Veterinary Medicine Commons^™

Prevalence And Risk Factors Of Haemotropic Mycoplasma Ovis Infection In Selected Smallholder Sheep And Goat Flocks In Malaysia, Bura Thlama Paul, Faez Firdaus Abdullah Jesse, Eric Lim Teik Chung, Azlan Che-Amat, Mohd Lila Mohd-Azmi

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

Outbreaks of haemotropic Mycoplasma ovis cause haemolytic anaemia with decreased production outcomes and mortality in sheep and goats worldwide but there is a lack of published data on the epidemiology of M. ovis in Malaysia's small ruminant flocks. This preliminary study investigates the prevalence and risk factors of Mycoplasma ovis infection in selected smallholder farms in Negeri Sembilan state. A total of 341 blood samples was randomly collected from 5 farms between January and December 2019. The farmers also completed a structured questionnaire to provide farm management data and environmental information. Giemsa stained blood smears were examined microscopically to detect …

Alfaxalone Successfully Immobilizes Small Indian Mongooses (Urva Auropunctata): A Field Report, Caroline C. Sauvé, Yves Rondenay, Are R. Berentsen, Mel J. Rivera-Rodriguez, Patrick A. Leighton

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

We investigated intramuscular administration of alfaxalone (5.3–10.0 mg/kg) as an immobilizing agent in free-ranging small Indian mongooses (Urva auropunctata) on the island of St. Kitts, West Indies. From 5–11 January 2020, we successfully immobilized 10 of 11 mongooses. Alfaxalone provided rapid onset (median = 3 min) of immobilization. Mean duration of immobilization was 16.8 ± 3 min. Mean recovery time was 5.6 ± 1 min. There was no effect of dose administered on induction, anesthesia, or recovery times at the dose range used. We concluded that alfaxalone represents an effective alternative to dissociative agents for the immobilization of free-ranging mongooses. …

Comparing Management Programs To Reduce Red–Tailed Hawk Collisions With Aircraft, Brian Washburn, Craig K. Pullins, Travis L. Guerrant, Gregory J. Martinelli, Scott F. Beckerman

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Wildlife-aircraft collisions (wildlife strikes) pose a serious safety risk to aircraft. Raptors (i.e., hawks and owls) are one of the most frequently struck guilds of birds within North America. Although raptors (most notably red-tailed hawks [Buteo jamaicensis]) are commonly managed at most airports and military bases, there is no scientific information available regarding comparisons of the efficacy of raptor management programs for reducing raptor-aircraft collisions. Therefore, we conducted a study to examine the efficacy of 2 raptor hazard management programs implemented at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD). The first raptor management program (Phase I) occurred during January 2010–June 2013 and …

Strategic Testing Approaches For Targeted Disease Monitoring Can Be Used To Inform Pandemic Decision-Making, James D. Nichols, Tiffany L. Bogich, Emily Howerton, Ottar N. Bjørnstad, Rebecca K. Borchering, Matthew Ferrari, Murali Haran, Christopher Jewell, Kim M. Pepin, William J.M. Probert, Juliet R.C. Pulliam, Michael C. Runge, Michael Tildesley, Cecile Viboud, Katriona Shea

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

More than 1.6 million Servere Acute Respiratory Syndrome Cronovirus 2(SARS-COV-2)tests were administered daily in the United States at the peak of the epidemic, with a significant focus on individual treatment. Here, we show that objective-driven, strategic sampling designs and analyses can maximize information gain at the population level, which is necessary to increase situational awareness and predict, prepare for, and respond to a pandemic, while also continuing to inform individual treatment. By focusing on specific objectives such as individual treatment or disease prediction and control (e.g., via the collection of population- level statistics to inform lockdown measures or vaccine rollout) …

Brown Treesnake Mortality After Aerial Application Of Toxic Baits, Scott M. Goetz, Eric T. Hileman, Melia G. Nafus, Amy A. Yackel Adams, Amanda R. Bryant, Robert N. Reed, Shane R. Siers

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Quantitative evaluation of control tools for managing invasive species is necessary to assess overall effectiveness and individual variation in treatment susceptibility. Invasive brown treesnakes (Boiga irregularis) on Guam have caused severe ecological and economic effects, pose a risk of accidental introduction to other islands, and are the greatest impediment to the reestablishment of extirpated native fauna. An aerial delivery system for rodent‐based toxic baits can reduce brown treesnake abundance and heterogeneity among individuals may influence bait attraction or toxicant susceptibility. Previous baiting trials have either been simulated aerial treatments or relied on slightly different bait capsule compositions and the results …

Yeast Particle Encapsulation Of Scaffolded Terpene Compounds For Controlled Terpene Release, Ernesto R. Soto, Florentina Rus, Hanchen Li, Carli Garceau, Jeffrey Chicca, Mostafa Elfawal, David Gazzola, Martin K. Nielsen, Joseph F. Urban Jr., Raffi V. Aroian, Gary R. Ostroff

Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center Faculty Publications

Terpenes are naturally occurring compounds produced by plants that are of great commercial interest in the food, agricultural, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries due to their broad spectra of antibacterial, antifungal, anthelmintic, membrane permeation enhancement, and antioxidant biological activities. Applications of terpenes are often limited by their volatility and the need for surfactants or alcohols to produce stable, soluble (non-precipitated) products. Yeast particles (YPs) are hollow, porous microspheres that have been used for the encapsulation of terpenes (YP terpenes) by passive diffusion of terpenes through the porous YP cell walls. We here report the development of a second generation YP encapsulated …

Component Causes Of Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis—Non-Moraxella Organisms In The Epidemiology Of Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis, John Dustin Loy, Kristin A. Clothier, Gabriele Maier

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

• Non-Moraxella organisms are associated with infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK).

• Mycoplasma bovoculi can cause conjunctivitis and has a potential role in IBK pathogenesis.

• Other Non-Mycoplasma agents can cause disease that resembles IBK but is clinically different.

• Genomics and molecular technology are advancing research in this area.

• Classification and determination of pathogenesis potential of these organisms may be better understood through metagenomics and whole genome sequencing.

Analysis Of Gaps In Feline Ectoparasiticide Purchases From Veterinary Clinics In The United States, Robert Lavan, Dorothy Normile, Imran Husain, Amita Singh, Kathleen Heaney

Publications and Research

Background: The study objective was to examine cat owner ectoparasiticide purchases in the United States and estimate the impact of purchase gaps on timely ectoparasite protection administration. These purchase gaps lead to periods of time when cats are unprotected from ectoparasites.

Methods: Ectoparasiticide purchase transactions for individual cats from 671 U.S. veterinary clinics from January 1, 2017 through June 30, 2019 were evaluated to determine time “gaps” between doses of ectoparasiticides purchased in a defined 12-month period. Ectoparasiticides examined were topically applied products that contained fluralaner, fipronil/(S)-methoprene/pyriproxyfen, imidacloprid/pyriproxyfen or selamectin as active ingredients. The duration of protection following administration of …

Landscape Genetics Of American Beaver In Coastal Oregon, Clinton W. Epps, Vanessa M. Petro, Tyler G. Creech, Rachel S. Crowhurst, Matthew J. Weldy, Jimmy D. Taylor

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

American beaver (Castor canadensis) have been translocated for population restoration, reduction of human‐wildlife conflict, and enhancement of ecosystem function. Yet few studies have assessed dispersal of beaver, making it difficult to determine at what scale translocations are appropriate. Genetic studies can provide inferences about gene flow, and thus dispersal. We used a landscape genetic approach to evaluate whether landscape features influenced gene flow among beaver in the Coast Range of western Oregon, USA, using samples collected April–September 2014. We collected genetic samples from live‐captured (n=232), road‐killed (n=2) and trapper‐provided (n=58) tissue samples and genotyped them at 10 microsatellite loci. We …

The Canine-Campus Connection, Mary Renck Jalongo

New Directions in the Human-Animal Bond

A primary mission of universities is promoting student success and well-being. Many college and university personnel have implemented initiatives that offer students the documented benefits of positive human-animal interaction (HAI). Accumulating evidence suggests that assistance dogs, therapy dogs, and shelter dogs can support student wellness and learning. The best programs balance the welfare of humans and canines while assessing students’ needs and complying with all laws and regulations. Contributors to this edited volume have drawn upon research across many disciplines as well as their extensive practical experiences to produce a timely and valuable resource—for administrators and students. Whether readers are …

Short Term Safety, Immunogenicity, And Reproductive Effects Of Combined Vaccination With Anti-Gnrh (Gonacon) And Rabies Vaccines In Female Feral Cats, Shiri Novak, Boris Yakobson, Shir Sorek, Liat Morgan, Smadar Tal, Ran Nivy, Roni King, Lauren Jaebker, Douglas C. Eckery, Tal Raz

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Overpopulation of free-roaming cats is a major problem leading to negative impacts on animal health and welfare, public nuisance, transmission of zoonotic diseases, and well-documented harm to wildlife. Surgical sterilization had failed to provide a practical solution to free-roaming cats' overpopulation under field conditions; therefore, efficient and safe non-surgical immunocontraception methods are aspired. Rabies is a deadly virus that may infect people and animals. However, the safety and efficacy of combined vaccination with anti-GnRH and rabies vaccines in feral cats, which often suffer from disrupted health conditions and experienced high stress level, has never been studied. Therefore, our objective was …

Short Term Safety, Immunogenicity, And Reproductive Effects Of Combined Vaccination With Anti-Gnrh (Gonacon) And Rabies Vaccines In Female Feral Cats, Shiri Novak, Boris Yakobson, Shir Sorek, Liat Morgan, Smadar Tal, Ran Nivy, Roni King, Lauren Jaebker, Douglas C. Eckery, Tal Raz

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Overpopulation of free-roaming cats is a major problem leading to negative impacts on animal health and welfare, public nuisance, transmission of zoonotic diseases, and well-documented harm to wildlife. Surgical sterilization had failed to provide a practical solution to free-roaming cats’ overpopulation under field conditions; therefore, efficient and safe non-surgical immunocontraception methods are aspired. Rabies is a deadly virus that may infect people and animals. However, the safety and efficacy of combined vaccination with anti-GnRH and rabies vaccines in feral cats, which often suffer from disrupted health conditions and experienced high stress level, has never been studied. Therefore, our objective was …

Determination Of Ownership Practices And Cytauxzoon Felis Prevalence In Domestic Felines Of Northwest Arkansas, Daniella M. Duran

Animal Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

Cytauxzoon felis is a protozoan pathogen that causes the infectious disease, cytauxzoonosis in wild and domestic felines. The natural host of this pathogen is the bobcat (Lynx rufus), which is why this disease is also commonly referred to as “bobcat fever”. The C. felis pathogen infects wild and domestic cats upon transmission by infected ticks. Amblyomma americanum, also known as the Lone Star tick, the primary transmission vector for C. felis. This tick species is largely populated throughout the state of Arkansas, making C. felis a large threat to wild and domestic felines in these areas. Cytauxzoonosis is commonly thought …

Production Of Monoclonal And Polyclonal Antibodies Against Prrsv Mlvd23-S Tag Peptide Sequence, Katelyn Bettin

Schultz-Werth Award Papers

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is an RNA virus which belongs to the family Arteriviridae. Since its emergence in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, PRRSV has had a major economic effect on the swine industry. The most notable effects of this disease are respiratory distress in piglets and late-term pregnancy failures in sows. To track and control spread of this disease, the industry must be able determine which animals have been naturally infected with PRRSV as this contributes to major disease outbreaks and localized pandemics. While vaccines help control the spread of a disease, they also …

Use Of 3d-Printed Surgical Spoons Compared To Other Cystotomy Methods In Dogs, Davina D'Angelo

Animal Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

Bladder stones, also known as uroliths, are not an uncommon condition in domestic dogs. To remove these uroliths, which occur in various sizes, shapes, and compositions, veterinarians will perform a surgical procedure called a cystotomy. A cystotomy consists of creating a small incision into the lumen of the urinary bladder and the utilization of various methods to extract the uroliths. For general veterinary practitioners, the laparoscopic-assisted technique is unavailable. As a result, the methods available for urolith extraction are often limited to flushing the stones out by inserting a urinary catheter through the urinary tract and the use of off-label …

A New All-Natural Wound Treatment Gel Shows Strong Inhibitory Activity Against Staphylococcus Aureus And Other Wound Pathogens, Tasha K. Nelson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Skin related injuries are some of the most dangerous forms of wounds. In addition to treating the wound itself, health care providers must be cautious of microbial infections. In this study, we evaluate a novel all-natural antimicrobial gel compound (AMG) designed to kill planktonic bacteria, penetrate bacterial biofilms, and accelerate wound healing. In -vitro experiments demonstrate that AMG is effective in inhibiting planktonic growth and biofilm development of eight common pathogens. LIVE/DEAD staining and confocal microscopy reveal that planktonic growth and three-dimensional structure of biofilms were significantly reduced. Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) was used to investigate a small …

Component Causes Of Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis - The Role Of Moraxella Species In The Epidemiology Of Infectious Bovine Keratoconjunctivitis, John Dustin Loy, Matthew Hille, Gabriele Maier, Michael L. Clawson

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

Moraxella bovis can cause infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis (IBK).

The role of M bovoculi in IBK is not fully understood.

M bovis and M bovoculi appear to undergo genetic recombination with each other or other members of the Moraxellaceae.

Recombination complicates their classification and potential role(s) in IBK pathogenesis.

MALDI-TOF MS is used to identify M bovis, 2 major strains or genotypes of M bovoculi, M ovis, and other members of the Moraxellaceae.

Classification and determination of pathogenesis potential within Moraxella species may be better understood through whole genome sequencing.

Exploring How Maternal Phosphorus Status Affects Calf Growth And Performance, Elizabeth Lafferty

Animal Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

This study will focus on how maternal phosphorus status of beef heifers affects the growth and performance of their calves. Heifers have been offered free-choice mineral with either 0 or 4% supplemental phosphorus from 30 days after weaning until calving. A study by H. Hilfiker, a University of Arkansas honors student, investigated the effects of these treatments from 30 days after weaning until 60 days after the breeding season when heifers were confirmed to be bred or open. For this developing heifer project 64 crossbred Angus heifers were assigned randomly into 8 groups (8 heifers/ group) before assigning each group …

Comparative Study Of Anesthesia’S Effect On Baroreceptor Reflex And Sympathetic Nerve Activity In Adult Rats, John Harbin

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Anesthesia affects the central nervous system and can suppress cardiovascular activity. In this study, we compared two anesthetics, urethane and alpha-chloralose, to better understand their effect on sympathetic control of blood pressure, as well as how they would affect baroreceptor response and blood pressure in adult rats. To do this we performed baroreceptor tests in adult rats under isoflurane anesthesia and then either urethane (I.V. 1.25 g/kg, n=2) or alpha-chloralose (100 mg/kg, n=2). We found that baroreceptor responses were not significantly different between urethane or alpha-chloralose anesthesia. However, significant depression of baseline blood pressure occurred under alpha-chloralose anesthesia compared with …

Investigating Media Influence On Canine Breed Popularity And Increasing Prevalence Of Genetic Linked Disorders, Callie Anderson

Honors College Theses

This study is focused on influence of social media on dog breed popularity, and if an increase in popularity leads to an increase in the prevalence of genetic-linked disorders observed in specified breeds in a clinical setting. This study was conducted by comparing an in-depth analysis of past research investigating the influence of popular culture on the trends of dog breed popularity as it relates to trends in media and fashion, with the results of a survey of clinical observations by veterinarians practicing in the area surrounding Murray, Kentucky. The results of the literary analysis revealed that humans are greatly …

Population Genomics Of Invasive Rodents On Islands: Genetic Consequences Of Colonization And Prospects For Localized Synthetic Gene Drive, Kevin P. Oh, Aaron B. Shiels, Laura Shiels, Dimitri V. Blondel, Karl J. Campbell, J. Royden Saah, Alun L. Lloyd, Paul Q. Thomas, Fred Gould, Zaid Abdo, John R. Godwin, Antoinette J. Piaggio

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Introduced rodent populations pose significant threats worldwide, with particularly severe impacts on islands. Advancements in genome editing have motivated interest in synthetic gene drives that could potentially provide efficient and localized suppression of invasive rodent populations. Application of such technologies will require rigorous population genomic surveys to evaluate population connectivity, taxonomic identification, and to inform design of gene drive localization mechanisms. One proposed approach leverages the predicted shifts in genetic variation that accompany island colonization, wherein founder effects, genetic drift, and island-specific selection are expected to result in locally fixed alleles (LFA) that are variable in neighboring nontarget populations. Engineering …

Spirulina Platensis Inclusion Reverses Circulating Pro-Inflammatory (Chemo)Cytokine Profiles In Broilers Fed Low-Protein Diets, Garrett J. Mullenix, Elizabeth S. Greene, Nima K. Emami, Guillermo Tellez-Isaias, Walter G. Bottje, Gisela F. Erf, Michael T. Kidd Jr., Sami Dridi

Poultry Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

Proteins are considered the most expensive nutrients in commercial modern broiler production, and their dietary inclusion at low levels is pivotal to minimize feed costs and reduce nitrogen waste. The quest for an environmentally friendly source of proteins that favor the formulation of low protein diets without compromising broiler health, welfare, and growth performance has become a hotspot in nutrition research. Due to its high protein content, the naturally growing Spirulina microalgae is considered a promising nutrient source. The purpose of the present study was, therefore, to determine the effects of Spirulina supplementation on liver bacterial translocation, hematological profile, and …

Compounded Gabapentin For Felines: Associated Metabolic Processes And Analysis Of Potency, Johnny Altwal

Student Scholar Symposium Abstracts and Posters

Pharmaceutical compounding provides pharmacists and clinicians the opportunity to create unique drug formulations that are better suited to a specific patient’s needs. This is especially prevalent in veterinary medicine where clinicians treat a variety of maladies in a large number of species, thereby requiring unique formulations to more easily deliver drugs to animals. Several examples of compounded veterinary formulations with sub-therapeutic potencies have been published, but none examine compounded gabapentin. Gabapentin is frequently compounded into an oral suspension for veterinary use from tablets or capsules for the purpose of pain management in felines and other small animals. The project’s goals …

The Effects Of Trace Mineral Supplementation On Performance, Health, And Carcass Quality Of At-Risk Mineral Deficient Feedlot Cattle, Tevan J. Brady

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Morbidity in feedlot cattle due to disease is a common economical loss for feedlot producers. Utah is not typically considered a ‘feedlot state’, but there are several producers in the southern part of the state that specialize in receiving at-risk cattle. These cattle are at-risk because they are coming from areas known to be mineral deficient. Areas such as the western US, are known to be deficient in several trace minerals important in immune response. Therefore, it is critical that producers have an adequate plan to decrease the negative effects that this has on economic viability of their beef operations, …

A High-Androgen Microenvironment Inhibits Granulosa Cell Proliferation And Alters Cell Identity, Renee M. Mcfee, Sarah M. Romereim, Alexandria P. Snider, Adam F. Summers, William E. Pohlmeier, Scott G. Kurz, Robert A. Cushman, John S. Davis, Jennifer R. Wood, Andrea S. Cupp

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

A naturally occurring bovine model with excess follicular fluid androstenedione (High A4), reduced fertility, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)-like characteristics has been identified. We hypothesized High A4 granulosa cells (GCs) would exhibit altered cell proliferation and/or steroidogenesis. Microarrays of Control and High A4 GCs combined with Ingenuity Pathway Analysis indicated that High A4 GCs had cell cycle inhibition and increased expression of microRNAs that inhibit cell cycle genes. Granulosa cell culture confirmed that A4 treatment decreased GC proliferation, increased anti-Müllerian hormone, and increased mRNA for CTNNBIP1. Increased CTNNBIP1 prevents CTNNB1 from interacting with members of the WNT signaling pathway thereby …

Suicide Risk And School Related Stressors In Veterinary Students, Deanna Nicole Arnold

Honors College Theses

Compared to the general population of the United States, veterinarians are at an increasingly higher risk for suicide. This is commonly associated with stressful work environments, long work hours, poor work-life balance, client demands and complaints, and large amounts of euthanasia procedures. While many studies have been performed to confirm the above statements, few to no studies have been done on students currently enrolled in veterinary school to assess their mental health. This study will survey graduate school students in this field and will evaluate their mental health state and risk factors towards suicide. Through comparing the results of this …

Intrauterine Blood Plasma Platelet-Therapy Mitigates Persistent Breeding-Induced Endometritis, Reduces Uterine Infections, And Improves Embryo Recovery In Mares, Lorenzo G. T. M. Segabinazzi, Igor F. Canisso, Giorgia Podico, Lais L. Cunha, Guilherme Novello, Michael F. Rosser, Shavanh C. Loux, Fabio S. Lima, Marco A. Alvarenga

Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center Faculty Publications

Microorganisms, including pathogenic or opportunistic bacteria and fungi, may gain access to the uterus during breeding, and infectious endometritis plays a major role in equine subfertility. This study aimed to assess the post-breeding inflammatory response, endometrial culture, and embryo recovery of mares susceptible to persistent breeding-induced endometritis (PBIE) treated with plasma-rich (PRP) or -poor (PPP) plasma. Mares (n = 12) susceptible to PBIE had three cycles randomly assigned to receive intrauterine infusions of lactate ringer solution (LRS, control), or autologous PRP or PPP pre- (−48 and −24 h) and post-breeding (6 and 24 h). Mares were bred with fresh …

Use Of Ultrasounds And Cystotomies In Diagnosing And Resolving Bladder Stones, Kirsten Cline

Biology Presentations

The use of ultrasounds are the most safe and effective way to detect bladder stones. Bladder stones are easy to detect with acoustic shadowing, a white bright twinkle effect, and heaviness. Cystotomies are one of the most common procedures to solve bladder stones with one of the lowest mortality and morbidity rates. Kiara, a one year old feline presented with UTI symptoms and was diagnosed with bladder stones. An ultrasound was used and a cystotomy was performed.

Antibiotic Prescription Practices And Opinions Regarding Antimicrobial Resistance Among Veterinarians In Kentucky, Usa, Agricola Odoi, Ronita Samuels, Craig N. Carter, Jackie Smith

Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Faculty Publications

Background
Inappropriate antimicrobial use (AMU) is a global concern. Opinions of veterinarians regarding AMU and its role in the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) may influence their prescription practices. It is important to understand these opinions, prescription practices and their potential impact on the development of AMR in order to guide efforts to curb the problem. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial prescription practices and opinions of veterinarians in Kentucky regarding AMU and AMR.

Methods
This cross-sectional study used a 30-question survey questionnaire administered to veterinarians who were members of the Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association. …

Using Handmade Cloning To Reduce Oocyte Mitochondria In Reconstructed Embryos, Laura Adams

Student Research Symposium

Mitochondrial heteroplasmy, the presence of more than one population of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in one cell, can cause metabolic issues and reduced ATP synthesis, even at relatively low levels. The presence of this condition in somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryos likely contributes to reduced prenatal and postnatal viability: the majority of the oocyte’s mitochondria is still present at the time of nuclear transfer, as well as through any further embryonic development post-fusion and activation. Though the somatic cell also contributes its mitochondria (which can successfully communicate with its nucleus), the oocyte’s mitochondria compose a greater proportion of the total …