Phaidra - University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna
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Effects of Lameness on Milk Yield, Milk Quality Indicators, and Rumination Behaviour in Dairy Cows
No full textDuring dental scaling in dogs under general anaesthesia, contamination of the peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) is unavoidable due to splatter and the generated aerosol. Bacterial contamination was compared between two commonly used PIVC placement sites. Thirty-nine client-owned dogs with a minimum length from their nose to their tail base of 50 cm were randomly assigned to receive a PIVC in either their cephalic or saphenous vein. Irrespective of the PIVC placement site, brain heart infusion agar dishes were placed in the cephalic and saphenous vein areas. Their lids were closed 0, 5, and 10 min into the procedure. Contamination was measured by counting the colony-forming units after incubation on different substrates. The data were analysed with descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and ANCOVA (p< 0.05). The cephalic vein area showed a significantly higher bacterial load than the saphenous vein area (p ≈ 0.0) regardless of the length of the dog. Furthermore, the dorsal PIVC injection ports were sampled before and after scaling, and the colonies isolated were counted and subjected to MALDI-TOF-MS for identification. The bacteria mainly belonged to the genera Staphylococcus, Neisseria, and Bacillus. Our results suggest that for dental scaling in dogs, the PIVC should be placed in the pelvic limb whenever possible to reduce the potential risk of contamination
Epistemic Curiosity in Kea Parrots and Human Children
No full textBoth human children and animals seek information following a violation-of-expectation event, but little research suggests the latter do so for the sake of it. In this preregistered experiment, we compared epistemic curiosity—the pursuit of information for its own sake—in kea parrots (Nestor notabilis) and three-year-old human children (Homo sapiens) following a violation-of-expectation event. Subjects were trained to push a tool into an apparatus that produced a reward before the apparatus was surreptitiously made non-functional in following trials. In both functional and non-functional trials, after solving the task, subjects were rewarded and allowed to explore the apparatus for thirty seconds with the opportunity to peek into the side of the apparatus. We found that relatively more kea peeked than children, but the children and not the kea were significantly more likely to peek in the non-functional versus functional trials, particularly when the researcher was absent. While both species showed markers of curiosity in the experiment, we found expectancy-violation-induced epistemic curiosity only in the children and not the kea in this context
Did complex song and dance coevolve with brain size in the birds-of-paradise (Aves: Paradisaeidae)?
No full textLos comportamientos de señalización complejos, como el canto de las aves y las exhibiciones de cortejo, se han asociado con aumentos tanto en el tamaño absoluto como relativo del cerebro, presumiblemente mediados por relaciones entre el tamaño cerebral y las habilidades de coordinación motora y de aprendizaje. Sin embargo, establecer de manera confiable estas relaciones es un desafío debido a la dificultad de cuantificar la complejidad del comportamiento. Las aves del paraíso realizan algunas de las exhibiciones de cortejo más elaboradas entre las aves, que implican un notable grado de complejidad y coordinación motora, lo que las convierte en modelos interesantes para investigar la evolución de las habilidades complejas de aprendizaje motor en aves. Aquí, recopilamos una base de datos sobre el tamaño cerebral basada en microtomografía computarizada de más de la mitad de las especies conocidas de aves del paraíso, y utilizamos múltiples métricas de complejidad de exhibición para probar la hipótesis de que los cerebros más grandes están asociados con repertorios más elaborados de exhibiciones motoras y vocales. No encontramos evidencia clara de que la complejidad de los comportamientos de cortejo haya co-evolucionado con el tamaño cerebral en las aves del paraíso: esta conclusión se mantuvo a lo largo de tres tipos de puntuaciones de complejidad conductual y dos tipos de complejidad vocal.Complex signaling behaviors, such as avian song and courtship displays, have been associated with increases in both absolute and relative brain size, presumably mediated by relationships between brain size and motor coordination and learning abilities. Nonetheless, reliably establishing these relationships is challenging due to the difficulty of quantifying behavioral complexity. Birds-of-paradise perform some of the most elaborate avian courtship displays, involving a striking degree of complexity and motor coordination, which makes them interesting models for investigating the evolution of complex motor learning abilities in birds. Here, we compiled a µCT-based brain size dataset of more than half of the known species of birds-of-paradise and used multiple metrics of display complexity to test the hypothesis that larger brains are associated with more elaborate repertoires of motor and vocal displays. We found no clear evidence that the complexity of courtship display behaviors coevolved with brain size among the birds-of-paradise: this conclusion held across 3 kinds of behavioral and 2 kinds of vocal complexity scores
Cost assessment of a preventive vaccination program against highly pathogenic avian influenza in Austrian poultry farms
No full textThe ongoing global epidemic of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has led to the culling of millions of birds across the European Union and beyond. In response, preventive vaccination has been increasingly considered alongside existing measures to control HPAI in poultry. This study focusses on the costs and logistical implications of a potential preventive vaccination program for HPAI in Austrian poultry farms across multiple scenarios, considering different animal and production types, vaccination areas, and vaccination periods. Results show that targeting high-density poultry areas, specific farm types, and seasonal risks can optimize resources and reduce costs. Depending on the scenario, the total cost per vaccinated animal ranges from €1.52 to €4.06. Sensitivity analysis identifies vaccine costs and post-vaccination diagnostics as key cost drivers. The 2024 outbreak season resulted in an estimated €3 million in control-related costs in Austria, with most affected farms located in predefined high-risk zones, highlighting the potential cost-effectiveness of targeting vaccination efforts in these areas. This study provides a basis for policymakers to assess vaccination cost-effectiveness, supporting decisions on implementing an economically viable program to prevent HPAI outbreaks in Austria and other comparable settings
Evaluation of an on-farm fecal particle size separator
No full textDiploma thesis - University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna - 2025This study aims to validate an on-farm fecal particle size separator by comparing its performance against a laboratory method as the reference standard. Additionally, the device\u27s applicability across different age groups (calves and adult cows) is evaluated. Fecal samples of 150 g each from calves and cows are dissolved in water and sieved through the on-farm device under water flow. Similarly, 15 g of the same samples are analyzed in the laboratory using an automatic sieve shaker. In both methods, the retained material is assessed. The analysis revealed a higher average percentage of retained material with the on-farm device. This is likely due to human error during operation: the on-farm method lacks a shaking component in order to remove access water, and the sieving duration is subjectively determined. Beyond human factors, the composition of the feces appears to influence the results. The overall better alignment between both methods in calves may be attributed to the underdeveloped gastrointestinal tract and differences in diet, which include milk feeding. In adult animals with developed rumination behavior and ingestion of larger particles, the increased number of microorganisms and soluble particles contained in the access water seem to cluster, thereby increasing the retained percentage in the on-farm method. Despite the observed differences, the development of standardized guidelines for implementation could make the device a cost-effective on-site tool for evaluating and optimizing calf feeding.Diplomarbeit - Veterinärmedizinische Universität Wien - 2025Das Ziel dieser Studie ist einerseits die Validierung dreier Siebe zur Bestimmung der Kotpartikelgrößenverteilung. Die Ergebnisse werden mit einer Labormethode als Referenzstandard verglichen. Andererseits wird die Anwendbarkeit dieses On-farm-Geräts bei verschiedenen Altersgruppen (Kälber und adulte Kühe) bewertet. Kotproben zu je 150 g von Kälbern und Kühen wurden in Wasser gelöst und unter Wasserfluss durch das On-farm-Gerät gesiebt. Im Labor wurden 15 g derselben Proben mithilfe eines automatischen Siebschüttlers analysiert. In beiden Methoden wurde das in den Sieben zurückgehaltene Material bewertet. Die Analyse ergab einen höheren durchschnittlichen Prozentsatz an zurückgehaltenem Material bei der On-farm-Methode. Dies ist wahrscheinlich auf Fehler in der Durchführung zurückzuführen: Das überschüssige Wasser wird bei der On-farm-Methode nach der Spülung nicht durch Schütteln entfernt und die Siebdauer wird subjektiv bestimmt. Neben menschlichen Faktoren scheint die Zusammensetzung des Kotes die Ergebnisse zu beeinflussen. Die insgesamt bessere Übereinstimmung zwischen beiden Methoden bei Kälbern könnte auf den Entwicklungsstand des Verdauungssystem sowie Unterschiede in der Fütterung zurückzuführen sein. Bei adulten Tieren mit vollständig entwickeltem Wiederkauverhalten und der Aufnahme größerer Futterpartikel scheint sich die Menge an Mikroorganismen und löslichen Partikeln im Kot zu erhöhen. Diese löslichen Teilchen aggregieren möglicherweise im überschüssigen Wasser und können bei der On-farm-Methode nicht effektiv entfernt werden. Trotz der Unterschiede zwischen beiden Methoden könnte die Entwicklung standardisierter Richtlinien für die Durchführung und Interpretation der Ergebnisse das Gerät zu einem kostengünstigen, vor Ort einsetzbaren Werkzeug zur Bewertung und Optimierung der Kälberfütterung machen.Diploma thesis - University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna - 2025This study aims to validate an on-farm fecal particle size separator by comparing its performance against a laboratory method as the reference standard. Additionally, the device\u27s applicability across different age groups (calves and adult cows) is evaluated. Fecal samples of 150 g each from calves and cows are dissolved in water and sieved through the on-farm device under water flow. Similarly, 15 g of the same samples are analyzed in the laboratory using an automatic sieve shaker. In both methods, the retained material is assessed. The analysis revealed a higher average percentage of retained material with the on-farm device. This is likely due to human error during operation: the on-farm method lacks a shaking component in order to remove access water, and the sieving duration is subjectively determined. Beyond human factors, the composition of the feces appears to influence the results. The overall better alignment between both methods in calves may be attributed to the underdeveloped gastrointestinal tract and differences in diet, which include milk feeding. In adult animals with developed rumination behavior and ingestion of larger particles, the increased number of microorganisms and soluble particles contained in the access water seem to cluster, thereby increasing the retained percentage in the on-farm method. Despite the observed differences, the development of standardized guidelines for implementation could make the device a cost-effective on-site tool for evaluating and optimizing calf feeding
Basophil Activation Test: Bridging Allergy and Oncology for Diagnostic, Therapeutic and Prognostic Applications in AllergoOncology: An EAACI Position Paper
No full textThe basophil activation test (BAT) is gaining increasing relevance as an ex vivo functional assay in allergy to evaluate IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reactions to food allergens, venoms, and drugs and to monitor tolerance induction. Establishing universal standard operating protocols has been difficult, due to several challenges including variable activation markers, positive control selection, the need for processing fresh blood samples, and the existence of non-releasing individuals. In oncology, BAT is also an emerging promising diagnostic and management tool to assess hypersensitivity reactions to biologics and chemotherapy agents, monitor drug tolerance in desensitisation, and predict and address the safety of novel anti-cancer IgE-based therapeutics. This position paper highlights the emerging significance of BAT in AllergoOncology, in facilitating therapy monitoring, biomarker discovery, and risk stratification. Capitalising on long-acquired expertise in the development of BAT for allergy, we propose research directions and routes to clinical applications of this highly promising tool in AllergoOncology. We advocate the need for enhanced focus on addressing standardisation challenges and leveraging outputs for precision medicine. By linking allergy and oncology, the key remaining limitations can be addressed, with the aim of realising the significant promise of BAT as a robust tool to enhance personalised care in allergy and AllergoOncology
Attending with Shame to the Animal Crisis: On the Contributions of Murdoch and Deleuze to a Politics of Sight
No full textIn Animal Crisis: A New Critical Theory (2022), Alice Crary and Lori Gruen diagnose a crisis in human–animal relations, emphasizing its political nature and critiquing the limited scope of orthodox animal ethics. They propose an “ethics and politics of sight” to confront this crisis, drawing on Iris Murdoch’s philosophy of attention. This article argues that while Murdoch’s account of attention provides insight into the perceptual dimension of this crisis, it does not fully address its political and emotional aspects. Murdoch’s focus on personal improvement ignores the structural roots of moral misperceptions, limiting its applicability to a collective politics of sight. Moreover, the lack of a systematic account of the emotional dimension of attention undermines her explanation of the latter’s transformative potential. Therefore, this article applies Gilles Deleuze’s concept of shame to extend Murdochian attention to include emotional and political dimensions. By analyzing the role of shame in moral perception, this article contributes to debates on how emotions affect ethical human–animal issues and moral thought and practice more generally. Specifically, we argue that shame provides a critical perspective on the normative infrastructure that determines society’s relation to animals by rendering visible aspects of the shameful and the intolerable behind a façade of normalcy
A Method for Analysis of Free and Total Ropivacaine in Dog Plasma Using UHPLC-MS/MS
No full textRopivacaine is a local anesthetic commonly used in veterinary anesthesia. A liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) method was developed to quantify free and total ropivacaine in dog plasma, which included rapid equilibrium dialysis. The method was validated for selectivity, specificity, matrix effect, calibration curve and range, accuracy and precision, carry-over, stability, and reinjection reproducibility according to the International Conference on Harmonization M10 guidelines. After ultra-high performance liquid chromatographic (UHPLC) separation, detection and quantification of ropivacaine was performed using a triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer with electrospray ionization. LC–MS method validation was carried out in a range of 0.05–1000 ng/mL ropivacaine in dog plasma in two dilutions (1:1 and 1:4). The precision and accuracy of the method were determined at four concentration levels and ranged from 0.40% to 5.30% and 85.50% to 113.30%, respectively. The lower limit of quantification was as low as 0.30 and 0.05 ng/mL, for the quantitation of protein-bound (1:4) and free (1:1) ropivacaine, respectively. All validation parameters met acceptance criteria. This UHPLC–MS/MS method was successfully applied in a clinical study that involved the intraperitoneal instillation of ropivacaine to anesthetized dogs and can be used to quantify free and total ropivacaine in dog plasma
[18F]FDG-PET provides insights into the liver-brain axis and confirms SUVgluc as a surrogate for MRGlu in a mouse model of liver fibrosis
No full textPurpose
The liver-brain axis regulates metabolic homeostasis, with glucose metabolism playing a key role. Liver dysfunction, such as fibrosis, may impact brain metabolism and consequently, brain function. Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging provides a non-invasive approach to study glucose metabolism in both organs. A recent longitudinal PET/CT study utilizing 2-deoxy-2-[18F]-fluoro-d-glucose ([18F]FDG) amongst other radiotracers revealed significant metabolic changes in the liver in a mouse model of liver fibrosis. Here, we retrospectively analyzed those data to quantify potential associated changes in brain glucose metabolism.
Procedures
Eleven male C57BL/6N mice underwent repeated PET imaging with [18F]FDG at baseline, pre-fibrosis, fibrosis, and remission stages. Cerebral glucose metabolism was assessed using standardized uptake value (SUV), blood glucose-corrected SUV (SUVgluc), and kinetic modeling (Patlak and two-tissue compartment models) for calculation of the glucose metabolic rate (MRGlu).
Results
Both SUVgluc and MRGlu significantly decreased during pre-fibrosis and fibrosis on whole brain level and recovered at remission. SUVgluc statistical parametric mapping identified multiple brain areas with reduced glucose metabolism, which was confirmed by regional analysis showing progressive reduction in SUVgluc. Correlation analyses confirmed SUVgluc as a reliable surrogate for MRGlu, unlike uncorrected SUV. Liver [18F]FDG uptake increased during fibrosis and normalized at remission, mirroring changes in blood glucose concentrations.
Conclusions
[18F]FDG PET imaging revealed that liver fibrosis alters glucose metabolism in both liver and brain, emphasizing the potential of molecular imaging for future assessment of metabolic interaction between liver and brain. [18F]FDG uptake in terms of SUVgluc strongly correlated with MRGlu from kinetic modeling, supporting its utility as a valid surrogate parameter to quantify cerebral glucose metabolism in mice
Hyalomma aegyptium: Observed global distribution, imported specimens, preferred hosts and vector competence
No full textThe tortoise tick Hyalomma aegyptium (Linnaeus, 1758) is a three-host tick, predominantly infesting land tortoises of the genus Testudo. A database was compiled, resulting in 557 H. aegyptium georeferenced locations in the Palearctic. This dataset covers the entire range of H. aegyptium for the first time. Thus, the natural distribution area of H. aegyptium extends from Morocco in northwestern Africa to Kyrgyzstan in Central Asia between 10° W-73° E and 28-46° N, which is shown in an overview map and four detailed maps covering North Africa, the Balkans, the Near East, and the Middle East. In addition, documented findings on land tortoises that have been exported worldwide as popular pets give an impression of the occurrence of H. aegyptium outside its natural distribution. The host species is known from 424 mapped H. aegyptium locations, which can be ranked as follows: 92.9% Testudo spp., 4.0% mammals (mainly hedgehogs and hares), 1.7% humans, 0.9% lizards and 0.5% birds. If only tortoise hosts are considered, these are 92.6% Testudo graeca, 3.8% Testudo hermanni, 2.8% Testudo horsfieldii and 0.8% Testudo marginata. It is striking that no infestation with H. aegyptium has been detected on Testudo kleinmanni in their natural habitat, but it was detected on imported specimens in Malta and the USA. Although numerous tick-borne pathogens have been detected in H. aegyptium, vector competence, i.e. the experimentally proved transmission of pathogens from the vector to the host, could only be demonstrated for three pathogens. These are the two blood parasites Hemolivia mauritanica and Hepatozoon kisrae as well as Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of Q fever