Veterinary Diagnostic Research Articles

Detection of pathogens in blood or feces of adult horses with enteric disease and association with outcome of colitis.

BackgroundRates of detecting ≥1 potential enteric pathogens (PEP) or toxins (PEP‐T) in feces, blood, or both of horses ≥6 months of age with enteric disease and impact of multiple detections on outcome of horses with colitis has not been reported.ObjectiveTo determine detection rates of PEP/PEP‐T in feces, blood, or both of horses with enteric disease and effect of detecting multiple agents on outcome of horses with colitis.AnimalsThirty‐seven hundred fifty‐three fecal samples submitted to IDEXX Laboratories and 239 fecal and blood samples submitted to Michigan State University's Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (MSUVDL).MethodsRetrospective evaluation of PEP/PEP‐T testing results was performed to determine rates of detection of 1 or more PEP/PEP‐T. Impact of detecting multiple agents on outcome was assessed in 239 horses hospitalized for colitis.ResultsOne or more PEP/PEP‐T was detected in 1175/3753 (31.3%) and 145/239 (60.7%) of samples submitted to IDEXX Laboratories and MSUVDL, respectively. In a hospitalized cohort, survival to discharge was lower (76%) in horses with 1 agent, compared to horses with either no (88%) or multiple (89%) agents. There was no difference (P = .78) in days of hospitalization between horses with 0 (1–17), 1 (1–33), and > 1 positive (1–20) result. There was no difference in cost of hospitalization (P = .25) between horses with 0 ($2357, $1110‐15 553), 1 ($2742, $788‐11 005), and >1 positive ($2560, $1091‐10 895) result.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceDetection rates of PEP/PEP‐T in horses with colitis vary with cohorts and tests performed. Detection of more than 1 PEP or PEP‐T did not affect outcome.

First isolation of atypical enteropathogenic Escherichia coli from geese (Anser anser domestica) and first description of atypical EPEC from turkeys and pigeons in Hungary

BackgroundEscherichia coli is a bacterial species widely distributed among mammals and avian species, and also a member of the normal intestinal microbiota. However, some E. coli strains of different pathotypes can cause disease in both humans and animals. Atypical enteropathogenic E. coli (aEPEC) can infect both animals and humans or influence the severity of other ongoing infections.ResultsIn the present study, a total of 332 samples were collected from ducks, geese, turkeys, chickens, and pigeons from the Hungarian Veterinary Diagnostic Directorate, two slaughterhouses, two pigeon keepers and one backyard chicken farm. E. coli was isolated and verified from 319 samples. The isolates were screened by PCR for diarrheagenic E. coli pathotypes. Altogether seven atypical enteropathogenic E. coli (aEPEC) strains were identified: two from four-week-old dead turkeys, two from force-fed geese, and three from pigeons. No further pathotypes were identified in the collection. The atypical EPEC strains were classified phylogenetically to B1, B2, and F, and four out of the seven aEPEC isolates proved to be multidrug resistant. Serotypes of aEPEC strains were uniform collected from same farms and showed diversity between their origins with O76, O145, O109 serogroups.ConclusionsThis is the first report in the literature about aEPEC in goose (Anser anser domestica). Furthermore, this is the first isolation of aEPEC from turkeys and pigeons in Hungary. The uneven distribution of aEPEC in different age groups of poultry suggests that aEPEC disappears with growing up, but stress (e.g.: force-feeding) and concurrent diseases might promote its reappearance in the intestine.

What is your diagnosis? Fine-needle aspirate biopsy from a skin mass on the distal metatarsus of a dog.

What is your diagnosis? Fine-needle aspirate biopsy from a skin mass on the distal metatarsus of a dog.

Presumptive Identification of Smooth Brucella Strain Antibodies in Canines.

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease caused by a Gram-negative coccobacillus. There are four Brucella strains of zoonotic importance in our domestic species, subdivided by their culture phenotypes: Brucella abortus (B. abortus), B. melitensis, B. suis (smooth strains) and B. canis (rough strain). Dogs can serve as hosts for all four of the zoonotic strains; however, routine serologic testing in dogs has been limited to the identification of B. canis antibodies. The aim of our study was to identify smooth Brucella strain antibodies in canines. We hypothesize that the Brucella abortus Fluorescence Polarization Assay would be successful in identifying smooth Brucella strain antibodies in canines. Ninety-five dogs, including forty-five hog hunting dogs were screened for circulating antibodies to any of the four zoonotic strains of the bacteria utilizing a combination of Canine Brucella Slide Agglutination Test (CBSA), Brucella canis Agar Gel Immunodiffusion II test (AGIDII), Brucella abortus Card Agglutination Test (BCA), and the Brucella abortus Fluorescence Polarization Assay (FPA). Test interpretation results yielded a 0% (0/95) smooth Brucella strain seropositivity rate, with 2% (2/95) of dogs yielding inconclusive rough Brucella strain serology results (0–2% rough strain seropositivity rate). Additionally, a retrospective portion of the study was performed to identify sera containing circulating antibodies to any of the smooth strains of Brucella by testing previously banked canine serum samples stored at Cornell's Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory from 2018 to 2019 via Brucella abortus FPA. Of the 769 serum samples tested, 13/769 (1.7%) yielded an inconclusive result, 725/769 (94.2%) were negative, 30/769 (4%) yielded a positive FPA test result, and 1/769 (0.1%) had to be excluded due to insufficient sample remaining to perform the diagnostic test. Of the 30 FPA positive canine serum samples, 97% (29/30) also tested positive on the CBSA test. Additionally, there was a statistically significant (p < 0.0001) likelihood of altered (spayed/neutered) and mixed breed dogs to be FPA positive when compared to intact, purebred dogs, respectively.

AMERICAN COLLEGE OF VETERINARY RADIOLOGY EUROPEAN COLLEGE OF VETERINARY DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING Calendar of Important Dates

Veterinary Radiology & UltrasoundVolume 62, Issue 4 p. 512-512 CALENDAR OF EVENTS AMERICAN COLLEGE OF VETERINARY RADIOLOGY EUROPEAN COLLEGE OF VETERINARY DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING Calendar of Important Dates First published: 06 July 2021 https://doi.org/10.1111/vru.13005Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onEmailFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume62, Issue4July/August 2021Pages 512-512 RelatedInformation

Imaging findings in 14 dogs and 3 cats with lobar emphysema.

BackgroundLobar emphysema in dogs and cats is caused by bronchial collapse during expiration and subsequent air trapping. Congenital causes such as bronchial cartilage defects or acquired causes such as compressive neoplastic lesions have been reported. Morbidity results from hyperinflation of the affected lung lobe and compression of adjacent thoracic structures.ObjectiveTo describe patient characteristics and imaging findings in dogs and cats with lobar emphysema.AnimalsFourteen dogs and 3 cats with lobar emphysema diagnosed by imaging findings were retrospectively identified from veterinary referral hospital populations over a 10‐year period.MethodsCases that included thoracic radiography, thoracic computed tomography (CT), or both were included. All images were reviewed by a European College of Veterinary Diagnostic Imaging diplomate. Relevant case information included signalment, clinical findings, treatment, and histopathology where available.ResultsTen of 17 (59%) patients were presented for evaluation of dyspnea and 6 (35%) for coughing. Eleven (65%) patients were <3 years of age. The right middle lung lobe was affected in 12 cases (71%) and multiple lobes were affected in 7 cases (41%). Congenital lobar emphysema was suspected in 14 cases (82%).Conclusion and Clinical ImportanceLung lobe hyperinflation, atelectasis of nonaffected lung lobes, mediastinal shift, and thoracic wall and diaphragmatic wall deformation were common findings. Lobar or multilobar emphysema should be considered in patients with dyspnea or coughing, particularly younger patients. Although radiography is useful, CT provides better detail. In older patients, acquired causes of bronchial compression should be considered.

Clinical, pathologic, and epidemiologic features of nocardioform placentitis in the mare

Placentitis is the leading cause of infectious abortion in the horse and contributes to roughly 19% of all abortions in the United States. A type of placental infection, nocardioform placentitis (NP) is associated with gram-positive branching actinomycetes localized within the ventral body of the feto-maternal interface to create a lymphoplasmacytic mucoid lesion. While the etiology of this disease is poorly described, this placental infection continues to cause episodic abortions in addition to weak and/or growth retarded neonates. The goal of the present study was to perform a comprehensive analysis of pregnancies associated with a nocardioform-affected placenta and make inferences into the epidemiology of this elusive disease. To do so, 264 mares were enrolled in the study, with 145 as having suspected disease (n = 145; NP) either based on pregnancy-related complications or postpartum placental evaluation, while an additional 119 were enrolled as healthy pregnancies (n = 119; CON). Following diagnosis as either NP or CON based on gross and histopathology at the University of Kentucky Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, information was gathered on the mares and neonates for comparisons between diseased and healthy pregnancies. Clinically, a significant portion of diseased mares had clinical indications of NP, including premature mammary gland development, thickening of the placenta noted on transrectal ultrasonography, and separation between the chorioallantois and endometrium noted on abdominal ultrasonography, while vulvar discharge was not commonly noted. Additionally, NP was correlated with increased mare age, decreased gestational length, and decreased neonatal weight, although neonatal IgG and WBC were comparable to CON. Incidence of NP was not correlated with last breeding date, pre- and post-breeding therapeutics, parity, prophylactic medications, or housing. Additionally, NP did not affect postpartum fertility. While NP was associated with a poor neonatal outcome (abortion and/or growth retarded neonate), this did not appear to be influenced by the bacteria isolated (Amycolatopsis spp. vs. Crossiella equi), and mares diagnosed with NP do not appear to be infectious to other pregnant mares nor have repetitive years of the disease. Interestingly, lesion size was positively correlated with last breeding date, as mares bred later in the breeding season correlating with a larger placental lesion. In conclusion, while the etiology of NP continues to elude researchers, the epidemiology of this disease has gained clarity, providing inferences into the management of suspect mares.

289 Serum Trace Minerals in Late Gestation Sows at Variable Risk for Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Abstract Within the last decade, pelvic organ prolapse (POP) resulting in sow mortality has become an increasing concern for the U.S. swine industry, contributing approximately 21% of all sow deaths. While little is known regarding the etiology preceding POP in sows, many have proposed an association with vitamin and trace minerals abundance to POP incidence. We tested the hypothesis that sows differing in POP risk would have differences in serum trace minerals and vitamins. A perineal scoring (PS) system (PS1 - presumed low risk; PS2 - presumed moderate risk; and PS3 - presumed high risk) to assess risk for POP during late gestation was used to score 213 individual sows. Blood was collected from sows of two different farms during late gestation (days 105–115) that scored a PS3 (n = 20) and a parity matched sow scored as PS 1 (n = 16). Subsequently, 1.5, 0.8, and 23.1% of sows scored as PS1, PS2, or PS3, respectively, experienced POP. Serum was analyzed at the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Lab for trace mineral content (Calcium, Copper, Iron, Potassium, Magnesium, Manganese, Molybdenum, Phosphorus, Selenium, and Zinc). Additionally, vitamin E was evaluated in serum via GC-MS. Differences (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in copper, potassium, molybdenum, phosphorus, and selenium was observed between farms. Further a PS x Farm interaction (P = 0.06) was observed for serum copper abundance which across all farms was 12% less (P &amp;lt; 0.04) in PS3 compared to PS1 sows. No impact on serum vitamin E was observed between PS sows. These data demonstrate sows with greater POP risk may have potential differences in serum factors although these data also underscore the importance of measuring vitamin and mineral quantities in a tissue specific manner. This project was supported by the National Pork Board and the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research.

Extension Contribution to Anaplasmosis Surveillance in Arkansas: A Story of Collaboration

Abstract The emergence of resistant bacteria forced the medical and animal agriculture communities to rethink how antibiotics are used. In Arkansas, medicated feed is mostly used to treat or control Anaplasmosis in beef cattle herds. Bovine Anaplasmosis is a tick-borne disease caused by the rickettsial bacteria, Anaplasma marginale. This disease causes over $300 million in losses annually for the U.S. cattle industry. With beef cattle being the fifth largest agricultural commodity in Arkansas, it is important to know the prevalence of Anaplasmosis infection in the state. The project described is a collaborative effort between the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville campus, the University of Arkansas Extension, and the Kansas State University (KSU) College of Veterinary Medicine. Extension agents from 33 Arkansas counties were trained to recruit producers for the study and to coordinate sample collection. On the day of blood collection, Extension agents discussed the purpose of the project and appropriate disclosures with the producers. A total of 578 mature beef cattle were randomly selected from six geographical regions for sampling between the months of November 2019 and February 2020. Both whole blood and serum samples were collected from each animal. PCR testing was completed at the KSU College of Veterinary Medicine andcELISA testing was completed at the University of Arkansas Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Blood samples from 335 cattle (58.7%) were positive for Anaplasmosis on at least one test with the majority of animals testing positive (229; 68.4%) on both the cELISA and PCR tests. Rates of regional prevalence ranged from 36.7% to 93.8%. The overall results were discussed with Extension agents via Zoom prior to discussing results with individual producers. Data from this study were added to previous surveillance data collected by Kansas State University and will direct Extension education efforts pertaining to Anaplasmosis management in regional beef cattle herds.

Cultivation of bacterial pathogens and antimicrobial resistance in canine periapical tooth abscesses

This research aimed to assess the occurrence of bacterial pathogens and their antimicrobial resistance in dogs presenting with canine periapical tooth abscesses. Sample swabs were performed on 45 dogs who had undergone dental surgery between January 2019 and August 2020 at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Chiang Mai University. Samples were analyzed within 24 hours at Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Chiang Mai University to identify any bacterial species and to investigate their potential antimicrobial susceptibility according to CLSI guidelines. A high proportion of gram-negative and facultative species were identified. Out of the 17 species obtained, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (34.6 %) was determined to be the predominant species followed by Escherichia coli (15.4%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (11.5%), respectively. P. aeruginosa was highly resistant (100.0%) to ampicillin and clindamycin, while E. coli and K. pneumoniae were found to be highly resistant (100.0%) to clindamycin in terms of antimicrobial susceptibility. However, E. coli was more resistant to enrofloxacin, gentamicin, and norfloxacin than K. pneumoniae. When focusing on the resistance rates of all species, clindamycin exhibited the highest degree of resistance, followed by ampicillin and amoxicillin, respectively. Amoxicillin-clavulanate is an empirical antibiotic in our area that has exhibited a resistance rate of 48.7%. The outcomes of our study have suggested that fluoroquinolone and aminoglycoside could be used to treat canine periapical tooth abscesses. However, the renal effect of these drugs must be considered. Importantly, antibiotic selection must depend upon the results of bacterial culture and antimicrobial susceptibility tests in order to reduce any potential antimicrobial resistance issues.

51 Digestibility of a diet with or without reed sedge peat in exercised horses

An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of a concentrate diet containing Reed Sedge Peat (RSP) on nutrient digestibility, and serum glucose and insulin concentrations in mature exercised horses. The addition of RSP to the diet in horses may be beneficial to increasing nutrient digestibility and performance factors of the horse. Six stock-type geldings, ranging from 8 to 19 yr of age, in a duplicated 3 × 3 Latin-square design were fed a diet consisting of Coastal Bermudagrass hay and a concentrate with or without RSP. Three diet treatments consisted of: control, no RSP added (C); 4.5 kg/ton RSP added (RSP10; Kent Nutrition Group, Muscatine, IA); and 9.0 kg/ton RSP added (RSP20). The 12-wk study consisted of 3 21-d adjustment periods followed by 3-d fecal collections. Blood collections were taken pre- and post-prandial, before, and immediately following a Standard Exercise Test (SET) on d 21 of each period. Horses were fed hay at 2% body weight per day and 2.2 kg/d of a concentrate diet with or without added RSP. Representative samples of feed and feces were analyzed for dry matter, crude protein (CP), crude fiber, ether extract, acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber, and ash content. Serum was analyzed for glucose and insulin concentrations by Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Endocrinology Department. Data for nutrient digestibilities, and serum glucose and insulin concentrations were analyzed using the Proc Mixed Procedure of SAS v. 9.4. Significant differences between means were declared at P

AMERICAN COLLEGE OF VETERINARY RADIOLOGY EUROPEAN COLLEGE OF VETERINARY DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING Calendar of Important Dates

Veterinary Radiology & UltrasoundVolume 62, Issue 3 p. 381-381 CALENDAR OF EVENTS AMERICAN COLLEGE OF VETERINARY RADIOLOGY EUROPEAN COLLEGE OF VETERINARY DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING Calendar of Important Dates First published: 21 May 2021 https://doi.org/10.1111/vru.12982Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume62, Issue3May/June 2021Pages 381-381 RelatedInformation

Random-effects linear model application to herd-level assessment of bovine hepatic trace mineral concentrations.

To evaluate the utility of random-effects linear modeling for herd-level evaluation of trace mineral status, we performed a retrospective analysis of the results for trace mineral testing of bovine liver samples submitted to the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory between 2011 and 2017. Our aim was to examine random-effects models for their potential utility in improving interpretation with minimal sample numbers. The database consisted of 1,658 animals distributed among 121 herds. Minerals were assayed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy, and included cobalt, copper, iron, molybdenum, manganese, selenium, and zinc. Intraclass correlation coefficients for each mineral were significantly different (p < 0.001) from zero and ranged from 0.38 for manganese to 0.82 for selenium, indicating that the strength of herd effects, which are presumably related to diet, vary greatly by mineral. Analysis of the distribution and standard errors of best linear unbiased predictor (BLUP) values suggested that testing 5-10 animals per herd could place herds within 10 percentile units across the population of herds with 70-95% confidence, the confidence level varying among minerals. Herd means were generally similar to BLUPs, suggesting that means could be reasonably compared to BLUPs with respect to the distributions reported here. However, caution in interpreting means relative to BLUPs should be exercised when animal numbers are small, the standard errors of the means are large, and/or the values are near the extremes of the distribution.

Antimicrobial resistance in Klebsiella species from milk specimens submitted for bovine mastitis testing at the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, 2008–2019

The purpose of this retrospective study was to describe antimicrobial resistance trends in Klebsiella isolates cultured from milk samples submitted to the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for bovine mastitis testing. In vitro antimicrobial susceptibility testing was conducted in 483 Klebsiella isolates cultured from 63,841 milk samples submitted from January 1, 2008, through December 31, 2019. The Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory conducted antimicrobial susceptibility testing according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute by using a broth microdilution panel. Ten antimicrobials were tested in the panel: ampicillin, penicillin, erythromycin, oxacillin + 2% NaCl, pirlimycin, penicillin/novobiocin, tetracycline, ceftiofur, cephalothin, and sulfadimethoxine. Isolates were considered resistant to specific antimicrobials based on minimum inhibitory concentrations described in Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. No guidelines were available for sulfadimethoxine; isolates were categorized as resistant when bacterial growth was not inhibited. The proportion of isolates resistant to ceftiofur, cephalothin, or tetracycline did not increase over time. For sulfadimethoxine, the proportion of resistant isolates decreased over time. These results do not demonstrate a trend toward increasing antimicrobial resistance among Klebsiella isolates. Despite that, antimicrobial resistance should continue to be monitored.

Disease diagnostic coding to facilitate evidence-based medicine: current and future perspectives.

Technologic advances in information management have rapidly changed laboratory testing and the practice of veterinary medicine. Timely and strategic sampling, same-day assays, and 24-h access to laboratory results allow for rapid implementation of intervention and treatment protocols. Although agent detection and monitoring systems have progressed, and wider tracking of diseases across veterinary diagnostic laboratories exists, such as by the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN), the distinction between detection of agent and manifestation of disease is critical to improved disease management. The implementation of a consistent, intuitive, and useful disease diagnosis coding system, specific for veterinary medicine and applicable to multiple animal species within and between veterinary diagnostic laboratories, is the first phase of disease data aggregation. Feedback loops for continuous improvement that could aggregate existing clinical and laboratory databases to improve the value and applications of diagnostic processes and clinical interventions, with interactive capabilities between clinicians and diagnosticians, and that differentiate disease causation from mere agent detection, remain incomplete. Creating an interface that allows aggregation of existing data from clinicians, including final diagnosis, interventions, or treatments applied, and measures of outcomes, is the second phase. Prototypes for stakeholder cooperation, collaboration, and beta testing of this vision are in development and becoming a reality. We focus here on how such a system is being developed and utilized at the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory to facilitate evidence-based medicine and utilize diagnostic coding for continuous improvement of animal health and welfare.

Utilizing technology to enhance laboratory-client interaction while encouraging best behavior.

As client interactions with veterinary diagnostic laboratories have evolved, so have client expectations: faster results, enhanced accessibility to cases, and more seamless data transfer from the laboratory database; all of these factors have encouraged the evolution of diagnostic laboratory systems. This evolution started with 24-h access to laboratory results via the web, yet data quality remained at the mercy of the person filling out the form. If bad (incomplete) information was flowing in, then the data coming out was equally bad (incomplete or inconsistent). By designing a web-based system integrated into our existing reporting platform, the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (ISU-VDL) set out to improve the quality of submission data by including the premises identification number (PIN) and obtaining consistent location data, all while presenting to the client an easy-to-use interface. Efforts continued by incentivizing the use of this tool and client submission practices. As clients transitioned, data have become more complete, resulting in easier queries and an improved ability to leverage the diagnostic data. To further enhance the client experience, a streamlined daily reporting summary was designed to communicate laboratory results succinctly. The use of these web-based tools had a positive impact on the quality and consistency of the diagnostic data. As new ideas develop, the ISU-VDL strives to foster continuous improvement and positively impact the clients' experience.

Light chain myeloma and detection of free light chains in serum and urine of dogs and cats.

BackgroundDetection of free light chains (fLC) in animals relies on protein electrophoresis or the Bence‐Jones protein test on urine.ObjectiveTo describe the detection of both serum fLC (sfLC) and urine fLC (ufLC) in 8 dogs and 2 cats using a commercially available human immunofixation (IF) kit.AnimalsArchived serum or urine samples from 27 dogs and 2 cats submitted to the Colorado State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for routine diagnostics.MethodsRetrospective study evaluating the presence of fLC in dogs and cats using agarose gel electrophoresis and routine and fLC IF performed on serum and urine. The performance of the fLC IF reagents was evaluated using samples characterized by routine IF, tandem mass spectrometry, and a combination of fLC IF and western blotting. Free light chains were documented by paired electrophoresis and fLC IF.ResultsThe fLC only myeloma case developed end‐stage renal failure 5 months post initial diagnosis. All electrophoresis‐defined urinary Bence‐Jones proteins were labeled by the anti‐free λ light chain (anti‐fλ) reagent; none were labeled by the anti‐free κ light chain (anti‐fκ); 2 of these were identified as fκ by mass spectrometry. An electrophoretically identical protein restriction that was labeled by the anti‐fλ reagent was present in the paired serum from 5/8 of cases, documenting sfLC.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceCommercially available human IF reagents identified sfLC and ufLC in both dogs and cats. Free light chains may be nephrotoxic in dogs.

AgSecure Africa ProgrammeTM: ABlended Training Approach for Africa.

An innovative training program entitled "AgSecure Africa ProgrammeTM" was developed in partnership with the South African Agricultural Research Council-Onderstepoort Veterinary Research (ARC-OVR) to train veterinarians, animal health technicians, researchers and laboratory personnel. Three blended courses consisting of both virtual and in-person delivery were provided with the intent of contributing to the better prevention, detection and control of infectious diseases of livestock and poultry of significant importance for the region with a strong emphasis on transboundary animal diseases. A "train the trainer" model of instruction was employed to equip participants with the ability to train and share knowledge with colleagues and small-holder farmers in their various communities and regions. The design of this program was to increase the capacity of veterinarians and veterinary diagnosticians to safely and accurately diagnose infectious livestock diseases and to also empower small-holder farmers with the knowledge needed to safely and securely manage their livestock and be a first line defense in the prevention and control of infectious livestock diseases. Quantitative and qualitative evaluations were used to measure the impact of the trainings which revealed significant increases in knowledge gains. Course materials were submitted and approved for accreditation by the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) becoming the first international training program to achieve this. Approval of these courses led to licensed veterinarians and animal health technicians being awarded continuing professional development credits upon their successful completion of courses. A larger goal was to build training capacity, not only for South Africa, but also for the region.

Comparison of naturally-occurring versus experimental infection of Staphylococcus aureus septicemia in Laying Hens in two different age groups.

In April and November of 2018, multiple commercial laying hen flocks within the same company presented with a sharp increase in mortality and drop in egg production that persisted for several days. These flocks showed striking necropsy lesions consistent with systemic infection and responded to antimicrobial treatment in the feed. Staphylococcus aureus (SA) was the most frequently isolated organism from multiple tissues including comb and wattle lesions, lungs, liver, ovary, spleen, and bone marrow. Given such an uncommon presentation of SA, which is known as a secondary opportunistic pathogen, a challenge study was conducted to evaluate its role is these disease outbreaks. In the present study, laying hens of 2 ages (22 and 96 weeks) were inoculated with SA via 3 routes: oral gavage (OG), subcutaneous injection (SC), and intravenous injection (IV). Both young and old hens in the IV group showed a significant increase in body temperature and drop in body weight; however, the clinical signs observed in the naturally-occurring outbreaks were not present. SA was re-isolated at multiple time points post-challenge from all challenge groups except the negative control group. While the SC group showed localized necrosis at the injection site, microscopic changes were different from changes observed in birds from the natural outbreaks. Despite observed initial differences in route and age, the SA challenge strain was not capable of reproducing the disease on its own. The results of this study indicate that SA may have played a role in the increased mortality, clinical signs, and necropsy lesions reported with the naturally-occurring outbreaks. However, SA should still be considered as a secondary opportunistic pathogen. Other factors that could have caused the initial insult are stress, immunosuppression, or other primary infectious agents. The results of this study may aid veterinary diagnosticians, clinicians, and all poultry professionals to include SA in their differentials list as a secondary opportunistic pathogen in similar cases. This is an uncommon presentation and further field observations and clinical studies are needed to better elucidate the pathogenesis of this disease, which will in turn help to prevent future outbreaks.

A retrospective analysis of antimicrobial resistance in pathogenic Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. isolates from poultry in Uganda

ABSTRACT There are increasing reports of antimicrobial treatment failures for bacterial diseases of poultry in Uganda. The paucity of data on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of pathogenic bacteria in Uganda is a major setback to AMR control. This study investigated the occurrence of fowl typhoid, colibacillosis, and AMR in associated pathogens from 2012 to 2018. Laboratory records from the Central Diagnostic Laboratory (CDL), a National Veterinary Diagnostic Facility located at Makerere University, were reviewed. Archived isolates of the causative bacteria for the two diseases were also evaluated for AMR. The frequencies of the two disease conditions, their clinical and necropsy presentations and the demographic data of the diagnostic samples were summarized from the records. Archived bacterial isolates were revived before antimicrobial susceptibility testing. This was done on Mueller Hinton agar using the disk diffusion method, against 16 antimicrobials of medical and veterinary importance according to the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. A total of 697 poultry cases were presented for bacteriological investigations in the review period. Colibacillosis and salmonellosis had prevalence rates of 39.7% (277/697) and 16.2% (113/697), respectively. A total of 63 and 92 isolates of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp., respectively, were archived but 43 (68.3%) E. coli and 47 (51.1%) Salmonella spp. isolates were recovered and evaluated for AMR. Multidrug resistance was more frequent in E. coli (38; 88.4%) than salmonellae (25; 53.2%), (p < 0.001). The high prevalence of colibacillosis, salmonellosis and the AMR of associated pathogens warrants immediate institution of appropriate disease control measures.