Caesarean section is a common surgery performed in sheep, wherefore the animal is often placed in... more Caesarean section is a common surgery performed in sheep, wherefore the animal is often placed in the supine position, which can lead to compromised lung function caused by pressure from the rumen and the full uterus. The forestomach system in ruminants contains fluids and electrolytes, which can function as a great reservoir for the blood equilibrium. The ruminal fluid as well as kidney function in sheep undergoing surgical procedures has so far been little examined in research. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the type of anaesthesia as well as pregnancy status on these parameters. Based on our results, we can state that inhalational anaesthesia with added oxygen improves the oxygen saturation and partial pressure of oxygen in the blood of sheep in the supine position. Kidney function can be maintained with a minimal electrolyte infusion regime and changes in electrolytes in ruminal fluid could be observed.
The relationships between body condition score (BCS), metabolic measurements and pregnancy rates ... more The relationships between body condition score (BCS), metabolic measurements and pregnancy rates were studied from 214 cows belonging to 6 herds located in Reunion Island between January and December 1998. BCS (0 to 5 scale) and biochemical blood parameters were measured before calving, 0-30, 60-90 and 120-150 days post-partum. Pregnancy status was also checked precisely after 171 AI's (n=104 cows) by EIA progesterone determination in milk 23 to 24 days after AI and pregnancy specific protein B (PSPB) measurements 30 to 45 days after AI and was further confirmed by rectal palpation by 60 days post AI. A preliminary analysis led to determine 3 groups of herds according to their pregnancy rates (40%, 26% and 14.5% respectively for group 1, 2 and 3 cows). Significant differences between the 3 groups were found for BCS, glucose and urea (p < 0.0001) and a significant main effect of the post-partum stage was observed as well (p < 0.0001). Mean BCS were not different in the 3 gr...
Chronic wasting in sheep is often related to parasitic infections, especially to infections with ... more Chronic wasting in sheep is often related to parasitic infections, especially to infections with several species of trematodes. Trematodes, or "flukes", are endoparasites, which infect different organs of their hosts (often sheep, goats and cattle, but other grazing animals as well as carnivores and birds are also at risk of infection). The body of an adult fluke has two suckers for adhesion to the host's internal organ surface and for feeding purposes. Flukes cause harm to the animals by subsisting on host body tissues or fluids such as blood, and by initiating mechanical damage that leads to impaired vital organ functions. The development of these parasites is dependent on the occurrence of intermediate hosts during the life cycle of the fluke species. These intermediate hosts are often invertebrate species such as various snails and ants. This manuscript provides an insight into the distribution, morphology, life cycle, pathology and clinical symptoms caused by infections of liver and rumen flukes in sheep. Furthermore, we address the diagnosis, treatment and prevention measures, as well as the current knowledge about genomic resources.
Jamestown Canyon and snowshoe hare viruses are two emerging human pathogens associated with cases... more Jamestown Canyon and snowshoe hare viruses are two emerging human pathogens associated with cases of neuroinvasive disease in North America. This study aimed to identify environmental and individual risk factors for seropositivity to these arboviruses in humans and pet dogs from Québec, Canada, 2012-2014. In humans, areas with moderate densities of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) were associated with higher odds of seropositivity compared with areas with low densities of white-tailed deer (OR 2.50, P = 0.009) and odds of seropositivity were higher in males than in females (OR 2.03, P = 0.016). Among humans reporting more than 10 mosquito bites weekly, the odds of being seropositive were 4.44 times higher (P = 0.004) for people living in hardwood forested areas. Exposure to areas with coniferous forests was identified as the main environmental risk factor for seroconversion in dogs (OR 2.39, P = 0.04). These findings may help target further public health research, diagnostic and surveillance efforts in Canada.
In the present investigation we developed a method for the detection of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae ... more In the present investigation we developed a method for the detection of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of pigs by PCR with a primer pair flanking a DNA fragment of 853 bp specific for M. hyopneumoniae. Several methods were tested to eliminate the amplification inhibitors present in BALFs. The best results were obtained by the extraction of the DNA from the BALFs. By the PCR performed with the extracted DNA, 10 2 CFU of M. hyopneumoniae could be detected in 1 ml of BALF from specificpathogen-free swine experimentally inoculated with M. hyopneumoniae. DNA from 11 other mycoplasma species and 17 cell-walled bacterial species colonizing the respiratory tracts of pigs was not amplified. In a field study BALFs from 40 pigs from farms with a history of chronic pneumonia were tested for M. hyopneumoniae by cultivation and by PCR (i) with BALFs incubated in Friis medium and (ii) with DNA extracted from the BALFs. In addition, PCR was performed with postmortem lung washings from 19 of the 40 pigs, and immunofluorescence tests were carried out with sections of lungs from 18 of the 40 pigs. M. hyopneumoniae could not be detected in 18 of the 40 pigs by any of the five methods tested. The remaining 22 pigs showed a positive reaction by the PCR with DNA extracted from the BALFs and variable positive reactions by the other tests. A complete correspondence could be observed between the immunofluorescence test result and the result of PCR with DNA. The investigation shows that the PCR with DNA extracted from BALFs is a suitable technique for the sensitive and specific in vivo detection of M. hyopneumoniae.
Background: Ovine laryngeal chondritis is a rare entity of sheep in the USA, Great Britain, New Z... more Background: Ovine laryngeal chondritis is a rare entity of sheep in the USA, Great Britain, New Zealand and Iceland, but has not been reported in Germany so far. Here, two German cases are reported. Case presentation: Two rams showed severe and progressive signs of dyspnea. Endoscopically, a severe bilateral swelling of the larynx was identified in both rams. Due to poor prognosis and progression of clinical signs one ram was euthanized, while the other ram died overnight. In both cases, a necrosuppurative laryngitis and chondritis of arytenoid cartilages was found at necropsy. Fusobacterium necrophorum and Streptococcus ovis were isolated from the laryngeal lesion in one animal. Conclusions: This is the first report of ovine laryngeal chondritis in continental Europe. This entity should be considered a differential diagnosis for upper airway disease in sheep.
Background: This study was performed to demonstrate the widespread distribution and severity of s... more Background: This study was performed to demonstrate the widespread distribution and severity of selenium (Se) deficiency in sheep flocks and to evaluate the impact of influencing factors. In 150 flocks, ten serum samples of adult ewes were analysed for Se concentration. The farmers were interviewed concerning flock size, provision of mineral supplement, predominant form of husbandry (stationary fenced pasture/transhumance), predominant form of water provision (tap water/well/surface water) and predominant soil (sandy, silty/loamy, clay) in the area. The location of the flock was recorded as well as the production stage/season at the time of sampling. Intra-group variation and the validity to analyse pooled samples were tested. Results: Pools of five samples correlated well with the mean of individually analysed samples. The intra-group range of serum Se concentration varied enormously (mean 45.4 ± 18.8 μg Se/l). About 60% of the flocks showed mean serum Se concentrations below 80 μg/l, 37.4% were below 60 μg Se/l, representing a Se deficient stage. Using mineral supplement in general was no key factor for Se status. Stationary flocks on fenced pasture had constantly higher mean serum Se concentrations during breeding (outdoors, August-November), lambing (mainly indoors, December-March) and lactation (outdoors, April-July), whereas flocks practising transhumance had significantly lower Se status, except during lambing. There was no significant correlation between the soil type and the Se status, but flocks in Southern Germany tend to show a lower Se status compared to Central and Northern Germany. Increasing flock size was associated with lower mean serum Se concentrations. In stationary flocks only, the use of surface water was accompanied by significantly lower Se status. Conclusion: Se deficiency is widespread in German sheep flocks. More than one third of the flocks showed Se deficiency, indicating the need to optimise the nutritional management. Factors raising suspicion of Se deficiency are large flocks, transhumance during lactation and the breeding season as well as surface water provision in stationary flocks.
The intracellular bacteria Anaplasma spp. and Coxiella burnetii and the tick-borne encephalitis v... more The intracellular bacteria Anaplasma spp. and Coxiella burnetii and the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) are ticktransmitted pathogens circulating in the southern German sheep population. Knowledge of interaction among Anaplasma spp., C. burnetii and TBEV in sheep is lacking, but together they might promote and reinforce disease progression. The current study aimed to identify co-exposure of sheep to Anaplasma spp., C. burnetii and TBEV. For this purpose, 1,406 serum samples from 36 sheep flocks located in both southern German federal states, Baden-Wuerttemberg and Bavaria, were analysed by ELISAs to determine the antibody levels of the three pathogens. Inconclusive and positive results from the TBEV ELISA were additionally confirmed by a serum neutralisation assay. The proportion of sheep with antibodies against Anaplasma spp. (47.2%), C. burnetii (3.7%) and TBEV (4.7%) differed significantly. Significantly more flocks with Anaplasma spp. seropositive sheep (91.7%) were detected than flocks with antibodies against TBEV (58.3%) and C. burnetii (41.7%), but there was no significant difference between the number of flocks which contained TBEV and C. burnetii seropositive sheep. Seropositivity against at least two pathogens was detected in 4.7% of sheep from 20 flocks. Most co-exposed sheep had antibodies against Anaplasma spp./TBEV (n = 36), followed by Anaplasma spp./C. burnetii (n = 27) and Anaplasma spp./C. burnetii/TBEV (n = 2). Only one sheep showed an immune response against C. burnetii and TBEV. Flocks with sheep being positive against more than one pathogen were widely distributed throughout southern Germany. The descriptive analysis revealed no association between the antibody response of the three pathogens at animal level. Taking the flocks as a cluster variable into account, the exposure to TBEV reduced the probability of identifying C. burnetii antibodies in sheep significantly (odds ratio 0.46; 95% confidence interval 0.24-0.85), but the reason for this is unknown. The presence of Anaplasma spp. antibodies did not influence the detection of antibodies against C. burnetii and TBEV. Studies under controlled conditions are necessary to evaluate any possible adverse impact of co-exposure to tick-borne pathogens on sheep health. This can help to clarify rare disease patterns. Research in this field may also support the One Health approach due to the zoonotic potential of Anaplasma spp., C. burnetii and TBEV.
Animal losses due to abortion and weak offspring during a lambing period amounted up to 25% in a ... more Animal losses due to abortion and weak offspring during a lambing period amounted up to 25% in a goat flock and up to 18% in a sheep flock kept at an experimental station on the Swabian Alb, Germany. Fifteen out of 23 employees and residents on the farm tested positive for Coxiella burnetii antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect immunofluorescence assay. Ninety-four per cent of the goats and 47 % of the sheep were seropositive for C. burnetii by ELISA. Blood samples of 8% of goats and 3 % of sheep were PCR positive. C. burnetii was shed by all tested animals through vaginal mucus, by 97% of the goats and 78% of the sheep through milk, and by all investigated sheep through faeces (PCR testing). In this outbreak human and animal infection were temporally related suggesting that one was caused by the other.
Q fever outbreaks on three dairy goat farms (A-C) were monitored after the animals had been vacci... more Q fever outbreaks on three dairy goat farms (A-C) were monitored after the animals had been vaccinated with an inactivated Coxiella burnetii phase I vaccine. The antibody response was measured before vaccination by serum samples with two C. burnetii phase-specific ELISAs to characterize the disease status. Shedding was determined by vaginal swabs during three kidding seasons and monthly bulk tank milk (BTM) samples. Dust swabs from one windowsill of each barn and from the milking parlors were collected monthly to evaluate the indoor exposure. These samples were analyzed by qPCR. The phase-specific serology revealed an acute Q fever infection in herd A, whereas herds B and C had an ongoing and past infection, respectively. In all three herds, vaginal shedders were present during three kidding seasons. In total, 50%, 69%, and 15% of all collected BTM samples were C. burnetii positive in herds A, B, and C, respectively. Barn dust contained C. burnetii DNA in 71%, 45%, and 50% of examined swabs collected from farms A, B, and C, respectively. The largest number of C. burnetii positive samples was obtained from the milking parlor (A: 91%, B: 72%, C: 73%), indicating a high risk for humans to acquire Q fever during milking activity.
Contagious ovine digital dermatitis (CODD) is a significant disease of the ovine foot characteris... more Contagious ovine digital dermatitis (CODD) is a significant disease of the ovine foot characterised by severe lameness and progressive separation of the hoof horn capsule from the underlying tissue. Similar to bovine digital dermatitis (BDD), pathogenic members of the genus Treponema including the Treponema medium phylogroup, Treponema phagedenis phylogroup and Treponema pedis are frequently found together in CODD lesions. To date, CODD was only described in Ireland and the United Kingdom. In northern Germany, cases of an unusually severe lameness presented in a sheep flock that had been affected by footrot for several years. These cases were non-responsive to conventional footrot therapies, with some sheep exhibiting substantial lesions of the claw horn that resulted in horn detachment. Lesion swab samples were collected from both clinically affected and asymptomatic animals. In all clinically affected sheep, CODD-associated Treponema phylogroups were detected by polymerase chain reaction. This is the first report of CODD in Germany and mainland Europe, indicating a wider geographic spread than previously considered. In cases of severe lameness attributed to claw lesions in sheep that fail to respond to footrot treatment, CODD should be considered irrespective of geographic location.
Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, a porcine respiratory tract pathogen, has been shown to express ... more Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, a porcine respiratory tract pathogen, has been shown to express transferrinbinding proteins and urease during infection. Both activities have been associated with virulence; however, their functional role for infection has not yet been elucidated. We used two isogenic A. pleuropneumoniae single mutants (⌬exbB and ⌬ureC) and a newly constructed A. pleuropneumoniae double (⌬ureC ⌬exbB) mutant in aerosol infection experiments. Neither the A. pleuropneumoniae ⌬exbB mutant nor the double ⌬ureC ⌬exbB mutant was able to colonize sufficiently long to initiate a detectable humoral immune response. These results imply that the ability to utilize transferrin-bound iron is required for multiplication and persistence of A. pleuropneumoniae in the porcine respiratory tract. The A. pleuropneumoniae ⌬ureC mutant and the parent strain both caused infections that were indistinguishable from one another in the acute phase of disease; however, 3 weeks postinfection the A. pleuropneumoniae ⌬ureC mutant, in contrast to the parent strain, could not be isolated from healthy lung tissue. In addition, the local immune response-as assessed by fluorescenceactivated cell sorter and enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot analyses-revealed a significantly higher number of A. pleuropneumoniae-specific B cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of pigs infected with the A. pleuropneumoniae ⌬ureC mutant than in the BALF of those infected with the parent strain. These results imply that A. pleuropneumoniae urease activity may cause sufficient impairment of the local immune response to slightly improve the persistence of the urease-positive A. pleuropneumoniae parent strain.
A Q fever outbreak on a dairy goat and cattle farm was investigated with regard to the One Health... more A Q fever outbreak on a dairy goat and cattle farm was investigated with regard to the One Health concept. Serum samples and vaginal swabs from goats with different reproductive statuses were collected. Cows, cats, and a dog were investigated with the same sample matrix. The farmer's family was examined by serum samples. Ruminant sera were analyzed with two phase-specific enzyme-linked immunoassays (ELISAs). Dominant immunoglobulin G (IgG) phase II levels reflected current infections in goats. The cows had high IgG phase I and II levels indicating ongoing infections. Feline, canine, and human sera tested positive by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Animal vaginal swabs were analyzed by qPCR to detect C. burnetii, and almost all tested positive. A new cattle-associated C. burnetii genotype C16 was identified by the Multiple-Locus Variable-number tandem repeat Analysis (MLVA/VNTR) from ruminant samples. Additionally, a possible influence of 17ß-estradiol on C. burnetii antibody response was evaluated in goat sera. Goats in early/midpregnancy had significantly lower levels of phase-specific IgGs and 17ß-estradiol than goats in late pregnancy. We conclude that the cattle herd may have transmitted C. burnetii to the pregnant goat herd, resulting in a Q fever outbreak with one acute human case. The influence of placentation and maternal pregnancy hormones during pregnancy on the immune response is discussed.
Background: Calcinosis has been reported for a broad range of different animals. Causes for calci... more Background: Calcinosis has been reported for a broad range of different animals. Causes for calcinosis include metabolic disorders due to kidney failure, intoxication with calcinogenic plants, or iatrogenic overdose of vitamin D. Especially young animals seem to be very susceptible to developing calcinosis. Currently, however, there is a lack of information on calcinosis in wildlife. Case presentation: The following case report describes a roe deer fawn admitted to a clinic due to general weakness and myiasis. Plasma levels for creatinine, urea and phosphate were highly elevated, whereas the total calcium level was decreased. Necropsy revealed calcinosis due to calcification in many organs. The reason for calcinosis in this particular case might be kidney failure. Plasma samples from other hunted roe deer fawns also showed high phosphate levels. Conclusions: Roe deer fawns might be susceptible to calcinosis due to high plasma phosphate, which could be a result of kidney failure or different feed. Further research into calcium and phosphate homeostasis in roe deer is necessary.
Berliner Und Munchener Tierarztliche Wochenschrift, Apr 1, 2020
Q-Fieber ist eine weltweit verbreitete Zoonose, die durch Coxiella (C.) burnetii verursacht wird.... more Q-Fieber ist eine weltweit verbreitete Zoonose, die durch Coxiella (C.) burnetii verursacht wird. Dieses Bakterium wird besonders über Geburtsmaterial infizierter kleiner Wiederkäuer in großen Mengen ausgeschieden, aber auch über Milch, Kot und Urin. Der Hauptinfektionsweg für Mensch und Tier ist die Inhalation von erregerhaltigen Aerosolen. Bei der Verbreitung spielen Wind und andere meteorologische Faktoren eine Rolle. Auch Zecken wie Dermacentor spp. und Ixodes ricinus könnten eine Bedeutung bei der Übertragung von C. burnetii haben. Bei Ziegen kann eine Infektion mit C. burnetii vor allem zu Spätaborten führen. Im Gegensatz dazu scheint eine Coxiellen-Infektion bei Schafen zu weitaus geringeren Abortraten als bei Ziegen zu führen. Beim Menschen zeigen 40 % der infizierten Personen grippeähnliche Symptome wie Fieber und Kopfschmerzen. Bis zu 5 % aller Infizierten können eine Chronifizierung entwickeln, die meist mit einer Endokarditis einhergeht. In Deutschland wurden seit dem Jahr 2000 mehrere humane Q-Fieber-Kleinraumepidemien mit bis zu 331 infizierten Personen pro Ausbruch detektiert. Auslöser waren meist lammende Schafe. Aufgrund der Zunahme an Milchziegenhaltungen in Deutschland wird in Zukunft mit vermehrten Fällen auch bei dieser Tierart gerechnet. Der diagnostische Nachweis von Infektionen mit C. burnetii beim Tier erfolgt meist mit dem ELISA und/oder der PCR. Mithilfe der Multiple Loci Variable Number of Tandem Repeat Analysis (MLVA/VNTR) lassen sich Isolate genotypisieren. Das genotypische MLVA-Cluster A wurde besonders bei kleinen Wiederkäuern nachgewiesen, während das Cluster C eher mit Rindern assoziiert ist. Die antibiotische Behandlung infizierter Tiere mit Oxytetracyclinen hat sich nicht bewährt. Vielmehr senkt der Einsatz eines Impfstoffes mit inaktivierten Phase-I-Bakterien das Risiko der Ausscheidung. Aufgrund der hohen Tenazität von C. burnetii sind viele Desinfektionsmittel nicht wirksam.
Animal losses due to abortion and malformed offspring during the lambing period 2011/2012 amounte... more Animal losses due to abortion and malformed offspring during the lambing period 2011/2012 amounted to 50% in ruminants in Europe. A new arthropod-borne virus, called Schmallenberg virus (SBV), was identified as the cause of these losses. Blood samples were obtained from 40 goat flocks and tested for antibodies against SBV by ELISA, with 95% being seropositive. The calculated intra-herd seroprevalence (median 36•7%, min-max 0-93•3%) was smaller than in cattle or sheep flocks. Only 25% of the farmers reported malformations in kids. Statistical analysis revealed a significantly lower risk of goats housed indoors all year-round to be infected by SBV than for goats kept outside day and night. The low intra-herd seroprevalence demonstrates that German goat flocks are still at risk of SBV infection. Therefore, they must be protected during the next lambing seasons by rescheduling the mating period, implementing indoor housing, and continuous treatment with repellents or vaccination.
The newly discovered group of Jingmenviruses has been shown to infect a wide range of hosts and h... more The newly discovered group of Jingmenviruses has been shown to infect a wide range of hosts and has been associated with febrile illness in humans. During a survey for Jingmenviruses in ticks from Lower Saxony, Germany, Alongshan virus (ALSV) was identified in Ixodes spp. ticks. Additional virus screenings revealed the presence of ALSV in the bodies and saliva of ticks collected at several locations in Lower Saxony. Vector competence studies that included Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus validated the replication of ALSV within those tick species. In vitro feeding experiments with ALSV-injected Ixodes ricinus demonstrated effective viral transmission during blood feeding. To evaluate the potential viral transmission during a natural blood meal, sera from wild game and domestic animals were investigated. One serum sample from a red deer was found to be positive for ALSV RNA, while serological screenings in game and domestic animals revealed the presence of ALSV-specific ant...
Urolithiasis is a common condition in male small ruminants where predisposing factors have been i... more Urolithiasis is a common condition in male small ruminants where predisposing factors have been identified. Occasionally, urolithiasis is diagnosed in South American camelids (SACs). However, nephrolithiasis is rarely diagnosed in ruminants. To our knowledge, this is the first report focusing on a combined appearance of nephrolithiasis and urolithiasis in an alpaca cria. A -month-old alpaca cria su ering from impaired urinary flow was presented for examination. On admission, the alpaca had a wet prepuce and showed a standing posture with a wide-based stance. Ultrasonographic examination of the abdomen showed a distended bladder. Clinical chemistry revealed azotemia and hypophosphatemia. After the first examination, repeated urination was observed. Conservative therapy using antibiotics, anti-inflammatory and spasmolytic drugs was started with the suspected diagnosis of urinary calculus. During the first h, plasma concentrations of creatinine and urea decreased, but increased again during the following days. During the second day after admission, urination was not observed for h while the concentration of urea and creatinine further increased. Therefore, the animal was euthanized due to financial concerns of the owner. Necropsy revealed that calculi were located in the left kidney as well as in the urethra. In addition, the animal exhibited uroperitoneum. The urinary bladder was intact, moderately distended with urine and showed a malformation, which was covered with a translucent mucosal membrane. Histologic examination revealed that this malformation was a bladder diverticulum. The extent to which the unilateral nephroliths a ected the general condition and renal function of the animal is unclear, since the uroliths also cause azotemia, and abdominal pain. Further studies are needed for a better understanding of obstructive urinary disease in SACs.
Caesarean section is a common surgery performed in sheep, wherefore the animal is often placed in... more Caesarean section is a common surgery performed in sheep, wherefore the animal is often placed in the supine position, which can lead to compromised lung function caused by pressure from the rumen and the full uterus. The forestomach system in ruminants contains fluids and electrolytes, which can function as a great reservoir for the blood equilibrium. The ruminal fluid as well as kidney function in sheep undergoing surgical procedures has so far been little examined in research. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the type of anaesthesia as well as pregnancy status on these parameters. Based on our results, we can state that inhalational anaesthesia with added oxygen improves the oxygen saturation and partial pressure of oxygen in the blood of sheep in the supine position. Kidney function can be maintained with a minimal electrolyte infusion regime and changes in electrolytes in ruminal fluid could be observed.
The relationships between body condition score (BCS), metabolic measurements and pregnancy rates ... more The relationships between body condition score (BCS), metabolic measurements and pregnancy rates were studied from 214 cows belonging to 6 herds located in Reunion Island between January and December 1998. BCS (0 to 5 scale) and biochemical blood parameters were measured before calving, 0-30, 60-90 and 120-150 days post-partum. Pregnancy status was also checked precisely after 171 AI's (n=104 cows) by EIA progesterone determination in milk 23 to 24 days after AI and pregnancy specific protein B (PSPB) measurements 30 to 45 days after AI and was further confirmed by rectal palpation by 60 days post AI. A preliminary analysis led to determine 3 groups of herds according to their pregnancy rates (40%, 26% and 14.5% respectively for group 1, 2 and 3 cows). Significant differences between the 3 groups were found for BCS, glucose and urea (p < 0.0001) and a significant main effect of the post-partum stage was observed as well (p < 0.0001). Mean BCS were not different in the 3 gr...
Chronic wasting in sheep is often related to parasitic infections, especially to infections with ... more Chronic wasting in sheep is often related to parasitic infections, especially to infections with several species of trematodes. Trematodes, or "flukes", are endoparasites, which infect different organs of their hosts (often sheep, goats and cattle, but other grazing animals as well as carnivores and birds are also at risk of infection). The body of an adult fluke has two suckers for adhesion to the host's internal organ surface and for feeding purposes. Flukes cause harm to the animals by subsisting on host body tissues or fluids such as blood, and by initiating mechanical damage that leads to impaired vital organ functions. The development of these parasites is dependent on the occurrence of intermediate hosts during the life cycle of the fluke species. These intermediate hosts are often invertebrate species such as various snails and ants. This manuscript provides an insight into the distribution, morphology, life cycle, pathology and clinical symptoms caused by infections of liver and rumen flukes in sheep. Furthermore, we address the diagnosis, treatment and prevention measures, as well as the current knowledge about genomic resources.
Jamestown Canyon and snowshoe hare viruses are two emerging human pathogens associated with cases... more Jamestown Canyon and snowshoe hare viruses are two emerging human pathogens associated with cases of neuroinvasive disease in North America. This study aimed to identify environmental and individual risk factors for seropositivity to these arboviruses in humans and pet dogs from Québec, Canada, 2012-2014. In humans, areas with moderate densities of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) were associated with higher odds of seropositivity compared with areas with low densities of white-tailed deer (OR 2.50, P = 0.009) and odds of seropositivity were higher in males than in females (OR 2.03, P = 0.016). Among humans reporting more than 10 mosquito bites weekly, the odds of being seropositive were 4.44 times higher (P = 0.004) for people living in hardwood forested areas. Exposure to areas with coniferous forests was identified as the main environmental risk factor for seroconversion in dogs (OR 2.39, P = 0.04). These findings may help target further public health research, diagnostic and surveillance efforts in Canada.
In the present investigation we developed a method for the detection of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae ... more In the present investigation we developed a method for the detection of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of pigs by PCR with a primer pair flanking a DNA fragment of 853 bp specific for M. hyopneumoniae. Several methods were tested to eliminate the amplification inhibitors present in BALFs. The best results were obtained by the extraction of the DNA from the BALFs. By the PCR performed with the extracted DNA, 10 2 CFU of M. hyopneumoniae could be detected in 1 ml of BALF from specificpathogen-free swine experimentally inoculated with M. hyopneumoniae. DNA from 11 other mycoplasma species and 17 cell-walled bacterial species colonizing the respiratory tracts of pigs was not amplified. In a field study BALFs from 40 pigs from farms with a history of chronic pneumonia were tested for M. hyopneumoniae by cultivation and by PCR (i) with BALFs incubated in Friis medium and (ii) with DNA extracted from the BALFs. In addition, PCR was performed with postmortem lung washings from 19 of the 40 pigs, and immunofluorescence tests were carried out with sections of lungs from 18 of the 40 pigs. M. hyopneumoniae could not be detected in 18 of the 40 pigs by any of the five methods tested. The remaining 22 pigs showed a positive reaction by the PCR with DNA extracted from the BALFs and variable positive reactions by the other tests. A complete correspondence could be observed between the immunofluorescence test result and the result of PCR with DNA. The investigation shows that the PCR with DNA extracted from BALFs is a suitable technique for the sensitive and specific in vivo detection of M. hyopneumoniae.
Background: Ovine laryngeal chondritis is a rare entity of sheep in the USA, Great Britain, New Z... more Background: Ovine laryngeal chondritis is a rare entity of sheep in the USA, Great Britain, New Zealand and Iceland, but has not been reported in Germany so far. Here, two German cases are reported. Case presentation: Two rams showed severe and progressive signs of dyspnea. Endoscopically, a severe bilateral swelling of the larynx was identified in both rams. Due to poor prognosis and progression of clinical signs one ram was euthanized, while the other ram died overnight. In both cases, a necrosuppurative laryngitis and chondritis of arytenoid cartilages was found at necropsy. Fusobacterium necrophorum and Streptococcus ovis were isolated from the laryngeal lesion in one animal. Conclusions: This is the first report of ovine laryngeal chondritis in continental Europe. This entity should be considered a differential diagnosis for upper airway disease in sheep.
Background: This study was performed to demonstrate the widespread distribution and severity of s... more Background: This study was performed to demonstrate the widespread distribution and severity of selenium (Se) deficiency in sheep flocks and to evaluate the impact of influencing factors. In 150 flocks, ten serum samples of adult ewes were analysed for Se concentration. The farmers were interviewed concerning flock size, provision of mineral supplement, predominant form of husbandry (stationary fenced pasture/transhumance), predominant form of water provision (tap water/well/surface water) and predominant soil (sandy, silty/loamy, clay) in the area. The location of the flock was recorded as well as the production stage/season at the time of sampling. Intra-group variation and the validity to analyse pooled samples were tested. Results: Pools of five samples correlated well with the mean of individually analysed samples. The intra-group range of serum Se concentration varied enormously (mean 45.4 ± 18.8 μg Se/l). About 60% of the flocks showed mean serum Se concentrations below 80 μg/l, 37.4% were below 60 μg Se/l, representing a Se deficient stage. Using mineral supplement in general was no key factor for Se status. Stationary flocks on fenced pasture had constantly higher mean serum Se concentrations during breeding (outdoors, August-November), lambing (mainly indoors, December-March) and lactation (outdoors, April-July), whereas flocks practising transhumance had significantly lower Se status, except during lambing. There was no significant correlation between the soil type and the Se status, but flocks in Southern Germany tend to show a lower Se status compared to Central and Northern Germany. Increasing flock size was associated with lower mean serum Se concentrations. In stationary flocks only, the use of surface water was accompanied by significantly lower Se status. Conclusion: Se deficiency is widespread in German sheep flocks. More than one third of the flocks showed Se deficiency, indicating the need to optimise the nutritional management. Factors raising suspicion of Se deficiency are large flocks, transhumance during lactation and the breeding season as well as surface water provision in stationary flocks.
The intracellular bacteria Anaplasma spp. and Coxiella burnetii and the tick-borne encephalitis v... more The intracellular bacteria Anaplasma spp. and Coxiella burnetii and the tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) are ticktransmitted pathogens circulating in the southern German sheep population. Knowledge of interaction among Anaplasma spp., C. burnetii and TBEV in sheep is lacking, but together they might promote and reinforce disease progression. The current study aimed to identify co-exposure of sheep to Anaplasma spp., C. burnetii and TBEV. For this purpose, 1,406 serum samples from 36 sheep flocks located in both southern German federal states, Baden-Wuerttemberg and Bavaria, were analysed by ELISAs to determine the antibody levels of the three pathogens. Inconclusive and positive results from the TBEV ELISA were additionally confirmed by a serum neutralisation assay. The proportion of sheep with antibodies against Anaplasma spp. (47.2%), C. burnetii (3.7%) and TBEV (4.7%) differed significantly. Significantly more flocks with Anaplasma spp. seropositive sheep (91.7%) were detected than flocks with antibodies against TBEV (58.3%) and C. burnetii (41.7%), but there was no significant difference between the number of flocks which contained TBEV and C. burnetii seropositive sheep. Seropositivity against at least two pathogens was detected in 4.7% of sheep from 20 flocks. Most co-exposed sheep had antibodies against Anaplasma spp./TBEV (n = 36), followed by Anaplasma spp./C. burnetii (n = 27) and Anaplasma spp./C. burnetii/TBEV (n = 2). Only one sheep showed an immune response against C. burnetii and TBEV. Flocks with sheep being positive against more than one pathogen were widely distributed throughout southern Germany. The descriptive analysis revealed no association between the antibody response of the three pathogens at animal level. Taking the flocks as a cluster variable into account, the exposure to TBEV reduced the probability of identifying C. burnetii antibodies in sheep significantly (odds ratio 0.46; 95% confidence interval 0.24-0.85), but the reason for this is unknown. The presence of Anaplasma spp. antibodies did not influence the detection of antibodies against C. burnetii and TBEV. Studies under controlled conditions are necessary to evaluate any possible adverse impact of co-exposure to tick-borne pathogens on sheep health. This can help to clarify rare disease patterns. Research in this field may also support the One Health approach due to the zoonotic potential of Anaplasma spp., C. burnetii and TBEV.
Animal losses due to abortion and weak offspring during a lambing period amounted up to 25% in a ... more Animal losses due to abortion and weak offspring during a lambing period amounted up to 25% in a goat flock and up to 18% in a sheep flock kept at an experimental station on the Swabian Alb, Germany. Fifteen out of 23 employees and residents on the farm tested positive for Coxiella burnetii antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect immunofluorescence assay. Ninety-four per cent of the goats and 47 % of the sheep were seropositive for C. burnetii by ELISA. Blood samples of 8% of goats and 3 % of sheep were PCR positive. C. burnetii was shed by all tested animals through vaginal mucus, by 97% of the goats and 78% of the sheep through milk, and by all investigated sheep through faeces (PCR testing). In this outbreak human and animal infection were temporally related suggesting that one was caused by the other.
Q fever outbreaks on three dairy goat farms (A-C) were monitored after the animals had been vacci... more Q fever outbreaks on three dairy goat farms (A-C) were monitored after the animals had been vaccinated with an inactivated Coxiella burnetii phase I vaccine. The antibody response was measured before vaccination by serum samples with two C. burnetii phase-specific ELISAs to characterize the disease status. Shedding was determined by vaginal swabs during three kidding seasons and monthly bulk tank milk (BTM) samples. Dust swabs from one windowsill of each barn and from the milking parlors were collected monthly to evaluate the indoor exposure. These samples were analyzed by qPCR. The phase-specific serology revealed an acute Q fever infection in herd A, whereas herds B and C had an ongoing and past infection, respectively. In all three herds, vaginal shedders were present during three kidding seasons. In total, 50%, 69%, and 15% of all collected BTM samples were C. burnetii positive in herds A, B, and C, respectively. Barn dust contained C. burnetii DNA in 71%, 45%, and 50% of examined swabs collected from farms A, B, and C, respectively. The largest number of C. burnetii positive samples was obtained from the milking parlor (A: 91%, B: 72%, C: 73%), indicating a high risk for humans to acquire Q fever during milking activity.
Contagious ovine digital dermatitis (CODD) is a significant disease of the ovine foot characteris... more Contagious ovine digital dermatitis (CODD) is a significant disease of the ovine foot characterised by severe lameness and progressive separation of the hoof horn capsule from the underlying tissue. Similar to bovine digital dermatitis (BDD), pathogenic members of the genus Treponema including the Treponema medium phylogroup, Treponema phagedenis phylogroup and Treponema pedis are frequently found together in CODD lesions. To date, CODD was only described in Ireland and the United Kingdom. In northern Germany, cases of an unusually severe lameness presented in a sheep flock that had been affected by footrot for several years. These cases were non-responsive to conventional footrot therapies, with some sheep exhibiting substantial lesions of the claw horn that resulted in horn detachment. Lesion swab samples were collected from both clinically affected and asymptomatic animals. In all clinically affected sheep, CODD-associated Treponema phylogroups were detected by polymerase chain reaction. This is the first report of CODD in Germany and mainland Europe, indicating a wider geographic spread than previously considered. In cases of severe lameness attributed to claw lesions in sheep that fail to respond to footrot treatment, CODD should be considered irrespective of geographic location.
Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, a porcine respiratory tract pathogen, has been shown to express ... more Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, a porcine respiratory tract pathogen, has been shown to express transferrinbinding proteins and urease during infection. Both activities have been associated with virulence; however, their functional role for infection has not yet been elucidated. We used two isogenic A. pleuropneumoniae single mutants (⌬exbB and ⌬ureC) and a newly constructed A. pleuropneumoniae double (⌬ureC ⌬exbB) mutant in aerosol infection experiments. Neither the A. pleuropneumoniae ⌬exbB mutant nor the double ⌬ureC ⌬exbB mutant was able to colonize sufficiently long to initiate a detectable humoral immune response. These results imply that the ability to utilize transferrin-bound iron is required for multiplication and persistence of A. pleuropneumoniae in the porcine respiratory tract. The A. pleuropneumoniae ⌬ureC mutant and the parent strain both caused infections that were indistinguishable from one another in the acute phase of disease; however, 3 weeks postinfection the A. pleuropneumoniae ⌬ureC mutant, in contrast to the parent strain, could not be isolated from healthy lung tissue. In addition, the local immune response-as assessed by fluorescenceactivated cell sorter and enzyme-linked immunosorbent spot analyses-revealed a significantly higher number of A. pleuropneumoniae-specific B cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of pigs infected with the A. pleuropneumoniae ⌬ureC mutant than in the BALF of those infected with the parent strain. These results imply that A. pleuropneumoniae urease activity may cause sufficient impairment of the local immune response to slightly improve the persistence of the urease-positive A. pleuropneumoniae parent strain.
A Q fever outbreak on a dairy goat and cattle farm was investigated with regard to the One Health... more A Q fever outbreak on a dairy goat and cattle farm was investigated with regard to the One Health concept. Serum samples and vaginal swabs from goats with different reproductive statuses were collected. Cows, cats, and a dog were investigated with the same sample matrix. The farmer's family was examined by serum samples. Ruminant sera were analyzed with two phase-specific enzyme-linked immunoassays (ELISAs). Dominant immunoglobulin G (IgG) phase II levels reflected current infections in goats. The cows had high IgG phase I and II levels indicating ongoing infections. Feline, canine, and human sera tested positive by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Animal vaginal swabs were analyzed by qPCR to detect C. burnetii, and almost all tested positive. A new cattle-associated C. burnetii genotype C16 was identified by the Multiple-Locus Variable-number tandem repeat Analysis (MLVA/VNTR) from ruminant samples. Additionally, a possible influence of 17ß-estradiol on C. burnetii antibody response was evaluated in goat sera. Goats in early/midpregnancy had significantly lower levels of phase-specific IgGs and 17ß-estradiol than goats in late pregnancy. We conclude that the cattle herd may have transmitted C. burnetii to the pregnant goat herd, resulting in a Q fever outbreak with one acute human case. The influence of placentation and maternal pregnancy hormones during pregnancy on the immune response is discussed.
Background: Calcinosis has been reported for a broad range of different animals. Causes for calci... more Background: Calcinosis has been reported for a broad range of different animals. Causes for calcinosis include metabolic disorders due to kidney failure, intoxication with calcinogenic plants, or iatrogenic overdose of vitamin D. Especially young animals seem to be very susceptible to developing calcinosis. Currently, however, there is a lack of information on calcinosis in wildlife. Case presentation: The following case report describes a roe deer fawn admitted to a clinic due to general weakness and myiasis. Plasma levels for creatinine, urea and phosphate were highly elevated, whereas the total calcium level was decreased. Necropsy revealed calcinosis due to calcification in many organs. The reason for calcinosis in this particular case might be kidney failure. Plasma samples from other hunted roe deer fawns also showed high phosphate levels. Conclusions: Roe deer fawns might be susceptible to calcinosis due to high plasma phosphate, which could be a result of kidney failure or different feed. Further research into calcium and phosphate homeostasis in roe deer is necessary.
Berliner Und Munchener Tierarztliche Wochenschrift, Apr 1, 2020
Q-Fieber ist eine weltweit verbreitete Zoonose, die durch Coxiella (C.) burnetii verursacht wird.... more Q-Fieber ist eine weltweit verbreitete Zoonose, die durch Coxiella (C.) burnetii verursacht wird. Dieses Bakterium wird besonders über Geburtsmaterial infizierter kleiner Wiederkäuer in großen Mengen ausgeschieden, aber auch über Milch, Kot und Urin. Der Hauptinfektionsweg für Mensch und Tier ist die Inhalation von erregerhaltigen Aerosolen. Bei der Verbreitung spielen Wind und andere meteorologische Faktoren eine Rolle. Auch Zecken wie Dermacentor spp. und Ixodes ricinus könnten eine Bedeutung bei der Übertragung von C. burnetii haben. Bei Ziegen kann eine Infektion mit C. burnetii vor allem zu Spätaborten führen. Im Gegensatz dazu scheint eine Coxiellen-Infektion bei Schafen zu weitaus geringeren Abortraten als bei Ziegen zu führen. Beim Menschen zeigen 40 % der infizierten Personen grippeähnliche Symptome wie Fieber und Kopfschmerzen. Bis zu 5 % aller Infizierten können eine Chronifizierung entwickeln, die meist mit einer Endokarditis einhergeht. In Deutschland wurden seit dem Jahr 2000 mehrere humane Q-Fieber-Kleinraumepidemien mit bis zu 331 infizierten Personen pro Ausbruch detektiert. Auslöser waren meist lammende Schafe. Aufgrund der Zunahme an Milchziegenhaltungen in Deutschland wird in Zukunft mit vermehrten Fällen auch bei dieser Tierart gerechnet. Der diagnostische Nachweis von Infektionen mit C. burnetii beim Tier erfolgt meist mit dem ELISA und/oder der PCR. Mithilfe der Multiple Loci Variable Number of Tandem Repeat Analysis (MLVA/VNTR) lassen sich Isolate genotypisieren. Das genotypische MLVA-Cluster A wurde besonders bei kleinen Wiederkäuern nachgewiesen, während das Cluster C eher mit Rindern assoziiert ist. Die antibiotische Behandlung infizierter Tiere mit Oxytetracyclinen hat sich nicht bewährt. Vielmehr senkt der Einsatz eines Impfstoffes mit inaktivierten Phase-I-Bakterien das Risiko der Ausscheidung. Aufgrund der hohen Tenazität von C. burnetii sind viele Desinfektionsmittel nicht wirksam.
Animal losses due to abortion and malformed offspring during the lambing period 2011/2012 amounte... more Animal losses due to abortion and malformed offspring during the lambing period 2011/2012 amounted to 50% in ruminants in Europe. A new arthropod-borne virus, called Schmallenberg virus (SBV), was identified as the cause of these losses. Blood samples were obtained from 40 goat flocks and tested for antibodies against SBV by ELISA, with 95% being seropositive. The calculated intra-herd seroprevalence (median 36•7%, min-max 0-93•3%) was smaller than in cattle or sheep flocks. Only 25% of the farmers reported malformations in kids. Statistical analysis revealed a significantly lower risk of goats housed indoors all year-round to be infected by SBV than for goats kept outside day and night. The low intra-herd seroprevalence demonstrates that German goat flocks are still at risk of SBV infection. Therefore, they must be protected during the next lambing seasons by rescheduling the mating period, implementing indoor housing, and continuous treatment with repellents or vaccination.
The newly discovered group of Jingmenviruses has been shown to infect a wide range of hosts and h... more The newly discovered group of Jingmenviruses has been shown to infect a wide range of hosts and has been associated with febrile illness in humans. During a survey for Jingmenviruses in ticks from Lower Saxony, Germany, Alongshan virus (ALSV) was identified in Ixodes spp. ticks. Additional virus screenings revealed the presence of ALSV in the bodies and saliva of ticks collected at several locations in Lower Saxony. Vector competence studies that included Ixodes ricinus and Dermacentor reticulatus validated the replication of ALSV within those tick species. In vitro feeding experiments with ALSV-injected Ixodes ricinus demonstrated effective viral transmission during blood feeding. To evaluate the potential viral transmission during a natural blood meal, sera from wild game and domestic animals were investigated. One serum sample from a red deer was found to be positive for ALSV RNA, while serological screenings in game and domestic animals revealed the presence of ALSV-specific ant...
Urolithiasis is a common condition in male small ruminants where predisposing factors have been i... more Urolithiasis is a common condition in male small ruminants where predisposing factors have been identified. Occasionally, urolithiasis is diagnosed in South American camelids (SACs). However, nephrolithiasis is rarely diagnosed in ruminants. To our knowledge, this is the first report focusing on a combined appearance of nephrolithiasis and urolithiasis in an alpaca cria. A -month-old alpaca cria su ering from impaired urinary flow was presented for examination. On admission, the alpaca had a wet prepuce and showed a standing posture with a wide-based stance. Ultrasonographic examination of the abdomen showed a distended bladder. Clinical chemistry revealed azotemia and hypophosphatemia. After the first examination, repeated urination was observed. Conservative therapy using antibiotics, anti-inflammatory and spasmolytic drugs was started with the suspected diagnosis of urinary calculus. During the first h, plasma concentrations of creatinine and urea decreased, but increased again during the following days. During the second day after admission, urination was not observed for h while the concentration of urea and creatinine further increased. Therefore, the animal was euthanized due to financial concerns of the owner. Necropsy revealed that calculi were located in the left kidney as well as in the urethra. In addition, the animal exhibited uroperitoneum. The urinary bladder was intact, moderately distended with urine and showed a malformation, which was covered with a translucent mucosal membrane. Histologic examination revealed that this malformation was a bladder diverticulum. The extent to which the unilateral nephroliths a ected the general condition and renal function of the animal is unclear, since the uroliths also cause azotemia, and abdominal pain. Further studies are needed for a better understanding of obstructive urinary disease in SACs.
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