Prévalence des cas de lymphadénite granulomateuse sous‐maxillaire chez des porcs abattus en Belgique

Poster (2013, February 06)

In pigs the Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) causes granulomatous lymphadenitis. Carcasses with such lesions must be detected, as parts of the affected carcasses and organs have to be condemned. These ... [more ▼]

In pigs the Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) causes granulomatous lymphadenitis. Carcasses with such lesions must be detected, as parts of the affected carcasses and organs have to be condemned. These nontuberculous mycobacteria are opportunistic pathogens which have acquired an increasing importance in public health in recent decades due to their ability to cause lung diseases, lymphadenitis in children and systemic infections in immunocompromised patients ‐ even if the potential risk of infection of an immunocompromised person by MAC in the consumption of undercooked pork still has to be determined. The first objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of submandibular granulomatous lymphadenitis in pigs slaughtered in Belgium. Between August 2010 and September 2011, 16,211 carcasses were inspected by the same veterinarian in 2 slaughterhouses – one in Flanders, the other in Wallonia. Eighty‐six suspected cases of submandibular granulomatous lymphadenitis (0.53% of pigs; 95% Confidence Interval: 0.42‐0.65%) were identified, collected and submitted to histopathological (Ziehl‐Neelsen and haematoxylin‐eosin staining) and bacteriological (culture, PCR, molecular typing) tests. The second objective of the study was to characterize lesions and to identify the relative importance of MAC and Rhodococcus equi to explain the lesions. Mycobacterium avium subsp. hominissuis (MAH) was isolated from 6 lymph nodes (7.0%; 95% CI: 2.6‐14.6%) and Rhodococcus equi from 45 (52.3%; 95% CI: 41.3‐63.2%). The final objective of the study consisted in farm investigation to evaluate the possible source of contamination of pigs by MAH. Potential sources such as sawdust, water, wild birds and/or cattle were identified. [less ▲]

Schmallenberg virus: a new Shamonda/Sathuperi-like virus on the rise in Europe

in Antiviral Research (2012), 95

In the summer-fall of 2011, a nonspecific febrile syndrome characterized by hyperthermia, drop in milk production and watery diarrhea was reported in adult dairy cows from a series of farms located in ... [more ▼]

In the summer-fall of 2011, a nonspecific febrile syndrome characterized by hyperthermia, drop in milk production and watery diarrhea was reported in adult dairy cows from a series of farms located in North-West Europe. Further, in November 2011, an enzootic outbreak of abortion, stillbirth and birth at term of lambs, kids and calves with neurologic signs and/or head, spine or limb malformations emerged throughout several European countries. Both syndromes were associated with the presence in the blood (adults) or in the central nervous system (newborns) of the genome of a new Shamonda-like orthobunyavirus provisionally named Schmallenberg virus after the place where the first positive samples were collected. The clinical, pathological, virological and epidemiological facts that were made publicly available during the first 6 months after the emergence are presented here. Current knowledge of the epidemiology of the phylogenetically closest relatives of the newcomer (Shamonda, Aino and Akabane viruses) is not exhaustive enough to predict whether the current outbreak of Schmallenberg virus is the prelude to endemicity or to a 2 years long outbreak before the infection burns out when serologically naïve animals are no longer available. In the future, cyclic epizootic reemergences are a possibility too, either synchronized with a global decrease of herd immunity or due to antigenic variants escaping the immunity acquired against their predecessors. The latter hypothesis seems unlikely because of the wide array of biologic constraints acting on the genome of viruses whose life cycle requires transmission by a vector, which represses genetic drift. The remarkable stability of the Shamonda virus genome over the last forty years is reassuring in this regard. [less ▲]

Schmallenberg virus in calf born at term with porencephaly, Belgium

in Emerging Infectious Diseases (2012), 18(6), 1005-1006

European outbreaks of atypical myopathy in grazing equids (2006-2009). Spatiotemporal distribution, history and clinical features

in Equine Veterinary Journal (2012)

Rectal biopsies in 12 horses: Technique, safety and diagnostic value of histopathology

Conference (2011, February 05)

Several rectal biopsy techniques have been reported in horses and sites vary between 15cm or 30cm from the anus, and on the rectal floor or roof. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety of the ... [more ▼]

Several rectal biopsy techniques have been reported in horses and sites vary between 15cm or 30cm from the anus, and on the rectal floor or roof. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety of the technique performed with a uterine biopsy claw and the diagnostic value of rectal biopsies. Eight rectal biopsies, taken at 2H, 4H, 8H, 10H of the rectal wall respectively, each at both 15cm and 30cm from the anus, were taken pre-mortem with a uterine biopsy claw from 12 horses destined to euthanasia. Seven of these horses suffered from weight loss or chronic diarrhoea and 5 were control horses euthanized for non-digestive reasons. At the post-mortem samples of duodenum, ileum, caecum, colon and rectum were taken and the rectum was inspected for macroscopic lesions. Histopathology was performed on haematoxylin-eosin stained slides of all samples. Statistical analysis was performed with Fisher’s test. Sampling was considered easier at 2H for a right-handed person. Necropsies show that 91% of biopsies located 30cm from the anus and 48% of biopsies located 15cm were taken cranial of the retroperitoneal reflection. Hematomas (44%) existed especially on the ventral side. Inflammation at histology was significantly more important in rectal biopsies sampled at 30cm from the anus and in sick horses compared to 15cm and control horses respectively. The results of this study suggest that rectal biopsy could be an interesting ancillary test in horses with chronic diarrhoea or weight loss, but also shows the limits of the technique. [less ▲]

Evaluation of a protocol for fast localised abdominal sonography in horses (FLASH) admitted for colic.

in Veterinary Journal (2011)

The aim of this prospective study was to establish a protocol for fast localised abdominal sonography of horses (FLASH) admitted for colic. The FLASH protocol was then presented to clinicians without ... [more ▼]

The aim of this prospective study was to establish a protocol for fast localised abdominal sonography of horses (FLASH) admitted for colic. The FLASH protocol was then presented to clinicians without extensive ultrasound (US) experience to determine whether they could learn to use it in less than 15 min. The clinical subjects comprised 36 horses that had been referred for colic over a 2 month period. Each horse was examined at admission and FLASH findings at seven topographical locations were compared to serial clinical examinations, surgical and non-surgical outcomes, or with post-mortem reports. FLASH was able to show free abdominal fluid and abnormal intestinal loops, with a mean time of 10.7 min required to complete the protocol. The positive and negative predictive values of requirement for surgery of dilated turgid small intestinal loops using FLASH were 88.89% and 81.48%, respectively. The results suggested that FLASH is a technique that can be used in an emergency setting by veterinarians without extensive US experience to detect major intra-abdominal abnormalities in horses with colic. [less ▲]

Un nouveau syndrome hémorragique inexpliqué chez le bovin- la Pancytopénie néonatale bovine

Conference (2010, November 21)

UN NOUVEAU SYNDROME HÉMORRAGIQUE INEXPLIQUÉ CHEZ LE BOVIN – LA PANCYTOPÉNIE NÉONATALE BOVINE

in Antibiothérapies : Santé animale et santé publique (2010, May)

For several decades, the bovine was subject to various hemorrhagic syndromes which causes have historically been found. Since the mid-2000s, a new hemorrhagic syndrome seems to emerge with a significant ... [more ▼]

For several decades, the bovine was subject to various hemorrhagic syndromes which causes have historically been found. Since the mid-2000s, a new hemorrhagic syndrome seems to emerge with a significant epidemiological consistency, suggesting a common etiology, although unknown at present. The affected animals were calves of less than 30 days, of all races born to mothers without specific parity. We noticed a very sporadic disease (1/10.000) but lethal to 99%. The characteristic lesions are multifocal hemorrhages, hyperthermia, melena, we noted medullar aplasia systematically. These calves are vironegative for BTV, enzootic bovine leukosis and BVDV. No viral or bacterial agent could be isolated. It seems that most of these calves were born from dams vaccinated against BVDV. The track of an immune dysfunction is the most serious for the moment. [less ▲]

European outbreak of atypical myopathy in the autumn 2009.

in Journal of Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care (2010)

Background: Atypical myopathy (AM) is an acute, severe rhabdomyolysis occurring in grazing horses. Since In the beginning of October 2009, a new outbreak affects started in several European countries ... [more ▼]

Background: Atypical myopathy (AM) is an acute, severe rhabdomyolysis occurring in grazing horses. Since In the beginning of October 2009, a new outbreak affects started in several European countries. Geographic, demographic and clinical data of the reported cases in the month October 2009 are described. Key Findings: The survival rate over the month October 2009 was 25%. The most frequently observed clinical signs were congestedive mucous membranes, dyspnea, tachycardia, depression, weakness, stiffness, recumbency, trembling, transpirationsweating, and myoglobinuria. Non-survivors were significantly more often likely to be recumbent than survivors. Prognostic factors, symptomatic treatment and preventive measures are discussed. Significance: Slight differences were encountered during the described outbreak of AM in October 2009 compared to previous studies. Equine practitioners should be alert aware that previous epidemiological studies have shown that after a high prevalence this autumn, for new cases are likely to occur in the upcoming spring 2010. [less ▲]

A case of a periarticular abscess and suppurative arthritis of the atlanto-occipital joint

in Equine Veterinary Education (2009), 21(7), 340-343

This case report describes a periarticular abscess and a suppurative arthritis of the atlanto-occipital joint in an adult horse. The horse showed a painful swelling localized on the atlanto-occipital ... [more ▼]

This case report describes a periarticular abscess and a suppurative arthritis of the atlanto-occipital joint in an adult horse. The horse showed a painful swelling localized on the atlanto-occipital region and ataxia in all four limbs. During his hospitalization the horse developed recumbency, dysphagia, facial paralysis and seizures. With the use of ultrasonography of the atlanto-occipital region a tentative diagnosis was made which was later confirmed by autopsy. Culture of the abscess revealed a Staphylococcus aureus. However, the horse had a history of recurrent fever, hypertrophy and abcessation of the submandibular lymph nodes, neck pain and dyspnoea for 2 months, suggestive for strangles. [less ▲]