Showing papers in "Avian Pathology in 1986"
TL;DR: Quail showed some resistance to viruses which were highly pathogenic for chickens and turkeys, most notably to ck/Scot and ty/Ont and to a lesser extent tern/SA and Pa/1370.
Abstract: Clinical signs, death, virus excretion and immune response were measured in 2-week-old chickens, turkeys, quail and ducks infected by intramuscular, intranasal and contact routes with eight influenza viruses of H5 subtype. Six of the viruses: A/chicken/Scotland/59 (H5N1), ck/Scot; A/tern/South Africa/61 (H5N3), tern/SA; A/turkey/Ontario/ 7732/66 (H5N9); ty/Ont; A/chicken/Pennsylvania/1370/83 (H5N2); Pa/1370; A/turkey/Ireland/83 (H5N8); ty/Ireland, and A/duck/Ireland/ 113/84 (HSN8); dk/Ireland, were highly pathogenic for chickens and turkeys. Two viruses, A/chicken/Pennsylvania/1/83 (H5N2), Pa/1 and A/turkey/Italy/ZA/80 (H5N2), ty/Italy, were of low pathogenicity. Ck/Scot was more pathogenic for chickens than turkeys while ty/Ont was more pathogenic for turkeys than chickens. Other viruses showed little difference in their pathogenicity for these two hosts. No clinical signs or deaths were seen in any of the infected ducks. Only two viruses, dk/Ireland and ty/Ireland, produced consistent serological responses in ducks, although intramuscular infection with tern/SA and ty/Italy resulted in some ducks with positive HI titres. These four were the only viruses reisolated from ducks. Quail showed some resistance to viruses which were highly pathogenic for chickens and turkeys, most notably to ck/Scot and ty/Ont and to a lesser extent tern/SA and Pa/1370. Transmission of virus from intranasally infected birds to birds placed in contact varied considerably with both host and infecting virus and the various combinations of these.
187 citations
TL;DR: Data provide the first proof that both wild and vaccine strains of ILT virus regularly establish long term latent infections in clinically normal chickens.
Abstract: Tracheal organ culture (TOC) techniques utilising multiple-well plastic trays were used to detect and assay latent infection established by infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) herpesvirus in clinically normal chickens. Between 3 and 16 months after tracheal exposure to wild strain (CSW-1, haemorrhagic tracheitis) ILT virus and 2 to 10 months after exposure to vaccine strain ILT (SA-2), groups of chickens were examined for evidence of infection. Neither the examination of tracheal swabbings in monolayer cell cultures nor the inoculation of tracheal tissue suspensions detected virus, and this result was not influenced by preliminary immunosuppressive treatment of the birds with cyclophosphamide or dexamethasone. Latent infection was detected, however, by TOC in 6 (38%) of 16 chickens 100 days to 15 months after exposure to wild strain ILT virus and in 4 (44%) of 9 chickens 2 to 10 months after exposure to the vaccine strain. These data provide the first proof that both wild and vaccine strains of ILT virus regularly establish long term latent infections. Sites of establishment of latent infection in the trachea were highly focal in distribution. Virus reactivation was demonstrated in only 20 (8.3%) of the TOC preparations established from previously infected chickens and usually from only one or two sites in each trachea. Both strains of ILT virus exhibited characteristics of latency in vitro in that virus was not detectable in supernatant fluids until 5 to 6 days after establishment of TOC. Virus shedding then usually continued for 1 to 2 weeks 10(2) to 10(4) PFU/ml being produced each 2 to 3 days. In some preparations, virus production continued for up to 30 days.
102 citations
TL;DR: The haematology and pathology of young broiler chicks with an ascitic syndrome were examined and degenerative changes in all organs examined which resembled lesions reported elsewhere in birds maintained at high altitude.
Abstract: Summary In the present investigation, the haematology and pathology of young broiler chicks with an ascitic syndrome were examined. Gross changes included cardiomegaly, ascites, congested lungs, shrunken livers, enlarged kidneys, dark breast muscle and congested intestines. Many blood parameters were significantly raised including the packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb), red (Rbc) and white blood cell (Wbc) counts. The heterophils and monocytes were also increased at the expense of the lymphocytes compared with control birds. The histopathology revealed degenerative changes in all organs examined which resembled lesions reported elsewhere in birds maintained at high altitude. In addition, large numbers of infiltrating leukocytes, in particular heterophils, were also present in the tissues. In many cases the syndrome was characterised by congestive heart failure.
100 citations
TL;DR: Pathogenicity for chicks of 11 isolates of chicken anaemia agent (CAA) isolated in Japan was examined and no serological distinction was recognised among the isolates.
Abstract: Summary Pathogenicity for chicks of 11 isolates of chicken anaemia agent (CAA) isolated in Japan was examined. Each strain produced aplastic anaemia in 100% of chicks when inoculated at 1 day of age with mortalities ranging from 20 to 90%. Incidence of anaemia in chicks inoculated at 7 days of age varied from 0 to 87.5% according to the isolates, but no chick died. The susceptibility of chicks at various ages against the G1 (Gifu‐1) and A2 strains was compared. Both strains produced anaemia in 100% of the chicks when inoculated at 1, 2, 3 or 4 days of age. Half of the chicks inoculated with the A2 strain at 8 days of age showed anaemia, but none of those inoculated with the G1 strain did. No chick showed anaemia from either strain when inoculated at 14 days of age. The antigenicities of the isolates were compared by cross neutralisation and indirect immunofluorescent antibody methods. No serological distinction was recognised among the isolates.
87 citations
TL;DR: The use of the TR system as a model for evaluating in vitro pathogenicity was rapid and less subject to environmental variation than the in vivo tests, and was economical with respect to time, space and birds.
Abstract: Summary This study was designated to examine the pathogenicity of several strains of Mycoplasma gallisepticum (R, F, S‐6, 227 and A5969) and laboratory derived substrains. Preliminary results indicated that the nine M. gallisepticum strains differed markedly in their pathogenicity for chickens. A comparison was made between various in vivo and in vitro methods for quantitative evaluation of pathogenicity. Reproducibility, convenience, and relevance to clinical observations were considered. Two in vivo tests were employed. In one case 2‐week‐old chickens were infected with M. gallisepticum by aerosol. Air sac lesion score, ability to reisolate M. gallisepticum from trachea and air sac, and serological response to M. gallisepticum were determined 2 weeks post infection. The second test was based on the ability to reisolate M. gallisepticum 3 days after intratracheal inoculation at different dose levels. In this way it was possible to calculate a median tracheal infection dose for each of the strains tested,...
81 citations
TL;DR: A non-specific typhlitis which histologically resembled milder forms of swine dysentery was seen in the birds from which spirochetes were isolated and their possible epidemiological relation to swine Dysentery is discussed.
Abstract: Summary A weakly haemolytic spirochete was detected with an unabsorbed fluorescent antiserum to Treponema hyodysenteriae in smears and cultures of scrapings of caecal mucosa of laying hens with diarrhoea. Two groups of experimental chickens were fed a pure culture of this spirochete or homogenated intestinal contents of affected birds. Both groups showed clinical signs of disease such as increased water content of faecal material and slight retardation of growth. A non‐specific typhlitis which histologically resembled milder forms of swine dysentery was seen in the birds from which spirochetes were isolated. The isolate obtained differed in cultural, biochemical, anti‐genic and morphological characteristics from T. hyodysenteriae. The pathological significance of intestinal spirochetes and their possible epidemiological relation to swine dysentery are discussed.
77 citations
TL;DR: Six isolates designated D, E, F, H and M were related serologically to the Massachusetts serotype, while the sixth, isolate G, was found to be different from any previously reported serotype of IB virus.
Abstract: Summary The first isolation and characterisation of infectious bronchitis (IB) viruses from poultry flocks in Morocco are reported. Five isolates designated D, E, F, H and M were related serologically to the Massachusetts serotype, while the sixth, isolate G, was found to be different from any previously reported serotype of IB virus. Neutralising antibodies to isolate G have been detected in sera collected from commercial flocks in Britain, although the virus has not been isolated. While all six isolates caused respiratory disease typical of IB in experimentally infected 3‐week‐old specified pathogen‐free (SPF) chickens, isolate G was unusual in that it could be isolated from several parts of the alimentary tract for up to 21 days post inoculation, and from the duodenum up to 28 days. H120 vaccines protected chicks challenged with isolates E and F but not isolate G.
77 citations
TL;DR: The importance of the F protein in the immune response against NDV is demonstrated and passive protection afforded by some anti F monoclonal antibodies was higher than that observed with the combination of the two HN monoconal antibodies and even equivalent or better than that obtained with rabbit polyclonal antiserum.
Abstract: Summary Monoclonal antibodies directed against two different epitopes of HN protein of NDV Italien neutralised this virus in both in vitro and in vivo tests. Moreover, the combination of these two HN monoclonal antibodies neutralised the Italien virus synergistically. Five monoclonal antibodies directed against the F protein of NDV had variable neutralising activity against NDV Italien. Passive protection afforded by some anti F monoclonal antibodies was higher than that observed with the combination of the two HN monoclonal antibodies and even equivalent or better than that obtained with rabbit polyclonal antiserum. The importance of the F protein in the immune response against NDV is demonstrated.
73 citations
TL;DR: Isolates of the variant avian paramyxovirus type 1 virus causing disease in racing and show pigeons showed a gradual but statistically significant diminution of virulence for chickens, as measured by intracerebral pathogenicity index (ICPI) tests in one-day-old chicks, over the period July 1983-June 1985.
Abstract: Isolates of the variant avian paramyxovirus type 1 virus causing disease in racing and show pigeons showed a gradual but statistically significant diminution of virulence for chickens, as measured by intracerebral pathogenicity index (ICPI) tests in one-day-old chicks, over the period July 1983-June 1985. Six isolates were passaged through two-week-old chickens by intramuscular inoculation. Three of these isolates showed an increase in virulence for six-week-old chickens, as measured by intravenous pathogenicity index (IVPI) tests. Indices of 0.00 for two of these isolates and 0.34 for the other rose to over 2.00 after three passages. The two viruses with initially low ICPI values of 0.85 and 1.08 failed to show an increase in IVPI even after six passages through two-week-old chickens. However the two viruses both showed increases in ICPI values after six passages to 1.47 and 1.37 respectively. The other virus, with an initial ICPI of 1.51, showed no increase in ICPI value after six passages in chickens, but an increase in IVPI value from 0.00 to 0.53 was recorded.
68 citations
TL;DR: Specific-pathogen-free White Leghorn chickens were as susceptible as commercial broiler chickens to weight gain depression after oral inoculation with crude homogenates at 1 day of age.
Abstract: Specific-pathogen-free White Leghorn chickens and commercial broilers were inoculated orally at 1 day of age with different intestinal preparations containing a chicken parvovirus, an entero-like virus associated with a reovirus from field materials, or the entero-like viruses and reovirus alone. Despite viral multiplication in inoculated birds, no clinical signs or growth retardation were observed in SPF and broiler chickens infected with the reo or parvoviruses. Abnormal faeces and reduction in weight gains were observed after infection with the field materials and the entero-like viruses. Some easily sedimentable particles could be involved with the entero-like virus in the aetiology of runting syndrome. Proventriculitis was present in chickens inoculated with one of the field materials and with the entero-like virus isolated from that material. Specific-pathogen-free White Leghorn chickens were as susceptible as commercial broiler chickens to weight gain depression after oral inoculation with crude homogenates at 1 day of age.
67 citations
TL;DR: The incidence of Campylobacter jejuni/coli was examined in five flocks of broilers monitored from hatch to slaughter, in feed and water and in litter samples, and several serotypes were identified, some of them were not found again on further examinations of the same flocks during the growing period.
Abstract: Summary The incidence of Campylobacter jejuni/coli was examined in five flocks of broilers monitored from hatch to slaughter, in feed and water and in litter samples. A total of 1440 samples from 720 broilers was examined. Campylobacter spp. were not isolated from broiler chicks at 1 day of age and were only isolated from one broiler chick in one flock at 1 week of age. In three flocks Campylobacter spp. were isolated from all chicks sampled at 4 weeks of age. In the fourth flock all chicks sampled were negative until 8 weeks of age when all were positive. The fifth flock remained negative throughout the 8 weeks of its life. Campylobacter spp. were not found in 20 samples of food and water. Of 20 litter samples they were found in only two. Eleven broiler flocks were examined only at slaughter. Twenty‐four caecal samples were examined from each flock. In three flocks no Campylobacter spp. were isolated, in one flock one broiler chick was positive and in seven flocks from 58% to 100% of sampled broilers wer...
TL;DR: Three IBV isolates, when given to groups of IBV-free brown-egg laying hens, caused only a minimal effect on egg production but markedly affected egg shell colour, and caused a high incidence of morbidity.
Abstract: Summary The pathogenicity of isolates of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) made from broiler or breeder flocks in Britain between 1981 and 1983, together with three made from flocks of commercial laying hens during 1984, has been investigated. When 11‐day‐old IBV‐free chicks were challenged with these IBV isolates, together with a pool of pathogenic strains of E. coli, some mortality was recorded, together with a high incidence of morbidity. Three IBV isolates, when given to groups of IBV‐free brown‐egg laying hens, caused only a minimal effect on egg production but markedly affected egg shell colour.
TL;DR: An ELISA is reported for the detection of specific IgM to infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) in serum samples from IBV-infected chickens, suggesting that its detection could be used as a means of identifying a recent IBV infection.
Abstract: An ELISA is reported for the detection of specific IgM to infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) in serum samples from IBV-infected chickens. Both IgM and IgG antibodies to a heterologous, as well as to a homologous, strain could be detected by the ELISA. The IgM response was both rapid and transient, suggesting that its detection could be used as a means of identifying a recent IBV infection. Because IgG appeared to compete successfully with IgM for sites on the viral antigen, it was found necessary to separate IgM from IgG prior to testing in the ELISA.
TL;DR: Although the aetiology of the syndrome is obscure, there were strong similarities in the ultrastructural findings in these birds and those reported by others in hypoxic birds maintained at altitude, together with the viral implications, which may be multi-factorial in origin.
Abstract: Hearts, livers and kidneys of young broiler chicks with an ascitic syndrome were examined by electron microscopy. The results confirmed a histopathological study performed on material from the same birds. Ultrastructural observations included cardiac myofibril damage, marked dilation of lung parabronchi and associated air spaces, mitochondrial alterations and excess lipid in kidney tubules together with thickening of glomerular basement membranes. Light and dark degenerative cells and a paucity of glycogen were common findings in livers. Inflammatory cells, in particular immature and mature heterophils, were often seen in hearts and livers. Enveloped virus-like particles in the order of 100 nm were seen in all organs of affected birds, but not in those of controls. Although the aetiology of the syndrome is obscure, there were strong similarities in the ultrastructural findings in these birds and those reported by others in hypoxic birds maintained at altitude. Together with the viral implications, the reported syndrome may be multi-factorial in origin.
TL;DR: Cell lines established with CM from con A-stimulated spleen lymphocytes in other studies were shown to have high levels of NK activity regardless of the relative proportions of cells with the morphological appearance of LGLs or LBs, or the relative frequency of expression of the two T cell markers or la antigen, all of which varied markedly.
Abstract: Summary Conditioned medium (CM), as a presumed source of lymphokines including interleukin‐2, was prepared from chicken spleen cell cultures stimulated with concanavalin A (con A). When CM was used to cultivate spleen cells from 6‐ to 8‐week‐old P‐2 chickens, eight of nine spleens yielded cell lines which grew continuously for at least 50 days. Six of the cultures were tested for natural killer (NK) cell activity against LSCC‐RP9, a lymphoblastoid cell Une known to be susceptible to NK cells, and against several Marek's disease lymphoblastoid cell lines (MDCC‐CU2, ‐CU36 and ‐MSB‐1). All six cultures lysed the RP9 cells in a chromium release assay with high levels of specific release (30 to 50%) at effector cell to target cell ratios of 5:1 or 10:1. CU2 and CU36, which are NK‐cell resistant, were not lysed, while there was a low level of specific activity against MSB‐1. The cells were characterised for surface and internal antigens with monoclonal antibodies and were negative for thymocyte antigen, IgM, a ...
TL;DR: Endogenous viruses related to avian leukosis viruses were characterised in three sire families of slow-feathering White Leghorns and restriction fragment length polymorphisms indicated germline transmission of ev1, ev5, ev21 and a hitherto unreported locus ev22 among three sires.
Abstract: Endogenous viruses related to avian leukosis viruses were characterised in three sire families of slow-feathering White Leghorns. Progeny released infectious endogenous virus when extracts were tested on subgroup E susceptible fibroblasts. Restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) indicated germline transmission of ev1, ev5, ev21 and a hitherto unreported locus ev22 among three sire families. The association of ev21 with the release of infectious endogenous virus precluded phenotypic characterisation of ev22 present in a third family.
TL;DR: The consistently good protection afforded by the attenuated lines suggests that they could be applied in the control of coccidiosis in the field.
Abstract: The ability of attenuated lines of all the seven species of Eimeria which infect the chicken to provide protection against challenge with virulent strains was examined. The parasites were given as a mixture of all seven species to chickens kept on litter in floor pens, by spraying an aqueous suspension of oocysts on to the surface of food in troughs within the floor pens. Treated chickens were challenged 4 weeks later with virulent strains, and changes in weight gain and the presence of gross intestinal lesions were determined. When used in this way, as freshly passaged oocysts or after storage for 3 or 6 months, the consistently good protection afforded by the attenuated lines suggests that they could be applied in the control of coccidiosis in the field.
TL;DR: A relationship was found between mycoplasma infection and the occurrence of inflammation of the cloaca and phallus in goose flocks, and the strain designated 1220 (8390) and the antibodies produced against it were of most frequent occurrence.
Abstract: Summary The spread of inflammation of the cloaca and phallus in goose flocks was investigated. In the flocks surveyed, 57.5 to 71.8% of the initial gander stock and 39.8 to 100% of the replacement ganders were affected. Based on the results of several hundred attempts at mycoplasma isolation, a relationship was found between mycoplasma infection and the occurrence of inflammation of the cloaca and phallus in the flocks. Mycoplasmas were frequently isolated from the mucous membrane of the phallus, the pallic lymph, and the inner organs of ganders in the affected flocks, but not from birds in unaffected flocks. Two biochemically (glucose‐splitting and arginine‐hydrolysing) and three serologically distinct types of mycoplasmas have been isolated. One of them proved to be identical to strain 46, identified by J.M. Bradbury as M. cloacale, and two strains may represent new Mycoplasma species since they differ serologically from all previously known Mycoplasma spp. In the diseased flocks, the strain designated ...
TL;DR: A different type of neoplastic disease syndrome induced by nondefective reticuloendotheliosis (RE) virus is described in the present study, which appeared different from the previously-described RE virus-induced bursal lymphomas on the basis of latent period, cell surface antigens, and line susceptibility.
Abstract: Summary In previous studies we described bursal lymphomas similar to those of lymphoid leukosis in line 15x7 chickens inoculated with nondefective reticuloendotheliosis (RE) virus. A different type of neoplastic disease syndrome induced by nondefective RE virus is described in the present study. The tumours were characterised as lymphomas and most commonly involved the thymus, heart, liver, and spleen; the bursa invariably appeared normal or atrophied. Mortality from nonbursal lymphomas occurred as early as 6 weeks post‐inoculation and was as high as 66%. The frequency of nonbursal lymphomas was markedly influenced both by the strain of RE virus and the line of chicken. Maximum tumour induction occurred in line 63 or line 0 chickens inoculated with RE viral strains SN or DIA. Histologically, the tumours were composed of a homogenous population of immature lymphoreticular cells. The tumours were often accompanied by enlarged peripheral nerves which were infiltrated with large, irregular cells with abundant...
TL;DR: The results indicate that with chickens kept on wire floors where the conditions for reinfection were minimal, substantial immunity to challenge infection could be achieved by giving small numbers of oocysts to chickens 1 to 8 days of age.
Abstract: Summary Chickens given 200 oocysts of Eimeria tenella at day‐old followed by a dose of between 300 to 500 oocysts at 8 days of age were afforded substantial protection against challenge at 15 and 22 days of age. Chickens given 2,000 oocysts of E. acervulina at day‐old were partially protected against challenge infection given at 15 or 22 days of age. When chickens were given doses of 2,000 and 10,000 oocysts at 1 and 8 days, respectively, significant protection against challenge at 15 and 22 days was obtained. Chickens given five oocysts of E. maxima at day‐old were partially protected against challenge at 15 or 21 days of age. A dose of 50 oocysts at day‐old gave substantial protection judged by body weight changes and lesion scores. The protection was slightly greater when the immunising dose was given at 8 days of age. The results indicate that with chickens kept on wire floors where the conditions for reinfection were minimal, substantial immunity to challenge infection could be achieved by giving sma...
TL;DR: Remarkable leukocyte infiltration of the lamina propria, vacuolation of the epithelial cells and scalloping of the villous surface at the tips were observed in the intestine of infected birds, and rotavirus antibodies could be detected by indirect immunofluorescence assays.
Abstract: The pathogenesis of rotavirus infection was examined after experimental infection of conventional and specific-pathogen-free (SPF) turkey poults. In six experiments birds were exposed to turkey rotavirus isolates Tu-1 or TU-2 or the chicken isolate Ch-1 at 7, 10 or 42 days of age. Poults were examined between 1 and 24 days post-infection (dpi) for diarrhoea, gross and histopathologic lesions, virus excretion in the intestinal tract, viral antigen in intestinal epithelial cells, and the development of serum antibodies. Between 2 and 5 dpi watery droppings were observed in conjunction with remarkable paleness of the intestinal tract which was grossly observable. Maximum viral replication occurred between 2 and 5 dpi, during which period viral antigen could be demonstrated in the epithelial cells of the duodenum, jejunum, ileum and colon. Sporadically, virus antigen-positive cells were seen in the cecum. As early as 4 to 5 dpi rotavirus antibodies could be detected by indirect immunofluorescence assays. Remarkable leukocyte infiltration of the lamina propria, vacuolation of the epithelial cells and scalloping of the villous surface at the tips were observed in the intestine of infected birds. Infection with rotavirus caused a significant impairment at 2 and 4 dpi of absorption of D-xylose from the intestinal tract.
TL;DR: The virulence of the isolate for the fowl, and its dual tropism for the respiratory and genital tracts were demonstrated, and in preliminary cross-protection studies Commercial vaccines did not protect against challenge with this isolate.
Abstract: Summary Virological 1 examination of a severe infectious bronchitis (IB)‐like field case in laying hens, led to the isolation of a coronavirus anti‐genically different from Massachusetts, Connecticut and four Dutch IB variant strains. The virulence of the isolate for the fowl, and its dual tropism for the respiratory and genital tracts were demonstrated. In preliminary cross‐protection studies Commercial vaccines did not protect against challenge with this isolate. These points and the possible economic significance of the virus are discussed.
TL;DR: By use of monoclonal antibody against a Marek's disease virus (MDV) serotype 1-specific phosphorylated protein, MDV antigen-positive cells were demonstrated in tumour lesions of various visceral organs of chickens with Marek’s disease.
Abstract: Summary By use of monoclonal antibody against a Marek's disease virus (MDV) serotype 1‐specific phosphorylated protein, MDV antigen‐positive cells were demonstrated in tumour lesions of various visceral organs of chickens with Marek's disease. However, these tumour lesions did not appear to have the MDV glycoproteins gA and gB, which are considered to be late gene products of the virus genome gA and gB as well as the phosphorylated protein were detected in the feather follicle epithelium, which is a permissive site for MDV replication.
TL;DR: Immunoperoxidase and immunofluorescent techniques were used to detect and localise infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) and infectious bronchitis virus ( IBV) in fixed, paraffin‐embedded chicken tissues.
Abstract: Summary Immunoperoxidase and immunofluorescent techniques were used to detect and localise infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) and infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) in fixed, paraffin‐embedded chicken tissues. A modified Bouin's solution (9 parts of 1% picric acid to 1 part of 10% neutral buffered formalin and 5% acetic acid) proved to be the fixative of choice. Tissues fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin showed heavy background staining, whereas enzyme treatment of these tissues succeeded in exposing viral antigens and thus giving a specific reaction. For routine diagnostic purposes it will prove advantageous to detect IBDV and IBV in fixed, paraffin‐embedded material.
TL;DR: An outbreak of spontaneous Toxoplasma gondii infection on an Italian bird-farm is described and some observations on the spread of toxoplasmosis among cage birds are concluded.
Abstract: Summary An outbreak of spontaneous Toxoplasma gondii infection on an Italian bird‐farm is described. Small passerine birds (Serinus canaria, Carduelis chloris, Carduelis carduelis, Carduelis spinus, Carduelis cannabina, Pyrrhula pyrrhula) showed clinical signs consisting of anorexia, prostration, weight loss, diarrhoea and dyspnoea accompanied by a high mortality rate. Clinical, pathological, biological and serological investigations were performed. Characteristic lesions and Toxoplasma gondii specimens were identified in several tissues by histopathological examinations. The detection of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii was constant in dead and sacrificed animals with macroscopic lesions. A therapy based on the administration of sulphadimethoxine and diaveridine was successful in limiting the mortality rate. Four months later some surviving birds developed ocular atrophy. Toxoplasma gondii cysts were observed in the brain and cerebral and ocular lesions described. Sera obtained from these animals wer...
TL;DR: Two breeding flocks of 2-year-old geese in the Landes region of Southwest France were cultured for mycoplasmas and Mycoplasma gallisepticum, and the true incidence could not be determined because of prolific overgrowth by acholeplasmas in nearly all the samples.
Abstract: Two breeding flocks of 2-year-old geese in the Landes region of Southwest France were cultured for mycoplasmas. In one flock of 134 birds Mycoplasma gallisepticum was isolated from three individuals, from a different site in each bird (i.e. oesophagus, trachea, cloaca). M. gallisepticum was also isolated from the semen of one goose in the other flock of 70 birds, but in neither flock could the true incidence be determined because of prolific overgrowth by acholeplasmas in nearly all the samples.
TL;DR: In a naturally occurring outbreak in which all clinically affected birds died, microsporidian infection was confirmed by histological examination and electron microscopy by identifying parasites in the kidney, liver and small intestine.
Abstract: Summary In a naturally occurring outbreak in which all clinically affected birds died, microsporidian infection was confirmed by histological examination and electron microscopy. The parasites were identified in the kidney, liver and small intestine. A severe nephropathy was accompanied in some cases by liver lesions. The inflammatory response in both tissues was minimal and none was observed in the intestine.
TL;DR: The anorexia, pancreatic and gizzard lesions which resulted from incorporating 20,000 and 25,000 mg zinc as zinc oxide perkg diet were not prevented by concurrent daily injections of 0.3 mg selenium or the addition of 500 and 2500 mg lead per kg diet, suggesting that zinc may act directly on the pancreas rather than by interfering with the protective function of the seenium.
Abstract: Summary Some dietary, enzymic and morphological relationships of selenium, lead and copper to the toxicity of zinc in adult female fowls have been investigated. The anorexia, pancreatic and gizzard lesions which resulted from incorporating 20,000 and 25,000 mg zinc as zinc oxide per kg diet were not prevented by concurrent daily injections of 0.3 mg selenium or the addition of 500 and 2500 mg lead per kg diet. Anorexia and gizzard lesions were also produced by feeding copper sulphate at levels of 2000 and 4000 mg per kg of diet but the pancreas was unaffected. This suggests that zinc may act directly on the pancreas rather than by interfering with the protective function of the selenium. Glutathione peroxidase activity significantly decreased in the blood when zinc‐containing diets were fed and selenium injection prevented this. Activity in the liver was also reduced but in the pancreas it was increased by both zinc and zinc plus selenium. Electron microscopy showed that there was an infiltration of heter...
TL;DR: The Ml monoclonal antibody was used in an ELISA to detect the specific chicken IgM response to the inoculation of bovine serum albumin and this anti-IgM reagent may also be used to detect a response to other antigens.
Abstract: Summary Four hybridoma cell lines (designated M1, M10, M11, M31) were established which secrete antibody specific for chicken IgM. The specificity for the IgM heavy chain was shown by using ELISAs to screen for antibodies to IgM, IgA and IgG. Radioimmunoprecipitation tests confirmed that the four monoclonal antibodies reacted with IgM and also showed that they combined with Protein A. An immunoadsorbent was made using one (M1) of the monoclonal antibodies. IgM was purified in a single step by affinity chromatography from chicken bile and chicken, turkey and duck serum. This is the first unequivocal demonstration of chicken IgM in bile. The Ml monoclonal antibody was used in an ELISA to detect the specific chicken IgM response to the inoculation of bovine serum albumin. This anti‐IgM reagent may also be used to detect the IgM response to other antigens.
TL;DR: Five cytopathic viruses morphologically resembling rotaviruses were isolated from duck faeces in chicken kidney cell cultures using conventional methods and one of the isolates, designated F-29 strain, was identified as an avian rotavirus.
Abstract: Summary Five cytopathic viruses morphologically resembling rotaviruses were isolated from duck faeces in chicken kidney cell cultures using conventional methods. One of the isolates, designated F‐29 strain, was identified as an avian rotavirus from the following: ribonucleic acid in the viral core, virus growth in the cytoplasm, resistance to chloroform, acid and heating, partial stabilisation to molar magnesium chloride and rotavirus‐like morphology by electron microscopy. By immunofluorescence, F‐29 strain did not react with porcine and bovine rotaviruses. Neutralising antibodies to the F‐29 strain were detected in sera collected from a conventional duck flock, but not from specific‐pathogen‐free duck flocks.