Abstract Creatine is consumed by athletes to increase strength and gain muscle. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of creatine supplementation on maximal strength and strength endurance. Twelve strength-trained men (25.2 ± 3.4 years) supplemented with 20 g Creatina + 10g maltodextrin or placebo (20g starch + 10g maltodextrin) for five days in randomized order. Maximal strength and strength endurance (4 sets 70% 1RM until concentric failure) were determined in the bench press. In addition, blood lactate, rate of perceived effort, fatigue index, and mood state were evaluated. All measurements were performed before and after the supplementation period. There were no significant changing in maximal strength, blood lactate, RPE, fatigue index, and mood state in either treatment. However, the creatine group performed more repetitions after the supplementation (Cr: Δ = +3.4 reps, p = 0.036, g = 0.53; PLA: Δ = +0.3reps, p = 0.414, g = 0.06), and higher total work (Cr: Δ = +199.5au, p = 0.038, g = 0.52; PLA: Δ = +26.7au, p = 0.402, g = 0.07). Creatine loading for five days allowed the subjects to perform more repetitions, resulting in greater total work, but failed to change the maximum strength. muscle strengthtrained trained 25.2 252 25 2 (25. 34 3 4 3. years 20g order ( 70 RM failure press addition lactate effort index evaluated period RPE treatment However Cr (Cr +3. reps 0036 0 036 0.036 0.53 053 53 PLA 03reps 3reps +0.3reps 0414 414 0.414 0.06, 006 0.06 , 06 0.06) 1995au au 199 5au +199.5au 0038 038 0.038 0.52 052 52 267au 26 7au +26.7au 0402 402 0.402 0.07. 007 0.07 . 07 0.07) 25. (25 7 +3 003 03 0.03 0.5 05 5 041 41 0.41 00 0.0 19 040 40 0.40 (2 0. 04 0.4 1

Abstract Fish parasites are an important part of aquatic biodiversity and knowing these species and their interactions with their hosts helps in monitoring the aquatic biota. The present study investigated the ectoparasite crustacean fauna of ten fish species from the upper Araguari River, in the state of Amapá, northern Brazil. A total of 508 fish were collected and analyzed from July to November 2014, of which 82.6% (109) were parasitized by one or more crustacean ectoparasite species. In the ten host fish species, a total of 308 ectoparasite specimens were collected, from 12 taxa, such as Argulus multicolor Stekhoven, 1937, Argulus spinulosus Silva, 1980, Argulus sp.1, Argulus sp.2, Argulus sp.3, Dipteropeltis sp., Dipteropeltis hirundo Calman, 1912, Dolops bidentata Bouvier, 1899, Dolops striata Bouvier, 1899 (Argulidae), Braga fluviatilis Richardson, 1911, Braga amapaensis Thatcher, 1996 (Cymothoidae) and Excorallana berbicensis Boone, 1918 (Corallanidae). Higher levels of prevalence and abundance were recorded for Hoplias aimara (Valenciennes, 1847) and Tometes trilobatus Valenciennes, 1850, respectively. These ectoparasites were found in the fins, integument, mouth, and anus of the host fish. Argulus sp.2 and D. bidentata were the most abundant parasites (65.1%), and had the highest species richness. This study registered 36 novel host-parasite interactions, and thus represents a new record for all host species here examined. biota River Amapá Brazil 50 2014 826 82 6 82.6 109 (109 30 1 taxa Stekhoven 1937 Silva 1980 sp1 sp sp.1 sp2 2 sp3 3 sp.3 sp. Calman 1912 Bouvier 189 Argulidae, Argulidae , (Argulidae) Richardson 1911 Thatcher 199 Cymothoidae (Cymothoidae Boone 191 Corallanidae. Corallanidae . (Corallanidae) Valenciennes (Valenciennes 1847 1850 respectively fins integument mouth D 65.1%, 651 65.1% 65 (65.1%) richness hostparasite parasite examined 5 201 8 82. 10 (10 193 198 18 (Argulidae 19 (Corallanidae 184 185 65.1 (65.1% 20 (1 65. (65.1 ( (65. (65 (6

Abstract This study investigated the spatial distribution, parasite interactions, and affinities of Branchiura parasites according to macrohabitat and surface type on fish from the Araguari River, Amapá State, in the Brazilian Amazon. This study presents novel information on the interactions of branchiuran species with host fish, and how the morphology of their attachment structures is associated with different host surface morphologies, with and without scales. A total of 558 fish specimens of 26 species were collected, of which 109 fish (10 species) were parasitized by at least one branchiuran parasite; these were selected for further study. The parasites were collected from the buccal cavity, gills, fins, and integument of the host fish. Parasites with suction discs (Argulus) were mainly associated to hosts with small scales and no scales, while parasites with hooks (Dolops) were mainly associated to hosts with large scales. Overall, parasites with suction discs were more specialized per site than those with hooks. distribution River State Amazon morphologies 55 2 10 (1 cavity gills fins Argulus (Argulus Dolops (Dolops Overall 5 1 (

Abstract This review surveyed information on Caligus Müller, 1785 to identify global infestation patterns and geographic distribution in teleost fishes, as well as physiological and histopathological data and description of treatment strategies. A total 990 samples of Caligus spp. (N = 212 species) obtained of 233 scientific papers on farmed and wild teleost species from 99 families and 30 orders were used, and the highest number of occurrences was on Carangidae. Caligus spp. was predominantly found in marine environments, and only Caligus lacustris and Caligus epidemicus were found in teleost fish of freshwater environments. There was a high prevalence of Caligus spp. on hosts and infestation occurred predominantly in both the tegument and the gills. Caligus species are distributed across different countries and some particularities were identified and discussed. Caligus elongatus and Caligus bonito bonito had the broadest geographic distribution. Histomorphological and hematological disorders caused by infestation by Caligus spp. were reported and discussed, as well as chemotherapeutic products used for controlling and treating the infestations. Variation in the distribution and geographic patterns of Caligus spp. were little evident in many ecosystems and due to the limited data on the infestation of these sea lice on teleost populations in different regions. Müller 178 fishes strategies spp N 21 23 9 3 Carangidae environments gills discussed infestations regions 17 2 1

ABSTRACT: The parasitic fauna of Podocnemididae species is of great relevance to understanding the ecological relationships of the organisms in this genus. The parasites can have a symbiotic relationship with their hosts; however, environmental imbalances may change this relationship. Therefore, these parasites may become agents that generate zoonoses, especially in animals used by parasites as a food source. The aim of this study was to investigate the gastrointestinal parasitic fauna of specimens of Podocnemis unifilis. The animals were collected from the Tocantins and Javaés Rivers, both of which flow in the State of Tocantins, predominantly in the Cerrado territory. Samples of stomach and intestinal contents were fixed in 10% formalin buffered with sodium phosphate, transferred to 70% alcohol for analysis, and separated after 72 hours. Parasites were isolated and identified according to morphology and identification key. Four species of parasites were observed in 100% of specimens of P. unifilis, namely Nematophila grandis (Trematoda) and Paratractis hystrix, Paraorientatractis semiannulata, and Orientatractis leiperi (Nematoda). N. grandis was the only parasite that was not observed in the intestine; it appeared to adhere to the inner wall of the stomach. All nematodes were observed both in the stomach and intestine. These data expand the knowledge related to the P. unifilis parasitic fauna and the geographic distribution of these parasites in P. unifilis from the Tocantins and Javaés Rivers. ABSTRACT genus hosts however Therefore zoonoses source Rivers territory 10 phosphate 70 analysis 7 hours key 100 P Trematoda (Trematoda hystrix semiannulata Nematoda. Nematoda . (Nematoda) N intestine 1 (Nematoda

RESUMO: A fauna parasitológica das espécies de Podocnemididae é de grande relevância para o conhecimento das relações ecológicas desse grupo de vertebrados. Os parasitos podem ocorrer em simbiose com os seus hospedeiros sem causar danos, mas o desequilíbrio ambiental pode causar um desequilíbrio nessa relação e, assim, serem agentes geradores de zoonoses, especialmente em animais que são utilizados como recurso alimentar. Esta pesquisa fez o levantamento da fauna parasitária gastrointestinal de espécimes de Podocnemis unifilis. Os animais foram coletados no rio Tocantins e Javaés, ambos no Estado do Tocantins, em território predominante de Cerrado. As amostras de conteúdo estomacal e intestinal foram fixadas em formol a 10% tamponado em fosfato de sódio, transferidas para álcool 70% para análise e separação após 72 horas. Os parasitos foram separados e identificados de acordo com morfologia e chave de identificação. Foram encontradas quatro espécies de parasitos com prevalência em 100% dos espécimes de P. unifilis, sendo elas Nematophila grandis (Trematoda) e Paratractis hystrix, Paraorientatractis semiannulata e Orientatractis leiperi (Nematoda). Somente N. grandis não foi observado no intestino, sendo encontrado somente aderido à parede interna do estômago. Todos os nematoides foram observados no estômago e intestino. Esses dados ampliam o conhecimento sobre a fauna parasitária de P. unifilis, e aumentam o conhecimento sobre a distribuição geográfica desses parasitos em P. unifilis dos Rios Tocantins e Javaés. RESUMO vertebrados danos assim zoonoses alimentar Javaés Cerrado 10 sódio 70 7 horas identificação 100 P Trematoda (Trematoda hystrix Nematoda. Nematoda . (Nematoda) N intestino 1 (Nematoda

RESUMO Novilhas pré-púberes Nelore (G-N=15) e mestiças Nelore x Aberdeen Angus (G-NA=15) foram utilizadas neste estudo. CFA, peso vivo, escore de condição corporal (ECC), diâmetros do ovário e folículo dominante (FD) foram determinados em cada animal. A indução da puberdade foi realizada pela inserção de um dispositivo de progesterona de quarto uso (D0), que foi retirado no D12. Além disso, 1mg de benzoato de estradiol foi administrado e a intensidade do estro foi classificada (D12). No D21, foram registrados a presença e o diâmetro do corpo lúteo (CL). A CFA foi altamente repetível, independentemente da indução hormonal em G-N (r=0,79) e G-NA (r=0,90). A CFA média foi maior em G-N em comparação com G-NA (24,2±8,5 vs. 17,7±9,0 folículos). Uma variação no ECC ao longo do estudo ocorreu em G-NA, mas não em G-N. O ganho de peso médio (GPM) foi maior em G-NA em comparação com G-N (0,69±0,33 vs. 0,40±0,29kg/dia). O G-NA resultou em um diâmetro maior de FD em D12 do que o G-N (11,6±2,7 vs. 9,3±1,5mm). Em conclusão, a CFA foi maior em novilhas Nelore, embora em ambas as raças essa contagem tenha sido altamente repetível durante a indução da puberdade. Novilhas mestiças apresentaram maior ECC e GPM com maior diâmetro de FD, indicando maior precocidade quando comparadas às novilhas Nelore.

ABSTRACT Prepubertal Nelore (G-N = 15) and crossbred Nelore x Aberdeen Angus heifers (G-NA = 15) were used for this study. AFC, live weight, body condition score (BCS), ovary and dominant follicle (DF) diameters were determined in each animal. Puberty induction was performed by insertion of a 4th use progesterone device (D0) which was removed on D12. Also, 1 mg estradiol benzoate was administered, and estrus intensity was classified (D12). At D21, the presence and diameter of the corpus luteum (CL) were registered. AFC was highly repeatable, regardless of hormone induction in both G-N (r=0.79) and G-NA (r=0.90). The mean AFC was greater in G-N compared to G-NA (24.2±8.5 vs. 17.7±9.0 follicles). A variation in BCS throughout the study occurred in G-NA, but not in G-N. The average weight gain (AWG) was greater in G-NA compared to G-N (0.69±0.33 vs. 0.40±0.29kg/day). The G-NA resulted in a larger diameter of DF at D12 than G-N (11.6±2.7 vs. 9.3±1.5mm). In conclusion, AFC was greater in Nelore heifers, although in both breeds this count was highly repeatable during puberty induction. Crossbred heifers had greater BCS and AWG with greater diameter of DF, indicating higher precocity when compared to Nelore heifers.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has caused several problems in healthcare systems around the world, as to date, there is no effective and specific treatment against all forms of COVID-19. Currently, drugs with therapeutic potential are being tested, including antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-malarial, immunotherapy, and antibiotics. Although antibiotics have no direct effect on viral infections, they are often used against secondary bacterial infections, or even as empiric treatment to reduce viral load, infection, and replication of coronaviruses. However, there are many concerns about this therapeutic approach as it may accelerate and/or increase the long-term rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). We focused this overview on exploring candidate drugs for COVID-19 therapy, including antibiotics, considering the lack of specific treatment and that it is unclear whether the widespread use of antibiotics in the treatment of COVID-19 has implications for the emergence and transmission of multidrug-resistant bacteria.

RESUMO O presente relato descreve um caso de gêmeos siameses do tipo cefalotoraconfalopago deradelfo em gatos. Uma fêmea felina foi atendida na emergência do hospital veterinário em trabalho de parto distócico. Os natimortos foram encaminhados para avaliação radiográfica e constatou-se que apresentavam um único crânio e duas colunas vertebrais completas e distintas. O exame anatomopatológico evidenciou que os gêmeos possuíam cabeça, tórax e umbigo como principais pontos de união, sendo classificados como cefalotoraconfalopago. Além disso, os gêmeos apresentaram face única e bem desenvolvida, o que permitiu classificá-los como deradelfos. Esse tipo de malformação é raro em animais domésticos, e não foi encontrado nenhum trabalho em felino com a mesma classificação do presente relato. Há necessidade de mais estudos sobre essa alteração embrionária, pois a etiologia do processo ainda não foi esclarecida.

ABSTRACT The present report describes a case of conjoined twins of the cephalo-thoraco-omphalopagus deradelphous type in cats. A feline female was transferred to our veterinary hospital as an emergency for dystocic labor. The stillborn was subjected to radiographic evaluation, and a single skull and two complete distinct vertebral columns were found. Anatomopathological examination revealed that the twins presented the head, chest, and umbilicus as the main points of union and were classified as the cephalo-thoraco-omphalopagus type. In addition, the twins had unique and well-developed faces, which allowed them to be classified as deradelphous. This malformation is rare in domestic animals, and to the best of our knowledge, this type has not been reported in felines. Further studies are warranted on this embryonic alteration, primarily because its etiology remains unknown.

RESUMO Este estudo descreve o caso de um cão que teve laceração peniana tratada por penectomia parcial seguida de coleta de sêmen para inseminação artificial bem sucedida. Um cão Jack Russel Terrier de 1,5 anos, com libido, órgãos genitais e sêmen normais, teve laceração peniana após cópula. O cão foi parcialmente penectomizado sem orquiectomia, preservando a possibilidade de coleta de sêmen. A coleta de sêmen foi bem sucedida 45 e 53 dias após a cirurgia, sendo utilizado para inseminação artificial de duas cadelas, uma delas se tornando gestante. Portanto, sêmen para inseminação artificial pode ser coletado em cães parcialmente penectomizados, esta técnica revelando ser uma potencial forma de preservação da fertilidade de cães com lesões penianas que necessitem penectomia.

ABSTRACT This study describes a case of a dog with a lacerated penile tear treated with partial penectomy followed by successful semen collections for artificial insemination. A 1.5-year-old Jack Russel Terrier with normal libido, genital organs and semen, had a penile laceration after copulation. The dog underwent a partial penectomy without orchiectomy, thus preserving the possibility of semen collection. Semen was successfully collected at 45 and 53 days after surgery, and it was used for artificial insemination of two bitches, one of which became pregnant. Therefore, this report demonstrated that semen may be collected from dogs with partial penectomy for artificial insemination, this technique has the potential to preserve fertility of dogs with penile lesions that require penectomy.

RESUMO Este artigo tem como objetivo relatar um caso de infecção por Mycobacterium bovis em um gato doméstico, com seis meses de idade, enfatizando seus aspectos clínicos e terapêuticos. O felino apresentava como histórico a ingestão de leite de vaca não fervido e posteriormente desenvolveu sinais de anorexia, tosse não produtiva e linfadenomegalia. Para elucidação do diagnóstico, foram realizados exames complementares de imagem, hematológicos, citológicos e reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR). Diante da confirmação de infecção por Mycobacterium, o tratamento foi instituído por meio da associação de três antimicrobianos (enrofloxacino 5mg/kg, claritromicina 10mg/kg e rifampicina 15mg/kg), por via oral, a cada 12 horas, aos quais o animal respondeu positivamente, apresentando significativa diminuição dos sinais clínicos; entretanto, após 60 dias de tratamento, foi a óbito devido a um atropelamento. Conclui-se que a realização do tratamento em gatos com tuberculose pode ocasionar melhora dos sinais clínicos e que, embora de ocorrência rara no Brasil, essa enfermidade deve ser incluída como diagnóstico diferencial das enfermidades infecciosas nessa espécie.

ABSTRACT This article aims to report a case of Mycobacterium bovis infection in a six-month-old domestic cat, emphasizing its clinical and therapeutic aspects. The feline presented as history the intake of unboiled cow's milk and later developed signs of anorexia, non-productive cough and lymphadenomegaly. Additional imaging, hematological, cytological and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests were performed to elucidate the diagnosis. In the presence of Mycobacterium infection, treatment was instituted by the combination of three antimicrobials (Enrofloxacin 5mg/kg, Clarithromycin 10mg/kg, and Rifampicin 15mg/kg) orally every 12 hours, to which the animal responded positively, presenting significant decrease of the clinical signs, however after 60 days of treatment the cat died accidentally, hit by a car on the street. It is concluded that the treatment in cats affected by tuberculosis can cause improvement of clinical signs and that although rare in Brazil, this disease should be included as a differential diagnosis of infectious diseases in this species.

RESUMO: O alfaherpesvírus equino 1 (EHV-1) é um importante patógeno de equinos, associado com doença respiratória, neurológica e abortos. Como a vacinação nem sempre é eficaz, a terapia anti-herpética pode representar uma alternativa para prevenir as perdas causadas pela infecção. Para tal, investigou-se a atividade do ganciclovir (GCV), uma droga anti-herpética de uso humano, em coelhos infectados experimentalmente com o EHV-1. Coelhos da raça Nova Zelândia com 30 dias de idade foram alocados em três grupos (6 animais cada) e submetidos a diferentes tratamentos: G1 (controles não infectados), G2 (inoculados com o EHV-1) - 107 TCID50 intranasal - IN) e G3 (inoculados IN com o EHV-1 e tratados com GCV - 5mg/kg/dia por 7 dias), e monitorados posteriormente. Todos os animais do G2 desenvolveram sinais sistêmicos (apatia moderada a grave, anorexia), secreção ocular e sinais respiratórios (secreção nasal serosa a mucopurulenta), incluindo dificuldade respiratória leve a grave. Viremia foi detectada em todos os coelhos do G2 por até 11 dias (duração média = 6,5 dias). Um animal morreu após dificuldade respiratória grave e sinais neurológicos (bruxismo, opistótono). Além disso, esses animais ganharam menos peso que os coelhos controle (G1) e tratados com GCV (G3) entre os dias 4 e 14pi (p<0,05). O escore clínico de coelhos do G2 foi estatisticamente maior que os demais grupos dos dias 3 a 6pi (p<0,05), demonstrando uma doença mais grave. Em contraste, os coelhos do G3 não apresentaram sinais sistêmicos, apresentaram apenas secreção nasal leve e transiente e ganharam mais peso que os animais do G2 (p<0,05). Além disso, a viremia foi detectada em apenas 3 coelhos e foi transitória (média de 2,3 dias). Assim, a administração de GCV a coelhos inoculados com EHV-1 resultou em uma importante atenuação da doença clínica, como demonstrado pela prevenção completa de sinais sistêmicos, manutenção do ganho de peso e pela redução drástica da viremia e da magnitude dos sinais respiratórios. Estes resultados são promissores para testes adicionais com o GCV para potencial terapêutico anti-herpética em equinos.

ABSTRACT: Equid alphaherpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) is an important pathogen of horses, associated with respiratory, neurological disease and abortions. As vaccination is not always effective, anti-herpetic therapy may represent an alternative to prevent the losses caused by the infection. We herein investigated the activity of ganciclovir (GCV), an anti-herpetic human drug, in rabbits experimentally infected with EHV-1. Thirty-days-old New Zealand rabbits were allocated in three groups (6 animals each) and submitted to different treatments: G1 (non-infected controls), G2 (inoculated with EHV-1) - 107 TCID50 intranasally - IN) and G3 (inoculated IN with EHV-1 and treated with GCV - 5mg/kg/day for 7 days) and monitored thereafter. All animals of G2 developed systemic signs (moderate to severe apathy, anorexia), ocular discharge and respiratory signs (serous to mucopurulent nasal discharge), including mild to severe respiratory distress. Viremia was detected in all rabbits of G2 for up to 11 days (mean duration = 6.5 days). One animal died after severe respiratory distress and neurological signs (bruxism, opistotonus). In addition, these animals gained less weight than the control (G1) and GCV-treated rabbits (G3) from days 4 to 14pi (p<0.05). The clinical score of rabbits of G2 was statistically higher than the other groups from days 3 to 6pi (p<0.05), demonstrating a more severe disease. In contrast, G3 rabbits did not present systemic signs, presented only a mild and transient nasal secretion and gained more weight than G2 animals (p<0.05). In addition, viremia was detected in only 3 rabbits and was transient (average of 2.3 days). Thus, administration of GCV to rabbits inoculated IN with EHV-1 resulted in an important attenuation of the clinical disease as demonstrated by full prevention of systemic signs, maintenance of weight gain and by drastic reduction in viremia and in the magnitude of respiratory signs. These results are promising towards further testing of GCV as a potential drug for anti-herpetic therapy in horses.

Carassius auratus is a teleost fish that has been largely used in behavioral studies. However, little is known about potential environmental influences on its performance of learning and memory tasks. Here, we investigated this question in C. auratus, and searched for potential correlation between exercise and visuospatial enrichment with the total number of telencephalic glia and neurons. To that end, males and females were housed for 183 days in either an enriched (EE) or impoverished environment (IE) aquarium. EE contained toys, natural plants, and a 12-hour/day water stream for voluntary exercise, whereas the IE had none of the above. A third plus-maze aquarium was used for spatial and object recognition tests. Different visual clues in 2 of its 4 arms were used to guide fish to reach the criteria to complete the task. The test consisted of 30 sessions and was concluded when each animal performed three consecutive correct choices or seven alternated, each ten trials. Learning rates revealed significant differences between EE and IE fish. The optical fractionator was used to estimate the total number of telencephalic cells that were stained with cresyl violet. On average, the total number of cells in the subjects from EE was higher than those from subjects maintained in IE (P=0.0202). We suggest that environmental enrichment significantly influenced goldfish spatial learning and memory abilities, and this may be associated with an increase in the total number of telencephalic cells.

Abstract Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the community of metazoan parasites in Hemibrycon surinamensis from the Matapi River, State of Amapá, Brazil. Among the 31 examined fish, 77.4 % were parasitized by Jainus hexops, Tereancistrum ornatus (Monogenea), Contracaecum sp. (Nematoda), Clinostomus marginatum and Posthodiplostomum sp. (Digenea). However, the dominance was of monogeneans J. hexops and T. ornatus, and among the endoparasites, the predominance was of species at the larval stage. The parasites showed random dispersion. Brillouin diversity index varied from 0 to 0.9, evenness from 0 to 0.7 and species richness from 0 to 3 parasites per host. Low levels of parasitic infection were observed and discussed. The results indicate that this intermediate host occupies a low position in the food web. This is the third eco-epidemiological study for H. surinamensis.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar uma investigação de Mycoplasma bovigenitalium e Ureaplasma diversum em bovinos leiteiros da microrregião do Vale do Ipanema, estado de Pernambuco, Brasil. Foram coletados suabes vaginais de 355 vacas em idade reprodutiva. As amostras foram analisadas por multiplex PCR (mPCR) e cultura. Foi realizada uma investigação dos fatores de risco para Mollicutes. Na mPCR, 9,29% (33/355) das vacas foram positivas para M. bovigenitalium e 21,69% (77/355) para U. diversum; coinfecção foi observada em 2,81% (10/355) das vacas. O isolamento microbiológico mostrou crescimento de Mycoplasma spp. em 81,81% (27/33) das amostras e em 24,67% (19/77) para Ureaplasma spp. Os fatores de risco relacionados à infecção por Mollicutes identificados foram sistema de produção semi-intensivo (OR= 4,6), aluguel de pastagem (OR= 3,6), não isolamento de animais com desordens reprodutivas (OR= 3,2) e monta natural e inseminação artificial (OR= 3,5). Houve uma associação significativa entre a infecção por Mollicutes e abortos no primeiro terço gestacional (P=0,001). Este é o primeiro relato da infecção por M. bovigenitalium e U. diversum em vacas na região semiárida do estado de Pernambuco, Brasil. As medidas preventivas direcionadas aos fatores de risco identificados podem diminuir a ocorrência de Mollicutes nesses rebanhos.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to conduct an investigation of Mycoplasma bovigenitalium and Ureaplasma diversum infections in cattle in the microregion of the Ipanema Valley, state of Pernambuco, Brazil. Vaginal swabs were collected from 355 breeding cows in reproductive age and were analyzed by multiplex PCR (mPCR) and culture. An epidemiological investigation of risk factors was performed for Mollicutes. mPCR analysis showed that, 9.29% (33/355) of the cows were positive for M. bovigenitalium and 21.69% (77/355) for U. diversum; coinfection was observed in 2.81% (10/355) of the cows. The microbiological isolation showed, 81.81% (27/33) of Mycoplasma spp. and 24.67% (19/77) of Ureaplasma spp.. The risk factors related to Mollicutes infection identified were semi-intensive breeding system (OR= 4.6), pasture rent (OR= 3.6), non-isolation of animals with reproductive disorders (OR= 3.2), and natural mounting and artificial insemination (OR= 3.5). There was a significant association between Mollicutes infection and abortions in the first gestational third (P= 0.001). This is the first record of M. bovigenitalium and U. diversum infection in cows in the semiarid region of the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. Preventive measures directed to the identified risk factors can decrease the occurrence of Mollicutes in these herds.

RESUMO: Foram avaliados os fatores epidemiológicos e as afecções podais de bovinos de corte no estado do Pará em 12 propriedades. Em todas foi realizado o estudo epidemiológico e em nove o estudo epidemiológico e o exame clínico dos animais. Nos centros de manejo foram observados fatores favoráveis a traumatismos nos dígitos dos bovinos, como piso das seringas calçado com pedras, troncos com exposição de ferragens e rampas dos embarcadores com pisos de pedras pontiagudas, além da falta de manutenção e erros estruturais. Em todas as fazendas observou-se um manejo inadequado dos animais. Em 91,7% das fazendas (11/12) havia piquetes com presença de troncos de árvores e 66,7% (8/12) apresentavam áreas de relevo inclinado com presença de pedras. Em 16,7% (2/12) das fazendas havia áreas de brejo com áreas alagadas. A sodomia foi relatada em todas as propriedades. Nenhuma fazenda adotava medidas profiláticas relacionadas às afecções podais. Foram examinados 498 bovinos entre fêmeas e machos. Os membros pélvicos foram mais acometidos, tanto nas fêmeas quanto nos machos. Foram diagnosticadas 629 lesões nas fêmeas, sendo as mais frequentes pododermatite séptica, deformações ungulares, pododermatite da sobreunha e dermatite digital. Nos machos diagnosticou-se 285 lesões e as mais frequentes foram pododermatite séptica, deformações ungulares e abrasão de talão. Conclui-se que erros de manejo associados às condições inadequadas das instalações foram fatores que contribuíram para a ocorrência de enfermidades podais em bovinos de corte nas fazendas estudadas; as características ambientais favoreceram o desenvolvimento das lesões; as associações de lesões foram mais prevalentes do que as simples, sendo diagnosticadas em animais em todas as fazendas estudadas; o diagnóstico precoce a campo não era realizado, o que contribuiu para aumentar a gravidade e a diversificação das afecções podais diagnosticadas.

ABSTRACT: The epidemiological study was conducted in 12 farms with the history of foot disease occurrence. Clinical examination of the affected cattle for the diagnosis of foot disease was performed only on nine of these farms. Multiple risk factors were found for digit injuries, as syringes floors paved with rocks, working chutes with iron fittings exposure, loading ramps covered with sharp stones and the lack of maintenance and structural errors. On each farm there was an inappropriate handling of cattle. On 91.7% of them (11/12) existed pickets with trunks of trees and 66.7% (8/12) had areas of sloping relief with stones. Moreover, 16.7% (2/12) of the farms were in marsh areas and wetlands. Sodomy was reported for all farms. None of them adopted preventive measures related to foot problems. A total of 498 cattle, males and females, were examined. The hind limbs were the most affected in both, females and in males. In females 629 lesions were diagnosed. The septic pododermatitis was the most common, followed by claw deformities, pododermatitis in the paradigits and digital dermatitis. In males 285 injuries were diagnosed; the most common were septic pododermatitis, claw deformities and heel erosion. It was concluded that management errors associated with inadequate facilities were factors that contributed to the occurrence of foot diseases in beef cattle of the farms studied. The environmental characteristics favored the development of lesions; combined injuries were more prevalent than the simple ones diagnosed in cattle of all farms. Early diagnosis was not carried out in the field, what helped to increase the severity and the diversification of the foot problems.