Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Impact Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Antimicrobial Stewardship Practices And Their Effect On Veterinary Medicine, Erin N. Bradstreet

Honors College

Antimicrobials are essential in the treatment of diseases in both humans and animals, but antimicrobial resistance threatens their efficacy. As more microorganisms become resistant to an ever-growing list of antimicrobials, diseases that used to be simple to treat are becoming increasingly difficult to manage. The major factors contributing to antimicrobial resistance are overuse and misuse of antimicrobials. In order to combat the problem of resistance, antimicrobial stewardship programs that aim to improve antimicrobial prescribing and use practices are becoming increasingly widespread. These programs are quite common in human medicine, but the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted many aspects of life, including antimicrobial …

The Efficiency Of Melatonin In Inhibiting Haemonchus Contortus Development, Stephanie M. Mcavoy

Honors College

Haemonchus contortus (HC) is a pathogenic nematode that causes sheep morbidity through anemia, edema, and weight loss. It’s the most economically devastating parasite to sheep industries, with increasing global temperatures and anthelmintic resistance increasing HC residing areas and life spans. HC enter hypobiosis, a state comparable to hibernation during the fall when day length decreases. In this state of arrested development, the sheep are not taxed. Hypobiosis occurs in late fall and early winter. Melatonin, with its release having a direct relationship to length of night, is highest during this period. Combining melatonin’s relationship to the seasons, along with research …

Improving Techniques To Study Equine Cervical Mucociliary Clearance, Melissa A. Hawkes

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Bacterial uterine infections inflict major losses on the equine breeding industry. These infections usually arise from bacteria introduced at breeding. Micro-currents propelled by ciliated cells between the folds of the uterus and cervix have been proposed as a means by which contaminants are expelled. Previous data have shown possible ciliary micro-currents propelling carbon particles, occasionally rotating, through cervical folds. However, adherence to the epithelium may have interfered with movement of carbon in these studies. Therefore, we tested potentially non-adherent substances to reveal ciliary micro-currents on the equine cervix under high magnification video-endoscopy. We hypothesized that polyethylene green microspheres 1 - …

Designing A Stress Free Vet Visit: A Systematic Review, Naedia Clarke

Honors College

The purpose of this study was to create a systematic review of articles pertaining to stress measurement and management of dogs and cats in order to use the information to find a way to reduce stress associated with a visit to the veterinarian. The corpus for this review contains 42 articles with 33 primary research studies and 9 secondary research studies. The information deduced during the review showed that a majority of studies on animal stress take place outside of the USA. The review also showed that a visit to a vet practice begins with client-staff communication. This collected knowledge …

A Characterization Of Poultry Flocks And Poultry Producers In Maine, Alice Gluchanicz

Honors College

This study sought to characterize backyard poultry flocks and poultry producers’ knowledge of poultry husbandry in Maine. A survey on poultry flock characterization, management, and health was sent to poultry producers living in Maine. Based on the survey, most backyard poultry flocks contained 7-20 birds. Chickens were the predominant poultry species in Maine. Flocks were used primarily for egg production and companionship. Management practices varied greatly among producers, indicating a need for more flock management education. Mites and coccidiosis were the most commonly reported causes of illness by producers, but several diseases affected poultry in Maine. Producers cited the internet …

Developing Learning Models To Teach Equine Anatomy And Biomechanics, Zandalee E. Toothaker

Honors College

Animal owners and professionals benefit from an understanding of an animal’s anatomy and biomechanics. This is especially true of the horse. A better understanding of the horse’s anatomy and weight bearing capabilities will allow people to treat and prevent injuries in equine athletes and work horses. Currently, teaching anatomy is based on dissection of cadavers and study of figures in textbooks. Dissection is expensive and presents logistical difficulties associated with sourcing, storage, and disposal of cadavers. Also, post mortem tissue changes obscure how the muscles support the bones and make the specimens unsuitable for representing biomechanical principles. Cadavers may also …

Purification And Characterization Of A Fish Granzymea Involved In Cell-Mediated Immunity, Yuta Matsuura, Takeshi Yabu, Hajime Shiba, Teruyuki Nakanishi

2nd International Conference of Fish & Shellfish Immunology

No abstract provided.

Antigen Uptake In Zebrafish (Danio Rerio) At Different Life Stages, Louise Von G Jørgensen

2nd International Conference of Fish & Shellfish Immunology

No abstract provided.

Characterization And Functional Analysis Of Interleukin-12 In Amberjack Seriola Dumarili, Megumi Matsumoto Miss, Kyosuke Araki Dr, Kazuma Hayashi Mr, Hiroaki Suetake Dr, Atsushi Yamamoto Dr

2nd International Conference of Fish & Shellfish Immunology

No abstract provided.

Induction Of Cell-Mediated Immune Responses After Vaccination With Inactivated Oil-Emulsion Nocardia Seriolae In Amberjack Seriola Dumerili, Kyosuke Araki, Megumi Matsumoto, Kazuma Hayashi, Atsushi Yamamoto

2nd International Conference of Fish & Shellfish Immunology

No abstract provided.

Induced Inflammation In The Atlantic Salmon Intestine And Epithelial Responses, Håvard Bjørgen, Erling Olaf Koppang, Magne Kaldhusdal, Torfinn Moldal, Ole-Bendik Dale

2nd International Conference of Fish & Shellfish Immunology

No abstract provided.

Efficacy Of Maine Lobster Shell As Treatment For Haemonchus Contortus Parasitism In Sheep, Morgan H. Gustin

Honors College

Lobster shell, a chitin-based material, was applied to the ova, and to the L3 and L4 larval stages of the ruminant nematode Haemonchus contortus to assess its nematicidal effects on the parasite. Methods were developed to more accurately characterize and quantify larvae, including a formalin-kill technique to establish larval viability and a procedure for culturing L3 stage larvae into L4s in AF. Larval cultures containing 80g of fecal matter, 30g vermiculite and 100ml water were treated with various proportions of crushed lobster shell (medium or fine crush) to assess the affect of lobster shell on the maturation of H. contortus …

The Effect Of Management Strategies On Haemonchus Contortus Infections Of Sheep And Goats On Intensively Grazed Pasture, Catherine Werker Pouliot

Honors College

The purpose of this study was to determine how the management strategies used by producers on sheep and goat farms in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont could affect the fecal egg counts of the parasite called Haemonchus contortus in their animals. Surveys about management practices and fecal samples from the juvenile and adult populations were collected during the months of June, July, and August in the summer of 2015. Next, the samples were analyzed and fecal egg counts were determined using the McMaster method and a fluorescence-based H. contortus speciation technique. The fecal egg counts and survey answers were compiled …

Detection Of Streptococus Equi From Environmental Samples Using An Elisa, Taryn Haller

Honors College

Equine Strangles, an upper respiratory disease caused by Streptococcus equi subspecies equi (S. equi) causes significant losses in the horse industry. Surveillance for S. equi could be facilitated by quantifying S. equi in environmental samples. The objective of this project was to evaluate ELISA in quantifying S. equi using two monoclonal antibodies (MAB’s) to the SeM protein (MAB-212 for capture, and biotinylated MAB-211 for detection), with Streptococcal phage lysin releasing SeM from the cell surface. Initial results confirmed a fresh culture of S. equi and two S. equi lysates stored at -20 C for 2 years as positive, while confirming …

Improved Detection Of Streptococcus Equi Subspecies Equi In Drinking Water, Lily A. Mclaughlin

Honors College

Streptococcus equi subspecies equi (S. equi) is the causative agent of strangles, a contagious respiratory disease of horses. Transmission of the bacteria can occur when animals share water sources. Detection of S. equi in water could improve strangles surveillance and move towards eradication of the disease. The aims of this study were to determine the optimal membrane pore size for bacterial retention from an aqueous suspension, to determine the likely dispersion pattern of S. equi contaminated mucus in a water bucket to develop a collection technique to be used by veterinarians, and to find the sensitive range for …

A Study Of The Nutritional Effect Of Grains In The Diet Of A Dog, Kristyn M. Souliere

Honors College

The present study was designed to address the prevalence of the lack of knowledge for what owners are feeding their dogs, and to determine if grain should be within the diet. It was hypothesized that a bag of feed containing protein at no specific level, with a low level of grain will be more beneficial for the animal, and that a diet needs to contain grains. The crude protein, crude fat, and first five ingredients listed were compared for four bags chosen, and to the nutritional requirements for a dog. “Holistic Blend Grain Free”, contained an extremely high amount of …

Identification Of Internal Parasites Of Sheep And Goats, Amanda Chaney

Honors College

Abomasal worms are a major cause of small ruminant disease. Differentiation of the most pathogenic nematode, H. contortus, from the other common species can be difficult using standard diagnostic fecal floatation techniques because the ova are similar in size and morphology. Known pure culture H. contortus fecal samples from West Virginia University were used to develop morphologic assays using FITC-labeled lectin agglutination and immunocytochemistry to identify species of abomasal worms. These assays were applied to assess disease due to abomasal worms on selected small ruminant farms in Maine. The diagnostic tests were used to test the hypothesis that H. contortus …

Endoscopic Evaluation Of The Response To Intrauterine Irrigation With 3.3% N-Acetylcysteine In Mares, Christine T. Kissinger

Honors College

Strangles is a contagious disease caused by the bacteria Streptococcus equi that has continued to affect horses through the development of long-term asymptomatic carriers. Effective identification of horses carrying S. equi and treatment of these horses has proven difficult. The chemical N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has mucolytic properties and has been used in the treatment of carriers; however the reports show controversial and anecdotal evidence regarding the effectiveness and inflammatory side effects. The goal of this study is to observe whether NAC is irritating to mucosal tissue with the interest of determining if NAC could be used to treat the carrier state …

Explorations, Vol. 5, No. 2, Kathleen Lignell, Mary Beth Pinto, Susan White, James M. Acheson, Mary Lee, John Field, Eric Beenfeldt, Robert Shepard, M. W. Blumenstock

Explorations — A Journal of Research

Articles include:

Cover: Brian McLain of New Harbor, measuring a V-notched lobster; slide taken by Robert C. Bayer, University of Maine Professor of Animal and Veterinary Sciences.

"April is Aquaculture Month Guest Editorial," by Kathleen Lignell

"Hospital Project Teams: Gaining Cooperation," by Mary Beth Pinto

"The Maine Lobster Institute: Science and Industry Working Together," by Susan White

"The Theory of Common Property Resources: Scientific Law or Myth?" by James M. Acheson

"What do Seedless Watermelons and Triploid Oysters have in Common?" by Mary Lee

"Technology and the Competitive Edge," by John Field and Eric Beenfeldt

"Growing our State Tree Faster: …

Buddhist Decision Reversed, John Donnelly

Social Justice: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Michelle Earltinez learned Thursday that she has won her battle. After a year of arguing her case, the 23-year-old, two-year animal medical technology major will be allowed to keep her laboratory animals alive, according to a letter from UMO President Howard R. Neville.

Buddhist Ruling Due Thursday, The Maine Campus

Social Justice: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

UMO President Howard R. Neville said Monday that a decision will be announced Thursday on whether a 23-year-old animal technology major can keep her laboratory animals alive.

Neville Begins Review Of Buddhist's Complaint, John Donnelly

Social Justice: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

The case of a UMO student who refuses to take a required course because it violates her religious and moral principals was scheduled this morning by President Howard R. Neville.

Official Calls Reason 'Hogwash', John Donnelly

Social Justice: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

An HEW official said Thursday it's "hogwash" that federal guidelines prohibit a UMO student from taking care of her own animals required for a course.

More Flexibility Needed, The Maine Campus

Social Justice: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

When a student voices a legitimate concern sparked by humane and admirable beliefs, school officials might be expected to listen. But the University has turned a deaf ear to a medical technology student who, because of her Zen Buddhist background, refuses to take part in the "needless sacrifice" of laboratory animals.

Student Threatens Suit Against Umo, Sherry Walsch, John Donnelly

Social Justice: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

A 23-year-old UMO student is threatening to file suit against the University because of a course requirement she believes violates her religious principles. Michele Earltinez, a Zen Buddhist and a two-year animal medical technology major, said that the course, laboratory animal care, "needlessly sacrifices" animals after they're used in experiments.