The relationship between radiographic disc calcification score and FGF4L2 genotype in dachshunds.

Background: The relationship between radiographic disc calcification score and FGF4L2 genotype has been reported in only a small number of dachshunds.

Hypothesis: A genotype with either 0 or 1 FGF4L2 copy will be associated with a lower number of calcified discs (lower K-n) compared with a genotype with 2 FGF4L2 copies.

Animals: Dachshunds registered with the Norwegian or Finnish Kennel Clubs for which both K-n and FGF4L2 genotype are known (n = 407).

Associations between housing and management factors and reproductive performance in 327 Norwegian sheep flocks.

Background: Housing sheep in insulated, warm buildings, which is common in Norway, involves high buildings costs, but has not been reported to improve health and performance. Few studies have dealt with the association between housing and management and reproductive performance.Data on housing and management during the indoor period from a questionnaire were merged with herd level data from the Norwegian Sheep Recording System, and the material included 327 sheep flocks.

Mastitis, ketosis, and milk fever in 31 organic and 93 conventional Norwegian dairy herds.

The aim of this study was to investigate differences in disease incidence between organic and conventional herds. The study was based on data from the Norwegian Dairy Herd Recording, which includes the Norwegian Cattle Health Recording System. All herds certified for organic farming in 1994 with a herd size of more than five cow-years were included.

Experimental infection with Ehrlichia phagocytophila in cattle.

Twenty Norwegian Red cattle, aged 8-10 months were used. Ten animals were inoculated intravenously with 3 ml of a whole blood dimethyl sulphoxide stabilate of a bovine strain of Ehrlichia (Cytoecetes) phagocytophila. The animals were observed on a daily basis for clinical symptoms and rectal temperatures were recorded daily for 36 days post inoculation.

Potency grading in carcinogen classification.

In 1992 the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development decided to harmonize carcinogen classification systems. A proposal for a harmonized classification system is currently being considered by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). In many countries, classification of a chemical as carcinogenic triggers labeling requirements.

Experimental infection with Ehrlichia phagocytophila and Babesia divergens in cattle.

Nine Norwegian Red Cattle, 9-12 months old, were inoculated simultaneously with Ehrlichia (Cytoecetes) phagocytophila and Babesia divergens. Ten cattle of the same breed and age were kept as controls. Clinical evaluation was done on a daily basis and rectal temperatures were recorded every morning for 4 weeks post inoculation.

Carcinogen classification systems: similarities and differences.

An overview of regulatory classification systems on carcinogens in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries is presented based on a questionnaire study. Most OECD countries have implemented legislation including classification systems and lists of carcinogens. Basically, there are two types of classifications systems.

Resistance to tick-borne fever in young lambs.

Lambs were inoculated with Ehrlichia phagocytophila infected blood at the age of either two or six weeks. The temperature response and degree of parasitaemia were both most pronounced in the lambs inoculated at six weeks old. The half-life of antibodies to E phagocytophila was estimated to be 17.

Controlling tick infestations and diseases in sheep by pour-on formulations of synthetic pyrethroids. A field study.

The use of synthetic pyrethroids in pour-on formulations reduced tick infestations and the incidence of tick-associated diseases in lambs more than dipping in organophosphate acaricides. Though the use of pyrethroids did not prevent the lambs from being infected with tick-borne fever (TBF), the incidence of lambs with lameness (tick pyaemia) or lambs suddenly found dead (Pasteurella haemolytica septicaemia), which often are seen in association with TBF, was reduced. The use of pyrethroids for three years did not seem to affect the prevalence of TBF.

A modification of the indirect immunofluorescence test for detection of Ehrlichia phagocytophila antibodies.

A modified technique for production of antigen and performance of the test is described. A suspension of infected neutrophils was directly applied to multiwell slides. Multichannel pipettes may be used for dilution and application of sera.