African
Journals Online
Journal of the South African Veterinary Association
Workshops propose National Programme for Veterinary
Helminthology for South Africa : information
Vatta, A.F.Krecek, R.C.Du Plessis, A.Havemann, A.R.Van
der Merwe, J.S.
2-5
Abstract: A workshop was held at Onderstepoort on 2-3 July
1999 to set priorities in veterinary helminthology for South
Africa. Representatives from 19 organisations attended. The
workshop achieved 2 of its 3 aims, namely to identify the
priority areas within the field and to set specific objectives to
be achieved in addressing these needs. Seven strategies were
proposed, namely, motivation, education, therapeutic,
wormresistance, animal tolerance, biological control and
diagnostic strategies. Afollow-up session took place on 8
September 1999 and at this workshop and in subsequent meetings,
preliminary action plans were developed for these strategies. It
was felt that the proposed activities delineated by this process
should formthe basis for a National Programme for Veterinary
Helminthology and a national forum is to be convened to encourage
all stakeholders to consider, discuss and adopt these activities.
The forum is scheduled to take place in April 2000.
A krimpsiekte-like syndrome in small stock poisoned by
Ornithogalum toxicarium Archer & Archer : article
Botha, C.J.Schultz, R.A.Van der Lugt, J.J.Archer, C.
6-9
Abstract: Krimpsiekte (the syndrome associated with
chronic cardiac glycoside poisoning) was purportedly induced by
Ornithogalum toxicarium in the Karas mountains area of
Keetmanshoop, Namibia. This chinkerinchee species was previously
linked to a condition known as `kwylbek' krimpsiekte in small
stock in the Beaufort West district of the Western Cape Province,
South Africa. In a dosing trial, respiratory distress,
tachycardia and sternal recumbency were observed in 2 sheep
drenched with fresh plant material. A fluorescence polarisation
immunoassay (FPIA) detected the presence of a substance that
cross-reacted with digoxin antibodies in some of the plant
material collected at Keetmanshoop and Beaufort West. This is the
first time that apparent cardiac glycoside poisoning was induced
by a southern African chinkerinchee species. The presence of the
cardiac glycoside-like substance in O. toxicarium requires
further chemical verification.
The prevalence of bovine viral diarrhoea antibodies in
selected South African dairy herds, and control of the disease :
article
Ferreira, G.M.Lourens, D.C.Van Vuuren, M.
10-13
Abstract: The prevalence of bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD)
serologically positive animals in 18 dairy herds with clinical
and pathological lesions suggestive of BVD infection, the
post-vaccinal seroconversion rates in negative animals vaccinated
twice with an inactivated BVD vaccine, and the control measures
taken, are described. The pathological and histopathological
findings in 6 necropsies performed on animals that died in 5
separate herds closely resembled published descriptions. Positive
immunohistochemistry results in 3 cases confirmed the diagnosis
in those animals. In 1 herd the prevalence of prevaccinal
BVDantibodies was only 36.8 %, while the prevalence varied from
79.85 to 100 % in the remainder. Control measures taken included
immunoprophylaxis with an inactivated vaccine, culling animals
that were serologically negative after vaccination that were
regarded as probably persistently infected (PI) and the
implementation of additional biosecurity measures. The prevalence
of serologically negative PI animals in 10 herds varied from 0.38
to 4.04 %, with 8 herds less than 1 %and 2 herds at 2.79 %and
4.04 %, respectively. Methods based on vaccinating the herd,
followed by serological testing and culling cattle that did not
develop an antibody titre, are not reliable. The identification
of PI animals should be confirmed by isolation of the virus or
identification of the antigen.
Blood pressure changes in dogs with babesiosis : article
Jacobson, L.S.Lobetti, R.G.Vaughan-Scott, T.
14-20
Abstract: Systemic arterial blood pressures were measured
in 30 dogs with acute babesiosis, 10 each with mild
uncomplicated, severe uncomplicated and complicated disease. Ten
healthy dogs were used as controls. Hypotension was defined as
more than 3 standard deviations below the control mean. Normal
mean pressures (±SD) were: systolic arterial pressure 151 (±11)
mm Hg, diastolic arterial pressure 89 (±8) mm Hg and mean
arterial pressure 107 (±10) mmHg. Hypotension was the most
frequent abnormality, and increased strikingly in incidence as
disease severity increased, with 5/10 dogs in the complicated
group being hypotensive for systolic, diastolic and mean arterial
pressures, compared with 2/10 in the severe uncomplicated group
and 0/10 in the mild uncomplicated group. Systolic, diastolic and
mean arterial pressures in the complicated group and severe
uncomplicated group, and systolic pressure in the mild
uncomplicated group, were significantly lower than in the
controls. There were no significant relationships between
arterial pressures and age, pulse rate, respiratory rate,
temperature, mucous membrane colour or haematocrit. There was a
significant negative correlation between arterial pressures and
white cell and immature neutrophil counts. Arterial pressures
differed significantly between dogs that were clinically
collapsed and those that were not, but not between survivors and
non-survivors. Pulse pressure (systolic - diastolic) was low in
7/10 complicated, 1/10 mild uncomplicated, and 1/10 severe
uncomplicated cases, and differed significantly between the
complicated and control groups. The high incidence of hypotension
in clinically severe babesiosis has important implications for
therapy.
Babesia bovis and B. bigemina DNA detected in cattle and
ticks from Zimbabwe by polymerase chain reaction : article
Smeenk, I.Kelly, P.J.Wray, K.Musuka, G.Trees,
A.J.Jongejan, F.
21-24
Abstract: From blood collected from 94 cattle at 12
locations in the eastern and northeastern areas of Zimbabwe, DNA
was extracted and analysed by polymerase chain reaction with
primers previously reported to be specific for Babesia bigemina
and Babesia bovis. Overall, DNA of Babesia bigemina was detected
in the blood of 33/94 (35 %) cattle and DNA from B. bovis was
detected in 27/58 (47 %) of cattle. The prevalence of DNA of B.
bigemina was significantly higher in young animals (<2 years)
(23/46) than in animals over 2 years of age (10/48; (chi)2
= 8.77; P < 0.01 %). Although tick sampling was not thorough,
Boophilus decoloratus could be collected at 7/9 sites sampled and
Boophilus microplus at 4/9 sites. Of the 20 B. decoloratus
allowed to oviposit before PCR analysis, 1 (5 %) contained DNA
that could be amplified with primers for B. bigemina while 12 (60
%) were positive with primers for B. bovis. Of the B. microplus
allowed to oviposit, 11/16 (69 %) were positive for B. bovis
DNAby PCR and 2/16 (12 %) were positive for B. bigemina.
The prevalence of subclinical mastitis in dairy goats in
Kenya : article
Ndegwa, E.N.Mulei, C.M.Munyua, J.M.
25-27
Abstract: California mastitis test (CMT), direct
leukocytes counts and bacteriological examination were performed
on 630 milk samples from apparently healthy mammary glands of
dairy goats comprising a mixed population of German Alpine,
Toggenberg, Saanen and Galla crosses to find the prevalence of
subclinical mastitis. The prevalence of subclinical mastitis was
9.8 %according to CMT, 9.7 %according to direct leukocyte counts
and 28.7 %by bacterial isolation during a 3-month period. The
proportion of the bacteriologically positive milk samples was
significantly (P < 0.01) higher than that positive for CMTand
direct leukocyte counts. There was a significant (P < 0.01)
correlation between CMT and direct leukocyte counts. There was no
significant direct relationship between bacterial isolation and
CMT. Bacterial organisms were isolated in 22.5 % of the 568
CMT-negative milk samples. The results suggest that bacterial
organisms isolated from the CMT-negative milk samples were either
latent infections or did not stimulate any significant increase
in somatic cell counts that could be detected by either the CMT
or direct leukocyte counts. The observations of this study
indicate that the mere presence of bacteria in goat's milk does
not mean that the udder is infected and so does not warrant
antibiotic therapy.
Flystrike prevention on Merino lambs with the insect growth
regulator dicyclanil : article
Schmid, H.R.Hyman, W.B.De Bruin, C.Van Zyl,
A.P.Junquera, P.
28-30
Abstract: The efficacy of a ready-to-use 5 %dicyclanil
pour-on formulation as a preventative of natural flystrike on
Merino lambs was investigated in a field trial involving 5 sites
in the southern Cape Province. A total of 1804 lambs treated with
dicyclanil were compared with 882 untreated control lambs for up
to 25 weeks after treatment. Efficacy was assessed by calculating
the weekly cumulative strike rate at each site and aggregated for
all sites, as well as by calculating the percentage reduction
achieved in treated lambs. Cumulative strike rates for the
untreated controls aggregated for all sites at Weeks 9, 14 and 19
after treatment reached 6.2, 12.8 and 17.8 %, respectively,
compared with 0.4, 1.7 and 3.6 %for the dicyclanil treated lambs.
Percentage control aggregated for all sites at Weeks 9, 14 and 19
after treatment was 93, 87 and 80 %, respectively. Heavy rains
during the 1st half of the trial did not substantially reduce the
efficacy of the product.
Effects of anthelmintic treatment and feed supplementation
on grazing Tuli weaner steers naturally infected with
gastrointestinal nematodes : article
Magaya, A.Mukaratirwa, S.Willingham, A.L.Kyvsgaard,
N.Thamsborg, S.
31-37
Abstract: A study was carried out to determine the
epidemiology of gastrointestinal nematodes in indigenous Tuli
cattle and the effect of dietary protein supplementation and
anthelmintic treatment on productivity in young growing cattle.
Forty steers with an average age of 18 months were divided into 4
groups; 1) fenbendazole (slow release bolus) and cottonseed meal
(FCSM group), 2) fenbendazole (FBZ group), 3) cottonseed meal
(CSM group) and 4) control (no cottonseed meal and no
fenbendazole) (control group). Performance parameters measured
included wormeggs per gram of faeces (EPG), packed cell volume
(PCV), albumin and live-weight gain. Results showed that faecal
worm egg counts were lower and PCV was higher in the FCSM and FBZ
groups than in the CSM and control groups (P < 0.01). Weight
gains were higher in the CSMand FCSM groups than in the FBZ and
control groups (P < 0.05). The cost benefits of anthelmintic
treatment and dietary supplementation were apparent in this
study. The improved growth performance of the FCSM, FBZ and CSM
groups reflected a financial gain over the controls on
termination of the study. The dominant genera of gastrointestinal
nematodes on faecal culture, pasture larval counts and necropsy
were Cooperia and Haemonchus. The incidences of Trichostrongylus,
Oesophagostomum and Bunostomum were low.
A preliminary study on the serum protein response in canine
babesiosis : research communication
Lobetti, R.G.Mohr, A.J.Dippenaar, T.Myburgh, E.
38-42
Abstract: Total serum protein, albumin, globulin, globulin
fractions (alpha, beta and gamma globulins) and an acute-phase
protein ((alpha)1-acid glycoprotein) were evaluated in dogs with
naturally occurring mild (Group 1), severe (Group 2) or
complicated babesiosis (Group 3). Results showed that the total
serumprotein, albumin, A/G ratio and (alpha)globulins were
statistically different between Groups 1 and 2. There was no
statistical difference between groups with total, (beta)and
(gamma) globulins. The findings from this study suggest that dogs
with mild and severe babesiosis had low total serum proteins,
albumin, A/G ratio and (alpha) globulins; dogs with complicated
babesiosis showed no typical serum protein changes or patterns;
and that there was no evidence of an acute-phase response
detectable on serum protein electrophoresis in any of the 3
groups. A marked acute-phase response was, however, present, as
measured by the (alpha)1-acid glycoprotein, in all 3 groups. As
this was a retrospective study, the possibility that the observed
responses were due in part to concurrent disease could not be
excluded.
Survey of the incidence, diagnosis, clinical manifestations
and treatment of Spirocerca lupi in South Africa : research
communication
Lobetti, R.G.
43-46
Abstract: A questionnaire survey of 716 veterinary
practices was undertaken to determine the incidence of Spirocerca
lupi in dogs in South Africa. In total, 49 %of the questionnaires
were returned, indicating a possible incidence of 28 %. Fewer
than 4 cases per year were recorded by 82 %of the respondents;
4-12 by 14 %; 12-24 by 3 %; and more than 48 by only 1 %. No
seasonal incidence was reported by 48 %of the respondents. Large
breeds were considered to be at greater risk by 43 % of
respondents. No specific age or sex was identified to be at
higher risk. The most common complaints by owners and clinical
findings were vomition (46 %), weight loss (27 %), coughing (21
%) or regurgitation (20 %), although 14 %of respondents reported
no abnormal clinical findings. Diagnostic methods used were
radiology (74 %), endoscopy (27 %), post mortem examination (34
%) and faecal flotation (4 %). Complications associated with S.
lupi were reported by 76 % of respondents, which included
oesophageal neoplasia (41 %), hypertrophic osteopathy (38 %) and
acute haemothorax (30 %). Specific treatments were used by 58 %
of the respondents, whereas 42 % of the respondents either used
no treatment (72 %) or recommended euthanasia (28 %). Of the
treatment group, 52 % used ivermectin, 27 % doramectin, 13 %
other deworming drugs (benzimidazoles, nitroscanate), and 8 %
used disophenol. Sixty-three percent of the respondents
considered their treatment ineffective, whereas 31 % considered
it effective, and 6 % were unsure. The overall mortality rate was
high.
Prognostic indicators of post partum viability of kids born
to Escherichia coli-vaccinated or unvaccinated does : research
communication
Munyua, S.J.M.Karioki, D.I.Chibeu, D.M.Wabacha,
J.K.Thaiya, A.G.Njenga, J.M.Gathuma, J.M.
Mitaru, B. 47-52
Abstract: This study was undertaken to determine some
blood and other physiological parameters with potential for use
as prognostic indicators of viability of newborn goat kids. Of
the 143 kids born during the on-farmstudy, 97 were crosses of
Galla _ Small East African (SEA) and 46 were pure SEA. The SEA _
Galla kids were 46 single males, with a mean body weight at birth
of 2.77 ± 0.22 kg , 43 females with a mean body weight at birth
of 2.36 ± 0.76 kg and 5 and 3 sets of female and male twins
(mean body weight at birth of 1.8 ± 0.19 kg and 2.05 ± 0.07 kg
for the female and male kids, respectively). The SEA kids
comprised 36 single male and female kids (mean body weight at
birth of 2.48 ± 0.04 kg and 10 sets of twins (both male and
female) (mean body weight at birth of 1.50 ± 0.04 kg ).
Pre-suckling sera obtained on-station from kids born of does
vaccinated against Escherichia coli (n = 8) and unvaccinated does
(n = 7) had a total protein content of < 40.0 g/l and no
detectable levels of IgG and A or E. coli antibodies. Sera
obtained 12 hours post partum from kids that survived in both
groups contained about 19-22 g of Ig g/ , 50-80 g total protein/
, blood glucose of >5 mmol/l and had an E. coli antibody titre
of between 1/160 and 1/640. On the other hand, kids that died
within 48 hours of birth (parturient deaths) and had been
classified in categories 3 and 4 righting reaction had low (<
40 g//l ) total protein, low white blood cell count (4000/m/l )
and low blood glucose concentration (< 4.9 mmol//l ). It is
concluded that kids with delayed righting reaction (> 45
minutes), low rectal temperature (< 36 șC), low birth weights
(< 1.5 kg for singles and < 1.0 kg for twins), low white
blood cells (< 4000/ m/l ), low (< 2 mmol/l ) blood glucose
levels, low total protein (< 40.0 g//l ), low (< 1:160) E.
coli antibody titre and IgG ( < 3350 mg//l ) in sera obtained
12 hours after birth have a poor prognosis for survival.
Screening of five drugs for efficacy against Babesia felis
in experimentally infected cats : research communication
Penzhorn, B.L.Lewis, B.D.Lopez-Rebollar, L.M.Swan, G.E.
53-57
Abstract: The efficacy of 5 drugs was tested against
experimental Babesia felis infection in domestic cats. Two of the
drugs, rifampicin and a sulphadiazine-trimethoprim combination,
appeared to have an anti-parasitic effect, but were inferior to
primaquine. The other 3 drugs, buparvaquone, enrofloxacin and
danofloxacin, had no significant anti-babesial effect.
Capture and immobilisation of aardvark (Orycteropus afer)
using different drug combinations : research communication
Nel, P.J.Taylor, A.Meltzer, D.G.A.Haupt, M.A.
58-63
Abstract: Nine aardvarks (Orycteropus afer) were captured
in the southern Free State, South Africa, for the placement of
abdominal radio transmitters. Five combinations of ketamine
hydrochloride with xylazine hydrochloride, midazolam or
medetomidine hydrochloride were used to induce anaesthesia. In
some cases the level of anaesthesia was maintained with 1.5 %
halothane. A mixture of ketamine hydrochloride and medetomidine
hydrochloride was found to be most effective. Atipamizole
reversed the affects of medetomidine hydrochloride, resulting in
a smooth and full recovery within 8 minutes. The immobilisation
and subsequent anaesthesia of these animals on cold winter nights
resulted in hypothermia, and keeping the animals warm was
essential to the success of the procedures undertaken. Reversal
of the sedative medetomidine hydrochloride proved to be
important, because animals that were released before they were
fully conscious took refuge in their burrows so that care was
impossible.
Hypoxaemia and suspected pulmonary oedema in a Dorper ewe
after diazepam-ketamine induction of anaesthesia : short
communication
Stegmann, G.F.
64-65
Abstract: Anaesthesia was required in an 18-month-old
Dorper ewe scheduled for surgical repair of an abdominal hernia.
Anaesthesia was induced with diazepam (0.15 mg/kg) and ketamine
(6 mg/kg), and maintained with halothane in oxygen on a circle
anaesthetic machine. Hypotension, hypoxaemia, cyanosis and
pulmonary oedema were observed from the start of surgery, but the
symptoms improved towards the completion of the procedure. The
aetiology of this condition could not be established. It is
suggested that propylene glycol, the organic solvent in the
diazepam formulation, may have stimulated the release of
vasoactive substances that resulted in pulmonary oedema.
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