Search

The identification of avian Mycoplasma spp. by conventional immunologic, phenotypic, and molecular methods can be demanding and time-consuming. We evaluated MALDI-TOF MS for its suitability to identify avian mycoplasmas at the species level. We generated a mycoplasma spectral database of 36 main spectrum profiles (MSPs) representing 23 avian Mycoplasma spp. using 23 type and reference strains, 1 live vaccine strain, and 8 clinical isolates. We then used 112 avian Mycoplasma clinical isolates of different avian mycoplasmas, 4 Mycoplasma live vaccine strains, and 1 Mycoplasma type strain, previously cultured and identified to the species level by molecular methods, to evaluate the MSP database. Protein extraction and MALDI-TOF MS analysis were performed with a maximum of 3 repetitions per isolate. MALDI-TOF MS resulted in accurate species-level identification with a score of ≥2.0 for 112 of 117 (96%) isolates. The MALDI-TOF MS analysis of 4 of 5 isolates that did not yield a score of ≥2.0 resulted in best-match identifications that were still concordant at species level with the molecular method used for previous identification. Therefore, MALDI-TOF MS is a promising tool for reliable identification of avian Mycoplasma spp.

The ornithophilic tick species Ixodes frontalis (Panzer) is spatially distributed in Europe, Asia and northern Africa. It can serve as a carrier of different bacteria and viruses, but little is known of its actual vector competence. In addition, adult females of this species are associated with the avian "tick-related syndrome" (TRS). Like most ornithophilic tick species, I. frontalis is usually collected from bird nests or directly from their hosts. Reports of I. frontalis being collected with the flagging method are scarce. In Germany, the species is considered as very rare. In the few reports that are available, the majority of ticks has been discovered on migrating birds. Therefore, knowledge of the actual distribution of this species in Germany was strictly limited. In this study, we report the finding of 1084 individuals of I. frontalis collected with the flagging method in urban areas and gardens in several regions of Germany. Furthermore, the species was discovered on 35 dead Eurasian blackbirds (Turdus merula) from all over Germany. Finally, we report of five new possible cases of TRS, three in free-ranging birds and two in captive birds, including a Harris's hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus) kept for falconry.

Mycoplasma species are well known pathogens in avian medicine, especially in poultry. However, several Mycoplasma species have been regularly found in the respiratory tract of birds of prey which seem to be commensals in these bird species. In previous studies, an unknown Mycoplasma species which caused false positive results in a Mycoplasma meleagridis -specific PCR, was isolated from a tracheal swab of a clinically healthy, captive, adult peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus). The isolate appeared in typical fried-egg-shaped colonies on SP4 agar plates and was dependent on sterol for growth. Acid was produced from glucose, but no arginine or urea was hydrolysed. The temperature range for growth was 28–44 °C, with an optimum at 37 °C. Strain M26T was serologically distinct from all species of the genus Mycoplasma with 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity ≥94 %. Biochemical, serological and molecular biological properties demonstrate that this organism represents a novel species of the genus Mycoplasma , for which the name Mycoplasma hafezii sp. nov. is proposed; the type strain is M26T (NCTC 13928, DSM 27652).

This study aimed to compare biomechanical characteristics of immediately loaded (IL) and osseointegrated (OS) dental implants inserted into Sika deer antler and lay a foundation for developing an alternative animal model for dental implants studies. Two implants per antler were inserted. One implant was loaded immediately via a self-developed loading device; the other was submerged and unloaded as control. IL implants were harvested after different loading periods. The unloaded implants were collected after OS and the shedding of antler. Specimens were scanned by µCT scanner and finite element models were generated. A vertical force of 10 N was applied on the implant. The mean values of maximum displacements, stresses and strains were compared. The results showed that the density of antler tissue around the implants dramatically increased as the loading time increased. After shedding the antler, 3 pairs of antlers were collected and the density of antler tissue remained in a similar value in all specimens. The maximum values of displacement and stresses in implant and stresses and strains in antler tissue were significantly different among OS models. In one antler, all the biomechanical parameters of IL model were significantly higher than those of OS model of the same animal (P 0.05) and wider distributions were obtained from IL model. It can be concluded that implants inserted into Sika deer antler might not disturb the growth and calcification process of antler and the use of Sika deer antler model is a promising alternative for implant studies that does not require animal sacrifice.

Several Mycoplasma spp. are well-known pathogens in poultry. In birds of prey, White Storks ( Ciconia ciconia ), and some waterfowl (Anatidae, Pelecanidae) species, mycoplasmas occur commonly and seem to be apathogenic or commensal and most likely belong to the physiologic microbial flora of the respiratory tract. In other bird species, such as Common Nightingales ( Luscinia megarhynchos ) and tits (Paridae), Mycoplasma spp. are absent in healthy birds. In corvids, the prevalence and role of Mycoplasma spp. in disease remains unclear. In previous studies, Mycoplasma sturni was detected in diseased corvids; however, those studies included only a limited sample size or preselected individuals. We collected tracheal swabs of 97 free-ranging Corvidae, including 68 randomly selected individuals from hunting bags and 29 birds that had been admitted to a veterinary clinic. Tracheal swabs were examined for Mycoplasma spp. using culture and genus-specific PCR. If Mycoplasma spp. were detected, the species were identified by sequencing the 16S ribosomal (r) RNA gene and 16-23S rRNA intergenic transcribed spacer region. Five of 68 (7%) of the hunted birds and nine of 29 (31%) of the birds admitted to the veterinary clinic were PCR positive. In 13 of 14 PCR-positive samples, mycoplasmas were cultured and M. sturni was the only mycoplasmal species identified. None of the positive corvids from the hunting bags had clinical signs, whereas five of nine birds admitted to the veterinary clinic showed apathy, lameness, injuries, or fractures, which may not be associated with mycoplasmal infections. These data support the notion that M. sturni is the Mycoplasma sp. most frequently found in corvids, though its prevalence and ability to cause disease may involve interaction with other aspects of bird health.

The identification of avian Mycoplasma spp. by conventional immunologic, phenotypic, and molecular methods can be demanding and time-consuming. We evaluated MALDI-TOF MS for its suitability to identify avian mycoplasmas at the species level. We generated a mycoplasma spectral database of 36 main spectrum profiles (MSPs) representing 23 avian Mycoplasma spp. using 23 type and reference strains, 1 live vaccine strain, and 8 clinical isolates. We then used 112 avian Mycoplasma clinical isolates of different avian mycoplasmas, 4 Mycoplasma live vaccine strains, and 1 Mycoplasma type strain, previously cultured and identified to the species level by molecular methods, to evaluate the MSP database. Protein extraction and MALDI-TOF MS analysis were performed with a maximum of 3 repetitions per isolate. MALDI-TOF MS resulted in accurate species-level identification with a score of ≥2.0 for 112 of 117 (96%) isolates. The MALDI-TOF MS analysis of 4 of 5 isolates that did not yield a score of ≥2.0 resulted in best-match identifications that were still concordant at species level with the molecular method used for previous identification. Therefore, MALDI-TOF MS is a promising tool for reliable identification of avian Mycoplasma spp.

ZusammenfassungGegenstand und Ziel: Beschreibung der Durchführbarkeit und des Endresultats multipler thorakolumbaler partieller lateraler Korpektomien (TLPLCs) bei Hunden mit vorwiegend ventralen thorakolumbalen Bandscheibenvorfällen. Hintergrund war die in der aktuellen Fachliteratur geäußerte Befürchtung, dieser chirurgische Eingriff zur Dekompression könne eine erhebliche Instabilität der Wirbelsäule zur Folge haben. Material und Methoden: Retrospektive Auswertung der Daten von Hunden mit Bandscheibenvorfällen Hansen Typ I und II, die mit multiplen TLPLCs versorgt wurden. Die präoperative Rückenmarkskompression und die postoperative Dekompression sowie die Morphometrie der Korpektomien wurden anhand von computertomo - graphischen Myelographien ausgewertet. Das neurologische Ergebnis wurde mithilfe wiederholter neurologischer Untersuchungen unter Anwendung eines modifizierten Frankel-Scores und einer Besitzer - befragung beurteilt. Ergebnisse: Siebzehn Hunde mit einer mittleren Körpermasse von 20,3 kg (Spanne: 4,0–49,0 kg) gingen in die Studie ein. Bei 14 Hunden erfolgten zwei TLPLCs, bei zwei Hunden drei und bei einem Hund vier. Die Auswertung der Korpektomiemorphometrie ergab folgende Mittelwerte: Tiefe: 63%, Höhe: 29%, Länge: 25% des Wirbelkörpers. Zwischen zwei benachbarten Korpektomieöffnungen verblieben im Mittel 55% der Wirbelkörperlänge. Bei der Kontrolle 4 Wochen post operationem hatten 6/17 Hunden (35,3%) den gleichen Frankel-Score wie vor der Operation, während 11/17 (64,7%) einen neurologisch verbesserten Score aufwiesen. Nach Angaben der Besitzer zeigten 78,5% der Hunde innerhalb 6 Monaten einen unauffälligen Gang. Die mittlere Überlebenszeit von 16 nachverfolgbaren Hunden betrug 951 Tage. Schlussfolgerung und klinische Relevanz: Multiple thorakolumbale Bandscheibenvorfälle können durch mehrere TLPLCs, sogar an unmittelbar benachbarten Bandscheiben, dekomprimiert werden, ohne dass bei den meisten Hunden mit einer klinisch signifikanten Instabilität der Wirbelsäule zu rechnen ist.

Between June and November 2015, 25 woodpeckers (Picidae) with neurologic signs or unknown cause of death were admitted to a veterinary clinic. Alive birds were clinically examined. Birds that were found dead or died despite intensive care treatment were forwarded to a pathologic examination. Necropsy and subsequent tests included screening for several infectious agents and toxins. Three birds tested positive for Sarcocystis calchasi. Toxoplasma gondii was detected in one bird demonstrating intracerebral cysts. Mycoplasma gypis was detected in one woodpecker in the absence of respiratory signs. Several microbial pathogens (eg, Aspergillus fumigatus, Clostridium perfringens, and Escherichia coli) were isolated from single individuals. However, there was no consistent finding in all birds that could explain nervous signs and mortality of the woodpeckers examined. To the authors‘ knowledge, M. gypis and S. calchasi were detected in a woodpecker for the first time in this study.

Live traps are established in pest control, fishing and hunting, but they are discussed to compromise animal welfare due to inadequate construction and control of the trap. To assure animal welfare, the Agreement on International Humane Trapping Standards (AIHTS) demands for legal regulations regarding trapping devices. According to AIHTS, the certification of each trap is based on evaluation in 20 individuals of a specific animal species (target species). To this end, more than 80% of the animals must not show specific alterations of physiology and behaviour or potential injuries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ‘Krefelder Fuchsfalle’, equipped with an electronic trap system, according to AIHTS standards. The raccoon (Procyon lotor) was chosen as target species, as it is an invasive species in urban regions of Central Europe, a potential vector for zoonotic pathogens, and a skilful animal, which potentially is most difficult to meet the AIHTS requirements. The behaviour of the trapped animal was evaluated, before shooting it and performing radiographical, pathological and histological examination. In total, 20 raccoons were trapped within 10 months in a hunting district in Hesse, Germany. Mean period of stay within the trap were 6.39 h. Despite of 14 animals, which demonstrated low-grade excoriations (superficial skin layer) at the paws and rhinarium, no other injuries or alterations of physiology and behaviour were detected. Therefore, this study demonstrates that the ‘Krefelder Fuchsfalle’ fulfilled the AIHTS standards and accomplished trapping according to animal welfare.

Dental implants are important tools for restoring the loss of teeth. The rapid growth and periodic regeneration of antlers make Sika deer a good and less invasive alternative model for studying bone remodelling in mammals. We developed a special loading device for antlers and analysed the bone reaction around unloaded implants and under immediate loading conditions until osseointegration occurred. In micro-computed tomography images, the density of antler tissue around the implants increased as the loading time increased. This finding was histologically confirmed by the good osseointegration observed in unloaded and loaded specimens. Antler tissue displays a similar healing process to human bone. The use of an antler model is a promising alternative for implant studies that does not require animal sacrifice.

The population of ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) is decreasing all over Germany since the years 2008/2009. Besides impacts of habitat changes caused by current rates of land conversion, climatic influences or predators, a contribution of infectious pathogens needs also to be considered. Infectious and non-infectious diseases in free-living populations of ring-necked pheasants have been scarcely investigated so far. In the present study, carcasses of 258 deceased free-ranging pheasants of different age groups, predominantly adult pheasants, collected over a period of 4 years in the states of Lower Saxony, North Rhine–Westphalia and Schleswig-Holstein, were examined pathomorphologically, parasitologically, virologically and bacteriologically, with a focus set on infectious pathogens. A periocular and perinasal dermatitis of unknown origin was present in 62.3% of the pheasants. Additional alterations included protozoal cysts in the skeletal musculature (19.0%), hepatitis (21.7%), enteritis (18.7%), gastritis (12.6%), and pneumonia (11.7%). In single cases, neoplasms (2.6%) and mycobacteriosis (1.7%) occurred. Further findings included identification of coronaviral DNA from trachea or caecal tonsils (16.8%), siadenoviral DNA (7.6%), avian metapneumoviral RNA (6.6%), and infectious bursal disease viral RNA (3.7%). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on herpesvirus, avian influenza virus (AIV), paramyxovirus type 1 (PMV-1), avian encephalomyelitis virus (AEV), and chlamydia were negative. Based on the present results, there is no indication of a specific pathogen as a sole cause for population decline in adult pheasants. However, an infectious disease can still not be completely excluded as it may only affect reproduction effectivity or a certain age group of pheasants (e.g., chicks) which were not presented in the study.

OBJECTIVE To determine neurologic outcome and factors influencing outcome after thoracolumbar partial lateral corpectomy (PLC) in dogs with intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) causing ventral spinal cord compression. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective case series. ANIMALS Dogs with IVDD (n = 72; 87 PLC). METHODS Dogs with IVDD between T9 and L5 were included if treated by at least 1 PLC. Exclusion criteria were: previous spinal surgery, combination of PLC with another surgical procedure. Neurologic outcome was assessed by: (1) modified Frankel score (MFS) based on neurologic examinations at 4 time points (before surgery, immediately after PLC, at discharge and 4 weeks after PLC); and (2) owner questionnaire. The association of the following factors with neurologic outcome was analyzed: age, body weight, duration of current neurologic dysfunction (acute, chronic), IVDD localization, breed (chondrodystrophic, nonchondrodystrophic), number of PLCs, degree of presurgical spinal cord compression and postsurgical decompression, slot depth, presurgical MFS. Presurgical spinal cord compression was determined by CT myelography (71 dogs) or MRI (1 dog), whereas postsurgical decompression and slot depth were determined on CT myelography (69 dogs). RESULTS MFS was improved in 18.7%, 31.7%, and 64.2% of dogs at the 3 postsurgical assessments, whereas it was unchanged in 62.6%, 52.8%, and 32.0% at corresponding time points. Based on owner questionnaire, 91.4% of dogs were ambulatory 6 months postsurgically with 74.5% having a normal gait. Most improvement in neurologic function developed within 6 months after surgery. Presurgical MFS was the only variable significantly associated with several neurologic outcome measurements (P

To report feasibility and outcome of multiple thoracolumbar partial lateral corpectomies (TLPLCs) in dogs with predominantly ventral spinal cord compression caused by intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) in the light of reported decreased spinal stability following single TLPLC. Material und methods: In a retrospective study the records of dogs treated by multiple TLPLCs for ventral spinal cord compression caused by Hansen type I or type II IVDD were reviewed. Presurgical spinal cord compression and postsurgical decompression, as well as slot dimensions were determined based on computed tomography (CT)-myelography images. Neurological outcome was assessed based on repetitive examinations applying a modified Frankel Score as well as on an owner questionnaire.Seventeen dogs with a mean body weight of 20.3 kg (range 4.0-49.0 kg) were included. Fourteen dogs had two TLPLCs, two dogs had three TLPLCs and one dog had four TLPLCs performed. The mean slot depth was 63% of entire vertebral body width, the mean slot height was 29% of the entire vertebral body height, the mean slot length was 25% of the entire vertebral body length and the mean residual vertebral interslot length between two adjacent TLPLCs was 55% of the vertebral body length. At reevaluation 4 weeks after surgery, 6/17 dogs (35.3%) had the same modified Frankel Score as before surgery, whereas 11/17 dogs (64.7%) showed a neurological improvement. According to the owners 78.5% of dogs were walking normally within 6 months after surgery. The mean survival time of 16 dogs, where follow-up was available, was 951 days.Multiple spinal cord compressions caused by IVDD can be eliminated by multiple, even consecutive, TLPLCs without the risk of a clinically significant risk of spinal instability.

Facing the ongoing decline in garden dormice (Eliomys quercinus) in large parts of Europe, data about genetic diversity, weight, size, and parasite burden were collected from live individuals (n = 156) from Hesse and Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. Blood was collected under Isoflurane-oxygen-anaesthesia from the anterior vena cava or jugular vein, respectively. Sex, weight, tibiotarsal and tail length of all animals were recorded. Genetic analysis (n = 64) using hair samples, viral examinations of oral, ocular and anal swabs (n = 156) and parasitological examination of faecal samples (n = 57) were performed. Genetic analysis of mitochondrial DNA revealed three haplotypes in the study area (WE4, WE4-3, WE5). Microsatellite analysis demonstrated a comparably high genetic diversity with 66 % overlap of alleles, a low genetic distance (DJost 5.6 %) and a low index of differentiation (FST = 0.02) between individuals from Hesse and Rhineland-Palatinate. All swab samples were negative for Borna disease virus. In 47 % of the faecal samples Entamoeba sp. cysts, Eimeria sp. oocysts, and eggs of trematodes, cestodes (Hymenolepis spp.) and nematodes (Capillaria spp., Strongylida) were detected. To our knowledge, this is the first report of inhalation anaesthesia, clinical examination, blood collection and assessment of Borna disease virus in living garden dormice.

To determine neurologic outcome and factors influencing outcome after thoracolumbar partial lateral corpectomy (PLC) in dogs with intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) causing ventral spinal cord compression.Retrospective case series.Dogs with IVDD (n = 72; 87 PLC).Dogs with IVDD between T9 and L5 were included if treated by at least 1 PLC. Exclusion criteria were: previous spinal surgery, combination of PLC with another surgical procedure. Neurologic outcome was assessed by: (1) modified Frankel score (MFS) based on neurologic examinations at 4 time points (before surgery, immediately after PLC, at discharge and 4 weeks after PLC); and (2) owner questionnaire. The association of the following factors with neurologic outcome was analyzed: age, body weight, duration of current neurologic dysfunction (acute, chronic), IVDD localization, breed (chondrodystrophic, nonchondrodystrophic), number of PLCs, degree of presurgical spinal cord compression and postsurgical decompression, slot depth, presurgical MFS. Presurgical spinal cord compression was determined by CT myelography (71 dogs) or MRI (1 dog), whereas postsurgical decompression and slot depth were determined on CT myelography (69 dogs).MFS was improved in 18.7%, 31.7%, and 64.2% of dogs at the 3 postsurgical assessments, whereas it was unchanged in 62.6%, 52.8%, and 32.0% at corresponding time points. Based on owner questionnaire, 91.4% of dogs were ambulatory 6 months postsurgically with 74.5% having a normal gait. Most improvement in neurologic function developed within 6 months after surgery. Presurgical MFS was the only variable significantly associated with several neurologic outcome measurements (P .01).PLC is an option for decompression in ventrally compressing thoracolumbar IVDD. Prognosis is associated with presurgical neurologic condition.