Mihaela Niculae

Human impact on the microbiological water quality of the rivers

Microbiological contamination is an important water-quality problem worldwide. Human impact on this category of contamination is significant and several human-related activities, and also the population explosion, have affected and are still affecting dramatically the aquatic environment. Extensive industrialization and agriculture have led to increased pollution and hydromorphological changes in many river basins. The Danube river is one of the most affected by these changes where human involvement is undeniable, and subsequently, the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve became one of the most vulnerable ecosystems. This review is an attempt to analyse the microbiological contamination and to identify the major role human activities play in altering the water quality of the rivers.

The effect of the housing system on the welfare quality of dairy cows

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the housing systems (loose vs tie-stall) on the welfare of dairy cows and to test the hypothesis that dairy cows in loose housing systems have a better welfare quality than those kept in tie-stalls. Sixty commercial dairy farms (30 with loose and 30 with tie-stall housing system) were selected for evaluation, using mainly animal-based measures, as the applied Welfare Quality® protocol allows it. A total number of 2624 milking cows were assessed in the winter period. There were significant differences between the two housing systems for the majority of the parameters within the four welfare principles. Significant differences were also found in terms of the mean scores of the welfare criteria and principles, with the majority pointing out the loose system as better. Based on the scores of the four principles, most of the farms with loose housing were classified as enhanced, while the majority of the tie-stall farms were acceptable. The results show that the welfare quality of dairy cows is greatly influenced by the housing system, and that the loose system is more advantageous when it comes to the feeding, housing and behaviour of the dairy cow.

Wild Birds in Romania Are More Exposed to West Nile Virus Than to Newcastle Disease Virus.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of West Nile virus (WNV) and Newcastle disease virus (NDV) in wild and domestic birds from Romania. During 2011-2014, 159 plasma samples from wild birds assigned to 11 orders, 27 families, and 61 species and from 21 domestic birds (Gallus gallus domesticus, Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) were collected. The sera were assayed by two commercial competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) kits for antibodies against WNV and NDV. We found a high prevalence of WNV antibodies in both domestic (19.1%) and wild (32.1%) birds captured after the human epidemic in 2010. Moreover, the presence of anti-NDV antibodies among wild birds from Romania (5.4%) was confirmed serologically for the first time, as far as we are aware. Our findings provide evidence that wild birds, especially resident ones are involved in local West Nile and Newcastle disease enzootic and epizootic cycles. These may allow virus maintenance and spread and also enhance the chance of new outbreaks.

Seasonal Evolution of Total Antioxidative Status in Two Species of Semi-aquatic Turtles

The intention of this study it was to monitoring the seasonally evolution of Total Antioxidative Status in two semi aquatic turtle species: Trachemys scripta elegans and Emys orbicularis. In both studied tortoise species the total antioxidant status was maximum during hibernation, realized a delicate balance between hibernal stress and protective antioxidant system. The reference values of Total Antioxidative Status for active human population in Europe are between 1.30 - 1.77 mmol/l, thus we can consider that in semi aquatic turtles the antioxidant system is very efficient and this directs us to formulate the next question: Is the operational efficiency of the antioxidant system the reason that makes it possible for these animals to reach high ages? To our knowledge this is the first time when the total antioxidant status was monitored in semi aquatic turtles.

Some Aspects of the Humoral Immune Response in IBR Vaccinated Cows

Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) is an acute respiratory disease with major economic consequences in cattle, caused by bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BoHV-1). Despite complex control and eradication strategies, the BoHV-1 infection continues to persist mainly due to the latently infected animals and also to its high contagiousity. Also, the efficacy of vaccines in prevention of infection has been questioned by some authors. The present study carried out on 941 bovine divided on three experimental groups (I: 0-8 months female calves, II: 8-18 months male calves and III: adult cattle), was intended to evaluate some aspects regarding the specific and non- specific humoral immune status in young and adult bovine IBR vaccinated with a live attenuated marker vaccine. In order to detect the presence of specific antibodies, a blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) HerdCheck - IDDEX was performed on 941 serum samples (95, 72% of the farm population) collected from Limousine bovines with age ranged from 2 weeks to 7 years old. This method allows the detection and differentiation of infected cattle (positive results) from vaccinated cattle with a gE - negative vaccine (marker vaccine) (negative results). To monitor two nonspecific immune parameters: total immunoglobulins level and circulating immune complexes (CIC), bovine serum samples were submitted to the following nephelometric tests: zinc sulphate turbidity assay for the total protein concentration (Haskova modified method) and the 4,2% polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation technique in order to estimate the level of CIC.

PERITONEAL DIALYSIS IN DOGS AND CATS

Renal diseases represent one of the more frequent affections mostly in aged animals. Even, if we talk about acute or chronic renal suffering in this time the excretion renal function must be replaced. Peritoneal dialysis represent an easier, cheaper and relative safe way to excrete the toxic metabolism products. Peritoneal dialysis principle is represented by osmosis principle which means the capacity of small molecules to pass through semipermeable membranes until the concentration become equal on the each side of these membrane. Scope. Testing the efficiency of a non-commercial peritoneal dialysis solution, compound of one part Ringer’s solution and ¼ parts 20 % dextrose. Pacients. 6 cats and dog with different sex, age and breed which have had a kidney disease. Results. As follow as peritoneal dialysis used we obtained: Decrease of blood urea nitrogen with 14.8 % / dialysis cycle; Decrease of serum creatinine with 7.2 % / dialysis cycle. Conclusion Peritoneal dialysis represent an easy, facil and safe way to excrete the toxic metabolism products until the excretion renal function will be recovered