Bluetongue (BT) is a vector-borne disease of ruminants caused by Bluetongue virus (BTV). Twenty-nine different serotypes of BTV are currently reported throughout the world. The main objective of this study is the development of a subunit vaccine model that could potentially be adapted to provide broad spectrum protection against multiple BTV serotypes, which the conventional vaccines fail to address. To this end, three different BTV proteins (conserved region of viral protein [VP]2, VP5 and NS1) were expressed and purified in an Escherichia coli expression system. The immunogenicity of these proteins was tested in murine models using the MontanideTM ISA 201 VG adjuvant. BALB/c mice were immunised thrice (with individual proteins and a mixture of three proteins) at two-week intervals and were monitored until Day 40 post-infection/vaccination. Protein-specific antibodies directed against the recombinant proteins were detected by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Neutralising antibody (Nab) titres and cross-neutralisation against a range of BTV serotypes (BTV-1, -2, -4, -5, -9, -10, -12, -16, -21, -23 and -24) were determined by serum neutralisation test. The recombinant proteins elicited higher Nab titres compared with the inactivated vaccine group, except for BTV-1, where the inactivated vaccine group elicited higher Nab titres. Additive effect of the three proteins was not observed as the Nab titres generated with a combination of conserved VP2, VP5 and NS1 was similar to those of the individual protein groups. Whilst BTV-12 could only be neutralised by serum raised against the inactivated vaccine group, BTV-5 and -24 could not be neutralised by any of the groups tested. Our cumulative data suggest that the conserved regions of VP2 (cVP2), VP5 and NS1 could play an important part in the novel vaccine design against multiple BTV serotypes. Importantly, given that VP2 was already known to elicit a serotype-specific immune response against BT, we report, for the first time, that the conserved region of VP2 has the ability to induce cross-protective immune response.

Examination of 528 (450 males and 78 females) dromedary camels slaughtered at Cairo abattoir revealed that a total of (93) 17.6 % were infected with hydatidosis. Post mortem examination revealed that infection was restricted only in the lungs and the liver of infected camels. Among the 93 hydatidosis infected camels, lungs were the most frequently infected 88 (94.623%) compared with liver 5 (5.376%). ELISA test using partially crude antigen and purified antigen is important for the early diagnosis of cystic echinococcosis as most cases in the early stages of infection are asymptomatic. Sensitivity of ELISA using the crude antigen was 82.758% while sensitivity of the partially purified antigen was 79.310 %. On the other hand specificity of the crude antigen was estimated as 62.5 % and specificity of partially purified antigen as 75.0 %.

The present study was conducted to determine serum concentrations of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and selenium (Se) of Barki sheep reared in the rainfed area at Matrouh Governorate, Egypt. Forty apparently healthy Barki sheep (2-4 years of age) were randomly selected from Marsa Matrouh and El Negaila farms (twenty each) for this study. In addition to twenty healthy Barki sheep aged 2-4 years, obtained from Borg El Arab farm, represented as control. Animals classified into 3 groups according to water source: Borg El Arab as control (Tap water); Matrouh (Rainfall water); El Negaila (Rainfall Water). Water and serum samples were prepared for the detection and estimation of selected metals by using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. Metal analysis revealed that Pb levels in different water samples were recorded above the EWQS of 0.01 ppm in following: El Negaila > Matrouh > control, Cd levels were recorded in El Negaila (RW) and Matrouh (RW) above recommended limit of 0.003, Se levels were recorded above maximum limit EWQS of 0.01 ppm in control (TW) followed by El Negaila and Matrouh however the levels of Cu, Zn, and Fe from the surveyed areas were below EWQS limits. Serum mineral analysis, Pb level was significantly increased only in examined sheep of El Negaila, Cd levels were higher in examined sheep of El Negaila and Matrouh however, Cu, Zn, and Fe levels were significantly lower compared to the control group. Conclusion: water analysis showed that Cu, Zn, and Fe concentrations were within the levels recommended by EWQS except for Pb, Cd and Se levels which need more attention. Serum analysis revealed high levels of Pb, Cd, and Se however deficient to marginal levels of Zn and Cu were detected in examined sheep. These results should provide a database for the mineral status of Barki sheep and their drinking water quality in Matrouh and El Negaila as well as evaluate environmental pollution status in this area.

A clear understanding of the pulmonary morphology of domestic animals is essential for the recognition and investigation of any anatomical variations. The right and left lungs of small ruminants and dog are separated into distinct lobes by inter lobar fissures. The right lung in these animals typically divides into 5 and 4 lobes, respectively. However, the left lung divides into 3 lobes. We report a case of congenital absence of the middle lobe of the right lung of a sheep and extra lobation in the left lungs of two dogs in Trinidad. This case report is of value to veterinary radiologists, pathologists, and veterinary public health inspectors during examination and investigation of the thoracic cavity of the sheep and dog.

No abstract available.

A prospective study of 65 research beagles kept in a rabies-free environment was undertaken to determine the duration of immunity after they received licensed rabies vaccines. The eventual goal was to extend mandated rabies booster intervals to 5 or 7 years and help reduce the risk of vaccine-associated adverse events. Three groups of dogs were vaccinated with 1 of 2 commercial rabies vaccines or saline at 12 and 15 weeks of age. Beginning 5 years 5 months later, vaccinated and unvaccinated dogs were challenged with virulent rabies virus and observed for 90 days over a series of 3 trials. Humoral and cellular immune responses were examined by serology and flow cytometry. Brain tissue from all challenged dogs was tested for rabies virus. Challenge trial 1 was confounded due to insufficiently virulent virus. In trials 2 and 3 virulent challenge provided 100% mortality in controls. Vaccinate survival was 80% (4/5) after 6 years 7 months, 50% (6/12) after 7 years 1 month, and 20% (1/5) after 8years 0 months. Antibody responses 12 days post-challenge correlated strongly with survival. In a separate non-challenge trial, administration of either a recombinant or a killed rabies vaccine demonstrated memory antibody responses 6 years 1 month after initial vaccination compared with unvaccinated controls. Our data demonstrated that i) duration of immunity to rabies in vaccinated dogs extends beyond 3 years; ii) immunologic memory exists even in vaccinated dogs with serum antibody titer < 0.1 IU/mL; and iii) non-adjuvanted recombinant rabies vaccine induces excellent antibody responses in previously vaccinated dogs 14 days after administration.

OBJECTIVE To compare initial leak pressure (ILP) between cadaveric canine and synthetic small intestinal segments that did and did not undergo enterotomy. SAMPLE Eight 8-cm grossly normal jejunal segments from 1 canine cadaver and eight 8-cm synthetic small intestinal segments. PROCEDURES Intestinal segments were randomly assigned to undergo enterotomy (6 cadaveric and 6 synthetic segments) or serve as untreated controls (2 cadaveric and 2 synthetic segments). For segments designated for enterotomy, a 2-cm full-thickness incision was created along the antimesenteric border. The incision was closed in a single layer with 4-0 suture in a simple continuous pattern. Leak testing was performed with intestinal segments occluded at both ends and infused with dilute dye solution (999 mL/h) until the solution was observed leaking from the suture line or serosal tearing occurred. Intraluminal pressure was continuously monitored. The ILP at construct failure was compared between cadaveric and synthetic control segments and between cadaveric and synthetic enterotomy segments. RESULTS Mean ± SD ILP did not differ significantly between cadaveric (345.11 ± 2.15 mm Hg) and synthetic (329.04 ± 24.69 mm Hg) control segments but was significantly greater for cadaveric enterotomy segments (60.77 ± 15.81 mm Hg), compared with synthetic enterotomy segments (15.03 ± 6.41 mm Hg). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Leak testing should not be used to assess the accuracy or security of enterotomy suture lines in synthetic intestinal tissue. Synthetic intestinal tissue is best used for students to gain confidence and proficiency in performing enterotomies before performing the procedure on live animals.