RESUMO: Os lentiviros de pequenos ruminantes (LVPR) são responsáveis por enfermidades infecciosas e multissistêmicas causadas pelo Vírus da Artrite Encefalite Caprina (CAEV) e o Vírus da Maedi-Visna (MVV), e se apresentam sob as formas clínicas: articular, mamária, respiratória e nervosa. Desta forma esse trabalho objetivou determinar a ocorrência e avaliar os fatores de risco associados à infecção por LVPR no Estado de Sergipe, Brasil. Foram coletadas amostras sanguíneas de 1200 ovinos e 675 caprinos oriundos respectivamente de 60 e 41 propriedades localizadas em 25 municípios sergipanos no período de 2011 a 2014. Os diagnósticos dos LVPR foram determinados pela técnica sorológica de Imunodifusão em Gel Ágar (IDGA) usando o kit comercial da marca Biovetech®. Os dados das variáveis associadas aos fatores de risco foram obtidos a partir de questionários aplicados aos proprietários dos rebanhos e analisados estatisticamente. As frequências absolutas e relativas foram determinadas por análise estatística descritiva e os fatores de risco por análise univariada das variáveis de interesse pelo Teste de Qui-quadrado de Pearson e Exato de Fisher, quando necessário, e em seguida submetidos à análise de regressão logística. Foi evidenciada uma soropositividade de 5,03% (34/675) em caprinos e 1,50% em ovinos com 26,82% (11/41) e 28,33% (17/60) das propriedades apresentando ao menos um animal positivo respectivamente. Na análise dos fatores de risco, não foram observadas diferenças significantes para os ovinos, enquanto que, para os caprinos, rebanhos acima de 100 animais, que pastejam em áreas comuns com outros rebanhos, em uma distância ≤500 metros entre as propriedades, que adotam medidas biotecnológicas da reprodução e não utilizam agulhas estéreis, são mais susceptíveis à infecção por LVPR. Sendo assim, conclui-se que, há a presença dos LVPR em rebanhos sergipanos, e mesmo que em baixas frequências faz-se necessário a implementação de medidas profiláticas devido a possibilidade de expansão e desenvolvimento da caprinocultura do estado, e o alto padrão genético da raça Santa Inês.

The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of antibodies IgG against Neospora caninum and evaluate the risk factors associated with the infection in ovine herds, State of Sergipe, Brazil. Blood samples (n=1200) were collected from sheep raised in 60 sheep run located in the three mesoregions of the State of Sergipe, between 2011 e 2012. Antibodies were investigated by Indirect Immunofluorescence Antibody Test of which cutoff point was 50 and positive samples were diluted in base 2 until the last positive titer. Data from 15 variables was obtained from questionnaires given to farmers. Absolute and relative frequencies were determined and the risk factors were analyzed by Pearson's Qui-Square test (p≤0,05). The occurrences of serum reactive sheep were 39.83% (478/1200). The occurrences of positive sheep and sheep run were 55.88% (380/680) and 88.24% (30/34) in the Eastern region; 21.42% (60/280) e 42.85% (6/14) in dry region and 15.83% (38/240) e 41.67% (5/12) in the backwoods respectively. Antibody titers ranged from 50 (n=459), represented 96.02% (459/478) of seropositive samples to 6400 (1/478). Among the significant variables in the multivariate analysis were considered risk factors for infection with N. caninum were, sheep run located in Eastern region (p=0.000, OR=4.64, CI95%=3.36-6.41); standing and running water sources (p=0.000 OR=2.03, CI95%=1.41-2.92), absence of quarantine (p=0.000, OR=2.71, CI95%=2.08-3.53), absence of dunghill (p=0.000, OR=3.14, CI95%=2.45-4.02), presence of dogs (p=0.000, OR=2.74, CI95%=1.73-433), presence of wild animals (p=0.000, OR=3.45, CI95%=2.44-4.87) and subsistence (p=0.000, OR=4.99, CI95%=3.15-7.92) or reproduction (p=0.002, OR=1.74, CI95%=1.22-2.49) livestock were important risk factors. Our results highlight the occurrence of N. caninum in the ovine herds from State of Sergipe. Management and location of sheep runs were important risk factors associated to the infection.INDEX TERMS: Neospora caninum, infection, parasite, sheep, risk factors, indirect fluorescent antibody test.

The objective was to determine, through indirect immunofluorescence reaction (RIFI, 1:64), the occurrence of IgG antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii and the risk factors associated with infection in goats in the state of Sergipe. To this study were used 675 samples of blood of animals from 41 farms of the three state mesoregions from 2013 to 2014. The occurrence of seropositive goats was 30.07%, with 90.24% of farms with seropositive animals. The distribution of titers obtained was 37.93%, 11.82%, 17.24%, 18.22%, and 17.77% for 64, 128, 512 and 1024 respectively. The risk factors observed were farms that did not have facilities (p=0.000, OR=2.30, CI 95%=1.41-3.74), with flooded soils (p=0.011, OR=2.94, CI 95%=1.27-6.79), which provided feed on the ground (p=0.032, OR=1.69, CI 95%=1.04-2.74), in uncovered cages (p=0.032, OR=1.69, CI 95%=1.04-2.74), pasture-based feed (p=0.003, OR=3.52, CI 95%=1.53-8.09), with access from cats to (p=0.031, OR=1.45, CI 95%=1.03-2.04) and introduced new breeders in the last five years (p=0.036, OR=1.58, CI 95%=1.02-2.74).

Resumo O objetivo do estudo foi determinar a ocorrência e distribuição topográfica de linfonodos superficiais com alterações clínicas (hiperplasias, abscessos e/ou feridas em processo de cicatrização), sugestivas de Linfadenite Caseosa (LC), em pequenos ruminantes criados no estado de Sergipe. Entre os anos de 2011 e 2014, foram realizados exames clínicos de 1.908 pequenos ruminantes de 101 propriedades, inspeção e palpação de linfonodos superficiais, além do isolamento bacteriano de vinte amostras de secreções extraídas dos abscessos intactos. A ocorrência de animais com alterações macroscópicas em linfonodos superficiais foi de 7,18% (137/1908), sendo 5,19% (64/1.231) em ovinos e 10,8% (73/677) nos caprinos (p<0,001), acometendo 172 linfonodos. Dentre eles, 33,72% (58) eram o pré-escapular, 27,34% (47) submandibular, 15,11% (26) retromamário, 10,46% (18) pré-crural, 5,81% (10) parotídeo, 4,07% (7) retrofaríngeo, 1,16% (2) cervical profundo médio e caudal e 0,58% (1) cervical cranial e poplíteo. As regiões do tronco e posterior do corpo foram as que concentraram maior número de linfonodos alterados. Todas as amostras submetidas ao isolamento apresentaram crescimento de Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis. A presença de animais, com sinais clínicos de LC, atenta para a necessidade da adoção de medidas profiláticas para controle da doença nos rebanhos sergipanos.Palavras-Chave: abscesso, Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, linfadenite caseosa. AbstractThe aim of the study was to determine the occurrence and topographic distribution of lesions suggestive of Caseous Lymphadenitis (CL) (abscesses, hyperplasia and/or wounds in cicatrization process) in superficial lymph nodes of the small ruminants bred in the state of Sergipe. Between years 2011 and 2014, were made clinical examinations of 1.908 small ruminants of 101 properties of the state, inspection and palpation of the superficial lymph nodes region. Bacterial isolation was realized on twenty samples of secretions of abscesses extract intact. The occurrence of animals with macroscopic lesions in lymph was 7.18% (137/1908), 5.19% (64/1,231) in sheep and 10.8% (73/677) in goats (p<0,001), affecting 172 lymph nodes. The topographic distribution of altered lymph nodes was 33.72% (58) in the prescapular, 27.34% (47) in the submandibular, 15.11% (26) in mammary, 10.46% (18) crural, 5.81% (10) in the parotid, 4.07% (7) retropharyngeal, 1.16% (2) in the middle deep cervical and caudal and 0,58% (1) in the cranial cervical and popliteal. The trunk and posterior regions of the body were concentrated greater numbers of altered nodes. All samples submitted to bacterial isolation were positive for Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis. The breeders should be aware of prophylactic measures of CL, and the presence of an infected animal can serve as a source of dissemination of the disease in the herd.

This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with the presence of anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies in horses reared in the Eastern and Western Potiguar mesoregion, State of Rio Grande do Norte, northeastern Brazil. Seven hundred and eighty-five animals (785) were used from 90 properties from 2018 to 2019. The serological diagnosis was performed by the microscopic agglutination technique (MAT), using a collection of live antigens composed of twenty serovars belonging to sixteen serogroups. Variable data associated with risk factors were obtained from questionnaires carried out to herd owners and statistically analyzed. The absolute and relative frequencies were determined by descriptive analysis and risk factors by univariate analysis of the variables using the Pearson’s chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test, when necessary, and then assessed by Poison regression. The positivity frequency among animals was 97.2% (763), and from all properties, there was at least one seropositive animal. The main reactive serogroup was Icterohaemorrhagiae (72.88%), followed by reactive animals to Australis (14,94%), Sejroe (4.43%), Shermani (2.77%), Autumnalis and Pomona (1.29%). It was observed occurrences lower than 1% to serogroups Canicola, Ballum, Grippotyphosa and Hebdomadis, with titles ≤400 in 78,97% of cases. The significant occurrence of seropositive horses and the serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae predominance highlights the importance of vaccination and hygiene in Potiguares herds facilities to prevent leptospirosis cases and the consequent elimination of the agent in the environment.

Com o intuito de avaliar a adaptação de ovinos lanados da raça Lacaune ao clima da Zona da Mata Pernambucana, objetivou-se determinar o seu perfil hematológico e bioquímico quando criados nesse clima. Utilizou-se 61 ovinos hígidos, com idade entre três e 24 meses, criados no município de Pombos, Pernambuco. Os animais foram divididos em cinco grupos: G1 (N=14), com idade de três a seis meses, G2 (N=20) entre sete e 12 meses, G3 (N=27) entre 13 e 24 meses, G4 (N=13) compostos por machos e G5 (N=48) por fêmeas pertencentes aos grupos G1, G2 e G3. Foram colhidas, no período da manhã, amostras de sangue e soro para a determinação das análises hematológicas e bioquímicas (proteínas totais, albumina, creatinina, ureia, aspartato aminotransferase - AST, gama glutamil transferase - GGT, fosfatase alcalina - FA, cálcio sérico, fósforo, magnésio e ferro). Verificou-se que os valores médios de hemácias (11,37±0,25x106/mL), volume globular (43,85±0,84%), concentração de hemoglobina corpuscular média (24,40±0,30%) e plaquetas (479,93±35,51x10³/mm³) foram significativamente (p<0,05) maiores nos animais do G1, assim como a albumina (3,24± 0,05mg/dL), GGT (68,15±2,45U/L), FA (557,87±41,17U/L) e ferro (207,84±7,20mg/dL). Já o resultado dos monócitos (1,03±0,22%) foi significativamente (p<0,05) maior nos animais do G2 em comparação aos animais do G1. Não houve diferença significativa (p<0,05) em todos os parâmetros analisados, quando comparados os sexos. Com exceção da ureia, os demais parâmetros avaliados neste estudo estão dentro dos valores de referências preconizados na literatura. A partir dessas análises foi possível determinar os valores de normalidade de ovinos da raça Lacaune criados na Zona da Mata Pernambucana, auxiliando no diagnóstico, prognóstico e nas possibilidades terapêuticas, segundo as faixas etárias estabelecidas.

No abstract

Background: Equine Herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) and Equine Arteritis Virus (EAV) have a high capacity for dissemination, causing losses in horse breeding due to reproductive, respiratory and neurological problems. In the State of Rio Grande do Norte there is only one survey, in the municipality of Mossoró, about these diseases. The purpose of this study was therefore to determine the prevalence and assess the risk factors associated with EHV-1 and EAV infections in unvaccinated horses raised in the mesoregions of East and West Potiguar in the State of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.Materials, Methods & Results: Between August 2018 and February 2019, blood samples were collected from equines on farms located in sixteen municipalities in the mesoregions of East and West Potiguar for the serological diagnosis of EAV (809 samples from 90 farms) and of EHV (778 samples from 88 farms), being that, only municipalities that had at least five hundred equines were included in the study. An investigative epidemiological questionnaire was applied to each property visited, containing questions related to the breeder, property, animal and the sanitary, reproductive and nutritional management. A logistic regression was performed to assess the risk factors associated with EVH, considering the serological test (positive or negative) as the dependent variable. EAV and EVH antibodies were detected through the serum virus neutralization assay. No evidence was found of EAV [0% (0/809)], but EHV showed a prevalence rate of 32% (249/778), with 80.6% (71/88) of the farms having at least one animal that tested positive, and EHV was present in all the municipalities covered in this study. The risk factors identified were: animals raised in East Potiguar  (OR = 1.36, CI 95%: 1.01-1.85, P = 0.041), extensive livestock farming system (OR = 1.79, CI 95%: 1.10-2.91, P = 0.041), working animals (OR = 3.63, IC 95%: 1.91-6.91, P = 0.000), unclean facilities (OR = 2.32, CI 95%: 1.27-4.33, P = 0.006), and non-disinfected facilities (OR = 1.83, CI 95%: 1.15-2.91, P = 0.009).Discussion: The absence of horses seropositive for EAV confirms the findings reported for 132 cattle herding horses in the municipality of Mossoró, State of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, and by other national surveys that report zero or low occurrence rates. EAV is therefore considered an exotic disease that has not yet been diagnosed nor its etiological agent isolated in this country. EHV was found to be distributed in the two mesoregions, indicating a higher occurrence among working horses raised in the extensive livestock farming system on these farms, which were more physically fatigued and liable to be immunosuppressed, making them prone to infection, especially when left to graze in contact with other animals, although sports horses have also been found to be at high risk of becoming infected. The risk factor analysis also indicated the importance of hygiene and disinfection of livestock premises, where other biosafety measures such as quarantine and vaccination are likely not taken, and animals circulate unrestrictedly, facilitating the dissemination of the virus. Studies are therefore needed to shed light on the real situation of the presence of EAV throughout Brazil’s territory. On the other hand, EHV is widely disseminated throughout the state, and the risk factors for this disease not only underscore the importance of proper sanitary management for control of the disease but also serve as a warning to authorities and animal health professionals.