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Ectopic ACTH secretion is provoked by extra-pituitary tumours that secrete ACTH, constituting an infrequent type of Cushing Syndrome in the dog. Neuroendocrine tumours (NET) are characterised by the synthesis of peptides with hormone activity. A dog with clinical diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome and presenting an abdominal tumour located in the area of the left adrenal gland was sent to the hospital. Cortisol was not inhibited at four and eight hours after the application of low-dose dexamethasone and the cortisol/creatinine ratio was elevated (93 × 10^-6, referencevalues < 10 × 10^-6). Plasma ACTH measurements were high (28.6 pmol/l, reference values 5.5-14.3 pmol/l). On computed tomography, the tumour was found in the meso-epigastrium, with both adrenal glands hyperplasic and no alteration of the pituitary image. The tumour was located between the two layers of the meso-colon and was removed using laparoscopy. After surgery, ACTH concentrations became normal and clinical signs remitted. The histopathological diagnosis was NET, with positive ACTH immunostaining.

Contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP) is caused by Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capripneumoniae (Mccp) which belongs to the Mycoplasma mycoides cluster, a group of five closely related Mycoplasmas, pathogenic to ruminants. The true lesions of CCPP are restricted to the alveolar tissues of infected goats, which distinguish it from other respiratory diseases of small ruminants caused by members of the Mycoplasma mycoides cluster. The typical signs of CCPP are an accumulation of pleural fluid, unilateral hepatisation, adhesions, pleurisy and pleuropneumonia which clearly differentiate it from "MAKePS" syndrome caused by Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. capri (Mmc). The available literature on CCPP shows that so far in Pakistan, the true causative agent (Mccp) of this disease has only been isolated in the Pashin District of Balochistan and that the disease is more frequently confused with other respiratory diseases of goat caused by the Mycoplasma mycoides cluster. The lack of suitable techniques and extensive knowledge in the field is a big limitation for the isolation and characterisation of Mccp from prevailing CCPP-like cases in the goat population of Pakistan.

An adult, female harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena relicta) was found stranded on the southern Aegean Sea coast of Turkey. Thirteen holes made by copepods were observed on the lateral sides of the porpoise. The copepods were identified as Pennella balaenopterae, based on the morphological characteristics and measurement. Tissue samples were collected from embedded parts of parasites, histopathologically examined and panniculitis findings were observed. Although this parasite copepod had been reported on several marine mammals, this is the first report in the harbour porpoise, and in the Aegean Sea.

A 13-year-old spayed bitch was referred for evaluation of an abdominal distension with a palpable, continuously growing mass. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a 30 × 20 cm mass directly connected to the spleen. Surgical exploration confirmed the sonographic diagnosis with adhesions to the omentum and the liver. Pathohistological samples revealed well differentiated adipose tissue and variably differentiated collagenous and myxomatous tissue. Immunohistochemically, vimentin and in some regions alpha smooth muscle actin were expressed indicating smooth muscle differentiation. The results support the diagnosis of a malignant mesenchymoma composed of liposarcoma, mixosarcoma and leiomyosarcoma. No local recurrence or metastasis occurred during a nine month follow-up. So far, only two pathological retrospective studies describing the common prevalence and properties of canine splenic malignant mesenchymomas were found in the literature. However, this rare tumor entity has to be considered as a differential diagnosis in cases of large splenic masses.

Immunomodulatory products have been used for years in veterinary medicine. Inactivated Parapoxvirus ovis (iPPVO) is currently used in equine medicine as an immunomodulator to improve the immune system and as a prophylactic treatment to prevent or treat infectious diseases. This study was designed to determine the effects of iPPVO on polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNL) function (phagocytosis and intracellular killing activity) and the myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity of PMNLs in horses. Twenty-four healthy English thoroughbred horses with an average age of 11 years were included in the study. Venous blood samples (10 ml) were taken before (agent-free controls) and after the administration of iPPVO (2 ml i.m. injection on Days 1, 3, and 5). PMNLs (1 × 10⁷ cells/ml) were isolated from venous blood containing EDTA (0.1 g/ml) with Ficoll-Hypaque gradient centrifugation. Cellular phagocytosis and intracellular killing activities were assayed using a modification of Alexander's method before and after treatment with iPPVO. MPO activity was also measured. The administration of iPPVO significantly increased the phagocytic, intracellular killing, and MPO activities of equine PMNLs (P = 0.0058, P = 0.0050, and P = 0.0070, respectively). This study demonstrates a strong correlation between MPO activity and PMNL function. The administration of iPPVO to horses has a supportive effect on their cellular immunity and an immunomodulatory effect against equine viral infections.

This study was aimed at assessing the histopathological and haematological effects of a widely used herbicide on rice paddy fields, i.e. butachlor, on rainbow trout. Fish were exposed to butachlor at a concentration of 0.39 mg/l, for a period of 10 days. Haematologically, fish showed a significant decrease in erythrocyte count, haemoglobin, white blood cells and lymphocytes and a significant increase in neutrophils compared to controls (P < 0.05). Histopathological observations of prepared sections of the treatment group also revealed pathological lesions of varying severity in studied organs, including liver (hyperaemia and haemorrhage, bile duct hyperplasia, dilated sinuses, interstitial oedema, monocellular necrosis, nuclear degeneration and hypertrophy in hepatocytes), gills (hyperplasia and hyperplasia of lamellar epithelium, fusion of lamellae, rod-like structures of secondary gill lamellae, cystic-like lesions) and kidneys (vacuolar degeneration of tubular epithelium, desquamation of epithelium and necrosis of tubular epithelium). It is concluded that butachlor caused changes in certain haematological parameters and histopathologically, exerted destructive effects on the gills, liver and kidneys of rainbow trout.

In this case report, three different crossbreedings of pet rabbits were performed producing affected as well as healthy bunnies. All affected rabbits were smaller and had local alopecia, exophthalmus, and limb deviations compared to their healthy littermates; thus, a homozygous form of Pelger-Huet anomaly was suspected. This anomaly was confirmed by blood examination in which granulocytes with oval nuclei and a very coarse chromatin pattern, as well as lymphocytes with micronuclei were noticed. Karyotype analyses of the lymphocytes revealed many chromosomal aberrations in affected rabbits. Moreover, severe arterial abnormalities in the pelvic cavity and proximal part of the pelvic limbs were also found in these rabbits. Our findings suggest a multigenic origin of Pelger-Huet anomaly in rabbits, because only male and female offspring with the otter colour of fur were severely affected by this congenital disorder.

Neospora caninum is a protozoan parasite that causes abortion in ruminants, including goats. The objective of the present study was to determine the seroprevalence of N. caninum in native Korean goats (Capra hircus coreanae). A commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit was used to analyse 464 serum samples for the presence of N. caninum antibodies. Four samples (0.9%, 95% confidence intervals - CI: 0.0-1.7) were found to be positive for N. caninum antibodies. The seroprevalence was analysed according to age (less than to one year, young; more than or equal one year, adult; and unknown), sampling season (April to September, warm; October to March, cold), and region (northern, central, and southern). However, there were no statistically significant differences in seroprevalence according to age, season, and region (P > 0.05). This is the first report on the seroprevalence of N. caninum in native Korean goats. The results of this study indicate a nationwide distribution of N. caninum among goats, with a relatively low prevalence. Therefore, the implementation of integrated control strategies as well as measures for prevention and control of N. caninum infection among goats is recommended.

Electroretinography (ERG) in the form of full-field, flash ERG is the most commonly used technique in veterinary ophthalmology for diagnosing the functioning of the outer retina. Under light stimulation spatially distributed different cell types within the retina produce time-varying electric responses. These are recorded in the form of ERG traces consisting of a series of positive and negative wavelets. The possibility of selective stimulation of individual types of retinal cells and the analysis of constituent components of ERGs are the basis for determining the source of abnormalities and diagnosis of various types of dysfunction. In many cases, the ERG allows diagnosis of hereditary retinal disorders in dogs before the appearance of behavioural and ophthalmoscopic symptoms. This review is an introduction to the electrophysiology of vision, intended for small animal practitioners, and aimed at presenting the benefits of ERG for early ophthalmic diagnostics in dogs.

The following case report describes the diagnosis and surgery of bilateral polydactyly of unknown origin in a dromedary camel. A two-year-old, 290 kg, intact female camel was admitted for surgical removal of bilateral supernumerary digits associated with the medial aspects of the metacarpi and proximal to the fetlock joints. Radiographic examination revealed bilateral polydactyly with complete fusion of metacarpal bones. Surgery consisted of an osteotomy of surplus metacarpal bones combined with amputation of the supernumerary digits. The follow-up at 12 months after surgery revealed a sound camel with an excellent cosmetic outcome.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of herb mixture (summer shield) supplementation on growth performance, nutrient utilisation, and plasma lipid profiles in broiler chickens. Thirty-six male chicks at 15 days of age were divided into three groups with three replicates of four birds. The control group of chicks was fed a basal diet and the remaining two groups of chicks were fed the basal diet supplemented with summer shield at a concentration of 1 g/kg or 2 g/kg, respectively, until 37 days of age. Although feed intake was not different among the three groups, both body weight gain and breast muscle weight were increased in chicks fed a summer shield-supplemented diet. Summer shield supplementation decreased abdominal fat weight and consequently feed efficiency was improved. Both protein and fat utilisation was improved in chickens fed a summer shield-supplemented diet although dry matter content was not influenced. In addition, summer shield supplementation improved plasma lipid profiles, i.e., total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were decreased, whereas high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was increased. Furthermore, summer shield supplementation increased total protein, albumin, and globulin levels in plasma, while neither glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase nor glutamate pyruvate transaminase were affected. These results suggest that summer shield supplementation has positive effects on growth performance, nutrient utilisation, and plasma lipid profiles in broiler chickens.

The present study was aimed at the detection and describing the lesions of akabane virus in foetal and new-born calves tissues using immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence techniques. Akabane virus lesions were evaluated in 12 foetuses and three new-born calves using serological and pathological methods and immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Macroscopically, prominent arthrogryposis and hydranencephaly (A-H syndrome) were the main symptoms. At the histopathological examination, lesions were especially localised in the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata in the central nervous system (CNS) in calves naturally infected with akabane virus. In these areas, degenerative and necrotic neurons were observed. There was prominent mononuclear infiltration in perivascular areas. While akabane virus antigen was only detected in brain using immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry against akabane virus yielded positive antigenic reactions in the cerebrum, cerebellum, liver, spleen and kidneys. In addition to these findings, there was a relationship between akabane virus infection and neurofilament (NF), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) immunoreaction in astrocytes and neurons.

Driven by a combination of pedagogical, ethical and economic factors, the use of simulation technology and other alternatives to traditional training methods has become increasingly common in veterinary education as a means to teach basic and advanced concepts along with technical skills. When paired with well-structured and supervised clinical training on animal patients, these modern methodologies help educators fill gaps left by conventional methods, reduce and replace the consumptive use of live animals, and ultimately result in the graduation of more confident and proficient veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and allied health personnel. This article surveys an array of the simulation methods currently available for veterinary education and how they integrate with and enhance standard curricula.

A four-year-old cross-breed and neutered bitch weighing 24 kg, was presented with vaginal bleeding for one month and a vaginal mass identified two previously. An ovariohysterectomy operation was performed at two years of age; however, mating subsequently continued. Vaginal bleeding and an irregular-shaped, oedematous vaginal mass (12 × 9 × 7 cm) were detected on clinical examination. The bitch also exhibited leukocytosis and erythrocytopenia. Abundant erythrocytes together with neutrophils, lymphocytes, intermedier cells and transmissible venereal tumour cells were observed in vaginal cytology. Abdominal ultrasonography showed cystic ovarian tissue (2.42 × 1.36 cm) next to the right kidney. Chemotherapy was performed once a week for six weeks leading to a gradual declined in the size and oedema of the mass and to a stop in bleeding. Subsequently, the vaginal mass was extirpated and the ovarian remnant tissue was removed via laparotomy on the same day. The bitch was found to be healthy on examination fourmonths later.

In this study, the aim was to investigate the anatomy of the aortic arch arteries in mole-rats (Spalax leucodon). Six adult mole-rats were used for this purpose. Coloured latex was injected into the left ventriculus of the hearts of all animals. The materials were carefully dissected and the arterial patterns of arteries originating from the aortic arch were examined. The brachiocephalic trunk, the left common carotid and the left subclavian arteries were detached from the aortic arch. The brachiocephalic trunk separated into the right subclavian and common carotid arteries. The branches separating from the subclavian arteries were on the right, the common branch giving the profund cervical, the internal thoracic, and the costocervical trunk, and on the left the internal thoracic and the costocervical trunk were in the common root and the profund cervical artery was independent and on both sides after giving the common branch of the superficial servical and the external thoracic artery. This continued as the axillary artery which was then separated into the subscapular and the brachial arteries. Thus, the arteries originating from the aortic arch and the branches of these arteries were found to be different from other rodents and domestic mammals.

The transmission of infectious agents from domestic animals to humans is a matter of particular concern at present. Inoculation can enhance the defences of each individual animal but only in the short term. Certainly, it will be of immense benefit if biotechnology and genetic techniques are applied to farm animal breeding and selection programs to improve productivity, performance and health status as well as for the construction of sustainable animal production systems and promotion of animal welfare. In recent years, efforts to drive candidate genes like cytokines, haptoglobin, complement system, C-reactive protein, a 2-macroglobulin, retinol binding protein, transcortin, and etc. associated with immune traits have successfully been studied in human and different animal species. Here, we compared the molecular structure and evaluated the expression tendency of the haemolytic complement activity (HCA) of porcine candidate genes encoding the terminal complement components (TCC) C6-9. The results suggested that (1) high homology of complement genes among mammalian species may open new ways in cure/ treatment of disease; (2) Muong Khuong animals (Vietnamese potbelly pig) have a great genetic potential to improve the health status of pigs; and (3) HCA in the classical pathway can be developed further by different activation modes, with the potential improvement of animal health.

Information provided in the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) portal database of the European Commission on "crustaceans and products thereof" for Bangladesh during 2000-2012 was investigated to analyse the trends of occurrences. A total of 159 (10.56%) notifications (alert - 40; border rejection - 47; information - 72) were recorded for Bangladesh against a worldwide 1505 notifications. During the period 120 (20.27%) notifications were identified for residue of veterinary medicinal products against 592 notifications recorded in the portal. Forty-eight consignments were re-despatched to Bangladesh while 11 consignments were destroyed at the European border as a consequence of the notifications by the European countries.

Secretion of adequate levels of progesterone from a proper corpus luteum (CL), which develops out of the cells of a healthy preovulatory follicle, is a key-factor for establishment of a pregnancy. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between morphological and secretory characteristics of preovulatory follicles and their corresponding corpus luteum with regard to the post-partum period in high-yielding dairy cows. Therefore, ultrasound-guided aspirations of preovulatory follicles were performed repeatedly, using 20 first lactating cows between 26 and 121 days after parturition. Heat was induced with a PGF analogon followed by administration of a GnRH analogon. The dominant follicle was aspirated 21 h after administration of the GnRH analogon. The diameters of the follicles were estimated at aspiration and the morphology of the resulting luteal tissue was examined on day 14 after follicle aspiration using ultrasonographic examinations. Concentrations of progesterone (P₄) and 17-beta-oestradiol (E₂) were determined in the follicular fluids (FF) and P₄ concentration was estimated at the time of CL examination in plasma. A CL development occurred in 82% after dominant follicle aspiration. The interval of time between parturition and follicle aspiration did not affect the investigated variables. The diameter of the aspirated preovulatory follicle was positively correlated to the cross-section area of the developed luteal tissue (R = 0.60; P < 0.01) as well as to the plasma P₄ concentration on day 14 after follicle aspiration (R = 0.47; P < 0.05). Also, E₂ concentrations in FF were positively correlated to cross-section area of the luteal tissue (R = 0.54; P < 0.05). Comparing the FF of the follicles that gave rise to a CL after aspiration to follicles that did not, both types had comparable P₄, but the former type harboured higher E₂ concentrations. In conclusion, preovulatory follicle diameter as well as steroid concentrations in the follicular fluid could be used prospectively to identify cows which will have well-developed CLs and high plasma P₄ levels later. On the other hand, CL development after follicle aspiration can be used as a retrospective quality parameter of dominant follicles. These results will help to identify suitable animals for breeding or recipients for embryo transfer.

Essential oils (EOs) are important aromatic components of herbs and spices and their biological activities have been known and utilised since ancient times in perfumery, food preservation, flavouring, and medicine. Some of their biological activities include antibacterial, antifungal, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects amongst others. EOs have received attention in recent years as potential 'natural' alternatives for replacing antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) in animal diets due to their positive impact on growth performance, gut microbiota and welfare. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of our own published and unpublished data on the antibacterial, antifungal and insecticidal activity of thymol and cinnamaldehyde (TC blend), and to describe the effects of this specific EO blend on gut microbiota, growth performance and welfare, carcass characteristics and food safety. The possible modes of action of EOs are discussed and areas for future research are proposed.

The transport of weaned piglets is considered an important stress factor since the conditions involved in shipping affect the animals' health and welfare. The principal stressor factors that piglets experience during transport include: mixing with unfamiliar animals, overcrowding, heat, cold, temperature fluctuations, vibrations, and noise. It is well known that all these factors contribute to raising the level of stress caused by the weaning process; however, the additional effects attributable to transport immediately after weaning impact the physiology, metabolism and behaviour of piglets, predisposing them to delayed growth. For this reason, animal transport must be well-planned and take into account such aspects as preparation of the piglets, choosing the best route and vehicle type, assuring adequate vehicle design and maintenance, and providing sufficient space. Also important for assuring the welfare of the piglets during transport are sufficient rest time, appropriate access to food and water, defined measures for monitoring the animals during the trip, implementing means of disease control, and establishing the steps to be followed in case of an emergency.

An eight year-old mixed breed dog was referred for evaluation with chronic sneezing, epistaxis and nasal bone deformation. A clinical exam revealed a deformity of the left nasal bone. Cytological evaluation of the nasal cavity showed round and cuboid cells in different stages of maturation. Computed tomography images identified a diffuse soft tissue mass in the nasal cavity. The histopathological diagnosis was transitional cell carcinoma. Chemotherapy with cisplatin and piroxicam was initiated. Computed tomography was used to follow the chemotherapy outcome. As many nasal carcinomas express COX-2, its expression was evaluated before and after chemotherapy. Computed tomography revealed a significant reduction of the tumour mass. Inmunohistochemistry showed a marked decrease in COX-2 expression and after 1120 days, the dog remained without clinical signs. Thus, the use of piroxicam and cisplatin is revealed to be effective in the treatment of a nasal transitional carcinoma in a dog. Also, it is possible to postulate that a decrease in COX-2 expression after chemotherapy may be regarded as an indication for a good response to the treatment and favourable outcome. To the authors' knowledge this is the first report that evaluates COX-2 expression after chemotherapy.

Sulfonamides are widely used in treatment of animals and humans but pose a risk as environmental pollutants. An analysis of 1588 publications focused on sulfonamides is presented here. The review deals with environmental pollution with sulfonamides, described in papers indexed in the database Web of Science from 1938 to 2011. More in depth details are presented regarding publication activity during the last ten years in which 1255 papers have been published by authors from 1100 institutions. Papers, published during the last three years and mainly in 2011, are listed in comprehensive tables, sorted according to five criteria: reviews, contaminated niches, risk of contamination, sulfonamide transformation and methods of analysis. Key words and shortened abstracts direct the reader to the topics of interest. Hyperlinks to full papers, published in open access journals, are another aid in knowledge dissemination. This design of the review article allows easy navigation through vast amounts of information. Finally, a case report illustrates experiences from the author's laboratory with sulfamethazine determination in pig slurry by ELISA. The reported results highlight the need for updating the legal directives for environmental protection.

The present investigation aimed to evaluate the histomorphometric features of the skin of the Iranian native sheep (Bakhtiari breed). A total of 24 apparently healthy Iranian Bakhtiari sheep, aged 1-2 years were analysed and categorised on the basis of sex (12 females and 12 males). Samples were taken as small pieces from different regions of the skin, fixed and stained with H&E. The quantitative evaluations of different regions of skin were carried out using lattice line graticule (5 × 5) and light microscopy. The Student t-test and one-way ANOVA were used to analyse the data and detect significant differences. Results showed that the volume densities of different histological structures varied between sexes and among the different regions. No significant difference was observed in volume densities of sebaceous glands, arrector pili muscles and blood vessels, but the other parameters studied differed significantly among the regions. Except for the arrector pili muscle and connective tissue, the volume densities of other tissue structures were significantly affected by sex.

The present study was conducted to verify the effect of Ceylon cinnamon on experimentally induced excision wounds in rats. Thirty-two rats were divided into four groups of eight rats each. Group A received a placebo containing 1.5% of cinnamon and Group B a placebo containing 3%. Group C, as the control group, didn't receive any treatment and finally Group D received a blank placebo as the reference standard group. Wound healing was monitored on Days 3, 6, 9 and 14 and histological evaluation was carried out on the samples. The results show that cinnamon extract served to accelerate the wound healing process and specifically increased epithelialization in treatment groups compared to the other groups. Thus, this study demonstrates that Ceylon cinnamon may be effective in stimulating the enclosure of wounds.

The giant liver fluke, Fascioloides magna, is of interest to wild-life managers, veterinarians and researchers, due to its unusual body size (3-10 cm), high pathogenic potential and because it is continuously spreading to new areas, especially in Europe. Annually, the number of cases of animal infections (mainly cervids and bovids) caused by this fluke is monitored in many European countries, including the Czech Republic (with some foci of prevalence over 90%). During the years 2009 and 2010, 1622 survey forms focused on monitoring of fascioloidosis were distributed in the community of "Czech Inspectors of Hunted Game" (CIHG), and 21.3% of forms containing positive or negative response about F. magna occurrence were returned. The administrative units monitored by particular CIHG, who answered the forms, were geographically equally distributed and therefore we believe that also the recorded distribution of F. magna in wild-life animals reflects the real situation in the Czech Republic. A significant number of cases of F. magna infection were repeatedly reported from areas in the south-west part of the Czech Republic. Moreover, our report contains also some unique records of several new F. magna foci in the western (close to the German border), northern (close to the Polish border) and central parts of the Czech Republic, supporting the assumption that the parasite is spreading further throughout Europe. In five game administrative units F. magna infection was directly confirmed by examination of dissected deer livers or by microscopic examination of coprological samples, followed by isolation of DNA from adults and eggs and further molecular analyses. Fascioloides magna intermediate host snails (Galba truncatula and Radix spp.) were collected during 2009 and 2010 from different localities of the Czech Republic, kept in aquaria, examined for shedding of F. magna cercariae, dissected and parasite/snail DNA was isolated. After PCR with specific primers for parasite/snail internal transcribed region number two (ITS-2) the obtained sequences confirmed identification of the following species: F. magna, G. truncatula, R. peregra, R. lagotis, R. labiata and R. auricularia. Although it has been demonstrated that the number of areas with positive cases of fascioloidosis is still growing, the risk of pathogenic impact of F. magna on populations of free-living animals and farming cervids/bovids is generally underestimated.

The causative agents of respiratory diseases of turkeys represent, primarily in fattening farms, a substantial risk of economic and breeding problems. The purpose of this communication is to provide information on the prevalence of respiratory agents of turkeys and chickens in several fattening and production farms in Southern Moravia. This study was focused on pathogens causing bacterial diseases such as Ornithobacteriosis and Mycoplasmosis, as well as viral rhinotracheitis and laryngotracheitis of poultry. The laboratory diagnosis of these diseases has been performed in our institute since January 2008. We examined 249 samples of turkeys and chickens from a single rearing house and six fattening farms in Southern Moravia. The samples were examined using the PCR or RT-PCR method. The typing of isolates of Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale was done using the M13 fingerprinting method. We established the prevalence of pathogens such as Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale (ORT), Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG), Mycoplasma synoviae (MS), avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) and laryngotracheitis virus (ILT) in selected farms.

In this study, the brachial plexus in the mole-rat was investigated. Six adult mole-rats were used and the brachial plexus of each was dissected. It was found that the brachial plexus in the mole-rat was formed by the rami ventralis of C5. A single root was formed from a major part of the ramus ventralis of C5 and through the joining of the whole of the ramus ventralis of C6, C7, C8 and T1. Thus, in mole-rats, the spinal nerves forming the brachial plexus and the joining of these spinal nerves to each other differ from other rodents and mammals.

Some species of invertebrates especially bryozoans (Bryozoa syn. Ectoprocta) and marine sponges (Porifera) are very important sources of pharmacologically exploitable compounds. These substances are probably produced to protect themselves from fish predators and may be an advantage in competition. The real sources of compounds with these antipredatory effects are probably not marine invertebrates themselves, but microscopic symbionts or food which they feed on. Bryostatins from bryozoan species Bugula neritina are produced by a bacterial symbiont called Candidatus Endobugula sertula. They have significant anti-cancer effects, but also other therapeutic benefits. Compounds with the structure of bryostatins were also discovered in some other invertebrates. Sponges are a source of many compounds, e.g., ara-A (vidarabine), manzamine, lasonolides, spongistatins, peloruside and others with antimicrobial, anti-cancer, immunosuppressive and similar activities. Other important sources of compounds with medical effects are tunicates (Tunicata syn. Urochordata) and some snails (Mollusca). One drug was developed from tunicates - Yondelis against refractory soft-tissue sarcomas. Certain other drugs originate from snails: e.g., prialt, which acts against chronic pain in spinal cord injury.

The parasite load of brown hares (Lepus europaeus) is of great interest to hunting ground managers and veterinarians. We compared the prevalence and intensity of parasitic infections in 362 hares from Austria and the Czech Republic with respect to age and body weight. Samples of the entire gastrointestinal tract, liver and lungs were collected during autumn hunting events in 2007. The parasite spectrum of hares included Protostrongylus pulmonalis, Graphidium strigosum, Trichostrongylus retortaeformis, Trichuris leporis, Eimeria spp. and tapeworms. The most prevalent gastrointestinal nematode was Trichostrongylus retortaeformis, while only individual specimens of tapeworms such as Andrya rhopalocephala, Mosgovoyia pectinata, Cittotaenia denticulata and Ctenotaenia ctenoides were found in subadult hares. A single hare was infected with Cysticercus pisiformis in Austria. Lungworms Protostrongylus pulmonalis and findings of pneumonia were significantly less prevalent in subadult than adult hares (P < 0.01) from both countries and were much less prevalent overall in the Czech Republic (P < 0.01). Graphidium strigosum, Trichostrongylus retortaeformis, Eimeria spp. and enteritis were more prevalent in subadult hares. The nematode Trichuris leporis, on the other hand, prevailed in adults. The body weight of adult hares was negatively correlated with the intensity of infection by Protostrongylus pulmonalis (r = -0.67) and Trichostrongylus retortaeformis (r = -0.73) and the parasite loads served as significant weight predictors in multiple regression equations. This study revealed that parasitic infections of the lungs and intestines influences the health and decreases the body weight of hares in Austrian and Czech hunting grounds.

Peat used as a feed supplement for piglets has favourable dietetic qualities; however, its frequent contamination with potentially pathogenic mycobacteria (PPM) has been shown to pose a potential risk to piglet health. The purpose of the present study was to investigate possible ways of devitalising mycobacteria. Examination of 118 samples from various types of commercially available peat (natural peat, packed peat for horticulture and specially processed peat intended for piglet feeding) showed that PPM were present in 84 (71.1%) samples. Mycobacterium avium subsp. hominissuis (82.1%) was the most frequent mycobacterial isolate. In addition, from a natural locality where peat is mined and stored in large piles for up to four months, mycobacteria were detected in peat samples collected from the surface and from up to 25 cm in depth. We used different physical and chemical procedures for peat decontamination (peracetic acid, formaldehyde, steam, and microwave radiation) in attempting to devitalise the mycobacteria in peat. We found that PPM can be reliably devitalised with 1.0% peracetic acid, or 5.0% formaldehyde. However, under field conditions, when using bulk amounts of peat, none of the above procedures were shown to be suitable. Based on these results, the feeding of peat to piglets is confirmed as a high-risk practice.