strong association of FC F42 with heat-stable enterotoxins (91%). In contrast, the thermolabile enterotoxin (LT-I and LT-II) genes were not detected. Serogroups of F42 positive strains were determined, serogroup O8 being the most prevalent (41,7%). Other serogroups, as there are O9, O11, O18, O32, O35, O98 and O101, were also identified. Thus, FC F42 was confirmed as an additional factor of virulence in the pathogenesis of porcine colibacillosis.

Abstract in English:

Seitz A.L., Colodel E.M., Barros S.S. & Driemeier D. 2005. [Experimental poisoning by Sida carpinifolia (Malvaceae) in sheep.] Intoxicação experimental por Sida carpinifolia (Malvaceae) em ovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(1):15-20. Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: alseitz@terra.com.br. Seven sheep received dry crushed Sida carpinifolia L.f. One of them died at 18 and other at 53 days of the experiment. Four others were euthanatized and necropsied at 30, 45, 75 and 100 days. For one sheep the supply of S. carpinifolia was interrupted on the 80th day of the experiment, and 70 days later the animal was euthanized and necropsied. The minimal amount of the dry plant consumed was 11 g/kg and the maximum was 30 g/kg. The progression of clinical findings was similar in six animals with slight diarrhea at 20 days of experiment. Neurological signs were observed at 25 days and included ataxia with dysmetria, muscle tremors of the head, atypical postural reactions, frequent falls, sluggish of movements, difficulty in grazing and swallowing. These signs were enhanced when the animals were forced to walk. Four of the animals presented progressive emaciation. The sheep whose supply of the plant was interrupted recovered gradually, and 11 days after the animal returned to normal. During necropsy, only enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes were observed. The histological alterations were more significant in the central nervous system, with multiple and severe cytoplasmic distention and vacuolation which affects specially Purkinje cells of the cerebellum, neurons of cerebral cortex, thalamus, midbrain and the ventral horn of spinal cord. Axonal spheroids in the brain, more frequently in the granular layer of cerebellum were also observed. The cytoplasmic vacuolation was also found in pancreatic acinar cells, renal tubules, thyroid follicular epithelium, hepatocytes and macrophages of lymphoid organs. The ultrastructural lesions observed were cytoplasmic vacuolation, some surrounded by membranes in Purkinje cells of cerebellum and thyroid follicular cells. The sheep, which had S. carpinifolia withdrawn from its diet for 70 days, had no significant histological alterations.

• Toxic plants plant poisoning Sida carpinifolia Malvaceae lysosomal storage disease swainsonine electronic microscopy.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Seitz A.L., Colodel E.M., Barros S.S. & Driemeier D. 2005. [Experimental poisoning by Sida carpinifolia (Malvaceae) in sheep.] Intoxicação experimental por Sida carpinifolia (Malvaceae) em ovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(1):15-20. Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: alseitz@terra.com.br. Seven sheep received dry crushed Sida carpinifolia L.f. One of them died at 18 and other at 53 days of the experiment. Four others were euthanatized and necropsied at 30, 45, 75 and 100 days. For one sheep the supply of S. carpinifolia was interrupted on the 80th day of the experiment, and 70 days later the animal was euthanized and necropsied. The minimal amount of the dry plant consumed was 11 g/kg and the maximum was 30 g/kg. The progression of clinical findings was similar in six animals with slight diarrhea at 20 days of experiment. Neurological signs were observed at 25 days and included ataxia with dysmetria, muscle tremors of the head, atypical postural reactions, frequent falls, sluggish of movements, difficulty in grazing and swallowing. These signs were enhanced when the animals were forced to walk. Four of the animals presented progressive emaciation. The sheep whose supply of the plant was interrupted recovered gradually, and 11 days after the animal returned to normal. During necropsy, only enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes were observed. The histological alterations were more significant in the central nervous system, with multiple and severe cytoplasmic distention and vacuolation which affects specially Purkinje cells of the cerebellum, neurons of cerebral cortex, thalamus, midbrain and the ventral horn of spinal cord. Axonal spheroids in the brain, more frequently in the granular layer of cerebellum were also observed. The cytoplasmic vacuolation was also found in pancreatic acinar cells, renal tubules, thyroid follicular epithelium, hepatocytes and macrophages of lymphoid organs. The ultrastructural lesions observed were cytoplasmic vacuolation, some surrounded by membranes in Purkinje cells of cerebellum and thyroid follicular cells. The sheep, which had S. carpinifolia withdrawn from its diet for 70 days, had no significant histological alterations.

Abstract in English:

Groff F.H.S., Merlo M.A., Stoll P.A., Stepan A.L., Weiblen R. & Flores E.F. 2005. [Epidemiology and control of pseudorabies outbreaks in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, 2003.] Epidemiologia e controle dos focos da doença de Aujeszky no Rio Grande do Sul, em 2003. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(1):25-30. Depto Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universi-dade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil. E-mail: flores@ccr.ufsm.br Aujeszky’s disease (AD) or pseudorabies is an important viral disease of swine and has significant economic impact on the pig industry worldwide. The infection produces direct and indirect economic losses, mainly due to restrictions to international trade of swine products. Since the beginning of the 20th century, AD had been notified in several Brazilian regions, yet the state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS) remained as a “provisionally free” area under the International Organization of Epizooties (OIE) guidelines. In 2003, two outbreaks were notified in swine herds located in northern RS, boundary with Santa Catarina, a state where the infection is endemic. Control/eradication measures consisted in tracing back all swine movements, quarantine and eradication of the affected herds by sanitary slaughter under official inspection. In outbreak # 1 (Pinheirinho do Vale, January/2003) six herds were affected, one of which presented animals with clinical signs. Starting from this outbreak, 146 herds and 42.399 pigs were traced back, six herds (7.822 animals) being depopulated – the herd where the index outbreak plus five other herds with positive serology. The outbreak # 2 (Aratiba, September/2003) resulted in a wider spread of the infection, involving another three counties and 77 herds (9 with clinical signs, 68 with positive serology). From the index case, 109.316 pigs in 630 herds were traced back; 28.443 animals from positive herds were slaughtered. Total numbers reached 151.715 traced back animals in 776 herds; 71 herds were found serologically positive. The adopted measures were efficient to eliminate the outbreaks and to stop the disease spread to neighboring areas, reestablishing the sanitary status previous to the outbreaks.

• Aujeszky’s disease pseudorabies ADV PRV epidemiology.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Groff F.H.S., Merlo M.A., Stoll P.A., Stepan A.L., Weiblen R. & Flores E.F. 2005. [Epidemiology and control of pseudorabies outbreaks in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, 2003.] Epidemiologia e controle dos focos da doença de Aujeszky no Rio Grande do Sul, em 2003. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(1):25-30. Depto Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universi-dade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil. E-mail: flores@ccr.ufsm.br Aujeszky’s disease (AD) or pseudorabies is an important viral disease of swine and has significant economic impact on the pig industry worldwide. The infection produces direct and indirect economic losses, mainly due to restrictions to international trade of swine products. Since the beginning of the 20th century, AD had been notified in several Brazilian regions, yet the state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS) remained as a “provisionally free” area under the International Organization of Epizooties (OIE) guidelines. In 2003, two outbreaks were notified in swine herds located in northern RS, boundary with Santa Catarina, a state where the infection is endemic. Control/eradication measures consisted in tracing back all swine movements, quarantine and eradication of the affected herds by sanitary slaughter under official inspection. In outbreak # 1 (Pinheirinho do Vale, January/2003) six herds were affected, one of which presented animals with clinical signs. Starting from this outbreak, 146 herds and 42.399 pigs were traced back, six herds (7.822 animals) being depopulated – the herd where the index outbreak plus five other herds with positive serology. The outbreak # 2 (Aratiba, September/2003) resulted in a wider spread of the infection, involving another three counties and 77 herds (9 with clinical signs, 68 with positive serology). From the index case, 109.316 pigs in 630 herds were traced back; 28.443 animals from positive herds were slaughtered. Total numbers reached 151.715 traced back animals in 776 herds; 71 herds were found serologically positive. The adopted measures were efficient to eliminate the outbreaks and to stop the disease spread to neighboring areas, reestablishing the sanitary status previous to the outbreaks.

Abstract in English:

Vargas A.C., Costa M.M., Groff A.C.M., Viana L.R., Krewer C.C., Spricigo D.A. & Kirinus J.K. 2005. [Antimicrobial susceptibility of Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis isolated from cattle.] Susceptibilidade antimicrobiana de Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis isolado de bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(1):1-3. Laboratório de Bacteriologia do Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: agueda@ccr.ufsm.br Venereal campylobacteriosis is associated with infection of Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus and Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis. The etiological agent is transmitted by natural bull breeding or artificial insemination using contaminated semen. The present study aimed to determine the in vitro susceptibility of C. fetus subsp. venerealis isolates to antimicrobial drugs generally used in clinical and semen treatment. Reference strains of C. fetus subsp. fetus and C. fetus subsp. venerealis and 21 C. fetus isolates were tested. The susceptibility test was performed by using the modified Kirby-Bauer diffusion disc method. C. fetus subsp. fetus reference strain was resistant to lincomycin and penicillin. C. fetus subsp. venerealis was susceptible to all antimicrobial tested, with exception to C.C. KrewerDnalidixic acid. C. fetus subsp. venerealis samples were sensible to amikacin, ampicillin, cefalotin, streptomycin, gentamycin, penicillin and tetracycline. Drug resistance was observed on 42.86% of lincomycin, 4,76 % of enrofloxacin, and 100% to nalidixic acid. In addition 4.76% of the isolates showed intermediate susceptibility to enrofloxacin, neomycin, polimixin B and 9.52% to lincomycin. The susceptibility of C. fetus isolates to antimicrobial drugs commonly used in clinical and semen treatment was demonstrated.

• Campylobacteriosis cattle semen antibiomicrobials.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Vargas A.C., Costa M.M., Groff A.C.M., Viana L.R., Krewer C.C., Spricigo D.A. & Kirinus J.K. 2005. [Antimicrobial susceptibility of Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis isolated from cattle.] Susceptibilidade antimicrobiana de Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis isolado de bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 25(1):1-3. Laboratório de Bacteriologia do Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: agueda@ccr.ufsm.br Venereal campylobacteriosis is associated with infection of Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus and Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis. The etiological agent is transmitted by natural bull breeding or artificial insemination using contaminated semen. The present study aimed to determine the in vitro susceptibility of C. fetus subsp. venerealis isolates to antimicrobial drugs generally used in clinical and semen treatment. Reference strains of C. fetus subsp. fetus and C. fetus subsp. venerealis and 21 C. fetus isolates were tested. The susceptibility test was performed by using the modified Kirby-Bauer diffusion disc method. C. fetus subsp. fetus reference strain was resistant to lincomycin and penicillin. C. fetus subsp. venerealis was susceptible to all antimicrobial tested, with exception to C.C. KrewerDnalidixic acid. C. fetus subsp. venerealis samples were sensible to amikacin, ampicillin, cefalotin, streptomycin, gentamycin, penicillin and tetracycline. Drug resistance was observed on 42.86% of lincomycin, 4,76 % of enrofloxacin, and 100% to nalidixic acid. In addition 4.76% of the isolates showed intermediate susceptibility to enrofloxacin, neomycin, polimixin B and 9.52% to lincomycin. The susceptibility of C. fetus isolates to antimicrobial drugs commonly used in clinical and semen treatment was demonstrated.

Abstract in English:

García y Santos M.C., Schild A.L., Barros S.S., Riet-Correa F., Elias F. & Ramos A.T. 2004. [Perinatal lesions in cattle experimentally poisoned by Ateleia glazioviana (Leg. Papilionoideae).] Lesões perinatais em bovinos na intoxicação experimental por Ateleia glazio-viana (Leg.Papilionoideae). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(3):178-184. Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico, Faculdade de Veterinária, UFPel, Cx.Postal 354, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: alschild@terra.com.br Leaves of Ateleia glaziovian Baill., dried in a 100o C oven for 16-20 hours, were given to seven crossbred cows, always as bolus. Two of them received 9 g/kg at 4 months of pregnancy. Three cows in the 8th month of pregnancy received daily doses of 1-2 g/kg of the leaves, until a total amount of 10, 21 and 28 g/kg/bw was reached. Two 8-month-pregnant cows were fed 15.5 and 18 g/kg of the dried leaves. Two 4-month-pregnant cows were fed 35 g/kg of green leaves of A. glazioviana. The cow treated with 21 g/kg of the dry plant material showed clinical signs of poisoning and delivered a stillborn calf. No clinical signs were observed in the other cows. The calves from cows that received 9, 15.5 and 28 g/kg of the dried leaves showed weakness and suckling difficulties, and were killed. Whitish areas and thickening of the right ventricle wall of the heart were observed in the stillborn calf. Thickening of the wall of the right ventricle was also observed in the calf delivered by the cow treated with 28g/kg of dry plant. The other calves had no gross lesions. The histological changes in all necropsied calves were characterized by tumefaction and vacuolization of muscle fibers and proliferation of fibrous tissue, similar as occurred in spontaneous cases of fibrosis of the heart muscle in cattle poisoned by A. glazioviana. PAS stained slides revealed positive granules in the cardiomyocytes more evident than those of the control calf. The stillborn calf had mild spongiosis of the white matter of the cerebellum, thalamus and rostral colliculi. The ultrastructural pathology revealed cardiac fibers with large glycogen storage within myofibril bundles, which showed loss of bundles and disappearance of whole sarcomers. Mild glycogen storage was observed in a control calf.

• Poisonous plants plant poisoning Ateleia glazioviana Leguminosae Papilionoideae abortion cardiac fibrosis glycogenosis.

Abstract in Portuguese:

García y Santos M.C., Schild A.L., Barros S.S., Riet-Correa F., Elias F. & Ramos A.T. 2004. [Perinatal lesions in cattle experimentally poisoned by Ateleia glazioviana (Leg. Papilionoideae).] Lesões perinatais em bovinos na intoxicação experimental por Ateleia glazio-viana (Leg.Papilionoideae). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(3):178-184. Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico, Faculdade de Veterinária, UFPel, Cx.Postal 354, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: alschild@terra.com.br Leaves of Ateleia glaziovian Baill., dried in a 100o C oven for 16-20 hours, were given to seven crossbred cows, always as bolus. Two of them received 9 g/kg at 4 months of pregnancy. Three cows in the 8th month of pregnancy received daily doses of 1-2 g/kg of the leaves, until a total amount of 10, 21 and 28 g/kg/bw was reached. Two 8-month-pregnant cows were fed 15.5 and 18 g/kg of the dried leaves. Two 4-month-pregnant cows were fed 35 g/kg of green leaves of A. glazioviana. The cow treated with 21 g/kg of the dry plant material showed clinical signs of poisoning and delivered a stillborn calf. No clinical signs were observed in the other cows. The calves from cows that received 9, 15.5 and 28 g/kg of the dried leaves showed weakness and suckling difficulties, and were killed. Whitish areas and thickening of the right ventricle wall of the heart were observed in the stillborn calf. Thickening of the wall of the right ventricle was also observed in the calf delivered by the cow treated with 28g/kg of dry plant. The other calves had no gross lesions. The histological changes in all necropsied calves were characterized by tumefaction and vacuolization of muscle fibers and proliferation of fibrous tissue, similar as occurred in spontaneous cases of fibrosis of the heart muscle in cattle poisoned by A. glazioviana. PAS stained slides revealed positive granules in the cardiomyocytes more evident than those of the control calf. The stillborn calf had mild spongiosis of the white matter of the cerebellum, thalamus and rostral colliculi. The ultrastructural pathology revealed cardiac fibers with large glycogen storage within myofibril bundles, which showed loss of bundles and disappearance of whole sarcomers. Mild glycogen storage was observed in a control calf.

Abstract in English:

Lima E.S.C., Pinto P.S.A., Santos J.L., Vanetti M.C.D., Bevilacqua P.D., Almeida L.P., Pinto M.S. & Dias F.S. 2004. [Isolation of Salmonella sp and Staphylococcus aureus at swine slaughtering as subsidy for HACCP, the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point system.] Isolamento de Salmonella sp e Staphylococcus aureus no processo do abate suíno como subsídio ao sistema de Análise de Perigos e Pontos Críticos de Controle - APPCC. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(4):185-190. Depto Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36571-000 Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil. E-mail: pintopsa@ufv.br This study was done to evaluate the superficial contamination of swine carcasses by Salmonella sp and Staphylococcus aureus, the identification of microbiological hazards in different segments of the processing line, and critical control points (CCPs), through the quantification of risks. A total of 120 surface swabbing carcasses were collected in a slaughterhouse: after the scalding/dehairing (point A), before evisceration (B), after evisceration and splitting (C), and after 24 hours of refrigeration (D). Salmonella sp and S. aureus were isolated from 14 (11.7%) carcasses. No statistical difference between the points studied was observed. The number of S. aureus isolated was between 1.2 and 1.5 log UFC/cm2. It was concluded that the risks observed were the same for both microorganisms.

• Salmonella sp Staphylococcus aureus swine carcass slaughterhouse HACCP.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Lima E.S.C., Pinto P.S.A., Santos J.L., Vanetti M.C.D., Bevilacqua P.D., Almeida L.P., Pinto M.S. & Dias F.S. 2004. [Isolation of Salmonella sp and Staphylococcus aureus at swine slaughtering as subsidy for HACCP, the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point system.] Isolamento de Salmonella sp e Staphylococcus aureus no processo do abate suíno como subsídio ao sistema de Análise de Perigos e Pontos Críticos de Controle - APPCC. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(4):185-190. Depto Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36571-000 Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil. E-mail: pintopsa@ufv.br This study was done to evaluate the superficial contamination of swine carcasses by Salmonella sp and Staphylococcus aureus, the identification of microbiological hazards in different segments of the processing line, and critical control points (CCPs), through the quantification of risks. A total of 120 surface swabbing carcasses were collected in a slaughterhouse: after the scalding/dehairing (point A), before evisceration (B), after evisceration and splitting (C), and after 24 hours of refrigeration (D). Salmonella sp and S. aureus were isolated from 14 (11.7%) carcasses. No statistical difference between the points studied was observed. The number of S. aureus isolated was between 1.2 and 1.5 log UFC/cm2. It was concluded that the risks observed were the same for both microorganisms.

Abstract in English:

Karam F.S.C., Soares M.P., Haraguchi M., Riet-Correa F., Méndez M.C. & Jarenkow J.A. 2004. [Epidemiological aspects of seneciosis in southern Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.] Aspectos epidemiológicos da seneciose na região sul do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(4):191-198. Laboratório de Toxicologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, URCAMP, Bagé, RS 96400-110, Brazil. E-mail: fernando@alternet.com.br Seneciosis is the main cause of livestock mortality due to poisonous plants in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. This paper presents epidemiological data of 24 outbreaks in cattle and one in horses, diagnosed by the Regional Diagnostic Laboratory at Pelotas University in southern Rio Grande do Sul, from 1998 to 2000. Additionally, data of 54 outbreaks which occurred in 1978-1997 were analyzed. The farms where outbreaks occurred in 1998-2000 were visited to obtain clinical and epidemiological data and to verify the presence of Senecio spp. Eleven outbreaks (45.83%) affected cattle up to 3 years of age, and 13 (54.16%) cattle over 3 years. Nine (37.5%) outbreaks affected females and 15 (62.5%) males. Ten (41.66%) outbreaks occurred in spring, 4 (16.66%) in summer, 5 (20.83%) in autumn, and 5 (20.83%) in winter. Morbidity rate was estimated with 4.92% and case fatality with 95.59%. The predomionating Senecio species were S. brasiliensis on 12 farms (57.14%), S. selloi on 10 (47.61%), S. oxyphyllus on 6 (28.57%), S. heterotrichius on 3 (14.28%), and S. leptolobus on 1 farm (4.76%). The main clinical signs were progressive emaciation, incoordination, diarrhea, tenesmus, rectal prolapse and aggressiveness. The clinical manifestation periods of affected cattle observed during the farm visits, or of cattle sent for post-mortem examination,were 24-96 hours in 4 outbreaks (16.66%), 4-7 days in 7 (29.16%), 1-2 weeks in 4 (16.66%), 2-3 weeks in 2 (8.33%), 1-2 months in 2 (8.33%), and 2-3 months in 1 outbreak (4.16%). In 4 outbreaks (16.66%) the clinical manifestation period was not established. In outbreaks with longer clinical manifestation periods some animals showed photosensitization. The main necropsy findings were a hard and enlarged liver, distended gall bladder, edema of the mesenterium and abomasum, and increased amount of liquid in the cavities. Histopathological findings were fibroplasia, megalocytosis and biliary ductal proliferation of the liver, and spongy degeneration of the cerebral white matter. Samples of different Senecio species, in different seasons, were analyzed for detection of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) by thin layer chromatography. Retrorsine was found in Senecio brasiliensis, S. heterotrichius, S. selloi and S. oxyphyllus. In S. brasiliensis and S. heterotrichius one and two more non-identified PAs were detected, respectively. The total PAs concentration by spectrophotometric method was 0.25% for S. brasiliensis, 0.19% for S. heterotrichius, 0.03% for S. oxyphyllus, and 0.03% for S. selloi. The highest PAs concentration occurred in winter (June/July). No alkaloids were found in samples of S. leptolobus. These results show that S. brasiliensis is the most important cause of seneciosis in southern Rio Grande do Sul. Additional data obtained dealt with 54 outbreaks of PAs poisoning in 1978-1997. During this period, 7 outbreaks (12.96%) affected cattle up to 3 years of age, 39 (72.22%) cattle over 3 years, and 3 outbreaks (5.55%) affected cattle of different ages. In 5 outbreaks (9.25%) the age was not informed. Seven outbreaks (12.96%) affected males, 39 (72.22%) females, 3 (5.55%) both sexes, and in 5 outbreaks (9.25%) the sex was not informed. Twenty-three outbreaks (42.59%) occurred in spring, 9 (16.66%) in summer, 9 (16.66%) in autumn, and 13 (24.07%) in winter. The greater number of outbreaks during 1998-2000 (24 outbreaks in 3 years) in regard to 1978-1997 (54 outbreaks in 20 years) is probably due to a decrease of more than 50% in the number of sheep in the region.

• Seneciosis epidemiology poisonous plants Senecio spp Asteraceae pyrrolizidine alkaloids cattle.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Karam F.S.C., Soares M.P., Haraguchi M., Riet-Correa F., Méndez M.C. & Jarenkow J.A. 2004. [Epidemiological aspects of seneciosis in southern Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.] Aspectos epidemiológicos da seneciose na região sul do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(4):191-198. Laboratório de Toxicologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, URCAMP, Bagé, RS 96400-110, Brazil. E-mail: fernando@alternet.com.br Seneciosis is the main cause of livestock mortality due to poisonous plants in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. This paper presents epidemiological data of 24 outbreaks in cattle and one in horses, diagnosed by the Regional Diagnostic Laboratory at Pelotas University in southern Rio Grande do Sul, from 1998 to 2000. Additionally, data of 54 outbreaks which occurred in 1978-1997 were analyzed. The farms where outbreaks occurred in 1998-2000 were visited to obtain clinical and epidemiological data and to verify the presence of Senecio spp. Eleven outbreaks (45.83%) affected cattle up to 3 years of age, and 13 (54.16%) cattle over 3 years. Nine (37.5%) outbreaks affected females and 15 (62.5%) males. Ten (41.66%) outbreaks occurred in spring, 4 (16.66%) in summer, 5 (20.83%) in autumn, and 5 (20.83%) in winter. Morbidity rate was estimated with 4.92% and case fatality with 95.59%. The predomionating Senecio species were S. brasiliensis on 12 farms (57.14%), S. selloi on 10 (47.61%), S. oxyphyllus on 6 (28.57%), S. heterotrichius on 3 (14.28%), and S. leptolobus on 1 farm (4.76%). The main clinical signs were progressive emaciation, incoordination, diarrhea, tenesmus, rectal prolapse and aggressiveness. The clinical manifestation periods of affected cattle observed during the farm visits, or of cattle sent for post-mortem examination,were 24-96 hours in 4 outbreaks (16.66%), 4-7 days in 7 (29.16%), 1-2 weeks in 4 (16.66%), 2-3 weeks in 2 (8.33%), 1-2 months in 2 (8.33%), and 2-3 months in 1 outbreak (4.16%). In 4 outbreaks (16.66%) the clinical manifestation period was not established. In outbreaks with longer clinical manifestation periods some animals showed photosensitization. The main necropsy findings were a hard and enlarged liver, distended gall bladder, edema of the mesenterium and abomasum, and increased amount of liquid in the cavities. Histopathological findings were fibroplasia, megalocytosis and biliary ductal proliferation of the liver, and spongy degeneration of the cerebral white matter. Samples of different Senecio species, in different seasons, were analyzed for detection of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) by thin layer chromatography. Retrorsine was found in Senecio brasiliensis, S. heterotrichius, S. selloi and S. oxyphyllus. In S. brasiliensis and S. heterotrichius one and two more non-identified PAs were detected, respectively. The total PAs concentration by spectrophotometric method was 0.25% for S. brasiliensis, 0.19% for S. heterotrichius, 0.03% for S. oxyphyllus, and 0.03% for S. selloi. The highest PAs concentration occurred in winter (June/July). No alkaloids were found in samples of S. leptolobus. These results show that S. brasiliensis is the most important cause of seneciosis in southern Rio Grande do Sul. Additional data obtained dealt with 54 outbreaks of PAs poisoning in 1978-1997. During this period, 7 outbreaks (12.96%) affected cattle up to 3 years of age, 39 (72.22%) cattle over 3 years, and 3 outbreaks (5.55%) affected cattle of different ages. In 5 outbreaks (9.25%) the age was not informed. Seven outbreaks (12.96%) affected males, 39 (72.22%) females, 3 (5.55%) both sexes, and in 5 outbreaks (9.25%) the sex was not informed. Twenty-three outbreaks (42.59%) occurred in spring, 9 (16.66%) in summer, 9 (16.66%) in autumn, and 13 (24.07%) in winter. The greater number of outbreaks during 1998-2000 (24 outbreaks in 3 years) in regard to 1978-1997 (54 outbreaks in 20 years) is probably due to a decrease of more than 50% in the number of sheep in the region.