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To successfully inseminate mares, precise detection of ovulation time is crucial, especially when using frozen-thawed semen. Monitoring body temperature, as has been described in women, could be a noninvasive way to detect ovulation. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between the time of ovulation and the variation of body temperature in mares based on automatic continuous measurements during estrus. The experimental group included 21 mares for 70 analyzed estrous cycles. When the mares showed estrous behavior, they were administered intramuscular deslorelin acetate (2.25 mg) in the evening. At the same time, monitoring of body temperature using a sensor device fixed at the left lateral thorax was started and continued for over 60 hours. In 2-hour intervals, transrectal ultrasonography was performed to detect ovulation. Estimated body temperature in the 6 hours following ovulation detection was on average 0.06°C +/- 0.05°C (mean +/- SD) significantly higher when compared with body temperature at the same time on the preceding day (P = .01). In addition, a significant effect of PGF2α administration for estrus induction on the body temperature was found, being significantly higher until 6 hours before ovulation compared to that of uninduced cycles (P = .005). In conclusion, changes in body temperature during estrus in mares were related to ovulation. The increase in body temperature immediately after ovulation might be used in the future to establish automatized and noninvasive systems to detect ovulation. However, the identified temperature rise is relatively small on average and hardly identifiable in the individual mares.

Este artículo se encuentra disponible en la siguiente URL: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/vsu.13799 En este artículo de investigación también participan: Maja A. Waschk y Christina Precht. Objective: To determine cutoff values for the diagnosis of atlantoaxial instability (AAI) based on cross-sectional imaging in small-breed dogs. Study design: Retrospective multicenter study. Sample population: Client-owned dogs (n = 123) and 28 cadavers. Methods: Dogs were assigned to three groups: a control group, a “potentially unstable” group, and an AAI-affected group, according to imaging findings and clinical signs. The ventral compression index (VCI), cranial translation ratio (CTR), C1-C2 overlap, C1-C2 angle, atlantoaxial distance, basion-dens interval, dens-to-axis length ratio (DALR), power ratio, and clivus canal angles were measured on CT or T2-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) images. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to define cutoff values in flexed (≥25 ) and extended (

OBJECTIVE To determine the influence of a purpose-built frame on the accuracy of screw placement during computer-assisted orthopedic surgery (CAOS) of the equine extremity. STUDY DESIGN Experimental cadaveric study. SAMPLE POPULATION Twenty-four paired equine cadaveric limbs obtained from seven horses. METHODS Three 4.5-mm cortex screws were inserted in lag technique in three different planes of orientation in the proximal phalanx (P1) by means of CAOS. In the study group (n = 12 limbs), the tracker was anchored on a purpose-built frame designed to stabilize the extremity. In the control group (n = 12 limbs), a conventional tracker array was used that was anchored directly on P1. The stability of both tracker arrays was assessed during the procedure by using fiducial markers. After screw placement, preoperative and postoperative computed tomographic images were assessed to measure surgical accuracy aberrations (SAA) between the planned and achieved screw position. Descriptive statistics and repeated-measures analysis of variance were performed to compare SAA measurements between the study and control group. RESULTS Both tracker arrays remained consistently stable in all specimens. Mean overall SAA of screw insertion were lower in the study group (0.7 mm; median, 0.5; range 0-3.4) than in the control group (1.2 mm; median, 0.9; range, 0-4.2 mm). CONCLUSION The mean SAA achieved in cortex screw placement using CAOS lies within the range of approximately 1 mm. The use of a purpose-built frame avoided additional drilling of the target bone and improved surgical accuracy compared with the conventional tracker array. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE The purpose-built frame described in this report can be used to facilitate CAOS in equine orthopedics without compromising surgical accuracy.

The wildlife trade has been characterized as one of the biggest risk factors in the emergence of new infectious diseases. In the shadow of COVID-19, there is growing political and scientific urgency to manage this risk. Existing studies and experiences make it clear that something must be done but are less clear on how to get it done. It is a quite different task to accumulate evidence on the presence of pathogens, their locations in the supply chain, and their spillover to new hosts than to identify effective ways to prevent and mitigate emerging disease under real-world conditions. This study sought peer-reviewed evidence on the effectiveness, acceptability, feasibility, and sustainability of risk reduction interventions for zoonotic and nonzoonotic disease emergence in the wildlife trade. An environmental scan triangulated information from a scoping review following a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis extension for scoping review protocol, two narrative literature reviews, and key informant interviews of 26 international wildlife health experts. Existing literature has been inattentive to program implementation or evaluation studies. There was insufficient evidence to identify effective and sustainable risk management actions. Studies on the effects of social, epidemiologic, and ecologic context on intervention success was lacking, as was research using a complex systems perspective. The lack of systematic program evaluations or implementation studies leaves decision makers with insufficient evidence to select interventions likely to be acceptable, effective, and sustainable within and across the disparate context of the wildlife trade. This necessitates adaptive risk management and innovations in program implementation and evaluation to ensure evidence-based risk management.

BackgroundWhen comparing the periods of time during and after the first wave of the ongoing SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 pandemic in Europe, the associated COVID-19 mortality seems to have decreased substantially. Various factors could explain this trend, including changes in demographic characteristics of infected persons, and the improvement of case management. To date, no study has been performed to investigate the evolution of COVID-19 in-hospital mortality in Switzerland, while also accounting for risk factors.MethodsWe investigated the trends in COVID-19 related mortality (in-hospital and in-intermediate/intensive-care) over time in Switzerland, from February 2020 to May 2021, comparing in particular the first and the second wave. We used data from the COVID-19 Hospital-based Surveillance (CH-SUR) database. We performed survival analyses adjusting for well-known risk factors of COVID-19 mortality (age, sex and comorbidities) and accounting for competing risk.ResultsOur analysis included 16,030 episodes recorded in CH-SUR, with 2,320 reported deaths due to COVID-19 (13.0% of included episodes). We found that overall in-hospital mortality was lower during the second wave of COVID-19 compared to the first wave (HR 0.71, 95% CI 0.69 – 0.72, p-value < 0.001), a decrease apparently not explained by changes in demographic characteristics of patients. In contrast, mortality in intermediate and intensive care significantly increased in the second wave compared to the first wave (HR 1.48, 95% CI 1.42 – 1.55, p-value < 0.001), with significant changes in the course of hospitalisation between the first and the second wave.ConclusionWe found that, in Switzerland, COVID-19 mortality decreased among hospitalised persons, whereas it increased among patients admitted to intermediate or intensive care, when comparing the second wave to the first wave. We put our findings in perspective with changes over time in case management, treatment strategy, hospital burden and non-pharmaceutical interventions. Further analyses of the potential effect of virus variants and of vaccination on mortality would be crucial to have a complete overview of COVID-19 mortality trends throughout the different phases of the pandemic.

In February 2021, in response to emergence of more transmissible SARS-CoV-2 virus variants, the Canton Grisons launched a unique RNA mass testing program targeting the labour force in local businesses. Employees were offered weekly tests free of charge and on a voluntary basis. If tested positive, they were required to self-isolate for ten days and their contacts were subjected to daily testing at work. Thereby, the quarantine of contact persons could be waved.Here, we evaluate the effects of the testing program on the tested cohorts. We examined 121,364 test results from 27,514 participants during February–March 2021. By distinguishing different cohorts of employees, we observe a noticeable decrease in the test positivity rate and a statistically significant reduction in the associated incidence rate over the considered period. The reduction in the latter ranges between 18 and 50%. The variability is partly explained by different exposures to exogenous infection sources (e.g., contacts with visiting tourists or cross-border commuters). Our analysis provides the first empirical evidence that applying repetitive mass testing to a real population over an extended period of time can prevent spread of COVID-19 pandemic. However, to overcome logistic, uptake, and adherence challenges it is important that the program is carefully designed and that disease incursion from the population outside of the program is considered and controlled., Scientific Reports, 12, ISSN:2045-2322

Simple Summary South American camelids (SAC) are increasingly popular in Switzerland for keeping as pets. For many farmers, SACs are a supporting leg when offered for trekking. Products made from alpaca fibers are in demand, and even the market for meat is increasing as they are extensively hold. Low reproductive rates and abortions/stillbirths are one of the main complaints among alpaca and llama breeders. The purpose of this study was to investigate the reasons for pregnancy loss and perinatal death in SAC herds in Switzerland. Aborted and stillborn fetuses were collected, necropsied and analyzed for infectious causes. This was complemented with a nationwide survey among breeders. During a 1.5-year period, eight cases of aborted or stillborn alpaca and llama have been analyzed. For the first time, the bacterium Coxiella burnetii, a known cause of abortions and stillbirths in small ruminants and cattle, could be detected in aborted alpacas and llamas. As this pathogen has the possibility to infect humans (=zoonotic potential), it is important to gain more knowledge about its significance among SAC. This study has set the ground stone for further investigations about abortifacients in Swiss SAC herds. Abstract Over the last decade, South American camelids (SAC) have gained increasing popularity in Switzerland. They are used for several purposes such as fiber and meat production, as companion or guard animals and for trekking activities. The purpose of this study was to investigate the frequency and reasons for pregnancy loss and perinatal death in SAC herds. Within the scope of this study, early embryonic losses could not be identified, as pregnancy examinations by ultrasonography are not performed routinely. Aborted and stillborn fetuses were collected, necropsied and analyzed for infectious abortifacients. A nationwide survey among breeders was carried out. During a 1.5-year period, only eight cases of aborted or stillborn alpaca and llama (out of a population of 6550 animals) were reported by the breeders, and their causes were subsequently analyzed. In half of the cases, Coxiella burnetii was identified in the fetoplacental material. Abortions and stillbirths were reported to be rare in Swiss herds. As a conclusion, recording of embryonic losses through ultrasound training of veterinarians should be impaired and breeders motivated to have abortions and perinatal mortality examined. Special focus should be laid on C. burnetii due to its zoonotic risk.

Viral agents such as bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) and bovine parainfluenza virus 3 (BPIV-3) are considered primary infectious agents in bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC). Information regarding the pathogenesis of BRDC is scarce, especially at an advanced chronicity stage, in addition to ongoing coinfection with other primary agents such as Mycoplasma bovis. Based on a retrospective review of histology slides from 104 autopsy cases, we classified cases according to type of pneumonia and chronicity. We performed immunohistochemistry (IHC) for BRSV, BPIV-3, and M. bovis as well as real-time PCR (rtPCR) for M. bovis on lung tissue of all 104 cases and correlated results with the morphologic type of pneumonia. Histomorphologically, 79 cases were classified as bronchopneumonia, 16 as bronchointerstitial pneumonia, and 9 as interstitial pneumonia. In 89 cases, at least 1 of the investigated agents was detected by IHC; 44 of these cases had a coinfection. BPIV-3 was the predominant agent present, as a single infection in 39 cases, and in coinfection with M. bovis in 39 cases. Comparing the detection methods for M. bovis, rtPCR was more specific and sensitive than IHC. The combination of both methods provided a good visual tool for assessing severity and distribution of M. bovis antigen within the tissue. Unlike BRSV, BPIV-3 and M. bovis persisted in chronic BRDC, suggesting ongoing impairment of defense mechanisms in the lung.

Background In human medicine, fractures of the second cervical vertebra have been studied elaborately and categorized in detail. This is not the case in veterinary medicine where clinical decisions are often based on old studies focusing on the cervical spine in general. Objectives The aim of this study was to describe the clinical features, fracture types, therapeutic options and outcome of dogs and cats with a fractured axis. Study Design The present study was a multi-institutional retrospective case series. Results Crossbreeds and Labrador Retrievers were the most represented dog breeds. Median age was 2 years. Motor vehicle accident was the most common inciting cause, followed by frontal collision. The most common neurological deficits ranged from cervical pain with or without mild ataxia (22/68) to tetraparesis (28/68) and tetraplegia (11/68). Concerning treatment, 37 of 69 patients underwent surgical fracture stabilization, 27/69 received conservative therapy and 5/69 were immediately euthanatized. Of all treated cases, 52/58 showed ambulatory recovery (23/25 of the conservatively treated and 29/33 of the surgically treated cases), whereby in 40/52 cases full recovery without persisting signs was achieved. Conclusions Fractures of the axis commonly occur in young dogs. In many cases, neurological deficits are relatively mild. Generally, animals with a fractured axis have a very good prognosis for functional recovery. The risk of perioperative mortality is considerably lower than previously reported.

Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) has been linked to reproductive tract abnormalities in mares and stallions. This study aimed at evaluating AMH as a biomarker for two reproductive conditions in mares. In the first part of this study, plasma AMH was evaluated as an early indicator of the onset of cyclicity in mares in the transitional period from the anovulatory phase during winter anoestrus to the cyclic phase during the breeding season. Ten mares between 8 and 17 years old were included in the experiment which lasted from mid-February until the end of April. Ovarian activity was monitored with ultrasonography three times per week, the detection of a corpus haemorrhagicum/luteum was documented and antral follicle counts (AFC) were recorded. Blood samples were collected weekly by jugular venipuncture during the whole study period to compare AMH concentrations before and after the first ovulation of the year. The second objective was to evaluate if plasma AMH concentrations in middle-aged mares are linked to fertility and could serve as a prognostic marker in that age group. A total of 41 privately-owned clinically sound mares aged between 12 and 21 years of various breeds were inseminated with fresh or frozen semen. Mares were scanned between day 14 and 20 and the “early pregnancy rate” included only positive pregnancy examinations after the first observed cycle in the season of each mare. Potential associations between the early pregnancy rate in the first cycle and the explanatory factors AMH concentrations, age, status of the mare, stud, development of post-breeding endometritis, number of inseminations and semen type were analysed using logistic regression models. In the first part of the study, correlation between AMH and AFC for the whole study period (P = 0.0002, ρ = 0.55) as well as prior to (P = 0.008, ρ = 0.58) and after the first ovulation (P = 0.0007, ρ = 0.69) were observed. However, AMH concentrations before and after the first ovulation of the year were not statistically different. The second part of the study revealed no association between early pregnancy rate and AMH concentrations or any of the other mentioned factors. In conclusion, this study showed no evidence of a difference between AMH concentrations before and after the first ovulation of the year thus not supporting the use of AMH as a biomarker to predict the onset of cyclicity in mares. We could furthermore not show a relationship between plasma AMH concentrations and early pregnancy rates in this cohort of animals.

A duration of parturition beyond 300 min negatively impacts the health of the sow and the survival of piglets during parturition. Hence, oxytocin is widely used to speed up the parturition. However, oxytocin’s negative side effects raise the need of finding alternative treatments such as those already implemented in human medicine. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) applied intravaginally (PGE2-V) (1.0 mg) or intramuscularly (PGE2-M) (2.5 mg) to improve the parturition process after expulsion of the fourth piglet compared to a placebo (PeV), which was sterile intravaginal gel or intramuscular oxytocin application (OXY-M) (20 iu) in free farrowing systems.In total, 201 eutocic sows were examined after stratification by parity and random allocation into groups: 54 (P eV), 48 (OXY-M), 50 (PGE2-V), 49 (PGE2-M). Farrowing duration (time between first piglet and last piglet), piglet interval and placenta expulsion duration (time between first and last placenta) were recorded, and each piglet was scored for meconium staining and vitality. Furthermore, stillborn piglets were categorized into ante-partum and intra-partum deaths.Under the present conditions, neither administration of PGE2 nor oxytocin revealed a significant effect on the farrowing process or the vitality of the piglets when compared to untreated sows. Nonetheless, significant differences could be detected between PGE-2 and oxytocin treatments. The duration of farrowing was significantly shorter in oxytocintreated sows (156 min) compared to sows treated intramuscularly with PGE2 (238 min). Furthermore, the placenta expulsion duration in the OXY-M group (130 min) significantly differed from PGE2-V (198 min) and PGE2-M group (218 min). Although these accelerations of parturition might be considered as a beneficial effect, routine treatment with uterotonic agents after birth of the fourth piglet in free farrowing eutocic sows cannot be recommended, because an overall benefit when compared to untreated sows was not approved.

Objective The study aimed to determine the influence of head neck position on imaging measurements used to assess the craniovertebral junction (CVJ) and to recommend the most appropriate position for the evaluation of the CVJ. Study Design A cross-sectional sample of adult dogs' cadavers was subjected to a computed tomography scan of the cranium and the cranial cervical region in three standardized head positions. Imaging measurements often used to assess the CVJ were measured. The influence of the head neck position, breed, weight and gender on imaging measurements was tested using repeated measures analysis of variance. Results Twenty-eight cadavers of small breed dogs were enrolled in the study. All cadavers examined had occipital dysplasia. All transarticular imaging measurements were dependent on the head neck position. In addition, the breed, weight and gender had an influence on several measurements. Conclusion We recommend a standardized head neck position of 50 degrees flexion if quantitative imaging measurements of the CVJ are used to diagnose pathologies in this region. Future studies should focus on the definition of cut-off values for quantitative imaging measurements of the CVJ to differentiate between healthy and diseased small breed dogs. Regarding atlantoaxial instability, a combination of six parameters (C1-C2 angle, C1-C2 overlap, atlantoaxial distance, dens-to-axis length ratio, ventral compression index and clivus canal angle) is promising for its diagnosis.

BACKGROUND Hyperosmolar agents frequently are used to decrease intracranial pressure but their effects on electrolyte and acid-base variables have not been prospectively investigated. OBJECTIVES Compare duration and magnitude of changes in electrolyte and acid-base variables after hyperosmolar treatment. ANIMALS Twenty-eight client-owned dogs with intracranial hypertension caused by various pathologies. METHODS Prospective, randomized, nonblinded, experimental cohort study. Fifteen dogs received a single dose (4 mL/kg) of 7.2% hypertonic saline (HTS), 13 dogs received 20% mannitol (MAN) 1 g/kg IV. Electrolyte and acid-base variables were measured before (T0 ), and 5 (T5 ), 60 (T60 ), and 120 (T120 ) minutes after administration. Variables were compared between treatments and among time points within treatment groups. RESULTS Mean plasma sodium and chloride concentrations were higher after HTS than MAN at T5 (158 vs 141 mEq/L; 126 vs 109 mEq/L) and significant differences were maintained at all time points. After HTS, plasma sodium and chloride concentrations remained increased from T0 at all time points. After MAN, plasma sodium and chloride concentrations decreased at T5 , but these changes were not maintained at T60 and T120 . Plasma potassium concentration was lower at T5 after HTS compared with T0 (3.6 vs 3.9 mEq/L) and compared to MAN (3.6 vs 4.1 mEq/L). At T60 and T120 , plasma ionized calcium concentration was lower after HTS than MAN (1.2 vs 1.3 mmol/L). No significant differences were found in acid-base variables between treatments. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE At the administered dose, dogs receiving HTS showed sustained increases in plasma sodium and chloride concentrations, whereas dogs receiving MAN showed transient decreases. Future studies should assess the effects of multiple doses of hyperosmolar agents on electrolyte and acid-base variables.

Objective: To assess the inter-evaluator and intra-evaluator reliability of a software program used to extract kinematic variables by a commercially available extremity-mounted inertial measurement unit system in sound horses at the trot under soft and hard ground conditions and treadmill exercise.Animals: Thirty adult, sound and healthy French Montagne stallions.Procedures: Data collection was performed with six IMUs strapped to the distal, metacarpal, metatarsal and tibial regions of every horse. Per surface (treadmill, soft and hard ground) 10 stallions were trotted three times. Prior to the analysis done by six evaluators (three experienced, three inexperienced) the data was blinded and copied three times. For every analysis a minimum of five strides had to be selected. To assess the intra- and inter-evaluator reliability a selection of gait variables was used to calculate intra and inter correlation coefficients (ICCs) as well as variance partitioning coefficients (VPCs).Results: All of the tested gait variables showed high levels of reliability. There was no mentionable difference considering the correlation coefficients between the intra and inter reliability as well as between the three different surfaces. VPCs showed that the factor horse is by far the most responsible for any appearing variance. The experience of the evaluator had no influence on the results.Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: The software program tested in this study has a high inter- and intra-evaluator reliability under the chosen conditions for the selected variables and acts independent of the ground situation and the experience of the evaluator. On the condition of a correct application it has the potential to become a clinically relevant and reliable gait analysis tool.

Tail lesions caused by tail biting are a major welfare and economic concern in fattening pigs. The aims of this study were to describe the prevalence and incidence of tail lesions in undocked pigs on individual animal level during the fattening period, to elucidate potential risk factors associated with tail lesions, and to describe the stockpersons' attitudes towards tail biting on Swiss farms. Thirty-eight farms were visited three times during the fattening period (beginning, mid-point, end). During each farm visit, tail lesions were scored on 30-126 individually marked pigs per farm (total: 2209 pigs), information on potential risk factors for tail lesions was recorded, and a standardized interview with the farmer was conducted to explore his/her opinion on tail biting. Potential risk factors were defined by indices when adequate, and their influence on the occurrence of tail lesions was analyzed using mixed effects logistic regression models. During the first and the second half of the fattening period, on average 14,1 and 15,4 pigs, respectively, out of 100 developed new tail lesions or aggravation of old lesions. The risk for new or aggravated tail lesions increased with higher scores for a «disease index» and with increasing group size, and it decreased with higher space allowances and with restrictive compared with ad libitum feeding. The prevalence of tail lesions on arrival was not associated with the incidence of tail lesions in the first and the second half of the fattening period, neither at farm level nor at pen level. In the interviews, farmers expressed their interest in getting professional advice on how to reduce tail biting on their farms. In conclusion, our study identified several risk factors for tail lesions in undocked fattening pigs indicating that the incidence of tail lesions could be reduced by improving animal health and housing conditions.Schwanzverletzungen durch Schwanzbeissen sind ein grosses Tierschutz- und wirtschaftliches Problem bei Mastschweinen. Ziel dieser Studie war es, die Prävalenz und Inzidenz von Schwanzverletzungen bei nicht-coupierten Schweinen während der Mast zu beschreiben, mögliche Risikofaktoren im Zusammenhang mit Schwanzverletzungen aufzuklären und die Haltung der Schweinehalter gegenüber Schwanzbeissen in Schweizer Zuchtbeständen zu beschreiben. Achtunddreissig Bestände wurden während der Mastperiode dreimal untersucht (Anfang, Mitte, Ende). Während jeder Bestandsuntersuchung wurden Schwanzverletzungen an 30–126 individuell markierten Schweinen pro Bestand (insgesamt: 2209 Schweine) bewertet, Informationen zu potenziellen Risikofaktoren für Schwanzverletzungen aufgezeichnet und eine standardisierte Befragung der Landwirte durchgeführt, um seine/ihre Meinung zum Schwanzbeissen zu untersuchen. Potenzielle Risikofaktoren wurden durch Indizes definiert. Ihr Einfluss auf das Auftreten von Schwanzläsionen wurde unter Verwendung eines gemischten logistischen Regressionsmodell analysiert. Während der ersten und zweiten Hälfte der Mast entwickelten durchschnittlich 14,1 bzw. 15,4 Schweine von 100 neue Schwanzverletzungen oder eine Verschlechterung alter Läsionen. Das Risiko für neue oder verschlechterte Schwanzläsionen stieg mit höheren Werten für einen «Krankheitsindex» und mit zunehmender Gruppengrösse, dagegen nahmen diese mit höheren Platzangeboten und mit restriktiver Fütterung im Vergleich zur ad-libitum-Fütterung ab. Die Prävalenz von Schwanzverletzungen war während der ersten oder zweiten Mastperiode weder auf Ebene der Bucht, noch auf Ebene des Bestandes abhängig vom Vorkommen etaiger Läsionen bei Ankunft. Während den Befragungen bekundeten die Landwirte ihr Interesse an professionellen Ratschlägen zur Reduzierung des Schwanzbeissens in ihren Betrieben. Zusammenfassend identifizierte unsere Studie mehrere Risikofaktoren für Schwanzverletzungen bei nicht-coupierten Mastschweinen, was darauf hinweist, dass die Inzidenz von Schwanzverletzungen durch Verbesserung der Tiergesundheit und der Haltungsbedingungen verringert werden könnte.Les lésions de la queue causées par morsure sont un problème majeur de bien-être et d’économie chez les porcs d’engraissement. Les objectifs de cette étude étaient de décrire la prévalence et l’incidence des lésions de la queue pendant la période d’engraissement chez les porcs non écaudés au niveau de chaque animal, d’élucider les facteurs de risque potentiels associés aux lésions de la queue et de décrire les attitudes des éleveurs à l’égard des morsures de queue dans les exploitations suisses. Trente-huit exploitations ont été visitées trois fois pendant la période d’engraissement (début, mi-parcours, fin). Lors de chaque visite, les lésions de la queue ont été notées sur 30 à 126 porcs marqués individuellement par l’exploitant (total: 2209 porcs), des informations sur les facteurs de risque potentiels de lésions de la queue ont été enregistrées et un entretien standardisé avec l’éleveur a été mené pour connaitre son avis sur les morsures de queue. Les facteurs de risque potentiels ont été définis par des indices lorsqu’ils étaient adéquats et leur influence sur la survenue des lésions caudales a été analysée à l’aide de modèles de régression logistique à effets mixtes. Pendant la première et la deuxième moitié de la période d’engraissement, en moyenne 14,1 et 15,4 porcs, respectivement, sur 100 ont développé de nouvelles lésions de la queue ou une aggravation d’anciennes lésions. Le risque de nouvelles lésions de la queue ou d’aggravation augmentait avec des scores plus élevés pour un «indice de maladie» et avec l’augmentation de la taille du groupe et il diminuait avec des allocations d’espace plus élevées et avec une alimentation restrictive par rapport à l’alimentation à volonté. La prévalence des lésions de la queue à l’arrivée n’était pas associée à l’incidence des lésions de la queue dans la première et la seconde moitié de la période d’engraissement, ni au niveau de l’exploitation ni au niveau des boxes. Dans les entretiens, les agriculteurs ont exprimé leur intérêt à obtenir des conseils professionnels sur la façon de réduire les morsures de queue dans leurs exploitations. En conclusion, notre étude a identifié plusieurs facteurs de risque de lésions de la queue chez les porcs d’engraissement non écaudés indiquant que l’incidence des lésions de la queue pourrait être réduite en améliorant la santé animale et les conditions de logement.Le lesioni alla coda causate da morsicature sono una delle principali preoccupazioni in termini di benessere ed economia nei suini da ingrasso. Lo scopo di questo studio è di descrivere la prevalenza e l’incidenza delle lesioni alla coda nei suini non caudotomizzati per ogni singolo animale durante l’ingrasso per poter definire i potenziali fattori di rischio associati a tali lesioni e di descrivere l’atteggiamento degli allevatori nei confronti delle morsicature nelle aziende di allevamento in Svizzera. Trentotto aziende sono state visitate tre volte durante il periodo dell’ingrasso (all’inizio, a metà e alla fine). Durante ogni visita le lesioni alla coda sono state marcate su 30–126 suini per fattoria (in totale di 2209 suini), sono state raccolte informazioni sui potenziali fattori di rischio di tali lesioni alla coda ed è stata condotta un’intervista standardizzata con l’allevatore per determinare la sua opinione sulle morsicature alla coda. I potenziali fattori di rischio sono stati definiti da indici, se adeguati, e la loro influenza sulle occorrenze delle lesioni alla coda è stata analizzata utilizzando il modello di regressione logistica ad effetti misti. Durante il primo e il secondo periodo dell’ingrasso, in media 14,1 e 15,4 suini, su 100, hanno sviluppato rispettivamente nuove lesioni alla coda o aggravamento delle vecchie lesioni. Il rischio di nuove lesioni della coda o dell’aggravamento delle lesioni esistenti è aumentato con punteggi più alti per un «indice di malattia» e con l’aumento delle dimensioni del gruppo, ed è diminuito aumentando lo spazio a disposizione e con restrizioni rispetto all’alimentazione ad libitum. La prevalenza di lesioni alla coda alla fine non era associata all’incidenza delle lesioni alla coda nella prima e nella seconda metà del periodo di ingrasso, né a livello dell’allevamento né a livello del porcile. Nelle interviste, gli allevatori hanno espresso il loro interesse nel ricevere consigli professionali su come ridurre le morsicature della coda nelle loro aziende. In conclusione, il nostro studio ha identificato diversi fattori di rischio per le lesioni alla coda nei suini da ingrasso non caudotomizzati, indicando che l’incidenza delle lesioni alla coda potrebbe essere ridotta migliorando la salute degli animali e le condizioni di stabulazione.

The prevalence of skin lesions at the legs of dairy cows often serves as an indicator for animal welfare and is used as a measurement of adequacy of the present housing conditions. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of skin lesions at the carpus, tarsus, and stifle in Swiss dairy cows kept in tie stalls and to describe potential risk factors associated with the different types and severities thereof. Skin lesions and potential risk factors were assessed in 627 cows of 27 tie stall farms in a cross-sectional study. The associations of each outcome and the potential risk factors were assessed by means of logistic regression models using farm as the random factor. One odds ratio was obtained for each biologically relevant risk factor category and the final models were compared between the lesion types and locations. Tarsal lesions were recorded most frequently, with a prevalence of 62.2, 34.4, and 24.0% for moderate to severe hair loss, any severity of ulceration, and moderate to severe swelling, respectively. The prevalence of carpal lesions ranged from 54.4% for hair loss, over 7.7% for ulceration, to 6.1% for swelling, while stifle lesions were recorded less frequently with a prevalence of 18.6, 8.9, 3.4% for hair loss, ulceration, and swelling, respectively. The risk for various skin lesion types and locations significantly increased, when the concrete stall base was covered with a rubber mat and the bedding depth was low. Cows were at the lowest risk to develop skin lesions when they had more than 13 days of outdoor exercise per month. The prevalence of skin lesions in tied Swiss dairy cows is remarkably high and could possibly be reduced by providing the herd more frequent outdoor exercise and a well-cushioned, friction-absorbing and non-abrasive lying surface.

Canine intervertebral disc disease is one of the most common neurologic conditions in veterinary medicine but the influence of environmental factors thereon has not been fully investigated. Subjectively, there has been the impression of increased admissions of acute spinal cord injuries due to intervertebral disc extrusion during periods of colder temperatures. In the present retrospective study, the different weather conditions (temperature, precipitation, sunshine, humidity, and atmospheric pressure) during the acute onset of clinical signs and a lag period of 3 days prior to the occurrence of symptoms were analyzed. One-hundred-and-one client owned dogs from the meteorological region of the Lake Geneva were presented to two referral centers during the 6-year (2007–2012) study period. Chondrodystrophic dogs represented 65.3% of our population, with the French Bulldog (19.8%) and Dachshund (17.8%) being the most common breeds. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified an increased occurrence of intervertebral disc disease during colder temperatures. Our results are congruent with those of human studies which have shown that lower ambient temperatures are associated with more pain and increased risk for muscle injuries. The interplay of endogenous (breed, anatomical characteristics) and exogenous (environmental) factors should be addressed in a larger cohort study.

Swine dysentery (SD), caused by infection with Brachyspira hyodysenteriae, is a serious disease in pig production worldwide. Quantitative risk factors triggering the occurrence of infection are unknown. The present case-control study aimed at identifying major risk factors related to presence of B. hyodysenteriae in pig herds. Twenty case herds and 60 randomly selected control herds with a minimum herd size of '10 sows/ 80 fattening pigs' were examined by means of a questionnaire-based interview and a herd examination. Herds with previous eradication of SD were excluded. Logistic regression models revealed that the 'positive/suspicious SD status of source herds', the regular application of treatment, purchasing more than 4 batches/ year, contact to foxes, diagnostics performed during last 12 months, liquid feeding systems, rats on farm, and >250 fatting places were associated with higher chances of a herd to be infected. On the contrary, having different sources of grower pigs within one batch, the presence of raptor birds and the presence of martens in the region were associated with fewer chances of being infected. The final multivariable logistic regression model identified purchasing more than 4 batches/ year (OR = 7.5, 95 % CI 1.8-54.3) and contact to foxes (OR = 5.9; 97.5 % CI 1.2-34.6) as the two main risk factors in our study. 'More than 4 batches/ year' implies continuous herd management supporting persistence of B. hyodysenteriae in an infected herd, but also increased number of purchases each increasing the risk of B. hyodysenteriae introduction by carrier pigs or transport vehicles. Foxes might be infected with B. hyodysenteriae by feeding on positive piglets and rodents. Besides, 'contact to foxes' might represent a lack in biosecurity. In conclusion, the risk factors detected underline the importance of biosecurity in SD prevention and control.

The aims of this study were to better characterize the adrenal response to i.v. adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in horses with and without gastric disease and to validate and simplify the ACTH stimulation test by determining the diagnostic accuracy of six consecutive sampling time points after ACTH administration for equine glandular gastric disease (EGGD) and equine squamous gastric disease (ESGD). Twenty-six endurance and eventing horses without clinical disease [Sport Horse Population (SHP)] and an independent population of 62 horses [General Population (GP)] were grouped by gastroscopic findings (no/mild vs. moderate/severe EGGD, grade 0-1 vs. 2-4 ESGD, respectively) and underwent an ACTH stimulation test. Salivary cortisol (ng/mL) was analyzed before and 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 min after i.v. injection of 1 µg/kg BW synthetic ACTH1-24. The association between having moderate or severe EGGD or ESGD and the amount of salivary cortisol was analyzed by means of receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. The following explanatory variables were considered: cortisol values for every time point, the area under the curve (AUC)-including all time points and corrected for the baseline-and the partial areas under the curve AUC0-90 and AUC90-150. Sampling after 60 min had highest association with moderate/severe EGGD. The diagnostic potential of the ACTH test was higher for the SHP [sensitivity 100% (95% CI 54% to 100%), specificity 75% (95% CI 51% to 91%), ROC-AUC 91% (95% CI 69% to 98%), 1-sided P-value < 0.001] than for the GP [sensitivity 75% (95% CI 48% to 93%), specificity 52% (95% CI 37% to 67%), ROC-AUC 68% (95% CI 51% to 79%), 1-sided P-value = 0.0064]. There were, however, no significant associations with ESGD. The superiority of sampling after 60 min suggests that the initial release of cortisol rather than its peak or the AUC are relevant regarding EGGD. Even though the wide confidence intervals and thus the lack of diagnostic accuracy do not presently support clinical use, characterization of the adrenal response to an ACTH stimulus improves the understanding of EGGD pathophysiology and its relation to stress.

OBJECTIVE To assess effects of speed on kinematic variables measured by use of extremity-mounted inertial measurement units (IMUs) in nonlame horses performing controlled exercise on a treadmill. ANIMALS 10 nonlame horses. PROCEDURES 6 IMUs were attached at predetermined locations on 10 nonlame Franches Montagnes horses. Data were collected in triplicate during trotting at 3.33 and 3.88 m/s on a high-speed treadmill. Thirty-three selected kinematic variables were analyzed. Repeated-measures ANOVA was used to assess the effect of speed. RESULTS Significant differences between the 2 speeds were detected for most temporal (11/14) and spatial (12/19) variables. The observed spatial and temporal changes would translate into a gait for the higher speed characterized by increased stride length, protraction and retraction, flexion and extension, mediolateral movement of the tibia, and symmetry, but with similar temporal variables and a reduction in stride duration. However, even though the tibia coronal range of motion was significantly different between speeds, the high degree of variability raised concerns about whether these changes were clinically relevant. For some variables, the lower trotting speed apparently was associated with more variability than was the higher trotting speed. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE At a higher trotting speed, horses moved in the same manner (eg, the temporal events investigated occurred at the same relative time within the stride). However, from a spatial perspective, horses moved with greater action of the segments evaluated. The detected changes in kinematic variables indicated that trotting speed should be controlled or kept constant during gait evaluation.

OBJECTIVES : To determine the diagnostic performance of two patient-side tests (RDT-1: Test-it™ and RDT-2 Witness®Lepto) in the early diagnosis of canine leptospirosis. METHODS : Retrospective study of 108 dogs with leptospirosis and 53 controls. Leptospirosis was diagnosed based on compatible clinical and clinicopathologic signs and either a single microscopic agglutination test titre_ >800 (n=49), seroconversion (n=53), positive urine real time PCR (RT-PCR) (n=1), evidence of spirochaetes in silver-stained tissues (n=1) or a combination of these (n=4). Leptospirosis was excluded in dogs with a convincing alternative diagnosis and single microscopic agglutination testing titres _

Bone-sawing procedures are routinely performed during veterinary and human autopsies and represent an important source for infectious aerosols. Here we investigate the generation of aerosols during bone-sawing procedures using 5 different saws regularly used in veterinary and human pathology. In particular, the electrical bone band saw produced vast amounts of aerosolized particles less than 5 µm in diameter, which spread rapidly throughout the entire autopsy hall, leading to an exposure of all personnel. Other sawing devices tested were a diamond-coated cut grinder, an oscillating saw, a reciprocating saw, and a hand bone saw. Although these saws, especially the handsaw, generated fewer aerosolized particles than the band saw, the level of exposure of the saw operator would still be of concern in cases where infectious material would require sawing. Contamination of the entire autopsy area was successfully prevented by the construction of a separately ventilated sawing cabin inside the existing autopsy room. Saw operators in this cabin, however, were exposed to even higher aerosol concentrations. Protection of saw operators was achieved by using a powered air-purifying respirator. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that all bone-sawing procedures applied in veterinary and human pathology can generate aerosols that are of concern for the health of autopsy personnel. To reduce the risk of aerosol infections from bone-sawing procedures, efficient and properly designed ventilation systems to limit the spread of aerosols and appropriate personal protective equipment against aerosols for exposed personnel should be implemented.

The observation of severe pelvic malformations in Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) from a population reintroduced to Switzerland raised the question as to whether inbreeding may contribute to the development of congenital pelvic malformations. We aimed at providing baseline data on the pelvic morphology of Eurasian lynx from the reintroduced populations in Switzerland, at assessing potential differences in pelvic conformation between the two main Swiss populations, among age classes and between sexes, and at detecting pelvic anomalies. We performed measurements of 10 pelvic parameters on the radiographs of 57 lynx of both sexes and different ages taken from 1997-2015. We calculated two ratios (vertical diameter/acetabula; sagittal diameter/transversal diameter) and two areas (pelvic outlet and inlet) to describe the shape of the pelvis. Our results showed that the Eurasian lynx is a mesatipelvic species, with a pelvis length corresponding to approximatively 20% of the body length. We found no statistically significant differences between the two examined populations but observed growth-related pelvis size differences among age groups. Sexual dimorphism was obvious in the adult age group only: two parameters reflecting pelvic width were larger in females, likely to meet the physiological requirements of parturition. By contrast, pelvis length, conjugata vera, diagonal conjugata, vertical diameter and sagittal diameter were larger in males, in agreement with their larger body size. Accordingly, the ratio between the sagittal and transversal diameters was significantly larger in males, i.e. adult males have a different pelvic shape than adult females. Furthermore, pelvimetry highlighted one adult individual with values outside the calculated reference range, suggesting a possible congenital or developmental pathological morphology of the internal pelvis. Our work generated baseline data of the pelvic morphology including growth and sexual dimorphism of the Eurasian lynx. These data could also be useful for estimating age and sex in skeletal remains.

The eradication of Swine Dysentery (infection with Brachyspira hyodysenteriae) within farm populations is extremely complex and its success is significantly linked to the compliance of pig farmers performing the onsite eradications, emphasizing the importance of their motivation. The present study focuses on the motivation and satisfaction of Swiss pig farmers concerning eradication of Swine Dysentery on their farms and has the intention of generating data to establish a basis for decision-making regarding future eradications. A structured survey was conducted on 68 Swiss pig farms where an eradication of Swine Dysentery had already taken place. The data collected were then statistically analyzed. Of the study's population, 50 (73.5%) farms underwent eradication using the total depopulation method and 18 (26.5%) farms conducted an eradication process using the partial depopulation method; both in accordance to the guidelines of Switzerland's Pig Health Service (SUISAG Schweinegesundheitsdienst; SGD). When asked about the driving factors behind their decision to perform the eradications, owners cited their own interest (57.4%; 39/68) (primarily due to financial aspects (38.5%; 15/39)) or external pressure (42.7%; 29/68) (predominantly through marketers as well as through the health status assigned by the SGD (each 11/29)). The duration of the eradication on farms differed significantly and costs varied considerably within the different production types as well as the type of eradication performed. Utilized means and processes for eradication were the same (drugs, disinfectant for manure) or much alike (e.g. emptying of the pigpens) however stock-specific and individual variations were exhibited. The majority of the interviewed livestock owners were motivated to perform the eradication (86.6%; 58/67), satisfied with having performed the eradication and satisfied with the outcome of the eradication (89.7%; 61/68). The cost efficiency of the farms (54.4%; 37/68) and the health status of the herds (63.2%; 43/68) were perceived as having improved and the usage of drugs having diminished (59.7%; 40/67) post eradication. The effort of an eradication was described as acceptable to too great. The study showed herd eradication of Swine Dysentery to be perceived as mainly positive. However, effort as well as costs are felt to be considerable and could, therefore, provide the most important starting point to increasing the willingness of pig owners to perform eradications.Sanierungen von Beständen mit Schweinedysenterie (Infektion mit Brachyspira hyodysenteriae) können sehr aufwändig sein und der Erfolg ist massgeblich an die Compliance der durchführenden Personen gekoppelt, weshalb Schweinehaltende motiviert sein müssen, diese Bekämpfung durchzuführen. Mit der vorliegenden Studie wurden unter anderem die Motivation und Zufriedenheit von Schweizer Schweinehaltenden bezüglich der Sanierung von Schweindysenterie untersucht, um dazu Daten und damit Entscheidungshilfen für zukünftige Bekämpfungen zu generieren. Dafür wurden in 68 Schweizer Schweinebeständen nach durchgeführter Sanierung von Dysenterie mittels eines strukturierten Interviews Daten erhoben und statistisch ausgewertet. In diesen Beständen waren 50 (73.5%) Total- und 18 (26.5%) Teilsanierungen nach den Richtlinien des Schweinegesundheitsdienstes (SUISAG SGD) durchgeführt worden. Sowohl eigenes Interesse (57.4%; 39/68) (dabei hauptsächlich aufgrund finanzieller Aspekte (38.5%; 15/39)) als auch Druck von aussen (42.7%; 29/68) (überwiegend durch den SGD-Status oder Vermarkter (je 11/29)) waren Gründe für die Sanierung. Die Dauer der Sanierung unterschied sich signifikant und die Kosten variierten stark sowohl zwischen den Produktionstypen als auch zwischen den Sanierungsarten. Im Rahmen der Sanierung eingesetzte Mittel und Prozesse waren gleich (Medikamente, Gülle-Desinfektionsmittel) resp. ähnlich (z.B. Leerung der Stallungen), wiesen aber bestandsspezifische und individuelle Variationen auf. Die Mehrheit der befragten Tierhaltenden war motiviert zu sanieren (86.6%; 58/67) und auch damit zufrieden, saniert zu haben (97.1%; 66/68) sowie zufrieden mit dem Ergebnis der Sanierung (89.7%; 61/68). Nach der Sanierung wurden sowohl die Wirtschaftlichkeit (54.4%; 37/68) als auch die Gesundheit des Bestands (63.2%; 43/68) als subjektiv besser und der Medikamentenverbrauch (59.7%; 40/67) als geringer eingeschätzt. Der Aufwand der Sanierung wurde, abhängig vom Produktionstyp, als vertretbar bis zu hoch angegeben. Es konnte gezeigt werden, dass die Sanierung von Schweinedysenterie grösstenteils positiv beurteilt wird. Aufwand sowie Kosten sind jedoch erheblich und stellen mögliche Ansatzpunkte für die Optimierung der Bereitschaft von Schweinehaltenden zu sanieren dar.L’assainissement d’exploitations avec de problèmes de dysenterie porcine (infection à Brachyspira hyodysenteriae) peut prendre beaucoup de temps et son succès est étroitement lié à l’observance des personnes qui l’exécutent. C’est pourquoi les éleveurs de porcs doivent être motivés pour effectuer cette lutte. La présente étude a notamment porté sur la motivation et la satisfaction des détenteurs suisses de porcs en ce qui concerne l’assainissement de la dysenterie porcine afin de générer des données et, partant, des aides à la décision pour de futures mesures de lutte. Pour cela, des données ont été collectées au moyen d’un entretien structuré et analysées statistiquement dans 68 exploitations suisses après un assainissement complet de la dysenterie. Dans ces exploitations, 50 assainissements totaux (73.5%) et 18 assainissements partiels (26,5%) ont été effectués conformément aux directives du Service sanitaire porcin suisse (SUISAG SGD). L’intérêt propre (57,4%, 39/68) (principalement dû aux aspects financiers (38,5%; 15/39)) et la pression externe (42,7%; 29/68) (principalement par statut SGD ou par les négociants (chacun pour 11/29)) étaient les raisons de l’assainissement. La durée de l’assainissement et les coûts variaient considérablement selon les types de production de même que selon les types d’assainissement. Dans le cadre de l’assainissement, les moyens utilisés et les processus étaient les mêmes (médicaments, désinfectant de fumier) respectivement étaient similaires (par exemple, la vidange des écuries) mais présentait des variations individuelles spécifiques à l’exploitation. La majorité des propriétaires d’animaux interrogés étaient motivés à un assainissement (86,6%, 58/67) et étaient également satisfaits de l’avoir fait (97,1%, 66/68) et du résultat (89,7%, 61/68). Après l’assainissement, la rentabilité (54,4%; 37/68) et la santé du cheptel (63,2%; 43/68) ont été jugées subjectivement meilleures et la consommation de médicaments (59,7%; 40/67) inférieure. Le coût de l’assainissement était, selon le type de production, considéré comme justifié jusqu’à élevé. On a pu montrer que l’assainissement de la dysenterie porcine est généralement évalué positivement. Cependant, les efforts et les coûts sont considérables et représentent des points de départ possibles pour optimiser la volonté des éleveurs de porcs.Il risanamento delle mandrie affette da dissenteria suina (infezione da Brachyspira hyodysenteriae) può essere molto costoso e il successo è in gran parte legato alla conformità delle persone che effettuano il risanamento, motivo per cui i detentori di suini devono essere molto motivati per effettuare tale risanamento. Il presente studio ha esaminato, tra l’altro, la motivazione e la soddisfazione degli allevatori svizzeri di suini per quanto riguarda il risanamento dalla dissenteria suina al fine di generare dati e quindi aiuti decisionali per la lotta futura contro la malattia. A tal fine sono stati raccolti, tramite un’inchiesta strutturata, e valutati statisticamente i dati di 68 allevamenti svizzeri di suini dopo il risanamento dalla dissenteria. In questi allevamenti, sono state effettuati 50 (73,5%) risanamenti totali e 18 (26,5%) parziali secondo le linee guida del Servizio sanitario dei suini (SUISAG SSP). I motivi per il risanamento erano sia i propri interessi (57,4%; 39/68) (principalmente a causa degli aspetti finanziari (38,5%; 15/39)) sia le pressioni subite dall’esterno (42,7%; 29/68) (principalmente a causa dello statuto di SSP o di commercializzazione (11/29 ciascuno). La durata del risanamento differiva significativamente e i costi variavano notevolmente sia tra i tipi di produzione che tra i tipi di risanamento. I mezzi e i processi utilizzati nell’ambito del risanamento sono gli stessi (medicinali, disinfettanti per il letame liquido) o simili (ad es. svuotamento delle stalle), ma presentavano variazioni specifiche e individuali. La maggior parte degli allevatori intervistati era motivata al risanamento (86,6%; 58/67), soddisfatta di aver risanato (97,1%; 66/68) e soddisfatta del risultato del risanamento (89,7%; 61/68). Dopo il risanamento, sia l’efficienza economica (54,4%; 37/68) che lo stato di salute dei suini (63,2%; 43/68) sono stati valutati come soggettivamente migliori e il consumo di farmaci (59,7%; 40/67) come inferiore. A seconda del tipo di produzione, i costi di ristrutturazione sono stati considerati giustificabili fino a livelli elevati. Si potrebbe dimostrare che il risanamento della dissenteria suina è stato ampiamente valutato positivamente. Tuttavia, gli sforzi e i costi sono considerevoli e rappresentano un possibile punto di partenza per migliorare la disponibilità degli allevatori di suini al risanamento.

Background: Beta-toxin (CPB) is the major virulence factor of Clostridium perfringens type C, causing hemorrhagic enteritis in newborn pigs but also other animals and humans. Vaccines containing inactivated CPB are known to induce protective antibody titers in sow colostrum and neutralization of the CPB activity is thought to be essential for protective immunity in newborn piglets. However, no method is available to quantify the neutralizing effect of vaccine-induced antibody titers in pigs. (2) Methods: We developed a novel assay for the quantification of neutralizing anti-CPB antibodies. Sera and colostrum of sows immunized with a commercial C. perfringens type A and C vaccine was used to determine neutralizing effects on CPB induced cytotoxicity in endothelial cells. Antibody titers of sows and their piglets were determined and compared to results obtained by an ELISA. (3) Results: Vaccinated sows developed neutralizing antibodies against CPB in serum and colostrum. Multiparous sows developed higher serum and colostrum antibody titers after booster vaccinations than uniparous sows. The antibody titers of sows and those of their piglets correlated highly. Piglets from vaccinated sows were protected against intraperitoneal challenge with C. perfringens type C supernatant. (4) Conclusions: The test based on primary porcine endothelial cells quantifies neutralizing antibody activity in serum and colostrum of vaccinated sows and could be used to reduce and refine animal experimentation during vaccine development.

Disbudding of calves is a standard husbandry procedure to reduce the risk of injuries to other cattle and to workers. Whereas acute pain resulting from disbudding has been studied extensively, little is known about chronic pain as a potential long-term consequence. The goal of the present study was to investigate possible morphological changes in the cornual nerve as a function of disbudding. Samples were collected from 17 randomly selected bulls and from 21 calves from a prospective clinical study. Among the calves, 13 were disbudded and 8 were sham-disbudded. Out of the disbudded calves, 4 showed signs of chronic pain. In all the animals, the infraorbital nerve was used as a methodological check. Morphological analysis included measuring minimal diameters of the axons present in both the cornual and infraorbital nerves. Sympathetic fibers were identified as based on the presence of Tyroxine hydroxylase (TH). TH-negative fibers were considered afferents. Trigeminal ganglia from the calves were immunostained for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and Activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3). R. cornualis and N. infraorbitalis differed in terms of axon diameters and proportion of TH-positive fibers. Weak evidence (p > .091) of a difference in axon diameters between control and disbudded calves was found in R. cornualis, but the proportion of TH-positive fibers was alike in both groups. Average glial envelope and the percentages of ATF3-positive neurons revealed no difference between calves with and without signs of pain. Thus, available evidence is insufficient to support neuropathic changes as a result of disbudding in calves.

There exist differences in the reproductive behavior of stallions and mares under free-running and domestic in-hand breeding conditions. Contrary to artificial insemination programs, a stallion mates a mare multiple times per estrus under natural conditions. The objective of this study was to determine if multiple periovulatory artificial inseminations (MI), four times in two different time intervals instead of two, would result in increased pregnancy outcome or higher incidences of breeding induced endometritis.Eighty-two estrous mares were allocated randomly to one of three experimental groups. They were administered intramuscular deslorelin (1.25 mg) to induce ovulation, and 24 hours later, they were inseminated either twice (group DI), four times in relatively short intervals (group MISI) or four times in relatively long intervals (MILI), after division of one commercial insemination dose (either frozen-thawed or chilled-warmed semen) into two or four portions, respectively. Uterine sampling for bacteriological and cytological analysis was conducted directly before the first insemination and 24 hours after the last insemination.Mares of the MI groups showed a higher pregnancy rate with frozen-thawed semen than mares of the DI group. There was no difference in bacteriological and cytological results between the three groups. In addition, mares of the MISI group showed less intrauterine fluid accumulation 24 hours after the last insemination than mares of the DI and MILI groups.We suggest that multiple periovulatory inseminations with frozen-thawed semen in a close time frame to ovulation lead to an increase of pregnancy results per cycle, and that they do not lead to impaired inflammatory reactions of the uterus in healthy fertile mares.Zwischen freilebenden und unter domestizierten Bedingungen gehaltenen Hengsten und Stuten bestehen deutliche Unterschiede im Reproduktionsverhalten. Im Gegensatz zum Prozedere bei der künstlichen Besamung paart sich der Hengst in der Natur während eines Zyklus mehrmals mit der Stute. Ziel dieser Studie war zu bestimmen, ob vierfache Besamungen in verschiedenen Zeitabständen zur Ovulation, im Gegensatz zu zweifachen, in einer höheren Trächtigkeitsrate resultieren und ob solche Mehrfachbesamungen eine erhöhte Inzidenz von belegungsinduzierter Endometritis nach sich ziehen.Insgesamt 82 zyklische Stuten verschiedener Rassen wurden nach dem Zufallsprinzip einer von drei Behandlungsgruppen zugeteilt. Danach wurden sie im Rahmen einer standardisierten Untersuchung und 24 Stunden nach einer Ovulationsinduktion mittels 1,25 mg Deslorelin intramuskulär zweimal (Gruppe DI) oder viermal (Gruppe MI) mit entweder Kühl- oder Gefriersperma besamt, wobei die Besamungen in der Gruppe MI in Kurzzeit- (Gruppe MISI) oder Langzeit-Intervallen (Gruppe MILI) erfolgten. Hierzu wurde jeweils eine Besamungsdosis in zwei bzw. vier Portionen aufgeteilt. Direkt vor der ersten Besamung sowie 24 Stunden nach der letzten Besamung wurden eine bakteriologische und eine zytologische Untersuchung durchgeführt.Stuten der MI-Gruppe wiesen bei Verwendung von Gefriersperma eine signifikant höhere Trächtigkeitsrate pro Zyklus auf als Stuten der DI-Gruppe. Die bakteriologischen und zytologischen Befunde differierten zwischen den drei Gruppen nicht signifikant. In der MISI-Gruppe wiesen signifikant weniger Stuten Flüssigkeit im Uterus auf als in der MILI- und DI-Gruppe.Die Ergebnisse der Studie deuten darauf hin, dass multiple periovulatorische Besamungen mit Gefriersperma zu einer Erhöhung der Trächtigkeitsrate führen und es dabei bei gesunden, fertilen Stuten nach der Besamung zu keiner Zunahme von Entzündungsreaktionen und mikrobieller Kontamination des Uterus kommt.

Sarcoids are the most frequently observed skin tumours in equids and consist of cutaneous accumulations of transformed fibroblasts. Their aetiopathogenesis is closely linked to a presumably abortive infection by bovine papillomavirus (BPV) types 1 and 2. In cattle, dermal fibropapillomas induced by BPV1/2 usually regress spontaneously due to a local, cell-mediated, immune response; however, equids appear to lack an effective immune response to BPV1/2 and mechanisms of immune evasion have been postulated. As a consequence, equine sarcoids tend to persist and are prone to recur. In this study, cryosections were analysed by immunofluorescent staining and a high content analysis system to determine the presence and distribution of CD4(+), CD8(+), FoxP3(+), RORγt(-), CD206(+) and CD14(+) cells, along with expression of the BPV1 early regulatory protein E2. A higher density of cells was positive for BPV1 E2(+) within the transformed tissue than in perilesional tissue or normal skin of horses with sarcoids and control horses. The proportion of CD8(+) cytotoxic T cells was significantly increased in perilesional and lesional tissues, whereas CD4(+) T helper cells were present in higher density only in lesional tissue compared to normal skin from horses with and without sarcoids. The proportion of pro-inflammatory CD4(+)FoxP3(+)RORγt(+) regulatory T cells was decreased in sarcoid tissue compared to perilesional, distant and control tissue. There were no significant differences in densities of CD4(+)FoxP3(+) RORγt(-) regulatory T cells between sarcoids and control tissues. Equine sarcoids are characterised by infiltrations of CD8(+) and CD4(+) T cells, with decreased representation by pro-inflammatory CD4(+)FoxP3(+)RORγt(+) regulatory T cells.

Healthy replacement heifers are one of the foundations of a healthy dairy herd. Farm management and rearing systems in Switzerland provide a wide variety of factors that could potentially be associated with intramammary infections (IMI) in early lactating dairy heifers. In this study, IMI with minor mastitis pathogens such as coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS), contagious pathogens, and environmental major pathogens were identified. Fifty-four dairy farms were enrolled in the study. A questionnaire was used to collect herd level data on housing, management and welfare of young stock during farm visits and interviews with the farmers. Cow-level data such as breed, age at first calving, udder condition and swelling, and calving ease were also recorded. Data was also collected about young stock that spent a period of at least 3 months on an external rearing farm or on a seasonal alpine farm. At the quarter level, teat conditions such as teat lesions, teat dysfunction, presence of a papilloma and teat length were recorded. Within 24h after parturition, samples of colostral milk from 1564 quarters (391 heifers) were collected aseptically for bacterial culture. Positive bacteriological culture results were found in 49% of quarter samples. Potential risk factors for IMI were identified at the quarter, animal and herd level using multivariable and multilevel logistic regression analysis. At the herd level tie-stalls, and at cow-level the breed category “Brown cattle” were risk factors for IMI caused by contagious major pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). At the quarter-level, teat swelling and teat lesions were highly associated with IMI caused by environmental major pathogens. At the herd level heifer rearing at external farms was associated with less IMI caused by major environmental pathogens. Keeping pregnant heifers in a separate group was negatively associated with IMI caused by CNS. The odds of IMI with coagulase-negative staphylococci increased if weaning age was less than 4 months and if concentrates were fed to calves younger than 2 weeks. This study identified herd, cow- and quarter-level risk factors that may be important for IMI prevention in the future.