Recovery of hepatic function and latent mortalities in sheep exposed to the blue-green alga Microcystis aeruginosa.

Seventeen sheep died, and many others showed signs of hepatogenous photosensitivity after being exposed to Microcystis aeruginosa at Lake Mokoan, Victoria, Australia. Two groups of sheep were observed, and their hepatic recovery was monitored by means of serum biochemical tests during the subsequent six months. During the first three weeks, their serum gamma-glutamyl transferase activity and bilirubin concentration declined rapidly to normal levels, and the signs of hepatogenous photosensitivity disappeared. Serum bile acid concentrations were above normal for almost three months. Thirty-four per cent of the sheep died during the observation period, and the serum biochemical tests provided no clear indication of the cause of these delayed mortalities. This study suggests that sublethal exposure to microcystins may cause prolonged morbidity and delayed mortality.

Clinical biochemical reference ranges for female alpacas (Lama pacos).

1. Serum samples were collected from 352 healthy female alpacas and tested for 17 clinical biochemical analytes. 2. From the total population of alpacas tested, 205 were pregnant, 68 were not pregnant and 79 had an unknown pregnancy status. 3. Reference ranges for the female alpacas were determined for all the biochemical analytes, and compared to ranges reported for llamas, cattle, sheep and goats. 4. The mean values for pregnant and non-pregnant females were compared and any statistically significant differences identified. 5. The biochemical values reported here are suitable as reference ranges for pregnant and non-pregnant female alpacas.