Irish Veterinary Journal最新文献

Using viral metagenomics, we identified a novel torovirus, GToV/SWUN/SC, in diarrheal goat fecal samples with a genome length of 28,457 nt. This strain shares 96.73-96.79% nucleotide identity with Antelope torovirus (AToV) but only 88.43% with the GToV/SZ strain. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a close evolutionary relationship between GToV/SWUN/SC and AToV. Structural analysis showed three distinct structural variations in the HE protein and multiple amino acid mutations in the S gene, which may influence host adaptation. RT-PCR detected a 35.9% (240/669) positivity rate, indicating widespread circulation of GToV in Sichuan, Chongqing, and Yunnan. This study enhances the understanding of torovirus epidemiology and evolution, providing a theoretical basis for further research on viral diversity.

Background: Sex chromosome abnormalities in cattle are rare, and manifestations of genital anomalies due to such abnormalities are even less frequently reported. Among these, XXX/XY chimerism is particularly uncommon. This report presents a Japanese black calf with complex urogenital malformations linked to XXX/XY chimerism, contributing valuable insights into bovine sex determination and reproductive development.

Case presentation: A Japanese black calf of phenotypic indeterminate sex, born co-twin to a phenotypically normal male, presented with hypospadias-like features and ambiguous genitalia. Clinical examination revealed a scrotum-like structure without palpable testes or vulva. An hCG stimulation test indicated a lack of functional testicular tissue. Chromosomal analysis of leukocytes revealed the presence of two distinct cells with 60, XY and 61, XXX, revealing XXX/XY chimerism. The ratio of male to trisomic cells was 63:37 (95% confidence intervals; XY: 54-72%, XXX: 28-46%) in the affected calf. Necropsy revealed both male (testis, epididymis, ductus deferens) and female (uterus-like) reproductive structures, with uterus-like organs embedded within the perineal tissue. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses confirmed the presence of the uterine remnant and revealed Sertoli cell-only testicular tissue, indicating spermatogenic failure. PCR-based sex determination performed on multiple tissues revealed three distinct genotypic patterns, with evidence of tissue-specific variation in the distribution of the X and Y chromosomes. Some tissues lacked detectable Y-linked AMEL-Y, despite the presence of SRY, suggesting a complex chimeric constitution with potential deletion of the AMEL-Y region in some XY cell populations.

Conclusions: This case highlights a rare instance of systemic XXX/XY chimerism associated with ambiguous genitalia and mixed internal reproductive structures, which is distinct from typical freemartinism or isolated X-trisomy syndromes. The differential chromosomal mosaicism across tissues likely influences the phenotypic outcome. These findings emphasize the complexity and plasticity of bovine sex differentiation, particularly in twin pregnancies, and underscore the importance of integrating clinical, cytogenetic, and molecular diagnostics to accurately identify and manage congenital reproductive anomalies in livestock.

Background: Arthrodesis is a critical procedure for restoring stability and relieving pain in severely damaged joints. Successful bone fusion remains a significant challenge, often necessitating the use of biomaterials to enhance healing. Collagen and chitosan, two natural polymers with established biocompatibility and osteoconductive properties, have shown promise in regenerative medicine applications. The present study aimed to evaluate the synergistic effect of a collagen-chitosan composite on bone fusion of the antebrachiocarpal joint in a rabbit model. Multislice CT morphometrical analysis was utilized to assess bone healing and fusion, offering detailed insights into the material's efficacy in promoting joint stabilization and bone regeneration.

Materials and methods: Twelve healthy male New Zealand White rabbits (4.0 ± 0.3 months old) with a mean body weight of 2.5 ± 0.5 kg were used. These animals underwent curettage of the articular cartilage down to the subchondral bone. The rabbits were then randomly assigned into two groups: a control group (C), in which no composite was applied, and a treatment group, in which collagen-chitosan scaffolds were utilized (Col/Cs). Joint fusion was postoperatively assessed using a multislice detector computed tomography (MSCT).

Result: (MSCT) revealed progressive enhancements in the collagen-chitosan (Col/Cs) group over 12 weeks. Radial cortical thickness and bone mineral density (BMD) were significantly higher at week 12 in the Col/Cs group (1.31 ± 0.10 mm vs. 1.03 ± 0.18 mm; p = 0.0086, and ~ 760 HU vs. ~510 HU; p = 0.0055, respectively). Intra-articular mineral density (IATMD) increased markedly at week 1 (p < 0.0001), decreased at week 6 (p < 0.0001), and rose again by week 12 (p < 0.0001), while the control group showed a gradual, non-significant increase. Joint space width decreased significantly in the Col/Cs group by week 6 (~ 0.6 mm vs. ~0.9 mm; p = 0.0034) and remained lower at week 12 (~ 0.55 mm vs. ~0.7 mm; p = 0.0062). Fusion ratio reached ~ 65% in the Col/Cs group compared to ~ 35% in controls (p < 0.0001). CBMD decreased in both groups by week 1 postoperatively but recovered more effectively in the Col/Cs group. By week 12, CBMD was significantly higher in the Col/Cs group (~ 1000 HU) than in controls (~ 950 HU; P < 0.0006). (UBMD) was initially similar (~ 780 HU), but by week 1, the Col/Cs group maintained higher values (~ 760 HU vs. ~620 HU; p < 0.0001), and this inclination continued through week 12 (~ 750 HU vs. ~680 HU; p = 0.001).

Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate that the collagen-chitosan composite enhances bone fusion and joint stability in a rabbit model of antebrachiocarpal arthrodesis, demonstrating both innovation and potential clinical applicability.

Background: Feral pigeons are a synanthropic species commonly found in cities worldwide. They are known to carry zoonotic pathogens, including Escherichia coli, and have long raised concerns about environmental contamination and public health risks.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to phylogenetically classify, identify selected virulence genes and determine the phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of E. coli isolated from pigeon faeces in urban agglomeration.

Methodology: A total of 120 fresh faecal samples were collected from feral pigeons in urban areas. Groups of 4 samples from each location were tested in a total of 30 pools. A total of 97 faecal E. coli isolates were screened for enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) strain genes and thirteen selected virulence factors associated with pathogenic function and activity. Resistance patterns were determined by the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method for twenty antibiotics.

Result: The most common phylogenetic group was group D (70/97, 72.2%), followed by group A (15/97, 15.5%), B1 (7/97, 7.2%) and B2 (3/97, 3.1%). EPEC and STEC were found in 5.2% and 22.7% isolates, respectively. The obtained results showed katP, lpfA_O157/OI-141, tir, iha and lpfA_O157/OI-154 genes in eaeA-positive and stx-positive isolates, mainly from phylogroups D and B2. The isolated E. coli strains were resistant to at least one antibiotic in 16.5%, and 2.1% were recognised as multidrug-resistant (MDR).

Conclusions: The results of this study confirm that pigeons in the urban environment are carriers of potentially pathogenic strains of E. coli, including MDR strains. Twelve patterns of virulence genes were identified among E. coli strains, with a great predominance of the single gene stx₁ encoding Shiga toxin 1. The highest resistance was observed for imipenem (IMP), tetracycline (TE) and doxycycline (DO), respectively, and these antibiotics were also involved in most of the observed resistance patterns. The obtained results justify the implementation of preventive measures in cities and the introduction of surveillance programs for synanthropic pigeon populations to protect both the urban environment and public health.

Background: Acute pain management and the efficacy of analgesic therapies are essential in orthopedic surgery on the distal extremities of dogs' forelimbs. This is due to the manipulation of both soft and orthopedic tissues. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the antinociceptive, akinesia, cardiovascular, and plasma-level effects of adding atracurium to intravenous regional anesthesia (IVRA) with lidocaine in dogs.

Methods: Fifty male Mongrel dogs weighing 15 ± 5 kg and aged 2.5 ± 0.6 years were premedicated with 0.045 mg/kg of atropine sulfate and 0.05 mg/kg of acepromazine. While under general anaesthesia, the dogs were randomly allocated into two IVRA groups (n = 25/group): the lidocaine group (LG; 3 mg/kg) and the atracurium (0.3 mg/kg) combined with the lidocaine (3 mg/kg) group (LAG). Following IVRA injections, the toe pinch response and nerve stimulation test were performed, with the contralateral limb serving as its control limb. The mean blood pressure (MAP), pulse rate (PR), respiratory rate (RR), end-tidal carbon dioxide level (EtCO₂), rectal temperature, echocardiographic indices, and plasma lidocaine concentrations were measured.

Results: At 25, 35, 45, and 55 min post-induction, the LAG exhibited a significantly lower (P ≤ 0.01) nociception limb withdrawal reflex score indicated by an absence of the limb withdrawal reflex (score 1) than the LG, which showed a mild limb trembling (score 2). Moreover, at 30, 40, 50, and 60 min post-induction, the LAG had an absence of the carpus twitch (score 1) with a significantly deeper degree of nerve block (P ≤ 0.01) compared to the LG. There were no significant differences in the physiological parameters between groups during anesthesia time. Meanwhile, the MAP, PR, and RR were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) in the LG than in the LAG post-nociception stimuli and during the recovery period. After tourniquet removal, hypersalivation and muscle tremors were observed in four dogs in the LAG and one in the LG.

Conclusion: The use of IVRA with atracurium/lidocaine is a potentially effective IVRA agent for enhancing analgesia and akinesia in the distal extremities of dogs. However, it is important to consider the potential signs compatible with systemic toxicity that may occur, such as hypersalivation and muscle tremors, after releasing the tourniquet.

Background: This study describes associations between bulk tank somatic cell count (BTSCC) and farm management practices, parlour management practices and implemented technologies, milking management practices, somatic cell count (SCC) control strategies, and farmer demographics and attitudes around SCC management using a sample of Irish dairy farms.

Results: This paper utilised a pre-existing dataset from a farm management and technology survey of 376 commercial Irish dairy farms conducted in 2022. Five mixed models were used to examine associations between variables in each of the five survey sections and log-10 transformed BTSCC (log10BTSCC). Seasonal calving patterns, family members milking alongside survey respondents, and keeping of mastitis treatment records were associated with lower log10BTSCC. Parlour technologies such as automatic cluster removers and automatic washers on the milking machine were associated with significantly reduced log10BTSCC, whereas the presence of backing gates and straight breast rails were associated with increased log10BTSCC. Fore-milking, pre-milking udder preparation and post-milking teat disinfection contributed to lower log10BTSCC. Advice sought from veterinary professionals regarding SCC, multi-faceted approaches to selective dry cow therapy decisions, and utilisation of results from multiple milk recordings were also associated with significantly decreased log10BTSCC.

Conclusions: In this study, we successfully established associations between log10BTSCC and farm management practices, parlour management practices and implemented technologies, milking management practices, SCC control strategies, and farmer demographics and attitudes around SCC management. We identified scope for further research on many of the aspects found to be associated with log10BTSCC in this study, particularly in the areas of cow positioning within parlours, fore-milking practices, milk recording, and means of disseminating SCC advice to farmers, particularly around the topics of parlour hygiene and selective dry cow therapy.

Objectives: Fusion (F) protein is crucial for facilitating viral entry into host cells and contributes to the virulence of Morbilliviruses. Serial passaging of the Peste Des Petits Ruminants virus (PPRV) in nonnative hosts can lead to mutations that potentially reduce pathogenicity. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the effects of serial passaging of a Bangladeshi strain of PPR virus in Vero cells on the Fusion protein and pathogenicity MATERIALS AND METHODS: PPR viruses were initially isolated from natural PPR outbreaks, confirmed through reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‒PCR), passaged to the 9th passage in Vero cells, sequenced, and preserved in a previous study. The 9th passage virus from the repository was utilized as the viral inoculant for further passaging in Vero cells, and the 60th passage was completed. The presence of PPR viral RNA was confirmed in tissue culture fluid (TCF) by RT‒PCR at different passage numbers. TCF at the 60th passage was sequenced and used for immunogenicity studies via live animal experiments, and subsequent immunity was measured via cELISA.

Results: Comparative analysis of the sequences from the 9th and 60th passages, along with other sequences, revealed substitutions of 14 nucleotides (nts) and 4 amino acids (aa) within the leucine zipper structure of the fusion protein. Notably, live animal experiments demonstrated the occurrence of protective immunity.

Conclusion: This study suggests that amino acid substitution and genetic divergence may positively affect viral virulence, highlighting their importance in the development of a potent vaccine.

Outdoor farming offers pigs considerable behavioural freedom and better consumer acceptance than intensive, indoor systems. However, gastro - intestinal (GI) parasites pose a significant health and welfare challenge for pigs reared outdoors. The aim of this study was to ascertain effects of management, season and animal factors such as age, on a range of different GI parasites in Irish pigs farmed outdoors. Sixty-five pig faecal samples (a mix from at least 2-4 animals per paddock) were collected from 65 paddocks across 20 outdoor pig farms, over two visits (1^st visit - February/May-December 2023, n = 37, 2^nd visit- July/October 2023, n = 28). Samples were collected and mixed thoroughly to achieve a paddock level sample. Data were also collected related to pig characteristics (grower/fatteners or sows and boars), anthelmintic usage (Yes/No) and paddock rotation (Yes/No) and categorized at paddock level. Samples were analysed using the McMaster floatation method, faecal egg count (FEC) was calculated, and GI parasites were identified by morphology. Generalized linear mixed models were used to analyse the effect of season, age, anthelmintic usage and paddock rotation on FEC. Four parasite taxa were identified (Eimeria/Isospora spp., strongyles, Ascaris suum and Trichuris suis). Infection rates were > 80% for Eimeria/Isospora spp. and strongyles, 31% for A. suum and 9% for T. suis for both visits. Eimeria/Isospora spp. FEC was higher at the 2^nd visit (P < 0.001) and strongyles FEC was higher at the 1^st visit (P < 0.05). Fattener pigs had higher FEC for Eimeria/Isospora spp. (P < 0.01) and sows/boars had higher strongyle counts (P < 0.05). Strongyle count was lower with anthelmintic use (P < 0.05) and Eimeria/Isospora spp. count was lower (P = 0.05) with paddock rotation when anthelmintics were used. Lower winter temperatures may have influenced the seasonal variation in strongyle FEC. This study provides a comprehensive picture of GI parasites in outdoor pig farms in Ireland in terms of the taxa, their prevalence and risk factors.

Background: In sheep, pneumonia is a major concern because of its high morbidity, mortality, and economic impact. It results from various infectious agents, including bacteria, viruses, and environmental stressors, that weaken the immune system.

Objective: The objective of this study was to monitor nucleotide sequence variations, gene expression, and serum biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress in sheep with pneumonia. Additionally, this study aimed to identify various bacterial strains and virulent gene combinations in pneumonic sheep, as confirmed by PCR.

Methodology: The enrolled animals were categorized as follows: 50 apparently healthy ewes, considered the control group, and 150 infected ewes with pneumonia. The infected ewes included 100 sporadic cases from the Center for Sustainable Development of Matrouh Resources, Desert Research Center, Matrouh, Egypt, and 50 ewes from the slaughterhouse, all exhibiting respiratory symptoms such as coughing, serous to mucopurulent nasal discharge, fever, and abnormal lung sounds. Blood samples were collected to assess various biochemical parameters, detect SNPs, and analyse the expression of specific immunological and antioxidant-related genes. Nasopharyngeal and lung swabs were taken from the affected ewes for bacteriological analysis, and lung samples were collected for histological examination.

Results: Phenotypic characterization and identification revealed the presence of Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pasteurella multocida, Mannheimia haemolytica, Pseudomonas spp., Mycoplasma, Streptococcus, and Escherichia coli, with frequencies of 40%, 28.6%, 34%, 18%, 44%, 29.3%, and 20%, respectively. Additionally, virulence genes for Klebsiella pneumoniae, iutA and fimH, were detected at rates of 39% and 68%, respectively, whereas the toxA gene for Pseudomonas spp. was present in 59.2% of the cases. Nucleotide sequence variations in immunity- and antioxidant-related genes were observed between healthy and pneumonic ewes. The genes encoding IL-1α, IL1B, IL6, TNF-α, LFA-1, CR2, IL17, IL13, DEFB123, SCART1, ICAM1, NOS, and HMOX1 were significantly upregulated in pneumonia-affected ewes compared with resistant ewes. Conversely, the genes encoding IL10, SOD1, CAT, GPX1, and NQO1 were downregulated. Further analysis of the serum profile revealed a significant (P < 0.05) increase in IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, NO and MDA along with a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in the serum levels of C3, C4, CAT, GPx, GR and IL-10 in diseased ewes compared with healthy ewes. Histopathological examination revealed that the infected sheep exhibited broncho-interstitial pneumonia and purulent to fibrino-purulent bronchopneumonia.

Conclusions: This study revealed the significant presence of various pathogens and virulence factors in infected sheep, along with distinct immunological and antioxidant gene expression patterns.