Ovarian activity in crossbred Thai native does during naturally occurring foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) virus infection.

This study aimed to compare the follicular dynamics in goats during naturally infected with foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMD) subjected to induced ovulations, and after disease recovery, crossbred Thai native does were synchronized with CIDR for 14 days, and then PGF2α and PMSG were administered on the day following CIDR removal. The ovarian activity was determined by transrectal ultrasonography. Clinical signs (fever, anorexia, lameness, and foot lesion) were observed on day 12 post-estrus (day 0, day of expected estrus). The study was carried out for 2 periods: FMD outbreak (day 0-day 21) and FMD recovery (day 63-day 84). Infected does were classified into two groups: (I) does without (n = 5) and (II) does with clinical signs (n = 5). The results showed that during FMD outbreak, the number of follicles/waves and number of follicles > 5 mm in ovulatory follicle wave of group II were lower than those of group I and those of its own group after FMD recovery (P<0.05). Higher in follicular regression rate were found in group II compared to group I in the does with 3 follicular waves during FMD outbreak (P<0.05). Moreover, during FMD outbreak, the does had lower number of follicles > 5 mm and longer day of emergence and day of largest follicles in ovulatory follicle wave than of those after FMD recovery. This observation demonstrated that FMD impaired folliculogenesis in goats, and the ovarian activity could be restored about 1 month after disease recovery.

Development of in situ hybridization for detection of elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus in Asian elephants.

Elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) is one of the most important viral infectious diseases affecting the elephant population worldwide, especially juveniles and young adults. We developed a chromogenic in situ hybridization (ISH) test for detection of EEHV in Asian elephants ( Elephas maximus). Digoxigenin (DIG) DNA probes from the polymerase and terminase genes of EEHV were synthesized using a PCR DIG-labeling method, and detection of hybridized probe to target EEHV DNA was carried out by anti-DIG immunolabeling. Distribution of EEHV-1A and EEHV-4 genomes was found to be prominent in mononuclear phagocytic cells of spleen and endothelial cells of visceral organs. ISH enables the detection of EEHV infection and has applications in understanding pathogenesis of EEHV in Asian elephants.

Production of antibody against elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) unveils tissue tropisms and routes of viral transmission in EEHV-infected Asian elephants.

Elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) is one of the most devastating viral infectious diseases in elephants worldwide. To date, it remains unclear how elephants get infected by the virus, where the virus persists, and what mechanisms drive the pathogenesis of the disease. The present study was aimed to develop an antibody against glycoprotein B (gB) of EEHV, investigate the EEHV tissue tropisms, and provide the possible routes of EEHV transmission in Asian elephants. Samples from elephant organs that had died from EEHV1A and EEHV4 infections, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from EEHV4- and non-EEHV-infected calves were used in this study. The results of western immunoblotting indicated that the antibody can be used for detection of gB antigens in both EEHV1A- and EEHV4-infected samples. Immunohistochemical detection indicated that the EEHV gB antigens were distributed mainly in the epithelial cells of the salivary glands, stomach and intestines. Immunofluorescence test of PBMC for EEHV gB in the EEHV4-infected calf indicated that the virus was observed predominantly in the mononuclear phagocytic cells. The findings in the present study unveil tissue tropisms in the EEHV1A- and EEHV4-infected calves and point out that saliva and intestinal content are likely sources for virus transmission in EEHV-infected Asian elephants.

Dystocia following prolonged retention of a dead fetus in an Asian elephant (Elephas maximus).

A 32-year-old nulliparous female Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) showed signs of parturition 8 months later than predicted from the breeding records. However, while serosanguineous fluid, necrotic tissue and pieces of amnion were expelled, second-stage labor did not progress. Since the fetus was not found during an endoscopic examination of the vestibule, it was assumed that the elephant had calved unseen and she was returned to the forest to recuperate. Twelve months later, the elephant showed clear signs of second-stage labor accompanied by a bulge in the perineum and passage of keratinized nail through the vulva. A 35 cm episiotomy incision was made in the perineum just below the anus, via which chains were attached to the forelimbs of the fetus. Traction on the forelimbs alone proved insufficient to achieve delivery because the fetal head kept rotating and impacting in the pelvis. However, traction applied via a hook inserted behind the mandibular symphysis allowed the head to be elevated and extended, and the fetus to be delivered. The episiotomy wound was sutured in two layers and although the skin did not heal during primary closure it subsequently healed uneventfully by second intention. Retrospective evaluation of the elephant's serum progestagens profile demonstrated a fall to baseline at the suspected onset of parturition, supporting the supposition that the fetus was retained in the uterus for 12 months after parturition began. It is suggested that serum progestagens concentrations should be monitored regularly in mated elephant cows to verify the establishment of pregnancy and to better estimate the expected timing, and the onset of calving.