With the participation of CIRAD.
Independence between observations is a standard prerequisite of traditional statistical tests. This condition is violated in the case of variables sampled in space, such as those provided by remote sensing or geographical databases, when autocorrelation is present within the data. To overcome this spatial dependence, a team of researchers from the IRD and CIRAD, working on the Pl@ntNet project, recently developed a new method, consisting in comparing the results of associations observed in nature with those obtained from artificial data that replicate the spatial structures seen in observations. It is a method whose field of application goes well beyond ecological issues.
VIDEO. For the first time, an international team involving CIRAD has just published a comprehensive inventory of the wealth of one such forest, that of San Lorenzo, in Panama. More than 6000 arthropod species were recorded on half a hectare, which by extrapolation to the forest as a whole means almost 25 000 species in all. Interview with Henri-Pierre Aberlenc, entomologist at CIRAD and co-author of the study published in the journal Science.
Cultivating biodiversity in order to transform farming systems is the topic chosen by CIRAD this year for the Paris International Agricultural Show. A chance to recall the vital role of biodiversity in agricultural activities and innovation, and also in the farming systems of tomorrow. CIRAD will be at SIA 2013 from 23 February to 3 March, Porte de Versailles Exhibition Centre (Hall 4, Aisle C, Stand 100).
The Mediterranean is a priority research zone for CIRAD that now has its own website. On mediterranee.cirad.fr, users will find information on the establishment's activities in this region of strategic importance for global agricultural research.
Sustainable intensification, agro-ecological intensification, new green revolution...all these concepts flourish alternatively in the various strategic documents about the evolution of agriculture in Africa, from FARA’s Framework for African Agricultural Productivity to Olivier de Schutter’s report for the UN on agroecology.
Une analyse des stratégies pouvant être mobilisées pour gérer l’instabilité des prix alimentaires dans les pays en développement.
Colloque international organisé par le Chaire Unesco Alimentations du monde, en partenariat avec le Cirad.
Avec la participation du Cirad.
VIDEO. Pour la première fois, une équipe internationale, dont le Cirad fait partie, vient de publier l’inventaire complet de la richesse de l’une de ces forêts, celle de San Lorenzo, au Panamá. Plus de 6 000 espèces d’arthropodes y ont été recensées sur un demi-hectare, soit, en extrapolant ce chiffre à l’ensemble de la forêt, près de 25 000 espèces. Entretien avec Henri-Pierre Aberlenc, entomologiste au Cirad et co-auteur de l’étude publiée dans la revue Science.
L’indépendance entre les observations est une condition sine qua non des tests statistiques standards. Cette condition n’est pas remplie dans le cas de variables échantillonnées dans l’espace, comme celles issues de la télédétection ou des bases de données géographiques, pour lesquelles il existe une autocorrélation entre les données. Pour s’affranchir de cette dépendance spatiale, une équipe de chercheurs de l’IRD et du Cirad vient, dans le cadre du projet Pl@ntNet, de mettre au point une nouvelle méthode, qui consiste à comparer les résultats d’association observés dans la nature avec ceux obtenus à partir de données artificielles reproduisant les structures spatiales présentes dans les observations. Une méthode dont le champ d’application va bien au-delà des questions d’écologie.
Coorganisé par le Cirad.
Zone prioritaire d’investissement scientifique pour le Cirad, le Bassin méditerranéen dispose désormais d’un site web dédié. Découvrez, sur mediterranee.cirad.fr, les activités que l’établissement mène dans cette zone stratégique pour la recherche agronomique mondiale.
Le Cirad sera à nouveau présent cette année au Salon International de l'Agriculture (qui fête ses cinquante ans), du samedi 23 février au dimanche 3 mars 2013, au Parc des expositions, à Paris, (Porte de Versailles hall 4, allée C 100), sous la bannière : Cultivons la biodiversité pour transformer les agricultures, relever le défi de l’alimentation et assurer l’avenir des hommes sur terre.
The genus Pestivirus is composed of 4 important pathogens of livestock: Bovine viral diarrhea virus 1 and 2 (BVDV-1 and BVDV-2), Classical swine fever virus (CSFV), and Border disease virus of sheep (BDV). BVDV are major pathogens of cattle, and infection results in significant economic loss worldwide. A new putative pestivirus species, tentatively called "HoBi-like," "BVDV-3," or "atypical pestiviruses," was first identified in Europe in fetal bovine serum (FBS) imported from Brazil. HoBi-like viruses are related to BVDV at the genetic and antigenic levels. Further, the disease caused by these new viruses resembles clinical presentations historically associated with BVDV infection, including growth retardation, reduced milk production, respiratory disease, reduced reproductive performance, and increased mortality among young stock. Current BVDV diagnostic tests may fail to detect HoBi-like viruses or to differentiate between BVDV and HoBi-like viruses. Further, commercial tests for BVDV exposure, based on serological response, do not reliably detect HoBi-like virus exposure, and cross protection against HoBi-like viruses conferred by current BVDV vaccines is likely limited. As many HoBi-like viruses, characterized to date, were isolated from FBS originating from Brazil, it is assumed that the agent is probably widespread in Brazilian herds. Nevertheless, reports of natural infection in Southeast Asia and Europe demonstrate that these viruses are not restricted to South America. Increased demand for FBS has led to widespread distribution of FBS originating in HoBi-like virus endemic regions. The contamination of such FBS with HoBi-like viruses may lead to spread of this virus to other regions.
Morphological lesions in kidneys and brain are all too often considered diagnostic for confirmation of encephalitozoonosis in rabbits. The current study evaluated the diagnostic value of histology versus other etiological tests, including immunohistochemistry and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection diagnosis. Samples of brain, heart, lungs, intestine, liver, and kidneys from 81 rabbits were examined for morphological lesions attributed to E. cuniculi infection as well as for the presence of spores and E. cuniculi antigen. Of these, 55 rabbits were tested for E. cuniculi DNA. Histological changes consistent with E. cuniculi infection were seen in 33 rabbits (41%, 33/81) representing 87% (33/38) of all rabbits with confirmed E. cuniculi infection. Brains of these rabbits displayed 6 different types of focal lesions corresponding to the stage of infection and specific tissue response. In 5 rabbits that were tested positive, histology was either inconclusive or inconspicuous. Etiological diagnosis was based on histological spore detection in 16% (6/38) of infected rabbits. Immunohistochemistry was more sensitive (42%, 16/38) than histological spore detection, and real-time PCR proved to be the most sensitive of all investigated methods (30/35, 86% of the examined rabbits with E. cuniculi infection). Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection rarely occurs without characteristic kidney and brain lesions. However, the spectrum of brain changes is wider than previously reported. Based on these findings, confirmation of pathogenic E. cuniculi infection should include standard histology of the predilection sites and a specific etiological assay, preferably real-time PCR.
Culture of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) from feces has been considered the gold standard for the diagnosis of paratuberculosis for many years. However, direct fecal polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is becoming more widely used, demonstrating similar sensitivity and specificity to culture. To ensure efficient and reproducible PCR results from a difficult sample matrix such as feces, there are many obstacles that a DNA extraction method must overcome, including the presence of inhibitors and the thick waxy cell wall of MAP. In the current study, 6 commercial DNA extraction kits were evaluated using fecal samples from naturally infected cattle shedding various amounts of MAP. Upon extraction, DNA purity and yield were measured, and real-time PCR was performed for detection of the insertion sequence (IS)900 and ISMAP02 targets. The kits evaluated showed significant differences in the purity and yield of DNA obtained. The best results were observed with kits E and A, having identified 94% (16/17) and 76% (13/17) of the positive samples by IS900 PCR, respectively. Both of these kits utilized bead beating in a lysis solution for cell disruption, followed by spin column technology (kit E) or magnetic bead–based technology (kit A) for nucleic acid isolation and purification. Two kits (A and F) demonstrated improved performance when used in conjunction with the respective manufacturer’s PCR test. The present study demonstrates the importance of choosing the correct methodology for the most accurate diagnosis of paratuberculosis through fecal PCR.
Virus was detected in the central nervous system (CNS) tissue of 11 horses from Victoria that died displaying neurological symptoms during an outbreak of disease in Australia in 2011. Five horses were identified as being infected with Murray Valley encephalitis virus (MVEV) and 6 as being infected with West Nile virus subtype Kunjin (WNVKUN). Analysis of partial sequence information from the NS5 and E genes indicated that the MVEVs within the samples were highly homogenous and all belonged to lineage I, which is enzootic to the tropical regions of northern Australia. Likewise, analysis of partial NS5 and E gene and full genome sequences indicated that the WNVKUN within the samples were also highly homogenous and clustered with WNV lineage 1, clade b, which is consistent with other WNVKUN isolates. Full genomes of 1 MVEV isolate and 2 WNVKUN isolates were sequenced and characterized. The genome sequences of Victorian WNVKUN are almost identical (3 amino acid differences) to that of the recently sequenced WNV isolate WNVNSW2011. Metagenome sequencing directly from CNS tissue identified the presence of WNVKUN and MVEV within infected CNS tissue.
Genetic characterization of the hemagglutinin gene of the 6 selected Thai Swine influenza virus (SIV) isolates (4 H1 and 2 H3 isolates) used in the establishment of a hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay was analyzed. Based on the phylogenetic analysis, Thai SIVs could be divided into 3 clusters of the H1 viruses (clusters I and II belonging to classical swine H1α, and cluster III belonging to classical swine H1), and 2 clusters of the H3 viruses both belonging to human-like 1970s. The serological results indicated that swH1N1-06 (H1 cluster I) is a suitable representative SIV for the HI test antigen to detect H1 SIV-specific antibodies in the Thai swine population, while both swH3N2-05 and swH3N2-07 should be used for Thai H3 SIV-specific antibody detection. The HI test results of swine sera collected from pigs in the 4 highest pig population provinces of Thailand indicated that the percentage of pigs seropositive to swH3N2-07 was highest compared to swH1N1-06, swH1N1-09, and swH3N2-05 (85.4%, 50.1%, 18.6%, and 15.8%, respectively). It should be noted that countries lacking SIV genetic information should be concerned with determining the most suitable HI test antigens to use when performing the tests due to the genetic variation and limited cross-reaction of SIVs. The results of the current study demonstrated that HI tests should be implemented with the suitable field strains as the representative test antigen to ascertain accurate SIV serostatus in Thailand and that test antigens should be genetically analyzed and compared with circulating strains regularly.
Aberrant migration of Parelaphostrongylus tenuis in camelids results in neurologic deficits, recumbency, and sometimes death. An antemortem diagnosis of P. tenuis in camelids is typically based upon the presence of characteristic asymmetric neurologic deficits, known exposure to white-tailed deer, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) eosinophilia, and response to treatment. The diagnostic accuracy of CSF eosinophil percentage for the diagnosis of P. tenuis in camelids has not been critically examined. The objective of the current study was to determine the sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of CSF eosinophil percentage, CSF eosinophil concentration, total nucleated cell concentration, and protein concentration for the antemortem diagnosis of P. tenuis. Medical records of camelids admitted to Cornell University with clinical signs of neurologic disease, CSF analysis, and necropsy were examined from January 2000 through December 2009. Se and Sp were determined by receiver operating characteristic curves in camelids diagnosed with P. tenuis (n = 13) or other conditions (n = 24) based on postmortem examination. More than 17% of eosinophils in CSF had a Se of 85% and Sp of 92% for P. tenuis diagnosis (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.87; SE AUC: 0.07; P < 0.0001; 95% confidence interval [CI] AUC: 0.72–0.96), and >1.4 eosinophils/µl of CSF had a Se of 85% and Sp of 96% (AUC: 0.9; SE AUC: 0.06; P < 0.0001; 95% CI AUC: 0.76–0.97). Cerebrospinal fluid eosinophil percentage and concentration are sensitive and specific methods for diagnosing P. tenuis antemortem in camelids residing in regions endemic to white-tailed deer.
Accurate diagnosis of exposure to Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae is important for maintaining negative farms. In the present study, the ability of a dual-plate complement fixation (CF) assay and 3 commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs; quad-plate ELISA-1, single-plate ELISA-2, and single-plate ELISA-3) in detecting serological evidence of A. pleuropneumoniae exposure was compared using serum samples of experimentally infected or vaccinated pigs, or field samples from the United States. Forty-two pigs were divided into groups of 2 pigs and were inoculated with 1 of 15 A. pleuropneumoniae strains representing all known serovars of A. pleuropneumoniae, or with Actinobacillus suis, or were vaccinated with a bacterin containing A. pleuropneumoniae serovar 1, 3, 5, or 7. Serum samples collected at the day of inoculation or vaccination and 7, 14, 21, and 28 days later were used to compare the assays. On samples from experimentally infected pigs, the dual-plate CF assay, quad-plate ELISA-1, single-plate ELISA-2, and single-plate ELISA-3 had sensitivities of 0.46, 0.74, 0.13, and 0.13 and specificities of 0.90, 1.0, 1.0, and 1.0, respectively. Vaccinated pigs were identified only by the dual-plate CF assay and the quad-plate ELISA-1. In addition, 90 serum samples with unknown A. pleuropneumoniae exposure collected under field conditions were tested with all assays. The agreement of the 4 assays on field samples was slight to fair. While several assays are available for demonstration of A. pleuropneumoniae exposure, differences in assay targets complicate test choices. Decisions on which assay or combination of assays to use depend on the specific reasons for running the assays.
Brucellosis has emerged as a disease of concern in marine mammals in the last 2 decades. Molecular detection techniques have the potential to address limitations of other methods for detecting infection with Brucella in these species. Presented herein is a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method targeting the Brucella genus–specific bcsp31 gene. The method also includes a target to a conserved region of the eukaryotic mitochondrial 16S ribosomal RNA gene to assess suitability of extracted DNA and a plasmid-based internal control to detect failure of PCR due to inhibition. This method was optimized and validated to detect Brucella spp. in multiple sample matrices, including fresh or frozen tissue, blood, and feces. The analytical limit of detection was low, with 95% amplification at 24 fg, or an estimated 7 bacterial genomic copies. When Brucella spp. were experimentally added to tissue or fecal homogenates, the assay detected an estimated 1–5 bacteria/µl. An experiment simulating tissue autolysis showed relative persistence of bacterial DNA compared to host mitochondrial DNA. When used to screen 1,658 field-collected marine mammal tissues in comparison to microbial culture, diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were 70.4% and 98.3%, respectively. In addition to amplification in fresh and frozen tissues, Brucella spp. were detected in feces and formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues from culture-positive animals. Results indicate the utility of this real-time PCR for the detection of Brucella spp. in marine species, which may have applications in surveillance or epidemiologic investigations.
The current study sought to compare the effectiveness of 2 virus isolation methods for the recovery of contemporary Influenza A virus (FLUAV) strains circulating in swine at agricultural exhibitions. Following the emergence of the influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 virus, increased surveillance of FLUAV strains among swine was recommended for early detection of emerging strains that threaten animal and human health. The increase in genetic drift and genomic reassortment among FLUAV strains infecting swine since 1998 necessitates that detection protocols be periodically validated for contemporary FLUAV strains. During 2009, nasal swabs were collected from 221 clinically healthy pigs at 12 agricultural exhibitions in Ohio. Nasal swabs were tested in parallel for the presence of FLUAV strains using 3 methodologies: 2 passages through Madin–Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells adapted to serum-free medium (SFM), 2 passages through embryonated chicken eggs (ECEs), and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (real-time RT-PCR). Of the 221 samples, 40 (18.1%) were positive for FLUAV recovery in MDCK cell culture and 13 (5.9%) were positive in ECEs (P = 0.015). All samples positive in ECEs were also positive in MDCK cell culture. MDCK cell culture virus isolation results were in perfect agreement with results of the real-time RT-PCR. Hemagglutinin and neuraminidase combinations of the recovered isolates were H1N2 and H3N2, which were consistent with FLUAV strains circulating in U.S. pigs. Effectiveness and cost savings justify the use of SFM-adapted MDCK cell culture over ECEs for the recovery of contemporary FLUAV strains from exhibition swine.
Measurement of serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) is used for the assessment of passive transfer of immunity in neonatal crias, with an IgG concentration <10 g/l being suggestive of failure of passive transfer (FPT). The purpose of the current study was to determine whether 3 commercially available immunologic assays yielded comparable results for IgG in alpacas. Serum samples from 91 alpacas were used and were stored frozen until batch analysis on the same day with the 3 assays. Immunoglobulin G was measured by radial immunodiffusion (RID) and 2 immunoturbidimetric (IT) assays (IT1, configured for automated chemistry analyzers; IT2, a point-of-care test). Median IgG concentrations were significantly different between the 3 assays, with the RID (median: 15 g/l) and IT1 (median: 16 g/l) assays, which used the same standard, yielding significantly higher IgG values than IT2 (median: 11 g/l). Results indicated a diagnostic discordance in 1–17% of samples at an IgG threshold of 10 g/l. Protein electrophoresis revealed that the RID and IT1 standard contained mostly albumin (>60%), whereas the IT2 standard consisted of beta and gamma globulins. The discrepant results between assays IT1 and IT2 were eliminated when the same standard was used (IT1: median 11 g/l; IT2: 10 g/l; n = 19 and 17, respectively). The IT1 assay had the highest precision, while the RID assay had the lowest. The results indicate that camelid IgG measurement is highly dependent on the assay standard and is not directly comparable between assays, potentially resulting in underdiagnosis of FPT in some crias.
A novel herpesvirus was detected in sun bears (Helarctos malayanus) with oral squamous cell carcinoma. Five captive sun bears from 4 institutions in the United States presented with oral lesions ranging from erythema and mild erosions to nodular, ulcerated masses. All 5 were diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma. The tumors were treated with surgical resection but recurrence, local extension, or appearance of new lesions was noted in all cases. Intralesional chemotherapy was administered in 2 cases, and the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug piroxicam was administered in 3 cases. Virus was detected in 4 of the 5 bears’ tissue samples using a consensus herpesvirus polymerase chain reaction. Nucleotide sequencing and phylogenetic analysis showed that this herpesvirus is in the subfamily Gammaherpesvirinae and distinct from other known herpesviruses. The association between the herpesvirus and squamous cell carcinoma is unknown. The current study presents a novel gammaherpesvirus within the order Ursidae, with the name Ursid herpesvirus 1 proposed.
Acute phase proteins (APPs) have been studied in many companion and large animals and have been reported to have a differential sensitivity to traditional markers of inflammation. Studies have been performed indicating the conservation of these proteins as well as the application and cross-reactivity of automated assays among different species, but few reports have detailed APPs in marine mammal species. In the present study, automated assays were utilized to generate reference intervals for C-reactive protein, haptoglobin, and serum amyloid A using 44 serum samples from healthy Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). A total of 25 samples were obtained from dolphins under human care and 19 samples were obtained from free-ranging dolphins. Mild yet statistically significant differences were observed in levels of haptoglobin and serum amyloid A between these groups. The reference intervals from the combined groups were as follows: C-reactive protein 3.1–19.7 mg/l, haptoglobin 0–0.37mg/ml, and serum amyloid A 17.5–42.9 mg/l. These baseline data should provide an important foundation for future studies of the application of APP quantitation in monitoring the health and stressors of dolphins under human care and with live capture of free-ranging dolphins.
The leaves of Acer rubrum (red maple), especially when wilted in the fall, cause severe oxidative damage to equine erythrocytes, leading to potentially fatal methemoglobinemia and hemolytic anemia. Gallic acid and tannins from A. rubrum leaves have been implicated as the toxic compounds responsible for red maple toxicosis, but the mechanism of action and toxic principle(s) have not been elucidated to date. In order to investigate further how red maple toxicosis occurs, aqueous solutions of gallic acid, tannic acid, and ground dried A. rubrum leaves were incubated with contents of equine ileum, jejunum, cecum, colon, and liver, and then analyzed for the metabolite pyrogallol, as pyrogallol is a more potent oxidizing agent. Gallic acid was observed to be metabolized to pyrogallol maximally in equine ileum contents in the first 24 hr. Incubation of tannic acid and A. rubrum leaves, individually with ileum contents, produced gallic acid and, subsequently, pyrogallol. Ileum suspensions, when passed through a filter to exclude microbes but not enzymes, formed no pyrogallol, suggesting a microbial basis to the pathway. Bacteria isolated from ileum capable of pyrogallol formation were identified as Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterobacter cloacae. Therefore, gallotannins and free gallic acid are present in A. rubrum leaves and can be metabolized by K. pneumoniae and E. cloacae found in the equine ileum to form pyrogallol either directly or through a gallic acid intermediate (gallotannins). Identification of these compounds and their physiological effects is necessary for the development of effective treatments for red maple toxicosis in equines.
Scrapie is a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy of sheep and goats and is associated with the deposition of an abnormal isoform of prion protein (PrPsc). This isoform presents an altered conformation that leads to its aggregation in the host’s central nervous and lymphoreticular systems. A predisposition to the prion-agent infection can be influenced by specific genotypes that are related to polymorphisms in the ovine prnp gene. The most characterized polymorphisms occur at codons 136, 154, and 171, with genotype VRQ being the most susceptible and ARR the most resistant. In the current study, a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technique based on allele-specific TaqMan probes was developed to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms in the prnp gene from Brazilian herds. Specific primers and TaqMan probes were designed for all 3 codons of interest. Samples from a total of 142 animals were analyzed by qPCR, followed by DNA sequencing of the amplicons. All of the genotypes determined by qPCR were in agreement with the data determined by DNA sequencing. In all 3 of the analyzed breeds, the majority of the animals were AA homozygous for the 136 codon. The most frequent genotype for codon 154 was RR, and genotypes QQ and QR were the most frequent for codon 171. The results are discussed in relation to establishing scrapie control measures and breeding programs for Brazilian herds.
A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the flock-level seroprevalence of Caprine herpesvirus 1 (CpHV-1) and Bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) and 2 (BoHV-2) and risk factors associated with CpHV-1 in dairy goat flocks from a semiarid region of northeastern Brazil. A total of 1,034 serum samples from 110 flocks were collected from March 2009 through March 2010. A structured questionnaire focusing on variables related to risk factors for CpHV-1 infection was given to each farmer at the time of blood collection. Antibodies against CpHV-1, BoHV-1, and BoHV-2 were detected by neutralization tests. The flock-level prevalences of CpHV-1, BoHV-1, and BoHV-2 were 89.1% (98/110; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 81.7–94.2), 80% (88/110; 95% CI: 71.3–87), and 4.5% (5/110; 95% CI: 1.5–10.3), respectively. Frequencies of seropositive animals were 36.6% (379/1,034), 25.8% (267/1,034), and 0.6% (6/1,034) for CpHV-1, BoHV-1, and BoHV-2, respectively. The use of natural mating was identified as a risk factor associated with CpHV-1 flock-level prevalence (P = 0.001). It is suggested that adoption of veterinary services and active surveillance of the at-risk flocks in the study region should be initiated to reduce the prevalence of herpesvirus infections.
The concomitant infections of Canine distemper virus (CDV), Canine adenovirus A types 1 (CAdV-1) and 2 (CAdV-2), Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2), and Toxoplasma gondii are described in a 43-day-old mixed-breed puppy. Clinically, there were convulsions and blindness with spontaneous death; 14 siblings of this puppy, born to a 10-month-old dam, which was seropositive (titer: 1,024) for T. gondii, also died. Necropsy revealed unilateral corneal edema (blue eye), depletion of intestinal lymphoid tissue, non-collapsible lungs, congestion of meningeal vessels, and a pale area in the myocardium. Histopathology demonstrated necrotizing myocarditis associated with intralesional apicomplexan protozoa; necrotizing and chronic hepatitis associated with rare intranuclear inclusion bodies within hepatocytes; necrotizing bronchitis and bronchiolitis; interstitial pneumonia associated with eosinophilic intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies within epithelial cells; atrophy and fusion of intestinal villi with cryptal necrosis; and white matter demyelination of the cerebrum and cerebellum associated with intranuclear inclusion bodies within astrocytes. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplified the partial fragments (bp) of the CDV N gene (290 bp), CPV-2c VP2 capsid protein gene (583 bp), and CAdV-1 (508 bp) and CAdV-2 (1,030 bp) E gene from urine and tissue samples. The PCR assays demonstrated that the apicomplexan protozoa observed within several organs contained DNA specific for T. gondii; genotyping revealed T. gondii type III. The findings support the characterization of concomitant infections of CDV, CAdV-1, CAdV-2, CPV-2, and T. gondii in this puppy. Further, seroreactivity to T. gondii of the dam in association with the systemic disease observed in the puppy described herein is suggestive of congenital toxoplasmosis.
During a 6-year period, 62 out of 2,980 calves examined (2.08%) between 1–30 days of age had lesions consistent with Bovine herpesvirus 1 infection. The mean and median age of affected calves was 14 days of age. Most cases of infection were in calves 12 and 15 days of age, with 34 calves (54.8%) affected; 14 calves (22.6%) were between 16–21 days of age; 11 calves (17.8%) were between 7–11 days of age; and 3 calves (4.8%) were between 22–30 days of age. In 29 of the calves, the adrenal gland was the only organ affected. In 25 calves, the adrenal gland and at least 1 other tissue had lesions consistent with herpes viral infection. Five animals had no adrenal lesions but had 1 or more additional tissue with lesions consistent with herpesvirus. Three animals had no adrenal gland present for examination but had lesions in other tissues. Organs and number of animals affected by Bovine herpesvirus 1 infection were adrenal gland (54), liver (18), lungs (15), kidney (8), small intestines (7), large intestines (7), rumen/omasum (7), trachea/larynx (3), abomasum (2), heart (1), esophagus (1), thymus (1), and lymph node (1).
A 4-year-old male Labrador Retriever dog was presented with a 10-day history of tetraplegia, depression, and absent postural reflexes. The cerebrospinal fluid was positive for Leishmania spp. DNA. At necropsy, a 2-cm long mass was observed adhered to C7 and C8 left spinal nerves. Microscopically, nerve fiber destruction together with mixed inflammatory infiltration was observed in the spinal nerves. Cervical spinal cord sections showed multifocal, diffuse granulomatous inflammation in the white matter. In the brain, perivascular infiltrates were observed in some areas together with subtle pallor of the parenchyma. Immunohistochemistry for Leishmania infantum confirmed the presence of amastigotes in the spinal nerves, spinal cord, brain parenchyma, and choroid plexuses. The current study describes the presence of Leishmania amastigotes in nervous tissue inciting radiculoneuritis, myelitis, and mild meningoencephalitis, suggesting a likely route by which L. infantum amastigotes reach and affect the central nervous system parenchyma.
Twenty-six 5-month-old Holstein calves were accidentally exposed to discarded branches of yew bushes (Taxus sp.). Several calves were found dead approximately 24 hr after exposure; however, a few calves died several days after exposure. One calf died 18 days after the initial exposure to Taxus sp. and was examined on the farm via necropsy. Gross lesions included ascites, and dilated and flaccid myocardial ventricles. Sections of formalin-fixed heart were submitted to the Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory for histopathologic examination; fresh rumen contents were submitted for toxicologic testing. Histologically, large areas of myocardium were replaced by fibrous connective tissue, suggesting previous myocardial necrosis. Taxus alkaloids were identified in the rumen contents using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Based on the clinical history, the gross and histologic lesions, the identification of Taxus alkaloids in the rumen contents, and lack of exposure to other known cardiotoxic agents, yew toxicity was considered the cause of death in this calf. Ingestion of taxines is known to cause acute and subacute toxicity in human beings and animals; however, a chronic clinical course and severe histologic lesions have not been previously associated with yew toxicity. Although only 1 calf was examined, this case suggests that yew toxicity can result in a prolonged clinical course in cattle and can cause histologic myocardial lesions.
An adult Madagascar tree boa (Sanzinia madagascariensis) underwent coeliotomy for investigation of a coelomic mass. At surgery, a large mass originating from the peri-pancreatic adipose tissue and involving the gall bladder was removed. The snake did not recover from general anesthesia. A complete postmortem was performed, and samples were submitted to the University of Glasgow for histopathology. On histological examination, the mass was composed of adipose tissue infiltrated with a poorly demarcated spindle cell neoplasm. The neoplastic cells were highly pleomorphic with abundant cytoplasm and frequent clear cytoplasmic vacuoles, suggestive of adipocyte origin. Immunohistochemical characterization of the mass was inconclusive. Metastatic neoplastic cells were present within vessels in the liver, lungs, and brain. As an incidental finding, the gonads contained both maturing ovarian follicles and seminiferous tubules with intact germinal epithelium and evidence of spermatogenesis, along with other features of male and female gonad anatomy. The current report describes a rare neoplasm in snakes within an intersex Madagascar tree boa.
A hunted free-ranging female red deer (Cervus elaphus) from a region near the Nahuel Huapi National Park, Northern Patagonia, Argentina, had a focally extensive peribronchial lymphoid proliferative lesion in the lung characterized by formation of multiple follicles, with prominent germinal centers lacking mantle zone cells and antigen-related polarity. On examination of immunohistochemically stained tissues, a predominance of B cells (cluster of differentiation [CD]20 positive) with only a few scattered T cells (CD3 positive) were present. The histologic and immunohistochemical characteristics are consistent with follicular lymphoma, which is frequently seen in human beings and less frequently in domestic animals.
Epizootic mortality in several geese species, including cackling geese (Branta hutchinsii) and Canada geese (Branta canadensis), has been recognized in the Willamette Valley of Oregon for over a decade. Birds are generally found dead on a body of water or are occasionally observed displaying neurologic clinical signs such as an inability to raise or control the head prior to death. Investigation of these epizootic mortality events has revealed the etiology to be accidental poisoning with the rodenticide zinc phosphide (Zn3P2). Gross and histologic changes are restricted to acute pulmonary congestion and edema, sometimes accompanied by distension of the upper alimentary tract by fresh grass. Geese are unusually susceptible to this pesticide; when combined with an epidemiologic confluence of depredation of specific agricultural crops by rodents and seasonal avian migration pathways, epizootic toxicosis may occur. Diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion, appropriate sample collection and handling, plus specific test calibration for this toxicant. Interagency cooperation, education of farmers regarding pesticide use, and enforcement of regulations has been successful in greatly decreasing these mortality events since 2009.
Lymphoma and/or leukemia was diagnosed in 26 camelids (20 alpacas and 6 llamas) out of 110 camelid neoplasia archived January 1995 through January 2012 at the Colorado State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories (CSU-VDL). Some of the tumors presented a diagnostic challenge because they could not be distinguished on the basis of gross or microscopic morphology. Immunohistochemistry using a T-cell marker (cluster of differentiation [CD]3), a B-cell marker (paired box protein [PAX]-5), a leukocyte integrin beta-2 marker (CD18), and a neuroendocrine marker (synaptophysin) was employed to help differentiate between lymphoma and other malignant round cell tumors. Alpaca lymphomas presented as either juvenile disseminated lymphoma in crias ≤2 years of age (n = 8) or adult multicentric lymphoma and/or leukemia (n = 12). Lymphomas in alpacas were of T-cell origin (n = 13), non–B-cell, non–T-cell origin (n = 4), B-cell origin (n = 2), or myelogenous leukemia (n = 1). Abdominal organs, predominantly the liver, were commonly involved in both the crias and adult alpacas. Lymphomas in llamas presented as either adult multicentric lymphoma of B-cell origin in animals younger than 7 years of age (n = 2), or T-cell lymphoma (n = 2), and non–B-cell, non–T-cell lymphoma (n = 1) in animals 7 years of age or older. The thorax was commonly involved in llamas, with infiltration of neoplastic cells into hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes. A rare type of lymphoma diagnosed in the llamas was cutaneous, epitheliotrophic T-cell lymphoma (n = 1).
A 16-year-old primiparous mare aborted an apparently normal fetus at 240 days of gestation. A large, oval mass, measuring approximately 20 cm x 30 cm x 20 cm, was detected attached to the umbilical cord of the fetus. On the cut surface, the mass showed multifocal cystic structures, foci of mineralization, and diffuse hemorrhages. Histological examination of the mass revealed haphazardly arranged cartilage, bone, mesenchymal stroma, adipose tissue, vascular structures, smooth muscle, ciliated epithelium, squamous cornifying epithelium, and undifferentiated germ cells with areas of necrosis and mineralization. The mass was diagnosed as an umbilical cord teratoma, which is an extremely rare tumor in human beings and, to the authors’ knowledge, has only described in the veterinary literature on one occasion.
In the article "Mortality of a captive axis deer (Axis axis) and a llama (Lama glama) due to ingestion of Wedelia glauca" by F. Giannitti et al., it is mentioned that Wedelia glauca, a plant native to South America, was widely distributed in Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Brazil and had been introduced in Spain. The authors have learned that the species was also introduced in the southeastern United States (Louisiana and Florida), where it has been described with the former name Pascalia glauca, according to the following reference: http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=PAGL9. The authors are unaware of its persistence in the flora of the United States.
Un ouvrage sur les nombreux avantages de la viande de chameau et sa capacité à répondre aux pénuries alimentaires mondiales.
The UNESCO Chair in World Food Systems, established in Montpellier in 2011, which works on the biotechnical and social sciences and biological and cultural diversity, is organizing a second international symposium on Friday 1 February at Montpellier SupAgro (France), entitled Eau, énergie, terres, emplois : Quelles ressources pour nourrir durablement les villes ? (Water, energy, land and jobs: What resources are needed to feed towns sustainably?)
La Chaire UNESCO en alimentations du monde, établie depuis 2011 à Montpellier et qui dédie ses activités aux sciences biotechniques, sociales et à la diversité biologique et culturelle, organise son 2ème colloque international, ce vendredi 1er février 2013, à Montpellier SupAgro (France), sous le titre : Eau, énergie, terres, emplois : Quelles ressources pour nourrir durablement les villes ?
For the first time in some years, there is currently a debate involving the whole range of research and development players. A round table organized in December by the Ministries of Higher Education and Research and of Foreign Affairs as part of the Assises du développement et de la solidarité internationale (Development and Foreign Aid Assizes), in which CIRAD and the IRD have been heavily involved, included discussions on the co-construction of research programmes and coordination of research and development players.
C’est la première fois depuis plusieurs années que se forme un dialogue entre tous les acteurs de la recherche et du développement. Au programme de la table-ronde, organisée en décembre par le ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur et de la Recherche et le ministère des Affaires étrangères dans le cadre des Assises du développement et de la solidarité internationale, avec une implication forte du Cirad et de l’IRD : la co-construction des programmes de recherche et la coordination des acteurs de la recherche et du développement.
Some 14 000 photos on agronomy in warm regions are now freely accessible on the Internet thanks to Ciradimages, CIRAD's new online photo library.
The eighth edition of the BioTrace symposium will be held on 30 and 31 January and 1 February 2013 at Agropolis (Montpellier), under the heading "Agents polluants : diagnostics et impacts sur notre santé et notre environnement " (Pollutants: diagnoses and impacts on our health and environment).
Qu'entend-on exactement par agroécologie ? Quels sont les acteurs qui la défendent, la conçoivent, la mettent en oeuvre ? Et surtout, si l'agroécologie est aujourd'hui évoquée sur tous les continents et dans les institutions internationales, l'est-elle finalement dans les mêmes termes, et soulève-t-elle les mêmes débats partout dans le monde ? Cet ouvrage met en regard autour de ces questions les situations de deux grands pays agricoles, l'Argentine et la France, où l'agroécologie a récemment connu d'importants développements.
14 000 photos sur l’agronomie des régions chaudes, désormais accessibles à tous sur le web, c’est ce que propose Ciradimages, la nouvelle photothèque en ligne du Cirad.
La 8ème édition du congrès BioTrace se déroulera les 30, 31 janvier et 1er février 2013 à Agropolis sous la bannière : « Agents polluants : diagnostics et impacts sur notre santé et notre environnement ».
Unlike in other world regions, the upland rice grown in Madagascar should benefit from the effects of global warming. This is the surprising result obtained by a team of researchers from CIRAD and FOFIFA who simulated a century of rice production depending on the extent of climate change in the highlands of Madagascar. In this cold region, upland rice is grown at the lower limit of its temperature tolerance. In this case, increased temperatures would speed up flowering and grain maturity, in such a way that the demand for water and nutrients from the plant would tally better with their availability in the soil, ensuring a marked increase in yields. This is the opposite of what is expected in southern Asia, where rice is grown at the upper limit of its temperature tolerance, and where yields are likely to fall overall.
Le Centre de coopération internationale en recherche agronomique pour le développement (Cirad), l’Institut Pasteur, l’Institut de recherche pour le développement (IRD) et les quatre universités d’outre-mer s’associent pour valoriser la recherche française en faveur du développement des pays du Sud, dans le cadre du consortium de valorisation thématique (CVT) « Valorisation Sud ».
La convention de financement du CVT a été signée avec l’ANR le 17 décembre 2012.
Un atlas établi sur 40 ans de suivi des systèmes pastoraux et l’analyse de leur évolution au Sahel, fruit d’un travail collectif associant notamment le Cirad et ses partenaires de la sous-région.
Le riz pluvial cultivé à Madagascar devrait, contrairement à d’autres régions du monde, bénéficier des effets du réchauffement climatique. C’est le résultat surprenant qu’obtient une équipe de chercheurs du Cirad et du Fofifa après avoir simulé, sur un siècle, la production de riz en fonction de l’ampleur d’un réchauffement climatique dans les Hautes-Terres malgaches. Dans cette région froide, le riz pluvial est en effet cultivé à la limite inférieure de sa tolérance à la température. Dans ce cas, l’augmentation des températures accélère la floraison et la maturation des grains de sorte que la demande en eau et en nutriments de la plante est mieux ajustée à la disponibilité de ces éléments dans le sol, menant ainsi à une nette augmentation des rendements. C’est l’inverse de ce qu’il devrait se produire en Asie du Sud, où le riz est cultivé à la limite supérieure de sa tolérance à la température et où les rendements devraient subir une baisse générale.