Findings in cattle consigned to Victorian knackeries between 2009 and 2018.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the causes of death or culling in cattle in Victoria, Australia, through surveillance at knackeries. METHODS: Data were collected from 2797 adult cattle consigned to four Victorian knackeries over a 10-year period (2009-2018, inclusive). Cattle were sampled either at the point of collection or at a knackery. A single best-fit diagnosis was assigned to each case to describe the cause of loss. RESULTS: Sampled cattle were predominantly female dairy cattle originating from the three main dairying regions in Victoria. The most commonly diagnosed conditions were calving paralysis (6.8%), followed by mastitis (6.4%), hypocalcaemia (6.4%) and dystocia (5.9%). "Unknown" accounted for 24.2% of the cattle examined. CONCLUSION: This study provides a unique insight into the causes of death and culling in cattle consigned to Victorian knackeries. The periparturient period was identified as a high risk period for knackery consignment in adult female cattle.

The use of sensitivity discs in the identification of Campylobacter species.

Filter paper discs were impregnated with a solution containing 20 mg of triphenyltetrazolium chloride per millilitre, and used in the typing of catalase-positive Campylobacter species. Also used were filter paper discs impregnated with cephalothin at 30 micrograms/ml, 60 micrograms/ml and 3 mg/ml and nalidixic acid at the same concentrations, as well as commercially available discs containing 30 micrograms of, respectively, cephalothin and nalidixic acid. Results obtained proved the technique to be reliable and easier to interpret than previously used methods, and laboratory prepared filter paper discs compared favourably with commercial discs.

The use of cephalothin and triphenyltetrazolium chloride impregnated filter paper strips in the identification of Campylobacter species.

Filter paper impregnated strips using cephalothin at 30 and 60 micrograms/ml and triphenyltetrazolium chloride at 20 mg/ml were prepared and used in the typing of catalase-positive Campylobacter species. There was no difference in the sensitivity of campylobacters to cephalothin at 30 micrograms/ml and 60 micrograms/ml. Results were as reported by other workers except for a C. jejuni strain which was resistant to the triphenyltetrazolium. The technique is nevertheless inexpensive and the results are consistent and easy to interpret.

Horizontal transmission in sheep and delayed clearance in guinea pigs and mice of a Brucella melitensis Rev. I mutant.

Virulence assays in guinea-pigs, mice and sheep with a Rev. I mutant strain (FSA) demonstrated that the latter had increased virulence in comparison with a reference strain. The mutant showed slower clearance in guinea-pigs and mice when compared with standard Rev. I strains and horizontal transmission was achieved in 2 sheep.

Trichomoniasis and campylobacteriosis in bulls in the Republic of Transkei.

Trichomonas foetus was demonstrated in 23/87 (26.4%) and Campylobacter fetus in 25/87 (28.7%) of bulls tested in Transkei. A total of 16/87 (18.39%) of bulls tested were positive for both Trichomonas foetus and Campylobacter fetus. Bulls from 14 sites in Transkei were tested and Trichomonas foetus was isolated at 9 of these sites. Campylobacter fetus was isolated at 10 of the 14 sites. The results indicate that both Trichomonas foetus and Campylobacter fetus are widespread throughout the cattle population in the Republic of Transkei and may account for infertility problems.

The isolation and serology of the "FSA" Brucella melitensis Rev. 1 mutant in a flock of sheep.

A flock of sheep, known to be infected with the "FSA" mutant of Brucella melitensis Rev. 1, was examined serologically and bacteriologically to determine whether any relationship existed which would help in the control of this infection in the field. An attempt was also made to determine whether vertical transmission occurred. Twenty-one out of 62 sheep were bacteriologically positive. The best organs for isolation were the udder, supramammary lymphnodes and uterus. No significant relationship could be shown between the complement fixation test and bacterial isolation. The absence of any relationship between serological and bacteriological results agrees with a short-lived infection. None of the 24 lambs sacrificed at 5 months showed either serological reactions or were bacteriologically positive, thus no vertical transmission could be shown.

National disasters and the veterinarian.

A general introduction detailing background information concerning the term "disaster" is presented. A discussion of pertinent legal guidelines and an overview of the possible role of the veterinarian, firstly as a paramedical assistant and secondly as a veterinary public health official, is presented.