Phylodynamics of avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses from outbreaks in Brazil.

Our study identified strains of the A/H5N1 virus in analyzed samples of subsistence poultry, wild birds, and mammals, belonging to clade 2.3.4.4b, genotype B3.2, with very high genetic similarity to strains from Chile, Uruguay, and Argentina. This suggests a migratory route for wild birds across the Pacific, explaining the phylogenetic relatedness. The Brazilian samples displayed similarity to strains that had already been previously detected in South America. Phylogeographic analysis suggests transmission of US viruses from Europe and Asia, co-circulating with other lineages in the American continent. As mutations can influence virulence and host specificity, genomic surveillance is essential to detect those changes, especially in critical regions, such as hot spots in the HA, NA, and PB2 sequences. Mutations in the PB2 gene (D701N and Q591K) associated with adaptation and transmission in mammals were detected suggesting a potential zoonotic risk. Nonetheless, resistance to neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs) was not identified, however, continued surveillance is crucial to detect potential resistance. Our study also mapped the spread of the virus in the Southern hemisphere, identifying possible entry routes and highlighting the importance of surveillance to prevent outbreaks and protect both human and animal populations.

Seroprevalence, spatial distribution and risk factors associated with Toxoplasma gondii infection among cattle in a quilombola community in the Brazilian cerrado.

Little is known about Toxoplasma gondii infection among cattle living in the Cerrado (Brazilian savanna) biome in Brazil. In particular, there is no epidemiological data relating to infection in quilombo lands, i.e. areas settled by Afro-descendants of escaped slaves. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, spatial distribution and risk factors associated with T. gondii infection among cattle in the Kalunga quilombo, in the Cerrado biome. Blood samples were collected from 1533 cattle for antibody detection using the indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT). The study area was subdivided into five macroregions to determine the spatial distribution of infection. An objective questionnaire was applied to the cattle owners to evaluate risk factors, which were analyzed using univariate analysis and logistic regression. The prevalence of T. gondii infection among cattle was 8.93% (137/1533), and antibodies were found in 49.6% of the herds (66/133), in all macroregions. The risk factors associated with T. gondii infection in cattle were the following: number of animals in the herd (OR: 30.56), purchase of cattle (OR: 2.57), age group (OR: 1.95) and average annual temperature (OR: 1.77). Thus, the occurrence rate, spatial distribution and risk factors associated with T. gondii infection among cattle in the Kalunga quilombola community are documented here, for the first time.

Seroprevalence, spatial distribution and risk factors associated with Toxoplasma gondii infection among cattle in a quilombola community in the Brazilian cerrado / Soroprevalência, distribuição espacial e fatores de risco associados à infecção por Toxoplasma gondii em bovinos de comunidade quilombola no cerrado brasileiro

Little is known about Toxoplasma gondii infection among cattle living in the Cerrado (Brazilian savanna) biome in Brazil. In particular, there is no epidemiological data relating to infection in quilombo lands, i.e. areas settled by Afro-descendants of escaped slaves. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, spatial distribution and risk factors associated with T. gondii infection among cattle in the Kalunga quilombo, in the Cerrado biome. Blood samples were collected from 1533 cattle for antibody detection using the indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT). The study area was subdivided into five macroregions to determine the spatial distribution of infection. An objective questionnaire was applied to the cattle owners to evaluate risk factors, which were analyzed using univariate analysis and logistic regression. The prevalence of T. gondii infection among cattle was 8.93% (137/1533), and antibodies were found in 49.6% of the herds (66/133), in all macroregions. The risk factors associated with T. gondii infection in cattle were the following: number of animals in the herd (OR: 30.56), purchase of cattle (OR: 2.57), age group (OR: 1.95) and average annual temperature (OR: 1.77). Thus, the occurrence rate, spatial distribution and risk factors associated with T. gondii infection among cattle in the Kalunga quilombola community are documented here, for the first time.(AU)

A ocorrência de anticorpos anti-T. gondii em bovinos, no bioma cerrado brasileiro, é pouco conhecida. Particularmente, não existem dados epidemiológicos relativos à infecção em terras quilombolas, áreas formadas por descendentes de escravos africanos refugiados. O estudo objetivou determinar a prevalência, a distribuição espacial e os fatores de risco associados à infecção por T. gondii em bovinos, na comunidade remanescente de quilombos Kalunga, no bioma cerrado. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas de 1.533 bovinos para detecção de anticorpos pela reação de imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI). A área em estudo foi dividida em cinco macrorregiões para determinação da distribuição espacial da infecção. Um questionário objetivo foi aplicado aos proprietários dos bovinos para a avaliação dos fatores de risco, os quais foram analisados por meio de análise univariada e regressão logística. Verificou-se ocorrência de anticorpos anti-T. gondii em 8,93% (137/1533) dos bovinos, com anticorpos detectados em 49,6% (66/133) dos rebanhos de todas as macrorregiões. Os fatores de risco associados à infecção foram: número de animais no rebanho (OR: 30,56), compra de bovinos (OR: 2,57), faixa etária dos animais (OR: 1,95) e temperatura anual média (OR: 1,77). Assim, documentam-se, de forma inédita, a ocorrência, a distribuição espacial e os fatores de risco associados à infecção por T. gondii em bovinos na comunidade quilombola Kalunga.(AU)

Toxoplasma gondii in cattle in Brazil: a review.

Toxoplasma gondii is an apicomplexan protozoan that is frequently found in both humans and animals worldwide. The aim of this review was to list important aspects of Toxoplasma gondii infection in cattle in Brazil. The frequency of occurrence of T. gondii antibodies in Brazilian cattle ranges from 1 to 89.1%, depending on the region evaluated, based on data from 1978 to 2018. However, some characteristics of T. gondii infection in cattle remain uncertain, such as the role of meat intake in transmitting the parasite to humans. Most information regarding T. gondii infection among Brazilian cattle is limited to evaluations of the frequency of occurrence of antibodies. About 70% of the diagnoses of infection in these ruminants in Brazil are made via the indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT). Nevertheless, little is known about the population structure of this protozoan in cattle. It is necessary to expand the studies on toxoplasmosis in cattle, in order to better understand T. gondii infection in these animals and its implications for Brazilian public health.

Outbreak of monensin poisoning in cattle due to supplementation error / Surto de intoxicação por monensina em bovinos devido a erro de suplementação

Iatrogenic intoxications occur in domestic animals. Mortality was observed in a group of calves, reaching 20 deaths until the day of the technical visit, with or without sudden clinical signs, on a farm in the city of Pires do Rio, State of Goiás, Brazil. Deaths after the visit were not accounted systematically. Clinical signs included muscle weakness, ataxia, recumbency, bilateral jugular distention, and death. Suspected diagnosis of poisoning by ionophore antibiotics was made based on clinical and laboratory findings from nine animals, which included high plasma CK and LDH levels, as well as on anatomopathological findings of a recently dead calf, which showed myocardial and skeletal muscle degeneration and necrosis. Monensin overdose (25.5 µg/kg in skeletal muscle and 209.4 µg/kg in the liver) was detected by liquid-chromatography and mass-spectrophotometry analysis, contributing to the confirmation of ionophore poisoning diagnosis.(AU)

Intoxicações iatrogênicas ocorrem em animais domésticos. Um lote de bezerros apresentou mortalidade, chegando a 20 mortes até o dia da visita técnica, após sinais clínicos súbitos ou ausência destes, em uma propriedade rural do município de Pires do Rio, estado de Goiás, Brasil. As mortes após a visita não foram sistematicamente contabilizadas. Os sinais incluíam fraqueza muscular, ataxia, decúbito, distensão bilateral da veia jugular e morte. Baseado nos achados clínicos e laboratoriais de nove bovinos, que incluíram níveis de CK e LDH elevados no plasma, assim como degeneração e necrose miocárdica e na musculatura esquelética à avaliação anatomopatológica em um dos bezerros mortos, que apresentou degeneração e necrose em miocárdio e músculo esquelético. Uma sobredosagem de monensina (25,5 µg/g no músculo esquelético e 209,4 µg/g no fígado) foi detectada com análise por cromatografia líquida e espectrofotometria de massas, contribuindo para a confirmação do diagnóstico de intoxicação por ionóforos.(AU)

Toxoplasma gondii in cattle in Brazil: a review / Toxoplasma gondii em bovinos no Brasil: uma revisão

Toxoplasma gondii is an apicomplexan protozoan that is frequently found in both humans and animals worldwide. The aim of this review was to list important aspects of Toxoplasma gondii infection in cattle in Brazil. The frequency of occurrence of T. gondii antibodies in Brazilian cattle ranges from 1 to 89.1%, depending on the region evaluated, based on data from 1978 to 2018. However, some characteristics of T. gondii infection in cattle remain uncertain, such as the role of meat intake in transmitting the parasite to humans. Most information regarding T. gondii infection among Brazilian cattle is limited to evaluations of the frequency of occurrence of antibodies. About 70% of the diagnoses of infection in these ruminants in Brazil are made via the indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT). Nevertheless, little is known about the population structure of this protozoan in cattle. It is necessary to expand the studies on toxoplasmosis in cattle, in order to better understand T. gondii infection in these animals and its implications for Brazilian public health.(AU)

Toxoplasma gondii é um protozoário apicomplexa de distribuição mundial prevalente em seres humanos e animais. A presente revisão objetiva elencar aspectos de importância relacionados à infecção por Toxoplasma gondii em bovinos no Brasil. A soroprevalência de anticorpos anti-T. gondii em bovinos do rebanho brasileiro varia de 1 a 89,1%, a depender da região avaliada, baseando-se em dados disponíveis de 1978 a 2018. Todavia, algumas características da infecção por T. gondii na espécie ainda são incertos, como o papel da ingestão da carne bovina na transmissão do parasita ao homem. A maior parte das informações relativas à infecção no rebanho nacional restringem-se a estudos de soroprevalência. Cerca de 70% do diagnóstico da infecção nesses ruminantes no Brasil é realizado por meio da Reação de Imunofluorescência Indireta (RIFI). Contudo, o conhecimento acerca da estrutura populacional do protozoário em bovinos ainda é limitado. Assim, é necessário ampliar os estudos sobre a toxoplasmose em bovinos, tendo em vista uma melhor compreensão da infecção na espécie, bem como de suas implicações para saúde pública brasileira.(AU)

Toxoplasma gondii in cattle in Brazil: a review / Toxoplasma gondii em bovinos no Brasil: uma revisão

Abstract Toxoplasma gondii is an apicomplexan protozoan that is frequently found in both humans and animals worldwide. The aim of this review was to list important aspects of Toxoplasma gondii infection in cattle in Brazil. The frequency of occurrence of T. gondii antibodies in Brazilian cattle ranges from 1 to 89.1%, depending on the region evaluated, based on data from 1978 to 2018. However, some characteristics of T. gondii infection in cattle remain uncertain, such as the role of meat intake in transmitting the parasite to humans. Most information regarding T. gondii infection among Brazilian cattle is limited to evaluations of the frequency of occurrence of antibodies. About 70% of the diagnoses of infection in these ruminants in Brazil are made via the indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT). Nevertheless, little is known about the population structure of this protozoan in cattle. It is necessary to expand the studies on toxoplasmosis in cattle, in order to better understand T. gondii infection in these animals and its implications for Brazilian public health.

Resumo Toxoplasma gondii é um protozoário apicomplexa de distribuição mundial prevalente em seres humanos e animais. A presente revisão objetiva elencar aspectos de importância relacionados à infecção por Toxoplasma gondii em bovinos no Brasil. A soroprevalência de anticorpos anti-T. gondii em bovinos do rebanho brasileiro varia de 1 a 89,1%, a depender da região avaliada, baseando-se em dados disponíveis de 1978 a 2018. Todavia, algumas características da infecção por T. gondii na espécie ainda são incertos, como o papel da ingestão da carne bovina na transmissão do parasita ao homem. A maior parte das informações relativas à infecção no rebanho nacional restringem-se a estudos de soroprevalência. Cerca de 70% do diagnóstico da infecção nesses ruminantes no Brasil é realizado por meio da Reação de Imunofluorescência Indireta (RIFI). Contudo, o conhecimento acerca da estrutura populacional do protozoário em bovinos ainda é limitado. Assim, é necessário ampliar os estudos sobre a toxoplasmose em bovinos, tendo em vista uma melhor compreensão da infecção na espécie, bem como de suas implicações para saúde pública brasileira.

Virulence factors and phylotyping of Escherichia coli isolated from non-diarrheic and diarrheic water buffalo calves / Caracterização dos fatores de virulência e filogrupos de Escherichia coli isoladas de bezerros bubalinos sem diarreia e diarréicos

This study aimed to determine the virulence factors, phylogenetic groups, and the relationships between pathovars and phylogenetic groups of E. coli strains isolated from feces of buffalo calves. A total of 217 E. coli strains were obtained from feces after culture and were screened by PCR for detection of virulence factors EAST-1, enterohemolysin, Saa, CNF2, F41, F5, STa, intimin, Stx1 and Stx2. One hundred and thirty-four isolates were positive for one or more virulence factors: eighty-four from diarrheic animals, and fifty from non-diarrheic calves. The pathovars of E. coli identified in diarrheic feces were ETEC (F5+) (2/84), NTEC (16/84), STEC (20/84), EPEC (3/84), EHEC (3/84), and EAEC (EAST-1+) (33/84). Pathovars identified in non-diarrheic animals were NTEC (21/50), STEC (17/50), EHEC (1/50) and EAEC (7/50). E. coli strains positive for EAST-1 (P=0.008) and phylogroup C (P = 0.05) were associated with the presence of diarrhea. Phylogenetic analysis showed that 58.95% of the isolates belonged to phylogroup B1, followed by E (9.70%), B2 (5.90%), C (5.90%), D (5.22%), A (2.24%), and F (1.50%). Phylogroup B1 predominated in pathogenic E. coli isolated from water buffalo, and phylogroup C constituted an enteropathogenic E. coli for water buffalo calves.(AU)

O objetivo foi determinar os fatores de virulência, os grupos filogenéticos e as possíveis relações entre os patovares e os grupos filogenéticos identificados de cepas de Escherichia coli isoladas de fezes de bezerros bubalinos. Um total de 217 amostras de E. coli foram identificadas a partir de cultura das fezes e submetidas a reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) para detecção dos fatores de virulência EAST-1, enterohemolisina, Saa, CNF2, F41, F5, STa, intimina, Stx1 e Stx2. Foram identificadas 134 cepas positivas para um ou mais fatores de virulência: 84isoladas de bezerros bubalinos diarreicos e 50 de bezerros bubalinos saudáveis. Os patovares de E. coli obtidos de fezes diarreicas foram ETEC (F5+) (2/84), NTEC (16/84), STEC (20/84), EPEC (3/84), EHEC (3/84), e EAEC (EAST-1+) (33/84). Os patovares isolados de fezes não diarreicas foram NTEC (21/50), STEC (17/50), EHEC (1/50) e EAEC (7/50). Cepas de E. coli positivas para EAST-1 (P = 0,008) e filogrupo C (P = 0,05) foram associadas com a presença de diarreia. A análise de filogrupos revelou que 58,95% dos isolados pertencem ao filogrupo B1, seguido por E (9,70%), B2 (5,90%), C (5,90%), D (5,22%), A (2,24%) e F (1,50%). O filogrupo B1 predomina em cepas de E. coli patogênicas isoladas de bezerros búfalos e o filogrupo C constitui um filogrupo de E. coli patogênica entérica para bezerros.(AU)

Virulence factors and phylotyping of Escherichia coli isolated from non-diarrheic and diarrheic water buffalo calves / Caracterização dos fatores de virulência e filogrupos de Escherichia coli isoladas de bezerros bubalinos sem diarreia e diarréicos

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to determine the virulence factors, phylogenetic groups, and the relationships between pathovars and phylogenetic groups of E. coli strains isolated from feces of buffalo calves. A total of 217 E. coli strains were obtained from feces after culture and were screened by PCR for detection of virulence factors EAST-1, enterohemolysin, Saa, CNF2, F41, F5, STa, intimin, Stx1 and Stx2. One hundred and thirty-four isolates were positive for one or more virulence factors: eighty-four from diarrheic animals, and fifty from non-diarrheic calves. The pathovars of E. coli identified in diarrheic feces were ETEC (F5+) (2/84), NTEC (16/84), STEC (20/84), EPEC (3/84), EHEC (3/84), and EAEC (EAST-1+) (33/84). Pathovars identified in non-diarrheic animals were NTEC (21/50), STEC (17/50), EHEC (1/50) and EAEC (7/50). E. coli strains positive for EAST-1 (P=0.008) and phylogroup C (P = 0.05) were associated with the presence of diarrhea. Phylogenetic analysis showed that 58.95% of the isolates belonged to phylogroup B1, followed by E (9.70%), B2 (5.90%), C (5.90%), D (5.22%), A (2.24%), and F (1.50%). Phylogroup B1 predominated in pathogenic E. coli isolated from water buffalo, and phylogroup C constituted an enteropathogenic E. coli for water buffalo calves.

RESUMO: O objetivo foi determinar os fatores de virulência, os grupos filogenéticos e as possíveis relações entre os patovares e os grupos filogenéticos identificados de cepas de Escherichia coli isoladas de fezes de bezerros bubalinos. Um total de 217 amostras de E. coli foram identificadas a partir de cultura das fezes e submetidas a reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) para detecção dos fatores de virulência EAST-1, enterohemolisina, Saa, CNF2, F41, F5, STa, intimina, Stx1 e Stx2. Foram identificadas 134 cepas positivas para um ou mais fatores de virulência: 84isoladas de bezerros bubalinos diarreicos e 50 de bezerros bubalinos saudáveis. Os patovares de E. coli obtidos de fezes diarreicas foram ETEC (F5+) (2/84), NTEC (16/84), STEC (20/84), EPEC (3/84), EHEC (3/84), e EAEC (EAST-1+) (33/84). Os patovares isolados de fezes não diarreicas foram NTEC (21/50), STEC (17/50), EHEC (1/50) e EAEC (7/50). Cepas de E. coli positivas para EAST-1 (P = 0,008) e filogrupo C (P = 0,05) foram associadas com a presença de diarreia. A análise de filogrupos revelou que 58,95% dos isolados pertencem ao filogrupo B1, seguido por E (9,70%), B2 (5,90%), C (5,90%), D (5,22%), A (2,24%) e F (1,50%). O filogrupo B1 predomina em cepas de E. coli patogênicas isoladas de bezerros búfalos e o filogrupo C constitui um filogrupo de E. coli patogênica entérica para bezerros.

Molecular detection of Bluetongue Virus (BTV) and Bovine Leukemia Virus (BLV) in uterine biopsies of dairy cows with or without reproductive problems / Detecção molecular do Vírus da Língua Azul (BTV) e do Vírus da Leucemia bovina (BLV) em amostras de biópsia uterina de vacas leiteiras com e sem problemas reprodutivos

Reproductive performance of dairy cows has a direct impact on herd productivity. Infectious agents, such as Bluetongue Virus (BTV) and Bovine Leukemia Virus (BLV), are associated with reproductive failure. However, it remains unknown if these viruses are present in the uterus and cause gestational loss. This study used molecular methods to assess if BTV and BLV can be detected in the uterus of serologically positive dairy cows with a record of abortions, stillbirths and repeat breeding (n=23) and without a record of reproductive problems (n =23). The cows came from three dairy herds of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. BTV was not detected in any of the uterine biopsies. Proviral DNA of BLV was detected in 54.5 % of the seropositive cows, but positivity for BLV in the uterus was not associated with the existence of reproductive problems. In conclusion, this study shows that BLV, but not BTV, is present in the uterus of seropositive cows, regardless of reproductive performance.

O desempenho reprodutivo das vacas leiteiras tem impacto direto na produtividade dos rebanhos. Agentes infecciosos como o Vírus da Língua Azul (BTV) e o Vírus da Leucemia Bovina (BLV) estãoassociados à ocorrência de falhas reprodutivas. Entretanto, não se sabe se estes vírus poderiam estar presentes no útero resultando nas perdas gestacionais. Este estudo utilizou métodos moleculares para investigar se os vírus BTV e BLV estão presentes no úterio de vacas leiteiras sorologicamente positivas com histórico de abortos, natimortos e repetição de cio (n=23) e em vacas sem histórico de problema reprodutivos (n =23) provenientes de três rebanhos leiteiros localizados no estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Não foi detectado BTV em nenhuma amostra de biópsia uterina. Por outro lado, o DNA proviral de BLV foi detectado no útero de 54.5 % das vacas soropositivas, independentemente da ocorrência de problemas reprodutivos. Conclui-se que o vírus BLV, ao contrário do BTV está presente no útero de vacas soropositivas, entretanto, sem associação com o desempenho reprodutivo.

Molecular detection of Bluetongue Virus (BTV) and Bovine Leukemia Virus (BLV) in uterine biopsies of dairy cows with or without reproductive problems / Detecção molecular do Vírus da Língua Azul (BTV) e do Vírus da Leucemia bovina (BLV) em amostras de biópsia uterina de vacas leiteiras com e sem problemas reprodutivos

Reproductive performance of dairy cows has a direct impact on herd productivity. Infectious agents, such as Bluetongue Virus (BTV) and Bovine Leukemia Virus (BLV), are associated with reproductive failure. However, it remains unknown if these viruses are present in the uterus and cause gestational loss. This study used molecular methods to assess if BTV and BLV can be detected in the uterus of serologically positive dairy cows with a record of abortions, stillbirths and repeat breeding (n=23) and without a record of reproductive problems (n =23). The cows came from three dairy herds of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. BTV was not detected in any of the uterine biopsies. Proviral DNA of BLV was detected in 54.5 % of the seropositive cows, but positivity for BLV in the uterus was not associated with the existence of reproductive problems. In conclusion, this study shows that BLV, but not BTV, is present in the uterus of seropositive cows, regardless of reproductive performance.(AU)

O desempenho reprodutivo das vacas leiteiras tem impacto direto na produtividade dos rebanhos. Agentes infecciosos como o Vírus da Língua Azul (BTV) e o Vírus da Leucemia Bovina (BLV) estãoassociados à ocorrência de falhas reprodutivas. Entretanto, não se sabe se estes vírus poderiam estar presentes no útero resultando nas perdas gestacionais. Este estudo utilizou métodos moleculares para investigar se os vírus BTV e BLV estão presentes no úterio de vacas leiteiras sorologicamente positivas com histórico de abortos, natimortos e repetição de cio (n=23) e em vacas sem histórico de problema reprodutivos (n =23) provenientes de três rebanhos leiteiros localizados no estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Não foi detectado BTV em nenhuma amostra de biópsia uterina. Por outro lado, o DNA proviral de BLV foi detectado no útero de 54.5 % das vacas soropositivas, independentemente da ocorrência de problemas reprodutivos. Conclui-se que o vírus BLV, ao contrário do BTV está presente no útero de vacas soropositivas, entretanto, sem associação com o desempenho reprodutivo.(AU)

The detection of Vaccinia virus confirms the high circulation of Orthopoxvirus in buffaloes living in geographical isolation, Marajó Island, Brazilian Amazon.

In Brazil, serologic evidence of Orthopoxvirus (OPV) circulation showed positivity around 20% in cattle, humans, monkeys and rodents. Although OPV seropositivity has been described in buffalo herds in southeastern Brazil, no Vaccinia virus (VACV) (member of genus OPV) outbreaks in buffalo herds have been described in this country. This study aimed to investigate the detection of anti-OPV antibodies and to study the OPV genome in Brazilian buffalo herds. Our results demonstrated a high OPV seropositivity in buffalo herds on Marajó Island and molecular data confirmed the circulation of VACV. The geographical isolation conditionmight be a sine qua non condition to explain our results.

Molecular detection of bovine immunodeficiency virus in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) from the Amazon region, Brazil.

Bovine immunodeficiency is a chronic progressive disease caused by a lentivirus that affects cattle and buffaloes. Although the infection has been described in cattle in some countries, including in Brazil, there are only two reports of infection in buffaloes: one in Pakistan and one in Cambodia. The aim of the present study was to survey the occurrence of bovine immunodeficiency virus (BIV) in water buffaloes from the Amazon region, Pará state, Brazil. BIV proviral DNA was surveyed in 607 whole blood samples of water buffaloes from 10 farms located in the state of Pará using semi-nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (PCR-SN) to amplify the pol region of the viral genome. Of the 607 samples tested, 27 (4.4 %) were positive for BIV proviral DNA. The amplified fragments were confirmed by sequence analysis after cloning and nucleotide sequencing. The sequence obtained had 99 % similarity to the reference strain (R-29). The present study provides important epidemiological data because BIV was detected for the first time in water buffaloes in Brazil. Further, the results suggest the possibility of the virus being a risk factor for herd health because it may be a potential causal agent of chronic disease and, also may be associated to other infectious diseases.

Bovine herpesvirus 6 in buffaloes (Bubalus bulalis) from the Amazon region, Brazil.

This study presents the first description of Bovine herpesvirus 6 (BoHV-6) that was isolated from buffaloes of Amazon region in Brazil. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the BoHV-6 Brazilian strains clustered with the sequence of BoHV-6 from elsewhere available at the GenBank. It was observed in some buffaloes with lymphoproliferative disease in one herd, thus the animals were also tested for Bovine leukemia virus (BLV), which has been associated to lymphoma in bovines. All animals were negative to BLV. These results indicate that BoHV-6 is present in buffaloes in Brazil, but the importance and impact of this infection and its association with any illness is still undefined.

Infestation by Haematopinus quadripertusus on cattle in São Domingos do Capim, state of Pará, Brazil.

Severe infestation with lice was observed on crossbred cattle (Bos taurus indicus ×Bos taurus taurus) in the municipality of São Domingos do Capim, state of Pará, Brazil. Sixty-five animals were inspected and the lice were manually collected, preserved in 70% alcohol and taken to the Animal Parasitology Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Pará, Brazil, for identification. The adult lice were identified as Haematopinus quadripertusus, and all the cattle examined were infested by at least one development stage of this ectoparasite. The specimens collected were located only on the tail in 80% (52/65) of the cattle, while they were around the eyes as well as on the ears and tail in 20% (13/65). Nits, nymphs and adults of the parasite were respectively collected from 98.46% (64/65), 38.46% (25/65) and 23.08% (15/65) of the animals examined. This is the first report of bovine pediculosis caused by H. quadripertusus in the state of Pará, Brazil. Further studies should be conducted to determine the occurrence pattern of this species in Brazil and its importance to livestock production.

Infestation by Haematopinus quadripertusus on cattle in São Domingos do Capim, state of Pará, Brazil / Infestação por Haematopinus quadripertusus em bovinos de São Domingos do Capim, Estado do Pará, Brasil

Severe infestation with lice was observed on crossbred cattle (Bos taurus indicus ×Bos taurus taurus) in the municipality of São Domingos do Capim, state of Pará, Brazil. Sixty-five animals were inspected and the lice were manually collected, preserved in 70% alcohol and taken to the Animal Parasitology Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Pará, Brazil, for identification. The adult lice were identified as Haematopinus quadripertusus, and all the cattle examined were infested by at least one development stage of this ectoparasite. The specimens collected were located only on the tail in 80% (52/65) of the cattle, while they were around the eyes as well as on the ears and tail in 20% (13/65). Nits, nymphs and adults of the parasite were respectively collected from 98.46% (64/65), 38.46% (25/65) and 23.08% (15/65) of the animals examined. This is the first report of bovine pediculosis caused by H. quadripertusus in the state of Pará, Brazil. Further studies should be conducted to determine the occurrence pattern of this species in Brazil and its importance to livestock production.

Alta infestação por piolhos foi observada em vacas mestiças Bos taurus indicus e Bos taurus taurus do município de São Domingos do Capim, Estado do Pará, Brasil. Sessenta e cinco animais foram inspecionados e os piolhos foram coletados manualmente, armazenados em álcool 70% e transportados ao Laboratório de Parasitologia Animal da Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária da Universidade Federal do Pará para a identificação. Os exemplares adultos foram identificados como Haematopinus quadripertusus e todos os animais examinados apresentaram pelo menos um estágio de desenvolvimento do ectoparasito. Em 80% (52/65) dos animais, os exemplares coletados localizavam-se somente na cauda e em 20% (13/65) na região periocular, orelha e cauda. Lêndeas, ninfas e adultos foram coletados, respectivamente, em 98,46% (64/65), em 38,46% (25/65) e em 23,08% (15/65) dos animais examinados. Esse é o primeiro relato de pediculose bovina causada por H. quadripertusus no estado do Pará e mais estudos devem ser realizados para determinar a ocorrência dessa espécie no Brasil e a sua importância para a pecuária nacional.

Infestation by Haematopinus quadripertusus on cattle in São Domingos do Capim, state of Pará, Brazil / Infestação por Haematopinus quadripertusus em bovinos de São Domingos do Capim, Estado do Pará, Brasil

Severe infestation with lice was observed on crossbred cattle (Bos taurus indicus ×Bos taurus taurus) in the municipality of São Domingos do Capim, state of Pará, Brazil. Sixty-five animals were inspected and the lice were manually collected, preserved in 70% alcohol and taken to the Animal Parasitology Laboratory, School of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Pará, Brazil, for identification. The adult lice were identified as Haematopinus quadripertusus, and all the cattle examined were infested by at least one development stage of this ectoparasite. The specimens collected were located only on the tail in 80% (52/65) of the cattle, while they were around the eyes as well as on the ears and tail in 20% (13/65). Nits, nymphs and adults of the parasite were respectively collected from 98.46% (64/65), 38.46% (25/65) and 23.08% (15/65) of the animals examined. This is the first report of bovine pediculosis caused by H. quadripertusus in the state of Pará, Brazil. Further studies should be conducted to determine the occurrence pattern of this species in Brazil and its importance to livestock production.

Alta infestação por piolhos foi observada em vacas mestiças Bos taurus indicus e Bos taurus taurus do município de São Domingos do Capim, Estado do Pará, Brasil. Sessenta e cinco animais foram inspecionados e os piolhos foram coletados manualmente, armazenados em álcool 70% e transportados ao Laboratório de Parasitologia Animal da Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária da Universidade Federal do Pará para a identificação. Os exemplares adultos foram identificados como Haematopinus quadripertusus e todos os animais examinados apresentaram pelo menos um estágio de desenvolvimento do ectoparasito. Em 80% (52/65) dos animais, os exemplares coletados localizavam-se somente na cauda e em 20% (13/65) na região periocular, orelha e cauda. Lêndeas, ninfas e adultos foram coletados, respectivamente, em 98,46% (64/65), em 38,46% (25/65) e em 23,08% (15/65) dos animais examinados. Esse é o primeiro relato de pediculose bovina causada por H. quadripertusus no estado do Pará e mais estudos devem ser realizados para determinar a ocorrência dessa espécie no Brasil e a sua importância para a pecuária nacional.

Dermatite alérgica à picada de insetos em ovinos no estado do Pará / Allergic dermatitis to insect bites in sheep in the state of Pará

Foi estudada uma doença em 159 ovinos em 15 propriedades localizadas em sete municípios das mesorregiões nordeste e sudeste do estado do Pará e uma em um município do estado de Roraima. Os ovinos da raça Santa Inês e seus mestiços, de ambos os sexos e com dois a quatro anos de idade, eram os mais acometidos. A doença caracterizava-se por alopecia em diversas regiões do corpo, principalmente ao redor dos olhos; essas lesões evoluíam para eritemas multifocais, pequenas pápulas e crostas. Os animais apresentavam prurido intenso no local das lesões, inquietação, perda de peso e corrimento ocular. Sempre era observada a presença de mosquitos ao redor dos animais. Com o auxílio de um puçá foi realizada a captura de insetos associados às lesões, durante o repasto nos ovinos, para a identificação. Foram identificados insetos dos gêneros Simulium e Hippelates. Realizou-se biópsia da pele lesada de 10 ovinos. As lesões histológicas se caracterizaram por leves infiltrados inflamatórios mononucleares na derme, com presença de eosinófilos. Os estudos epidemiológicos, clínicos e patológicos desses casos, bem como o descarte dos diagnósticos diferenciais, permitiram concluir que se trata de dermatite alérgica por picada de insetos.(AU)

A skin disease was studied in 159 sheep on 15 farms located in seven counties of northeastern and southeastern of the state of Pará and in one farm in the state of Roraima, Brazil. The disease affected mainly two to four year-old sheep of the Santa Ines breed and crossbreds. Clinical signs were characterized by alopecia, multifocal erythema, small papules, and crusts in several areas of the body, mainly around the eyes. Severe itching in the affected areas, restless, weight loss and lacrimation were also observed. Insects were always seen around the animals. Insects apparently associated with the lesions were captured and identified as pertaining to the genera Simulium and Hippelates. Biopsies of the skin lesions of 10 sheep revealed inflammatory non suppurative mononuclear infiltrates of the dermis with presence of eosinophils. The epidemiologic, clinical and pathological studies of the cases allowed the diagnosis of allergic dermatitis due to the insect bites.(AU)

Dermatite alérgica à picada de insetos em ovinos no estado do Pará / Allergic dermatitis to insect bites in sheep in the state of Pará

Foi estudada uma doença em 159 ovinos em 15 propriedades localizadas em sete municípios das mesorregiões nordeste e sudeste do estado do Pará e uma em um município do estado de Roraima. Os ovinos da raça Santa Inês e seus mestiços, de ambos os sexos e com dois a quatro anos de idade, eram os mais acometidos. A doença caracterizava-se por alopecia em diversas regiões do corpo, principalmente ao redor dos olhos; essas lesões evoluíam para eritemas multifocais, pequenas pápulas e crostas. Os animais apresentavam prurido intenso no local das lesões, inquietação, perda de peso e corrimento ocular. Sempre era observada a presença de mosquitos ao redor dos animais. Com o auxílio de um puçá foi realizada a captura de insetos associados às lesões, durante o repasto nos ovinos, para a identificação. Foram identificados insetos dos gêneros Simulium e Hippelates. Realizou-se biópsia da pele lesada de 10 ovinos. As lesões histológicas se caracterizaram por leves infiltrados inflamatórios mononucleares na derme, com presença de eosinófilos. Os estudos epidemiológicos, clínicos e patológicos desses casos, bem como o descarte dos diagnósticos diferenciais, permitiram concluir que se trata de dermatite alérgica por picada de insetos.

A skin disease was studied in 159 sheep on 15 farms located in seven counties of northeastern and southeastern of the state of Pará and in one farm in the state of Roraima, Brazil. The disease affected mainly two to four year-old sheep of the Santa Ines breed and crossbreds. Clinical signs were characterized by alopecia, multifocal erythema, small papules, and crusts in several areas of the body, mainly around the eyes. Severe itching in the affected areas, restless, weight loss and lacrimation were also observed. Insects were always seen around the animals. Insects apparently associated with the lesions were captured and identified as pertaining to the genera Simulium and Hippelates. Biopsies of the skin lesions of 10 sheep revealed inflammatory non suppurative mononuclear infiltrates of the dermis with presence of eosinophils. The epidemiologic, clinical and pathological studies of the cases allowed the diagnosis of allergic dermatitis due to the insect bites.

Fotossensibilização em ovinos associada à ingestão de Brachiaria brizantha no estado do Pará / / Photosensitization of sheep kept on Brachiaria brizantha pasture in the state of Pará

Foram estudados dois surtos e realizado um experimento de fotossensibilização associada à ingestão por Brachiaria brizantha em ovinos mestiços de Santa Inês e Dorper, com idade variando de dois a três meses, em uma fazenda no município de Santa Luzia do Pará. Esses animais foram mantidos desde o nascimento até aproximadamente dois meses de idade, em apriscos suspensos do chão, recebendo capim-elefante roxo (Pennisetum purpureum cv. roxo), concentrado, sal mineral e água ad libitum. Após esse período foram introduzidos em um piquete de B. brizantha. Na ocasião dos surtos e do experimento a fazenda foi visitada para observação dos dados epidemiológicos, avaliação clínica dos animais, colheita de amostras de sangue para dosagem de GGT, AST, BD, BI, BT, ureia e creatinina e colheita de pastagem para pesquisa de Pithomyces chartarum e saponinas. Também foi realizada necropsia com colheita de material para estudo histológico. O surto 01 ocorreu na época de escassez de chuva, com taxa de morbidade e letalidade de 43,4 por cento e 81,6 por cento, respectivamente. O surto 02 aconteceu no início da época chuvosa, com taxas de morbidade e letalidade de 16,3 por cento e 76,9 por cento, respectivamente. Em ambos os surtos o capim encontrava-se com massa residual reduzida e senescente. Dos 50 animais do experimento, 10 receberam 200ml de fluido ruminal retirado de ovelhas mães do mesmo lote, a primeira administração foi feita um dia antes da introdução desses animais na pastagem, e mais duas subsequentes com intervalo de uma semana. Após 15 dias de pastejo, os animais começaram a apresentar inquietação, procura por sombra, edema nas orelhas, mucosas amareladas, apatia, anorexia e desprendimento da pele seguido por formação de crostas em algumas áreas do corpo. Tanto os animais dos surtos quanto do experimento apresentaram aumento nos níveis de GGT, AST, BD, BI, BT, ureia e creatinina. Os valores de ureia e GGT dos animais...(AU)

Two outbreaks of photosensitization by Brachiaria brizantha were studied and an experiment was performed in Santa Inês and Dorper crossbred sheep, two to three months old, on a farm in Santa Luzia do Pará municipality. These animals were kept from birth until about two months of age in a suspended stall floor, fed purple elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum cv. purple), and had minerals and water ad libitum. After this period they were placed into a paddock of B. brizantha. At the time of the outbreaks and the experimental studies, the farm was visited for epidemiological assessment and clinical examination of the sheep, collection of blood samples for measurement of gamma glutamyltransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, conjugated bilirubin, unconjugated bilirubin, urea, and creatinine. Pasture samples were collected for saponin determination and count of Pithomyces chartarum spores. Necropsies with collection of material for histopathological studies were performed. Outbreak 1 occurred at the time of low rainfall, when the grass was scarce and mature, and morbidity and lethality was 43.4 percent and 81.6 percent, respectively. Outbreak 2 occurred at the beginning of the rainy season, with morbidity and lethality rates of 16.3 percent and 76.9 percent, respectively. From the 50 animals in the experiment, 10 received three times 200ml of rumen fluid taken from mother sheep of the same batch. The first of these administrations was given one day before the sheep were introduced into the pasture and the other two at weekly intervals. After 15 days in the pasture, the animals were unquiet, looked for shade, had edema of the ears, yellowish mucosae, were apathic, had anorexia and showed sloughing of the skin followed by crusting in some areas of the body. Both, the sheep of the outbreaks as those from the experiment, showed increased levels of GGT, AST, BD, BI, BT, urea and creatinine. In sheep which received ruminal fluid the values of urea and GGT ...(AU)