Abstract The trade in live animals between India and Brazil dates from the late nineteenth century when European travellers traded animals of Indian origin for display in zoos. Considering the origin of coffee and sugar cane, as well as the expertise related to mineral evaluation, we need to consider that India was involved in important economic cycles of Brazil, even indirectly. This virtuous flow of trade has been maintained and intensified throughout modern history, especially after these two nations gained political independence from their colonisers, thereby becoming independent in mercantile affairs. This paper addresses the main points related to the use of animals of Indian origin in Brazil. We revisit some of the historical aspects of the process of colonisation of Brazil, as well as the importation of animals from India. The restrictions imposed on this process due to the occurrence of diseases in cattle and buffalo in India will be examined. At the end of the text, emphasis will be given to the risks of introducing exotic diseases into Brazil.

Abstract For the definitive diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis, isolation of the etiologic agent is required. However, there is no consensus on the best methodology for isolation of Mycobacterium bovis in Brazil. This study evaluated the most used decontaminants and culture media in the country, in order to identify the best combination for the Brazilian samples. Three decontaminants - 2% sodium hydroxide (w/v), 0.75% hexadecylpiridinium chloride (w/v) and 5% sulphuric acid (v/v) and four culture media - 7H11 Middlebrook with additives and OADC supplement “A” (7H11 A), the same media with another supplement trademark (7H11 B), tuberculosis blood agar (B83) and Stonebrink's medium were compared. Regarding the isolation, there were no significant differences between the decontaminants and media combinations, except 7H11A combined to any decontaminant. However, the mean colonies score was significantly greater when the samples were decontaminated with 5% sulphuric acid and inoculated in 7H11 B or SB, without significant difference between them, although colonies appeared earlier on 7H11B than on SB. The trademark of OADC supplement influenced the isolation rate and the number of isolated colonies in Middlebrook 7H11. An incubation time of four weeks was required to detect all positive samples in 7H11 B after decontamination with 5% sulphuric acid but there was an increase in the number of colonies until the sixth week of incubation. Overall, the best strategy for the primary isolation of M. bovis from Brazilian samples was the decontamination with 5% sulphuric acid (final concentration) and inoculation in Middlebrook 7H11 medium formulated with OADC supplement “B”.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar a presença do herpesvírus bovino tipo 1 (BoHV-1) no fluido folicular e em complexos cumulus-oócito (COC) coletados de vacas naturalmente infectadas mas sem sinais clínicos da doença. Vacas soropositivas (n=38) ou soronegativas (n=8, controle) para o vírus da rinotraqueíte infecciosa bovina foram selecionadas por prova de soroneutralização em microplacas. A presença do vírus foi investigada por PCR em COC e fluido folicular. O DNA viral não foi encontrado em qualquer das amostras. Os resultados obtidos são indicativos de que vacas soropositivas, mas sem sinais clínicos da doença, oferecem risco negligível de transmissão do BoHV-1 por COC ou fluido folicular.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to investigate the presence of bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BoHV-1) in follicular fluid and in cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) recovered from naturally infected cows but with no clinical signs of the disease. Cows that were seropositive (n=38) or seronegative (n=8, control) to infectious bovine rhinotracheitis were selected after a serum neutralization test in microplates. The presence of the virus was investigated by PCR in COC and in follicular fluid. Viral DNA was not found in any of the samples. The obtained results suggest that serologically positive cows with no clinical signs of the disease offer negligible risk of transmitting BoHV-1 by COC or follicular fluid.

Foi comparado o nível de anticorpos de ovelhas imunizadas com uma ou duas doses de bacterina oleosa produzida com a sorovariedade Hardjo, tipo Hardjoprajitno, estirpe Norma, isolada da urina de bovino no Brasil. Culturas de 2x10(8) leptospiras/mL foram inativadas com formalina a 0,3%, à concentração final e emulsionada em óleo Emulsigen® 12%. A dose da vacina foi padronizada para a concentração de 1x10(8) leptospiras/mL. Quarenta ovinos adultos, da raça Santa Inês, de um rebanho livre de leptospirose por exames clínicos e sorológicos durante um ano foram escolhidos para o experimento. O grupo A (n=15) recebeu duas doses de 3,0mL da vacina por via subcutânea, com intervalo de 30 dias. O grupo B (n=15) recebeu dose única de 3,0mL, via subcutânea e o grupo C (controle) recebeu uma dose subcutânea de 3,0mL de solução 0,85% de cloreto de sódio. Os títulos de anticorpos pós-vacinação foram mensurados pelo teste de soroaglutinação microscópica (SAM) e um teste imunoenzimático (ELISA) a cada 30 dias durante 120 dias. Os títulos dos grupos A e B na primeira colheita variaram de 80 a 160. No grupo A, após a segunda dose, os títulos aumentaram duas a quatro vezes, até 3.200, enquanto no grupo B os títulos de aglutininas foram menores que 160 e diminuíram uma a duas vezes após 60 dias da vacinação. Utilizando-se dose única, os anticorpos persistiram por somente 30 dias e, com duas doses, com 30 dias de intervalo, os anticorpos foram detectáveis por 60 dias por meio do teste de SAM e 120 dias no teste de ELISA. Assim, o teste de SAM detectou títulos de IgM vacinal somente por 60 dias, enquanto o teste de ELISA foi capaz de detectar anticorpos durante os 120 dias. No grupo controle negativo, ocorreram no ELISA reações inespecíficas de títulos até 80, porém no SAM os títulos dos mesmos animais se mantiveram em zero. O teste de ELISA pode ser utilizado para medir anticorpos vacinais para a sorovariedade Hardjo, tipo Hardjoprajitno, estirpe Norma em ovinos.

It was compared the level of antibodies of sheep immunized with one or two doses of an oil bacterin produced with serovar Hardjo, type Hardjoprajitno, strain Norma, isolated from cattle urine in Brazil. Cultures of 2x10(8) leptospires/mL were inactivated with formalin 0.3%, final concentration and emulsified in oil Emulsigen® 12%. The vaccine dose was standardized to the concentration of 1x10(8) leptospires/mL. Forty adult sheep, Santa Inês breed from a herd free of leptospirosis by clinical and serological examinations during one year were chosen for the experiment. Group A (n=15) received two subcutaneous 3.0 mL vaccine dose, interval of 30 days. Group B (n=15) received one subcutaneous 3.0 mL vaccine dose. Group C (control) received one subcutaneous dose of 3.0 mL of 0.85% sodium chloride solution. Post vaccination antibody titers were measured by microscopic agglutination test (MAT) and an in house enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) every 30 days during 120 days. At 30 days post-vaccination, the titers of the groups A and B ranged from 80 to 160. In group A, after the booster dose, the titers increased two to four times until 3,200, while in the group B the titers were lower than 160 and decreased by one to two times after 60 days after vaccination. Using a single dose, the antibodies persisted for only 30 days, and with two doses with 30 days of interval, the antibodies were detectable for 60 days through the MAT test and 120 days through the ELISA. The MAT test detected IgM titers of vaccine only for 60 days, while the ELISA was able to detect antibodies during the 120 days. In the negative control group, nonspecific reactions occurred in the ELISA up to titer 80, however titers in the MAT of the same animals remained at zero. The ELISA test can be used to assess anti leptospire vaccinal antibody level to the serovar Hardjo, type Hardjoprajitno, strain Norma in sheep.

Este trabalho tem como objetivo revisar as infecções por Leptospira sp em ovinos. São abordados os aspectos epidemiológicos, incluindo a ocorrência no Brasil e as formas de transmissão, os sinais clínicos e as lesões, o diagnóstico e as medidas de prevenção e controle.

An updated review of Leptopspira sp infection in sheep is presented emphasizing some epidemiological aspects including the occurrence of the disease in Brazil and mechanisms of transmission, clinical signs and lesions, diagnosis, prevention and control measures.

Os carrapatos são susceptíveis à infecção por nematoides entomopatogênicos. Essa susceptibilidade diverge quanto às espécies de carrapato estudadas, à fase evolutiva, às espécies e estirpes dos nematoides e ao tempo ao qual os carrapatos ficam expostos a estes. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar os tempos de infecção in vitro de fêmeas ingurgitadas de Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus pelo nematoide entomopatogênico Steinernema glaseri estirpe CCA, pela análise dos parâmetros biológicos do carrapato. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que um período de duas horas de exposição foi suficiente para que fêmeas ingurgitadas de R. microplus fossem infectadas por S. glaseri CCA e que um período de exposição mínimo de 24h foi necessário para que houvesse infecção de fêmeas ingurgitadas de R. microplus por S. glaseri estirpe CCA, capaz de gerar, in vitro, eficácia no tratamento superior a 90%.

Studies have shown that ticks are susceptible to infection by entomopathogenic nematodes. These studies indicate different susceptibilities of ticks to infection by these fungi, depending on the tick species, development phase, entomopathogenic nematodes species and strains and the time the ticks are exposed to them. Usually this period ranges from 24 to 72 hours. The aim of this study was to evaluate the infection times in vitro of engorged Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus females by the entomopathogenic nematodes Steinernema glaseri CCA strain, by analysis of the ticks' biological parameters. The results show that a 2-hour exposure time was sufficient for the engorged R. microplus females to be infected by S. glaseri CCA, but that a minimum exposure time of 24 hours was necessary to generate treatment efficacy above 90%.

A pseudoraiva (PR) é uma enfermidade viral responsável por consideráveis perdas econômicas na indústria de suínos. O vírus da pseudoraiva (PrV) apresenta apenas um sorotipo, mas, por análise de restrição enzimática, foi classificado em quatro genótipos denominados I, II, III e IV. Os métodos usados para genotipagem dependem do isolamento do vírus, da purificação do DNA viral, da restrição enzimática do genoma completo e da visualização após eletroforese. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estabelecer um método mais rápido e sensível para detectar e genotipar o PrV por nested-PCR e análise de restrição enzimática. Vinte isolados do PrV das regiões Sul e Sudeste do Brasil e a estirpe padrão Shope foram replicadas em células PK-15 e submetidas à nested-PCR para o gene da glicoproteína E. Além desses vírus previamente isolados, foram avaliadas 75 amostras clínicas de cérebro de suíno em um total de 25 animais positivos para a PR no isolamento e na soroneutralização viral e 50 amostras negativas provenientes de animais negativos na soroneutralização viral e de granjas sem histórico de PR. Todas as amostras clínicas tiveram resultados compatíveis com o isolamento e a soroneutralização, e a totalidade das amostras positivas foi classificada como genótipo II. A sensibilidade analítica da nested-PCR foi de 10-1,3 TCID50 mL-1. A combinação da nested-PCR e da restrição enzimática foi capaz de detectar e genotipar o vírus com resultados em um a dois dias, sendo mais rápida que os métodos convencionais de restrição do genoma completo que podem demorar até sete dias.

Pseudorabies is a disease caused by Suid herpesvirus 1 (PrV) and is responsible for considerable economic losses in the swine industry. The PrV has only one serotype, but based on RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism) the virus was divided into four genotypes named I, II, III, IV. The classical methods for PrV genotyping usually require virus isolation, DNA purification enzyme restriction analysis and a long electrophoresis. The aim of this research was to describe a faster and more sensitive method to detect and genotype PrV based on nested-PCR and restriction enzyme analysis. Twenty PrV isolates from south and southeast regions of Brazil, and the standard strain Shope were grown in PK-15 cells and submitted to PCR for glycoprotein E gene amplification. Additionally were tested 75 clinical samples (swine brain), with 25 positives for virus isolation and seroneutralization, and 50 negatives from a flock free PR with negative results in seroneutralization test. There was 100% of agreement between results of nested-PCR and virus isolation and seroneutralization and all samples detected were classified as genotype II. The nested-PCR, combined with restriction enzyme analysis, was able to detect and genotype PrV in 1-2 days with a sensitivity of 10-1,3 TCID50 mL-1. It was faster than classical methods described in the literature that require at least 7 days to be completed.

Um bovino Guzerá, fêmea, adulto, com histórico de insuficiência cardíaca congestiva direita de duração de duas semanas, morreu durante o transporte ao hospital veterinário. À necropsia, o lobo pulmonar cranial esquerdo estava moderadamente aumentado de tamanho e firme. O parênquima do lobo afetado era branco e continha múltiplas áreas de 0,3 a 1,5cm de diâmetro, amareladas e caseosas. Alterações semelhantes foram observadas nos linfonodos mediastínicos e brônquicos, no pericárdio parietal, no epicárdio e na adventícia da artéria pulmonar. Histologicamente, a massa tecidual do lobo pulmonar era constituída por células epiteliais neoplásicas de padrão acinar, com duas ou mais camadas celulares, algumas com projeções papilares intraluminais. A anisocariose era acentuada, e o índice mitótico, moderado (dois a três por campo de maior aumento). Envolvendo as neoformações, observava-se abundante tecido conjuntivo fibroso. Focos de necrose e mineralização eram multifocais moderados. Alterações histológicas semelhantes foram observadas nos linfonodos brônquicos, nos mediastínicos, nos pericárdios visceral e parietal e na adventícia da artéria pulmonar. Com exceção do fígado com congestão generalizada crônica, não foram observadas alterações macro e microscópicas em outros órgãos. Os achados histológicos foram compatíveis com adenocarcinoma pulmonar, com metástases regionais. O quadro de insuficiência cardíaca congestiva direita provavelmente foi decorrente do impedimento da drenagem linfática pelas metástases.

An adult Guzera cow, dysplaying for two weeks signs of right-sided congestive heart failure died during the transport to the veterinary hospital. At necropsy, the left cranial lung lobe was moderately increased in volume and firm. The parenchyma of the affected lung lobe was white and contained multiple 0.3 to 1.5cm in diameter, yellow, dry, friable nodules. Similar changes were observed in bronchial and mediastinal lymph nodes, parietal pericardium, epicardium, and adventitia of the pulmonary artery. Microscopically, the pulmonary tissue mass was composed of neoplastic epithelial cells arranged in acini lined by two or more layers, some with intraluminal papillary projections. Anisokaryosis was marked, and mitotic index was moderate (2-3 mitosis in high field). Abundant fibrous connective tissue surrounded the neoplastic cell aggregates. Foci of necrosis and mineralization were moderate. Similar microscopic changes were observed in bronchial and mediastinal lymph nodes, visceral and parietal pericardium and adventitia of the pulmonary artery. With liver chronic generalized congestion exception, no other macro or microscopic lesions were observed. Microscopic findings were consistent with pulmonary adenocarcinoma with regional metastases. The right-sided congestive heart failure was probably due to obstruction of lymphatic drainage by metastases.

Dezenove amostras do vírus da diarréia viral bovina (BVDV) foram caracterizadas geneticamente através do seqüenciamento parcial de nucleotídeos da Região 5'UTR. As amostras foram agrupadas em BVDV-1 (11/19), BVDV-2 (6/19) e num terceiro grupo de amostras denominadas "atípicas" (2/19). Das onze amostras genotipadas como BVDV-1, oito amostras foram sub-genotipadas como BVDV-1a, enquanto que a maioria (4/6) das amostras de BVDV-2 foi agrupada como BVDV-2b. Duas amostras provenientes de fetos bovinos abortados foram classificadas como atípicas, não BVDV-1 e 2. A presença da diversidade genética de BVDV detectada nas amostras estudadas pode ser responsável por falhas vacinais e de diagnóstico e deve influenciar nas estratégias de controle do BVDV aplicadas nas diferentes regiões brasileiras.

Nineteen isolates of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) from Brazil were genetically characterized through partial nucleotide sequencing and analysis of the 5'UTR region. The isolates were grouped as BVDV-1 (11/19), BVDV-2 (6/19) or "atypical" pestivirus (2/19). Among the BVDV-1, eight isolates were classified as subgenotype BVDV-1a, whereas most (4 out of 6) BVDV-2 belonged to subgenotype 2b. Two isolates from aborted fetuses were not classified into any genetic group, being considered atypical BVDVs. Genetic diversity among Brazilian BVDV isolates may be responsible for vaccination and diag-nostic failure and therefore may influence the control strategies for BVDV infection in the country.

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), PVA crosslinked with glutaraldehyde hydrogels (PVA/GA), PVA with tetraethylorthosilicate (PVA/TEOS) and PVA/GA/TEOS hybrids with recombinant MPB70 protein (rMPB70) incorporated were chemically characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). FTIR spectra of PVA hydrogel samples showed the absorption regions of the specific chemical groups associated with poly(vinyl alcohol) (-OH, -CO, -CH2) and PVA/GA confirming the formation of crosslinked hydrogel (duplet -CH). It was observed C-H broad alkyl stretching band (n = 2850-3000 cm-1) and typical strong hydroxyl bands for free alcohol (nonbonded -OH stretching band at n = 3600-3650 cm-1), and hydrogen bonded band (n = 3200-3570 cm-1). The most important vibration bands related to silane alcoxides have been verified on FTIR spectra of PVA/TEOS and PVA/GA/TEOS hybrids (Si-O-Si, n = 1080 and n = 450 cm-1; Si-OH, n = 950 cm-1). FTIR spectra of f PVA hydrogel with rMPB70 incorporated have indicated the specific groups usually found in protein structures, such as amides I, II and III, at 1680-1620 cm-1, 1580-1480 cm-1 and 1246 cm-1, respectively. These results have given strong evidence that recombinant protein rMPB70 was successfully adsorbed in the hydrogels and hybrids networks. These PVA based hydrogels and hybrids were further used in immunological assays (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay - ELISA). Tests were performed to detect antibodies against rMPB70 protein in serum samples from bovines that were positive in the tuberculin test. Corresponding tests were carried out without PVA samples in microtiter plates as control. Similar results were found for commercially available microplates and PVA based hydrogels and hybrids developed in the present work regarding to immunoassay sensitivity and specificity response.

Determination of seric levels of adenosine deaminase (ADA), an enzyme produced by monocytes/macrophages and lymphocytes, has been used in the diagnosis of human tuberculosis (TB). In the present study, ADA seric activity was evaluated comparatively to the comparative tuberculin test in the diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis. Two hundred fifty-six cattle were classified by origin and by the comparative tuberculin test as TB-positive animals (n = 52, from herds where the Mycobacterium bovis had previously been isolated), and TB-negative animals (n = 204, TB-free herds). The mean ADA seric value from the TB-positive group (4.45 ± 2.33 U/L) was significantly lower (p = 0.008) than that observed in sera from the TB-negative group (6.12 ± 4.47 U/L). When animals from a herd with clinical cases of enzootic bovine leukosis of TB-negative group were withdrawn from analysis, the mean ADA seric values of TB-negative group (5.12 ± 3.75 U/L) was not significantly different anymore from that of the TB-positive group (p = 0.28). There was no agreement in the diagnosis of bovine TB between comparative tuberculin test and determination of ADA seric values, using two different cutoff points, being 6.12 U/L and 15.0 U/L, (kappa = -0.086 and kappa = -0.082, respectively). In conclusion, the determination of ADA seric activity was not a good auxiliary test for bovine TB, because it was not able to distinguish between TB-positive and TB-negative animals.

A presença de aglutininas anti-Leptospira spp. em 1360 amostras soros de ovinos, clinicamente sadios com mais de um ano de idade, criados extensivamente em 136 fazendas de 18 municípios; 10 na Mesorregião Sudeste e 8 na Mesorregião Sudoeste do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, entre os meses de janeiro a março de 1999. Foi determinado pela Técnica de Aglutinação Microscópica (MAT), das 1360 amostras de soros testados, 466 (34,26%) animais foram reagentes e os títulos de aglutininas anti-Leptospira spp. variavam de 100 a 3200. As sorovariedades encontradas foram: hardjo (Norma), 210 (28,4%), sentot, 152 (16,8%); hardjoprajitno, 133 (14,5%); fortbragg 73 (6,3%), wolffi, 39 (4,7%); pyrogenes, 25 (1,8%); australis, 21 (1,6%); pomona, 20 (1,6%); sejroe, 19 (2,2%); castellonis, 18(1,8%); hebdomadis, 17 (1,3%); icterohaemorrhagiae, 16 (0,5%); grippotyphosa, 9 (0,7%); canicola, 8 (0,6%); tarassovi, 7 (0,6%), bratislava, 4 (0,29%), autumnalis, 3 (0,2%). Os resultados mostraram que as Leptospira spp. estão disseminadas na maioria das fazendas que criam ovinos nas Mesorregiões Sudeste e Sudoeste do Rio Grande do Sul.

The presence of anti-Leptospira agglutinins in 1.360 samples of ovine sera was determined. Clinically healthy sheep with more than one year of age, raised in pasture in 136 farms of 18 counties, 10 located in the southeast Mesorregions and 8 in the southwest Mesorregions of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, between the months of January and March of 1999. Were used sera tested by the Microscopic Agglutination Technique (MAT), from the 1.360 samples of serum tested, 466 (34.26%) were positive and the titers of anti-Leptospira spp. agglutinins varied from 100 to 3.200. The serovars founded were: hardjo (Norma), 210 (28.4%), sentot, 152 (16.8%); hardjoprajitno, 133 (14.5%); fortbragg, 73 (6.3%); wolffi, 39 (4.7%); pyrogenes, 25 (1.8%); australis, 21 (1.6%); pomona, 20 (1.6%); sejroe, 19 (2.2%); castellonis, 18 (1.8%); hebdomadis, 17 (1.3%); icterohaemorrhagiae, 16 (0.5%); grippotyphosa, 9 (0.7%); canicola , 8 (0.6%); tarassovi, 7 (0.6%), bratislava, 4 (0.29%), autumnalis, 3 (0.2%). The results demonstrate that Leptospira spp are disseminated in the majority of the farms that raise sheep in the southeast and southwest Mesorregions of the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

A reação em cadeia pela polimerase (PCR) foi utilizada para a detecção do vírus da leucemia bovina (VLB) em leucócitos periféricos de bovinos infectados. Os iniciadores utilizados foram construídos para amplificar uma parte do gene env do VLB. Os produtos da PCR foram analisados por eletroforese em gel de agarose corados por brometo de etídeo. A especificidade analítica da PCR foi confirmada por restrição enzimática dos produtos da reação com Bam HI e também pela análise da seqüência de três amostras. Sessenta e cinco animais foram testados para a presença de anticorpos anti-VLB, pela imunodifusão em gel de agar (IDGA) e pela PCR, para detecção direta do VLB. Houve 73,80% de concordância entre os dois testes. Quatro animais positivos na IDGA foram PCR negativos, enquanto 13 animais negativos na IDGA foram positivos na PCR. A sensibilidade diagnóstica obtida foi de 0,87 e a especificidade diagnóstica 0,62. A PCR desenvolvida pode ser uma ferramenta complementar no diagnóstico de infecções causadas pelo VLB, mas deve ter sua sensibilidade diagnóstica melhorada.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used for bovine leukemia virus (BLV) detection in the peripheral leukocytes of the infected bovines. The primers used were designed to amplify a part of env gene of BLV. PCR products were analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis stained by ethidium bromide. The analytical specificity of PCR was confirmed by enzymatic restriction analysis of the PCR product with Bam HI and also by nucleotide sequence analysis of three PCR samples. Sixty five animals were tested for anti-BLV antibody, by agar gel-immunodiffusion test (AGID) and for direct BLV detection by PCR. There was a 73.80% concordance rate between the two tests. Four animals positive in AGID were PCR negative, while 13 AGID negative animals were found PCR positive. PCR got a 0.87 diagnosis sensitivity and 0.62 specificity. The developed PCR may be complementary tool in the diagnosis of BLV infection, but should have it diagnosis sensitivity improved.

Foi realizado um estudo para a determinação da prevalência sorológica de brucelose bovina no Estado da Paraíba. Seis municípios foram selecionados aleatoriamente em cada uma das três ecorregiões do Estado: a região do Agreste/Litoral (1), a região do Cariri/Curimatau (2) e a região do Sertão (3). Estes 18 municípios foram divididos em quadrantes e uma propriedade foi selecionada em cada quadrante. Foram amostradas propriedades com mais de 50 animais, o que exclui as pequenas propriedades de subsistência. Pelo menos 32 animais foram amostrados de cada rebanho, estratificados nas quatro faixas etárias seguintes: (1) no mínimo 8 animais até 6 meses de idade, (2) no mínimo 8 animais com 7 a 18 meses de idade, (3) no mínimo 8 animais com 19 a 30 meses de idade e (4) no mínimo 8 animais com mais de 30 meses de idade. Anticorpos anti-B. abortus foram observados em 8 de 18 municípios (44,44%), em 8 de 72 rebanhos (11,11%) e em 8 animais dos 2343 amostrados (0,34%). A análise dos resultados de prevalência por ecorregião do Estado não revelou diferença significativa de risco entre elas. A análise dos resultados por categorias de faixa etária também não evidenciaram diferença significativa de risco entre as mesmas. Foi observado que a brucelose está amplamente disseminada no estado embora com uma baixa prevalência animal. Estes resultados podem ser úteis no delineamento de estratégias de controle da brucelose bovina no estado da Paraíba.

A serosurvey was conducted to estimate the prevalence of bovine brucellosis in the State of Paraíba, Brazil. A random sample of six municipalities was selected from each of three ecoregions of the State: the Agreste/Litoral region (1), the Cariri/Curimatau region (2) and the Sertão region (3). These 18 municipalities were divided in quadrants and one herd was selected at random from each quadrant. The sampling scheme included herds with more than 50 bovines, which excludes small-holder subsistence livestock production. At least 32 animals were sampled within each herd, stratified in four age categories, as follows: (1) at least 8 animals under 6 months of age, (2) at least 8 animals of 7 to 18 months of age, (3) at least 8 animals of 19 to 30 months of age and (4) at least 8 animals over 30 months of age. Antibodies to Brucella abortus were observed in 8 out of 18 municipalities (44.44%),in 8 out of 72 herds included in this study (11.11%) and in 8 animals out of 2343 samples collected (0.34%). The prevalence of test positive cattle by ecoregion/cattle production regions in the state showed no significant differences of risk among them. Likewise, there was no significant difference of risk among the different age categories studied. It was observed that brucellosis is widely spread across the state albeit with low animal prevalence. These results may be used in the design of a strategy for controlling bovine brucellosis in the State of Paraíba.

Foram realizados exames sorológicos em cabras leiteiras, utilizando-se ELISA marcado com avidina-biotina (LAB-ELISA). Esses exames mostraram soroconversão progressiva, com uma taxa maior entre os animais a partir do início da reprodução até a última metade da lactação (35%) comparada à observada nos animais até o início da reprodução (17,8%)(p<0,05). Além disso, o padrão de sororeatividade das amostras colhidas a cada 30-40 dias, durante 12 meses, avaliado pelo LAB-ELISA, foi caracterizado por alta variabilidade individual. Não foi observada sororeversão, e títulos mais altos foram obtidos mais no grupo constituído por animais que entraram em lactação (n=6, média de títulos=913,4) do que no grupo constituído por animais que cruzaram, mas não conceberam (n=4, média de títulos=261,2)(p<0,01).

A labelled avidin-biotin ELISA (lab-ELISA) using repeated serum samples of goats showed a progressive seroconversion with higher seroconversion rate at the period going from the beginning of the breeding up to the last half of lactation (35.0%), compared to that recorded at the beginning of breeding (17.8%)(p<0.05). Furthermore, the seroreactivity pattern, evaluated by a lab-ELISA standard-curve with serum samples collected at 30-40 days intervals during 12 months, was caracterized by high individual variability. No seroreversion was observed and there were higher titers in the group of animals which delivered kids and established a lactation period (n=6; mean titre=913.4 units) compared to the group of goats that failed to conceived (n=4; mean titre=261.2 units) (p<0.01).