A systematic surveillance programme for infectious salmon anaemia virus supports its absence in the Pacific Northwest of the United States.

In response to reported findings of infectious salmon anaemia virus (ISAV) in British Columbia (BC), Canada, in 2011, U.S. national, state and tribal fisheries managers and fish health specialists developed and implemented a collaborative ISAV surveillance plan for the Pacific Northwest region of the United States.

Vaginoscopy in Ewes Utilizing a Laparoscopic Surgical Port Device.

Vaginoscopy allows for diagnostic evaluation and treatment of the vaginal vault. A laparoscopic surgical port device and rigid telescope were utilized for serial vaginoscopy in 8 healthy anesthetized ewes. Vaginoscopy examinations were performed in each ewe at days 1, 14, and 28.

Maternal obesity programs reduced leptin signaling in the pituitary and altered GH/IGF1 axis function leading to increased adiposity in adult sheep offspring.

Studies in rodents highlight a role for leptin in stimulation of pituitary growth hormone (GH) secretion, with an impact on body composition regulation. We have reported that maternal obesity (MO) during ovine pregnancy results in hyperphagia, glucose-insulin dysregulation, increased adiposity, hypercortisolemia and hyperleptinemia in mature offspring subjected to a bout of ad libitum feeding. We hypothesized that MO reduces leptin signaling in the pituitary and down regulates the GH/IGF1 axis and increases circulating cortisol leading to increased adiposity in their adult offspring.

Multigenerational impact of maternal overnutrition/obesity in the sheep on the neonatal leptin surge in granddaughters.

Background/objectives: We have reported that maternal overnutrition/obesity (OB) in sheep resulting from feeding 150% of National Research Council (NRC) requirements throughout gestation leads to maternal hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia. Further, newborn lambs born to OB vs control-fed (CON, 100% of NRC) ewes exhibited greater adiposity, increased blood cortisol, insulin and glucose and the elimination of the postnatal leptin spike seen in lambs born to CON ewes. This early postnatal leptin peak is necessary for the development of hypothalamic circuits, which program appetite in later life.

Diet reduction to requirements in obese/overfed ewes from early gestation prevents glucose/insulin dysregulation and returns fetal adiposity and organ development to control levels.

Obesity at conception and excess gestational weight gain pose significant risks for adverse health consequences in human offspring. This study evaluated the effects of reducing dietary intake of obese/overfed ewes beginning in early gestation on fetal development. Sixty days prior to conception, ewes were assigned to a control diet [CON: 100% of National Research Council (NRC) recommendations], a diet inducing maternal obesity (MO: 150% of NRC recommendations), or a maternal obesity intervention diet (MOI: 150% of NRC recommendations to day 28 of gestation, then 100% NRC) until necropsy at midgestation (day 75) or late (day 135) gestation.