A total of 220 random meat samples of different animal species were collected from 50 carcasses consisting 10 carcasses from each of beef, buffalo, camel, sheep and goat, as well20 frozen beef samples. Each carcass represented by four cut samples from neck, shoulder, abdomen and thigh. All samples were collected from random retail and butchers’ shops ofBeni-Suef governorate to assess their microbiological status and compare the levels of contamination among animal species and carcass cuts. This study showed and compared the means of counts (CFU/g) of total aerobicbacteria (mesophilic count and psychrophilic count), coliforms,fecal coliforms,Escherichia coli,Staphylococcusaureus in each of beef, buffalo, camel, sheep and goat carcasses and imported frozen beef as well. Beside the incidence of E.coli, Salmonellaspp, and coagulase positive Staphylococcus aureus. The obtained results clarified that the examined beef, buffalo and mutton samples were more contaminated than those of other kinds of meat. The results were discussed from the hygienic point of view and compared with the national and international standards to assess their reliability for consumption.

Infectious bronchitis (IB), Newcastle disease (ND) and Avian influenza (AI) are highly contagious and the most economically important diseases of the poultry affecting the respiratory tract and causing economic losses in the poultry industry throughout the world. In the present study, 180 broiler flocks were sampled from 6 different Egyptian provinces (Giza, Qaluobia, Sharqia, Menofia, Al Behira and Fayoum) during 2014 to 2015. The birds showed respiratory illness and they were examined for 4 respiratory viral diseases; avian influenza (AI subtype H5 and H9), vNDV and IBV. All farms were vaccinated against IBV, ND and AI and were investigated using RT-PCR. The results showed that 41 out of 180 broiler farms were positive for either IBV or vND or AI-H5 and AI-H9 as a single infection as follows: 24, 10, 5 and 2 farms respectively. There were 62 farms detected as mixed infection, the highest incidence was shown in 40 farms co-infected with IBV and AI (H9) and 11 with IBV and vNDV, rRT-PCR results for each governorate separately go more or less parallel to that of all governorates collectively, There was no clear geographical preferences in positive viruses among governorates. Mortality rate and clinical signs incidence showed the highest percentage for birds reared in winter and Autumn compared with the other seasons. The results revealed that IBV as a single or a mixed infection had a major role in the respiratory problem in the field.

Food contaminated with multiple antibiotic-resistant S.aureus can be a major threat to the public health. The purpose of this study was to isolate S.aureus from different food sources, determine their antimicrobial susceptibility as well as detection of mecA gene among some resistant isolates. Out of 125 samples, 19 S.aureus isolates were isolated, and the antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed high resistance against kanamycin, penicillin G, oxacillin, erythromycin and tetracycline were the most resistant antimicrobials agents. All the tested isolates isolates were multiple drug resistant (MDR).Eight out of 19 isolates were phenotypically resistant to oxacillin as well as they were carriers for mecA gene.

This study was carried out to assess the effect of storage conditions on the sensory, quality parameters and microbiological status of beef from the muscle “Semitendinosus”. The experiment was design into 4 groups of beef samples, the first was control and the others were unpacked, aerobic packed and vacuum packed chilled meat. The obtained results showed that the mean values of mesophilic counts were 6×10⁷±5×10⁶, 3×10⁷±3×10⁶, 3×10⁷±2×10⁶ and 5×10⁷±5×10⁶ CFU/g, while those of psychrophilic count were 5×10⁷±5×10⁶, 3×10⁶±3×10⁵, 4×10⁶±3×10⁵ and 7×10⁶±7×10⁵ CFU/g, whereas the mean values of coliforms MPN were 10⁵±10⁴, 10⁵±10⁴, 2×10⁴±10³ and 4×10⁷±2×10⁶ MPN/g, the mean values of fecal coliforms MPN were 2×10³±2×10², 4×10⁴±3×10³, 2×10³±10² and 10⁷±10⁶ MPN/g, the mean values of E. coli MPN were 9×10²±9×10, 6×10±6×10², 6×10³±10² and 2×10³±10² MPN/g and the mean values of Staphylococcus count were (9×10⁵±9×10⁴, 10⁶±10⁵, 2×10⁶±10⁵ and 2×10⁶±2×10⁵ CFU/g) for control, unpacked, aerobic packed and vacuum packed chilled stored beef, respectively. The unpacked meat showed increase in shelf life time till four days as the sensory evaluation become excellent till four days also, increased pH, drip, water holding capacity (WHC) and cooking loss at four days. Staphylococcus reach to unsatisfactory level. Area packed meat increase in shelf life time till six days showing excellent sensory evalution at six day, decreasd drip, water holding capacity and cooking loss and slowly increased in bacterial count. Anaerobic meat have the longest shelf life time till 10 days as vacuum packing reduce drip, WHC and cooking loss. Also decrease mesophilic, fecal coliform growth. The quality assurance of cold storage was discussed as well as the vacuum packaged chilled beef has long shelf –life time than aerobic packed and fresh meat. This attributed to that package and cold storage reduce microbiological and physio-chemical alterations in meat. The recommendations to extension of shelf life time were discussed.

This study aimed to replace liquid foot pan in the poultry farm, with a novel model that is used more effectively in biosecurity program convenient with the workers in Egyptian farms that avoid foot pan. This novel model dry foot pan, semiliquid (wet) foot pan and floor mat that enabled the disinfectants to be worked for a longer time. In the present study authors are looking for a durable footbath, stable, fast, easily applied and log acting in the reduction of salmonellae. The efficacy of powder disinfectant (calcium hypochlorite powder, Halamid, Staldren, Virkon S and paraformaldehyde) were tested against salmonellae in a novel form of foot pan dry, semi-liquid and floor mat models. The disinfectants were diluted by calcium carbonate or sodium chloride powder in the dry form, surfactant in the semiliquid form and use of the sponge as a mat in the third form. Daily measurement of the active principle of the tested disinfectants and the log reduction of the Salmonellae were done. The dry form and semi liquid form of the Calcium hypochlorite was successfully effective for 10 days in dry form and 9 days in semiliquid form. However, Halamid and Staldren were successfully effective in dry form for 14 days and 17 days respectively, semiliquid form was worked for 21 day and 3 days and floor mat was effective for 21 days and 3 days respectively. Paraformaldehyde powder was also effective for 6 days in the dry form, but in the semiliquid form was effective for 10 days, floor mat was effective for 12 days. 5% Virkon S could be effective for 3 days in the dry form and semi-liquid form but only 2 days in the floor mat form.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate effects of an orthosis on biomechanics of a cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL)-deficient canine stifle joint by use of a 3-D quasistatic rigid-body pelvic limb computer model simulating the stance phase of gait and to investigate influences of orthosis hinge stiffness (durometer). SAMPLE A previously developed computer simulation model for a healthy 33-kg 5-year-old neutered Golden Retriever. PROCEDURES A custom stifle joint orthosis was implemented in the CrCL-deficient pelvic limb computer simulation model. Ligament loads, relative tibial translation, and relative tibial rotation in the orthosis-stabilized stifle joint (baseline scenario; high-durometer hinge]) were determined and compared with values for CrCL-intact and CrCL-deficient stifle joints. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to evaluate the influence of orthosis hinge stiffness on model outcome measures. RESULTS The orthosis decreased loads placed on the caudal cruciate and lateral collateral ligaments and increased load placed on the medial collateral ligament, compared with loads for the CrCL-intact stifle joint. Ligament loads were decreased in the orthosis-managed CrCL-deficient stifle joint, compared with loads for the CrCL-deficient stifle joint. Relative tibial translation and rotation decreased but were not eliminated after orthosis management. Increased orthosis hinge stiffness reduced tibial translation and rotation, whereas decreased hinge stiffness increased internal tibial rotation, compared with values for the baseline scenario. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Stifle joint biomechanics were improved following orthosis implementation, compared with biomechanics of the CrCL-deficient stifle joint. Orthosis hinge stiffness influenced stifle joint biomechanics. An orthosis may be a viable option to stabilize a CrCL-deficient canine stifle joint.

OBJECTIVE To assess effects of major abdominal surgery on serum cortisol and aldosterone and plasma canine ACTH (cACTH) concentrations. ANIMALS 39 healthy dogs undergoing laparotomy during veterinary student surgical laboratories. PROCEDURES Blood samples were obtained before and at completion of surgery. Serum cortisol and aldosterone and plasma cACTH concentrations were measured by use of validated radioimmunoassays. Changes in concentrations (postoperative concentration minus preoperative concentration) were calculated. Data were analyzed by use of the Wilcoxon signed rank test, Pearson correlation analysis, and Mann-Whitney rank sum test. RESULTS Cortisol, aldosterone, and cACTH concentrations increased significantly from before to after surgery. Although cortisol and aldosterone concentrations increased in almost all dogs, cACTH concentrations decreased in 6 of 32 (19%) dogs. All dogs had preoperative cortisol concentrations within the reference range, but 24 of 39 (62%) dogs had postoperative concentrations above the reference range. A correlation between the change in cACTH concentration and the change in cortisol concentration was not detected. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Laparotomy caused a significant increase in serum cortisol and aldosterone concentrations. In most dogs, but not all dogs, plasma cACTH concentrations increased. Lack of correlation between the change in cACTH concentration and the change in cortisol concentration suggested that increased postoperative cortisol concentrations may have been attributable to ACTH-independent mechanisms, an early ACTH increase that caused a sustained cortisol release, or decreased cortisol clearance. Further studies are indicated to evaluate the effects of various anesthetic protocols and minimally invasive surgical techniques on the stress response.

OBJECTIVE To determine pharmacokinetics of butorphanol tartrate incorporated into poloxamer 407 (P407) after SC administration to Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis). ANIMALS 11 adult Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (6 males and 5 females; 11 to 27 years old). PROCEDURES A sterile formulation of butorphanol in P407 (But-P407) 25% (percentage determined as [weight of P407/weight of diluent] × 100]) was created (8.3 mg/mL). Five preliminary experiments (2 birds/experiment) were performed to determine the ideal dose for this species. The formulation then was administered (12.5 mg/kg, SC) to 8 birds. Blood samples were collected before (time 0) and 0.08, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours after drug administration. Some birds were used more than once, with a washout period of ≥ 3 months between subsequent treatments. Butorphanol concentrations were quantitated by use of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Pharmacokinetic analysis was performed by use of noncompartmental analysis. RESULTS Maximal plasma butorphanol concentration was reached at 1.31 hours. Plasma concentrations of butorphanol remained > 100 ng/mL for > 3 hours (all birds) or > 4 hours (5/8 birds) but < 8 hours (all birds). Half-life of the terminal slope was 3.41 hours. No adverse effects were detected. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Butorphanol was absorbed well from the But-P407 25% by Hispaniolan Amazon parrots, and absorption followed a pharmacokinetic profile compatible with a sustained-release drug. A dose of 12.5 mg/kg, SC, would theoretically provide analgesia for 4 to 8 hours. No adverse effects were detected. Studies on the pharmacodynamics of this formulation are necessary to confirm the degree and duration of analgesia.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the antinociceptive efficacy of IM morphine sulfate or butorphanol tartrate administration in tegus (Salvator merianae). ANIMALS 6 healthy juvenile (12- to 24-month-old) tegus (mean ± SD body weight, 1,484 ± 473 g). PROCEDURES In a crossover study design, tegus were randomly assigned to treatment order, with a minimum washout period of 15 days between treatments. Each of 5 treatments was administered IM in a forelimb: saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (0.5 mL), morphine sulfate (5 or 10 mg/kg), or butorphanol tartrate (5 or 10 mg/kg). A withdrawal latency test was used to evaluate antinociception, with a noxious thermal stimulus applied to the plantar surface of the hind limb before (0 hours; baseline) and 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12, and 24 hours after each treatment. Observers were unaware of treatment received. RESULTS With saline solution, mean hind limb withdrawal latencies (interval to limb withdrawal from the thermal stimulus) remained constant, except at 12 hours. Tegus had higher than baseline mean withdrawal latencies between 0.5 and 1 hour and at 12 hours with morphine at 5 mg/kg and between 1 and 12 hours with morphine at 10 mg/kg. With butorphanol at 5 and 10 mg/kg, tegus maintained withdrawal responses similar to baseline at all assessment points. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that morphine, but not butorphanol, provided antinociception at 5 and 10 mg/kg in tegus as measured by thermal noxious stimulus testing. These data supported the hypothesis that μ-opioid (but not κ-opioid) receptor agonists provide antinociception in reptiles.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate effects of laparoscopic-assisted incisional gastropexy (LAIG) on gastric motility in dogs by use of a wireless motility device (WMD). ANIMALS 10 healthy client-owned large or giant-breed dogs. PROCEDURES 10 dogs owned by clients interested in prophylactic LAIG were enrolled. To determine effects of LAIG on gastrointestinal motility in dogs during the nonfed state, each dog was evaluated by use of a noninvasive WMD before and > 4 weeks after LAIG. All dogs underwent LAIG, with or without concurrent elective gonadectomy. Data obtained before and after LAIG were analyzed by use of proprietary software to determine the gastric emptying time, small bowel transit time, large bowel transit time, whole bowel transit time, and motility index. RESULTS No changes in variables were detected between measurements obtained before and after prophylactic LAIG. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE In this study, prophylactic LAIG did not have an effect on gastrointestinal motility. The WMD was tolerated well by all dogs and appeared to be a safe and effective method for evaluating gastrointestinal motility in this population of dogs.