G. Macchioni

The activity of volatile compounds from Lavandula angustifolia against Psoroptes cuniculi

Previously we demonstrated the acaricidal properties of Lavandula angustifolia Miller essential oil and of linalool, one of its main components, against Psoroptes cuniculi detected following direct contact of the substances with the mites.

In vitro and in vivo efficacy of extracts of Artemisia verlotorum against Psoroptes cuniculi.

Effeds of feeding grass silage to heifers on their claw health WHILE they were housed in cubicles as young stock and during early pregnancy, two groups of eight Holstein-Friesian heifers were fed diets based either on grass silage or meadow hay, both supplemented with 1-8 kg per day of barley concentrate mix. Claw lesions and lameness were monitored from approximately four weeks before calving until 20 weeks after calving. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of the conformation of their claws and the rate of growth and wear of the horn, and both groups showed signs of net wear immediately after calving. However, 20 weeks after calving, the prevalence of poor locomotion and the extent of development of claw lesions were significantly greater (P<0-05) in the heifers fed the diet based on grass silage. OFFER, J. E., FISHER, G. E. J., KEMPSON, S. A. & LOGUE, D. N. (2001) The effect of feeding grass silage in early pregnancy on claw health during first lactation. Veterinary Journal 161, 186-193 Treatment (2.5 ml) Recovery (%) Oil 5 per cent* 100 Aqueous extract 20 per cent 33 Pyrethrum extract 100 Controls** 0 Untreated 0 * Diluted in a mixture of 98 per cent saline and 2 per cent vaseline oil ** Mixture composed of 98 per cent saline and 2 per cent of vaseline oil The Veterinary Formulary THE fifth edition of The Veterinary Formulary, published by the Pharmaceutical Press in association with the British Veterinary Association, has been extensively revised and is now available. The formulary is available, price £69.95, overseas £75, UK members £59.95, overseas members £65. Available from Cairns Mail Order Books, 2 Newstead Cottage, Chirnside, Berwickshire TDII 3JU, UK, telephone 01890 817145, fax 01890 818271, e-mail: cairns@tgscott.co.uk, website www.cairnsbooks.co.uk. (Visa/Mastercard/Eurocard accepted.) The Veterinary Record, June 30, 2001 IRRIFIRro-IM.

Isospora atrata N. Sp. (Apicomplexa, Eimeriidae): a New Coccidium Isolated from Carduelis atrata (Passeriformes, Fringillidae)

ABSTRACT Large numbers of coccidian oocysts belonging to the genus Isospora were obtained from the intestinal contents of 98 Carduelis atrata imported into Italy from South America during the months of August through December 1994. The oocysts are sub‐spherical and average 21 × 20.3 μm (19.4–23.5 μm × 18.5–22 μm), have a bilayered wall, and an oval polar granule (rarely two). The sporocysts are elliptical and measure 18.8 μm × 10.3 μm (17.5–18.94 μm × 9.5–11.0 μm). The Stieda body protrudes slightly from the end of the sporocyst. A large sporocyst residuum is present, consisting of many granules that may be in a compact mass or scattered. Since this Isospora sp.does not resemble any other species of Isospora previously described from birds of the genus Carduelis, it has been named Isospora atrata n. sp. after the host. Disseminated asexual stages were found in mononuclear cells derived from formalin‐fixed post mortem material, suggesting this coccidian may represent an Atoxoplasma‐like parasite. Four coccidia‐free Serinus canarius L. cohabitated for a long period (4 mo) with infected C. atrata but oocysts were never found in the stool of these birds.