A novel polyomavirus (goose hemorrhagic polyomavirus) is the agent of hemorrhagic nephritis enteritis of geese.

We have identified the etiological agent of hemorrhagic nephritis enteritis of geese (HNEG), a fatal disease of European geese. HNEG has been recognized in almost all goose breeding areas, with an epizootic pattern, and up to now, the infectious agent has remained unknown. In order to identify the causative agent, infected tissues from HNEG-affected geese were inoculated to 1-day-old goslings, which then developed clinical signs typical of HNEG.

Serologic evidence for bovine immunodeficiency virus infection in France.

We report herein on the first serologic detection of antibodies to bovine immunodeficiency virus (BIV) in France. Serum samples from dairy and beef cattle from southwestern and western France (Landes and Vendée) were tested using a western blot assay with a recombinant 53 kDa gag precursor derived from the Louisiana BIV R29 isolate. We performed our study on the oldest animals from 37 different herds that were under serologic follow up for previous bovine leukemia virus infection.

A highly virulent togavirus-like agent associated with the fulminating disease of guinea fowl.

During a 1986 natural lethal outbreak of fulminating disease in guinea poult flocks in southwestern France, enveloped virus particles were consistently observed in the gut contents of infected birds. For the present study, a protocol was developed for the purification of these particles. Sucrose-banded virus obtained from birds infected experimentally with virus from the outbreak was found to have a buoyant density of 1.

Natural mode of horizontal transmission of bovine leukemia virus (BLV): the potential role of tabanids (Tabanus spp.).

In order to evaluate the potential role of hematophagous insects in the natural spreading of bovine leukemia virus (BLV) infection in cattle, a 2-year survey was carried out involving sequential serological tests on 3328 cattle in three different areas. A parallel entomological study was run over the same period, using continuous trapping, in order to determine both the density and variations of horsefly (Tabanus spp.) populations in the close vicinity of the herds.

Isolation of Mycoplasma cloacale from a number of different avian hosts in great Britain and France.

Following the original isolation of Mycoplasma cloacale from a turkey in Great Britain, only one further turkey isolate has been obtained whereas the mycoplasma has been recovered from 2 species of wild ducks in Britain, and from 2 breeds of domestic ducks and from domestic geese in France. A few isolations have also been made from wild and exotic birds but M. cloacale has not been found in chickens.

[A new intracellular protozoon of Salmo gairdneri Richardson, 1836 (teleost fish). Taxonomic affinities].

Macrophages of 1+ rainbow trout are parasitised by an unknown protozoan. An ultrastructural study permits to associate it with the genus Dermocystidium described in many fishes. This protozoan is characterized by a large vacuole of mitochondrial origin and by concentric structured bodies.

Isolation of Mycoplasma gallisepticum from geese.

Two breeding flocks of 2-year-old geese in the Landes region of Southwest France were cultured for mycoplasmas. In one flock of 134 birds Mycoplasma gallisepticum was isolated from three individuals, from a different site in each bird (i.e.

[Diagnosis of enzootic bovine leukosis by the ELISA test of mixed and individual milk].

The ELISA test was applied to mixed milk from 325 cowsherds of the Landes region of France. From the 88 cowsheds giving a positive or inconclusive response, individual samples of milk were studied by the ELISA test, and individual samples of serum by the agar immunodiffusion test (1734 cows). The same procedure was carried out on 1250 animals in a sample of 49 cowsheds chosen at random from amongst the 237 cowsheds whose mixed milk gave a negative response to the ELISA test.

Studies on mycoplasma infection of laying geese.

Infertile eggs, dead embryos and tissues from laying geese (airsacs, peritoneum, oviduct, ovary, ova) were examined for presence of myco-plasmas. Forty-three of 110 eggs and the birds laying mycoplasma-containing eggs proved to be positive for mycoplasmas. One of the strains was used for experimental infection of laying geese.

Enzyme patterns of the organs of the goose. Effects of fattening on liver enzymes.

The distribution of some enzymes in the organs of the goose was investigated: Creatine-kinase was specific for muscles, Glutamate Dehydrogenase for liver and Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase for pancreas and liver. The production of fatty liver induced an important dilution of liver enzymes except for Lactate Dehydrogenase which was only moderately lowered. This latter enzyme is probably one of the most interesting markers of liver disturbances while fattening is occurring.

Isolation and pathogenicity of mycoplasmas from geese.

Several mycoplasma isolation trials were performed on infertile goose eggs and goose embryos which died during incubation, as well as on geese of different ages. A total of 43 out of 110 goose eggs proved to be contaminated by mycoplasmas. Upon autopsy of birds which laid positive eggs, lesions were observed in the airsacs.

A new technique for taking blood samples from ducks and geese.

A new technique for taking blood samples from ducks and geese is described. The method could possibly be used in other bird species. It presents many advantages for the operator as well as for the birds and it allows repeated blood samples to be taken, if necessary, in large quantities.