Evanthia Petridou

A pathogenic myxoma virus in vaccinated and non-vaccinated commercial rabbits

A case of a myxoma virus strain in vaccinated and non-vaccinated rabbits is described, and genetic identification of that strain was performed in this study. In two commercial farms being 150km apart, myxomatosis has been occurred after the import of animals from a common supplier. The disease was manifested firstly in the existing non-immune population of does and fatteners, and later in all vaccinated animals, being 2-3 months immune at the time of first symptoms. Morbidity was almost 100% with nasal discharge, listlessness, fever, eyelid swelling, eye and nasal purulent discharge, papules in the ears, facial oedema, and swelling of the anagenital region, with result always the death of the animals. Examination by PCR had shown the presence of a 492-bp specific product in all the symptomatic animals tested from both farms, having 100% nucleotide sequence identity with the homologous region of the myxoma virus Lausanne strain. The simultaneous occurrence of myxomatosis in the vaccinated and non-vaccinated rabbits of both farms, suggests that the supplier was possibly the source of a viral isolate with increased virulence.

Culture phenotypes and molecular characterization of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis isolates from small ruminants

In this study the suitability of different solid media was investigated for the isolation of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map) in order to identify the optimum single or combination of media to permit the isolation of all strain types from small ruminants. A subset of these Map strains was then further characterized by molecular typing methods to assess the genetic diversity of Map strains in the study area (Northern Greece). Map strains were isolated from tissues and faeces of infected goats (n=52) and sheep (n=8) and were analysed for polymorphisms in IS1311 to classify the strain type as Type C or S. The study found that M7H11 supplemented with mycobactin j, OADC and new born calf serum (M7H11+Mj) is the best single choice of medium for the primary isolation of Map of both Type C and S from small ruminants. The combination of M7H11+Mj and Herrolds egg yolk medium supplemented with mycobactin j and sodium pyruvate allowed the detection of all Map isolates in this study. Nineteen Map isolates were characterised by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and the isolates demonstrated significant genetic diversity. Twelve different SnaBI and 16 distinct SpeI profiles were detected of which 25 have not been described previously and are new profiles. The combination of both enzyme profiles gave 13 different multiplex profiles. Ten different multiplex profiles were detected in goats and three in sheep. One ovine isolate gave the same multiplex profile as a caprine isolate and two different profiles were found within a single goat herd.

Reproductive performance of sows was improved by administration of a sporing bacillary probiotic (Bacillus subtilis C-3102).

This field study assessed the efficacy of a probiotic based on viable spores of Bacillus subtilis C-3102 (Calsporin; Calpis Co. Ltd., Japan) on the health status and productivity of sows and their litters through 2 full, sequential reproductive cycles from service of the first cycle to weaning of the second cycle. Fifty-six sows were allocated to 2 experimental groups, an untreated control (T1) group and a probiotic-treated (T2) group that received the same basal feed as the T1 group plus the probiotic at an approximate allowance of 30 g/t of feed (3 × 10(5) cfu/g). The offspring of T1 and T2 sows were offered basal and T2 creep feed (3 × 10(5) cfu/g), respectively. Health and zootechnical parameters of sows and piglets were recorded. Feeding the probiotic to sows and piglets resulted in significant benefits, observed in both cycles: 1) improved sow body condition during pregnancy (P < 0.05), 2) increased sow feed consumption, 3) reduced sow weight loss during lactation (P < 0.05), 4) reduced sow weaning-estrus interval (P < 0.05), and 5) higher BW of piglets at weaning (P < 0.05). Additionally, a significant (P < 0.05) improvement in piglet birth weight and in the number of piglets weaned was observed in the second cycle of T2 sows, while a significant improvement of mean daily gain of piglets from birth to weaning was observed in the first cycle of T2 sows. Microbiological examination of fecal samples showed that probiotic treatment significantly reduced both Escherichia coli and Clostridium spp. in piglet feces, particularly during the second cycle. The data suggested that continuous feed supplementation with the probiotic is beneficial for both sows and piglets, since zootechnical benefits were observed in both cycles.

Acute coenurosis of dairy sheep from 11 flocks in Greece

Abstract CASE HISTORY: A syndrome of acute neurological dysfunction with increased mortality was observed in lambs of 10 dairy sheep flocks and adult animals in one flock in Central and Northern Greece. Each farmer completed a questionnaire regarding the management and feeding of their flocks. In seven of the 11 flocks the affected animals were grazing pasture, while in the remaining four flocks (5, 8, 9, 10) the animals were fed alfalfa hay (Medicago sativa) and concentrates indoors. A follow-up study of the affected flocks was conducted during the next 12 months. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Of 42 sheep with acute coenurosis that were examined, the most prominent neurological abnormalities were ataxia, depression, blindness, scoliosis, coma and dysmetria. Except for the four sheep that were comatose, all other animals had normal body temperatures and their appetites remained normal or were slightly decreased. Haematological findings of 15 examined sheep were within normal limits. The affected sheep were subject to euthanasia. A histopathological examination was performed in 13 cases. Faecal samples from dogs associated with these flocks were negative for taeniid infections. During the following 12 months cases of chronic coenurosis in these flocks were observed. PATHOLOGICAL FINDINGS: In the 42 animals that were necropsied, the main gross findings were cystic formations between 0.5–1 cm in diameter with translucent walls that were seen lying free on the leptomeninges or partly penetrating the brain tissue, sterile microabscecess and brain necrosis. Histopathological evaluation of tissue sections of 13 brains showed multifocal purulent or pyogranulomatous meningoencephalitis, accompanied by eosinophilic infiltrations. No bacteria were isolated following bacterial culture of brain tissue Parasitological examination of the cysts from five cases revealed whitish specks on the transparent cyst wall and germination membrane representing the scolices. DIAGNOSIS: Acute coenurosis was diagnosed in all cases studied. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Acute coenurosis can be one of the causes of acute encephalopathy mainly in lambs, but also in adult sheep. This condition is incurable, but can be controlled by changing the feeding regime. Cases of chronic coenurosis may be seen a few months later in the same flock.

Stenotrophomonas Maltophilia as a Causal Agent of Pyogranulomatous Hepatitis in a Buffalo (Bubalus Bubalis)

A 7-year-old female buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) from a local herd in Serres, northern Greece, was presented to a private veterinary clinic with a chronic loss of appetite for 15 days. The clinical examination revealed high fever (41.5°C), lethargy, yellow discoloration of skin and mucous membranes, an abdomen that appeared to be empty, hyperactive rumen motility, and tachypnea. A biochemical profile revealed an elevated total bilirubin concentration and hepatic enzyme activities, whereas globulin, creatinine, and glucose concentrations were within the reference intervals. The animal received a 12-day course of treatment with intramuscular administration of ampicillin and corticosteroids. However, no significant clinical improvement was achieved, and the buffalo was euthanized. Gross necropsy lesions included serous atrophy of adipose tissue and hepatomegaly. Microscopic lesions included necrotizing pyogranulomatous hepatitis with thrombosis, hemorrhages, edema, and fibrosis. Small, nonpigmented, bacterial colonies were harvested in pure culture from the liver and were confirmed as Stenotrophomonas maltophilia by polymerase chain reaction. The bacterium was sensitive to ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin, colistin, polymyxin, trimethoprim/sulfamethaxazole, and chloramphenicol. In contrast, resistance to ticarcillin, piperacillin, imipenem, ceftazidime, amikacin, gentamicin, tobramycin, and tetracycline was displayed. The bacterial strain carried the L1 metallo-β-lactamase (L1) and tet35 genes, which contribute to high-level resistance to β-lactams and tetracycline, respectively. Although S. maltophilia is widely believed to be a contaminant, the present report suggests that the isolation, identification, and susceptibility testing of this multidrug-resistant bacterium may be of clinical importance in diagnostic samples.

Mortality in adult goats attributed to Mycoplasma capricolum subspecies capricolum

Mycoplasma capricolum subspecies capricolum has been isolated from the oral cavity, external ear canal and milk of healthy goats ([Cottew and Yeats 1982][1], [DaMassa and Brooks 1991][2], [De la Fe and others 2005][3]) but has also been found to be pathogenic, and can cause severe losses in goat

Congenital polyarthritis in goat kids attributed to Mycoplasma agalactiae

CONTAGIOUS agalactia is a disease that is mainly caused by Mycoplasma agalactiae . The disease has a severe impact on the economics of small ruminant herds, as it can cause mastitis, severe hypogalactia, arthritis, keratoconjunctivitis, abortions, pneumonia and, rarely, deaths (Da Massa and others 1992, Madanat and others 2001, Al-Momani and others 2006, De la Fe and others 2007). Mycoplasmatic arthritis is an entity that seems to be common and causes severe losses in adult and young goats (Bolske and others 1988, Giadinis and others 2008, Smith and Sherman 2009). Additionally, a congenital form of arthritis in goat kids attributed to Mycoplasma mycoides subspecies mycoides has been reported in Israel (Bar-Moshe and Rapapport 1981). However, congenital arthritis due to other mycoplasma species has not been reported to date. This short communication describes a case of congenital polyarthritis in neonatal goat kids in Greece that was caused by M agalactiae . In a dairy goat herd of Northern Greece, which six months ago (the previous milking season) suffered from …

In vitro susceptibilities of caprine Mycoplasma agalactiae field isolates to six antimicrobial agents using the E test methodology

The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of enrofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, spectinomycin, tetracycline, spiramycin and erythromycin against 30 caprine Greek isolates of Mycoplasma agalactiae were determined using E test methodology. The E test strips were placed on Eatons agar medium without antimicrobials and phenol red. MICs were then read by determining where the growth inhibition zone intersected with the MIC scale on the strip. An MIC value of 8 µg/mL was considered as a guide to mycoplasma resistance. All isolates were sensitive to fluoroquinolones (MIC50, 0.19 g/mL; MIC90, 0.38 µg/mL; highest MIC, 0.5 µg/mL), spectinomycin (MIC50, 0.5 µg/mL; MIC90, 1 µg/mL; highest MIC, 1 µg/mL), and spiramycin (MIC50, 1 µg/mL; MIC90, 1.5 µg/mL; highest MIC, 2 µg/mL). Two strains exhibited resistance to tetracycline (MIC 32 µg/mL) but these were not found to carry any of the tet(M), tet(O), and tet(S) resistance genes. Finally all isolates expressed resistance to erythromycin (MIC50, 128 µg/mL; MIC90, >256 µg/mL).

Recovery of Microsporum gypseum and Malassezia pachydermatis from the nasal bridge in various dog groups

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Multiple clones and low antimicrobial resistance rates for Salmonella enterica serovar Infantis populations in Greece

All the Salmonella enterica ser. Infantis strains isolated under official control programs in Greece during a four year period were studied, 23 of human origin, 16 from food animals and one from food. Molecular analyses (PFGE) in combination with antimicrobial susceptibility testing were used to study whether the occurrence S. Infantis in Greece resulted from different biotypes or a successful spread of one clone. Low rates of antimicrobial resistance were observed, except for streptomycin among human isolates (48%), indicating that selective pressure due to consumption of antimicrobials has not resulted the spread of dominant clones. Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis revealed 31 XbaI distinct pulsotypes among the 40 strains with 60% overall similarity reflecting diversity. Four main clusters were constructed, using an 85% cut off value, clusters A, B, C and D consisting of 14, 6, 8 and 8 isolates respectively. Point source of transmission was not hypothesized as multiple reservoirs of the serovar seem to be present in Greece during the study period.