Increased resistance of Staphylococcus aureus isolates to existing antimicrobials constitutes a major concern in human and veterinary medicine. This study aimed at determining the prevalence, antimicrobial susceptibility profiles, and molecular characteristics of S. aureus from raw bovine milk in dairy and pastoral farms in Morogoro urban and Mvomero districts, Tanzania. In a cross-sectional study, 397 raw bovine milk samples were collected and carried to the laboratory. Conventional Gram staining, colony morphology on blood agar, and mannitol salt agar, along with biochemical tests, were used for S. aureus identification. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) was performed using the disk diffusion method, while multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect virulence and antimicrobial resistance genes. Data were analyzed using Epi Info (Version 7). Out of the 397 samples, S. aureus was confirmed in 124 (31.2%). Contamination of raw bovine milk by S. aureus in the study area was associated with poor hygienic measures. The AST revealed that all S. aureus isolates were susceptible to chloramphenicol and cefoxitin, while the highest resistance 116/124 (93.5%) was noticed for penicillin. Resistance to other antimicrobials varied between 1.6-28.2%. Of the 124 S. aureus isolates, 80 (64.5%) possessed spa gene, with 76/80(95.0%) being pathogenic. One of the S. aureus isolates, 1/124 (0.8%), harbored a mecA resistance gene. The presence of antimicrobial-resistant S. aureus isolates in raw bovine milk at the farm level is alarming and requires herd health improvement interventions to protect society.

Two battery trials were conducted to determine the effects of dietary direct-fed microbial (DFM) and dietary fat inclusion on broiler chick and turkey poult performance and dietary apparent metabolizable energy, nitrogen corrected (AMEn) when fed corn, wheat, and soy diets. For both experiments, a 2 x 2 factorial experimental design was used with supplemental fat at low (1%, LF) or high (6%, HF) levels and DFM inclusion (0 or 0.91 kg/ton) as main effects. Dietary treatments were randomly assigned to 72 cages of birds and fed to 21 d. Growth performance was measured weekly and cecal contents were collected for volatile fatty acid (VFA) analysis on d 21. Fat supplementation resulted in increased body weight gain (BWG) in both broilers and turkeys. Specifically, in LF diets, DFM inclusion resulted in increased BWG compared to the non-DFM treatments. Cumulative feed conversion ratio (FCR) was improved in HF treatments and in the LF with DFM treatment compared to the LF with no DFM. In both trials, as expected, feeding HF diets resulted in increased AMEn. However, the DFM inclusion resulted in a greater uplift in AMEn in LF diets for both broilers and turkeys. Cecal VFA concentrations were not impacted by diet in either trial, and thus the impact on DFM on VFA production remains uncertain. In conclusion, the performance of broiler chicks and turkey poults was improved by DFM inclusion in reduced fat diets which was associated with increased energy digestibility as measured by AMEn.

Mareks disease (MD), caused by a highly contagious and oncogenic herpesvirus, causes immunosuppression and tumours in chickens. Although several reports on occurring lymphomas (MD-like conditions) in turkeys were published in the past less attention has been paid to the disease in this species. Recently, Mareks disease virus (MDV) has been demonstrated in lymphomatous tumours in commercial turkeys in several countries. The present review describes the past and recent history of MD in turkeys, clinical picture, and methods used for diagnosis. Additionally, three hypotheses might explain the emergence and re-emergence of MDV in turkeys including virus evolution and evolution of MDV variants, modern hybrid turkeys, and raising of turkeys close to chickens. Although the HVT vaccine didn't protect turkeys against challenge with a virulent MDV strain, Rispens strain vaccine is effective against MDV in turkey. The pathogenesis of MDV infection in turkeys remains unclear and further investigations are necessary. Additionally, the effectiveness of MDV vaccines needs to be assessed in turkeys.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used in veterinary medicine. Additionally, interest regarding the anti-inflammatory properties of phytochemicals has emerged in recent years. In the present study we aim to investigate the in vitro effects of meloxicam, flunixin meglumine, and harpagoside on the respiratory burst of porcine polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs). We observed that harpagoside was able to suppress the respiratory burst, similarly to flunixin meglumine. Conversely, meloxicam enhanced the PMNs response. However, these effects were only detected at concentrations higher than those achievable in plasma and tissues. The present study intends to offer insights into the role of these molecules on phagocytosis mechanisms in animals to complement what is already known regarding human PMNs.

In Zambia, poultry is a rapid increasing sector contributing 4.8% of the Agricultural Gross Domestic Product (GDP), thus providing a significant income generating activity. Worldwide, poultry is a major reservoir of Salmonella with increasing incidence of extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing strains. ESBLs are enzymes produced by bacteria and are capable of inactivating a wide range of beta-lactam antibiotics. Salmonella enterica serovars Enteritidis and Typhimurium are the most important foodborne serotypes in many countries infecting both humans and animals and are transmitted to humans through the food supply chain. CTX-M ESBLs have been described in Salmonella Typhimurium isolates with resistant genes located on transferable plasmids. This study aimed to detect S. Typhimurium, their antimicrobial resistance and CTX-M-type ESBL Producing strains in commercial poultry farms in Copperbelt Province, Zambia. Five districts were considered for this study where one poultry farm per district was randomly selected for sampling. An overall number of 384 faecal samples were analysed using microbiological and molecular methods. S. Typhimurium was detected at 17.7% (CI: 14.2%-21.8%) in commercial poultry farms in Copperbelt Province of which 12.8% (CI: 9.8%-16.5%) were found harboring the CTX-M-Type ESBL genes. S. Typhimurium isolates showed 88.2% resistance to at least one antimicrobial compounds. All the isolates showed 100% resistance to tetracycline followed by ampicillin and amoxicillin at 91.2%. These isolates also showed 58.8% resistance to cefotaxime and 54.4% to ceftazidime. Detection of CTX-M ESBL producing Salmonella Typhimurium suggests that there is contamination of chicken food chain at farm level and call for public health protection measures.

Brucellosis is an endemic disease among livestock and humans in Egypt. Sheep are the most common type of livestock ruminant in Egypt and considered the fundamental etiology for spreading and maintaining B. melitensis either in human being or animal populations. In the current study, we investigated the seroprevalence of brucellosis in sheep herds reared in Bilqase, one of the biggest cities at Dakahlia governorate in Egypt\'s Delta region. In total, 610 sheep from seven herds were investigated. Anti-Brucella antibodies were detected in 48 (7.8%) samples tested by Buffered Acidified Plate Antigen Test (BAPAT), in 44 (7.2%) samples tested by Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and in 41 (6.7%) samples tested by Milk Ring Test (MRT). The isolation rate was 29.6% (16 out of 54 examined samples). Brucella organism was isolated from three aborted fetuses, one tissue sample of slaughtered serologically positive ewe and 12 milk samples. The Abortus Melitensis Ovis Suis-PCR (AMOS-PCR) confirmed all Brucella strains as B. melitensis. More than three successive negative serological tests are required to declare that the infected herd is free from brucellosis. In conclusion, no single serological test could conclusively diagnose brucellosis in endemic areas. Confirmation of results with molecular diagnosis or culture is indispensable in diagnosis. B. melitensis was the prevalent serotype among sheep in Dakahlia governorate

An adult herring gull (Larus argentatus) found lethargic and moribund showed an open fracture of the right radius and ulna with necrosis of the surrounding tissue. Hematologic testing and plasma biochemical analysis revealed elevated creatinine kinase consistent with traumatic muscle damage in addition to hyperuricemia, hyperkalemia, and hyperphosphatemia consistent with renal insufficiency. An increase in the acute phase protein Serum Amyloid A indicates a high degree of inflammation supported by leucocytosis, heterophilia, and hypoglycemia pointing towards septicemia. This case provides knowledge about Serum Amyloid A in gulls and how bone fracture and secondary infection may affect gull blood hematology and biochemistry.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the use of microwave ablation (MWA) with cooling urethral perfusion and with no perfusion (MWA-UP and MWA-NP, respectively) for prostate gland ablation in canine cadavers. ANIMALS Cadavers of 18 sexually intact male dogs. PROCEDURES After technique refinement in 2 cadavers, laparotomy with ultrasound-guided MWA-UP (n = 8) or MWA-NP (8) of the prostate gland was performed in 16 cadavers. Normograde cystourethroscopy was performed before and after treatment; recorded images were reviewed in a blinded manner for scoring of urethral mucosal discoloration and loss of integrity. Difficulty with cystoscope insertion was recorded if present. Excised prostate glands were fixed for serial sectioning, gross measurements, and calculation of percentage ablation. Percentages of prostate tissue necrosis from MWA, denuded urethral mucosa, and depth of epithelial surface loss in an adjacent section of the colon were estimated histologically. Variables of interest were statistically analyzed. RESULTS Difficulty with cystoscope insertion after treatment was significantly more common and scores for urethral mucosal discoloration and loss of integrity were significantly higher (indicating more severe lesions) for the MWA-NP group than for the MWA-UP group. The histologically assessed percentage of denuded urethral mucosa was also greater for the MWA-NP group. Overall median percentage prostate gland ablation was 73%; this result was not associated with prostate gland volume or chronological order of treatment. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE MWA-UP induced subtotal thermal necrosis of prostate glands in canine cadavers while limiting urethral mucosal injury. Further study is required to optimize the technique and evaluate its safety and efficacy in vivo as a future curative-intent treatment for prostatic tumors in dogs.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) and methylprednisolone acetate (MPA) on the viability of resident cells within the fibrocartilage on the dorsal surface of the deep digital flexor tendon (FC-DDFT) and fibrocartilage on the flexor surface of the navicular bone (FC-NB) of horses. SAMPLE 12 to 14 explants of FC-DDFT and of FC-NB from grossly normal forelimbs of 5 cadavers of horses aged 9 to 15 years without evidence of musculoskeletal disease. PROCEDURES Explants were incubated with culture medium (control) or TA-supplemented (0.6 or 6 mg/mL) or MPA-supplemented (0.5 or 5 mg/mL) medium for 6 or 24 hours. Explant metabolic activity and percentage of dead cells were assessed with a resazurin-based assay and live-dead cell staining, respectively, at each time point. Drug effects were assessed relative to findings for the respective control group. RESULTS Application of TA (at both concentrations) did not significantly change the cell viability of FC-DDFT explants. For FC-NB explants, TA at 6 mg/mL significantly reduced the metabolic activity and increased the percentage of dead cells at both time points. With either MPA concentration, FC-DDFT and FC-NB explants had reduced metabolic activity and an increased percentage of dead cells at 24 hours, whereas only MPA at 5 mg/mL was cytotoxic at the 6-hour time point. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE In ex vivo explants, TA was less cytotoxic to equine FC-DDFT and FC-NB cells, compared with MPA. Further work is warranted to characterize the drugs' transcriptional and translational effects as well as investigate their cytotoxicity at lower concentrations.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of an excessive tibial plateau angle (TPA) and change in compressive load on tensile forces experienced by the cranial cruciate, medial collateral, and lateral collateral ligaments (CCL, MCL, and LCL, respectively) of canine stifle joints. SAMPLE 16 cadaveric stifle joints from 16 orthopedically normal Beagles. PROCEDURES Stifle joints were categorized into unchanged (mean TPA, 30.4°) and excessive (mean TPA before and after modification, 31.2° and 41.1°, respectively) TPA groups. The excessive TPA group underwent a TPA-increasing procedure (curvilinear osteotomy of the proximal aspect of the tibia) to achieve the desired TPA. A robotic system was used to apply a 30- and 60-N compressive load to specimens. The craniomedial band of the CCL, caudolateral band of the CCL, MCL, and LCL were sequentially transected; load application was repeated after each transection. Orthogonal force components were measured in situ. Forces on ligaments were calculated after repeated output force measurements as the contribution of each component was eliminated. RESULTS Increasing the compressive load increased tensile forces on the craniomedial and caudolateral bands of the CCL, but not on the MCL or LCL, in specimens of both groups. At the 60-N load, tensile force on the craniomedial band, but not other ligaments, was greater for the excessive TPA group than for the unchanged TPA group. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that stress on the CCL may increase when the compressive load increases. The TPA-increasing procedure resulted in increased tensile force on the CCL at a 60-N compressive load without affecting forces on the MCL or LCL.