A Stochastic Simulation Model for the Efficacy of Vaccination Against Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in Dairy Sheep and Goats

Abstract. We assessed the benefits of vaccination against Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) on the average daily milk yield (DMY) of sheep and goat flocks. A stochastic simulation model was used to estimate the DMY pre and post vaccination of the flock replacements. The average DMY increased steadily for the first ten years post vaccination and then reached a plateau. Medians for the DMY were significantly higher post vaccination. The expected difference between the prevalence of MAP infection between and after the initiation of the vaccination program was the most influential factor for the DMY benefits. Vaccination of replacements in a MAP infected flock is expected to improve the overall milk productivity in the long term

Eur Crit Care Emerg Med

Critically ill patients may suffer from acute neuropathy or myopathy causing muscle weakness and paralysis. The terminology regarding these neuromuscular alterations is confusing and terms such as critical illness polyneuropathy, critical illness myopathy, intensive care unit weakness or paralysis are often used interchangeably. Electrophysiological investigations of peripheral nerves and muscles are important to define the nature of the pathological process, to achieve a differential diagnosis and to predict long-term prognosis. Measurement of muscle strength using the Medical Research Council score or handgrip dynamometry is important to define the severity of muscle strength impairment and to predict short-term morbidity and hospital mortality. Intensive insulin treatment may reduce the severity of the syndrome; however, its safety is questioned. Early physical rehabilitation and occupational therapy associated with interruption of sedation may result in better outcomes

Infrared Thermography Evaluation of Feet Temperature and Its Association with Claw Lengths and Anisodactylia in Purebred Sows of Three Greek Herds

The aim of the study was to investigate the associations of lower feet temperature with claw lengths measurements in purebred sows. In total 22, 19 and 45 multiparous sows in three herds A, B and C of PIC, DANBRED and TOPIGS genetic lines respectively participated in the study. Mean parity was 2.5, 2.3 and 3.0 for sows from herds A, B and C respectively. Measurements were made during the periparturient period. Infrared temperature distribution was measured in carpus/tarsus, upper-lower metacarpi/metatarsi and phalanges (IRT1, IRT2, IRT3 and IRT4 respectively). In addition, dorsal, diagonal, heel–sole and dew claw lengths of medial and lateral claw were measured and the difference in dorsal claw length between medial and lateral claw (anisodactylia) was calculated in all four feet. Differences between herds regarding IRT and claw length measurements were analyzed with one-way ANOVA with herds as a fixed factor. Correlations between IRT and claw length measurements in each foot including data from all herds were evaluated using the Pearson’s correlation test. Maximum IRT1 to 4 in almost all rear feet, differed significantly between herds, being lower in sows of herd C than A and B (p p p p < 0.05). According to the results, IRT temperature distribution of lower feet of purebred sows of different genetic lines were positive correlated with claw lengths measurements and anisodactylia. Collectively, measuring IRT temperature of lower feet of sows with mobile IRT device could be used as an additional tool towards monitoring feet and claw health

Seroprevalence of and Risk Factors for <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> Infection in Cats from Greece

Toxoplasmosis is one of the most important protozoan diseases with a global impact on the health of domestic cats and with zoonotic significance. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of seropositivity for Toxoplasma gondii in different populations of cats in Greece and to assess risk factors for seropositivity. A total of 457 cats were prospectively enrolled, and a commercially available indirect immunofluorescence antibody testing (IFAT) kit was used for the detection of anti-T. gondii immunoglobulin G (IgG) in serum. Overall, 95 (20.8%) of the 457 cats were seropositive for T. gondii. Based on multivariate analysis, factors associated with seropositivity included older age [Odds ratio (OR), 1.33; p p = 0.004); and lack of vaccination against calicivirus, herpesvirus-1, panleukopenia, and rabies (OR, 10; p = 0.002). This study shows a high prevalence of seropositivity for T. gondii in cats in Greece. This implies that toxoplasmosis is still a major public health concern and that optimal strategies for the prevention of infection with T. gondii in cats should be established

Evaluation of a serum-based PCR assay for the diagnosis of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis

The aim of this study was to estimate the relative diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay in the serum of dogs with naturally occurring non-myelosuppressive canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME), and to investigate the association between PCR positivity and immunofluorescence antibody (IFA) titres for Ehrlichia canis. Serum samples obtained from 38 dogs with non-myelosuppressive CME and 12 healthy dogs were analyzed retrospectively. Each serum sample was analyzed in triplicate using an E. canis-specific nested PCR assay targeting a 389 bp sequence of the 16S rRNA gene. E. canis DNA was amplified in 24 of 38 (63.1%) affected dogs; all samples from healthy dogs were negative. A high level of agreement was found among the PCR replicates (P &lt; 0.0001). Median IFA titre of the 24 PCR-positive dogs was significantly lower than that of the PCR-negative infected dogs (P = 0.0029), indicating that E. canis DNA may circulate prior to the development of a high antibody titre. Serum-based PCR analysis is suggested for the early diagnosis of CME when whole blood samples are not available. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved

Untargeted Metabolomics Pilot Study Using UHPLC-qTOF MS Profile in Sows’ Urine Reveals Metabolites of Bladder Inflammation

Urinary tract infections (UTI) of sows (characterized by ascending infections of the urinary bladder (cyst), ureters, and renal pelvis), are major health issues with a significant economic impact to the swine industry. The current detection of UTI incidents lacks sensitivity; thus, UTIs remain largely under-diagnosed. The value of metabolomics in unraveling the mechanisms of sow UTI has not yet been established. This study aims to investigate the urine metabolome of sows for UTI biomarkers. Urine samples were collected from 58 culled sows from a farrow-to-finish herd in Greece. Urine metabolomic profiles in 31 healthy controls and in 27 inflammatory ones were evaluated. UHPLC-qTOF MS/MS was applied for the analysis with a combination of multivariate and univariate statistical analysis. Eighteen potential markers were found. The changes in several urine metabolites classes (nucleosides, indoles, isoflavones, and dipeptides), as well as amino-acids allowed for an adequate discrimination between the study groups. Identified metabolites were involved in purine metabolism; phenylalanine; tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis; and phenylalanine metabolism. Through ROC analysis it was shown that the 18 identified metabolite biomarkers exhibited good predictive accuracy. In summary, our study provided new information on the potential targets for predicting early and accurate diagnosis of UTI. Further, this information also sheds light on how it could be applied in live animals

Report on the First African Swine Fever Case in Greece

African swine fever (ASF) poses a major threat to swine health and welfare worldwide. After several European countries have reported cases of ASF, Greece confirmed officially the first positive case on 5 February 2020. The owner of a backyard farm in Nikoklia, a village in Serres regional unit, Central Macedonia, reported a loss of appetite, weakness, dyspnea, and the sudden death of 6 domestic pigs. Necropsy was performed in one gilt and findings were compatible with acute to subacute septicemic disease. Predominantly, hyperemic enlargement of spleen and lymph node enlargement and/or hemorrhage were observed. Description of vague clinical signs by the farmer suggested a limited resemblance to ASF-acute infection. However, the disease could not be ruled out once septicemic condition including splenomegaly, was diagnosed macroscopically at necropsy. In addition, considering the farm’s location near to ASF protection zones, a further diagnostic investigation followed. Confirmation of the disease was obtained using a series of diagnostic tests on several tissue samples. Further clinical, molecular, and epidemiologic evaluation of the farm was performed. According to the contingency plan, authorities euthanized all 31 pigs on the farm, whilst blood testing revealed ASF virus infection. Further emergency measures were implemented to contain the spread of the disease

Prion protein gene polymorphisms in healthy and scrapie-affected sheep in Greece

A total of 216 local crossbred sheep from 16 scrapie-affected Greek flocks and 210 purebred sheep of the milk breeds Chios and Karagouniko from healthy flocks were analysed for scrapie-linked polymorphisms in the prion protein (PrP) gene. Of the 216 sheep in this case-control study, 96 sheep were clinical cases, 25 subclinical cases (asymptomatic at the moment of euthanasia but positive by histopathology and/or ELISA detecting proteinase-resistant PrP) and 95 healthy controls (negative by all evaluations). Polymorphisms at codons 136, 154 and 171 were determined by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, followed by RFLP and sequencing. Scrapie, both clinical and subclinical, was associated with the genotypes ARQ/ARQ (88 of 110 sheep of that genotype), ARQ/TRQ (9 of 13), ARQ/AHQ (115 of 38) and VRQ/VRQ (9 of 17). Histopathological lesions were more severe in the clinical cases. Genotypes ARQ/ARR (26 sheep), ARQ/ARK (seven sheep), AHQ/ARR (one sheep), ARH/ARH (one sheep) and ARR/ARH (three sheep) were detected exclusively in healthy control sheep. In the purebred survey, four genotypes were present in the Chios sheep (ARQ/ARQ, ARQ/TRQ, ARQ/AHQ and ARQ/ARR) and four in the Karagouniko sheep (ARQ/ARQ, ARQ/AHQ, ARQ/ARR and ARQ/ARH). © 2004 SGM

Efficacy of rifampicin in the treatment of experimental acute canine monocytic ehrlichiosis

To assess the efficacy of rifampicin in achieving clinical and haematological recovery and clearing infection in dogs with experimentally induced acute monocytic ehrlichiosis. Five Ehrlichia canis-infected Beagle dogs were treated with rifampicin (10 mg/kg/24 h orally for 3 weeks), nine E. canis-infected dogs received no treatment (infected untreated dogs) and two dogs served as uninfected controls. Clinical score, platelet counts, immunofluorescent antibody titres and PCR detection of E. canis-specific DNA in blood, bone marrow and spleen aspirates were evaluated on post-inoculation days 21 (start of rifampicin), 42 (end of rifampicin) and 98 (end of the study). By day 21 post-inoculation, all infected dogs became clinically ill and thrombocytopenic, seroconverted and were PCR positive in at least one tissue. Clinical scores and antibody titres did not differ between the treated and infected untreated dogs throughout the study. The rifampicin-treated dogs experienced an earlier resolution of their thrombocytopenia (KaplanMeier survival plot, P0.048), and the median platelet counts were significantly higher in the treated compared with the infected untreated dogs on post-inoculation days 42 (P0.0233) and 98 (P0.0195). At the end of the study, three treated and six untreated infected dogs remained PCR positive in one tissue each. The rifampicin treatment regimen applied in this study hastened haematological recovery, but was inconsistent in eliminating the acute E. canis infection

Cytological and molecular detection of Leishmania infantum in different tissues of clinically normal and sick cats

Natural infection of domestic cats by Leishmania infantum (synonym: L chagasi) has been demonstrated in several European, Latin American, and Asian countries, and the estimated prevalence of infection, based mainly on blood PCR, ranges from 0.3% up to 60.6%. In this study we aimed to: (a) estimate the prevalence of the infection by L. infantum in clinically normal cats (group A; n = 50) and in cats with various clinical signs (group B; n = 50), living in an endemic region, by both cytological examination of four different tissues (lymph node, skin, bone marrow, and conjunctiva) and by PCR in four different tissues (blood, skin biopsies, bone marrow, and conjunctiva); (b) compare the diagnostic sensitivity of the above methods and evaluate for possible associations between their results; and (c) investigate the possible associations between infection by L. infantiim and signalment, living conditions, season of sampling, and health status of the cats. The prevalence of the infection in the study population was 41% and did not differ (P=0.839) between group A (42%) and B (40%) cats. Lymph node, skin, bone marrow and conjunctiva cytology was always negative. Therefore, the diagnosis of the infection was based only on PCR in blood, skin biopsy, bone marrow and conjunctiva, which was positive in 13%, 18.2%, 16% and 3.1% of the cats, respectively. PCR was positive in only one of the four tissues in 80.5% of the infected cats. The results differed (P=0.014) among the four tissues and were less frequently positive in conjunctiva compared to skin biopsies and bone marrow (P=0.007 for both comparisons), thus highlighting the need for multiple tissue PCR testing in order to minimize false-negative results. More PCR-positive cats were found when sampling was performed during the period of sandfly activity (odds ratio: 2.44; P=0.022). Also, in group B cats, the likelihood of PCR-positivity was higher (odds ratio: 3.93; P=0.042) among those presenting at least one systemic clinical sign that had been previously reported in cats with leishmaniosis. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved