General disinfection guidelines.

Cleaning and disinfection of surfaces which have been in contact with animals, poultry or organic material is a vital element in controlling bacterial and viral diseases, and ensuring the wholesomeness and safety of foods. The thoroughness of pre-disinfection cleaning is the most important determinant of the efficacy of disinfection processes. Disinfectant users and officials responsible for the use of disinfectants must have clear goals and a sound plan of action. They must choose appropriate products, properly clean and prepare the site, and take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of animals, humans, equipment and the environment. They must also objectively evaluate the results of disinfection procedures. Safe and effective disinfectant strategies require an understanding of the actions and toxicological hazards of the chosen products, a clear plan of action, regulatory discipline, conscientious documentation, responsible supervision and post-disinfection testing. Disinfection procedures and policies must meet legal and environmental requirements and the changing expectations of society.

The search for viruses in bovine semen, a review.

Viruses reported in bovine semen include those of foot and mouth disease, bluetongue, bovine leukemia, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, bovine viral diarrhea, ephemeral fever, and lumpyskin disease. Bovine enteroviruses, a parapoxvirus (paravaccinia), and several uncharacterized viruses have also been isolated. Their presence in semen has been recognized by a variety of animal inoculation and cell culture techniques. The prevalence of viruses in semen and the attendant impact on fertility is largely unknown. The widespread distribution of frozen semen, an ideal system for preserving viral infectivity, indicates this product could serve as an important vehicle for transmission of viruses to uninfected herds or areas. This concern has placed restrictions on international movement of semen. Improved methods for detecting viruses in semen are necessary to assess the importance of the problem and to develop realistic precautionary measures.

Diseases transmitted from pets to man: an evolving concern for veterinarians.

Pets are not a major source of human infections but they can transmit certain diseases to man. This transmission usually is complex, requiring close contact with pets or their excretions and frequently involves a breach of sound hygienic practice. In some instances, pathogens of animal origin are acquired inadvertently because infectivity can persist after evidence of gross contamination has gone. Veterinarians participate in controlling zoonotic diseases by encouraging rabies vaccination and hygienic treatment of pet feces and urine, by supporting community efforts toward responsible pet ownership and by advising on precautions for handling sick animals. It is recommended that veterinarians discourage the keeping of wild or exotic animals as pets and excess fondling of pets (particularly by children and pregnant women). Clients and kennel workers should be advised to use caution with animals that have aborted.

Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis: a review and update.

Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), a herpesvirus infection of cattle, has diverse clinical manifestations. Known mainly as a respiratory tract disease characterized by tracheitis, rhinitis, and fever, IBR plays a prominent role among causes of undifferentiated bovine respiratory disease and abortion. It also causes conjunctivitis, infectious pustular vulvovaginitis, balanoposthitis, and rarely, encephalitis. The virus is readily transmitted and has worldwide distribution. Some cattle develop a latent infection, which can be reactivated. The disease can be diagnosed by clinical signs and lesions and by a variety of virologic and immunologic techniques. Control of IBR is based largely on vaccination. A review is timely because efficient utilization of the wide assortment of available vaccines requires knowledge of recent developments in the diagnosis, immunology, and epidemiology of the disease.