A vertically transmitted cystic renal dysplasia of lambs.

A new form of bilateral renal dysplasia in lambs appeared in a commercial sheep flock in 1982. The nature of the problem, the field investigations and the laboratory examinations carried out over three lambing seasons are described. It was concluded that the condition was vertically transmitted and genetic in origin. During the two years that accurate records were kept approximately 30 per cent of the suspected ram's progeny died with lesions of renal dysplasia. The condition recurred during a breeding trial in progeny from one of the two commercial rams originally used on the farm. An autosomal dominant mode of inheritance is suggested. The incidence illustrates the importance of keeping breeding records, especially when several rams are maintained in a flock, and the value of examining a large number of lambs post mortem.

Poultry waste associated type C botulism in cattle.

Botulism in UK cattle has been confirmed by demonstrating type C botulinum toxin in sera from affected animals. Evidence is presented indicating the source of intoxication to be poultry carcasses containing type C Clostridium botulinum and its toxin. The organism was also found in poultry litter and in alimentary tract samples from slaughtered animals. The implications of these findings are discussed.

Salmonellosis in two dairy herds associated with a sewage farm and water reclamation plant.

Two dairy herds, situated on a sewage farm, were monitored for the presence of salmonellas following outbreaks of Salmonella dublin infection. In addition an S. dublin control scheme, which involved examination of adult animals and calf vaccination, was instigated. During the period 1975-84, 12 salmonella serotypes and 10 phage types of S. typhimurium were isolated from the cattle and their environment although their presence was seldom associated with disease. Two adult S. dublin excreters were detected but it was concluded that none of the tests employed to examine the adult animals was sensitive enough. The prevalence of disease in the calves was low and although vaccination may have been beneficial it did not eradicate S. dublin infection. Thus S. dublin persisted in adults and calves during the 8-year period but its presence was seldom associated with disease. The results are discussed with regards the disease risk to animals from the agricultural use of sewage sludge and the public health aspects.

Milk-borne campylobacter enteritis in a rural area.

During November and December 1981 more than 50 residents in a village in Derbyshire had an acute gastrointestinal illness. One month later a second outbreak occurred affecting another 22 people. Campylobacter jejuni was isolated from 12 patients; no other gastrointestinal pathogens were identified. A case-control study showed an association with the consumption of unpasteurized milk from one particular farm. No new cases were identified for 6 months following the application of a Pasteurization Order from 26 January to 23 February 1982.

Outbreaks of Salmonella newport infection in dairy herds and their relationship to management and contamination of the environment.

Two outbreaks of Salmonella newport infection in dairy herds are described which were characterised by haemorrhagic enteritis. The history of the outbreaks, the extent of the losses, clinical and laboratory findings and treatment are described. The first herd consisted of 193 cattle, of which seven died, three aborted and another 84 required treatment. Salmonellosis persisted over 14 months throughout the summer on a paddock grazing system and continued during the following winter when the herd was loose housed. The relationship of the commencement of clinical disease to dietary changes and to the time of calving is described, as are the problems in controlling the disease. The second herd consisted of 98 milking cows and a few beef animals. One cow died and two aborted; altogether 18 were clinically affected. The epidemiology of the disease and the geographical relationship between the two farms is described. Extensive contamination of streams occurred and one cow died on a neighbouring third farm. In contact humans were found to be excreting the organism. The public health significance of the outbreak is discussed because bulk milk samples were contaminated with salmonellae for 10 months and local streams were polluted with human sewage.

Incidence of hypocupraemia in cattle in the east Midlands.

Serum copper values were determined on composite samples from cattle herds in the Midland counties of Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire. Sampling took place over a period of 17 months and the results indicate that hypocupraemia existed in many herds. The lowest values were found in heifer group samples and the lowest of these was found in Derbyshire. The geographical and management factors which may affect the copper status of herds in this area are discussed.

The Toxoplasma latex agglutination test in mice and its application to the diagnosis of ovine abortion.

The latex agglutination test was used to determine the antibody response in mice inoculated with toxoplasma cysts and was found to reduce the time necessary for the identification of infected mice compared with conventional biological methods. The application to the diagnosis of ovine abortion is discussed.

Congenital nuclear cataracts in cattle.

A description is given of the investigation into two outbreaks of congenital cataract in dairy herds. There is a description of the clinical signs, the incidence, the period of time over which the cases occurred and of the seasonal distribution of the births. The type of herd management is descirbed and a hereditary factor is not considered to occur. The possibility of the involvement of other toxic and environmental agents is discussed. The macroscopic and microscopical findings are described; the relation to the early period of lens development of the bovine fetus suggested.

Cervical scoliosis and kidney lesions in sheep following dosage with vitamin D.

A case of cervical deformity of lambs following dosage with vitamin D was investigated. The lesions of a scoliosis are described together with the kidney lesions. It is suggested that doses of vitamin D normally considered to be non-toxic to sheep may prove to be so under certain conditions.