Liver enzymes and blood metabolites in a population of free-ranging red deer (Cervus elaphus) naturally infected with Fascioloides magna.

We investigated the effects of Fascioloides magna infection on the serum biochemistry values of the naturally infected red deer population in eastern Croatia. The investigation was performed on 47 red deer with F. magna infection confirmed patho-anatomically in 27 animals (57.4%). Fibrous capsules and migratory lesions were found in 14 deer while only fibrous capsules without migratory lesions were found in 13 deer. In 13 deer both immature and mature flukes were found, in 5 deer only immature flukes were found and in 9 deer only mature flukes were found. Fascioloides magna infected deer with fibrous capsules and migratory lesions had significantly higher values for lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) and globulin, and lower values for albumin/globulin ratio and glucose compared to uninfected deer. Fascioloides magna infected deer with fibrous capsules without the presence of migratory lesions had higher values for alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and globulin, and lower values for albumin/globulin ratio and glucose, than the uninfected deer. The number of immature flukes was positively correlated with values of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT), LDH, GLDH, urea and triglycerides. The number of migratory lesions was positively correlated with GGT, GLDH, globulin and urea values. The creatinine value was positively correlated with the number of mature flukes. The trial showed that F. magna infection causes significant changes in serum biochemistry. Moreover, these changes do not completely resemble changes following F. hepatica infection. Further investigation of changes in liver enzymes and other serum metabolites in controlled, experimentally induced fascioloidosis in red deer is needed to better understand the pathogenesis of F. magna.

Plasma pharmacokinetics of abamectin in fallow deer (Cervus dama dama) following subcutaneous administration.

The pharmacokinetics of abamectin (ABM) following a single subcutaneous administration of 200 µg/kg was evaluated in adult fallow deer by following ABM concentration in blood plasma. A nonlinear mixed effects modelling procedure was used for pharmacokinetic analysis. The time course of ABM concentration was described by a two-compartment model with first-order absorption. Abamectin absorption in fallow deer was rapid with a peak plasma concentration of 120.7 ± 33.2 ng/mL observed at 19.1 ± 7.7 h (mean ± SD). Half-lives of the distribution and terminal phase were 17.2 and 119.3 h, respectively. Typical apparent clearance of the bioavailable fraction (CL/F) was 0.795 L/h and was independent of animal weight. Considering the obtained pharmacokinetic parameters in our study, we may assume that effective parasite control in fallow deer is obtained using the usual recommended dose of 200 µg/kg.

Monitoring of classical swine fever in wild boar (Sus scrofa) in Slovenia.

Classical swine fever (CSF) is a highly contagious multi-systemic haemorrhagic viral disease of pigs. Not only domestic pigs, but also wild boar appear to play a crucial role in the epidemiology of CSF. Spleen (n = 739) and blood coagulum (n = 562) sampled from wild boars (Sus scrofa) shot in 2002, and serum samples from 746 wild boar shot in 2003 and 2004, were tested throughout Slovenia. In 2002, 17 samples were positive on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test for antibodies against classical swine fever virus (CSFV). Positive ELISA test was confirmed by a virus neutralization test. All other samples were negative. This is the first report that describes the epidemiology of CSFV from 2002 on, and the monitoring of the wild boar population in Slovenia at present.

Atmospheric flash injuries in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus).

The pathological and histopathological examination of two female roe deer found dead after a severe thunderstorm is described. One of the two roe deer was killed by a direct hit of atmospheric flash, while the other animal, lying 1.5 m from the first one, died as a consequence of ground current strike. The major part of the coat and skin of the animal that was killed by a direct hit was covered with scorched streaks. The trachea and bronchi of both animals contained a considerable amount of aspirated light-red foam. Necropsy revealed diffuse haemorrhages over the epicardium of the right atrium with a diameter of 1 millimetre. The liver and the kidney exhibited severe congestion.

A serological survey of selected pathogens in wild boar in Slovenia.

Serum samples collected from 178 shot wild boars (Sus scrofa) were tested for the presence of antibodies against classical swine fever virus, Aujeszky's disease virus (ADV), porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, porcine respiratory coronavirus (PRCV), transmissible gastroenteritis virus, swine influenza virus, porcine parvovirus (PPV), swine vesicular disease virus, Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (APP), Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, Salmonella spp., Brucella spp. and Haemophilus parasuis (HPS) throughout Slovenia during the hunting season 2003/2004. The number of samples corresponds to 3% of the total hunting bag. By enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) antibodies against ADV were detected in 55 sera (31%), against PRCV in five sera (3%), PPV in 87 sera (49%), APP in 93 sera (52%), M. hyopneumoniae in 38 sera (21%), Salmonella spp. in 85 sera (47%) and HPS in 33 sera (18%).

Fasciola hepatica: effects on blood constituents and liver minerals in fallow deer (Dama dama).

Haematological and serum biochemical constituents as well as the liver mineral concentrations can be affected by Fasciola hepatica. The present study compares the blood and liver constituents in 19 fallow deer with fascioliosis and in 43 without it. Blood samples, gastro-intestinal tract, lungs and liver were taken from 62 male and female fallow deer that were shot, aged 6 months and over, in enclosures, between 1999 and 2001 in Slovenia. Samples were analysed and the means of various parameters of blood and liver were determined. Significant differences in blood were found in the mean cell volume, total serum proteins, sodium, and calcium; and in liver and calcium and copper were higher in animals without fascioliosis. Mean cell haemoglobin concentration, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, alanine aminotransferase, urea, glucose and copper in blood were significantly higher in animals with fascioliosis. It has been concluded that some of the values in fallow deer like in other domestic ruminants are the sensitive indicators of liver cell damage in fascioliosis.