Elimination of virulent strains (aprV2) of Dichelobacter nodosus from feet of 28 Swiss sheep flocks: A proof of concept study.

Virulent ovine footrot caused by Dichelobacter nodosus is an endemic disease worldwide. It is associated with severe pain, impaired animal welfare and economic losses. The competitive real-time PCR for the differentiation of virulent aprV2 and benign aprB2 strains of Dichelobacter nodosus provides an objective, rapid and sensitive diagnostic tool for footrot surveillance, especially as it enables early detection of subclinical carriers of virulent strains. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of complete elimination of Dichelobacter nodosus strains carrying the aprV2 gene from sheep flocks. The treatment protocol was based on careful removal of loose and severely overgrown claw horn, weekly stand-in foot baths of the entire flock for 10 min per sheep, using a 10% zinc sulphate disinfectant solution, clinical and PCR follow-up and isolation or culling of non-responders. Dichelobacter nodosus strains carrying the aprV2 gene were successfully eliminated from the feet of the sheep of all 28 flocks (100%) participating in the study within 6-19 weeks of weekly foot bathing. A strong correlation between the length of time for weekly foot bathing to eliminate the virulent strains and the within-flock prevalence of clinical footrot at the beginning was observed (rho, 0.68; P <0.001). A statistically significant correlation was not detected between flock size and the length of time for weekly foot bathing (rho, 0.28; P = 0.14), or the prevalence of clinical footrot at study commencement (rho, -0.04; P = 0.82), respectively. In conclusion, a complete elimination of Dichelobacter nodosus strains carrying the aprV2 gene in sheep flocks was possible with a protocol based on careful trimming, weekly stand-in foot baths, and identification of infection using a specific PCR-test and isolation or culling of non-responders.

[Infestation of a cattle herd with the ear mite Raillieta auris (Acarina, Mesostigmata)]. / Befall eines Rinderbestandes mit der Ohrmilbe Raillietia auris (Acarina, Mesostigmata).

An infestation with Raillietia auris in a 4 years old cow is reported. For a period of 3 weeks the animal showed an increasing unrest, extreme efforts while trying to feed, and continuous shaking of the head which slanted to the left. After slaughter numerous specimens of the ear-mite R. auris were found in the basic part of the left auditory canal, located in the vicinity of a purulent paste-like plug. Histological examinations of the brain revealed a severe non-purulent meningoencephalitis with necroses of the vascular walls, focal malacia and gliosis. An etiological correlation of these lesions with the mite-infestation, however, is considered to be most unlikely. To the best of our knowledge the occurrence of R. auris in Switzerland was up to now unknown.

[A case of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in a cow with endometritis and fetal death]. / Ein Fall von disseminierter intravaskulärer Koagulopathie (DIC) bei einer Kuh mit Endometritis und Fruchttod.

Acute disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) was diagnosed in a 3 1/2 year old cow of the Simmental breed. The cow was little less than 6 months pregnant and was admitted to the clinic because of severely disturbed general health. The most important clinical findings were increased heart and breathing rate, rectal temperature of 39.9 degrees C, nosebleed and petechiae on the nasal mucosa. Additionally, the cow showed petechiae on the vaginal mucosa, haemorrhage from the rectum lasting several hours after rectal examination and severe haemoglobinuria. Haematological and biochemical examinations showed increased liver enzymes and severe changes in all coagulation parameters (platelet count, PT, PTT, thrombin time, fibrinogen, fibrin degradation products). Based on the mentioned findings the diagnosis DIC was made. Possible causes were severe necrotic endometritis and placentitis combined with fetal death. High counts of Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens were determined in liver, lung and abomasal contents of the aborted fetus as well as in the placenta. Uterine secretion contained Actinomyces pyogenes besides.

Therapy and clinical progress of cattle with dilatation and torsion of the caecum.

One hundred and eleven heifers and cows with caecal dilatation and torsion were examined and their subsequent progress monitored. Using various criteria it was decided whether the animal was to be slaughtered or treated conservatively or surgically. Conservative treatment consisted of a continuous drip infusion containing neostigmine and of purgatives such as liquid paraffin, sometimes in combination with sodium sulphate. Surgical treatment consisted of laparotomy on the right flank with emptying and sometimes partial resection of the caecum. Five animals had to be slaughtered before or during surgery and another five which developed severe peritonitis were slaughtered after surgery. Fifty-nine animals underwent surgery once without resection of the caecum and 20 with. Another 14 animals needed surgery twice.