Serum samples from 192 free-living birds (27 species) were tested for antibodies against Chlamydia using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); 97 (51%) were seropositive. The highest antibody prevalence was among pheasants (96%), ducks (88%), and blackbirds (86%). None of 41 starlings tested were seropositive. The serotesting of 42 confined pheasants indicated 100% exposure to the organism. The ELISA is a sensitive, rapid serologic method that can be of epidemiologic and diagnostic value for detecting exposure to Chlamydia. The ELISA could also be used for mass-screening of pet birds where chlamydiosis may be considered a potential public health hazard.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

The effect of Mycoplasma meleagridis infection and egg dipping on the weight-gain performance of turkey poults.

Turkey poults were observed throughout their first 7 weeks of life to evaluate the effects of embryonic infection with Mycoplasma meleagridis (MM) and the effects of a control measure, egg dipping with tylosin and gentamycin. Fifty-thousand poults from four sister flocks were divided among eight groups according to MM-infection status [MM (+) or MM (-)] , sex, and egg-dipping status (dipped or nondipped). These birds were raised under natural field conditions in the Central Valley of California. The MM (+) poults had significantly (P less than 0.05) greater weights during the first part of the trial and, although usually not significantly (P greater than 0.05), consistently during the later part.

Ammonia↗

PubMedDate not supplied

An epidemiological study of severe osteoarthritis.

A study was made of the relationship between weight, education, use of tobacco and alcohol, participation in athletics and family history of arthritis and severe osteoarthritis of the hip. Estimated relative risk of osteoarthritis was highest for those whose weight was at least 20% or more above ideal, having more than a high school education or with a familial history of arthritis. There was no association between severe osteoarthritis and participation in high school athletics or regular use of alcohol.

Aged↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Observation on chemotherapy in cows chronically infected with Coxiella burnetii (Q fever).

Pregnant dairy cows chronically infected with Coxiella burnetii were treated orally with 8 mg of chlortetracycline per kilo of body weight each day for 30 days during their dry period. With the exception of a sample of mammary fluid collected at 28 days, rickettsiae were not recovered from the mammary fluids after the second week of treatment. In addition, the organism was not recovered by mouse inoculation from placental tissues, colostrum or calf tissues that were examined after parturition. Results of oral chemotherapy studies in cows and guinea-pigs suggest that in some cases chlortetracycline may suppress rather than eradicate the Q fever agent.

Animals↗