African
Journals Online
Journal of the South African Veterinary Association
Prevalence of Culicoides imicola and
other species (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) ateight sites in
Zimbabwe : to the editor
Musuka, G.N.Mellor, P.S.Meiswinkel, R.Baylis, M.Kelly,
P.J. 62-63
Abstract: Presents some prevalence data on Culicoides
imicola and Culicoides bolitinos in Zimbabwe. Includes data on
other common species, as revealed by collections made over 2
years at 8 widely-separated study sites
Chlamydial abortion in goats in the Umzimkulu District of
Eastern Cape : to the editor
Jeyakumar, C.S.
63
Abstract: Reports on the prevalence of chlamydial abortion
in goats in the Bossenfontein and Ngozi administrative areas in
the Eastern Cape Province
The reversal of xylazine hydrochloride by yohimbine and
4-aminopyridine in goats : article
Ndeereh, D.R.Kihurani, D.O.Mbithi, P.M.F.
64-67
Abstract: Yohimbine, 4-aminopyridine, and a combination of
the 2 drugs were studied to assess their potential as antagonists
to xylazine in goats. Twenty-four small East African goats were
divided randomly into 4 groups of 6 goats each in a
placebo-controlled study. They were all treated with
intramuscular xylazine at 0.44 mg/kg. At the time of maximum
sedation, sterile water was administered intravenously to the
control group, 0.15% 4-aminopyridine at 0.4mg/kg to Group 2, 0.1%
yohimbine at 0.25 mg/kg to Group 3, and the combination of the 2
drugs at the same dose rates to Group 4. The
yohimbine/4-amino-pyridine combination was also used to
antagonise xylazine at 0.88mg/kg in 6 goats. The heart rate,
respiratory rate and rate of ruminal movements, the pedal and
palpebral reflexes as well as the reaction to noxious stimuli,
the standing time and the total recovery time were established
and evaluated to assess the effects of the treatments. The drugs
reversed the xylazine-induced decrease in the heart rate,
respiratory rate and rate of ruminal movements, and also rapidly
restored the reflexes as well as the reaction to noxious
stimulation. In addition, they significantly (P <0.05)
decreased the mean standing time. The mean total recovery time
was decreased significantly (P < 0.05) by
4-aminopyridine and the yohimbine/4-aminopyridine combination,
but non-significantly (P > 0.05) by yohimbine. No
relapse in sedation occurred. Overall, the combination of
yohimbine and 4-aminopyridine produced better responses than the
individual drugs, and may therefore be used for rapid reversal of
xylazine-induced sedation in goats. Yohimbine or 4-aminopyridine
may also be useful for this purpose but recovery may be
prolonged.
Lumpy skin disease in southern Africa : a review of the
disease and aspects of control : article
Hunter, P.Wallace, D.
68-71
Abstract: This article reviews some of the important
aspects of lumpy skin disease (LSD) that may impact on its
successful control. A resurgence of the disease in the last
decade has highlighted some constraints of the Neethling strain
vaccine, but there is no evidence of vaccine breakdowns owing to
the presence of heterologous field strains. More research is
needed on epidemiology and transmission of LSD in South Africa to
formulate control measures.
Birth of live calves by in vitro
embryo production of slaughtered cows in a commercial herd in
South Africa : article
Arlotto, T.Gerber, D.Terblanche, S.J.Larsen, J.
72-75
Abstract: In vitro fertilisation (IVF) has become a
useful breeding tool in most of the developed world. In this
paper the success of bovine IVF and the birth of live calves
under typical South African conditions is reported. Oocytes for
IVF were collected from the ovaries of 6 slaughtered Bovelder
beef cows. On average, 36.2 oocytes per donor were retrieved.
From these oocytes, 43 blastocysts were produced from 5 of the
donors by IVF with frozen Bovelder semen. The best 11 of these
embryos were transferred into oestrous, synchronised Bovelder
recipients in the same herd. As a result, 7 calves were born (a
64 %calving rate) from 4 of the original donors. The calves had a
normal birth mass, but the mean gestation length of the male
calves was significantly longer than the herd average (291.6
versus 285.2 days respectively). No calving difficulties were
encountered. In summary, it was shown that IVF for bovine embryo
production and transfer is possible on a commercial basis in
South Africa.
Effects on anionic salts in a pre-partum
dairy ration on calcium metabolism : article
Van Dijk, C.J.Lourens, D.C. 76-80
Abstract: The effects of anionic salts in the transition
diet on serum and urine calcium at calving and on peripartal
health, subsequent milk production and fertility performance were
studied in a well-managed, high-producing Friesland dairy herd.
Over a period of a year, approximately 21 days before the
expected date of calving, 28 pre-partum heifers and 44
multiparous dry cows were randomly allocated within parity to 1
of 2 transition diets, designated control and experimental
anionic diets. The anionic diet contained the same quantities of
the basic transition ration fed to the control group as well as a
standard anionic salt mixture containing 118 g NH4Cl,
36 g (NH4)2SO4 and 68 g MgSO4
(total 222 g) per animal per day. This reduced the DCAD to -11.68
mEq/100 g dietary dry matter compared to +13.57 for the control
diet. Blood and urine were randomly sampled from 7 to 8 animals
within each category within 3 hours post-partum. Serum calcium
(total and ionised) and creatinine, urine calcium and creatinine
and the fractional clearance of calcium were assessed. Relevant
clinical, milk production, and fertility data were collected. The
total serum calcium (2.07 versus 1.60 mmol/ ), serum
ionised calcium (1.12 vs 1.02 mmol/ ), urine calcium (0.92
vs 0.10 mmol/ ) and the fractional clearance of calcium
(1.88 vs 0.09 %) were significantly higher (P <0.01)
at calving for multiparous cows fed the anionic diet compared to
those fed the control diet. In the primiparous cows there were no
significant differences in serumcalcium levels. However, the
urine calcium (1.07 vs 0.43 mmol/ ) and the fractional
clearance of calcium was higher (1.75 vs 0.45 %) in cows
fed the anionic diet (P <0.05 and 0.01 respectively).
These results illustrated that there were benefits, although no
differences were demonstrated with respect to health, milk
production or fertility. The supplementation of diets with
anionic salts in the last 2-3 weeks before calving has the
potential to significantly improve parturient calcium
homeostasis.
Anaesthesia of gemsbok (Oryx gazella)
with a combination of A3080, medetomidine and ketamine : article
Grobler, D.Bush, M.Jessup, D.Lance, W. 81-83
Abstract: An effective anaesthesia protocol was developed
for adult free-ranging gemsbok (Oryx gazella) using a
combination of A3080, medetomidine and ketamine. Ashort induction
time; good muscle relaxation, adequate oxygenation and stable
heart rate and respiration rate characterised this anaesthetic
regime. Equal doses of A3080 and medetomidine (22-45 µg/kg) plus
200 mg of ketamine were administered to each animal. The
anaesthesia was rapidly and completely reversed by intramuscular
naltrexone at a dose of X = 0.9 ± 0.2 mg/kg and
atipamezole at a dose X±90 ±20 µg/kg. No mortality or
morbidity occurred with this protocol.
Analgesic and cardiopulmonary effects of intrathecally
administered romifidine or romifidine and ketamine in goats (Capra
hircus) : article
Aithal, H.P.AmarpalKinjavdekar, P.Pawde, A.M.Pratap, K.
84-91
Abstract: The study was conducted to evaluate the effects
of romifidine alone (50 µg/kg) and a combination of romifidine
(50 µg/kg) and ketamine (2.5 mg/kg) after intrathecal
administration in goats. Ten adult goats of either sex weighing
between 15 and 20 kg were randomly placed in 2 groups (groups I
and II). The agents were administered at the lumbosacral
subarachnoid space. Clinico-physiological parameters such as
analgesia, motor incoordination, sedation, salivation, heart
rate, respiratory rate, arterial pressure, central venous
pressure and rectal temperature were studied. Other
haematobiochemical parameters monitored were packed cell volume,
haemoglobin, plasma proteins, glucose, urea and creatinine. The
onset of analgesia was faster in group II (35.5 ±6.25 s)
compared to that of group I (5.2 ±0.54 min). Analgesia of the
tail, perineum, hind limbs, flank and thorax was mild to moderate
in group I, but complete analgesia of tail, perineum and hind
limbs was recorded in group II. Motor incoordination was mild in
group I and severe in group II. Significant reduction in heart
rate (more pronounced in group I) and respiratory rate (more
pronounced in group II), and a significant increase in central
venous pressure were recorded in both groups. Mean arterial
pressure was reduced in both groups, but more markedly in group
I. Sedation, electro-cardiogram, rectal temperature and
haemato-biochemical parameters did not show significant
differences between the 2 groups. The results of this study
indicated a possible synergistic analgesic interaction between
intrathecally administered romifidine and ketamine, without
causing any marked systemic effects in goats.
Report of isolations of unusual lyssaviruses (rabies and
Mokola virus) identified retrospectively from Zimbabwe : short
communication
Bingham, J.Javangwe, S.Sabeta, C.T.Wandeler, A.I.Nel,
L.H.
92-94
Abstract: Rabies isolates that had been stored between
1983 and 1997 were examined with a panel of anti-lyssavirus
nucleocapsid monoclonal antibodies. Out of 56 isolates from cats
and various wild carnivore species, 1 isolate of Mokola virus and
5 other non-typical rabies viruses were identified. The Mokola
virus isolate was diagnosed as rabies in 1993 from a cat. Genetic
analysis of this isolate suggests that it falls in a distinct
subgroup of the Mokola virus genotype. The 5 non-typical rabies
viruses were isolated from honey badgers (Mellivora capensis),
African civets (Civettictis civetta) and an unidentified
mongoose (Herpestidae). These isolates are representatives of
rarely-reported wildlife-associated strains of rabies, probably
maintained by the slender mongoose (Galerella sanguinea).
These findings indicate that both Mokola virus and the
mongoose-associated variant may be more common in Zimbabwe than
is apparent from routine surveillance.
Isolation of Haemophilus somnus from
dairy cattle in KwaZulu-Natal : an emerging cause of 'dirty cow
syndrome' and infertility? : short communication
Last, R.D.Macfarlane, M.D.Jarvis, C.J. 95
Abstract: Haemophilus somnus was consistently
isolated from vaginal discharges of dairy cows submitted from
field cases of vaginitis, cervicitis and/or metritis in the
KwaZulu-Natal Midlands during the period July 1995 - December
2000 and from the East Griqualand area in November/December 2000.
The purulent vaginal discharges, red granular vaginitis and
cervicitis, and pain on palpation described in these cases was
very similar to that reported in outbreaks of H.somnus
endometritis syndrome in Australia, Europe and North America. In
all the herds involved in these outbreaks, natural breeding with
bulls was employed. Although there was a good cure rate in
clinically-affected animals treated with tetracyclines, culling
rates for chronic infertility were unacceptably high. Employment
of artificial insemination in these herds improved pregnancy
rates in cows that had calved previously, but many cows that had
formerly been infected failed to conceive.
Suspected post-vaccinal acute polyradiculoneuritis in a
puppy : short communication
Gehring, R.Eggars, B.
96
Abstract: A 4-month-old German shepherd puppy developed
hindquarter weakness after vaccination with a multivalent
vaccine. This is suggestive of post-vaccinal
polyradiculoneuritis. To date, only 1 similar case has been
reported, which may be due to the under-reporting of suspected
adverse drug reactions.
Prevalence of microorganisms associated with udder
infections in dairy goats on small-scale farms in Kenya : short
communication
Ndegwa, E.N.Munyua, S.J.M.Mulei, C. M.
97-98
Abstract: Six hundred and thirty clinically-normal milk
samples from dairy goat flocks comprising a mixed population of
German Alpine, Toggenburg, Saanen and Galla crosses were
exam-ined over a 3-month period to determine the prevalence of
bacterial organisms. Bacteria were isolated in 28.7 % of the milk
samples (181/630) either singly (92.8 %) or in combination (7.2
%). The most prevalent bacterial organisms were Staphylococcus
spp. (60.3 %), followed by Micrococcus spp. (17.7 %),
Acinetobacter spp. (5 %), Actinomyces spp. (5%) and Streptococcus
spp. (1.1 %). The Staphylococcus spp. were mainly
coagulase negative (64.3 %). Coagulase-- negative staphylococci
and coagulase-positive staphylococci accounted for 37.5 % and
22.7 % respectively of the total bacteria isolated. The isolation
of bacteria, some of which are important in clinical and
subclinical mastitis, in apparently normal caprine milk,
indicates that particular attention should be given to the
management of these dairy goat flocks in order to avoid the
development of cases of clinical mastitis.
Temporary remission of disseminated paecilomycosis in a
German shepherd dog treated with ketoconazole : case report
Booth, M.J.Van der Lugt, J.J.Van Heerden, A.Picard,
J.A.
99-104
Abstract: Disseminated mycosis caused by Paecilomyces
varioti in a female German shepherd dog presented with
chronic forelimb lameness is described. Radiographs of the
swollen carpal joint revealed geographic lysis of the radial
epiphysis. Diagnosis was based on cytological demonstration of
fungal hyphae and chlamydiospores, as well as fungal culture of
fluid obtained by arthrocentesis. Temporary remission was
characterised by markedly improved clinical signs and laboratory
parameters, following treatment with ketoconazole. The dog was
euthanased 9 months after the initial diagnosis, following the
diagnosis of multifocal discospondylitis. This appears to be the
longest described period of temporary remission obtained with
treatment in dogs with paecilomycosis. Clinical,
clinicopathological and necropsy findings of this disease in
another German shepherd dog are briefly described.
First report of a parasitic mite, Leptotrombidium
(Hypotrombidium) subquadratum (Lawrence) (Acari :
Trombiculidae : Trombiculinae), from dogs and children in the
Bloemfontein area, South Africa : case report
Heyne, H.Coetzee, L. 105-106
Abstract: Leptotrombidium subquadratum larvae were
collected for the first time in 1994 from dogs in Bloemfontein.
The larvae have been collected annually, during the summer
months, over a period of 6-7 years. Previously the only known
hosts were scrub hare (Lepus saxatilis) (locality unknown)
and short-snouted elephant shrew (Elephantulus brachyrhynchus)
(Kruger National Park). These mites cause severe itching and
dermatitis in humans and dogs.
Parasitological Challenges 2000 and Beyond :
Parasitological Society of Southern Africa : conference abstracts
109-116
Abstract: Abstracts of papers presented at the 28th Annual
Scientific Meeting of the Parasitological Society of Southern
Africa - Parasitological Challenges 2000 and Beyond - held from
27-29 September 2000 in Bloemfontein.
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