PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Coutinho A.S., Oliveira Filho J.P., Silva D.P.G.S., Oliveira A.P., Marcondes J.S., Chiacchio S.B., Paes A.C., Amorim R.M. & Gonçalves R.C. 2009. [Experimental pneumonic mannheimiosis in calves: Nasal and nasopharingeal swabs for diagnostic.] Mannheimiose pulmonar experimental em bezerros: swab nasal e nasofaringeano como auxílio diagnóstico. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(1):83-88. Departamento de Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Campus de Botucatu, Distrito de Rubião Júnior s/n, Botucatu, SP 18618000, Brazil. E-mail: zep.filho@hotmail.com An experimental model of bovine pneumonic mannheimiosis (BPM) was used to evaluate the nasal and nasopharynx bacterial species of calves during the course of the disease and for checking the diagnostic efficiency of nasal swab (NS) and nasopharingeal swab (NPS) microbiological exams. A total of 28 calves were randomized into four experimental groups (G1-G4). NS and NPS were obtained 7 days before and 12 (G1), 24 (G2), 48 (G3) e 72 (G4) hours after intrabronchial inoculation of Mannheimia haemolytica. After the induction of BPM, M. haemolytica biotype A was the predominant isolated bacterium in NS and NPS in all evaluated sampling times, except for one NS (harvested 24 hours). There were no significant statistical differences for the rates of Pasteurella multocida isolation in NS and NPS, harvested before and after the induction of BPM. However, this bacterium was isolated more frequently after the induction of BPM, mainly in NPS. Therefore, the microbiological NS and NPS exams were important auxiliary tests for diagnosing BPM.

• Bacterial flora upper airway respiratory diseases bovine Mannheimia haemolytica

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Coutinho A.S., Oliveira Filho J.P., Silva D.P.G.S., Oliveira A.P., Marcondes J.S., Chiacchio S.B., Paes A.C., Amorim R.M. & Gonçalves R.C. 2009. [Experimental pneumonic mannheimiosis in calves: Nasal and nasopharingeal swabs for diagnostic.] Mannheimiose pulmonar experimental em bezerros: swab nasal e nasofaringeano como auxílio diagnóstico. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(1):83-88. Departamento de Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Campus de Botucatu, Distrito de Rubião Júnior s/n, Botucatu, SP 18618000, Brazil. E-mail: zep.filho@hotmail.com An experimental model of bovine pneumonic mannheimiosis (BPM) was used to evaluate the nasal and nasopharynx bacterial species of calves during the course of the disease and for checking the diagnostic efficiency of nasal swab (NS) and nasopharingeal swab (NPS) microbiological exams. A total of 28 calves were randomized into four experimental groups (G1-G4). NS and NPS were obtained 7 days before and 12 (G1), 24 (G2), 48 (G3) e 72 (G4) hours after intrabronchial inoculation of Mannheimia haemolytica. After the induction of BPM, M. haemolytica biotype A was the predominant isolated bacterium in NS and NPS in all evaluated sampling times, except for one NS (harvested 24 hours). There were no significant statistical differences for the rates of Pasteurella multocida isolation in NS and NPS, harvested before and after the induction of BPM. However, this bacterium was isolated more frequently after the induction of BPM, mainly in NPS. Therefore, the microbiological NS and NPS exams were important auxiliary tests for diagnosing BPM.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Diéguez F.J., Yus E., Sanjuán M.L., Vilar M.J. & Arnaiz I. 2008. Monitoring bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) infection status in dairy herds. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(12):588-592. Unidad de Epidemiología y Sanidad Animal, Instituto de Investigación y Análisis Alimentarios, Facultad de Veterinaria s/n, Lugo 27002, Spain. E-mail: franciscojavier.dieguez@usc.es This study was designed to assess the relationship between antibodies against bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) determined in the bulk tank milk (BTM) and the within-herd seroprevalence. We also assessed the efficiency of measuring antibody levels in BTM samples to monitor BVDV infection status in a herd. In the 81 farms included in the study, BTM samples were obtained and blood samples withdrawn from all cattle older than one year. The infection status was then determined in serum and milk using a commercial blocking ELISA based on the detection of anti-p80 antibodies. Apart from these baseline serum and milk samples, another BTM sample was collected from each herd 9 months later, and a third BTM sample obtained 9 months after this. In these second and third milk samples, anti-BVDV antibodies were determined using the same ELISA kit. Statistical tests revealed good agreement between herd seroprevalences (% seropositive animals in the herd) and the antibody levels detected in the BTM samples. During the 18 months of follow-up, the farms with persistently infected cattle at the study outset (14.8% of the herds) showed a significant decrease in BTM antibody titers after virus clearance. Conversely, a significant increase in BTM antibody levels was observed in the herds infected with BVDV during the follow-up period. Our findings indicate that monitoring antibody levels in the BTM is a useful method of identifying changes in the BVDV infection status of a herd.

• Bovine viral diarrhea vírus BVDV antibodies diagnostic milk

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Diéguez F.J., Yus E., Sanjuán M.L., Vilar M.J. & Arnaiz I. 2008. Monitoring bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) infection status in dairy herds. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(12):588-592. Unidad de Epidemiología y Sanidad Animal, Instituto de Investigación y Análisis Alimentarios, Facultad de Veterinaria s/n, Lugo 27002, Spain. E-mail: franciscojavier.dieguez@usc.es This study was designed to assess the relationship between antibodies against bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) determined in the bulk tank milk (BTM) and the within-herd seroprevalence. We also assessed the efficiency of measuring antibody levels in BTM samples to monitor BVDV infection status in a herd. In the 81 farms included in the study, BTM samples were obtained and blood samples withdrawn from all cattle older than one year. The infection status was then determined in serum and milk using a commercial blocking ELISA based on the detection of anti-p80 antibodies. Apart from these baseline serum and milk samples, another BTM sample was collected from each herd 9 months later, and a third BTM sample obtained 9 months after this. In these second and third milk samples, anti-BVDV antibodies were determined using the same ELISA kit. Statistical tests revealed good agreement between herd seroprevalences (% seropositive animals in the herd) and the antibody levels detected in the BTM samples. During the 18 months of follow-up, the farms with persistently infected cattle at the study outset (14.8% of the herds) showed a significant decrease in BTM antibody titers after virus clearance. Conversely, a significant increase in BTM antibody levels was observed in the herds infected with BVDV during the follow-up period. Our findings indicate that monitoring antibody levels in the BTM is a useful method of identifying changes in the BVDV infection status of a herd.

Abstract in English:

Abstract.- Pavarini S.P., Bezerra Junior P.S., Santos A.S., Pescador C.A. & Driemeier D. 2008. [Clinic pathological features during a winter dysentery outbreak in cattle in Rio Grande do Sul.] Achados clínico patológicos durante um surto de disenteria de inverno em bovinos no Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(12):611- 616. 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 The report describes a winter dysentery outbreak that affected 10 dairy cows from a ranch located in the county of Viamão, Rio Grande do Sul. The most significant clinical sign was profuse and watery diarrhea, which ranged from a greenish to a brownish coloration and from occasional blood streaks with mucus to a bloody diarrhea. Most cases persisted for 5 days and also included depression, drastic decrease in milk production and in food consumption. Only one of the affected animals died. The necropsy revealed pale mucosa and sanguineous content with high quantity of blood clots, particularly within the spiral colon, and petechiae on the colonic mucosa. Histopathological lesions were predominant in the spiral colon, and consisted of a high number of dilated crypts without epithelium or with the replacement of a pavement epithelium with occasional immature cuboidal cells, which sometimes showed enlarged nucleus and proeminent nucleolus. Some crypts were filled with epithelial desquamation and polymorphnuclear cells. Bovine coronavirus (8F2) monoclonal antibody was used for immunohistochemistry on sections of the spiral colon that showed positive reactions in the cytoplasm of the infected crypt epithelium, sloughed necrotic cells, and within macrophages in the lamina propria of both.

• Winter dysentery diarrhea spiral colon bovine coronavirus

Abstract in Portuguese:

Abstract.- Pavarini S.P., Bezerra Junior P.S., Santos A.S., Pescador C.A. & Driemeier D. 2008. [Clinic pathological features during a winter dysentery outbreak in cattle in Rio Grande do Sul.] Achados clínico patológicos durante um surto de disenteria de inverno em bovinos no Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(12):611- 616. 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 The report describes a winter dysentery outbreak that affected 10 dairy cows from a ranch located in the county of Viamão, Rio Grande do Sul. The most significant clinical sign was profuse and watery diarrhea, which ranged from a greenish to a brownish coloration and from occasional blood streaks with mucus to a bloody diarrhea. Most cases persisted for 5 days and also included depression, drastic decrease in milk production and in food consumption. Only one of the affected animals died. The necropsy revealed pale mucosa and sanguineous content with high quantity of blood clots, particularly within the spiral colon, and petechiae on the colonic mucosa. Histopathological lesions were predominant in the spiral colon, and consisted of a high number of dilated crypts without epithelium or with the replacement of a pavement epithelium with occasional immature cuboidal cells, which sometimes showed enlarged nucleus and proeminent nucleolus. Some crypts were filled with epithelial desquamation and polymorphnuclear cells. Bovine coronavirus (8F2) monoclonal antibody was used for immunohistochemistry on sections of the spiral colon that showed positive reactions in the cytoplasm of the infected crypt epithelium, sloughed necrotic cells, and within macrophages in the lamina propria of both.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Arenhart S., Silva L.F., Henzel A., Ferreira R., Weiblen R. & Flores E.F. 2008. [Fetal protection against bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in pregnant cows previously immunized with an experimental attenuated vaccine.] Proteção fetal contra o vírus da diarréia viral bovina (BVDV) em vacas prenhes previamente imunizadas com uma vacina experimental atenuada. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(10):461-470. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Centro de Ciências Rurais, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: flores@ccr.ufsm.br This paper reports the antibody response and fetal protection in pregnant cows conferred by an experimental vaccine containing two attenuated strains of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV-1 and BVDV-2). Cows (n=19) were vaccinated twice, with a 34-days-interval, with the experimental vaccine and together with non-vaccinated controls (n=18), were mated and challenged between days 60 and 90 of gestation by intranasal inoculation of four heterologous BVDV-1 and BVDV-2 isolates. The antibody response was evaluated by serum-neutralization tests performed at different intervals after vaccination (days 34, 78 and 138 post-vaccination [pv]). Fetal protection was monitored by ultrassonographic and clinical examination of the dams and fetuses during the rest of gestation; and through virological and serological examination of pre-colostral blood obtained from aborted and/or recently born fetuses/calves. At the day of challenge (day 138 pv), all vaccinated cows had neutralizing antibodies in high titers against BVDV-1 (1,280- ³10,240), and with one exception (titer 20), presented moderate to high titers to BVDV-2 (80-1,280). At the end of the monitoring, only three out of 18 control cows (16.6%) delivered healthy, virus-free calves. Fifteen non-vaccinated cows (83.3%) presented signs of fetal infection and/or had reproductive losses. Seven of these cows (38.8%) delivered virus-positive calves; five were healthy and survived (27.7%); two were premature or weak and lasted three and 15 days, respectively. The other eight cows (44.4%) aborted between day 30 post-challenge and the parturition; or delivered premature or stillbirth calves. In contrast, 17 out of 19 (89.4%) vaccinated cows delivery virus-free, healthy calves. One vaccinated cow aborted around day 130 post-challenge, yet this fetus could not be examined for the presence of virus. Another cow delivered a virus-positive calf (5.2%). In summary, the experimental vaccine induced adequate antibody titers in most animals and the immunological response induced by vaccination was able to prevent fetal infection and reproductive losses upon challenge with a pool of heterologous BVDV isolates. Hence, this experimental vaccine may be an attractive alternative for the prevention of reproductive losses associated with BVDV infection.

• Bovine viral diarrhea virus BVDV experimental vaccine fetal protection

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Arenhart S., Silva L.F., Henzel A., Ferreira R., Weiblen R. & Flores E.F. 2008. [Fetal protection against bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in pregnant cows previously immunized with an experimental attenuated vaccine.] Proteção fetal contra o vírus da diarréia viral bovina (BVDV) em vacas prenhes previamente imunizadas com uma vacina experimental atenuada. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(10):461-470. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Centro de Ciências Rurais, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: flores@ccr.ufsm.br This paper reports the antibody response and fetal protection in pregnant cows conferred by an experimental vaccine containing two attenuated strains of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV-1 and BVDV-2). Cows (n=19) were vaccinated twice, with a 34-days-interval, with the experimental vaccine and together with non-vaccinated controls (n=18), were mated and challenged between days 60 and 90 of gestation by intranasal inoculation of four heterologous BVDV-1 and BVDV-2 isolates. The antibody response was evaluated by serum-neutralization tests performed at different intervals after vaccination (days 34, 78 and 138 post-vaccination [pv]). Fetal protection was monitored by ultrassonographic and clinical examination of the dams and fetuses during the rest of gestation; and through virological and serological examination of pre-colostral blood obtained from aborted and/or recently born fetuses/calves. At the day of challenge (day 138 pv), all vaccinated cows had neutralizing antibodies in high titers against BVDV-1 (1,280- ³10,240), and with one exception (titer 20), presented moderate to high titers to BVDV-2 (80-1,280). At the end of the monitoring, only three out of 18 control cows (16.6%) delivered healthy, virus-free calves. Fifteen non-vaccinated cows (83.3%) presented signs of fetal infection and/or had reproductive losses. Seven of these cows (38.8%) delivered virus-positive calves; five were healthy and survived (27.7%); two were premature or weak and lasted three and 15 days, respectively. The other eight cows (44.4%) aborted between day 30 post-challenge and the parturition; or delivered premature or stillbirth calves. In contrast, 17 out of 19 (89.4%) vaccinated cows delivery virus-free, healthy calves. One vaccinated cow aborted around day 130 post-challenge, yet this fetus could not be examined for the presence of virus. Another cow delivered a virus-positive calf (5.2%). In summary, the experimental vaccine induced adequate antibody titers in most animals and the immunological response induced by vaccination was able to prevent fetal infection and reproductive losses upon challenge with a pool of heterologous BVDV isolates. Hence, this experimental vaccine may be an attractive alternative for the prevention of reproductive losses associated with BVDV infection.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Ferreira L.C.L., Flores E.F., Driemeier D., Melo O. & Lemos R.A.A. 2008. [Mucosal disease associated with generalized dermatitis in cattle, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.] Doença das mucosas associada à dermatite generalizada em bovinos, Mato Grosso do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(6):285-292. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Av. Senador Filinto Müller 2443, Campo Grande, MS 79070-900, Brazil. E-mail: eqrural@nin.ufms.br This paper reports epidemiological, clinical, pathological and laboratory diagnostic aspects of a form of dermatitis associated with mucosal disease (MD) in cattle. It also focuses on the methods used for identifying persistently infected (PI) animals and on the impact of the disease on fertility and weaning rates in the affected herd. Cases of dermatitis associated with MD were diagnosed in two 12 and 24-month-old Nelore calves belonging to a beef cattle farm that operates the full cycle of production (calving, rearing, finishing) in Mato Grosso do Sul, Midwest Brazil. The clinical signs exhibited by affected cattle 0included slow, progressive weight loss; formation of diffuse skin crusts in multiple body areas; skin dryness; multiple ulcerations on the gums and dorsal surface of the tongue which evolved to longitudinal fissures; formation of keratinized projections; and detachment of hoof horn. In addition, diarrhea affected one animal in the late stage of the disease. Necropsies also revealed longitudinal erosions in the esophagus. Histological examination showed coagulation necrosis foci in esophageal and lingual mucosae, with neutrophil and lymphocyte infiltration. Skin lesions consisted of epidermal coagulation necrosis associated with neutrophil infiltration and hyperkeratosis. In both cases, clinical diagnosis was confirmed by the isolation and identification of cytopathic and noncytopathic biotypes of the bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) and immunohistochemical detection of viral antigens in formalin fixed tissues. Out of 300 cattle that had contact with the affected animals, 38 were found to be seropositive - in high neutralizing titers - to BVDV. Blood samples from 1,025 young animals and 40 bulls from the farm were examined for the presence of BVDV to identify potential PI animals. The virus was isolated from blood of three calves in the initial test and, 12 months later, from two of them which had remained on the farm. Only one of these calves was found to be BVDV-positive by immuno-histochemical testing performed on ear-tissue samples. In the year following the birth of PI calves, the herd underwent decreases in fertility and weaning rates, which later returned to their previous levels. The resulting data demonstrate the presence of BVDV infection in beef herds in Mato Grosso do Sul and provide evidence as to include the disease in the differential diagnosis of causes of generalized dermatitis in cattle.

• Bovine viral diarrhea virus mucosal disease cattle diseases viral diseases dermatitis

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Ferreira L.C.L., Flores E.F., Driemeier D., Melo O. & Lemos R.A.A. 2008. [Mucosal disease associated with generalized dermatitis in cattle, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.] Doença das mucosas associada à dermatite generalizada em bovinos, Mato Grosso do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(6):285-292. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Av. Senador Filinto Müller 2443, Campo Grande, MS 79070-900, Brazil. E-mail: eqrural@nin.ufms.br This paper reports epidemiological, clinical, pathological and laboratory diagnostic aspects of a form of dermatitis associated with mucosal disease (MD) in cattle. It also focuses on the methods used for identifying persistently infected (PI) animals and on the impact of the disease on fertility and weaning rates in the affected herd. Cases of dermatitis associated with MD were diagnosed in two 12 and 24-month-old Nelore calves belonging to a beef cattle farm that operates the full cycle of production (calving, rearing, finishing) in Mato Grosso do Sul, Midwest Brazil. The clinical signs exhibited by affected cattle 0included slow, progressive weight loss; formation of diffuse skin crusts in multiple body areas; skin dryness; multiple ulcerations on the gums and dorsal surface of the tongue which evolved to longitudinal fissures; formation of keratinized projections; and detachment of hoof horn. In addition, diarrhea affected one animal in the late stage of the disease. Necropsies also revealed longitudinal erosions in the esophagus. Histological examination showed coagulation necrosis foci in esophageal and lingual mucosae, with neutrophil and lymphocyte infiltration. Skin lesions consisted of epidermal coagulation necrosis associated with neutrophil infiltration and hyperkeratosis. In both cases, clinical diagnosis was confirmed by the isolation and identification of cytopathic and noncytopathic biotypes of the bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) and immunohistochemical detection of viral antigens in formalin fixed tissues. Out of 300 cattle that had contact with the affected animals, 38 were found to be seropositive - in high neutralizing titers - to BVDV. Blood samples from 1,025 young animals and 40 bulls from the farm were examined for the presence of BVDV to identify potential PI animals. The virus was isolated from blood of three calves in the initial test and, 12 months later, from two of them which had remained on the farm. Only one of these calves was found to be BVDV-positive by immuno-histochemical testing performed on ear-tissue samples. In the year following the birth of PI calves, the herd underwent decreases in fertility and weaning rates, which later returned to their previous levels. The resulting data demonstrate the presence of BVDV infection in beef herds in Mato Grosso do Sul and provide evidence as to include the disease in the differential diagnosis of causes of generalized dermatitis in cattle.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Henzel A., Diel D.G., Arenhart S., Vogel F.S.F., Weiblen R. & Flores E.F. 2008. [Virological and clinico-pathological features of acute vulvovaginitis and latent infection by bovine herpesvirus 1.2 in heifers experimentally infected.] Aspectos virológicos e clínico-patológicos da infecção genital aguda e latente pelo herpesvírus bovino tipo 1.2 em bezerras experimentalmente infectadas. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(3):140-148. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: flores@ccr.ufsm.br Venereal infection of heifers and cows with bovine herpesvirus type 1.2 (BoHV-1.2) may result in vulvovaginitis and transient infertility. The acute infection is followed by the establishment of latent infection which can be periodically reactivated. We herein describe the virology and clinico-pathological aspects of acute and recrudescent vulvovaginitis in heifers inoculated with a Brazilian BoHV-1.2 isolate recovered from an outbreak of balanoposthitis. Genital inoculation of isolate SV-56/90 (108.1TCID50/animal) in four eight-months-old heifers resulted in efficient virus replication in the genital mucosa and the development of moderate to severe vulvovaginitis. The inoculated heifers shed virus in genital secretions in titers up to 107.3TCID50/mL until day 10 pi and developed genital congestion, swelling, vesicles and pustules. The vesicles and pustules increased in size eventually coalesced and became covered with a yellowish exsudate. These signs appeared at day 2 pi, increased in severity up to days 5 - 8 pi and progressively subsided thereafter. Dexamethasone administration at day 55 pi resulted in virus shedding in vaginal secretions for up to 10 days. Virus reactivation in all animals was accompanied by clinical recrudescence of the disease, yet less severe than during acute infection. Examination of sacral ganglia and lymph nodes by PCR at day 36 post-reactivation revealed the presence of latent viral DNA in the pudendal (4/4), genito-femoral, sciatic and rectal caudal (3/4) and obturator nerve ganglia (1/4); in addition to several regional lymph nodes. These results demonstrate the virulence of isolate SV-56/90 for heifers and pave the way for its use in further pathogenesis studies and vaccine-challenge trials.

• Bovine herpesvirus BoHV-1.2 vulvovaginitis genital infection latency reactivation

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Henzel A., Diel D.G., Arenhart S., Vogel F.S.F., Weiblen R. & Flores E.F. 2008. [Virological and clinico-pathological features of acute vulvovaginitis and latent infection by bovine herpesvirus 1.2 in heifers experimentally infected.] Aspectos virológicos e clínico-patológicos da infecção genital aguda e latente pelo herpesvírus bovino tipo 1.2 em bezerras experimentalmente infectadas. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(3):140-148. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: flores@ccr.ufsm.br Venereal infection of heifers and cows with bovine herpesvirus type 1.2 (BoHV-1.2) may result in vulvovaginitis and transient infertility. The acute infection is followed by the establishment of latent infection which can be periodically reactivated. We herein describe the virology and clinico-pathological aspects of acute and recrudescent vulvovaginitis in heifers inoculated with a Brazilian BoHV-1.2 isolate recovered from an outbreak of balanoposthitis. Genital inoculation of isolate SV-56/90 (108.1TCID50/animal) in four eight-months-old heifers resulted in efficient virus replication in the genital mucosa and the development of moderate to severe vulvovaginitis. The inoculated heifers shed virus in genital secretions in titers up to 107.3TCID50/mL until day 10 pi and developed genital congestion, swelling, vesicles and pustules. The vesicles and pustules increased in size eventually coalesced and became covered with a yellowish exsudate. These signs appeared at day 2 pi, increased in severity up to days 5 - 8 pi and progressively subsided thereafter. Dexamethasone administration at day 55 pi resulted in virus shedding in vaginal secretions for up to 10 days. Virus reactivation in all animals was accompanied by clinical recrudescence of the disease, yet less severe than during acute infection. Examination of sacral ganglia and lymph nodes by PCR at day 36 post-reactivation revealed the presence of latent viral DNA in the pudendal (4/4), genito-femoral, sciatic and rectal caudal (3/4) and obturator nerve ganglia (1/4); in addition to several regional lymph nodes. These results demonstrate the virulence of isolate SV-56/90 for heifers and pave the way for its use in further pathogenesis studies and vaccine-challenge trials.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Pavarini S.P., Sonne L., Antoniassi N.A.B., Santos A.S., Pescador C.A., Corbellini L.G. & Driemeier D. 2008. [Congenital anomalies in aborted bovine fetuses in Southern Brazil.] Anomalias congênitas em fetos bovinos abortados no Sul do Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(3):149-154. 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 Abortion, stillbirth and neonatal death are important causes of production losses to the livestock industry. Abortions caused by congenital anomalies may occur sporadically, or appear in epidemics. This retrospective study was conducted at Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology of Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, and included 307 cases of bovine abortion submitted for diagnosis from September 2001 to March 2007. Most of them were from southern Brazil. Ten cases (3.25%) of congenital anomalies were seen. The most frequent congenital anomalies were artrogryposis, Amorphous globosus, and cleft palate (palatoschisis). Infectious causes were investigated, but only BVDV infection was detected by immunohistochemistry in one case, which was affected with porencephalia.

• Abortion bovine congenital anomalies

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Pavarini S.P., Sonne L., Antoniassi N.A.B., Santos A.S., Pescador C.A., Corbellini L.G. & Driemeier D. 2008. [Congenital anomalies in aborted bovine fetuses in Southern Brazil.] Anomalias congênitas em fetos bovinos abortados no Sul do Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(3):149-154. 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 Abortion, stillbirth and neonatal death are important causes of production losses to the livestock industry. Abortions caused by congenital anomalies may occur sporadically, or appear in epidemics. This retrospective study was conducted at Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology of Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, and included 307 cases of bovine abortion submitted for diagnosis from September 2001 to March 2007. Most of them were from southern Brazil. Ten cases (3.25%) of congenital anomalies were seen. The most frequent congenital anomalies were artrogryposis, Amorphous globosus, and cleft palate (palatoschisis). Infectious causes were investigated, but only BVDV infection was detected by immunohistochemistry in one case, which was affected with porencephalia.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Mendonça F.S., Dória R.G.S., Schein F.B., Freitas S.H., Nakazato L., Boabaid F.M., Paula D.A.J., Dutra V. & Colodel E.M. 2008. [Malignant catarrhal fever in cattle, Mato Grosso, Brazil.] Febre catarral maligna em bovinos no Estado de Mato Grosso. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(3):155-160. Departamento de Clínica Médica Veterinária, Faculdade de Agronomia e Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Av. Fernando Corrêa da Costa s/n, Bairro Coxipó, Cuiabá, MT 78068-900, Brazil. E-mail: moleta@ufmt.br Four outbreaks of malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) in cattle, which had contact with sheep, in Mato Grosso, Brazil, are described. In all cases, the animals had a clinical course of 4 to 7 days with no recovery. Two outbreaks occurred in the municipality of Cuiabá, the first in January 2006 with 8 cattle affected from a herd of 148, and the second in one out of 30 cattle in September 2006. The third outbreak occurred in April 2007 in the municipality of Rondonópolis, where 3 cattle died in a herd of 160. The fourth outbreak was in the municipality of Caceres in September 2007, where 2 out of 450 cattle were affected. The clinical signs were hyperthermia, intense lacrimation, nasal and oral discharge, corneal opacity, sialorrhea, oral, nasal and genital mucosal erosions, incoordination, depression and death. Necropsy findings in 4 animals were similar and consisted of lymph node swelling, and nasal, oral and esophagus erosion and ulceration. Histologically, arteritis and fibrinoid degeneration was observed in small arteries and arterioles, associated with epithelial necrosis in various organs and tissues. A nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) detected ovine herpes virus type 2 in frozen and paraffin embedded tissues in 3 cases.

• Bovine malignant catarrhal fever herpesvirus vasculitis

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Mendonça F.S., Dória R.G.S., Schein F.B., Freitas S.H., Nakazato L., Boabaid F.M., Paula D.A.J., Dutra V. & Colodel E.M. 2008. [Malignant catarrhal fever in cattle, Mato Grosso, Brazil.] Febre catarral maligna em bovinos no Estado de Mato Grosso. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(3):155-160. Departamento de Clínica Médica Veterinária, Faculdade de Agronomia e Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Av. Fernando Corrêa da Costa s/n, Bairro Coxipó, Cuiabá, MT 78068-900, Brazil. E-mail: moleta@ufmt.br Four outbreaks of malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) in cattle, which had contact with sheep, in Mato Grosso, Brazil, are described. In all cases, the animals had a clinical course of 4 to 7 days with no recovery. Two outbreaks occurred in the municipality of Cuiabá, the first in January 2006 with 8 cattle affected from a herd of 148, and the second in one out of 30 cattle in September 2006. The third outbreak occurred in April 2007 in the municipality of Rondonópolis, where 3 cattle died in a herd of 160. The fourth outbreak was in the municipality of Caceres in September 2007, where 2 out of 450 cattle were affected. The clinical signs were hyperthermia, intense lacrimation, nasal and oral discharge, corneal opacity, sialorrhea, oral, nasal and genital mucosal erosions, incoordination, depression and death. Necropsy findings in 4 animals were similar and consisted of lymph node swelling, and nasal, oral and esophagus erosion and ulceration. Histologically, arteritis and fibrinoid degeneration was observed in small arteries and arterioles, associated with epithelial necrosis in various organs and tissues. A nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) detected ovine herpes virus type 2 in frozen and paraffin embedded tissues in 3 cases.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Dias J.A., Alfieri, A.A., Medici, K.C., Freitas, J.C., Ferreira-Neto J.S. & Müller E.E. 2008. [Risk factors for bovine herpesvirus 1 infection in cattle herds in the West region of Parana State.] Fatores de risco associados à infecção pelo herpesvírus bovino 1 em rebanhos bovinos da região Oeste do Estado do Paraná. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(3):161-168. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina. Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid 380, Cx. Postal 6001, Londrina, PR 86051-990, Brazil. E-mail: muller@uel.br The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of positive herds and to identify the risk factors for BoHV-1 infection in breeding cattle herds in the Western region of Parana State. The statistic delineation, the serum samples and information regarding the selected farms, were the same employed in the study of bovine brucellosis for Parana State in the context of National Program for Control and Eradication of Brucellosis and Tuberculosis. The sampling was performed in two stages. Blood samples were collected from 1930 females aged ³24 months from 295 non vaccinated herds. Serum samples were tested for antibodies against BoHV-1 using an indirect ELISA. The epidemiological questionnaire was applied on all the selected farms and aimed to obtain epidemiological data. Hundred ninety of the 295 herds were positive for BoHV-1, presenting prevalence of positive herds of 64.41% [58.65-69.87%]. The number (³23) of females aged 24 months (OR=2.22; IC: 1.09-4.51), purchased cattle (OR=2.68; IC: 1.48-4.82), use of common grass (OR=5.93; IC: 1.31-26.82), history of abortion in the last 12 months (OR=2.37; IC: 1.09-5.16) and presence of wildlife animals (OR=8.86; IC: 1.11-70.73) were identified as risk factors for BoHV-1 infection in the multivariate logistic regression. These results indicate that BoHV-1 infection is widespread in the studied region and that factors related to the herd characteristic and management are associated with the infection.

• Prevalence epidemiology risk factors bovine herpesvirus 1 indirect ELISA

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Dias J.A., Alfieri, A.A., Medici, K.C., Freitas, J.C., Ferreira-Neto J.S. & Müller E.E. 2008. [Risk factors for bovine herpesvirus 1 infection in cattle herds in the West region of Parana State.] Fatores de risco associados à infecção pelo herpesvírus bovino 1 em rebanhos bovinos da região Oeste do Estado do Paraná. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(3):161-168. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Universidade Estadual de Londrina. Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid 380, Cx. Postal 6001, Londrina, PR 86051-990, Brazil. E-mail: muller@uel.br The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of positive herds and to identify the risk factors for BoHV-1 infection in breeding cattle herds in the Western region of Parana State. The statistic delineation, the serum samples and information regarding the selected farms, were the same employed in the study of bovine brucellosis for Parana State in the context of National Program for Control and Eradication of Brucellosis and Tuberculosis. The sampling was performed in two stages. Blood samples were collected from 1930 females aged ³24 months from 295 non vaccinated herds. Serum samples were tested for antibodies against BoHV-1 using an indirect ELISA. The epidemiological questionnaire was applied on all the selected farms and aimed to obtain epidemiological data. Hundred ninety of the 295 herds were positive for BoHV-1, presenting prevalence of positive herds of 64.41% [58.65-69.87%]. The number (³23) of females aged 24 months (OR=2.22; IC: 1.09-4.51), purchased cattle (OR=2.68; IC: 1.48-4.82), use of common grass (OR=5.93; IC: 1.31-26.82), history of abortion in the last 12 months (OR=2.37; IC: 1.09-5.16) and presence of wildlife animals (OR=8.86; IC: 1.11-70.73) were identified as risk factors for BoHV-1 infection in the multivariate logistic regression. These results indicate that BoHV-1 infection is widespread in the studied region and that factors related to the herd characteristic and management are associated with the infection.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Soares M.P., Quevedo P.S. & Schild A.L. 2008. [Perreyia flavipes larvae poisoning in cattle in southern Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.] Intoxicação por larvas de Perreyia flavipes em bovinos na região sul do Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(3):169-173. Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário s/n, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: alschild@terra.com.br Three outbreaks of poisoning by Perreyia flavipes Konow, 1899 (Hymenoptera: Pergidae) in cattle during July and August 2006 in southern Brazil are reported. The morbidity rate was 0.8%, 6.2% and 33% on the 3 farms, respectively. Fatality rate was 100%. Clinical signs were depression, jaundice, recumbence, pedaling movements and death in 24-48 hours. The liver was enlarged with increased lobular pattern, the mesenteric lymph nodes were edematous and Peyer patches of the small gut were depressed. Petechial hemorrhages and ecchymosis were observed in the mesentery and abomasum. On histologic examination the liver showed centrolobular or massive necrosis. Hemosiderosis and necrosis of the germinative centers of lymph nodes, white pulp of the spleen and Peyer patches were also observed. The poisoning occurred probably due to an intense drought in October-December 2005, when the insect stayed as a cocoon underground. The dry conditions probably avoided a higher number of adult sawflies to emerge from the cocoons, what resulted in greater egg production. The large amount of decaying grass due to almost normal rain fall during summer seemed to have provided favorable environmental conditions for the development of larvae in winter.

• Perreyia flavipes sawfly epidemiology bovine hepatic necrosis

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Soares M.P., Quevedo P.S. & Schild A.L. 2008. [Perreyia flavipes larvae poisoning in cattle in southern Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.] Intoxicação por larvas de Perreyia flavipes em bovinos na região sul do Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(3):169-173. Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário s/n, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: alschild@terra.com.br Three outbreaks of poisoning by Perreyia flavipes Konow, 1899 (Hymenoptera: Pergidae) in cattle during July and August 2006 in southern Brazil are reported. The morbidity rate was 0.8%, 6.2% and 33% on the 3 farms, respectively. Fatality rate was 100%. Clinical signs were depression, jaundice, recumbence, pedaling movements and death in 24-48 hours. The liver was enlarged with increased lobular pattern, the mesenteric lymph nodes were edematous and Peyer patches of the small gut were depressed. Petechial hemorrhages and ecchymosis were observed in the mesentery and abomasum. On histologic examination the liver showed centrolobular or massive necrosis. Hemosiderosis and necrosis of the germinative centers of lymph nodes, white pulp of the spleen and Peyer patches were also observed. The poisoning occurred probably due to an intense drought in October-December 2005, when the insect stayed as a cocoon underground. The dry conditions probably avoided a higher number of adult sawflies to emerge from the cocoons, what resulted in greater egg production. The large amount of decaying grass due to almost normal rain fall during summer seemed to have provided favorable environmental conditions for the development of larvae in winter.