PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

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.- Esposto E.M., Silva W.C.P., Reis C.M.F., Reis E.M.F., Ribeiro R.V., Rodrigues D.P. & Lázaro N.S. 2007. [Bacterial enteropathogens from fishes of a nutrient recycle system and its ecosystem.] Enteropatógenos bacterianos em peixes criados em uma estação de reciclagem de nutrientes e no ecossistema relacionado. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(4):144-148. Departamento de Bacteriologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Pav. Rocha Lima, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21040-360, Brazil. E- mail: nslazaro@ioc.fiocruz.br The presence of bacterial enteropathogens from fishes of a nutrient recycle system from a Experimental Station in Petropolis, RJ, was evaluated in 72 samples from april 2000 to july 2001 Simultaneously was collected the mud used as organic manure and poultry beds localized next to the tanks. The isolation procedures included preenrichment in Peptone Water followed by enrichment with alcaline Peptone Water (pH 8.4-8.6), and streaked onto GSP Agar for the isolation of Aeromonas spp. and Plesiomonas shigelloides. For enteropathogenic bacteria of the Enterobacteriaceae family, 1ml samples were transferred for enrichment in Rappaport- Vassiladis broth and Kauffmann Tetrathionate Broth followed by streak onto Hektoen Enteric Agar and Salmonella-Shigella Agar. Simultaneously at each visit samples of water from fish and macrophyte tanks were collected for monitoring faecal coliforms (MPN) using A1 medium. Among the 116 isolates, Aeromonas spp. were the most frequent (67.2%) with 9 species (A. veronii, biogroup sobria, A. hidrophila, A. sobria, A. trota, A. eucrenophila, A. veronii biog. veronii, A. media, A. cavia and A. jandaei), followed by Edwardsiella tarda (16.4%), Plesiomonas shigelloides (12.9%) and Salmonella spp. (3.4%). The NMP of fecal coliforms showed higher values in the fish tanks (>1800/100ml).

• Enteropathogens wastewater fish farming

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Esposto E.M., Silva W.C.P., Reis C.M.F., Reis E.M.F., Ribeiro R.V., Rodrigues D.P. & Lázaro N.S. 2007. [Bacterial enteropathogens from fishes of a nutrient recycle system and its ecosystem.] Enteropatógenos bacterianos em peixes criados em uma estação de reciclagem de nutrientes e no ecossistema relacionado. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(4):144-148. Departamento de Bacteriologia, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, FIOCruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Pav. Rocha Lima, Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21040-360, Brazil. E- mail: nslazaro@ioc.fiocruz.br The presence of bacterial enteropathogens from fishes of a nutrient recycle system from a Experimental Station in Petropolis, RJ, was evaluated in 72 samples from april 2000 to july 2001 Simultaneously was collected the mud used as organic manure and poultry beds localized next to the tanks. The isolation procedures included preenrichment in Peptone Water followed by enrichment with alcaline Peptone Water (pH 8.4-8.6), and streaked onto GSP Agar for the isolation of Aeromonas spp. and Plesiomonas shigelloides. For enteropathogenic bacteria of the Enterobacteriaceae family, 1ml samples were transferred for enrichment in Rappaport- Vassiladis broth and Kauffmann Tetrathionate Broth followed by streak onto Hektoen Enteric Agar and Salmonella-Shigella Agar. Simultaneously at each visit samples of water from fish and macrophyte tanks were collected for monitoring faecal coliforms (MPN) using A1 medium. Among the 116 isolates, Aeromonas spp. were the most frequent (67.2%) with 9 species (A. veronii, biogroup sobria, A. hidrophila, A. sobria, A. trota, A. eucrenophila, A. veronii biog. veronii, A. media, A. cavia and A. jandaei), followed by Edwardsiella tarda (16.4%), Plesiomonas shigelloides (12.9%) and Salmonella spp. (3.4%). The NMP of fecal coliforms showed higher values in the fish tanks (>1800/100ml).

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Oliveira K.D., França T.N., Nogueira V.A. & Peixoto P.V. 2006. [Diseases associated with selenium poisoning in animals.] Enfermidades associadas à intoxicação por selênio em animais. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(4):125-136. Departamento de Nutrição Animal e Pastagem, Instituto de Zootecnia, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: krishna.oliveira@uvv.br Trough a critical literature review, the main data of selenium poisoning in domestic animals are presented. Epidemiological, clinical, anatomic and histopathological aspects attributed to Alkali Disease, Blind Staggers, acute poisoning and focal symmetrical poliomielomalacia of swine are discussed. The main objective of the paper is to clarify obscure points of selenium poisoning, as well to point out the risks that supplementation with this element can represent.

• Selenium poisoning alkali disease blind staggers focal symmetrical poliomielomalacia

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Oliveira K.D., França T.N., Nogueira V.A. & Peixoto P.V. 2006. [Diseases associated with selenium poisoning in animals.] Enfermidades associadas à intoxicação por selênio em animais. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(4):125-136. Departamento de Nutrição Animal e Pastagem, Instituto de Zootecnia, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: krishna.oliveira@uvv.br Trough a critical literature review, the main data of selenium poisoning in domestic animals are presented. Epidemiological, clinical, anatomic and histopathological aspects attributed to Alkali Disease, Blind Staggers, acute poisoning and focal symmetrical poliomielomalacia of swine are discussed. The main objective of the paper is to clarify obscure points of selenium poisoning, as well to point out the risks that supplementation with this element can represent.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Morés N., Ventura L., Dutra V., Silva V.S., Barioni Jr W., Oliveira S.R, Kramer B. & Ferreira Neto J.S. 2007. [Granulomatous lymphadenitis in swine: lymph nodes affected and pathologic diagnosis of the infection caused by Mycobacterium avium Complex agents.] Linfadenite granulomatosa em suínos: linfonodos afetados e diagnóstico patológico da infecção causada por agentes do Complexo Mycobacterium avium. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(1):13-17. Embrapa Suínos e Aves, Cx. Postal 21, Concórdia, SC 89700-000, Brazil. E-mail: mores@cnpsa.embrapa.br A study to evaluate the distribution of granulomatous lesions in the lymph nodes of swine carcasses was accomplished. The main objective was to compare the methods of isolation of mycobacteria of the Mycobacterium avium Complex (MAC), Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) staining, histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry (IHC) for the diagnosis of granulomatous lymphadenitis caused by MAC. A total of 431 samples of lymph nodes from 394 swine carcasses kept in 12 cold storage rooms of southern Brazil, which had the Service of Federal Inspection (SFI), were analyzed. Lymph nodes with granulomatous lesions were submitted to histological examination, ZN staining and IHC with monoclonal antibody produced with cellular extract of M. avium. The agreement between the exams was measured by the Kappa test at a 95% confidence level. The macrocospic examination done by SFI correctly identified 90.3% of granulomatous lesions, when compared with histological examination, and the majority of carcasses (92.5%) showed the lesions only in lymph nodes of the alimentary chain. Histological examination confirmed the presence of granulomatous lesions in 90.3% of the lymph nodes. The agreements between histological examination, ZN staining (Kappa: 0.342), IHC and the isolation of MAC (Kappa: 0.102) were low, however high between IHC and histology with typical presence of granulomas in the lymph nodes (Kappa: 0.973). IHC together with histological examination revealed to be efficient for identification of the granulomatous lymphadenitis caused by MAC.

• Swine granulomatous lymphadenitis Mycobacterium avium immunohistochemistry

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Morés N., Ventura L., Dutra V., Silva V.S., Barioni Jr W., Oliveira S.R, Kramer B. & Ferreira Neto J.S. 2007. [Granulomatous lymphadenitis in swine: lymph nodes affected and pathologic diagnosis of the infection caused by Mycobacterium avium Complex agents.] Linfadenite granulomatosa em suínos: linfonodos afetados e diagnóstico patológico da infecção causada por agentes do Complexo Mycobacterium avium. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(1):13-17. Embrapa Suínos e Aves, Cx. Postal 21, Concórdia, SC 89700-000, Brazil. E-mail: mores@cnpsa.embrapa.br A study to evaluate the distribution of granulomatous lesions in the lymph nodes of swine carcasses was accomplished. The main objective was to compare the methods of isolation of mycobacteria of the Mycobacterium avium Complex (MAC), Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) staining, histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry (IHC) for the diagnosis of granulomatous lymphadenitis caused by MAC. A total of 431 samples of lymph nodes from 394 swine carcasses kept in 12 cold storage rooms of southern Brazil, which had the Service of Federal Inspection (SFI), were analyzed. Lymph nodes with granulomatous lesions were submitted to histological examination, ZN staining and IHC with monoclonal antibody produced with cellular extract of M. avium. The agreement between the exams was measured by the Kappa test at a 95% confidence level. The macrocospic examination done by SFI correctly identified 90.3% of granulomatous lesions, when compared with histological examination, and the majority of carcasses (92.5%) showed the lesions only in lymph nodes of the alimentary chain. Histological examination confirmed the presence of granulomatous lesions in 90.3% of the lymph nodes. The agreements between histological examination, ZN staining (Kappa: 0.342), IHC and the isolation of MAC (Kappa: 0.102) were low, however high between IHC and histology with typical presence of granulomas in the lymph nodes (Kappa: 0.973). IHC together with histological examination revealed to be efficient for identification of the granulomatous lymphadenitis caused by MAC.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Almeida R.F.C., Madruga C.R., Soares C.O., Fernandes M.C., Carvalho N.M., Jorge K.S.G. & Osório A.L.A.R. 2006. [Specific immune response of cattle to experimental sensibilization by inactivated Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium.] Resposta imune específica de bovinos experimentalmente sensibilizados com inóculos inativados de Mycobacterium bovis e Mycobacterium avium. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(4):195-200. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Cidade Universitária, Campo Grande, MS 79070-900, Brazil. E-mail: analudmv@nin.ufms.br The presumptive diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis is based on analysis of the immune response to micobacterial antigens. This experimental simulation of sensibilization by Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium in cattle aimed to verify the immune response by both the cervical comparative test and the evolution of the specific production of gamma-interferon, and also to identify interference of unspecified reactions by M. avium on the test results. The results support that the experimental animals started a response of delayed hypersensitivity to the inactivated bacilli, and that both diagnostic tests for bovine tuberculosis were efficient for the identification of animals sensitized with M. bovis and for discrimination of reactions generated by inoculation of cattle with M. avium.

• Mycobacterium bovis Mycobacterium avium gamma-interferon tuberculin immune response

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Almeida R.F.C., Madruga C.R., Soares C.O., Fernandes M.C., Carvalho N.M., Jorge K.S.G. & Osório A.L.A.R. 2006. [Specific immune response of cattle to experimental sensibilization by inactivated Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium.] Resposta imune específica de bovinos experimentalmente sensibilizados com inóculos inativados de Mycobacterium bovis e Mycobacterium avium. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(4):195-200. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Cidade Universitária, Campo Grande, MS 79070-900, Brazil. E-mail: analudmv@nin.ufms.br The presumptive diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis is based on analysis of the immune response to micobacterial antigens. This experimental simulation of sensibilization by Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium in cattle aimed to verify the immune response by both the cervical comparative test and the evolution of the specific production of gamma-interferon, and also to identify interference of unspecified reactions by M. avium on the test results. The results support that the experimental animals started a response of delayed hypersensitivity to the inactivated bacilli, and that both diagnostic tests for bovine tuberculosis were efficient for the identification of animals sensitized with M. bovis and for discrimination of reactions generated by inoculation of cattle with M. avium.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Almeida M.B., Tortelli F.P., Riet-Correa B., Ferreira J.L.M., Soares M.P., Farias N.A.R., Riet-Correa F. & Schild A.L. 2006. [Tick fever in southern Brazil: a retrospective study of 1978-2005.] Tristeza parasitária bovina na região sul do Rio Grande do Sul: estudo retrospectivo de 1978-2005. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(4):236-242. 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 A retrospective study of tick fever was made, which occurred from 1978-2005 in southern Rio Grande do Sul in the influence area of the Regional Diagnostic Laboratory of the Federal University of Pelotas. From 4,884 cattle specimens, sent by practitioners or which were from necropsies performed at the Diagnostic Laboratory, 231 (4.7%) were diagnosed as tick fever. Data from 221 of those outbreaks were analyzed. Ninety one (41.1%) outbreaks were caused by Babesia bovis, 11 (4.9%) by Babesia bigemina, and 65 (29.41%) by Anaplasma marginale. In other 33 (14.93%) outbreaks of babesiosis there is no information if the disease was caused by B. bovis or B. bigemina, and 21 (9.5%) outbreaks were caused by mixed infection of A. marginale and B. bovis or B. bigemina. Mean morbidity, mortality, and letality rates in 149 outbreaks were 11.17%, 6.81%, and 70.04%, respectively. Most outbreaks occurred during summer (January-March) and autumn (April-June), mainly in 1 to 3-year-old cattle. Clinical signs were depression, weakness, fallen ears, fever, and weight loss. Low packed cell volume values were always found. Hemoglobinury was observed in babesiosis. Neurological signs characterized by gait alterations, muscular tremors, aggressiveness and falling down with tonic and clonic convulsions were observed in babesiosis by B. bovis. The main gross lesions were anemia, jaundice, splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, yellow liver and cardiac hemorrhages. Hemoglobinury was observed in babesiosis, and congestion of the cerebral cortex in babesiosis by B. bovis. It is concluded that B. bovis is the main agent causing thick fever in southern Rio Grande do Sul. In that region with a cattle population of 2,630,000 heads the annual losses due to tick fever can be estimated in 6,220 cattle or US$ 1,623,000.00. Preventive measures to diminish tick fever losses in the region are necessary.

• Parasitic diseases tick fever epidemiology Babesia bovis Babesia bigemina Anaplasma marginale

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Almeida M.B., Tortelli F.P., Riet-Correa B., Ferreira J.L.M., Soares M.P., Farias N.A.R., Riet-Correa F. & Schild A.L. 2006. [Tick fever in southern Brazil: a retrospective study of 1978-2005.] Tristeza parasitária bovina na região sul do Rio Grande do Sul: estudo retrospectivo de 1978-2005. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(4):236-242. 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 A retrospective study of tick fever was made, which occurred from 1978-2005 in southern Rio Grande do Sul in the influence area of the Regional Diagnostic Laboratory of the Federal University of Pelotas. From 4,884 cattle specimens, sent by practitioners or which were from necropsies performed at the Diagnostic Laboratory, 231 (4.7%) were diagnosed as tick fever. Data from 221 of those outbreaks were analyzed. Ninety one (41.1%) outbreaks were caused by Babesia bovis, 11 (4.9%) by Babesia bigemina, and 65 (29.41%) by Anaplasma marginale. In other 33 (14.93%) outbreaks of babesiosis there is no information if the disease was caused by B. bovis or B. bigemina, and 21 (9.5%) outbreaks were caused by mixed infection of A. marginale and B. bovis or B. bigemina. Mean morbidity, mortality, and letality rates in 149 outbreaks were 11.17%, 6.81%, and 70.04%, respectively. Most outbreaks occurred during summer (January-March) and autumn (April-June), mainly in 1 to 3-year-old cattle. Clinical signs were depression, weakness, fallen ears, fever, and weight loss. Low packed cell volume values were always found. Hemoglobinury was observed in babesiosis. Neurological signs characterized by gait alterations, muscular tremors, aggressiveness and falling down with tonic and clonic convulsions were observed in babesiosis by B. bovis. The main gross lesions were anemia, jaundice, splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, yellow liver and cardiac hemorrhages. Hemoglobinury was observed in babesiosis, and congestion of the cerebral cortex in babesiosis by B. bovis. It is concluded that B. bovis is the main agent causing thick fever in southern Rio Grande do Sul. In that region with a cattle population of 2,630,000 heads the annual losses due to tick fever can be estimated in 6,220 cattle or US$ 1,623,000.00. Preventive measures to diminish tick fever losses in the region are necessary.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Carvalho N.M., Alonso L.A., Cunha T.G., Ravedutti J., Barros C.S.L. & Lemos R.A.A. 2006. [Poisoning of cattle by Tetrapterys multiglandulosa in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.] Intoxicação de bovinos por Tetrapterys multiglandulosa (Malpighiaceae) em Mato Grosso do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(3):139-146. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Avenida Senador Filinto Müller 2443, Caixa Postal 549, Campo Grande, MS 79070-900, Brazil. E-mail: eqrural@nin.ufms.br Two outbreaks of poisoning by Tetrapterys multiglandulosa in cattle and the experimental reproduction of the toxicosis in sheep are described. Both outbreaks occurred on the same farm in the municipality of Bataiporã, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. The first outbreak occurred in July-October 2004 and involved a cattle population at risk of 290 pregnant cows, which were introduced into a 60 hectare pasture with a legal reservation area heavily infested by T. multiglandulosa. Of these, 230 cows (79.3%) aborted, had stillbirths or delivered weak calves that died few days after birth. Seven cows died, and one cow and a 10-day-old calf were necropsied. The second outbreak occurred in September-October 2005, 40 days after 285 2-year-old heifers were introduced into the same pasture infested by T. multiglandulosa and where the first outbreak had occurred in the previous year. Nine heifers got sick and died, and three of then were necropsied. Clinical signs of affected cattle, including a 10-day-old calf, were marked lethargy, loss of weight with distension of the abdomen (ascites), subcutaneous dependant edema, distended and pulsating jugular veins, dyspnea and cardiac arrhythmia. Necropsy findings included a round and dilated heart with whitish and firm areas in the myocardium, and changes related to cardiac failure such as cavitary edema, nutmeg liver, pulmonary edema, a large blood clot in the left ventricle. Histopathological changes included necrosis and fibrosis in the myocardium, chronic passive hepatic centrolobular congestion, pulmonary edema, and spongy degeneration in the white matter of the brain. Experimental sheep died 29 (Sheep 1) and 35 (Sheep 2) days after being fed average daily doses of T. multiglandulosa corresponding to 14g/kg (Sheep 1) and 7,5 g/kg (Sheep 2) per day. Clinical signs were observed from the 7th day (Sheep1) and the 4th day (Sheep 2) of the experiment and included tachycardia, arrhythmia, lethargy and head pressing. Necropsy and histopathologic findings in both experimental sheep were very similar to those observed in affected cattle of the two spontaneous outbreaks.

• Poisonous plants Tetrapterys multiglandulosa Malpighiaceae plant poisoning cardiomiopathy abortion diseases of cattle pathology

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Carvalho N.M., Alonso L.A., Cunha T.G., Ravedutti J., Barros C.S.L. & Lemos R.A.A. 2006. [Poisoning of cattle by Tetrapterys multiglandulosa in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.] Intoxicação de bovinos por Tetrapterys multiglandulosa (Malpighiaceae) em Mato Grosso do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(3):139-146. Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Avenida Senador Filinto Müller 2443, Caixa Postal 549, Campo Grande, MS 79070-900, Brazil. E-mail: eqrural@nin.ufms.br Two outbreaks of poisoning by Tetrapterys multiglandulosa in cattle and the experimental reproduction of the toxicosis in sheep are described. Both outbreaks occurred on the same farm in the municipality of Bataiporã, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. The first outbreak occurred in July-October 2004 and involved a cattle population at risk of 290 pregnant cows, which were introduced into a 60 hectare pasture with a legal reservation area heavily infested by T. multiglandulosa. Of these, 230 cows (79.3%) aborted, had stillbirths or delivered weak calves that died few days after birth. Seven cows died, and one cow and a 10-day-old calf were necropsied. The second outbreak occurred in September-October 2005, 40 days after 285 2-year-old heifers were introduced into the same pasture infested by T. multiglandulosa and where the first outbreak had occurred in the previous year. Nine heifers got sick and died, and three of then were necropsied. Clinical signs of affected cattle, including a 10-day-old calf, were marked lethargy, loss of weight with distension of the abdomen (ascites), subcutaneous dependant edema, distended and pulsating jugular veins, dyspnea and cardiac arrhythmia. Necropsy findings included a round and dilated heart with whitish and firm areas in the myocardium, and changes related to cardiac failure such as cavitary edema, nutmeg liver, pulmonary edema, a large blood clot in the left ventricle. Histopathological changes included necrosis and fibrosis in the myocardium, chronic passive hepatic centrolobular congestion, pulmonary edema, and spongy degeneration in the white matter of the brain. Experimental sheep died 29 (Sheep 1) and 35 (Sheep 2) days after being fed average daily doses of T. multiglandulosa corresponding to 14g/kg (Sheep 1) and 7,5 g/kg (Sheep 2) per day. Clinical signs were observed from the 7th day (Sheep1) and the 4th day (Sheep 2) of the experiment and included tachycardia, arrhythmia, lethargy and head pressing. Necropsy and histopathologic findings in both experimental sheep were very similar to those observed in affected cattle of the two spontaneous outbreaks.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Seixas J.N., Peixoto P.V., Armién A.G., Jabour F.F. & Brito M.F. 2006. [Clinical and pathogenetic aspects of abamectin poisoning in calves.] Aspectos clínicos e patogenéticos da intoxicação por abamectina em bezerros. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(3):161-166. Pro-jeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Km 47, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: josiseixas@ufrrj.br Clinic-pathological aspects and the pathogenesis of experimental abamectin poisoning were studied, after subcutaneous administration of different abamectin doses in 9 calves, as well as the clini-cal and pathological aspects of 74 cases of the iatrogenic poisoning with this drug in cattle, which occurred in the states of Rio Grande do Sul, Pará, Maranhão, Paraíba and Mato Grosso do Sul. From the 9 calves submitted to experimental administration of single doses, 5 calves died (4 calves received doses 6-10 times higher than recommended, and one received the therapeutic daily dose during 11 days). Abamectin poisoning induces neurological dysfunctions, characterized by an initial phase of hyperexcitability, followed by widespread muscular hypotony and progressive depression. No macroscopic or microscopic alterations were observed in the central nervous system or in any other organ. It is concluded that abamectin is an antihelmintic which should be used with restriction, because of the risks leading to death when used in young calves, even in therapeutic doses.

• Abamectin poisoning neurological alterations calves

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Seixas J.N., Peixoto P.V., Armién A.G., Jabour F.F. & Brito M.F. 2006. [Clinical and pathogenetic aspects of abamectin poisoning in calves.] Aspectos clínicos e patogenéticos da intoxicação por abamectina em bezerros. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(3):161-166. Pro-jeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Km 47, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: josiseixas@ufrrj.br Clinic-pathological aspects and the pathogenesis of experimental abamectin poisoning were studied, after subcutaneous administration of different abamectin doses in 9 calves, as well as the clini-cal and pathological aspects of 74 cases of the iatrogenic poisoning with this drug in cattle, which occurred in the states of Rio Grande do Sul, Pará, Maranhão, Paraíba and Mato Grosso do Sul. From the 9 calves submitted to experimental administration of single doses, 5 calves died (4 calves received doses 6-10 times higher than recommended, and one received the therapeutic daily dose during 11 days). Abamectin poisoning induces neurological dysfunctions, characterized by an initial phase of hyperexcitability, followed by widespread muscular hypotony and progressive depression. No macroscopic or microscopic alterations were observed in the central nervous system or in any other organ. It is concluded that abamectin is an antihelmintic which should be used with restriction, because of the risks leading to death when used in young calves, even in therapeutic doses.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Jabour F.F., Seixas J.N., Tokarnia C.H. & Brito M.F. 2006. [Variation of the toxicity of Arrabidaea bilabiata (Bignoniaceae) in rabbits.] Variação da toxidez de Arrabidaea bilabiata (Bignoniaceae) em coelhos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(3):171-176. Projeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Km 47, Seropédica, RJ 23.890-000, Brazil. E-mail: flaviajabour@bol.com.br The dried and powdered mature leaves and sprouts of Arrabidaea bilabiata (fam. Bignoniaceae), a liana or scandent shrub, were administered by stomach tube to 15 rabbits at doses of 0.25-6.0g/kg. The lowest dose of the sprouts collected in October (End of the dry season) causing death was 0.5g/kg, whilst the lowest lethal dose of sprouts collected in May (End of the rainy season) was 1.0g/kg. With the mature leaves collected in October the lowest lethal dose was of 4.0g/kg, and the lowest lethal dose of the mature leaves collected in May was 6.0g/kg. The clinical course of the poisoning was peracute. The rabbits all of a sudden fell down with struggling movements, difficult and spaced breathing, and died. At necropsy, significant alterations were not observed and histopatological examination showed, as the more important changes, vacuolar hydropic degeneration of epithelial cells of the distal convoluted renal tubules, diffuse vacuolation of the cytoplasm and necrosis of hepatocytes, presence of eosinophilic sphaerules in the sinusoids, groups of heart muscle fibers with increased eosinophilia, besides congestion in the kidneys, liver, heart and lungs. It was concluded that the toxicity of A. bilabiata varies according to the season of the year and the growth stage of the plant. The plant was most toxic in October and the sprouts were more toxic than the mature leaves, confirming the data previously obtained in experiments with cattle and buffalos.

• Poisonous plants Arrabidaea bilabiata Bignoniaceae plant poisoning rabbit pathology

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Jabour F.F., Seixas J.N., Tokarnia C.H. & Brito M.F. 2006. [Variation of the toxicity of Arrabidaea bilabiata (Bignoniaceae) in rabbits.] Variação da toxidez de Arrabidaea bilabiata (Bignoniaceae) em coelhos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(3):171-176. Projeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Km 47, Seropédica, RJ 23.890-000, Brazil. E-mail: flaviajabour@bol.com.br The dried and powdered mature leaves and sprouts of Arrabidaea bilabiata (fam. Bignoniaceae), a liana or scandent shrub, were administered by stomach tube to 15 rabbits at doses of 0.25-6.0g/kg. The lowest dose of the sprouts collected in October (End of the dry season) causing death was 0.5g/kg, whilst the lowest lethal dose of sprouts collected in May (End of the rainy season) was 1.0g/kg. With the mature leaves collected in October the lowest lethal dose was of 4.0g/kg, and the lowest lethal dose of the mature leaves collected in May was 6.0g/kg. The clinical course of the poisoning was peracute. The rabbits all of a sudden fell down with struggling movements, difficult and spaced breathing, and died. At necropsy, significant alterations were not observed and histopatological examination showed, as the more important changes, vacuolar hydropic degeneration of epithelial cells of the distal convoluted renal tubules, diffuse vacuolation of the cytoplasm and necrosis of hepatocytes, presence of eosinophilic sphaerules in the sinusoids, groups of heart muscle fibers with increased eosinophilia, besides congestion in the kidneys, liver, heart and lungs. It was concluded that the toxicity of A. bilabiata varies according to the season of the year and the growth stage of the plant. The plant was most toxic in October and the sprouts were more toxic than the mature leaves, confirming the data previously obtained in experiments with cattle and buffalos.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- D’Andrea L.A.Z., Sartor I.F., Madruga C.R., Freitas S.B.Z., Kroll L.B. & Kronka S.N. 2005. [Immunological condition of cattle in Holstein and Nelore breed in regard to Babesia bovis and B. bigemina in two regions of the State of São Paulo.] Condição imunológica de bovinos das raças Holandesa e Nelore frente a Babesia bovis e B. bigemina em duas regiões do Estado de São Paulo. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(2):74-78.. Seção de Biologia Médica do Instituto Adolfo Lutz, Laboratório Regional de Presidente Prudente, Av. Cel José Soares Marcondes 2357, Presidente Prudente, SP 19013-050, Brazil. E-mail: zampieri@ial.sp.gov.br The immunological reply of a population to an infectious agent can vary between races and handling of this population. Regional research becomes important, in order to know the interrelation between the agent and its host. In this way, the occurrence of immunoglobulins of class G, anti-Babesia bovis and anti-Babesia bigemina in the Nelore (Bos indicus) and Hostein breed (Bos taurus), was investigated in two regions of the State of São Paulo, 300 km distant from each other. For the indirect method of ELISA, 1,161 bovine serum samples were tested. The medium frequencies of antibodies showed that in the two regions exists an enzootic stability for B. bovis in both breeds studied; even so there was a tendency of marginal area for the Nelore breed in one of the regions. Regarding B. bigemina, in both regions exists enzootic stability for the Hostein and enzootic instability for the Nelore breed. Therefore, acute cases of the disease or specific outbreaks by B. bigemina infection in the Nelore breed may occur in these regions.

• Babesia bovis Babesia bigemina ELISA cattle immunological condition.

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- D’Andrea L.A.Z., Sartor I.F., Madruga C.R., Freitas S.B.Z., Kroll L.B. & Kronka S.N. 2005. [Immunological condition of cattle in Holstein and Nelore breed in regard to Babesia bovis and B. bigemina in two regions of the State of São Paulo.] Condição imunológica de bovinos das raças Holandesa e Nelore frente a Babesia bovis e B. bigemina em duas regiões do Estado de São Paulo. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(2):74-78.. Seção de Biologia Médica do Instituto Adolfo Lutz, Laboratório Regional de Presidente Prudente, Av. Cel José Soares Marcondes 2357, Presidente Prudente, SP 19013-050, Brazil. E-mail: zampieri@ial.sp.gov.br The immunological reply of a population to an infectious agent can vary between races and handling of this population. Regional research becomes important, in order to know the interrelation between the agent and its host. In this way, the occurrence of immunoglobulins of class G, anti-Babesia bovis and anti-Babesia bigemina in the Nelore (Bos indicus) and Hostein breed (Bos taurus), was investigated in two regions of the State of São Paulo, 300 km distant from each other. For the indirect method of ELISA, 1,161 bovine serum samples were tested. The medium frequencies of antibodies showed that in the two regions exists an enzootic stability for B. bovis in both breeds studied; even so there was a tendency of marginal area for the Nelore breed in one of the regions. Regarding B. bigemina, in both regions exists enzootic stability for the Hostein and enzootic instability for the Nelore breed. Therefore, acute cases of the disease or specific outbreaks by B. bigemina infection in the Nelore breed may occur in these regions.