Australian Veterinary Journal最新文献

{"title":"A case of disseminated cryptococcosis with abdominal involvement due to Cryptococcus neoformans species complex in a Ragdoll cat and false-negative cryptococcal antigen lateral flow tests due to the postzone phenomenon","authors":"A Teh,&nbsp;E Pritchard,&nbsp;SL Donahoe,&nbsp;R Malik,&nbsp;M Krockenberger","doi":"10.1111/avj.13329","DOIUrl":"10.1111/avj.13329","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Although cryptococcosis is the most common systemic fungal disease of cats, abdominal involvement is rarely reported. The pathogenesis of cryptococcosis usually involves sinonasal colonisation, followed by tissue invasion and sinonasal infection, with possible subsequent spread to the lungs and/or direct extension into the central nervous system (CNS), for example, via the cribriform plate. Further haematogenous spread can occur to any tissue, including skin and the CNS. This report describes a case of disseminated cryptococcosis due to <i>Cryptococcus neoformans</i> species complex in a 13-year-old cat, the fourth documented Australian feline case with abdominal involvement. The cat presented with a chronic history of upper respiratory disease that progressed to severe lethargy and anorexia. An autopsy revealed striking peritonitis with multifocal abdominal involvement affecting the liver, spleen, adrenal glands, kidneys, pancreas and mesentery. Cryptococcal organisms were also observed in organs within the thoracic cavity, sinonasal tissues and the CNS. Testing of abdominal fluid and serum for cryptococcal antigen using a commercially available lateral flow assay using neat fluid specimen initially tested false-negative. However, after dilution of the sample to 1:64, a positive result was obtained, confirming a postzone phenomenon. Taken together, the collective findings were indicative of widely disseminated cryptococcosis due to <i>Cryptococcus neoformans</i> with atypical involvement of the abdominal cavity.</p>","PeriodicalId":8661,"journal":{"name":"Australian Veterinary Journal","volume":"102 6","pages":"306-312"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/avj.13329","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140598948","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Horse populations are severely underestimated in a region at risk of Hendra virus spillover","authors":"B Linnegar,&nbsp;DH Kerlin,&nbsp;P Eby,&nbsp;P Kemsley,&nbsp;H McCallum,&nbsp;AJ Peel","doi":"10.1111/avj.13331","DOIUrl":"10.1111/avj.13331","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Objective</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>To identify the size and distribution of the horse population in the Northern Rivers Region of NSW, including changes from 2007 to 2021, to better understand populations at risk of Hendra virus transmission.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Methods</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Census data from the 2007 Equine Influenza (EI) outbreak were compared with data collected annually by New South Wales Local Land Services (LLS) (2011–2021), and with field observations via road line transects (2021).</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Results</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The horse populations reported to LLS in 2011 (3000 horses; 0.77 horses/km²) was 145% larger than that reported during the EI outbreak in 2007 (1225 horses; 0.32 horses/km²). This was inconsistent with the 6% increase in horses recorded from 2011 to 2020 within the longitudinal LLS dataset. Linear modelling suggested the true horse population of this region in 2007 was at least double that reported at the time. Distance sampling in 2021 estimated the region's population at 10,185 horses (3.89 per km²; 95% CI = 4854–21,372). Field sampling and modelling identified higher horse densities in rural cropland, with the percentage of conservation land, modified grazing, and rural residential land identified as the best predictors of horse densities.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 \u0000 <section>\u0000 \u0000 <h3> Conclusions</h3>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Data from the 2007 EI outbreak no longer correlates to the current horse population in size or distribution and was likely not a true representation at the time. Current LLS data also likely underestimates horse populations. Ongoing efforts to further quantify and map horse populations in Australia are important for estimating and managing the risk of equine zoonoses.</p>\u0000 </section>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":8661,"journal":{"name":"Australian Veterinary Journal","volume":"102 7","pages":"342-352"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2024-04-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/avj.13331","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140599027","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Strongyloides stercoralis in two dogs from a household in temperate Australia","authors":"N Kirkwood,&nbsp;J Šlapeta","doi":"10.1111/avj.13330","DOIUrl":"10.1111/avj.13330","url":null,"abstract":"<p><i>Strongyloides stercoralis</i> is parasite affecting both humans and dogs and is most prevalent in tropical and subtropical areas of Australia. This case report describes two dogs from a household in Sydney, New South Wales, one with chronic gastrointestinal signs and the other who was asymptomatic who were subsequently diagnosed with <i>S. stercoralis</i>. Diagnosis can be challenging in humans and dogs due to intermittent shedding and low worm burdens and in this case the symptomatic dog had <i>Strongyloides</i> spp. rhabitiform larvae detected on a direct faecal smear and PCR, the asymptomatic dog on PCR only. Obtained sequences from the symptomatic dog confirmed the presence of the <i>S. stercoralis</i> clade affecting both dogs and humans. Infection does not respond to commonly used deworming drugs for dogs. Treatment in both cases was undertaken using off-label doses of ivermectin and follow-up PCR testing was negative. This case report should increase practitioner awareness of this parasite as present and transmissible in temperate areas of Australia.</p>","PeriodicalId":8661,"journal":{"name":"Australian Veterinary Journal","volume":"102 7","pages":"369-373"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2024-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/avj.13330","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140179226","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Retrospective assessment of ophthalmic disease development in domestic dogs and cats when hospitalised with tick paralysis caused by Ixodes holocyclus","authors":"BD Reynolds,&nbsp;E Perry,&nbsp;HG Nagel,&nbsp;CJ Whittaker,&nbsp;KA Caruso,&nbsp;MJ Annear,&nbsp;WM Irving,&nbsp;PM McCarthy,&nbsp;A Dion,&nbsp;JM-S Yi,&nbsp;E Hall,&nbsp;JS Smith","doi":"10.1111/avj.13325","DOIUrl":"10.1111/avj.13325","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;h3&gt; Objective&lt;/h3&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;p&gt;To investigate the incidence and predisposing factors leading to the development of corneal ulcers and the loss of a palpebral reflex in hospitalised canine and feline patients with tick paralysis (TP).&lt;/p&gt;\u0000 &lt;/section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;h3&gt; Animals studied&lt;/h3&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;p&gt;A total of 102 dogs and 100 cats retrospectively were assessed from previously hospitalised patients.&lt;/p&gt;\u0000 &lt;/section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;h3&gt; Methods&lt;/h3&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;p&gt;A retrospective cohort stud&lt;b&gt;y&lt;/b&gt; was performed on 102 different canine and 100 different feline patients who were hospitalised for TP from October 2020–January 2022. Patient data were collected, and logistic regression was conducted to determine factors affecting the palpebral reflex and the development of corneal ulcers.&lt;/p&gt;\u0000 &lt;/section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;h3&gt; Results&lt;/h3&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;p&gt;Corneal ulcers occurred in 23/102 (22.5%) dogs during hospitalisation and were strongly associated with an incomplete palpebral reflex ipsilaterally during hospitalisation (P &lt; 0.001), hospitalisation ≥3 days (P = 0.004), mechanical ventilation ≥3 days (P = 0.015) or a tick location cranial to C1 (P = 0.003). An incomplete palpebral reflex during hospitalisation was observed in 29/102 (28.4%) dogs and was significantly associated with decreasing patient weight (P = 0.018), increasing days hospitalised (P = 0.001), having a tick found cranial to C1 (P = 0.004), highest recorded GP grade (P = 0.01), highest recorded RP grade (P = 0.005), use of amoxycillin-clavulanic acid during hospitalisation (P = 0.002) and use of piperacillin/tazobactam during hospitalisation (P = 0.003). There was a significant association between the loss of a complete palpebral reflex and mortality during hospitalisation in dogs (OR = 4.5, P = 0.029).&lt;/p&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;p&gt;Corneal ulcers occurred in 10/100 (10.0%) cats during hospitalisation, and was significantly more likely to occur to an eye if an incomplete palpebral reflex was observed ipsilaterally during hospitalisation (OR = 20.1, P &lt; 0.0001) and with increasing patient age (P = 0.019). The absence of a complete palpebral reflex during hospitalisation was observed in 18/10 (18.0%) cats and was significantly associated with increasing days hospitalised (P = 0.034). There was no significant association between the loss of a complete palpebral reflex and mortality during hospitalisation in cats.&lt;/p&gt;\u0000 &lt;/section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;section&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;h3&gt; Conclusions&lt;/h3&gt;\u0000 \u0000 &lt;p&gt;The frequency of corneal ulcers and loss of palpebral reflexes were significant in dogs and cats hospitalised by TP, with many factors contributing to the risk of these develop","PeriodicalId":8661,"journal":{"name":"Australian Veterinary Journal","volume":"102 6","pages":"296-305"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-02-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139899281","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The effects of maternal calcium status during late gestation on lamb growth and survival in twin-bearing Merino ewes grazing pasture","authors":"AL Munn,&nbsp;AMF Swinbourne,&nbsp;B-J Brougham,&nbsp;WHEJ van Wettere,&nbsp;AC Weaver","doi":"10.1111/avj.13321","DOIUrl":"10.1111/avj.13321","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Our project aimed to investigate whether low maternal calcium status during late gestation decreased weight, growth and survival of lambs born to twin-bearing Merino ewes grazing pasture. On day 130 of gestation, approximately a 10 mL blood sample was collected from 108 twin-bearing Merino ewes. Blood pH and calcium ion concentration were measured in whole blood and serum was analysed for calcium, magnesium, phosphate, beta hydroxy butyrate, non-esterified fatty acids and cholesterol. Six to 18 h after birth and at 49 days of age, lamb live weight was recorded. Ewe serum calcium level at day 130 of gestation were divided into tertiles (1.58–2.13, 2.14–2.30, and 2.31–2.99 mmol/L) with ewes classified as either Low, Med or High (<i>n</i> = 36 per group). A general linear mixed model was used to analyse the data. Survival to 1, 2, 3 and 7 days of age was lower for lambs born to ewes in the Low calcium group compared with those born in the Med and High calcium groups (P &lt; 0.05). At day 49 of age, lamb survival tended to be lower for lambs in the Low (73.6%) compared with Med (86.8%) and High (85.3%) calcium groups (P &lt; 0.1). There were no differences in lamb body weight (P &gt; 0.05). Calcium levels of ewes in the Low calcium group were, on average, indicative of subclinical hypocalcaemia, with this group of ewes also having the lowest lamb survival rate, suggesting that maternal subclinical hypocalcaemia reduces lamb survival. Further studies, particularly on improving maternal calcium levels, are warranted.</p>","PeriodicalId":8661,"journal":{"name":"Australian Veterinary Journal","volume":"102 5","pages":"249-255"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-02-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/avj.13321","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139899282","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Toxoplasmosis epidemic in a population of urbanised allied rock-wallabies (Petrogale assimilis) on Magnetic Island (Yunbenun), North Queensland","authors":"RO Bowater,&nbsp;B Gummow,&nbsp;T Mackie,&nbsp;AR Thompson,&nbsp;DA Hayes,&nbsp;K Goudkamp,&nbsp;JD Taylor","doi":"10.1111/avj.13319","DOIUrl":"10.1111/avj.13319","url":null,"abstract":"<p>A mortality event involving 23 allied rock-wallabies (<i>Petrogale assimilis</i>) displaying neurological signs and sudden death occurred in late April to May 2021 in a suburban residential area directly adjacent to Magnetic Island National Park, on Magnetic Island (Yunbenun), North Queensland, Australia. Three allied rock-wallabies were submitted for necropsy, and in all three cases, the cause of death was disseminated toxoplasmosis. This mortality event was unusual because only a small, localised population of native wallabies inhabiting a periurban area on a tropical island in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area were affected. A disease investigation determined the outbreak was likely linked to the presence of free-ranging feral and domesticated cats inhabiting the area. There were no significant deaths of other wallabies or wildlife in the same or other parts of Magnetic Island (Yunbenun) at the time of the outbreak. This is the first reported case of toxoplasmosis in allied rock-wallabies (<i>Petrogale assimilis</i>), and this investigation highlights the importance of protecting native wildlife species from an infectious and potentially fatal parasitic disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":8661,"journal":{"name":"Australian Veterinary Journal","volume":"102 5","pages":"256-263"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-02-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/avj.13319","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139740250","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Antimicrobial prescribing guidelines for sheep","authors":"R Batey,&nbsp;P Nilon,&nbsp;SW Page,&nbsp;GF Browning,&nbsp;JM Norris","doi":"10.1111/avj.13310","DOIUrl":"10.1111/avj.13310","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global threat that presents a serious risk to human and animal health. Resistance to antimicrobials occurs naturally in microorganisms. But it can be amplified by antimicrobial overuse, underuse, or poor management. Hence, the effective stewardship of antimicrobials—through appropriate and judicious manufacture, administering, dispensing, prescribing and disposal—is critical.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Here, in Australia, the veterinary profession and food producing animal industries have a long history of addressing AMR, working diligently to ensure the safe and continued efficacy of antimicrobials. Their previous and ongoing work—a result of partnerships across the animal sector—has resulted in demonstrated low levels of antimicrobial resistant bacteria in food producing animals. It is encouraging that, in the United Kingdom's 2015 O'Neill Review into Antibiotic Resistance, Australia was ranked the fifth lowest for antibiotic use in agriculture among the 29 countries examined. Strict regulation on antimicrobial registration, high levels of biosecurity and extensive farming systems that do not favour bacterial disease also contribute to the low risk of AMR development from animals in Australia.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;With the recent release of &lt;i&gt;Australia's National Antimicrobial Resistance Strategy–2020 and Beyond&lt;/i&gt; (2020 AMR Strategy), the veterinary profession will continue to play a critical role in how we minimise AMR. The antimicrobial prescribing guidelines for sheep seeks to “ensure that coordinated, evidence based antimicrobial prescribing guidelines and best practice supports are developed and made easily available, and encourage their use by prescribers”.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;These practical guidelines for Australian sheep veterinarians are designed to be a useful resource. They have been developed specifically for the Australian sheep industry and contain best-practice information to help clinical veterinarians make appropriate decisions when prescribing antimicrobials.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;They encourage veterinarians to first pause and consider the need to use antimicrobials in the situation and whether there are effective non-antimicrobial alternatives. Prevention and control of infections through strict on-farm biosecurity minimises the need to use antimicrobials. Vaccination may also be available to control several important sheep diseases. If antimicrobial use is indicated, practitioners should consider the five rights—right drug, right time, right dose, right duration and right route. Using a lower rating or narrow-spectrum antimicrobial is the preferred approach, and you can also refer to the Australian Antibacterial Importance Ratings to help with these decisions.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;I commend the work of all involved in the development of these guidelines and urge every sheep veterinarian to use this advice. In doing so, you'll help safeguard ongoing access to antimicrobials, ensure their long-term efficacy, deliver the best possible veterinary service to","PeriodicalId":8661,"journal":{"name":"Australian Veterinary Journal","volume":"102 4","pages":"103-142"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-02-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/avj.13310","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139728872","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Chronic phalaris toxicity in macropods is widespread and peaks in July in Victoria, Australia","authors":"T Chen,&nbsp;J Hufschmid,&nbsp;P Whiteley,&nbsp;C El-Hage,&nbsp;N Davis,&nbsp;LF Skerratt","doi":"10.1111/avj.13327","DOIUrl":"10.1111/avj.13327","url":null,"abstract":"<p><i>Phalaris aquatica</i> is pasture species introduced into Australia during early European settlement. Consumption of the plant can cause the neurological condition chronic phalaris toxicity (CPT) in sheep and cattle. In recent years, there has been an increase in reports of CPT in macropods, which has raised concerns regarding its impacts on their welfare. Currently, little is known about the distribution or seasonal patterns of this disease in wildlife, information pivotal in assessing its potential risks. Between 2021 and 2022, we conducted a survey targeting government bodies, veterinary businesses and wildlife organisations to investigate the locations and time of occurrence of CPT in macropods in the state of Victoria, Australia. We received 13 survey responses, 12 verbal reports, a full record of investigated cases from a university veterinary school and cases from a wildlife rescue organisation. Over the period of 11 years, Victoria had 918 cases of CPT recorded in macropods from 36 local government areas, with cases concentrated centrally just north of the state capital of Melbourne and July (midwinter) being the month with the highest case count (n = 220). There was a significant positive correlation between case count and both the abundance of kangaroos (<i>Macropus giganteus</i> and <i>Macropus fuliginosus</i>) (P &lt; 0.01) and the abundance of <i>P. aquatica</i> (P = 0.009), and a significant negative correlation between annual case count and average rainfall of March (P = 0.016) and April (P = 0.02). Understanding these relationships will assist land and wildlife managers in predicting the risk and magnitude of disease outbreaks of CPT each in Victoria.</p>","PeriodicalId":8661,"journal":{"name":"Australian Veterinary Journal","volume":"102 7","pages":"331-338"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2024-02-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/avj.13327","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139728873","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Development of reference intervals for serum biochemistry and haematology of juvenile green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) in a Thai rehabilitation centre","authors":"O Hayakijkosol,&nbsp;K Gerber,&nbsp;DJ Miller,&nbsp;P Chomchat","doi":"10.1111/avj.13328","DOIUrl":"10.1111/avj.13328","url":null,"abstract":"<p>No reference intervals for serum biochemistry and haematology of sea turtles in Thailand exists to assist veterinarians who are responsible for sea turtle health management and treatment. This study determined serum biochemistry and basic haematology of healthy juvenile green sea turtles (n = 92) in captivity in Thailand following the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology (ASVCP), Quality Assurance and Laboratory Standards Committee (QALS) guidelines for the determination of reference intervals in veterinary species. Biochemistry tests, including blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, uric acid, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase were analysed using an IDEXX VetTest Chemistry Analyzer. Haematology parameters were measured manually using a microhaematocrit for packed cell volume (PCV), Neubauer counting chamber for red blood cell count and cyanmethemoglobin method for haemoglobin concentration. mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration were calculated using the PCV, red blood cell count and haemoglobin. Turtles in this study were found to have higher mean values for PCV (28.70%), haemoglobin (92.13 g/L), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (327.03 g/L), uric acid (247.15 μmol/L), alanine aminotransferase (16.53 IU/L), aspartate aminotransferase (209.44 IU/L), and alkaline phosphatase (245.08 IU/L) compared to sea turtles in Brazil. The reference intervals established using high numbers of healthy turtles in this study will assist veterinarians with diagnostic and treatment decisions when evaluating laboratory results for juvenile green sea turtles.</p>","PeriodicalId":8661,"journal":{"name":"Australian Veterinary Journal","volume":"102 7","pages":"339-341"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2024-02-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/avj.13328","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139728874","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Distance examination of livestock with drones - an effective method for assessing health and welfare","authors":"KL Rayner,&nbsp;ME Wilson","doi":"10.1111/avj.13326","DOIUrl":"10.1111/avj.13326","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Distance examination is an important part of veterinary investigation into ruminant herd health and welfare. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) explored the use of drones to conduct assessments of the health and welfare status of sheep and cattle. Three methods of distance examination were compared comprising observations; from a vehicle, a “micro” category drone and a “very small” category drone. The disturbance and behavioural reactions caused by the methods were compared. Assessments of adverse health and welfare conditions by each method were compared to observations made at yarding. The preferred method was the use of the very small drone which had the best sensitivity for detection of conditions potentially associated with adverse health or welfare and the best optics at a distance that did not disturb the animals. The optics of the very small drone enabled distance examination without disturbance in both cattle and sheep. Cattle were more sensitive to the presence of the drones than sheep. The micro drone was unable to approach cattle close enough to allow undisturbed distance examination. All methods had similar specificity, however, sensitivity varied markedly. The very small drone had the best sensitivity 86% which was statistically greater than the micro drone (44%, P = 0.05) and better than the vehicle observations, which had sensitivity of 77% (not statistically significant). The selection of an appropriate drone model is essential for accurate distance examination. Distance examination of livestock with drones of suitable optic quality and resolution represents an effective method for assessing animal health and welfare.</p>","PeriodicalId":8661,"journal":{"name":"Australian Veterinary Journal","volume":"102 6","pages":"293-295"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2024-02-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139717303","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}