In vivo evaluation of the antiretroviral activity of Melia azedarach against small ruminant lentiviruses in goat colostrum and milk

This study aimed to evaluate in vivo the use of the extract from the leaves of Melia azedarach in the ethyl acetate fraction at a concentration of 150 µg/mL as an antiretroviral treatment against small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLV) in goat colostrum, and milk with a 90-min action. Two groups of six kids were treated with the extract. One group received three supplies of colostrum from does naturally positive for SRLV, treated with the ethyl acetate fraction of M. azedarach (EAF-MA) for three days, while the other group consumed milk from does also carrying the virus with the respective extract twice a day for five days. After undergoing treatment, all animals began to receive thermized milk until weaning (60 days) and were monitored for six months using nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) and western blot (WB) tests. The study revealed cumulative percentages of positive animals in WB or nPCR in the milk group of 66.66% on the seventh day, 83.33% in the following week, and 100% at 120 days, while the colostrum group showed values of 66.66% at 14 days, 83.33% at 90 days, and 100% at 120 days. Variation and intermittency were observed in viral detection, but all animals tested positive in WB or nPCR at some point. A potential delay in infection was observed, which was more significant in the colostrum group. The need for the combination of serological and molecular tests for a more efficient detection of the disease is also emphasized.

High prevalence of pathogenic Eimeria spp. and the main risk factors associated with infection in goats from a semiarid region of Northeastern Brazil

This study aimed to analyze the epidemiology of infections caused by Eimeria spp. in goats bred in an extensive production system in Northeast Brazil. To this end, an epidemiological survey was performed, wherein 350 fecal samples were collected from goats ranging from 3 months to 8 years old across 30 farms. The number of oocysts per gram of feces (OPG) was counted using the Mini-FLOTAC method. Species were identified based on their morphological and morphometric characteristics. Frequencies between animal categories were assessed using the chi-square test and known risk factors after multivariate analysis. Eimeria oocysts were found in 99.4% (346/348) of samples and 100% (30/30) of the farms. The OPG was influenced by the age of the animals; therefore, young goats (up to 6 months old) eliminated more oocysts (2302.6 + 5454.8) than adult goats (881.7 + 1551.5). Three pathogenic species were identified, with two demonstrating a high prevalence: Eimeria arloingi (88.83%) and Eimeria christenseni (44.7%), in addition to Eimeria caprina (3.72%). In the study, the habit of ground feeding and the use of cisterns as water sources were identified as risk factors, with odds ratios of 4.04 and 9.82, respectively. However, cleaning facilities at shorter intervals was a protective factor (OR = 0.19). We concluded that there was a high prevalence of Eimeria infection in goats bred in extensive production systems, even those in semiarid regions. This high prevalence can be attributed to the congregation of animals in shaded areas and the substantial accumulation of fecal matter at night.

In vitro antiviral effect of ethanolic extracts from Azadirachta indica and Melia azedarach against goat lentivirus in colostrum and milk

This study aimed to evaluate, in vitro, the use of leaf extracts of Azadirachta indica (A. indica) and Melia azedarach (M. azedarach) as antivirals against caprine lentivirus (CLV) in colostrum and milk of goat nannies. These were collected from eight individuals and infected with the standard strain of CLV. Samples were then subdivided into aliquots and treated with 150 µg/mL of crude extract, and with ethyl acetate and methanol fractions for 30, 60, and 90 min. Next, somatic cells from colostrum and milk were co-cultured with cells from the ovine third eyelid. After this step, viral titers of the supernatants collected from treatments with greater efficacy in co-culture were assessed. The organic ethyl acetate fractions of both plants at 90 min possibly inhibited the viral activity of CLV by up to a thousandfold in colostrum. In milk, this inhibition was up to 800 times for the respective Meliaceae. In conclusion, the ethanolic fraction of ethyl acetate from both plants demonstrated efficacy against CLV in samples from colostrum and milk when subjected to treatment, which was more effective in colostrum.

Detection and isolation of small ruminant lentivirus in the amniotic fluid of goats

The objective of this study was to verify the presence of small ruminant lentivirus in the amniotic fluid of goats using molecular tests and viral isolation by cocultivation in the amniotic fluid of naturally infected goats. The study analyzed eight goats: seven were small ruminant lentivirus-positive and one was negative. The amniotic fluid was collected from each of the eight animals during cesarean section at 147 days of pregnancy. Cocultivation was undertaken using secondary goat nictitating membrane cell cultures obtained by explant from a small ruminant lentivirus-negative calf followed by trypsinization and sub-cultivation of the cells for 63 days. During this period, five supernatant collections were performed for DNA extraction and subsequent nested polymerase chain reaction. DNA was extracted from the amniotic fluid after 3 h of cellular sedimentation, from which a sample of 600 μL was taken from the sediment and another 600 μL sample from the supernatant. After DNA extraction, nested polymerase chain reaction was performed. Of the eight goats, 62.5 % (05/08) were small ruminant lentivirus-positive, with 43.75 % (07/16) of the total samples positive when considering the two repetitions (supernatant and cell sediment). Moreover, positivity was confirmed by small ruminant lentivirus pro-viral DNA amplification in the cell supernatant throughout the cocultivation period. Small ruminant lentivirus were present in the amniotic fluid samples from the naturally infected goats indicating an intrauterine transmission route. Moreover, this biological fluid can be adopted for the diagnosis of these lentiviruse because it is an important risk factor related to intrauterine transmission.

Brucellosis and bovine tuberculosis in dairy farms in the state of Acre, Brazil

This study aimed to evaluate the to evaluate the occurrence rate of bovine brucellosis and tuberculosis in dairy herds of Acre State, Brazil. The survey was performed on 487 lactating cows distributed across 27 farms in seven cities from June 2018 to February 2019. Farms were selected according to the following criteria: volume of milk production (150 L/day), distance to an urban perimeter (43 km), and time of dairy activity (12 years). For the diagnosis of brucellosis, buffered acidified plate antigen (BAPA) and complement fixation (CF) tests were used. Among the investigated animals, the occurrence rates for brucellosis and tuberculosis were 1.88% (9/487) and 1.23% (6/487), respectively; among the investigated farms, 11.11% (3/27) and 22.2% (6/27) had livestock diagnosed as positive for brucellosis and tuberculosis, respectively. The farms with tuberculosis-positive cattle possessed some common features with respect to herd size. These farms had considerable herd sizes, which were reared extensively in pastures shared with other susceptible or pathogen-carrying animals. In conclusion, the occurrence rate of bovine brucellosis and tuberculosis in dairy herds from Acre state is, in general, lower than that observed in other states of Brazil. Nevertheless, there is an urgent need for developing strategies to control and eradicate both diseases to prevent eventual outbreaks and pathogen dissemination.

Anthelmintic activity of the ethanol extract of the Uncaria guianensis (Rubiaceae) on eggs and larvae of gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep in the Western Amazon Region

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the anthelmintic effect of the root and stem of Uncaria guianensis on eggs and larvae of gastrointestinal nematodes from naturally infected sheep. The extract of the root of Uncaria guianensis was tested at concentrations of 0.57mg / mL and 1.14mg / mL and the extract of the stem of Uncaria guianensis at concentrations of 1.25mg / mL and 2.5mg / mL. The animals were divided in groups of five animals each, where four groups received the plant extract and a dose / concentration, one group received the anti-helminthic closantel and another group received only distilled water, totaling six treated groups. Ten mL were applied orally on days treatment, in a single dose for the groups treated with the extract, the closantel group received the dose recommended by the manufacturer and the negative group received 10 mL of distilled water. Stool samples were collected weekly for parasitological analysis and blood for hematocrit. The results of the OPG were analyzed after log transformation (x + 1) and submitted to one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s test at 5% of probability. Third stage L3 larvae were recovered from co-culture and subjected to the 5% tukey test. The results showed a reduction in the number of eggs per gram of feces, in the group treated with Uncaria guianensis root at a concentration of 1.14mg / mL and in the chemically treated group, where they obtained a statistically significant reduction (p <5%), when compared to the other treated groups, presenting 69% and 66% respectively in the reduction percentage. Regarding the number of third-stage larvae of gastrointestinal nematodes recovered from sheep, after treatment they observed that the groups treated with closantel, Uncaria guianensis root at a concentration of 1.14mg / mL and a stem of Uncaria guianensis at a concentration of 1.25mg / mL were statistically different (p <5%) from the other treatments, with 68%, 68% and 86% respectively reduction in the number of larvae. As for the hematocrit, the results remained within the reference standards for the Amazon Biome. Thus, we conclude that Uncaria guianensis has ovicidal and larvicidal activity on gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep.

Western Blot in Immunodiagnosis of Small Ruminant Lentivirus

Background: Small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLV) belong to genus Lentivirus, family Retroviridae. These viruses cause caprine arthritis encephalitis (CAE) and maedi visna (MV), infectious diseases that cause economic, production, and reproductive losses. There are no effective treatments or vaccines for these diseases. Thus, early detection via serology has great importance for control of SRLV. Therefore, the objective of this review is to demonstrate the potential of the western blot (WB) test as an immunodiagnostic test for SRLV. Review: In general, immunodiagnosis of SRLV is performed via agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), which can detect antibodies in several different biological samples but is used preferably with serum and blood plasma. However, WB has demonstrated efficacy in the early diagnosis of immunoglobulins against SRLV, presenting higher sensitivity and specificity than the serological tests usually used, because this technique can detect antibodies at a dilution as much as 256 times greater than that of AGID and 32 times greater than that of ELISA. SRLV infection and consequent immunological activation result in the induction of cellular and humoral responses. Additionally, around the third week, production of antibodies directed mainly toward viral capsid proteins (p25 and p28) occurs. After the fifth week, production of immunoglobulins directed toward other viral proteins occurs. Because of the persistence of SRLV infection, serology is considered to be the most practical means to diagnosis. Each serological test has a percentage specificity and distinct sensitivity, as well as advantages and disadvantages in its applicability. It should be noted that there is no gold standard test for diagnosis of SRLV infection. Moreover, SRLV are characterized by escape mechanisms such as genetic diversity, mutagenic potential, viral intermittence, and the process of compartmentalization, which make immunodiagnosis more difficult. In addition, positive animals tend to present unstable levels of antibodies over weeks, months, and even years. In this context, WB, with early antibody detection, has been proven to be a refined and more accurate technique than other immunodiagnostic tests for SRLV. WB allows the simultaneous resolution of several immunogenic antigens present in a sample, and this feature provides it with greater reliability, differentiates it from other immunological methods, and accredits it as a test of wide applicability. Epidemiological and immunological dynamics studies often use WB in the immunodynamic diagnosis of SRLV. Serum, blood plasma, and seminal plasma are typical biological materials used in the serological diagnosis of SRLV with WB, expanding its potential as an immunodiagnosis method.Conclusion: WB is the most accurate serological technique for SRLV. It is more capable of accurate diagnosis because the genetic diversity that characterizes such lentiviruses and their various immune system escape mechanisms routinely hinder traditional diagnosis. Additionally, this test has been used widely in studies of SRLV for various purposes, but mainly in studies of epidemiological and immunological dynamics, using serum, blood plasma, or seminal plasma. However, independently of the biological sample tested, WB maintains high sensitivity and precision in immunodiagnosis, making it a refined and valid technique for SRLV control programs. 

Influence of Injectable Progesterone on the Pregnancy Rate and Gestational Loss of Nellore Females of Different Reproductive Categories Undergoing Fixed-Time Artificial Insemination

 Background:Progesterone (P4) is essential for embryonic development and maintenance of pregnancy when deficiency causes early embryonic loss. In this study, we investigated the ability of hormonal supplementation to improve the fertility of cows subjected to fixed-time artificial insemination (IATF) protocols. Here, we evaluated the effect of long-acting injectable progesterone (iP4) supplementation in the D4 after IATF on pregnancy rate and pregnancy loss in Nellore cows (Bos taurus indicus) from different reproductive categories in Western Amazonia.Materials, Methods & Results:Eight hundred thirteen animals from 5 farms were selected and distributed into 2 groups: control [GC; administration of 0.5 mL of 0.9% saline solution, intramuscularly – IM] (n = 407) and a group that received injectable progesterone (iP4) that was long-acting [GiP4; administration of 0.5 mL of iP4, 300 mg, via IM four days after IATF] (n = 406). Each group contained 3 subgroups: heifers, primiparous cows, and multiparous cows. Of the 407 animals in the CG, 103 were heifers, 107 primiparous, and 197 multiparous. Of the 406 animals in the GiP4 group, there were 101 heifers, 107 primiparous, and 198 multiparous. On a random day of the estrous cycle (D0), an intravaginal device containing 1 g of P4 and 2 mg of estradiol benzoate (BE) was inserted by intramuscular injection. On D8, the P4 device was removed and 150 μg of D-cloprostenol (PGF2α), 300 IU eCG, and 1 mg BE were administered IM. Cows were inseminated at D10, 48-52 h after procedure on D8. Pregnancy diagnosis was made between 35 and 40 days after insemination through ultrasound examination. Between 80 and 90 days after insemination, a new ultrasound examination was performed to assess early pregnancy loss. The data were processed using the SAS 9.2. The conception rate, pregnancy loss, and final conception rate were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX according to groups (CG and GiP4), categories (heifers, primiparous and multiparous), and their interactions as variables. The differences in the means of least squares were adjusted using the Tukey–Kramer method. Statistical significance was defined as P < 0.05. The general conception rate was 46% (375/816). Regardless of the animal class, GiP4 animals (51.97%) had higher conception rates (P < 0.05) than CG (40.29%). In the subgroups (heifers, primiparous and multiparous cows), there was a difference (P < 0.05) between animals treated with iP4 (52.48%, 57.94%, and 48.48%, respectively) and those who were not (39.81%, 41.12%, and 40.10%, respectively). Gestational losses, regardless of the animal class, were higher in females in the CG (7.93%) [P < 0.05] compared to those in the GiP4 group (2.84%). Regardless of treatment with iP4, the percentage of gestational loss in heifers was significantly higher (10.64%) than that in primiparous and multiparous cows (3.77% and 2.86%, respectively). The final conception rates were higher in animals that received long-acting iP4, which increased the final pregnancy in all parity categories. Discussion: In the present study, the use of iP4 increased the pregnancy rate in Nellore females, regardless of the category. Although there has been no consensus on the use of iP4, there is an agreement that increases in the pregnancy rate are related to the moment of exogenous P4 application. In addition to influencing the pregnancy rate, reduction in pregnancy losses is also attributed to iP4 treatment, a fact demonstrated in the present study, where animals treated with iP4 had a lower pregnancy loss rate than normally occurs in beef cattle. Supplementation with long-acting iP4 increased the pregnancy rate at D35-40, reduced pregnancy losses, and increased the conception rate on D80-90 days in Nellore females reared in the Western Amazon, regardless of the animal category.Keywords: abortion, reproductive biotechnologies, Bos taurus indicus, pregnancy, progesterone supplementation.Descritores: aborto,biotecnologias reprodutivas, Bos taurus indicus, gestação, suplementação de progesterona.Título: Influência da progesterona injetável na taxa de prenhez e perda gestacional de fêmeas nelore de distintas categorias reprodutivas submetidas a inseminação artificial em tempo fixo.

Vertical transmissibility of small ruminant lentivirus

This study aimed to evaluate by means of Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction (nPCR), co-cultivation and sequencing, with genetic comparison between strains (mother/newborn), the occurrence of vertical transmission of Small Ruminant Lentiviruses (SRLV) from naturally occurring nannies infected for their offspring. For the detection of SRLV seropositive progenitors, blood was collected from 42 nannies in the final third of gestation in tubes with and without anticoagulant. The diagnostic tests used were Western Blot (WB) and nPCR. During the period of birth, the same blood collection procedure was performed on 73 newborns at zero hours of birth, with the same diagnostic tests. Seventeen blood samples from seven-day-old kids, proven positive for SRLV by nPCR, chosen at random, were subjected to coculture in goat synovial membrane (GSM) cells for 105 days. The pro-viral DNA extracted from the cell supernatant from the coculture was subjected to nPCR. For DNA sequencing from the nPCR products, nine positive samples were chosen at random, four nannies with their respective offspring, also positive. Each sample was performed in triplicate, thus generating 27 nPCR products of which only 19 were suitable for analysis. Among the 42 pregnant goats, in 50% (21/42) pro-viral DNA was detected by nPCR, while in the WB, only 7.14% (3/42) presented antibodies against SRLV. Regarding neonates, of the 73 kids, 34 (46.57%) were positive for the virus, using the nPCR technique, while in the serological test (WB), three positive animals (4.10%) were observed. The coculture of the 17 samples with a positive result in the nPCR was confirmed in viral isolation by amplification of the SRLV pro-viral DNA. When aligned, the pro-viral DNA sequences (nannies and their respective offspring) presented homology in relation to the standard strain CAEV Co. It was concluded that the transmission of SRLV through intrauterine route was potentially the source of infection in the newborn goats.

Economic aspects of control and eradication of bovine tuberculosis and the managerial costs associated: Review

Given its importance in veterinary medicine and its impact on human health, bovine tuberculosis demands attention on animal health programs in several countries. New ante- and post-mortem diagnosis protocols are available and facilitate disease detection and control. However, besides the known advantages and disadvantages of each protocol, there is little mention of their costs. This study intends to provide an overview of the economic aspects of diagnostic tests for the control and eradication of bovine tuberculosis.

Seroprevalence and associated risk factors of Mycoplasma agalactiae and investigation of coinfection with the caprine lentivirus in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

Contagious agalactia is a disease caused by Mycoplasma agalactiae that leads to a reduction or complete stop of milk production. Caprine arthritis encephalitis (CAE) is an infectious disease caused by a lentivirus of the Retroviridae family, member of the small ruminant lentivirus (SRLV) group. Although these diseases are caused by distinct pathogens, the clinical presentation is similar. Hence, this study aimed to perform a serological investigation, as well as to assess correlation between both diseases and risk factors associated in two mesoregions of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for contagious agalactia and western blot for CAE. A total of 538 serum samples were used in this study that were collected from goats and sorted from a blood bank of the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation. Seroprevalence of M. agalactiae in flocks from Rio Grande do Norte was 7.8% (42/538). In both regions that were investigated, 25.9% (14/54) of farms had positive animals. CAE results revealed that 3.9% (21/538) of animals and 42.6% (23/54) of farms had this disease. Concerning risk factors, only sex and animal category presented significant relevance (P < 0.05) for contagious agalactia, in which females presented higher frequency of seropositive individuals (10.1%; 39/387). In the animal category, 4.3% (14/326) and 11.1% (36/323) of female breeders were positive for CAE and contagious agalactia, respectively, and significance was identified only in the latter (P < 0.05). In conclusion, there was no correlation between the investigated diseases, considering that no animal demonstrated antibodies for both pathogens.

Influence of Injectable Progesterone on the Pregnancy Rate of Heifers Receiving Bovine Embryos

Background: In vitro embryo production (IVEP) allows the spread of superior animal genetics, but pregnancy rates show a high variability with this biotechnique. In the initial stage of pregnancy, progesterone plays a fundamental role in uterine preparation, acting on embryonic growth, implantation, and development. However, on the day of the IVEP transfer to the recipients, progesterone levels may be lower than that expected, influencing the uterine environment and, consequently, the pregnancy rate. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the pregnancy rate in heifers after the administration of injectable progesterone (P4) in the fixed-time embryo transfer (FTET) protocol.Materials, Methods & Results: The experiment was conducted inside a rural property near the city of Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil. The experimental group consisted of 232 animals, including 78 zebuine (Bos indicus) and 154 mixed (½ blood B. indicus and ½ blood B. taurus) animals, aged between 16 and 24 months, with a mean weight of 300 and 330 kg for zebuine and mixed animals, respectively. The selected animals were previously synchronized using the progesterone-estrogen-prostaglandin-estrogen protocol. Embryo transfer was performed on day 18 of the protocol, which was 9 days after the removal of intravaginal progesterone implant. On day 15 of the protocol, that is, 144 h (6 days) after the device removal, the animals were randomly distributed into two experimental groups: Control Group (CG; 0.5 mL of 0.9% saline solution, intramuscular) and Treated Group (P4G; 0.5 mL of injectable P4, 150 mg, intramuscular). Chi-square test was used for the statistical analysis of the pregnancy rate at a 5% probability. After 23 days of embryo transfer, pregnancy was diagnosed by ultrasonography. The general pregnancy rate, considering all groups (CG and P4G) and breeds included, was 55.17% (128/232). The pregnancy rates of the P4G and CG groups, regardless of breeds, were 55.08% (65/118) and 55.26% (63/114), respectively, with no statistical difference (P = 0.8344). Angus animals presented a similar pregnancy rate in the P4G and CG groups of 54.93% (39/71) and 57.83% (48/83), respectively. Furthermore, similar results were found for the Nellore breed, with no difference in pregnancy rate between the CG (55.81%, 24/43) and P4G (48.57%, 17/35) groups.Discussion: The strategy of using P4 to increase the pregnancy rate is very widespread in fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) protocols, although differences still exist. The literature presents zero or negative effects, as in this study, when exogenous P4 was used to increase endogenous P4 concentrations and, consequently, the pregnancy rate. However, some studies demonstrated the beneficial effects of increasing blood P4 concentrations, and that the increased fertility depends on the method and time of P4 supplementation and the animal’s physiological state. In this context, the fact that the injectable progesterone supplementation did not increase the pregnancy rate in this study is justified mainly by factors such as the animal category used (heifers), time of P4 supplementation (day 4 after ovulation), biotechnology used (FTET), and the heterogeneous characteristics related to phases of the estrous cycle of heifers. Supplementation with 150 mg of injectable long-acting progesterone intramuscularly did not interfere in the pregnancy rate of Angus and Nellore heifers receiving bovine embryos.

Occurrence of Ascaridia galli and Heterakis gallinarum in Guinea Fowl (Numida meleagris) in the State of Rondônia, Brazil

Background: Parasitic diseases are among the problems that most affect birds. The Ascaridia spp. is one of the genera which is responsible for the main infections, and the Ascaridia. galli is the most frequent species found in birds. The Ascaridia spp. egg is oval and present a smooth shell which could be mistaken with the Heterakis gallinarum eggs, once they are the most frequent parasites in birds. Therefore, this case report describes the occurrence of Ascaridia galli and Heterakis gallinarum in a guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) feces and gut.Case: In January 2017, rain season in northern Brazil, a visit was performed to a free range avian breeding property in the municipality of São Miguel do Guaporé in the state of Rondônia, Brazilian Amazonian Region. The property breeds two chicken species: Gallus gallus domesticus and Numida meleagris as well as one quail species. The problem was related to the guinea fowl breeding which was composed by 50 adults and 45 young birds about two or three weeks old. All 45 young guinea fowl were presenting various clinical signs, which included: yellowish catarrhal diarrhea, isolation, loss of appetite, body weight, ruffled feathers, drooping wings and sternal prominence. All animals that presented the clinical signs as ruffled feathers, drooping wings and sternal prominence died on an average of 24 h and the mortality was of 65.9% (29/45). Subsequently, a three-week old bird corpse was necropsied, and it was observed that its intestines presented a large amount of endoparasites besides presenting thickening. As there were a lot of helminths, they were collected along with the intestinal content for examination. The parasitological examinations of the feces were performed by Willys Molay's technique. As a result of the fluctuation technique, were observed and identified large quantities of Heterakis gallinarum and Ascaridia galli eggs. The adult worms of H. gallinarum and A. galli were identified using dichotomous key.Discussion: Ascaridia galli and Heterakis gallinarum infection were reported in guinea fowl in a free range chicken breeding property in the municipality of São Miguel do Guaporé in the state of Rondônia, Brazilian Amazonian Region. Ascaridia galli and Heterakis gallinarum eggs have already been identified in free-range chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) by flotation techniques, as Willys Mollay and Faust and they are the main species of helminths housed by chickens. However, these parasites are not commonly reported in guinea fowl worldwide, especially in the Numida meleagris species. Regarding necropsy, intestinal wall thickening is generally a common finding which has been reported in chickens, however it is not commonly reported in guinea fowl. Additionally, the presence of clinical signs of nematode parasitosis frequently occurs in birds with high parasitic load. In this report, we believe that the guinea fowls births on the rain season was one of the factors to the high parasites incidence found, since both nematodes species are frequently identified in the rain seasons. Additionally, the management adopted by the breeder, using concomitantly the same nursery for guinea fowl and chicken, added up to inadequate sanitary management, seems to have directly influenced the contamination and recontamination of the different brood litter of guinea fowls. It is concluded that guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) located in the state of Rondônia were affected by high amounts of Ascaridia galli and Heterakis gallinarum and caused high mortality in the young specimens and consequently causing economic losses to the proprietary.

Biofilm Production and In Vitro Susceptibility to Disinfectants of Staphylococcus Coagulase Positive Isolated from Bovine Milk

Background: Mastitis is one of the diseases that cause damage to dairy cattle, and coagulase positive Staphylococcus (CPS), are its main etiological agents. The production of biofilms gives these microorganisms a physiological advantage, being an important virulence factor, as it confers their resistance to the action of disinfectants used in hygiene procedures. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the capacity of CPS, isolated from milk samples from cases of bovine subclinical mastitis in the Alagoas dairy basin, biofilm production and its sensitivity to disinfectant agents used before and after dipping.Materials, Methods & Results: In the Alagoas Milk Basin Region, 10 properties were selected from the municipalities of Batalha, Cacimbinhas, Major Isidoro and Minador do Negrão, which used a mechanical milking system and supplied milk to a dairy under federal inspection. The California Mastitis Test (CMT) was performed on 1155 cows. The animals diagnosed with subclinical mastitis were classified as: mild (+); moderate (++) and severe (+++). CMT positive samples were collected from 2+, totaling 891 samples. After cleaning the papillary ostium, 2 to 5 mL of milk was collected from each fourth breast before milking began. Subsequently, 0.5 µL of each sample was streak plated by exhaustion on 5% Sheep Blood Agar and incubated at 37°C, with readings at 24 and 48 h. The macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of the colonies, catalase and coagulase test were evaluated. Biofilm formation was determined by the microplate adhesion test. The efficacy of the sanitizers was evaluated with the active ingredients: lactic acid (2%), allantoin (0.05%), iodine (0.5%), chlorhexidine (2.0%), chlorine (2.5%), at times 15, 30 and 60 seconds. It was observed that 91.2% of the samples were able to form biofilm; Of these, 22.2%, 29.6% and 48.2% were strong, moderate and weak producers, respectively. The sensitivity profile of chlorhexidine isolates was 79.73%, 80.41% and 83.78%; iodine was 59.46%, 65.54% and 66.22% sensitivity over the evaluated time. For allantoin, the isolates presented sensitivity of 22.30%, 27.03% and 37.74%, for lactic acid, 18.92%, 20.95% and 22.30% of the samples were sensitive, and to chlorine, 12.6%, 15.58% and 17.57% of the isolates were sensitive. Moreover, it was observed that the longer the exposure to the disinfectant, the greater the effectiveness of the same.Discussion: The results are in line with literature data. Staphylococcus spp. from milk samples of animals with subclinical mastitis are able to form biofilm, thus being an important virulence factor. The heterogeneity regarding the biofilm production potential of the isolates is due to the different species of Staphylococcus spp. that, through distinct mechanisms, triggers a greater or lesser formation of this virulent factor, as well as having their adhesion tested, end up becoming more strongly attached to the plate. Among the disinfectants tested, it was confirmed that chlorhexidine and iodine are more effective than SCP, which tend to have high levels of sensitivity to these disinfectants. However, although chlorhexidine was more sensitive to SCP, its use in the field should be done with caution, as its effectiveness may be reduced in the presence of chlorinated water or excess organic matter. It is concluded that SCP isolates from bovine milk from subclinical mastitis mammary quarters were able to produce biofilms. These isolates were also in vitro sensitive to chlorhexidine and iodine, but periodic evaluation of the efficacy of disinfectants used before and after milking is necessary.

Short communication: High frequency of β-lactam-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in artisanal coalho cheese made from goat milk produced in northeastern Brazil

Reports of β-lactam-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in artisanal goat cheese are increasing, and this phenomenon is relevant to public health. The objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence of S. aureus strains carrying the blaZ and mecA resistance genes, as well as the genes encoding the staphylococcal enterotoxins SEA, SEB, SEC, SED, SEE, and TSST-1 in artisanal coalho cheese made from goat milk produced in northeastern Brazil. We used biochemical and molecular tests to characterize 54 S. aureus isolates found in artisanal coalho cheese collected from commercial establishments producing animal products in 11 municipalities of Pernambuco State, Brazil. A PCR analysis revealed that 42.6% (23/54) of the isolates were positive for the blaZ gene, and 7.4% (4/54) were resistant to methicillin by phenotypic testing. We did not detect mecA or any genes encoding enterotoxins. The presence of S. aureus carriers of the blaZ gene and the identification of methicillin-resistant S. aureus strains are of concern for the health of consumers of this type of cheese.

Comparison of Serological and Molecular Tests for Diagnosis of Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis and Clinical Evaluation of Mammary Glands of Infected Dairy Goats

Background: Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis (CAE) is a disease that causes productive losses in dairy goat flocks due to the reduction in milk production, followed by lesions in joints and mammary glands. An early diagnosis is essential, considering that there is frequent occurrence of asymptomatic animals. Hence, this study aimed to perform a comparison of immunological and molecular based diagnostic tests, represented by Agar Gel Immunodiffusion (AGID), Western Blot (WB) and nested Polymerase Chain Reaction (nPCR). In addition, the mammary glands (MG) of dairy goats were clinically evaluated. Material, Methods & Results: Blood collection and clinical examination were performed in 1191 dairy goats of 12 farms located in Northeastern and Southeastern regions of Brazil. Serological (AGID, WB) and molecular (nPCR) test results were compared and the data, along with MG alterations, were analyzed using Epi-info 7 and WinEpiscope 2.0. Seroprevalence in AGID test was 41.14% (490/1191). In WB, 51.47% (613/1191) of animals were seropositive and nPCR detected 69.44% (827/1191) positive animals. Hence, WB was more sensitive (P < 0.001) than AGID. However, nPCR detected more positive animals than AGID (P < 0.001) and WB (P < 0.001). The analysis of mammary glands revealed that 105 out of 1096 nanny goats presented alterations, of which 101 presented altered consistency, 16 presented elevated temperatures and 60 had enlarged retromammary lymph nodes. There was significant statistic difference (P < 0.05) only when comparing the results of serological tests with MG alterations.Discussion: In general, AGID technique is most frequently used when screening flocks for the disease due to the practicality and low cost this test presents. However, the results demonstrated that AGID detected the lowest number of positive animals. This low sensitivity that the test presented may be attributed to its antigen-antibody interaction mechanism, considering that agar gel precipitation requires multiple interactions. In addition, WB was more effective than AGID in detecting antibodies. On the other hand, nPCR was important for the detection of infected animals that serological tests failed to detect. The intermittence of immunological response observed in the serological tests may be explained by the variation of antibodies levels that may occur during life. Likewise, viral compartmentalization would justify the intermittent detection of proviral DNA. Hence, the results can be influenced by the viral intermittence, test sensitivity, late seroconversion and statistic values that can be calculated (sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive level and kappa). Crossing the results of the diagnostic tests with the different mammary gland alterations, it was shown that there was a statistically significant difference (P <0.05) only in the comparison of the results of the serological tests with GM alterations. Everything indicates that the humoral or cellular immune system being on stimulus is more propitious to find these changes. In conclusion, WB was more sensitive than AGID and, considering that nPCR can detect a larger number of animals infected with the goat lentivirus, it must be associated with a sensible serological test, such as Western Blot. In addition, infected animals have alterations in MG, which is more frequent in cases with positive serological results.

Sodium dodecyl sulfate as a viral inactivator and future perspectives in the control of small ruminant lentiviruses

ABSTRACT Infections by small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLVs) affect goats and sheep causing chronic multisystemic diseases that generate great economic losses. The caprine lentivirus (CLV) and the ovine lentivirus (OLV) present tropism for cells of the monocyte/macrophage lineage, which are directly associated with the main route of transmission through the ingestion of milk and colostrum from infected animals. In this manner, controlling this route is of paramount importance. Currently, researches have investigated the use of chemical additives in milk that can preserve colostrum or milk and inactivate microbiological agents. Among the compounds, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) has been shown to be satisfactory in the chemical inactivation of HIV and CLV in milk, and also as a biocide in goat colostrum.

Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Chlamydophila abortus Infection in Goats of the State of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

Background: Chlamydophilosis is a disease caused by the bacterium Chlamydophila abortus, responsible for reproductive damage in small ruminants, and economic losses to animal production. In addition, it is classified as a zoonosis once it presents symptoms similar to numerous bacterial and viral infections of the reproductive system, making clinical diagnosis difficult. The objective of this work was to estimate the seroprevalence of anti-C. abortus antibodies in goats and to identify the risk factors for the disease in two mesoregions of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.Material, Methods & Results: This research was carried out in two mesoregions of the State of Rio Grande do Norte (Central Potiguar - CP and West Potiguar - WP) located in the Northeast of Brazil. These mesoregions together represent 83% of the regional herd. A total of 54 properties were studied. Those are distributed in seven municipalities: Afonso Bezerra, Angicos, Lages and Pedro Avelino, in the CP mesoregion; and Apodi, Caraúbas, and Mossoró, in the OP mesoregion. We used 540 animals from herds characterized as non-defined breed (NDB) and native breed, regardless of their productive functions, being frequent the consortium of caprine and ovine species. Blood samples were collected through jugular venipuncture by vacuum system with 5 mL tubes without anticoagulant. After collection, the tubes were centrifuged at 1500 g for 15 min. Detection of anti-Chlamydophila sp. antibodies was performed by the Complement Fixation Test. In parallel with the collection, a questionnaire was applied addressing general property and producer characteristics. Seroprevalence of chlamydophilosis in the CP mesoregion was 3.04% (7/230) for the animals and 26.1% (6/23) for the properties, whereas, in the WP mesoregion, the values were 4.2% (13/310) and 35.5% (11/31), respectively. In the final logistic regression model, no variable analyzed was considered to be associated with a higher probability of C. abortus positive properties. There was no significant difference (P = 0.76) in the infection among the studied mesoregions. All the seven municipalities evaluated, had at least one positive property. No serology was found with titers greater than 1:32. The results of the suspects with titers of 1:16 were 3.9% (9/230) in the CP and 3.5% (11/310) in the WP mesoregion. None of the 82 breeding animals tested were C. abortus reagent, but three were suspected. The highest prevalence for the infection was seen in the matrices with 5.6% (18/321), followed by young females with 2.9% (1/35), young males with 1.2% (1/82) and breeding animals with 0% (0/82).Discussion: The seroprevalence to Chlamydophila abortus found in the state of Rio Grande do Norte was lower than that found in most Brazilian states, and even in other countries. The presence of properties with positive animals displays a risk of dissemination of the disease in the region. In addition, the presence of suspect animals may indicate a much larger number of positive animals. The existence of false-negative animals in the herd can lead to difficulties in controlling and eradicating this disease. Although none of the breeding animals were reagent to C. abortus in the CF test, the possibility of venereal transmission should not be discarded. As some animals remained suspects, it may indicate an initial infection phase and seroconversion process, possibly characterizing future transmitters of the bacterium via semen. However, even though seroprevalence was numerically low, this disease should be a cause for concern due to its severity and spread capacity among herds, and especially because it is a zoonosis. We conclude that chlamydophilosis is present in goat breeding in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, and female animals are more susceptible to Chlamydophila abortus infection.

Mycoplasma agalactiae in Dairy Goat Flocks Bred in State of Ceará in Association with Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis Virus

Background: Contagious agalactia is an infectious disease caused by Mycoplasma agalactiae (M. agalactiae) that occurs in small ruminants leading to productive and economic losses. Due to the similarity of clinical signs presented in Caprine Arthritis Encepha­litis (CAE), which is a viral disease, a differential diagnosis is important. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the presence of anti-Mycoplasma agalactiae antibodies in dairy goat flocks in Ceará State and possible correlation with CAE.Materials, Methods & Results: The research was performed in four mesoregions in Ceará State (Metropolitan Region of Fortaleza- MRF; Northeast Ceará - NeC; North Ceará - NC; Sertões in Ceará - SC), from which 16 productions located in 10 cities with the highest representativeness for goat milk production within the State or mesoregion were sampled. A total of 417 females and 69 males (486 animals) of breeds with dairy production aptitude, pure or crossbreed, maintained in semi-intensive or intensive systems, were tested. Blood serum was obtained by venipuncture of the jugular vein with vacuum pressure syringe followed by centrifugation at 1,500 g for 10min. Antibodies against the caprine arthritis encephalitis virus (CAEV) were detected with micro technique of agarose gel immunodiffusion (AGID) and Western Blot (WB). The anti-Mycoplasma agalactiae antibodies were detected with commercial kit of enzymatic immunoassay (IDEXX Laboratories™). Seroprevalence of M. agalactiae in dairy goat flocks in Ceará State was 0.62% (3/486). From the total of 16 visited productions, 18.75% (3/16) had seropositive animals for M. agalactiae located in MRF, NC and SC mesoregions. CAE was diagnosed in 56.25% (9/16) of productions with AGID and in 81.25% (13/16) with WB. In addition, 5.2% (25/486) of animals were seropositive for CAE with AGID and 16.6% (80/486) with WB. Animals that reacted positive for M. agalactiae were all females of pure breed with milk production aptitude in distinct mesoregions submitted to intensive rearing system. None of these animals was positive in neither test (AGID or WB) for CAE. Therefore, no correlation of results obtained in diagnosis of M. agalactiae by ELISA and CAEV by AGID or WB (P < 0.05) was identified. However, two out of three productions that were positive for M. agalactiae presented positive results for CAEV with frequencies of 10% and 20%.Discussion: Seroprevalence of M. agalactiae in Ceará State was low in comparison with other Brazilian states and even other countries. However, the presence of the pathogen in more than one mesoregion indicates that the disease occurs in different loca­tions within the State. Therefore, flocks in Ceará are susceptible to the infection, which may be favored by uncontrolled commerce that occurs with deficient surveillance, associated with the importation of animals to improve flock genetic quality. The presence of the pathogen in dairy goats may contribute to significant losses in the local production. On the other hand, CAE was diagnosed in nearly all productions proving the dissemination of this lentivirus infection among dairy goat flocks in Ceará State. Although an association between these diseases was not identified, the presence of a retrovirus in the organism may favor co-infection with another micro-organism, promoting the deficiency in the immune system of the host. In conclusion, M. agalactiae is present in different mesoregions of the Ceará State and control measures should be adopted in short term to prevent pathogen dissemination and, consequently reduce economic and productive losses in the local dairy goat production. No correlation was identified between the prevalence of infection by CAEV and M. agalactiae in this study.Keywords: correlation, diagnosis, caprine lentivirus, mycoplasmosis.

Mycoplasma agalactiae in Dairy Goat Flocks Bred in State of Ceará in Association with Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis Virus

Background: Contagious agalactia is an infectious disease caused by Mycoplasma agalactiae (M. agalactiae) that occurs in small ruminants leading to productive and economic losses. Due to the similarity of clinical signs presented in Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis (CAE), which is a viral disease, a differential diagnosis is important. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the presence of anti-Mycoplasma agalactiae antibodies in dairy goat flocks in Ceará State and possible correlation with CAE.Materials, Methods & Results: The research was performed in four mesoregions in Ceará State (Metropolitan Region of Fortaleza-MRF; Northeast Ceará - NeC; North Ceará - NC; Sertões in Ceará - SC), from which 16 productions located in 10 cities with the highest representativeness for goat milk production within the State or mesoregion were sampled. A total of 417 females and 69 males (486 animals) of breeds with dairy production aptitude, pure or crossbreed, maintained in semi-intensive or intensive systems, were tested. Blood serum was obtained by venipuncture of the jugular vein with vacuum pressure syringe followed by centrifugation at 1,500 g for 10min. Antibodies against the caprine arthritis encephalitis virus (CAEV) were detected with micro technique of agarose gel immunodiffusion (AGID) and Western Blot (WB). The anti-Mycoplasma agalactiae antibodies were detected with commercial kit of enzymatic immunoassay (IDEXX Laboratories™). Seroprevalence of M. agalactiae in dairy goat flocks in Ceará State was 0.62% (3/486). From the total of 16 visited productions, 18.75% (3/16) had seropositive animals for M. agalactiae located in MRF, NC and SC mesoregions. CAE was diagnosed in 56.25% (9/16) of productions with AGID and in 81.25% (13/16) with WB. In addition, 5.2% (25/486) of animals were seropositive for CAE with AGID and 16.6% (80/486) with WB. Animals that reacted positive for M. agalactiae were all females of pure breed with milk production aptitude in distinct mesoregions submitted to intensive rearing system. None of these animals was positive in neither test (AGID or WB) for CAE. Therefore, no correlation of results obtained in diagnosis of M. agalactiae by ELISA and CAEV by AGID or WB (P < 0.05) was identified. However, two out of three productions that were positive for M. agalactiae presented positive results for CAEV with frequencies of 10% and 20%.Discussion: Seroprevalence of M. agalactiae in Ceará State was low in comparison with other Brazilian states and even other countries. However, the presence of the pathogen in more than one mesoregion indicates that the disease occurs in different locations within the State. Therefore, flocks in Ceará are susceptible to the infection, which may be favored by uncontrolled commerce that occurs with deficient surveillance, associated with the importation of animals to improve flock genetic quality. The presence of the pathogen in dairy goats may contribute to significant losses in the local production. On the other hand, CAE was diagnosedin nearly all productions proving the dissemination of this lentivirus infection among dairy goat flocks in Ceará State. Although an association between these diseases was not identified, the presence of a retrovirus in the organism may favor co-infection with another micro-organism, promoting the deficiency in the immune system of the host. In conclusion, M. agalactiae is present in different mesoregions of the Ceará State and control measures should be adopted in short term to prevent pathogen dissemination and, consequently reduce economic and productive losses in the local dairy goat production. No correlation was identified between the prevalence of infection by CAEV and M. agalactiae in this study.Keywords: correlation, diagnosis, caprine lentivirus, mycoplasmosis.

Small ruminant lentiviruses: economic and productive losses, consequences of the disease

ABSTRACT: Small ruminant lentiviruses, caprine arthritis encephalitis virus, and Maedi-Visna virus cause diseases that result in significant productive losses, mostly in dairy animals. These viruses belong to the Retroviridae family, Lentivirus genus, and constitute a heterogeneous group, which may generate implications for the diagnosis and control of small ruminant lentiviruses. Losses caused by them are associated with reproductive failure, short productive life, and decreased milk production by the infected animals. In addition, these viruses may reduce milk quality, affecting the production of dairy products such as cheese. Small ruminant lentiviruses lead to indirect losses, decreasing herd value and forcing the development of epidemiological trade barriers for animal germplasm. Control of small ruminant lentiviruses is important to promote optimal milk production and to reduce costs with medicine and technical assistance. This control may vary in caprine and ovine populations of each country, according to seroprevalence, variety of breeds, and peculiarities of the practiced management.

Evaluation of Solvent Toxicity of Plant Extract with Antiviral Action in Refrigerated Goat Semen

Background: Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis Virus have been detected in sperm of breeding goats causing economic losses. In order to control the virus, researches aiming to identify natural extracts with potential antiviral effects are performed. However, aqueous or ethanolic extracts must be diluted in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), which is a substance with unknown effects in sperm quality when present in diluting media. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate sperm viability of refrigerated caprine semen diluted in media containing DMSO. This was performed to provide data that aid in researches involving the use of this component with natural extracts that may inactivate the caprine lentivirus in sperm.Materials, Methods & Results: The experiment was performed at the Laboratory of Seminal Technology in Embrapa Goats and Sheep in the city of Sobral, Brazil. Sperm viability was assessed in caprine semen refrigerated in two dilution media with crescent concentrations of DMSO. Sperm samples of five goats seronegative for the caprine lentivirus were pooled and diluted in minimal essential medium (MEM) enriched with glucose at 0.01 M added of crescent concentrations of DMSO (0%, 1.5%, 1.75%, 2.0%, 2.25% and 2.5%). The same breeders provided the pool of sperm to test Tris added 2.5% of egg yolk and the same concentrations of DMSO previously mentioned. Treatments were refrigerated at 7°C and evaluated up until four h after DMSO addition. Individual progressive motility (MIP), sperm vigor (V), percentage of spermatozoa reactive to hypoosmotic test (HO) and morphologically normal (NOR) were evaluated. IPM, vigor and NOR remained within normal standards for the caprine species in all treatments test. Percentage results of spermatozoa reactive to hypoosmotic was higher in Tris yolk with values ranging between 34.66% to 46.33%. Sperm vigor was positively correlated (r = 0.85) with IPM in the MEM diluted pool of sperm. In Tris yolk, vigor and hypoosmotic test correlated moderately (r = 0.63, r = 0.54, respectively) with IPM. Tris yolk medium added DMSO presented the highest percentage of reactivity to hypoosmotic test in all treatments when compared to MEM added DMSO.Discussion: The fact that DMSO is easily homogenized in water, ethylic alcohol and most organic solvents favors its use in diluting natural extracts. These components are a possible source of products that inactivate caprine arthritis encephalitis virus in sperm, which is the key to promoting the safe use of genetic material of infected breeders, in addition to commercial use of germplasm. In this study, there was no interference of DMSO in the analyzed parameters when added in a maximum concentration of 2.5% to MEM and Tris yolk, which is in accordance with standard values for goats. In addition, Tris yolk may promote greater protection to the membrane of sperm cells, which was demonstrated by hypoosmotic test. This medium could be ideal to be used in new methodologies that incorporate DMSO. In conclusion, DMSO added to dilution media Tris yolk and MEM did not interfere with the quality of refrigerated caprine sperm, which maintained viability. These results indicate that this substance did not present harmful effects to the genetic material, promoting the use as solvent of extracts from plant compounds with potential anti-viral effect. The information in this study may aid new research performed in this area.

Desempenho produtivo e econômico de cabritos leiteiros desaleitados precocemente, criados no semiárido nordestino

Objetivou-se avaliar o desempenho produtivo e a viabilidade econômica da dieta de cabritos leiteiros em diferentes períodos de desmame. Foram utilizados 24 cabritos da raça Saanen, machos e fêmeas distribuídos de acordo com os tratamentos (50, 60 e 70) dias de desmame. Os animais, ao nascer, permaneciam com as suas mães durante cinco dias para mamar o colostro e, após foi fornecido um litro de leite de cabra duas vezes ao dia até o desmame. Avaliou-se o consumo de matéria seca (MS), matéria orgânica (MO), proteína bruta (PB), extrato etéreo (EE), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN), peso ao nascer (PN), peso ao desmame (PD), ganho médio diário (GMD) e ganho de peso total (GPT). O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado. Os resultados foram submetidos à análise de variância e os valores médios foram comparados pelo teste de Duncan a 5%. Os animais desmamados aos 70 dias apresentaram maior consumo de todos os nutrientes comparados aos 50 e 60 dias. Diferiu entre todos os tratamentos o PD, GMD e GPT. Verificaram-se maiores custos com alimentação de R$900,25 no desmame aos 70 dias, representando um acréscimo de 49,3% e 23,8% em comparação aos cabritos desmamados aos 50 e 60 dias, respectivamente. O desmame aos 50 dias de idade resulta em menor custo de alimentação e maior incentivo à ingestão de alimentos sólidos, possibilitando ao produtor direcionar maiores quantidades de leite ao mercado.