Porcine deltacoronavirus (δ-CoV) is the object of extensive research in several countries including the United States. In contrast, the epidemiology of δ-CoVs in wild birds in the US is largely unknown. Our aim was to comparatively assess the prevalence of δ- and γ-CoVs in wild migratory terrestrial and aquatic birds in Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee and Wisconsin. A total of 1236 cloacal/fecal swabs collected during the period 2015-2018 were tested for γ- and δ-CoVs using genus-specific reverse transcription-PCR assays. A total of 61 (4.99%) samples were γ-CoV positive, with up to 29 positive samples per state. In contrast, only 14 samples were positive for δ-CoV (1.14%) with only 1-4 originating from the same state. Thus, unlike previous reports from Asia, γ-CoVs are more prevalent than δ-CoVs in the US, suggesting that δ-CoVs may spread in birds with lower efficiency. This may indicate δ-CoV emerging status and incomplete adaptation to new host species limiting its spread. Phylogenetic analysis of the partial N gene revealed that the newly identified δ-CoV strains were most closely related to the HKU20 (wigeon) strain. Further studies are necessary to investigate the role of aquatic bird δ-CoVs in the epidemiology of δ-CoVs in swine and terrestrial birds. Paim FC, Bowman AS, Miller L, Feehan BJ, Marthaler D, Saif LJ, Vlasova AN. Epidemiology of deltacoronaviruses (δ-CoV) and gammacoronaviruses (γ-CoV) in wild birds in the United States. Viruses. 2019 Sep. https://doi.org/10.3390/v11100897
Monthly Archives: September 2019
Effects of Post-Insemination Energy Content of Feed on Embryonic Survival in Pigs: A Systematic Review
The feeding of diets with greater energy content than that needed for body maintenance following mating is believed to reduce embryonic survival in pigs. In swine operations, therefore, feed intake is often restricted during the first and second week of pregnancy to reduce embryo mortality. There is thought to be a relationship between feeding diets that result in energy intake that is greater than that needed for body maintenance and embryonic death. This relationship is associated with lesser than typical progesterone (P4) concentrations when feeding diets with greater energy content due to increased hepatic clearance. There is no consensus, however, as to whether feeding should be restricted during early pregnancy to avert this possible detrimental effect. Thus, the aim of this systematic review is to assess the effect in sows and gilts of feeding diets with different energy contents post-mating on embryonic survival, evaluating when possible, the relationship of a greater energy intake and P4 concentrations on embryonic survival. An electronic search was conducted of the PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of science, and Scielo databases during June 2018. A total of 109 articles were retrieved, and of these, only 16 articles were selected after applying the selection criteria. There was no negative effect of a greater feed intake than that needed for body maintenance after breeding in 75% of the experiments. Results from 35% of the experiments indicated feeding early pregnant sows a diet with greater energy content than that needed for body maintenance resulted in augmented embryonic death. In 66.7% of the experiments, in which there was assessment of P4 concentration, there was no negative effect of feeding after farrowing a diet with greater energy than that needed for body maintenance. In conclusion, it appears that restricted feed intake in early pregnancy is no longer relevant when there are modern prolific dam lines utilized in swine production enterprises because dietary energy of as great as 54 MJ ME/day had no detrimental effect on embryo survival. Leal D, Muro B, Nichi M, Almond G, Viana C, Vioti G, Carnevale R, Garbossa C. Effects of post-insemination energy content of feed on embryonic survival in pigs: A systematic review. Anim Reprod Sci. 2019 Jun. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anireprosci.2019.04.005
CLSI Reference Book Available: VET09 Understanding Susceptibility Test Data as a Component of Antimicrobial Stewardship in Veterinary Settings, 1st Edition
VET09: Understanding Susceptibility Test Data as a Component of Antimicrobial Stewardship in Veterinary Settings, 1st Edition is now available from the Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). This report provides veterinarians with the information needed to successfully acquire and interpret antimicrobial susceptibility test results. It promotes common understanding between the veterinarian and the veterinary microbiology laboratory by providing example culture and susceptibility reports and animal species-specific guidance on applying breakpoints to interpret susceptibility test results.
USDA NIFA Accepting Nominations for Veterinary Service Shortage Situations
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture is currently soliciting nominations of veterinary service shortage situations for the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program. If you would like to provide input, you can contact your state veterinarian.
FDA Awards $500,000 to Fund Studies to Help Define Duration of Use for Certain Medically Important Antimicrobial Drugs for Food Animals
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has awarded two $250,000 grants to fund research projects in fiscal year (FY) 2019 aimed to help target and define durations of use for certain medically important antimicrobial drugs approved for use in the feed of food-producing animals. Defining targeted durations of use is one component of the FDA’s five-year plan, “Supporting Antimicrobial Stewardship in Veterinary Settings,” published last September that outlines key goals and objectives for FY 2019 – FY 2023. This plan applies a risk-based approach to antimicrobial resistance and supports the FDA’s ongoing efforts to slow the development of antimicrobial resistance by fostering the judicious use of medically important antimicrobial drugs in animals. [Source: FDA 27 September 2019]
FDA Issues Draft Guidance on Expanded Conditional Approval for Certain Animal Drugs
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today released draft Guidance for Industry, entitled “Eligibility Criteria for Expanded Conditional Approval of New Animal Drugs,” to assist animal drug sponsors and potential sponsors who may be interested in pursuing conditional approval to market animal drugs to address serious or life-threatening diseases or conditions, or an unmet animal or human health need, and for which demonstrating effectiveness would require complex or particularly difficult study or studies. [Source: FDA 26 September 2019]
AVMA Videos Address Questions about Suicide
September is Suicide Prevention Month. We can all help prevent suicide. AVMA has produced three short videos that address this important topic. ï§ What should you do if someone tells you they’re thinking about suicide? ï§ What is the correct terminology for talking about suicide and does it matter? What does suicide contagion mean and what can be done to prevent it?
Application Period Now Open for Boehringer Ingelheim Research Awards on Porcine Respiratory Diseases
Practicing veterinarians, researchers and academics may now apply for one of three $35,000 awards for research related to infectious respiratory disease in pigs.
AASV Members Receive Discount on Latest Edition of Diseases of Swine
The classic veterinary reference Diseases of Swine has been completely revised and is available to order at wiley.com. AASV members receive a 20% discount from the publishers when purchasing the e-book or print copy using the order promo code available at aasv.org/members (scroll down to “Special offers for AASV members”).
Korean African Swine Fever Outbreak Update
African swine fever (ASF) was first confirmed in South Korea on September 17, 2019. As of September 24, 2019, a total of five ASF cases were found in the southeast Asian country. All the current outbreaks closely neighbor North Korea, by land or sea. The first two ASF cases in South Korea were confirmed in Paju and Yeoncheon. The third was discovered in Gimpo then a fourth was found in Paju. The fifth was just reported in Kanghwa. Dr. Kyoung-Jin Yoon, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine professor and Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory staff, maintains close connections with swine industry experts in his native country and has been monitoring the ASF situation in South Korea closely.