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Claw lesions, which are nowadays very common in sows, are associated with a high risk of early culling and compromised welfare. In this study, we investigated the associations between the severity of claw lesions and three of the most important reproductive indicators, the number of live-born and weaned piglets and the wean-to-first service interval in three Greek farrow-to-finish herds. All studied sows were individually housed during their previous gestations. Sows were examined for lesions, which were scored on a severity scale, on several anatomical sites of the claws, before farrowing. Data on the examined reproductive indicators were retrieved from productivity databases of the herds. Because scoring of lesions on several claw sites resulted in many correlated variables for each sow examined, we employed factor analysis to create a smaller set of uncorrelated variables (factors) which contained all the information in the original variables and produced the corresponding factor scores. The number of live-born and weaned piglets was associated with the produced factor scores in two multivariable linear regression models, whereas the possible associations between the wean-to-first service interval and the factor scores was modelled with the use of zero-inflated negative binomial regression. The number of live-born piglets was negatively associated with factor scores representing lesions on heel (P = 0.001) and sole of front feet (P = 0.019). The number of weaned piglets was also negatively associated with factor scores representing lesions on heel (P = 0.003) of any foot, on sole of front feet (P = 0.001) and on white line, sole and wall of rear feet (P = 0.008), while the wean-to-first service interval was associated with factor scores representing lesions on heel of any foot (P = 0.02), on sole of front feet (P = 0.02) and of dew claw length of front feet (P = 0.009). Our results indicate that combinations of lesions on the dorsal and ventral part of the claws, negatively affected the reproduction parameters considered, emphasising the importance of general improvement of feet health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate seroprevalence and to identify flock-level factors associated with seropositivity to brucellosis in small ruminants in Kerman province, southeastern Iran. In October-November 2011, serum samples were randomly collected from 1767 sheep and 1233 goats, older than 18 months, from 300 flocks. The sera were initially screened for the presence of anti-Brucella antibodies using the Rose-Bengal test; those found to be positive were then examined by Wright and 2-mercaptoethanol Brucella agglutination tests. A questionnaire was used to collect data on flock-level factors likely associated with the within flock seroprevalence of brucellosis. The associations were statistically evaluated for significance in multivariable logistic models. Sixty three flocks (21.00%; 95% CI: 16.80-26.60) had at least one seropositive animal. The mean within-flock seroprevalence was 3.10% (95% CI: 2.60-3.90). The presence of newly purchased animals (OR=3.4 2, 95% CI: 1.35-8.65) was significantly associated with seropositivity. Our findings highlight the role of animal movement among flocks in the epidemiology of brucellosis in this region. Thus, a control program for brucellosis in the region is suggested to impose appropriate restrictions on animal trade and improve knowledge of livestock owners about quarantine principles for newly purchased animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information on a study which determined whether acute phase proteins (APP) can be useful indicators of the clinical phase of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) and predictive of clinical outcome. Information on CME and APP is provided. Inclusion criteria are presented along with the process of APP determination, C-reactive protein (CRP) measurement and statistical analysis. Results suggest that CRP, serum amyloid-A (SAA) and haptoglobin (Hp) serum concentrations are useful indicators but not as predictors of clinical outcome.

The requirements for the isolation of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map) may be related to the strain-type [sheep (S)- or cattle (C)-type] and not to the host. The objective of this paper was to estimate and compare strain- and biological sample (faeces or pooled-tissue) – specific sensitivities (Ses) of two solid culture media, Herrold’s egg yolk medium (HEYM) and Lowenstein–Jensen (LJ) medium, for the isolation of Map from Greek dairy sheep and goats. From 400 faecal samples collected from sub-clinically infected sheep and goats of four flocks and from 214 pooled-tissue samples (142 from sheep and 72 from goats) collected, at the abattoir, from >1-year-old routinely slaughtered animals, with gross pathology suggestive of paratuberculosis, we isolated 34 Map strains. Of those, by the IS1311 PCR, 18 were categorized into the C-type and nine into the S-type; seven were not typed. We used a Bayesian approach to estimate the strain-specific Ses. SeHEYM-C-faecal = 17% (95% credible interval: 7, 40) was higher than SeHEYM-S-faecal = 2% (0.3, 11). Also, SeHEYM-C-faecal was higher than SeLJ-C-faecal = 4% (1, 12). In pooled-tissue samples, the strain-specific Ses did not differ between the two media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Canine leishmaniasis (CanL) is a common cause of epistaxis in dogs residing in endemic areas. The pathogenesis of CanL-associated epistaxis has not been fully explored because of the limited number of cases reported so far. Hypothesis: Epistaxis in CanL could be attributed to more than 1 pathomechanism such as hemostatic dysfunction, biochemical abnormalities, chronic rhinitis, and coinfections occurring in various combinations. Animals: Fifty-one dogs with natural CanL. Methods: The allocation of 51 dogs in this cross-sectional study was based on the presence (n = 24) or absence (n = 27) of epistaxis. The potential associations among epistaxis and concurrent infections ( Ehrlichia canis, Bartonella spp., and Aspergillus spp.), biochemical and hemostatic abnormalities, and nasal histopathology were investigated. Results: Hypergammaglobulinemia ( P= .044), increased serum viscosity ( P= .038), decreased platelet aggregation response to collagen ( P= .042), and nasal mucosa ulceration ( P= .039) were more common in the dogs with epistaxis than in those without epistaxis. The other significant differences between the 2 groups involved total serum protein ( P= .029) and γ-globulin ( P= .013) concentrations, which were higher, and the percentage platelet aggregation to collagen, which was lower ( P= .012) in the epistaxis dogs. Clinical Importance: CanL-associated epistaxis appears to be the result of multiple and variable pathogenetic factors such as thrombocytopathy, hyperglobulinemia-induced serum hyperviscosity, and nasal mucosa ulceration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To determine the prevalence and identify possible clinicopathologic indicators of the diseases associated with canine epistaxis. Methods: The medical records of 61 dogs with epistaxis were reviewed. Results: Systemic diseases, diagnosed in fifty-six dogs, included canine leishmaniasis in twenty-three dogs, canine monocytic ehrlichiosis in twenty-two, concurrent canine leishmaniasis and canine monocytic ehrlichiosis in six, rodenticide toxicity in two and primary immune-mediated thrombocytopenia, suspected oestrogen toxicity and systemic arterial hypertension in one dog each. Intranasal diseases were documented in the remaining five dogs, including transmissible venereal tumour in three dogs, and nasal adenocarcinoma and nasal aspergillosis in one dog each. Mucosal pallor and a generalised bleeding tendency were significantly more common among dogs with canine monocytic ehrlichiosis compared with those with canine leishmaniasis, whereas the opposite was true for peripheral lymphadenomegaly. Also, dogs with canine monocytic ehrlichiosis presented with pancytopenia more frequently compared with those with canine leishmaniasis; in the latter dogs, the median values of haematocrit, leucocyte and platelet counts and serum total protein concentrations were higher. Clinical Significance: Canine leishmaniasis and canine monocytic ehrlichiosis are the leading causes of canine epistaxis in Greece. Mucosal pallor, bleeding tendency and pancytopenia are more likely to be indicative of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis, as opposed to peripheral lymphadenomegaly and hyperproteinaemia in canine leishmaniasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We investigated the prediction of ovarian response using oestradiol determination, in 37 gonadotrophin stimulated Karagouniko ewe-lambs. Ovarian stimulation was induced by serial FSH administrations, and laparoscopic follicular aspiration (OPU) was conducted 12h after the last FSH injection. Oestradiol concentration was assessed in six blood samples collected prior to each FSH injection and in one sample collected prior to follicular aspiration. According to ovarian response, ewe-lambs were allotted in three groups: good, L1 (n =17); moderate, L2 (n =10); and poor, L3 (n =10). Based on the data obtained from 28 (75%) randomly selected animals, a statistical model was designed and tested on the remaining nine lambs for its ability to predict the probability of good ovarian response. From the 2nd sample, oestradiol concentration was constantly higher in group L1 in comparison with L3 lambs (all p-values for the contrasts were ≤0.02), while this difference between L1 and L2 lambs was significant only in the 6th and 7th sample (both p <0.005). Using as criterion the oestradiol concentration of the 6th sample, the statistical model predicted all lambs that did not belong to group L1 and three of four lambs that belonged to group L1. Our results indicate that the moderate- and poor-donors could be safely predicted on the basis of oestradiol concentration 12h prior to the scheduled follicular aspiration. Moreover, poor-donors could be identified—and rejected from further manipulations—on the basis of their inability to exhibit increased oestradiol levels in response to gonadotrophin stimulus. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Contents Experiments were conducted to determine the effects of lamb age, frequency of follicular aspirations, and hormone stimulation by fixed or variable FSH dose, on the number of collected oocytes and their maturational competence. In trial 1, the characteristics of follicular population (number and diameter of follicles) were studied in 40 lambs which were slaughtered at the age of 30 days (S1), 42 days (S2), 60 days (S3) and 5–6 months (S4), each n = 10. In trial 2, 27 lambs were divided into four groups. group MF lambs (n = 6) had follicular aspiration (OPU) in four monthly intervals commencing from the age of 8–9 weeks (sessions MF1, MF2, MF3 and MF4). In groups SF2, SF3 and SF4 (each n = 6), OPU was conducted once during the 12–13, 16–17 and 20–21 week of age, respectively. Ovarian stimulation was conducted with fixed FSH dose (3.52 mg/animal). In trial 3, 10 lambs (group MV) were treated as those of group MF apart from the FSH dose, which was administered according to the body weight in a dose of 0.27 mg/kg. The number and the size of follicles, the number and the quality of collected oocytes and the maturational competence of the oocytes were compared between and within groups. In trial 1, the total number and the number of small follicles were greater in groups S1 and S2 compared with those of S3 and S4 (p < 0.01). Similarly, the follicular population was greater in group MF1 than in group SF3 (p < 0.01). In sessions MF2, MF3, MV2, MV3 and MV4, more oocytes were collected in comparison with those from the respective once-aspirated age mates (groups SF2, SF3 and SF4). In total, more (p = 0.02) oocytes per donor were collected from group MV (15.2 ± 5.5) than from group MF (9.0 ± 3.2). An absolute maturational failure was observed in oocytes collected from groups SF2 and SF3. Maturational competence varied between 16.7% and 58.3% (p = 0.017) among sessions of group MF, but it was more uniform among sessions of group MV (range 12.5–42.9%, p > 0.05). Our results indicate that firstly, the number and the quality of harvested oocytes from juvenile lambs can be much improved if follicular stimulation regime is adjusted to the body weight. Secondly, in terms of follicular population and oocyte quality, 3 and 4-month-old lambs are naturally bad oocyte donors, but this characteristic can be reversed by a previous follicular ablation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two experiments were performed to compare the severity of encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) infection in pigs. The pigs were challenged with the Greek myocardial strain, at different ages and with different doses. In the first experiment, nineteen susceptible pigs, 40 days old, were divided into three groups and were experimentally infected with 106 TCID50, 104 TCID50 or 102 TCID50 of the Greek EMCV strain. In the second experiment, 10 susceptible pigs, of either 20 or 105 days, were divided into two groups according to age and were experimentally infected with 106 TCID50 of the Greek EMCV strain. In addition, five piglets, each one the same age as its experimental group, were used as uninfected controls. No clinical signs were observed after infection, except a transient temperature rise in some pigs. Another important observation was the difference in mortality between groups. The survival rate of the 40-day-old pigs was inversely related to the viral dose. In these pigs, a positive association between the viral dose and the severity of macroscopical and histopathological lesions of the heart was also evident. Viral isolations from various organs of the challenged 40-day-old pigs increased with the increasing dose level. When challenged with 106 TCID50 of EMCV, there was no difference in the fatality rate of the 20- and 40-day-old pigs, but none of the 105-day-old pigs died. The severity of the macroscopical and the histopathological heart lesions was inversely related to the age of the pigs. Furthermore, viral isolations from the various organs were higher in 20- and 40-day-old pigs than in the older ones. In 40-day-old pigs, neutralizing antibodies linearly increased as the dose increased. These antibodies were consistently lower in 20-day-old pigs. Viraemia, and nasal and faecal excretions were detected in all groups and lasted 1–3 days, except for the 105-day-old pigs whose symptoms lasted for an additional day. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract. Ticks were collected from 249 dogs, admitted over a one-year period (1996–1997) to a Veterinary Teaching Hospital and four private veterinary practices located in the county of Thessaloniki, Greece. A total of 2812 ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) were collected, of which 2511 (89.3%) were Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille) adults (1070 males, 1441 females), 156 (5.5%) R. turanicus Pomerantsev adults (35 males, 121 females), 100 (3.6%) Rhipicephalus spp. nymphs and 45 (1.6%) Rhipicephalus spp. larvae. Dogs living outdoors, in rural areas and in close proximity to farm animals, were infested with higher numbers of ticks than dogs living indoors. Tick attachment sites were recorded on 237 dogs, harbouring a total of 1711 ticks. The most heavily infested sites were, in decreasing frequency, the ear pinnae, neck, interdigital skin folds, trunk, head, ventrum, extremities and the tail. Cutaneous lesions at the attachment sites were noticed in 129 dogs and then mainly in the more severely infested animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One hundred and seventy-four dogs diagnosed with cutaneous neoplasms in the Animal Medical and Surgical Clinic, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, were studied. Thirty-one types of neoplasm were diagnosed, among which mast cell tumours (13.8%), hepatoid gland adenomas (9.8%), lipomas (5.7%) and histiocytomas (5.7%) were the most common. The prevalence of epithelial, mesenchymal, lymphohistiocytic and melanocytic tumours was 47.7, 40.8, 8.6 and 2.9%, respectively. Potentially malignant neoplasms were less frequently recorded than benign neoplasms. The tumours were single (80.5%) or multiple (19.5%) and located on the head and neck (18.4%), the body trunk (49.4%), the limbs (25.9%) or at multiple sites (6.3%). The factors evaluated in multivariable logistic regression models for possible association with the odds of a tumour's potential for malignancy included the age, the sex and the breed of the dog, as well as the histological type of the neoplasm. Dogs with mesenchymal tumours had two times higher odds of potential for malignancy than those with epithelial tumours. In contrast, dogs with either lymphohistiocytic or melanocytic tumours did not have increased risk of malignancy compared with dogs with epithelial tumours. The odds of tumour malignancy linearly increased with increasing age of the dog by a factor of 1.1 per year. Finally, the effect of the sex and the breed of the dog on the risk of developing cutaneous neoplasms was investigated in an age-matched case–control sample of 348 dogs by conditional logistic regression analysis. The odds of neoplasm presence were two times higher in pure bred dogs than in mongrels but did not differ between cross-breeds and mongrels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blood samples were taken from 50 pigs in each of 59 farrow-to-finish production herds and from 40 pigs in each of four of five registered multiplying herds. Samples of feed and faeces were also collected from 17 of the production herds and from the four multiplying herds. The sera were tested for antibodies to by the Danish mix-ELISA, and the organisms were isolated, serotyped and sensitivity tested by standard techniques. The average within-herd seroprevalence was 3.4 per cent and at least one pig tested seropositive in 21 of the 59 herds. In the multiplying herds, only a single seroreactor was detected. Salmonellae were isolated from only five of 95 feed samples, from two of the 17 herds sampled, in four of five samples from one herd and an untypable strain in one of five samples from another. Four infected faecal samples were detected in four herds; they harboured , or . No salmonellae were isolated from the samples of feed and faeces taken from the multiplying herds. The and had a low sensitivity to streptomycin, kanamycin and neomycin, and the also had low sensitivity to amoxycillin, ticarcillin, piperacillin, amoxycillin + clavulanic acid, cefalotin and cefoperazone. The other isolates were sensitive to all the antimicrobial agents tested. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

SummaryThe objective of this field trial was to compare the odds of pregnancy at 25 days (P25) and at 60 days (P60), of embryonic death (ED) between 25 and 60 days, and of non-pregnant cows returning to heat 20–25 days after artificial insemination (AI). Three fixed-time insemination protocols involving combined administration of either double gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and prostaglandins (A) or GnRH, human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) and prostaglandins (B), or double treatment with prostaglandins (C) were used. Cows included in the trial were selected from five herds, comprising a total of 735 (herd size range 85–250, median 120) Holstein dairy cows. Animals used for the study were multiparous, 4–7 years of age, had expressed at least one overt postpartum heat, were between 60 and 120 days of lactation and had at least one palpable corpus luteum and no gross morphological anomalies of their reproductive tracts. They were randomly allocated to receive treatment A (n = 89), B (n = 93), or C (n = 65). Pregnancy of cows not observed in heat 18–24 days post AI was diagnosed by transrectal ultrasonography at 25–30 days and confirmed by rectal palpation at 60–75 days post AI. Those that were detected in heat in the normal period post AI were re-inseminated. No differences were detected among the three treatment groups concerning the odds of P25 (P = 0.5), P60 (P = 0.2) and ED (P = 0.13). In contrast, non-pregnant cows that were administered treatment A were less likely to exhibit estrous signs in the normal period post AI than those administered treatments B (P = 0.02) or C (P = 0.005). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distribution of herd risk factors with respect to serological evidence of Aujeszky's disease virus (ADV) infection in breeding sows was studied using samples collected in the early phase of an area-wide eradication programme in two districts of Northern Germany (Schleswig-Flensburg and Nordfriesland). The odds of seropositivity in breeding females were 6.5-times higher for herds that purchased replacement gilts compared with herds that introduced gilts from their own inventory. Herds in which confirmed clinical Aujeszky's disease (AD) had occurred during the 1980s had 4.2-times higher odds of seropositive test results compared with herds without clinical outbreaks of AD. The log-odds of a herd having seropositive females increased, in a curvilinear pattern, with increasing herd size. The slope of the log-transformed herd-size line suggested that wind-borne transmission may have been an important route for among-herd transmission of ADV. It was concluded that, in areas with endemically-infected swine herds, the expected level of ADV infection will be highest in regions with large herds and previous clinical outbreaks of AD. This should be taken into account in the design of future area-wide AD-eradication campaigns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the effects of flunixin meglumine in uterine involution in cows with puerperal metritis. Process of normal uterine involution; Role of prostaglandin in uterine contraction; Evaluation of drug interference in reproductive ability of animals.

Studies the prevalence of seroreactivity to leptospiral serovars in a feline hospital population in Greece. Reaction of cats positively to leptospiral serovars; Negative relation between serovar-seropositivity and a certain number of potential risk factors; Prevalence of anti-leptospiral antibodies in feline hospital population.

Dust mites (DM) are the most common offending aeroallergens in atopic dogs. The aim of this study was to compare the DM load of households with atopic dogs (Group A, n = 8) that had positive intradermal test reactions to Dermatophagoides farinae, D. pteronyssinus, Acarus siro, Lepidoglyphus destructor and/or Tyrophagus putrescentiae to the DM load of households with nonatopic dogs (Group B, n = 4) and of nonpet households (Group C, n = 8). Group A dogs presented with perennial pruritus, were free of pathogenic mites and fleas, did not respond to an elimination diet, and fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of atopic dermatitis. All Group B dogs tested intradermally negative and had no dermatological problems. Dust samples were vacuum collected in a standardized fashion from the human (all groups) and dog mattresses (Groups A and B) or from the couch (Group C) four times, once for each season of the year. The presence of DM was assessed with a commercial test (Acarex test) and stereoscopically. At least one DM was found in all Group A houses. The DM load was not significantly different between the seasons or the three animal groups. The sensitivity of the Acarex test was significantly lower than that of stereoscopic examination ( P < 0.001). In conclusion, the environmental DM load was similar between atopic and nonatopic dogs, the presence of dogs in a household didn't increase DM numbers, and stereoscopy was more sensitive than the Acarex test for the detection of DM. Funding: Self-funded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diagnosis of canine demodicosis is mainly based on mite detection in deep skin scrapings (DSS). Hair pluckings (HP) are also helpful, whereas the diagnostic value of exudate microscopy (EM) has never been assessed. The objective of this study was to compare the diagnostic sensitivity of DSS, HP and EM in the various clinical forms of canine demodicosis. A total of 68 dogs with localized (45.6%) or generalized (54.4%) demodicosis, juvenile-onset (92.6%) or adult-onset (7.4%) demodicosis were included. Pyoderma was present on 41.2% of cases and absent in 58.8% of cases. One lesion per dog was selected for obtaining one HP, DSS and EM sample, the latter only in 14 cases demonstrating visible exudate. Mineral oil DSS and EM microscopy was focused on a 2.2 × 2.2 mm area, while a total of 100 hair shafts were evaluated by trichogram. At least one parasite was seen in 83.8% of HP, 98.5% of DSS and 100% of EM slides. The sensitivity of HP was higher in the generalized ( P = 0.001) and pyoderma-affected ( P = 0.021) cases compared to the localized and noninfected cases. A higher sensitivity of DSS compared to HP was demonstrated in the localized ( P = 0.004) and noninfected ( P = 0.002) cases. In conclusion, HP should be viewed as a useful diagnostic tool in generalized and infected canine demodicosis, while EM is useful in all deep pyoderma-associated cases. Funding: Self-funded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dust mites (DM), especially Dermatophagoides farinae (DF), are the most common offending aeroallergens in atopic dogs. The aim of this study was to compare the DM species in the households of atopic dogs (Group A, n = 8) that reacted intradermally to DF, D. pteronyssinus (DP), Acarus siro (AS), Lepidoglyphus destructor (LD) and/or Tyrophagus putrescentiae (TP), to DM species in households of nonatopic dogs (Group B, n = 4) and households without pets (Group C, n = 8). Group A dogs exhibited perennial pruritus, were free of pathogenic mites and fleas, did not respond to an elimination diet, and fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for atopic dermatitis. All Group B dogs tested ID negative and had no dermatological problems. Dust samples were vacuum collected in a standardized fashion from two sites of the dog living quarters, one time for each season. DM quantitation was made stereoscopically and their species identification by microscopy. DM median number in Group A was 1.5 for DF, 0.5 for DP and 0 for the other three species. One of eight, one of four and one of four dogs were sensitized to DF, AS and TP, respectively, despite the absence of these species from their environment. No difference could be found in terms of DM species between the three groups (lowest P value = 0.06). In conclusion, cross-sensitization between DM or irritant intradermal test reactions to their allergenic extracts may be common, and no preferential overpopulation of DF can explain the frequent sensitization of atopic dogs to this mite. Funding: Self-funded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to assess the probability of detecting Salmonella from pen faecal samples in seropositive classified finishing pig herds. The study involved 77 herds from Denmark (20), The Netherlands (20), Greece (17) and Germany (20). The serological herd status was determined by the blood-sampling of 50 finishing pigs. Bacteriological sampling was performed by 20 pen faecal samples per herd. Over-all, 47% of the blood samples had an OD% larger than 10 and 23% larger than 40. Salmonella was isolated from 135 (9.3%) pen faecal samples in 32 herds (42%). Twenty-eight of these herds (87.5%) had a within-herd seroprevalence larger than 50% at sample cut-off OD%>10. In our study, there was an increasing probability of recovering Salmonella with increasing within-herd seroprevalence. However, this was only a moderate correlation. A correlation coefficient of 0.62 was found between the proportion of culture positive- and seropositive samples in a herd at cut-off OD%>10 and of 0.58 at cut-off OD%>40. Serology is a measure of historical exposure, which may or may not correlate closely to the microbiological burden at the time of sampling. Due to the low sensitivity of culture methods, apparent ‘false-positive’ serological results may well represent real infections not detected by bacteriological testing. For screening purposes, serological testing provides an indication of exposure to Salmonella, which forms the basis for targeted sampling, intervention and logistic slaughter procedures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

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 < 0.001]; a history of cat-fight trauma (OR, 3.88; 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.

Feet infrared temperature is associated with feet health and may affect the reproductive performance of sows. In total, 137, 98 and 114 replacement gilts were selected at the age of weaning from 3 herds-A, B and C-with different genetic lines. Dorsal claw length was measured, and anisodactylia was measured in all four feet, at weaning age, and at those gilts that completed their first and second farrowing. At the first and second farrowing stage, the infrared temperature distribution, dew/claw length and backfat thickness were measured concurrently with claw lesion and mobility score evaluation. The maximum temperature significantly differed ( p < 0.01) among herds, in the rear feet and in all four feet at the first and second farrowing respectively. Claw lengths statistically differed among herds at all stages ( p < 0.05). Anisodactylia in rear feet was lower in herd A ( p < 0.05) at weaning, and in herd C at the first and second farrowing ( p < 0.05). In addition, the claw lesion score, mobility, backfat thickness and reproductive performance statistically differed among herds ( p < 0.05). It is shown that even at an early stage of their reproductive life, claw length differences exist in replacement gilts of different genetic lines.

Feline coronavirus (FCoV) is a highly contagious and ubiquitous virus of domestic cats and wild felids. Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a fatal, systemic disease caused by FCoV infection when spontaneous mutations of the viral genome take place. The aims of this study were primarily to determine the prevalence of seropositivity for FCoV in different populations of cats in Greece and assess risk factors for seropositivity. A total of 453 cats were prospectively enrolled in the study. A commercially available IFAT kit was used for the detection of FCoV IgG antibodies in serum. Overall, 55 (12.1 %) of the 453 cats were seropositive for FCoV. Based on multivariable analysis, factors associated with FCoV-seropositivity included cats adopted as strays and contact with other cats. This is the first extensive study on the epidemiology of FCoV in cats from Greece and one of the largest worldwide. Feline coronavirus infection is relatively common in Greece. Therefore, it is necessary to establish optimal strategies for the prevention of FCoV infection, considering the high-risk groups of cats identified in this study., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest statement None of the authors has any financial or personal relationships that could inappropriately influence or bias the content of the paper., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

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.

Background: The optimal microscopic magnification and number of optical fields of adhesive tape strip cytological slides that should be examined when searching for Malassezia yeasts on canine skin are unknown., Objectives: To determine the optimal magnification and the minimum number of optical fields that should be examined to maximise intraobserver repeatability and interobserver reproducibility., Materials and Methods: Seven experienced examiners counted, twice, the number of yeasts in 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 optical fields of 40 slides at ×400 and ×1000 magnification., Results: The number of yeasts per unit surface area was significantly higher at ×1000 compared to ×400 magnification. Repeatability and reproducibility for counting the yeasts was very poor., Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Adhesive tape strip cytological slides should be examined microscopically for Malassezia spp. at ×1000 magnification. The repeatability of this examination for counting the yeasts is poor., (© 2022 ESVD and ACVD.)