The efficacy of four infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) vaccines including intermediate (D78) and intermediate plus (228E, IBD-Blen and Bursa-Vac+) were compared in priming vaccination of 10 days commercial old male layer chicks. There were different parameters were measured for testing these vaccines including; the immunogenic efficacy, the effect on performance, organ (bursa, spleen, and proventriculus) body weight index as well as histopathological examination of bursa, spleen, proventriculus and thymus. Chick was received a dose of 102 EID50 from one IBDV vaccine out of 228E, IBD-Blen or Bursa-Vac+, while D78 dose was 104 EID50. The results cleared out that all the tested vaccines passed through the maternal derived antibodies 2480.133 + 156.3. All vaccines stimulate antibody formation as measured by ELISA test. The used vaccines not affect markedly body weight and feed intake, as there were no significant differences between the control group and the vaccinated ones in the mean body weight and the feed conversion rate. Furthermore, the bursa: body weight index of vaccinated groups were generally less than those of control one at all intervals, while the spleen and proventriculus: spleen: body weight index of vaccinated groups was higher than control on at the end of the observation period. The used vaccines induced histopathological changes in bursa, spleen , proventriculus and thymus glands. These results indicated that all tested vaccine are of value in vaccination of commercial chicks from vaccinated breeders

Stability study of biological products especially living bacterial vaccines plays an important role for determination of product changes in maintenance period and ensures safety, efficacy and maintenance of biological properties of the vaccines. So, the objective of this study was to establish stability and keeping quality of the local Brucella melitensis Rev-1 vaccine using different types of stabilizers in lyophilization process. A long-term stability study was carried out for four batches of reduced-dose Brucella melitensis Rev-1 vaccine manufactured by veterinary serum and vaccine research institute using four different stabilizers. These stabilizers were (A) sucrose and skimmed milk, (B and C) different concentrations of sucrose, sodium glutamate and gelatin, and (D) casein, sucrose and sodium glutamate. The quality control tests including colony forming unit, purity, dissociation and physicochemical tests on all batches until 12 months post- production were performed. The obtained results indicated that, in spite of collapse (shrinkage) of lyophilized cake in a number of bottles in batches prepared using stabilizer A, the brucella vaccine batches were stable and met the specification recommended by OIE 2012 for 12 months post-production in vaccine batches with stabilizers A and D.

The objective of this work was to estimate the lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe) and Manganese (Mn) levels in drinking water, layer feed and muscle samples were collected during winter season from two layer farms which present at two different areas, non industrial area (Integrated poultry project in El-Azab) and industrial area (Kom Oshim) in Tamia district in El-Fayoum province, Egypt. All samples will be analyzed to determine the translocations of heavy metals from water and feed to the bird's muscle. The results explained that the mean metal concentrations in the different samples of selected poultry farms are Pb (1.1034±0.097, 1.173±0.129), (2.891±0.194, 3.182±0.28) and (0.071±0.03, 0.099±0.0396 ppm). Cd (0.419±0.004, 0.389±0.017), (0.508±0.017, 0.5854±0.003) and (0.005±0.0013, 0.0125±0.003 ppm). Cu (5.9±2.1, 0.8596±0.054), (9.15±1.202, 14.75±0.417) and (0.0442±0.0075, 0.03032±0.004 ppm). Zn (14.50±1.285, 13.628±1.053), (57.605±3.06, 58.319±0.73) and (0.0668±0.018, 0.016±0.00498 ppm). Fe (171.011±79.6, 186.74±72.65), (153.58±15.3, 124.12±3.26) and (0.013±0.008 ppm, ND). And Mn (3.187±1.539, 1.398±0.768), (84.98±5.676, 85.884±1.07) and (0.0056±0.0037ppm, ND) for muscle, layer feeds and drinking water which were collected from non industrial area and industrial area in ElFayoum province, Egypt, respectively. These data indicated that Pb and Cd in muscle, layer feeds and drinking water collected from industrial area were higher than that collected from non industrial area. Also these metals residual concentrations particularly in layer muscle and drinking water were more than the permissible limits.

African swine fever (ASF) is a contagious haemorrhagic disease associated with causing heavy economic losses to the swine industry in many African countries. In 2017, Zambia experienced ASF outbreaks in Mbala District (Northern province) and for the first time in Isoka and Chinsali districts (Muchinga province). Meanwhile, another outbreak was observed in Chipata District (Eastern province). Genetic analysis of part of the B646L gene, E183L gene, CP204L gene and the central variable region of the B602L gene of ASF virus (ASFV) associated with the outbreaks in Mbala and Chipata districts was conducted. The results revealed that the ASFV detected in Mbala District was highly similar to that of the Georgia 2007/1 isolate across all the genome regions analysed. In contrast, while showing close relationship with the Georgia 2007/1 virus in the B646L gene, the ASFV detected in Chipata District showed remarkable genetic variation in the rest of the genes analysed. These results suggest that the Georgia 2007/1-like virus could be more diverse than what was previously thought, underscoring the need of continued surveillance and monitoring of ASFVs within the south-eastern African region to better understand their epidemiology and the relationships between outbreaks and their possible origin.

Studies in humans have shown that the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway and the insulin-like growth factor axis are involved in carcinogenesis, thus, components of these systems might be useful as prognostic markers and constitute potential therapeutic targets. In veterinary medicine, only a few studies exist on this topic. Here, serum concentrations of 26S proteasome (26SP) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) were measured by canine enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 43 dogs suffering from malignant tumors and 21 clinically normal dogs (control group). Relationships with tumor size, survival time, body condition score (BCS), and tumor entity were assessed. The median 26SP concentration in the tumor group was non-significantly higher than in the control group. However, dogs with mammary carcinomas displayed significantly increased 26SP levels compared to the control group and dogs with tumor size less than 5 cm showed significantly increased 26SP concentrations compared to dogs with larger tumors and control dogs. 26SP concentrations were not correlated to survival time or BCS. No significant difference in IGF-1 levels was found between the tumor group and the control group; however, IGF-1 concentrations displayed a larger range of values in the tumor group. Dogs with tumors greater than 5 cm showed significantly higher IGF-1 levels than dogs with smaller tumors. The IGF-1 concentrations were positively correlated to survival time, but no correlation with BCS was found. Consequently, serum 26SP concentrations seem to be increased in some dogs suffering from malignant tumors, especially in dogs with mammary carcinoma and smaller tumors. Increased serum IGF-1 concentrations could be an indication of large tumors and a poor prognosis.

OBJECTIVE To assess pharmacokinetics of tranexamic acid (TXA) in dogs and assess antifibrinolytic properties of TXA in canine blood by use of a thromboelastography-based in vitro model of hyperfibrinolysis. ANIMALS 6 healthy adult dogs. PROCEDURES Dogs received each of 4 TXA treatments (10 mg/kg, IV; 20 mg/kg, IV; approx 15 mg/kg, PO; and approx 20 mg/kg, PO) in a randomized crossover-design study. Blood samples were collected at baseline (time 0; immediately prior to drug administration) and predetermined time points afterward for pharmacokinetic analysis and pharmacodynamic (thromboelastography) analysis by use of an in vitro hyperfibrinolysis model. RESULTS Maximum amplitude (MA [representing maximum clot strength]) significantly increased from baseline at all time points for all treatments. The MA was lower at 360 minutes for the 10-mg/kg IV treatment than for other treatments. Percentage of clot lysis 30 minutes after MA was detected was significantly decreased from baseline at all time points for all treatments; at 360 minutes, this value was higher for the 10-mg/kg IV treatment than for other treatments and higher for the 20-mg/kg IV treatment than for the 20-mg/kg PO treatment. Maximum plasma TXA concentrations were dose dependent. At 20 mg/kg, IV, plasma TXA concentrations briefly exceeded concentrations suggested for complete inhibition of fibrinolysis. Oral drug administration resulted in a later peak antifibrinolytic effect than did IV administration. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Administration of TXA improved clot strength and decreased fibrinolysis in blood samples from healthy dogs in an in vitro hyperfibrinolysis model. Further research is needed to determine clinical effects of TXA in dogs with hyperfibrinolysis.

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of immunosuppressive prednisolone therapy on pancreatic tissue and the concentration of serum canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (cPLI) in healthy dogs. Six healthy beagle dogs were subcutaneously administered an immunosuppressive dose of prednisolone [4 mg/kg body weight (BW)] once daily for either 2 or 3 weeks. Serum cPLI concentration was measured before and after treatment. Ultrasonographic examination of the pancreas and laparoscopic biopsy and histopathological examination of the right pancreatic lobe and the liver were also conducted before and after treatment. The expression of pancreatic lipase messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) in the pancreas and liver was examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Although the serum cPLI concentration was significantly higher on day 14 and on the day of the second laparoscopy than before treatment, it was classified as normal (≤ 200 μg/L) in 5 dogs and as abnormal (≥ 400 μg/L) in only 1 dog. None of the 6 dogs showed clinical signs of pancreatitis during the study period. After treatment, ultrasonographic examination of the pancreas showed no changes except for a hypoechoic pancreas in 1 dog. Histopathological examination of the right pancreatic lobe in all dogs showed no evidence of pancreatitis after treatment. Pancreatic lipase mRNA expression was detected in the pancreas, but not in the liver, before and after treatment. The administration of 4 mg/kg BW per day of prednisolone for 2 or 3 weeks increased the serum cPLI concentration without clinical signs of pancreatitis, although an abnormal cPLI concentration (≥ 400 μg/L) was observed in only 1 dog. No ultrasonographic or histological evidence of pancreatitis was observed in any of the dogs.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate effects of high-concentration buprenorphine (HCB) on self-injurious behavior, food intake, fecal output, and thermal withdrawal latencies in healthy rats. ANIMALS 8 Sprague-Dawley rats. PROCEDURES Rats received 4 SC treatments (HCB at 0.075, 0.15, or 0.30 mg/kg [HCB0.075, HCB0.15, and HCB0.30, respectively] or 5% dextrose solution [0.20 mL/kg]) in a randomized, crossover-design study. Self-injurious behavior was assessed for 8 hours after injection. Food intake and fecal output were assessed for predetermined periods before and after treatment and separated into 12-hour light and dark periods for further analysis. Withdrawal latencies were assessed before (time 0) and at predetermined times after injection. Data were compared among treatments and time points. RESULTS Self-injurious behavior was observed up to 8 hours after injection for all HCB, but not dextrose, treatments. Preinjection food intake and fecal output amounts were similar among groups and higher during the dark period than during the light period. Food intake after all HCB treatments was higher during the light period and lower during the dark period, compared with preinjection results for the same treatments and with postinjection results for dextrose administration. Light-period fecal output was lower after HCB0.15 and HCB0.30 administration, compared with preinjection values for the same treatments and postinjection values for dextrose administration. Percentage change in withdrawal latency was significantly higher than that at time 0 (ie, 0%) for only 1 treatment (HCB0.30) at 1 time point (1 hour after injection). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Although HCB0.30 produced a degree of thermal hypoalgesia in healthy rats, self-injurious behavior and alterations in food intake and fecal output were detected, potentially affecting clinical utility of the treatment.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate a fluorescence resonance energy transfer quantitative PCR (FRET-qPCR) assay for detection of gyrA mutations conferring fluoroquinolone resistance in canine urinary Escherichia coli isolates and canine urine specimens. SAMPLE 264 canine urinary E coli isolates and 283 clinical canine urine specimens. PROCEDURES The E coli isolates were used to validate the FRET-qPCR assay. Urine specimens were evaluated by bacterial culture and identification, isolate enrofloxacin susceptibility testing, and FRET-qPCR assay. Sensitivity and specificity of the FRET-qPCR assay for detection of gyrA mutations in urine specimens and in E coli isolated from urine specimens were computed, with results of enrofloxacin susceptibility testing used as the reference standard. RESULTS The validated FRET-qPCR assay discriminated between enrofloxacin-resistant and enrofloxacin-susceptible E coli isolates with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.92. The assay accurately identified 25 of 40 urine specimens as containing enrofloxacin-resistant isolates (sensitivity, 62.5%) and 226 of 243 urine specimens as containing enrofloxacin-susceptible isolates (specificity, 93.0%). When the same assay was performed on E coli isolates recovered from these specimens, sensitivity (77.8%) and specificity (94.8%) increased. Moderate agreement was achieved between results of the FRET-qPCR assay and enrofloxacin susceptibility testing for E coli isolates recovered from urine specimens. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The FRET-qPCR assay was able to rapidly distinguish between enrofloxacin-resistant and enrofloxacin-susceptible E coli in canine clinical urine specimens through detection of gyrA mutations. Therefore, the assay may be useful in clinical settings to screen such specimens for enrofloxacin-resistant E coli to avoid inappropriate use of enrofloxacin and contributing to antimicrobial resistance.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the microbial integrity of preservative-free cyclodextrin-based alfaxalone in a multiple-use system. SAMPLE 22 vials of preservative-free alfaxalone. PROCEDURES 2 storage conditions (room temperature, 22°C; refrigerated temperature, 4°C) and 3 handling techniques (closed system transfer device, nonclosed dispensing pin, and manufacturer-supplied vial stopper) comprised 6 treatment groups (3 replicates/group). An aliquot (0.5 mL) was withdrawn from each vial daily for 14 days. Samples were immediately inoculated into tryptic soy broth and incubated at 36°C for 24 hours; samples were subcultured onto 5% Columbia sheep blood agar and incubated for 48 hours. Isolated colonies were evaluated for identification. RESULTS There was no evidence of microbial contamination of vials stored for 7 days in refrigeration and handled with a protected port (closed system transfer device or nonclosed dispensing pin). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The US FDA prohibits the use of alfaxalone beyond 6 hours after the vial stopper is broached (punctured), as mandated for a preservative-free injectable medication. Findings for the study reported here supported the use of alfaxalone for 7 days when refrigerated and handled with a single puncture of the stopper by use of a protected port (closed system transfer device or nonclosed dispensing pin). This would appear to be a practical alternative for an injectable anesthetic. It would minimize drug waste and the subsequent environmental impact for disposal of unused drug and allow standardization of storage and handling protocols for alfaxalone use in veterinary practices across the United States.