In this issue – August 2014

Abstract

Bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) type 1 is endemic in Australian cattle populations, costing the national industry an estimated AUD57.9 million annually.1 BVDV control programs based on identifying and removing persistently infected cattle have been efficiently and effectively implemented in Europe and are gaining pace in New Zealand. This review discusses the challenges to BVDV control in Australia, including availability of infrastructure, reliability and availability of diagnostic tests, stakeholder compliance and the potential of other species, particularly sheep, to act as a potential reservoir host for the virus. Network analysis of the movements and connections of Australian beekeepers showed the nomadic beekeeper network was fragmented into 34 disconnected components.2 The largest component network linked 288 locations from Duaringa in central Queensland to Nelson in the far south-west of Victoria. Almond orchards and lucerne seed production were locations of major hive congregations driven by the opportunity to provide paid pollination services. In the 3 months after completion of almond pollination, movement of hives occurred to 49 locations spread over >2000 km, ranging from south-east Queensland to southern Victoria. This highlights how rapidly pests or diseases could spread if introduced to major congregation areas. The authors discuss the implications of these findings for improving surveillance and disease control policy for the honeybee industry. A study conducted at Charles Sturt University reports that Echinococcus granulosus is still present in Tasmania and being transmitted at low levels between dogs and cattle, although provisional eradication of E. granulosus from Tasmania was declared in 1996.3 Faecal samples from 1425 rural domestic dogs from Tasmania to south-eastern Queensland were tested for the presence of E. granulosus and other intestinal helminth infections. A total of 45 dogs (3.2%) were found to be E. granulosus coproantigen-positive, with 24 of these dogs originating from Tasmania and 16 from NSW. Three of the Tasmanian dogs were also positive for E. granulosus on coproPCR. The study also found that owner behaviour perpetuates the transmission of E. granulosus. Most owners did not deworm their dogs frequently enough to ensure they could never have a patent infection of E. granulosus. In addition, approximately 45% of the dog owners surveyed reported feeding offal of lambs or mutton and whole rabbits to their dogs, and >74% of owners admitted their dogs had opportunities to access carcases of wildlife or livestock. This month's case report is the first reported case of leucocyte adhesion deficiency type III (LAD III) in a dog in Australia and the first reported case of LAD III in a mixed-breed dog worldwide.4 This condition is attributable to a mutation in the KINLIN-3 gene that impairs activation of β-integrins, resulting in absence of neutrophil chemotaxis and adhesion and platelet adhesion and aggregation. Affected patients exhibit recurrent infections, marked leucocytosis and a severe bleeding tendency causing increased mucosal haemorrhage and prolonged postoperative haemorrhage. The authors describe the clinical signs, diagnosis and management of LAD III in a 16-month-old male German Shepherd × Rottweiler dog. A survey of Thoroughbred and Standardbred trainers investigated the magnitude of and risk factors associated with horse wastage in the Australian racing industry during the 2002–03 race year.5 The results showed an overall exit rate of around 40% in Thoroughbred and Standardbred stables. Poor performance was the most commonly reported reason for leaving, followed by illness/injury. Unsuitable temperament/behaviour was less frequently reported. A larger percentage of Standardbreds than Thoroughbreds went to different trainers or directly to knackeries, while a higher percentage of Thoroughbreds went to stud, auctions or entered ridden equestrian pursuits. Statistically significant risk factors influencing the destinations of both Thoroughbred and Standardbred racing horses included whether the trainer owned the horses, horse sex and age and reasons for leaving. A study conducted at Oregon and Colorado State Universities reviewed the clinical features and factors associated with short- and long-term survival of New World camelids with acquired urethral obstruction caused by urolithiasis.6 The most common clinical signs included straining to urinate, dribbling urine and anorexia, which are also frequently observed in small ruminants with obstructive urolithiasis. Prognosis appeared to be worse and occurrence of complications appeared to be more frequent than in small ruminants, particularly after tube cystostomy and bladder marsupialisation. Incomplete urethral obstruction at admission and surgical treatment were associated with increased odds of short-term survival. Recurrence of urethral obstruction had a poor prognosis for long-term survival.