scholarly journals Occurrence of malformed calves in April - May 2021 indicates an unnoticed 2020 emergence of Schmallenberg virus in Denmark

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorgen Agerholm ◽  
Kerstin Wernike
Keyword(s):  
Fetal Brain ◽  
Late Summer ◽  
Schmallenberg Virus ◽  
First Line ◽  
Narrow Region ◽  
Ruminant Species ◽  
Reduced Body ◽  
Domestic Ruminants ◽  
Associated Malformations ◽  
Obstetric Intervention

During the European emergence of Schmallenberg virus (SBV) in 2011, examination of Culicoides spp. showed that SBV infected midges were present across Denmark. However, SBV associated malformations in ruminant species have not been reported in Denmark. In April 2021, seven calves with severe congenital generalized arthrogryposis and reduced body weight originating from a narrow region of the Jutlandic peninsula were submitted for examination. Analysis of fetal brain tissue for SBV viral RNA and pleural effusion for fetal anti-SBV antibodies identified SBV as the cause of the congenital syndrome. Backwards calculation from the calving dates indicated the occurrence of an unnoticed emergence of SBV in Denmark from early August 2020 and during the late summer and autumn. As SBV associated malformations may lead to dystocia urging for fetotomy or Cesarean section, veterinarians performing obstetric intervention are first line personnel in recognition of SBV emergence in domestic ruminants.

scholarly journals The Role of Condensed Tannins in the In Vitro Rumen Fermentation Kinetics in Ruminant Species: Feeding Type Involved?

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 635 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ives C. S. Bueno ◽  
Roberta A. Brandi ◽  
Gisele M. Fagundes ◽  
Gabriela Benetel ◽  
James Pierre Muir
Keyword(s):  
Condensed Tannins ◽  
Rumen Fermentation ◽  
Gas Production ◽  
Pennisetum Purpureum ◽  
Fermentation Kinetics ◽  
Ruminant Species ◽  
Domestic Ruminants ◽  
Microbial Characteristics ◽  
Feeding Diets

Animal feeding behavior and diet composition determine rumen fermentation responses and its microbial characteristics. This study aimed to evaluate the rumen fermentation kinetics of domestic ruminants feeding diets with or without condensed tannins (CT). Holstein dairy cows, Nelore beef cattle, Mediterranean water buffalo, Santa Inês sheep and Saanen goats were used as inoculum donors (three animals of each species). The substrates were maize silage (Zea mays), fresh elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum), Tifton-85 hay (Cynodon spp.) and fresh alfalfa (Medicago sativa). Acacia (Acacia molissima) extract was used as the external CT source. The in vitro semi-automated gas production technique was used to assess the fermentation kinetics. The experimental design was completely randomized with five inoculum sources (animal species), four substrates (feeds) and two treatments (with or without extract). The inclusion of CT caused more severe effects in grazing ruminants than selector ruminants.

scholarly journals Low incidence of Schmallenberg virus infection in natural cases of abortion in domestic ruminants in Hungary

2020 ◽  
Vol 68 (1) ◽  
pp. 105-111
Author(s):  
Levente Szeredi ◽  
Ádám Dán ◽  
Péter Malik ◽  
Szilárd Jánosi ◽  
Ákos Hornyák
Keyword(s):  
Tissue Sample ◽  
Schmallenberg Virus ◽  
Minor Role ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Domestic Ruminants ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Low Incidence ◽  
A Minor ◽  
The Impact

AbstractAn epizootic caused by a new orthobunyavirus called Schmallenberg virus (SBV) was recognised in European ruminants in 2011 and 2012. The re-emergence of the infection was reported in several countries in the subsequent years. Although the main clinical sign of SBV infection is abortion, the impact of SBV in natural cases of abortion in domestic ruminants had not been systematically examined before this study. The aim of the study was to investigate the role of SBV infection and to compare it to the importance of other causes of abortion by examining 537 natural cases of abortion that had occurred between 2011 and 2017 in Hungary. The cause of abortion was determined in 165 (31%) cases. An infectious cause was proved in 88 (16%) cases. SBV infection was found only in a total of four cases (0.8%) using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Three of them proved to be inapparent SBV infection, and one case was attributed to SBV-induced abortion by detecting non-purulent encephalitis and SBV nucleoprotein by immunohistochemistry in a brain tissue sample. According to the results, SBV played a minor role in natural cases of domestic ruminant abortion in Hungary during the 7-year period following the first SBV outbreak in 2011.

Relationship between the excretion of eggs of parasitic helminths in roe deer and local livestock density

2020 ◽  
Vol 94 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Verheyden ◽  
C. Richomme ◽  
J. Sevila ◽  
J. Merlet ◽  
B. Lourtet ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Spatial Data ◽  
Roe Deer ◽  
Gastrointestinal Nematodes ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Species Identity ◽  
Rural Landscapes ◽  
Ruminant Species ◽  
Domestic Ruminants ◽  
Livestock Density

Abstract Because of their continuing expansion, wildlife ruminant species that prosper in rural landscapes may be increasingly affected by and/or contribute to the circulation of certain generalist pathogens also infecting domestic ruminants, when they share common spaces or resources. In this study, we aimed to test the hypothesis that parasitism with gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) of wild roe deer inhabiting different rural landscapes is correlated with livestock density. We used faecal egg counts of GINs and spatial data of 74 GPS-collared roe deer, inhabiting various landscapes from closed forests to open fields, together with weekly records of livestock abundances on pasture. We tested whether the excretion of GIN eggs in roe deer was influenced by the density of livestock in their home range over the grazing season. Our results showed that all of the roe deer home ranges, except four, contained pastures occupied by livestock. Excretion of GIN eggs occurred in 77% of the roe deer. The excretion of GIN eggs in roe deer tended to increase with livestock density in their home range. This result suggests, but does not prove, a higher risk of ingesting GIN larvae originating from livestock dung. In the context of increasing overlap between roe deer and livestock ranges, the exchange of pathogens between both hosts is plausible, although species identity of the parasites present was not determined. Assessing which GIN species are shared between wild and domestic ruminants, and how this may affect the health of both hosts, is a central question for future research in the context of interspecific pathogen circulation.

scholarly journals Teratogenic effects of lamotrigine on rat fetal brain: a morphometric study

2001 ◽  
Vol 59 (2B) ◽  
pp. 362-364 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nely Silvia Aragão de Marchi ◽  
Reinaldo Azoubel ◽  
Waldir Antonio Tognola
Keyword(s):  
Histological Study ◽  
Fetal Brain ◽  
Morphometric Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Point Counts ◽  
Reduced Body ◽  
Group Data ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Experimental Group

A study of the teratogenic activity of an antiepileptic drug - lamotrigine - was carried out in the brain of fetuses of rats who had received the drug. The dosage levels studied corresponded to four times the median effective dose (ED50) in rats. The drug was administered during the organogenesis period. Rats were sacrificed one day prior to term and fetuses were macroscopically examined, weighted and cephalic segments sectioned (Wilson technique), for histological study by stereological analysis, using Merz's grid for drawing and point counts. Cortex, subcortex, ependyma and lateral ventricles were analyzed. The same methodology was applied to the control group; data were compared with by the non-parametric Mann-Whitney statistical analysis test. Results showed that fetuses of the experimental group had reduced body weight at birth, increased volume and diameter of the cerebral structure, increased density of the subcortical layer, and ventricle dilatation .Possible mechanisms of this teratogenicity were discussed.

scholarly journals Salient Lesions in Domestic Ruminants Infected With the Emerging So-called Schmallenberg Virus in Germany

2012 ◽  
Vol 49 (4) ◽  
pp. 588-591 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Herder ◽  
P. Wohlsein ◽  
M. Peters ◽  
F. Hansmann ◽  
W. Baumgärtner
Keyword(s):  
Schmallenberg Virus ◽  
Domestic Ruminants

scholarly journals Surveillance Study of Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) in Domestic and Wild Ruminants in Northwestern Italy

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 2351
Author(s):  
Andrea Palombieri ◽  
Serena Robetto ◽  
Federica Di Profio ◽  
Vittorio Sarchese ◽  
Paola Fruci ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis E Virus ◽  
Roe Deer ◽  
Geographical Area ◽  
Hepatitis E ◽  
Industrialized Countries ◽  
Viral Loads ◽  
Wild Ruminants ◽  
Ruminant Species ◽  
Domestic Ruminants ◽  
Primer Sets

In industrialized countries, increasing autochthonous infections of hepatitis E virus (HEV) are caused by zoonotic transmission of genotypes (Gts) 3 and 4, mainly through consumption of contaminated raw or undercooked pork meat. Although swine and wild boar are recognized as the main reservoir for Gt3 and Gt4, accumulating evidence indicates that other animal species, including domestic and wild ruminants, may harbor HEV. Herein, we screened molecularly and serologically serum and fecal samples from two domestic and four wild ruminant species collected in Valle d’Aosta and Piemonte regions (northwestern Italy. HEV antibodies were found in sheep (21.6%), goats (11.4%), red deer (2.6%), roe deer (3.1%), and in Alpine ibex (6.3%). Molecular screening was performed using different primer sets targeting highly conserved regions of hepeviruses and HEV RNA, although at low viral loads, was detected in four fecal specimens (3.0%, 4/134) collected from two HEV seropositive sheep herds. Taken together, the data obtained document the circulation of HEV in the geographical area assessed both in wild and domestic ruminants, but with the highest seroprevalence in sheep and goats. Consistently with results from other studies conducted in southern Italy, circulation of HEV among small domestic ruminants seems to occur more frequently than expected.

scholarly journals Ontogenetic development of otolith shape during settlement of juvenile Barents Sea cod (Gadus morhua)

2017 ◽  
Vol 74 (9) ◽  
pp. 2389-2397 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Irgens ◽  
Olav S Kjesbu ◽  
Arild Folkvord
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Gadus Morhua ◽  
Barents Sea ◽  
Atlantic Cod ◽  
Late Summer ◽  
Simple Method ◽  
Fish Size ◽  
Otolith Shape ◽  
Reduced Body ◽  
The Barents Sea

Abstract This study documents how settlement of juvenile Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) in the Barents Sea affects otolith growth and morphology. A simple method to objectively discriminate between age 0 and age 1 cod sampled in late summer was demonstrated by using only two otolith morphometric descriptors: area and perimeter. In the pre-settled 0-group cod, otolith lobe formation clearly increased with fish size, resulting in high otolith crenulation. This trend was disrupted during settlement, resulting in noticeably less crenulated otoliths of the settled 1-group cod sampled in winter. Combined observations of otolith shape, fish size, and body condition suggest that environmental factors associated with settlement during autumn, particularly reduced food intake, directly affect lobe formation leading to less crenulated otoliths. Comparably reduced body condition and otolith crenulation of 0-group cod in bottom trawls (vs. pelagic trawls) may indicate early settlement or vertical exploratory behaviour in the Barents Sea Ecosystem Survey (in August–September) and, thus, an underrepresentation of 0-group cod from pelagic trawling.

scholarly journals Antibodies against Schmallenberg virus detected in cattle in the Otjozondjupa region, Namibia

2018 ◽  
Vol 89 ◽  
Author(s):  
Umberto Molini ◽  
Andrea Capobianco Dondona ◽  
Renate Hilbert ◽  
Federica Monaco
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Clinical Findings ◽  
Schmallenberg Virus ◽  
Eastern Region ◽  
Valley Fever ◽  
The North ◽  
Ruminant Species ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Haemorrhagic Disease ◽  
Transplacental Infection

Several ruminant species have been shown to be susceptible to Schmallenberg virus (SBV), but adult animals usually recover after showing mild or no clinical signs. However, transplacental infection can occur and lead to abortion, malformations and stillborn lambs, calves and goat kids. During November and December 2014, malformations were observed in 11 stillborn calves from two farms in the north-eastern region of Namibia. Blood samples were collected from 9 of the 11 cows that delivered stillborn and malformed calves. All these animals tested negative for Rift Valley fever, bovine viral diarrhoea and infectious bovine rhinotracheitis and were serologically positive for bluetongue virus, SBV and epizootic haemorrhagic disease virus. Clinical findings and serological results suggested that SBV may be circulating in Namibia.

scholarly journals Protective Effect of Flax Seed on Brain Teratogenicity Induced by Lamotrigine in Rat Fetuses

Folia Medica ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 62 (2) ◽  
pp. 372-377
Author(s):  
Mahsa Kamali ◽  
Habibolah Johari ◽  
Javad Hami
Keyword(s):  
Pyramidal Neurons ◽  
Histological Study ◽  
Fetal Brain ◽  
Female Rats ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Flax Seed ◽  
Crown Rump Length ◽  
Hydroalcoholic Extract ◽  
Prefrontal Cortical ◽  
Reduced Body

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of the hydroalcoholic extract of flax seed on the teratogenic activity of lamotrigine in the brain of fetuses of rats who had received the drug. In this experimental study, 40 female rats were assigned randomly into four groups and after mating and confirming the vaginal plug, the control animals (group 1) were kept with no intervention, and the other three experimental groups were intraperitoneally injected with respective lamotrigine (75 mg/kg), and 100 and 200 mg/kg of flax seed hydroalcoholic extract. The drug was administered during the organogenesis period. Rats were sacrificed at the 20th day of gestation (one day before term) and fetuses were macroscopically examined, weighed and crown-rump length measured. Fetal brain specimens were processed for H&E and for histological study, using the ImageJ software. Results showed that fetuses of the experimental groups that received lamotrigine had reduced body weight, prefrontal cortical and hippocampal thickness, and pyramidal neurons in the hip­pocampus; Nevertheless, these factors were improved by high-dose administration of flax seed in the experimental group 3 and 4. Our research concludes that lamotrigine negatively influences the development of brain in rats and flax seed has a protective impact on these complications.

scholarly journals Cystic echinococcosis in slaughtered domestic ruminants from Tunisia

2012 ◽  
Vol 87 (3) ◽  
pp. 318-325 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Lahmar ◽  
M. Trifi ◽  
S. Ben Naceur ◽  
T. Bouchhima ◽  
N. Lahouar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cystic Echinococcosis ◽  
Control Programme ◽  
Asymptotic Model ◽  
Hydatid Cysts ◽  
Mean Intensity ◽  
Ruminant Species ◽  
Domestic Ruminants ◽  
Infection Pressure ◽  
Pulmonary Cysts ◽  
The Mean

AbstractA total of 10,818 domestic ruminants (3913 cattle, 2722 sheep, 3779 goats, 404 dromedaries) slaughtered in various abattoirs in Tunisia between 2003 and 2010 were examined for the presence of Echinococcus granulosus hydatid cysts. The prevalence of cystic echinococcosis (CE) was 16.42% in sheep, 8.56% in cattle, 5.94% in dromedaries and 2.88% in goats. CE prevalence increased with age according to an asymptotic model and there was evidence of variation in infection pressure depending on the region of Tunisia where the animals were slaughtered. Cattle appeared to have the highest infection pressure of the species examined. The mean intensity of hepatic cysts was higher than that of pulmonary cysts in all species. The highest mean intensity of infection with E. granulosus larvae was observed in cattle (18.14) followed by sheep (9.58), goats (2.31) and dromedaries (2.12). The abundance of infection increased in a linear fashion with age in all animal species. Cyst abundance varied with species of animal and district of Tunisia. Cysts from dromedaries were more fertile (44.44%) than those from sheep (30.25%), goats (30.32%) and cattle (0.95%). The viability of the protoscoleces from fertile cysts from cattle (78.45%) was higher than those from sheep (70.71%) and camels (69.57%). The lowest protoscolex viability was recorded for hydatid cysts from goats (20.21%). This epidemiological study confirms the importance of CE in all domestic ruminant species, particularly in sheep, throughout Tunisia and emphasizes the need to interrupt parasite transmission by preventive integrated approaches in a CE control programme.

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