PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

Faccini J.L.H., Santos A.C.G. & Bechara G.H. 2004. [Bovine demodicosis in the state of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil.] Demodicose bovina no Estado da Paraíba. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(3):149-152. Depto Parasitologia Animal, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: faccini@ufrrj.br Cases of bovine demodicosis caused by Demodex bovis were reported in a Sindhi herd from December 1989 to January 1992. Both localized and generalized forms were diagnosed. This is the first report of the generalized form in Brazil. In the first two years, demodicosis was diagnosed only in cattle < 2 years old, whereas animals of all ages were positive in the last two years. Prevalence varied from 20.4% (11/54) to 53.1% (26/49) and 13.2% (12/91) to 14.8% (9/61) for cattle < 2 years old and > 2 years old, respectively. Clinical signs varied from a few small nodules to a thickened skin with soft large nodules in the localized and generalized forms, respectively. Main microscopic features of the nodules in the generalized form consisted of acanthosis with hyperqueratosis, chronic sebaceous adenitis, subcutaneous muscular necrosis, focal cellular degeneration of the epidermis basal layer and presence of large number of mites inside the lumen of dilated hair follicles. In addition, a chronic perifoliculitis was observed, characterized by lymphoplasmocytic infiltrate which also contained macrophages and neutrophils. It is suggested that poor nutrition and stress due to prolonged drought probably contributed to the increase of susceptibility of the herd to mite infestation.

• Demodex bovis demodicosis cattle pathology Brazil.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Faccini J.L.H., Santos A.C.G. & Bechara G.H. 2004. [Bovine demodicosis in the state of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil.] Demodicose bovina no Estado da Paraíba. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(3):149-152. Depto Parasitologia Animal, Instituto de Veterinária, Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: faccini@ufrrj.br Cases of bovine demodicosis caused by Demodex bovis were reported in a Sindhi herd from December 1989 to January 1992. Both localized and generalized forms were diagnosed. This is the first report of the generalized form in Brazil. In the first two years, demodicosis was diagnosed only in cattle < 2 years old, whereas animals of all ages were positive in the last two years. Prevalence varied from 20.4% (11/54) to 53.1% (26/49) and 13.2% (12/91) to 14.8% (9/61) for cattle < 2 years old and > 2 years old, respectively. Clinical signs varied from a few small nodules to a thickened skin with soft large nodules in the localized and generalized forms, respectively. Main microscopic features of the nodules in the generalized form consisted of acanthosis with hyperqueratosis, chronic sebaceous adenitis, subcutaneous muscular necrosis, focal cellular degeneration of the epidermis basal layer and presence of large number of mites inside the lumen of dilated hair follicles. In addition, a chronic perifoliculitis was observed, characterized by lymphoplasmocytic infiltrate which also contained macrophages and neutrophils. It is suggested that poor nutrition and stress due to prolonged drought probably contributed to the increase of susceptibility of the herd to mite infestation.

Abstract in English:

Brito M.F., Tokarnia C.H. & Döbereiner J. 2004. [The toxicity of diverse lantanas for cattle and sheep in Brazil.] A toxidez de diversas lantanas para bovinos e ovinos no Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(3):153-159. Projeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Km 47, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: tokarnia@ufrrj.br Experiments on the toxicity of Lantana spp for cattle and sheep revealed a similar situation as is reported from Australia. Neither all Lantana species nor all varieties which occur in Brazil are poisonous. Lantana samples collected at Boa Vista (Roraima), Castanhal (Pará), Cáceres (Mato Grosso), Serra Talhada (Pernambuco), Cabo Frio and Quatis (Rio de Janeiro), and Canoinhas (Santa Catarina) were toxic. All the other Lantana samples, collected at Cruzeiro do Sul (Acre), Castanhal (Pará), Chapada dos Guimarães and Lambari d’Oeste (Mato Grosso), Jaguaribe (Ceará), Vitória da Conquista and Wanderley (Bahia), Vitória (Espírito Santo), Vassouras, Parati and Itaguaí (Rio de Janeiro) revealed experimentally as non-toxic at a dose of 40g/kg. In all cases the lethal dose was 40 g/kg, with two exceptions: the sample collected at Canoinha (Santa Catarina) was much more toxic (10g/kg) and the one from Serra Talhada (Pernambuco) was much less toxic, as this last sample caused lethal poisoning only at a dosage of 40g/kg/day given during 30 days. Histories about the observation of photosensitization in cattle due to the ingestion of Lantana spp were obtained at Serra Talhada (Pernambuco), Cáceres (Mato Grosso), Cabo Frio and Quatis (Rio de Janeiro), and Canoinhas (Santa Catarina). No correlation could be established between the colour of the flowers of Lantana spp and the toxicity of the plants. This confirms reports from Australia that the toxic potential of the Lantana species is not necessarily related to the colour of their flowers.

• Poisonous plants plant poisoning Lantana spp Verbenaceae sheep cattle pathology.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Brito M.F., Tokarnia C.H. & Döbereiner J. 2004. [The toxicity of diverse lantanas for cattle and sheep in Brazil.] A toxidez de diversas lantanas para bovinos e ovinos no Brasil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(3):153-159. Projeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Km 47, Seropédica, RJ 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: tokarnia@ufrrj.br Experiments on the toxicity of Lantana spp for cattle and sheep revealed a similar situation as is reported from Australia. Neither all Lantana species nor all varieties which occur in Brazil are poisonous. Lantana samples collected at Boa Vista (Roraima), Castanhal (Pará), Cáceres (Mato Grosso), Serra Talhada (Pernambuco), Cabo Frio and Quatis (Rio de Janeiro), and Canoinhas (Santa Catarina) were toxic. All the other Lantana samples, collected at Cruzeiro do Sul (Acre), Castanhal (Pará), Chapada dos Guimarães and Lambari d’Oeste (Mato Grosso), Jaguaribe (Ceará), Vitória da Conquista and Wanderley (Bahia), Vitória (Espírito Santo), Vassouras, Parati and Itaguaí (Rio de Janeiro) revealed experimentally as non-toxic at a dose of 40g/kg. In all cases the lethal dose was 40 g/kg, with two exceptions: the sample collected at Canoinha (Santa Catarina) was much more toxic (10g/kg) and the one from Serra Talhada (Pernambuco) was much less toxic, as this last sample caused lethal poisoning only at a dosage of 40g/kg/day given during 30 days. Histories about the observation of photosensitization in cattle due to the ingestion of Lantana spp were obtained at Serra Talhada (Pernambuco), Cáceres (Mato Grosso), Cabo Frio and Quatis (Rio de Janeiro), and Canoinhas (Santa Catarina). No correlation could be established between the colour of the flowers of Lantana spp and the toxicity of the plants. This confirms reports from Australia that the toxic potential of the Lantana species is not necessarily related to the colour of their flowers.

Abstract in English:

Tokarnia C.H., Barbosa J.D., Oliveira C.M.C., Brito M.F., Oliveira R.B. & Barbas L.A. 2004. [Comparative epidemiological, clinical and pathological aspects of poisoning by Arrabidaea bilabiata (Bignoniaceae) in buffalo and cattle.] Aspectos epidemiológicos e clínico-patológicos comparados da intoxicação por Arrabidaea bilabiata (Bignoniaceae) em búfalos e bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(2):74-79. Projeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Km 47, Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: tokarnia@ufrrj.br Experiments showed that the clinical and pathological pictures were essentially the same, but the buffalo was at least twice more resistant than the bovine to the toxic effect of Arrabidaea bilabiata (Sprague) Sandw. It was also shown that the young leaves are twice (October, end of the dry season) or one and a half (May, end of the rainy season) more toxic than the mature leaves, and that the plant is more toxic in October. These data indicate that the smaller incidence of poisoning by plants of the group that causes sudden death in buffaloes in the Amazon Region is, in part, due to the greater resistance of this animal species to the toxic action of the plant. Also important seems to be the coincidence of the preferential habitat of the buffalo (flooded areas) with the habitat of A. bilabiata, less toxic than Palicourea marcgravii St.Hil. which is a plant of the non-flooded areas, the preferential habitat of cattle.

• Plant poisoning Arrabidaea bilabiata Bignoniaceae toxicity buffalo cattle.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Tokarnia C.H., Barbosa J.D., Oliveira C.M.C., Brito M.F., Oliveira R.B. & Barbas L.A. 2004. [Comparative epidemiological, clinical and pathological aspects of poisoning by Arrabidaea bilabiata (Bignoniaceae) in buffalo and cattle.] Aspectos epidemiológicos e clínico-patológicos comparados da intoxicação por Arrabidaea bilabiata (Bignoniaceae) em búfalos e bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(2):74-79. Projeto Sanidade Animal Embrapa/UFRRJ, Km 47, Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro 23890-000, Brazil. E-mail: tokarnia@ufrrj.br Experiments showed that the clinical and pathological pictures were essentially the same, but the buffalo was at least twice more resistant than the bovine to the toxic effect of Arrabidaea bilabiata (Sprague) Sandw. It was also shown that the young leaves are twice (October, end of the dry season) or one and a half (May, end of the rainy season) more toxic than the mature leaves, and that the plant is more toxic in October. These data indicate that the smaller incidence of poisoning by plants of the group that causes sudden death in buffaloes in the Amazon Region is, in part, due to the greater resistance of this animal species to the toxic action of the plant. Also important seems to be the coincidence of the preferential habitat of the buffalo (flooded areas) with the habitat of A. bilabiata, less toxic than Palicourea marcgravii St.Hil. which is a plant of the non-flooded areas, the preferential habitat of cattle.

Abstract in English:

Garmatz S.L., Irigoyen L.F., Rech R.R., Brown C.C., Zhang J. & Barros C.S.L. 2004. [Malignant catarrhal fever in cattle in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil: Experimental transmission to cattle and characterization of the etiological agent.] Febre catarral maligna em bovinos no Rio Grande do Sul: transmissão experimental para bovinos e caracterização do agente etiológico. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(2):93-106. Depto Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Two oubreaks of malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) occurring in cattle on two farms (A and B) in the municipality of Santiago, state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil, and the transmission of the disease to susceptible calves as well as the detection of ovine herpesvirus-2 (OvHV-2) in tissues of affected cattle are reported. The two epizootics occurred from November 2001 to February 2002 (Farm A) and in January-February 2003 (Farm B). Numbers of cattle at risk, morbidity and letality rates were respectively 170, 10.59% and 83.33% for Farm A and 500, 2.4% and 100% for Farm B. Contact between affected cattle and sheep was detected in both farms, but lambing ewes were present only in farm A. Duration of clinical courses, gross findings and histopathology were the same for the affected cattle in both farms. Most affected cattle died or were euthanatized in extremis after a clinical course of 2-8 days. Clinical signs included fever (40.5 and 41.5°C), nasal and ocular discharge, corneal opacity, conjunctivitis, drooling, erosions and ulcerations of the mucosae, diarrhea, hematuria, and neurological disturbances. Eleven necropsies (9 on Farm A, 2 on Farm B) were performed. Gross lesions included erosions and ulcers affecting the mucosae of nasal turbinates, oral cavity, gastrointestinal and urogenital tracts; hemorrhage and necrosis of the tip of the buccal papillae, lymph node enlargement, multifocal white foci in renal cortex, and hyperemia of leptomeninges. Microscopically, there were arteritis and fibrinoid degeneration in medium and small arteries and arterioles of multiple organs and tissues, necrosis and inflammation in several mucosal surfaces, keratitis, conjunctivitis, uveitis, intersticial nephritis, and encephalitis. Transmission experiments were attempted in five calves (E1-E5) by inocculating each of them intravenously with 500 ml of whole heparinized blood from a MCF affected cow. The transmission was suscessful in at least three (E1-E3) of the experimental calves which became sick after an incubation period of 15-27 days. Four experimental calves either died or were euthanatized in extremis after a clinical course which varied from 3 days to 8 weeks. The remaining experimental calf (E5) recovered from a mild disease and was euthanatized 14 weeks after inocculation. Necropsies were performed in all five calves. Clinical signs, necropsy and histopathological findings of three calves (E1-E3) were characteristic of MCF. OvHV-2 viral DNA was detected by the polimerase chain reaction (PCR) test in paraffin embedded tissues from seven cattle out of the 11 spontaneous MCF cases and from three experimental calves (E1-E3). PCR tests resulted negative in the remaining four of the 11 spontaneous MCF cases tested and in two (E4,E5) of the five experimental calves. Immunohistochemistry performed in sections of lymphoid tissue from calf E4 failed to detect BVD virus antigen. The experimental transmission of MCF and the characterization of the etiological agent as OvHV-2 were successfully attempted in cattle for the first time in Brazil.

• Infectious diseases malignant catarrhal fever viral diseases diseases of cattle pathology polimerase chain reation.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Garmatz S.L., Irigoyen L.F., Rech R.R., Brown C.C., Zhang J. & Barros C.S.L. 2004. [Malignant catarrhal fever in cattle in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil: Experimental transmission to cattle and characterization of the etiological agent.] Febre catarral maligna em bovinos no Rio Grande do Sul: transmissão experimental para bovinos e caracterização do agente etiológico. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(2):93-106. Depto Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Two oubreaks of malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) occurring in cattle on two farms (A and B) in the municipality of Santiago, state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil, and the transmission of the disease to susceptible calves as well as the detection of ovine herpesvirus-2 (OvHV-2) in tissues of affected cattle are reported. The two epizootics occurred from November 2001 to February 2002 (Farm A) and in January-February 2003 (Farm B). Numbers of cattle at risk, morbidity and letality rates were respectively 170, 10.59% and 83.33% for Farm A and 500, 2.4% and 100% for Farm B. Contact between affected cattle and sheep was detected in both farms, but lambing ewes were present only in farm A. Duration of clinical courses, gross findings and histopathology were the same for the affected cattle in both farms. Most affected cattle died or were euthanatized in extremis after a clinical course of 2-8 days. Clinical signs included fever (40.5 and 41.5°C), nasal and ocular discharge, corneal opacity, conjunctivitis, drooling, erosions and ulcerations of the mucosae, diarrhea, hematuria, and neurological disturbances. Eleven necropsies (9 on Farm A, 2 on Farm B) were performed. Gross lesions included erosions and ulcers affecting the mucosae of nasal turbinates, oral cavity, gastrointestinal and urogenital tracts; hemorrhage and necrosis of the tip of the buccal papillae, lymph node enlargement, multifocal white foci in renal cortex, and hyperemia of leptomeninges. Microscopically, there were arteritis and fibrinoid degeneration in medium and small arteries and arterioles of multiple organs and tissues, necrosis and inflammation in several mucosal surfaces, keratitis, conjunctivitis, uveitis, intersticial nephritis, and encephalitis. Transmission experiments were attempted in five calves (E1-E5) by inocculating each of them intravenously with 500 ml of whole heparinized blood from a MCF affected cow. The transmission was suscessful in at least three (E1-E3) of the experimental calves which became sick after an incubation period of 15-27 days. Four experimental calves either died or were euthanatized in extremis after a clinical course which varied from 3 days to 8 weeks. The remaining experimental calf (E5) recovered from a mild disease and was euthanatized 14 weeks after inocculation. Necropsies were performed in all five calves. Clinical signs, necropsy and histopathological findings of three calves (E1-E3) were characteristic of MCF. OvHV-2 viral DNA was detected by the polimerase chain reaction (PCR) test in paraffin embedded tissues from seven cattle out of the 11 spontaneous MCF cases and from three experimental calves (E1-E3). PCR tests resulted negative in the remaining four of the 11 spontaneous MCF cases tested and in two (E4,E5) of the five experimental calves. Immunohistochemistry performed in sections of lymphoid tissue from calf E4 failed to detect BVD virus antigen. The experimental transmission of MCF and the characterization of the etiological agent as OvHV-2 were successfully attempted in cattle for the first time in Brazil.

Abstract in English:

Azevedo J.R., Mannigel R.C., Agulhon A.Z., Borba T.R., Barbieri A.W., Oliveira D.C.L., Headley S.A. & Janeiro V. 2004. Prevalence and geographical distribution of bovine eurytrematosis in cattle slaughtered in northern Paraná, Brazil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira, 24(1):23-26. Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária, Centro Universitário de Maringá, Av. Guedner 1610, Jd. Aclimação, Maringá, PR 87050-390, Brazil. E-mail: headleysa@cesumar.br A retrospective study of cattle slaughtered in northern Paraná during 2000 was performed to determine the prevalence and geographical distribution of bovine eurytrematosis (BE), as identified by the Federal Inspection Service (SIF). The cattle was from different regions of the State of Paraná; all regions had cattle parasitized by Eurytrema spp. BE was identified in 12.1% (12,534/103,411) of the total number of cattle inspected. Prevalence of animals parasitized by Eurytrema spp varied from 8.3% (Region G, São João do Caiuá, 1,069/12,914) to 40.5% (Region R, Ponta Grossa, 225/555). BE was more prevalent during the month of March (1.6) and markedly reduced during May (-2). A possible seasonal predominance of BE was identified: comparatively fewer cases occurred from April to August, while there was a peak from December to March. The study indicates that bovine eurytrematosis is hypoendemic and occurs in almost all geographical regions of the State of Paraná. The prevalence within this State is variable and may be directly related to factors of the biological cycle of the trematode, particularities of each region, and environmental conditions.

• Cattle eurytrematosis epidemiology parasitology.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Azevedo J.R., Mannigel R.C., Agulhon A.Z., Borba T.R., Barbieri A.W., Oliveira D.C.L., Headley S.A. & Janeiro V. 2004. Prevalence and geographical distribution of bovine eurytrematosis in cattle slaughtered in northern Paraná, Brazil. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira, 24(1):23-26. Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária, Centro Universitário de Maringá, Av. Guedner 1610, Jd. Aclimação, Maringá, PR 87050-390, Brazil. E-mail: headleysa@cesumar.br A retrospective study of cattle slaughtered in northern Paraná during 2000 was performed to determine the prevalence and geographical distribution of bovine eurytrematosis (BE), as identified by the Federal Inspection Service (SIF). The cattle was from different regions of the State of Paraná; all regions had cattle parasitized by Eurytrema spp. BE was identified in 12.1% (12,534/103,411) of the total number of cattle inspected. Prevalence of animals parasitized by Eurytrema spp varied from 8.3% (Region G, São João do Caiuá, 1,069/12,914) to 40.5% (Region R, Ponta Grossa, 225/555). BE was more prevalent during the month of March (1.6) and markedly reduced during May (-2). A possible seasonal predominance of BE was identified: comparatively fewer cases occurred from April to August, while there was a peak from December to March. The study indicates that bovine eurytrematosis is hypoendemic and occurs in almost all geographical regions of the State of Paraná. The prevalence within this State is variable and may be directly related to factors of the biological cycle of the trematode, particularities of each region, and environmental conditions.

Abstract in English:

Lima M., Flores E.F., Weiblen R., Flores F.S.F. & Arenhart S. 2004. [Characterization of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) types 1 and 2 isolates for use in vaccines.] Caracterização de amostras atenuadas do vírus da Diarréia Viral Bovina (BVDV) tipos 1 e 2 para uso em vacinas. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(1):35-42. Depto Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Rurais, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil. E-mail: flores@ccr.ufsm.br This article reports the characterization of two cytopathic isolates of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV-1: IBSP-2; BVDV-2:SV-253) submitted to multiple passages (n=30) in tissue culture associated with ultraviolet irradiation. The vaccine candidate strains were characterized in vitro (plaque size and morphology, growth kinetics and antigenic profile) and in vivo (attenuation and serological response in calves). In vitro characterization of biologically cloned viruses obtained at passages 0, 1, 10, 20 and 30 demonstrated that the attenuation process did not significantly affect the phenotypic and antigenic properties of the viruses. No major differences in plaque size and morphology and in the growth kinetics in tissue culture were observed among the viruses obtained at different passages. Likewise, the antigenic profile of these viruses did not change upon successive passages in tissue culture, as ascertained by the pattern of binding by 48 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Intramuscular inoculation of both viruses (IBSP-2: 107.3 TCID50; SV-253: 106.8 TCID50) at passage 30 (p30) in twelve 15 months old heifers did not produce clinical signs, demonstrating the attenuation of the viruses. Following inoculation, infectious virus was detected in leucocytes of most inoculated animals (10/12) between days 3 and 6 post-inoculation (pi) and in nasal secretions of three animals (days 4, 7 and 8pi). However, the vaccine viruses were not transmitted to three seronegative calves maintained as sentinels. All vaccinated calves seroconverted at day 14 post-vaccination. A moderate to high serum neutralizing response against five Brazilian BVDV-1 (titers from 80 to ³1,280) and four Brazilian BVDV-2 isolates (titers from 20 to 640) was observed at day 33 post-vaccination (pv). In general, the highest titers were observed against the Brazilian BVDV-1 isolates. At day 240 post-vaccination, the animals received a booster administration (IBSP-2: 107.3 TCID50 and SV-253: 106.8 TCID50). Revaccination resulted in a strong anamnestic response in most animals, with increasing antibody titers mainly to BVDV-2. These are promising results towards the future use of these strains in modified-live vaccines for the control of BVDV infection in Brazil.

• Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) modified-live vaccine attenuation.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Lima M., Flores E.F., Weiblen R., Flores F.S.F. & Arenhart S. 2004. [Characterization of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) types 1 and 2 isolates for use in vaccines.] Caracterização de amostras atenuadas do vírus da Diarréia Viral Bovina (BVDV) tipos 1 e 2 para uso em vacinas. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(1):35-42. Depto Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, Centro de Ciências Rurais, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil. E-mail: flores@ccr.ufsm.br This article reports the characterization of two cytopathic isolates of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV-1: IBSP-2; BVDV-2:SV-253) submitted to multiple passages (n=30) in tissue culture associated with ultraviolet irradiation. The vaccine candidate strains were characterized in vitro (plaque size and morphology, growth kinetics and antigenic profile) and in vivo (attenuation and serological response in calves). In vitro characterization of biologically cloned viruses obtained at passages 0, 1, 10, 20 and 30 demonstrated that the attenuation process did not significantly affect the phenotypic and antigenic properties of the viruses. No major differences in plaque size and morphology and in the growth kinetics in tissue culture were observed among the viruses obtained at different passages. Likewise, the antigenic profile of these viruses did not change upon successive passages in tissue culture, as ascertained by the pattern of binding by 48 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Intramuscular inoculation of both viruses (IBSP-2: 107.3 TCID50; SV-253: 106.8 TCID50) at passage 30 (p30) in twelve 15 months old heifers did not produce clinical signs, demonstrating the attenuation of the viruses. Following inoculation, infectious virus was detected in leucocytes of most inoculated animals (10/12) between days 3 and 6 post-inoculation (pi) and in nasal secretions of three animals (days 4, 7 and 8pi). However, the vaccine viruses were not transmitted to three seronegative calves maintained as sentinels. All vaccinated calves seroconverted at day 14 post-vaccination. A moderate to high serum neutralizing response against five Brazilian BVDV-1 (titers from 80 to ³1,280) and four Brazilian BVDV-2 isolates (titers from 20 to 640) was observed at day 33 post-vaccination (pv). In general, the highest titers were observed against the Brazilian BVDV-1 isolates. At day 240 post-vaccination, the animals received a booster administration (IBSP-2: 107.3 TCID50 and SV-253: 106.8 TCID50). Revaccination resulted in a strong anamnestic response in most animals, with increasing antibody titers mainly to BVDV-2. These are promising results towards the future use of these strains in modified-live vaccines for the control of BVDV infection in Brazil.

Abstract in English:

Spilki F.R, Esteves P.A., Lima M., Franco A.C., Chiminazzo C., Flores E.F., Weiblen R., Driemeier D. & Roehe P.M. 2004. Comparative pathogenicity of bovine herpesviruses type 1 (BHV-1) subtypes 1 (BHV-1.1) and 2a (BHV-1.2a). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(1):43-49. Centro de Pesquisas Desidério Finamor, Fepagro Saúde Animal, Cx. Postal 47, Eldorado do Sul, RS 92990-000, Brazil. E-mail: proehe@ufrgs.br The study aimed to examine the capacity of two bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BHV-1) isolates of different subtypes (EVI 123/96, BHV-1.1; SV265/98, BHV-1.2a) to induce respiratory disease in calves. These two isolates are representative of the BHV-1 subtypes prevalent in Brazil. Viral subtypes were confirmed by monoclonal antibody analysis and by restriction enzyme digestion of viral genomes. The viruses were inoculated intranasally into seven 3 months old calves (four with BHV-1.1, three with BHV-1.2a). Three other calves of identical age and condition were kept as uninfected controls. In both groups of infected calves, the clinical signs observed were consistent with typical infectious bovine rhinothracheitis (IBR), including pyrexia, apathy, anorexia, nasal and ocular mucopurulent discharges, erosions on the nasal mucosa, conjunctivitis, lachrymation, redness of nasal mucosa, dyspnoea, coughing, tracheal stridor and enlargement of retropharingeal, submandibular and cervical lymphnodes. No significant differences were observed between the clinical scores attributed to both groups. Virus shedding in nasal and ocular secretions were also similar, apart from a significant difference in nasal virus shedding on day 1 to 3 post-inoculation, which was higher for BHV-1.1 than for BHV-1.2a. Following corticosteroid induced reactivation of the latent infection, recrudescence of clinical signs was also observed, with no significant differences on both groups. It was concluded that both subtypes BHV-1.1 and BHV-1.2a were able to induce clinically undistinguishable respiratory disease in calves, either subsequent to a primary infection or following reactivation.

• Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis IBR BHV-1.1 BHV-1.2a subtypes pathogenicity.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Spilki F.R, Esteves P.A., Lima M., Franco A.C., Chiminazzo C., Flores E.F., Weiblen R., Driemeier D. & Roehe P.M. 2004. Comparative pathogenicity of bovine herpesviruses type 1 (BHV-1) subtypes 1 (BHV-1.1) and 2a (BHV-1.2a). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(1):43-49. Centro de Pesquisas Desidério Finamor, Fepagro Saúde Animal, Cx. Postal 47, Eldorado do Sul, RS 92990-000, Brazil. E-mail: proehe@ufrgs.br The study aimed to examine the capacity of two bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BHV-1) isolates of different subtypes (EVI 123/96, BHV-1.1; SV265/98, BHV-1.2a) to induce respiratory disease in calves. These two isolates are representative of the BHV-1 subtypes prevalent in Brazil. Viral subtypes were confirmed by monoclonal antibody analysis and by restriction enzyme digestion of viral genomes. The viruses were inoculated intranasally into seven 3 months old calves (four with BHV-1.1, three with BHV-1.2a). Three other calves of identical age and condition were kept as uninfected controls. In both groups of infected calves, the clinical signs observed were consistent with typical infectious bovine rhinothracheitis (IBR), including pyrexia, apathy, anorexia, nasal and ocular mucopurulent discharges, erosions on the nasal mucosa, conjunctivitis, lachrymation, redness of nasal mucosa, dyspnoea, coughing, tracheal stridor and enlargement of retropharingeal, submandibular and cervical lymphnodes. No significant differences were observed between the clinical scores attributed to both groups. Virus shedding in nasal and ocular secretions were also similar, apart from a significant difference in nasal virus shedding on day 1 to 3 post-inoculation, which was higher for BHV-1.1 than for BHV-1.2a. Following corticosteroid induced reactivation of the latent infection, recrudescence of clinical signs was also observed, with no significant differences on both groups. It was concluded that both subtypes BHV-1.1 and BHV-1.2a were able to induce clinically undistinguishable respiratory disease in calves, either subsequent to a primary infection or following reactivation.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Azevedo S.S., Vasconcellos S.A., Alves C.J., Keid L.B., Grasso L.M.P.S., Mascolli R. & Pinheiro S.R. 2003. [Serological survey and risk factors for brucellosis due to Brucella canis in dogs of the Santana de Parnaíba municipality, State of São Paulo.] Inquérito sorológico e fatores de risco para a brucelose por Brucella canis em cães do Município de Santana de Parnaíba, Estado de São Paulo. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 23(4):156-160. Depto Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, FMVZ/USP, 05508-090 São Paulo·SP, Brazil. E-mail: sevedo@fmvz.usp.br The prevalence of brucellosis due to Bruce/la canis was investigated in dogs of the Santana de Parnaíba. county, State of São Paulo, southeastem Brazil, and the risk factors for infection were analyzed. For this purpose, 41 O blood samples were collected from dogs duririg the rabies vaccination campaign, in August 1999. The agar gel immunodiffusion test (AGIO), using lipopolysaccharides and protein antigens from Brucella ovis; strain Reo 198, was applied first as a screening test on normal sera, and secondly, for confirmation. fl1e sarne AGIO test was applied to sera treated previously with 2-mercapthathanol (ME-AGIO). The complement fixation test (CFT), using B. ovis antigen, strain 63/290, was applied also as a confirmatory test. For the prevalence analysis, animais presenting positive results in both ME-AGIO and CFTwere considered positive. The prevalence of brucellosis due to B. canis was 2.2% (95% C.I. = 1.01-4.13%). Dogs that were allowed bytheir owners to stay free outside their home had a higher risk for contracting B. canis infection, with an odds ratio value of 8.73 (95% C.I.=1.48-51.55) and p=0.04.

• Animal brucellosis Brucella canis diagnosis dogs Brucelose animal diagnóstico cães.

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Azevedo S.S., Vasconcellos S.A., Alves C.J., Keid L.B., Grasso L.M.P.S., Mascolli R. & Pinheiro S.R. 2003. [Serological survey and risk factors for brucellosis due to Brucella canis in dogs of the Santana de Parnaíba municipality, State of São Paulo.] Inquérito sorológico e fatores de risco para a brucelose por Brucella canis em cães do Município de Santana de Parnaíba, Estado de São Paulo. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 23(4):156-160. Depto Medicina Veterinária Preventiva, FMVZ/USP, 05508-090 São Paulo·SP, Brazil. E-mail: sevedo@fmvz.usp.br Foi investigada a prevalência da brucelose causada por Brucella canis em cães do município de Santana de Parnaíba, SP, Brasil, e realizado um estudo de possíveis fatores de risco associados à soropositividade para B. canis. Foram examinadas 410 amostras de soro sanguíneo de cães colhidas durante a campanha de vacinação anti-rábica animal, realizada em agosto de 1999. A imunodifusão em gel de ágar (IOGA), utilizando antígeno de lipopolissacarídeos e proteínas de Brucella ovis, amostra Reo 198, foi empregada em soros normais como teste de triagem, e, para a confirmação, a mesma técnica foi aplicada em soros tratados pelo 2-mercaptoetanol (IOGA-ME). A reação de fixação de complemento (CFT), utilizando antígeno de B. ovis, amostra 63/290, também foi utilizada como prova confirmatória. A determinação da prevalência considerou como positivos os animais que reagiram positivamente nos dois testes confirmatórios. (IOGA-ME e CFT). A prevalência da B. canis foi de 2,2% (1.C. 95% = 1,01-4, 13%). A análise estatística mostrou que os cães com acesso irrestrito à rua o dia todo (manejo do tipo solto) estiveram mais expostos ao risco da infecção por B. canis, com um valor de odds ratio de 8,73 (I.C. 95% = 1,48-51,55) e p=0,04.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Barbosa]. D., Oliveira C. M. C., Tokarnia C. H. & Riet-Correa E 2003. [Comparison of the sensibility of cattle and buffaloes to poisoning by Palicourea marcgravii (Rubiaceae).] Comparação da sensibilidade de bovinos e búfalos à intoxicação por Palicourea marcgravii (Rubiaceae). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 23(4): 167-172. Escola de Medicina Veterinária, Campus Castanhal, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Maximino Porpino 1000, Castanhal, PA 68743- 080, Brazil. E-mail: diomedes@ufpa.br In order to verify if buffaloes are more resistant than cattle to poisoning by Palicourea marcgravii, the plant was given per os simultaneously to buffaloes and cattle. Seven buffaloes and three head of cattle were used. Doses of 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 g/kg did not cause signs of poisoning in buffaloes; but doses of 3.0, 4.0 and 6.0 g/kg caused death. In cattle 0.25 g/kg did not cause symptoms; but 0.5 and 2.0 g/kg were lethal. The influence of exercise on the onset of symptoms, the time which elapsed from the beginning of the administration of the plant to the appearance of symptoms, and the symptoms themselves, were similar in the two animal species. The clinical course was longer in buffaloes; whilst in cattle the period between the onset of severe symptoms and death lasted 9 to 17 minutes; in buffaloes it varied from 10 minutes to 1 hour 28 minutes. It can be concluded, that buffaloes are about six times more resistant than cattle to the toxic action of P. maracgravii. The lower incidence of deaths in buffaloes by poisonous plants in the Amazon region is, at least in part, due the lower sensibility of buffaloes to poisoning by this plant. Another factor responsible for the smaller number of buffaloes which die due to plant poisoning in the Amazon region, is possibly that buffaloes prefer the Jowlands, e.g. temporarily flooded areas, which are the habitat of Arrabidaea bilabiata, the second most important poisonous plant of the Amazon region. This plant is less poisonous than P. marcgravii, and its habitat are the higher not flooded areas. So it would be safer, in order to diminish losses, to breed buffaloes instead of cattle in areas where P. marcgravii occurs. The reason for the greater resistance of buffaloes should be further investigated as a possible prophylactic measure to avoid poisoning by P. marcgravii in cattle. On the other hand, Australian investigators modified genetically the ruminai bacteria Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens by introducing a gene, isolated from a Moraxella sp, which codifies a dehalogenase, capable of hydrolyzing fluoroacetate, the poisonous principle of P. marcgravii. Transferring the genetically modified B. fibrisolvens into the rumen of animal, which consume plants that contain fluoroacetate, would be a viable method to control that poisoning through a ruminal detoxifying process for the toxin. Through preliminary contacts, the director of the consorcium in Australia, responsible for the modification of the bacteria, declared that he is interested to sell the technology to our country, but it would be necessary to know if it is permitted to introduce into Brazil the genetically modified bacteria. If allowed, it would be necessary to perform investigations on the viability and the methodology for using this bacteria to control P. marcgravii poisoning in our country.

• Poisonous plants plant poisoning Palicourea marcgravii Rubiaceae cattle buffaloes prophylaxis Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens genetically modified bactéria Intoxicação por planta Rubiaceae bovinos búfalos profilaxia bactérias geneticamente modificadas.

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Barbosa]. D., Oliveira C. M. C., Tokarnia C. H. & Riet-Correa E 2003. [Comparison of the sensibility of cattle and buffaloes to poisoning by Palicourea marcgravii (Rubiaceae).] Comparação da sensibilidade de bovinos e búfalos à intoxicação por Palicourea marcgravii (Rubiaceae). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 23(4): 167-172. Escola de Medicina Veterinária, Campus Castanhal, Universidade Federal do Pará, Rua Maximino Porpino 1000, Castanhal, PA 68743- 080, Brazil. E-mail: diomedes@ufpa.br O presente estudo foi realizado para verificar se búfalos são mais resistentes do que bovinos à ação tóxica de Palicourea marcgravii, mediante a administração da planta por via oral, simultaneamente, a bovinos e a búfalos. Foram usados sete búfalos e três bovinos. Verificou-se que em búfalos doses de 0,5 g/kg, 1,0 g/kg e 2,0 g/kg não causaram sintomas de intoxicação. As doses de 3,0 g/kg, 4,0 g/kg e 6,0 g/kg causaram a morte dos búfalos. Em bovinos, a dose de 0,25g/kg não causou sinais clínicos de intoxicação, enquanto que doses de 0,5 g/kg e 2,0 g/kg causaram a morte. A influência do exercício sobre o aparecimento dos sintomas, o prazo decorrido desde o começo da administração da planta até o início de sintomas, e os próprios sintomas, foram semelhantes nas duas espécies animais. O curso clínico foi mais longo nos búfalos. Enquanto nos bovinos o período entre o aparecimento dos sintomas graves e a morte foi de 9 a 17 minutos, nos búfalos variou de 10 minutos a 1 hora e 28 minutos. Pode se concluir que os bubalinos são aproximadamente seis vezes mais resistentes do que os bovinos à ação tóxica de P. marcgravii. O menor índice de mortes pela ação de plantas tóxicas na Amazônia em búfalos é, pelo menos em parte, devido à maior resistência do búfalo à intoxicação por essa planta. Outro fator responsável pelo menor número de mortes em búfalos pela intoxicação por plantas, na Amazônia, poderia ser que os búfalos preferem a várzea, que é o habitat de Arrabidaea bilabiata, a segunda planta tóxica mais importante da Amazônia, menos tóxica do que P. marcgravii, e com habitat na terra firme. Em áreas onde ocorre P. marcgravii seria mais prudente, para diminuir os prejuízos, criar búfalos em lugar de bovinos. A causa dessa maior resistência do búfalo merece ser investigada para a eventual elaboração de métodos profiláticos da intoxicação por P. marcgravii em bovinos. Por outro lado, pesquisadores australianos modificaram geneticamente a bactéria ruminal Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens, mediante a introdução de um gene, isolado de Moraxella sp, que codifica uma dehalogenase, capaz de hidro-lizar fluoroacetato. A transferência de B.fibrisolvens geneticamente modificado para o rúmen de animais ingerindo plantas que contêm fluoroacetato, como é o caso de P. marcgravii, seria um método viável para o controle da intoxicação mediante a detoxificação ruminal do princípio ativo. Em contatos preliminares o diretor responsável do consórcio na Austrália responsável pela modificação da bactéria, declarou o interesse em vender a tecnologia ao nosso país, porém seria necessário saber se é possível importar essa bactéria geneticamente modificada no Brasil. Caso positivo, seria indispensável realizar pesquisas sobre a viabilidade e a metodologia para o uso dessa bactéria em nosso meio.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Mota, M.A., Campos, A.K. &Araújo, J.V. [Biological control of helminth parasites of animais: Current stage and future outlook. A review.] Controle biológico de helmintos parasitos de animais: estágio atual e perspectivas futuras. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 23(3):93-100. Depto Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Cx. Postal 486, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil.E-mail:mmot@icb.ufmg.br Biological control is a non-chemical alternative method with its main goal to reduce the amount of parasite population using natural antagonists. The administration of nematophagous fungi to animais has been considered an alternative in gastrointestinal helminthiasis prophylaxis. The nematophagous fungi produce trap-shaped structures, which are responsible for capturing and destroying the free-living stages of nematodes. The genera Arthrobotrys, Duddingtonia and Monacrosporium has been shown efficacy in laboratory and field experiments against cattle, equine, ovine and swine parasites. Severa) fungi formulations have been evaluated, but there is so far no commercial product available. The association of research groups with industry could improve the successful implementation of this control method.

• Biological control gastrointestinal helminths prophylaxis Controle biológico helmintos gastrintestinais profilaxia.

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Mota, M.A., Campos, A.K. & Araújo, J.V. [Biological control of helminth parasites of animais: Current stage and future outlook. A review.] Controle biológico de helmintos parasitos de animais: estágio atual e perspectivas futuras. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 23(3):93-100. Depto Parasitologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Cx. Postal 486, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil.E-mail:mmot@icb.ufmg.br O controle biológico é um método desenvolvido para diminuir uma população de parasitas pela utilização de antagonista natural. A administração de fungos nematófagos aos animais domésticos é considerada uma promissora alternativa na profilaxia das helmintíases gastrintestinais parasitárias. Os fungos nematófagos desenvolvem estruturas em forma de armadilhas, responsáveis pela captura e destruição dos estágios infectantes dos nematóides. Os fungos dos gêneros Arthrobotrys, Duddingtonia e Monacrosporium têm demonstrado eficácia em experimentos laboratoriais e no campo no controle de parasitos de bovinos, eqüinos, ovinos e suínos. Diversas formulações fúngicas têm sido avaliadas, no entanto, ainda não há nenhum produto comercial disponível. A associação dos grupos de pesquisa e o envolvimento das indústrias poderão colaborar para o sucesso na implementação desta forma de controle.