Considerando a importância comercial da perdiz (Rhynchotus rufescens), implantaram-se algumas biotecnologias reprodutivas. Trinta animais, provenientes da FCAV-UNESP/Jaboticabal (2007-2008), foram aleatoriamente distribuídos em grupos: controle (sem selênio orgânico) e tratamento (com 0,2 a 0,8 mg de selênio em 1000 kg de ração ). Coletou-se sêmen por excitação manual, que foi aliquotado em pools com 150 µL. Mensuraram-se volume, motilidade, vigor, número de espermatozoides, concentração e morfologia espermáticas. Diluíram-se 20 µl de sêmen em 300 µl de solução fisiológica para testes complementares (Integridade das membranas acrossomal e plasmática). Contaram-se 200 células, por teste, e classificaram-nas: 1) Acrossomo Íntegro: cor lilás e Não-Íntegro: róseo; 2) Células Vivas (não coradas) e Mortas (coradas). Os dados foram analisados pelo SAS, System for Windows. Os resultados dos pools com e sem selênio foram: as variáveis volume, motilidade, vigor, número de espermatozoides, concentração, integridade acrossomal e integridade da membrana plasmática não apresentaram resultados significantes, porém encontrou-se uma menor porcentagem de espermatozoides com peça intermediária fortemente dobrada, nos animais tratados com selênio em relação aos não tratados (1,33 ± 0,53 vs. 3,78 ± 0,69, respectivamente; p = 0.0107). De fato, sabe-se que o selênio tem papel importante na estrutura dos espermatozoides20. A deficiência de selênio está associada com danos na arquitetura da peça intermediária do espermatozóide10. | Due to the commercial importance of the red-winged tinamou (Rhynchotus rufescens), for the past few years, the employment of reproductive biotechnologies has been attempted. Thirty animals were randomly assigned into two groups: control group (no selenium) and treatment group (supplemented with 0,2 a 0,8 mg selenium/ 1000 kg ration). Animals were allocated at the FCAV - UNESP/Jaboticabal (2007-2008). Semen collections were performed by digital manipulation and divided in pools of at least 150 µL. After the immediate evaluation of motility, vigour, concentration and morphology, an aliquot of 20 µL was diluted in 300 µL of physiologic solution in order to test acrosome and membrane integrities, which were performed by counting 200 cells for each test. Cells were evaluated as follows: 1) Intact acrosome: lilac acrosome; Non-intact acrosome: pink acrosome; 2) Live cells: non stained; Dead: stained. Data was statistically analysed using the SAS System for Windows. No differences were found between treatment and control groups for volume, motility, vigour, mean number of spermatozoa per animal, concentration, Intact acrosome, Intact membrane. The difference found on midpiece sperm defect (Se = 1,33 ± 0,53 and control = 3,78 ± 0,69, p = 0.0107) may be due to the damages caused by the selenium deficiency to the architecture of the midpiece, which compromises sperm mobility and fertilization capacity.

Considerando a importância comercial da perdiz (Rhynchotus rufescens), implantaram-se algumas biotecnologias reprodutivas. Trinta animais, provenientes da FCAV-UNESP/Jaboticabal (2007-2008), foram aleatoriamente distribuídos em grupos: controle (sem selênio orgânico) e tratamento (com 0,2 a 0,8 mg de selênio em 1000 kg de ração ). Coletou-se sêmen por excitação manual, que foi aliquotado em pools com 150 µL. Mensuraram-se volume, motilidade, vigor, número de espermatozoides, concentração e morfologia espermáticas. Diluíram-se 20 µl de sêmen em 300 µl de solução fisiológica para testes complementares (Integridade das membranas acrossomal e plasmática). Contaram-se 200 células, por teste, e classificaram-nas: 1) Acrossomo Íntegro: cor lilás e Não-Íntegro: róseo; 2) Células Vivas (não coradas) e Mortas (coradas). Os dados foram analisados pelo SAS, System for Windows. Os resultados dos pools com e sem selênio foram: as variáveis volume, motilidade, vigor, número de espermatozoides, concentração, integridade acrossomal e integridade da membrana plasmática não apresentaram resultados significantes, porém encontrou-se uma menor porcentagem de espermatozoides com peça intermediária fortemente dobrada, nos animais tratados com selênio em relação aos não tratados (1,33 ± 0,53 vs. 3,78 ± 0,69, respectivamente; p = 0.0107). De fato, sabe-se que o selênio tem papel importante na estrutura dos espermatozoides20. A deficiência de selênio está associada com danos na arquitetura da peça intermediária do espermatozóide10.

Foram realizados dois experimentos (experimento 1 - alimentação convencional e experimento 2 - alimentação das matrizes, a partir de 109 dias de gestação, na lactação e dos leitões lactentes com ração sem farelo de soja), com o objetivo de avaliar os efeitos de fontes proteicas (farelo de soja - FS, soja semi-integral extrusada - SSIE e produtos lácteos - PL) sobre a morfologia intestinal de leitões abatidos aos 0,5 e 15 dias após a desmama. Foram utilizados 27 leitões, desmamados aos 25 dias de idade, sendo que em cada idade, nove leitões foram abatidos. Utilizou-se o delineamento em blocos ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 3 x 3 (três dietas x três idades de abate). Os resultados demonstraram que os animais recebendo FS apresentaram menores alturas das vilosidades e relação vilosidade:cripta, quando comparados àqueles que receberam SSIE ou PL, não havendo, entretanto, diferenças entre estes. A altura da vilosidade e a relação vilosidade:cripta não foram afetadas pela alimentação diferenciada das matrizes e dos leitões antes da desmama. A profundidade das criptas não foi afetada pelas dietas ou idades de abate, dentro de cada experimento, em nenhum dos segmentos estudados, sendo, no entanto, menor no duodeno e maior no jejuno e íleo dos animais do exp. 2, quando comparados àqueles do exp. 1. Concluiu-se que o FS afetou negativamente a altura das vilosidades e a relação vilosidade:cripta após a desmama; que a morfologia intestinal foi mais afetada aos cinco dias, mostrando sinais de recuperação aos 15 dias após a desmama e que a alimentação das matrizes não afetou a morfologia dos segmentos do intestino delgado. | Two experiments (experiment 1 - conventional feeding and experiment 2 - feeding of the sows, starting at 109 days of pregnancy and during lactation, and the lactating piglets, with rations without soybean meal) were conducted to evaluate the effects of sources of protein (soybean meal-SBM, extruded semi-integral soybean-ESISB, and milk products-MP) on the intestinal morphology of piglets slaughtered at the 0, 5 and 15 days later at weaning. Twenty-seven piglets weaned with 25 days of age were used, being nine piglets slaughter in each slaughtering age. A 3 x 3 factorial (3 diets x 3 slaughtering ages) was studied, according to a randomized block design. The results showed that animals receiving SBM, presented lower values of villi height and villus:crypt ratio when compared to those that received ESISB or MP. The villi height and the villus:crypt ratio were not affected by the differential feeding of the sows and of the piglets before the weaning. The depth of the crypt was not affected by diets or slaughtering ages in none of the segments studied being, however, smaller in the duodenum and bigger in the jejunum and ileo of the animals of exp. 2. It was concluded that the SBM was the affected the height of the villi and the relationship villi:crypt negatively after it weans. The intestinal morphology was more affected at five days, showing signals of recovering at 15 days after weaning and that the feeding of the sows did not affect the morphology of the segments of the thin intestine.

Foram realizados dois experimentos (experimento 1 - alimentação convencional e experimento 2 - alimentação das matrizes, a partir de 109 dias de gestação, na lactação e dos leitões lactentes com ração sem farelo de soja), com o objetivo de avaliar os efeitos de fontes proteicas (farelo de soja - FS, soja semi-integral extrusada - SSIE e produtos lácteos - PL) sobre a morfologia intestinal de leitões abatidos aos 0,5 e 15 dias após a desmama. Foram utilizados 27 leitões, desmamados aos 25 dias de idade, sendo que em cada idade, nove leitões foram abatidos. Utilizou-se o delineamento em blocos ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 3 x 3 (três dietas x três idades de abate). Os resultados demonstraram que os animais recebendo FS apresentaram menores alturas das vilosidades e relação vilosidade:cripta, quando comparados àqueles que receberam SSIE ou PL, não havendo, entretanto, diferenças entre estes. A altura da vilosidade e a relação vilosidade:cripta não foram afetadas pela alimentação diferenciada das matrizes e dos leitões antes da desmama. A profundidade das criptas não foi afetada pelas dietas ou idades de abate, dentro de cada experimento, em nenhum dos segmentos estudados, sendo, no entanto, menor no duodeno e maior no jejuno e íleo dos animais do exp. 2, quando comparados àqueles do exp. 1. Concluiu-se que o FS afetou negativamente a altura das vilosidades e a relação vilosidade:cripta após a desmama; que a morfologia intestinal foi mais afetada aos cinco dias, mostrando sinais de recuperação aos 15 dias após a desmama e que a alimentação das matrizes não afetou a morfologia dos segmentos do intestino delgado.

A leishmaniose visceral (LV) é uma zoonose que vem se expandido por todo o território paulista desde 1998, quando foi identificado o primeiro caso canino autóctone, no município de Araçatuba. O objetivo do presente estudo foi determinar a ocorrência de anticorpos anti-Leishmania infantum syn chagasi em amostras de soro de 584 cães de São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, área não endêmica para a doença. Cinco cães (0,86%) foram soro reagentes pela técnica de ELISA e um (0,17%) por imunocromatografia. A reação de imunofluorescência indireta, realizada em 138 animais que possuíam densidades ópticas acima ou próximas ao ponto de corte do ELISA evidenciou dois cães (1,45%) com títulos acima de 1:40. Apenas um animal foi sororeagente nas três técnicas sorológicas. Apesar deste cão não apresentar histórico de deslocamento para áreas endêmicas, havia sido adquirido em região com casos caninos e humanos de LV. Os resultados obtidos no presente estudo fazem supor que não existiam casos autóctones de LV canina na população estudada. | Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) has been a widespread zoonosis in São Paulo since 1998, when the first autochthonous canine case was identified in Araçatuba. The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of anti-Leishmania infantum syn chagasi antibodies in serum samples of 584 dogs from São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, a non endemic area for the disease. Five dogs (0.86%) seroconverted by ELISA and one (0.17%) by immunochromatography. The indirect immunofluorescent reaction, carried out in 138 animals whose optical densities were above or close to ELISA's cutt-off point, evidenced two dogs (1.45%) with titers above 1:40. Only one dog was serum-reactive on the three techniques. Although there was not a history of displacing this animal to endemic areas, the dog had been acquired in a region with canine and human cases of VL. These results suggests that there were no autochthonous cases of canine VL in this population.

A leishmaniose visceral (LV) é uma zoonose que vem se expandido por todo o território paulista desde 1998, quando foi identificado o primeiro caso canino autóctone, no município de Araçatuba. O objetivo do presente estudo foi determinar a ocorrência de anticorpos anti-Leishmania infantum syn chagasi em amostras de soro de 584 cães de São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, área não endêmica para a doença. Cinco cães (0,86%) foram soro reagentes pela técnica de ELISA e um (0,17%) por imunocromatografia. A reação de imunofluorescência indireta, realizada em 138 animais que possuíam densidades ópticas acima ou próximas ao ponto de corte do ELISA evidenciou dois cães (1,45%) com títulos acima de 1:40. Apenas um animal foi sororeagente nas três técnicas sorológicas. Apesar deste cão não apresentar histórico de deslocamento para áreas endêmicas, havia sido adquirido em região com casos caninos e humanos de LV. Os resultados obtidos no presente estudo fazem supor que não existiam casos autóctones de LV canina na população estudada.

Despite a large number of studies on tick biology, there is limited information on long- term changes in tick populations. This study thus aimed to assess the long-term population dynamics of questing ixodid ticks in two landscape zones of the Kruger National Park (KNP). Questing ixodid ticks were collected in the KNP from August 1988 to March 2002 by monthly dragging of the vegetation in three habitats (grassland, woodland and gully) at two sites (Nhlowa Road and Skukuza). Findings pertaining to total tick numbers and Amblyomma hebraeum and Rhipicephalus decoloratus specifically are presented here. Fourteen tick species were collected, as well as four others that could be identified only to generic level. More ticks (211 569 vs 125 810) were collected at Nhlowa Road than at Skukuza. Larvae were the most commonly collected stage of all the major tick species. A. hebraeum was the most commonly collected tick (63.6%) at Nhlowa Road, whereas R. decoloratus accounted for 15.3% of the ticks collected there. At Skukuza, 31.6% and 27.1% of the collected ticks were R. decoloratus and A. hebraeum respectively. Most A. hebraeum larvae were collected in summer and the fewest in winter and early spring, mostly in woodland and least often in grassland habitats. Most R. decoloratus larvae were collected in spring and the fewest in autumn and winter, and were more frequently collected in woodland and grassland than in gullies. The largest collections of most tick species were made during the early 1990s, while numbers were lowest in the mid-1990s after a drought during 1991 and 1992 and then increased towards the late 1990s, followed by a final decrease. The changes in tick numbers over time probably reflect differences in their host communities at the two sites and the effect of climatic conditions on both hosts and free-living ticks. The population dynamics of questing ticks reflect a complex interaction between ticks, their hosts and the environment.

Despite a large number of studies on tick biology, there is limited information on long- term changes in tick populations. This study thus aimed to assess the long-term population dynamics of questing ixodid ticks in two landscape zones of the Kruger National Park (KNP). Questing ixodid ticks were collected in the KNP from August 1988 to March 2002 by monthly dragging of the vegetation in three habitats (grassland, woodland and gully) at two sites (Nhlowa Road and Skukuza). Findings pertaining to total tick numbers and Amblyomma hebraeum and Rhipicephalus decoloratus specifically are presented here. Fourteen tick species were collected, as well as four others that could be identified only to generic level. More ticks (211 569 vs 125 810) were collected at Nhlowa Road than at Skukuza. Larvae were the most commonly collected stage of all the major tick species. A. hebraeum was the most commonly collected tick (63.6%) at Nhlowa Road, whereas R. decoloratus accounted for 15.3% of the ticks collected there. At Skukuza, 31.6% and 27.1% of the collected ticks were R. decoloratus and A. hebraeum respectively. Most A. hebraeum larvae were collected in summer and the fewest in winter and early spring, mostly in woodland and least often in grassland habitats. Most R. decoloratus larvae were collected in spring and the fewest in autumn and winter, and were more frequently collected in woodland and grassland than in gullies. The largest collections of most tick species were made during the early 1990s, while numbers were lowest in the mid-1990s after a drought during 1991 and 1992 and then increased towards the late 1990s, followed by a final decrease. The changes in tick numbers over time probably reflect differences in their host communities at the two sites and the effect of climatic conditions on both hosts and free-living ticks. The population dynamics of questing ticks reflect a complex interaction between ticks, their hosts and the environment.

Little work has been conducted on the helminth parasites of artiodactylids in the northern and western parts of the Limpopo province, which is considerably drier than the rest of the province. The aim of this study was to determine the kinds and numbers of helminth that occur in different wildlife hosts in the area as well as whether any zoonotic helminths were present. Ten impalas (Aepyceros melampus), eight kudus (Tragelaphus strepsiceros), four blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus), two black wildebeest (Connochaetes gnou), three gemsbok (Oryx gazella), one nyala (Tragelaphus angasii), one bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus), one waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus), six warthogs (Phacochoerus aethiopicus) and a single bushpig (Potamochoerus porcus) were sampled from various localities in the semi-arid northern and western areas of the Limpopo province. New host–parasite associations included Trichostrongylus deflexus from blue wildebeest, Agriostomum gorgonis from black wildebeest, Stilesia globipunctata from the waterbuck and Fasciola hepatica in a kudu. The mean helminth burden, including extra-gastrointestinal helminths, was 592 in impalas, 407 in kudus and blue wildebeest, 588 in black wildebeest, 184 in gemsbok, and 2150 in the waterbuck. Excluding Probstmayria vivipara, the mean helminth burden in warthogs was 2228 and the total nematode burden in the bushpig was 80. The total burdens and species richness of the helminths in this study were consistently low when compared with similar studies on the same species in areas with higher rainfall. This has practical implications when animals are translocated to areas with higher rainfall and higher prevalence of helminths.

Little work has been conducted on the helminth parasites of artiodactylids in the northern and western parts of the Limpopo province, which is considerably drier than the rest of the province. The aim of this study was to determine the kinds and numbers of helminth that occur in different wildlife hosts in the area as well as whether any zoonotic helminths were present. Ten impalas (Aepyceros melampus), eight kudus (Tragelaphus strepsiceros), four blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus), two black wildebeest (Connochaetes gnou), three gemsbok (Oryx gazella), one nyala (Tragelaphus angasii), one bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus), one waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus), six warthogs (Phacochoerus aethiopicus) and a single bushpig (Potamochoerus porcus) were sampled from various localities in the semi-arid northern and western areas of the Limpopo province. New host–parasite associations included Trichostrongylus deflexus from blue wildebeest, Agriostomum gorgonis from black wildebeest, Stilesia globipunctata from the waterbuck and Fasciola hepatica in a kudu. The mean helminth burden, including extra-gastrointestinal helminths, was 592 in impalas, 407 in kudus and blue wildebeest, 588 in black wildebeest, 184 in gemsbok, and 2150 in the waterbuck. Excluding Probstmayria vivipara, the mean helminth burden in warthogs was 2228 and the total nematode burden in the bushpig was 80. The total burdens and species richness of the helminths in this study were consistently low when compared with similar studies on the same species in areas with higher rainfall. This has practical implications when animals are translocated to areas with higher rainfall and higher prevalence of helminths.

Protozoa species were identified in rumen contents of four domestic sheep (Ovis aries) from South Africa. All animals were fed a forage diet which consisted of 50% lucerne and 50% teff hay. Ten new host records were identified, bringing the total number of species and forms observed in sheep in South Africa to 30. The occurrence and geographic distribution of ciliate protozoa in both domestic and wild sheep from around the world are summarised. It was found that 15 genera and 131 species occur in domestic sheep globally.

Protozoa species were identified in rumen contents of four domestic sheep (Ovis aries) from South Africa. All animals were fed a forage diet which consisted of 50% lucerne and 50% teff hay. Ten new host records were identified, bringing the total number of species and forms observed in sheep in South Africa to 30. The occurrence and geographic distribution of ciliate protozoa in both domestic and wild sheep from around the world are summarised. It was found that 15 genera and 131 species occur in domestic sheep globally.

Ticks infesting cattle represent a serious problem for improvement of cattle productivity in South Sudan. There has been limited information on ticks and tick-borne diseases in southern Sudan. This study was initiated to update the current distribution of ticks infesting cattle in the Central Equatoria region of South Sudan. The surveys for the present study were conducted at various cattle camps in Juba, Mangalla and Terekeka between December 2004 and June 2005. A total of 2322 ticks were collected from the bodies of 88 randomly selected cattle. Ticks were preserved in 70% ethanol for later identification. Seven ixodid tick species were found to infest cattle in Juba whilst six species were recorded in Mangalla and only four species in Terekeka. Amblyomma variegatum was the most common and widely distributed species found on cattle across all the study locations. Amblyomma lepidum was not found during this study. Based on these findings, it would be advisable to preempt the situation and institute containment procedures before possible East Coast fever outbreaks occur.

Ticks infesting cattle represent a serious problem for improvement of cattle productivity in South Sudan. There has been limited information on ticks and tick-borne diseases in southern Sudan. This study was initiated to update the current distribution of ticks infesting cattle in the Central Equatoria region of South Sudan. The surveys for the present study were conducted at various cattle camps in Juba, Mangalla and Terekeka between December 2004 and June 2005. A total of 2322 ticks were collected from the bodies of 88 randomly selected cattle. Ticks were preserved in 70% ethanol for later identification. Seven ixodid tick species were found to infest cattle in Juba whilst six species were recorded in Mangalla and only four species in Terekeka. Amblyomma variegatum was the most common and widely distributed species found on cattle across all the study locations. Amblyomma lepidum was not found during this study. Based on these findings, it would be advisable to preempt the situation and institute containment procedures before possible East Coast fever outbreaks occur.

Intestinal contents were collected from eight impala at three different localities during the winter hunting season (2005–2009), as well as from another 24 animals from a one-year trial at a game farm called Ditholo (2003–2004). Gas production, protozoa counts and several other physiological parameters were measured from both rumen and caecum or colon contents. Only higher ophryoscolecid and Isotrichidae species of protozoa were counted and identified. Ostracodinium gracile was present in all 32 impala. Eudiplodinium maggii was present in 31 animals and Eudiplodinium impalae and Epidinium (either ecaudatum or caudatum) in 30 animals. Dasytricha ruminantium was present in only 11 of the impala. Concentrations of protozoa were correlated with the season of sample collection and highly correlated with the animals living on the game farm. Gas production (mL/g of wet rumen ingesta) was weakly correlated with protozoa concentration but not with the season of collection.

Intestinal contents were collected from eight impala at three different localities during the winter hunting season (2005–2009), as well as from another 24 animals from a one-year trial at a game farm called Ditholo (2003–2004). Gas production, protozoa counts and several other physiological parameters were measured from both rumen and caecum or colon contents. Only higher ophryoscolecid and Isotrichidae species of protozoa were counted and identified. Ostracodinium gracile was present in all 32 impala. Eudiplodinium maggii was present in 31 animals and Eudiplodinium impalae and Epidinium (either ecaudatum or caudatum) in 30 animals. Dasytricha ruminantium was present in only 11 of the impala. Concentrations of protozoa were correlated with the season of sample collection and highly correlated with the animals living on the game farm. Gas production (mL/g of wet rumen ingesta) was weakly correlated with protozoa concentration but not with the season of collection.

Ticks, as vectors of disease and damage agents, impact directly and indirectly on the economy of the livestock industry in southern Africa. This study surveyed the occurrence and distribution of ticks infesting livestock across the North West province, South Africa. During three phases in consecutive years, officers of the provincial Veterinary Department collected specimens monthly from livestock hosts at specified sites across the province. Data analysis constituted the fourth phase of the study. A total of 1090 collections from 265 sites yielded 42 566 tick specimens, comprising 22 different tick species (18 ixodids, 4 argasids). The specimens represent all of the major tick vectors of disease that occur in South Africa. The major tick-borne diseases (i.e. heartwater, both African and Asiatic bovine babesiosis and anaplasmosis) were found to be prevalent mainly in the north-eastern region of the province, which also displayed the highest tick species diversity. The central region appears transitory to some of the major vectors. Although some tick species were contained within specific regions, others were widespread across the province. Associated serology data show that most herds sampled in areas endemic for babesiosis and anaplasmosis in the north-eastern region are endemically unstable and at risk to these tick-borne diseases should vector control measures become ineffective.

Ticks, as vectors of disease and damage agents, impact directly and indirectly on the economy of the livestock industry in southern Africa. This study surveyed the occurrence and distribution of ticks infesting livestock across the North West province, South Africa. During three phases in consecutive years, officers of the provincial Veterinary Department collected specimens monthly from livestock hosts at specified sites across the province. Data analysis constituted the fourth phase of the study. A total of 1090 collections from 265 sites yielded 42 566 tick specimens, comprising 22 different tick species (18 ixodids, 4 argasids). The specimens represent all of the major tick vectors of disease that occur in South Africa. The major tick-borne diseases (i.e. heartwater, both African and Asiatic bovine babesiosis and anaplasmosis) were found to be prevalent mainly in the north-eastern region of the province, which also displayed the highest tick species diversity. The central region appears transitory to some of the major vectors. Although some tick species were contained within specific regions, others were widespread across the province. Associated serology data show that most herds sampled in areas endemic for babesiosis and anaplasmosis in the north-eastern region are endemically unstable and at risk to these tick-borne diseases should vector control measures become ineffective.

The dairy industry is a large and important business in Saudi Arabia. Although farms are administered to high international standards, some reproduction problems, of uncertain aetiology, are encountered. The most frequently seen are conception failures, abortions, stillbirths and the birth of weak or malformed calves. These conditions are suggestive of bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) infection. Unfortunately, very little published information is available regarding the impact of this disease on cattle populations in Saudi Arabia. As a consequence, the present study was carried out and is the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region. The aim of the study was to elucidate the role of in utero BVDV infection leading to the birth of weak or malformed calves on a large dairy farm in Saudi Arabia. The study was divided into two parts. Firstly, apparently healthy neonatal calves were sampled for the detection of pre-colostral serum antibodies to BVDV. The presence of these antibodies indicates exposure of the foetus to BVDV during the last two trimesters of gestation. Secondly, tissue samples from malformed neonatal calves were examined for the presence of BVDV antigens. Detection of such antigens confirms exposure of the foetus to the virus during the first trimester of gestation. The results of the investigation indicated that 36.1% of the neonatal calves were exposed to BVDV infection in utero. This is higher than what has been reported in the literature and suggests that dairy farmers in the Arabian Peninsula need to be made aware of the dangers of BVDV infections in their herds. The epidemiological significance of the results is discussed.

The dairy industry is a large and important business in Saudi Arabia. Although farms are administered to high international standards, some reproduction problems, of uncertain aetiology, are encountered. The most frequently seen are conception failures, abortions, stillbirths and the birth of weak or malformed calves. These conditions are suggestive of bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) infection. Unfortunately, very little published information is available regarding the impact of this disease on cattle populations in Saudi Arabia. As a consequence, the present study was carried out and is the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region. The aim of the study was to elucidate the role of in utero BVDV infection leading to the birth of weak or malformed calves on a large dairy farm in Saudi Arabia. The study was divided into two parts. Firstly, apparently healthy neonatal calves were sampled for the detection of pre-colostral serum antibodies to BVDV. The presence of these antibodies indicates exposure of the foetus to BVDV during the last two trimesters of gestation. Secondly, tissue samples from malformed neonatal calves were examined for the presence of BVDV antigens. Detection of such antigens confirms exposure of the foetus to the virus during the first trimester of gestation. The results of the investigation indicated that 36.1% of the neonatal calves were exposed to BVDV infection in utero. This is higher than what has been reported in the literature and suggests that dairy farmers in the Arabian Peninsula need to be made aware of the dangers of BVDV infections in their herds. The epidemiological significance of the results is discussed.