Transmissible venereal tumor (TVT) is a widely reported transplantable tumor in dogs, with no breed or sex predilection and with a low metastatic rate. This retrospective study conducted from 2005 and 2011 sought to e...Transmissible venereal tumor (TVT) is a widely reported transplantable tumor in dogs, with no breed or sex predilection and with a low metastatic rate. This retrospective study conducted from 2005 and 2011 sought to evaluate the total number of TVT cases, and to report extragenital TVT lesions in dogs from the small tropical island of Grenada, West Indies. Evaluation of the biopsy and necropsy specimens from dogs with TVT was carried out by cytological and histopathological methods. In the present study, we observed a total of 78 dogs with TVT, comprising 40 male and 38 female dogs. Most cases were from dogs between 3 and 6 years;less frequently from older dogs (over 6 years) or younger dogs (1 - 2 years of age). In the present study, we report 15 cases (19.2%) of dogs with TVT in extragenital sites. Tumors were noted in the nasal cavity, eye orbit, spleen, liver, skin, ribs, subcutaneous, and submandibular, cervical and inguinal lymph nodes. There was also evidence of metastasis to the ovaries in 2 dogs. The most interesting finding was the presence of extragenital lesions without primary genital involvement in 4 cases (5.1%). Our findings emphasize the need to consider TVT on the list of differential diagnosis for masses in extragenital sites in dogs from geographic regions where TVT is prevalent.展开更多
Neospora caninum (N. caninum), an intracellular protozoan parasite, causes abortion and neonatal mortality in many herbivores including sheep and goats. The aim of this study was to estimate the Seroprevalence of N. c...Neospora caninum (N. caninum), an intracellular protozoan parasite, causes abortion and neonatal mortality in many herbivores including sheep and goats. The aim of this study was to estimate the Seroprevalence of N. caninum in sheep and goats in Grenada, West Indies. Sera were collected from 138 sheep and 138 goats from all six parishes of Grenada and Carriacou, a small island within Grenada. Animals were identified by gender. Sera were tested for antibodies for N. caninum using an indirect Enzyme Linked Immunosorbant Assay (ELISA) multispecies Kit from Pourquire Laboratorie (IDvet, France). Antibodies to N. caninum were detected in 18 of 138 sheep (13%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 7.39% to 18.61%) and 8 of 138 goats (5.8%, 95% CI: 1.9% to 9.7%). Although seropositivity was high in female sheep and in male goats, there was no statistical difference in seropositivity of males and females in both species of animals (p > 0.05, χ2). The results of this study revealed that sheep and goats in Grenada were exposed to N. caninum and dogs might be considered as a source of infection. There was a need to educate the farmers, possessing small ruminants, about the transmission cycle of N. caninum and methods of prevention, to minimize the exposure of their flocks. This is the first report on seroprevalence of N. caninum in Grenada, West Indies.展开更多
Respiratory viral infections are known for serious economic losses in ruminants. Bovine parain-fluenza 3 virus (bPI-3V) a member of Respirovirus genus in association with other respiratory viruses causes respiratory d...Respiratory viral infections are known for serious economic losses in ruminants. Bovine parain-fluenza 3 virus (bPI-3V) a member of Respirovirus genus in association with other respiratory viruses causes respiratory disease complex in ruminants. The aim of this study was to estimate the seroprevalence of bPI-3V in non vaccinated cattle, sheep and goats from Grenada. Sera were collected randomly from 60 sheep, 60 goats and 60 cattle from all six parishes of Grenada. Sera were tested for antibodies to bPI-3V using an indirect Enzyme Linked Immunosorbant Assay (ELISA) kit. Antibodies to bPI-3V were detected in 13.4% (Confidence Level (CL): 95%;Confidence Interval (CI): 4.76% to 22.02%) in cattle;16.7% (CL: 95%;CI: 7.26% to 26.14%) in sheep and 11.7% (CL: 95%;CI: 3.57% to 19.83%) in goats. There was statistically no significant difference in prevalence (p > 0.05) of antibodies to bPI-3V in cattle, sheep and goats in Grenada. This is the first report on seroprevalence of bPI-3V in ruminants in Grenada, West Indies.展开更多
Dirofilariasis (heartworm disease) has been reported in Grenadian dogs. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis in stray dogs (n = 523) from the six Parishes of Gre...Dirofilariasis (heartworm disease) has been reported in Grenadian dogs. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis in stray dogs (n = 523) from the six Parishes of Grenada. Necropsy records were reviewed;information on the distribution and lesions of Dirofilaria immitis was recorded. A total of 144 from 523 dogs (27.5%;95% CI: 23.9% to 31.5%) were positive for Dirofilaria immitis on necropsy. This study shows that heartworm disease is prevalent in stray dogs in all the Parishes of mainland Grenada. This is a progressive, life-threatening disease and thus, there is a need to screen and prevent it within the stray dog population of Grenada.展开更多
Objective: The authors conducted this study to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of residents in two parishes in Grenada with regard to climate change and coastal and marine ecosystems. Method: A cross-se...Objective: The authors conducted this study to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of residents in two parishes in Grenada with regard to climate change and coastal and marine ecosystems. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a survey administered to 220 residents in two parishes, St. John and St. Mark, which lie along the west coast in Grenada. Results: At least 50% of the respondents correctly identified factors that can contribute to climate change although the majority, 52.6%, also stated they were “somewhat informed” about impacts of climate change and mitigation measures. Overall, about 90% of respondents did not participate in programmes to raise awareness about climate change or coastal ecosystem management in the past five years. Residents who completed their education lower than college, residents above 45 years and residents in St. Mark were found to have significantly lower levels of knowledge and awareness about climate change and coastal ecosystem. Together, almost 50% of respondents reported they were somewhat concerned, not concerned at all or not sure if they should be concerned about climate change. In each case, more than 50% of the respondents also felt communities were prevented from taking action due to lack of knowledge, cooperation, and resources. There was moderate to high support for designating Marine Protected Areas in St. John and St. Mark. Conclusion: Residents in St. John and St. Mark need to increase their knowledge and awareness of the relationship between climate change, coastal and marine ecosystem, and community development and sustainability. Increasing knowledge about climate change is also expected to have a positive effect on the residents’ participation in the Coastal Protection for Climate Change Adaptation in Small Island States project.展开更多
Objective: This study was conducted to assess knowledge and attitudes to climate change and coastal and marine ecosystems of residents in the westerly parishes of St. Mark and St. John in Grenada. Methodology: Intervi...Objective: This study was conducted to assess knowledge and attitudes to climate change and coastal and marine ecosystems of residents in the westerly parishes of St. Mark and St. John in Grenada. Methodology: Interviews were conducted in focus groups with three distinct groupings of fishers, students, and community members. The interviews focused on seven thematic areas: knowledge and awareness about climate change;components of the coastal and marine ecosystems;impact of climate change on the ecosystems;marine protected areas;attitude to climate change and impacts;responses to climate change and impacts;and education and sources of information. Results: The participants discussed their observations of major changes in the coastal and marine environments including considerable build-up of sediments along the shoreline due to the erosion of soil from inland, smaller volume of rivers, increased severity and frequency of flooding, larger deposition of sand in reefs, decline in the stock and variety of fishes, and erosion of coastal lands. The students were more knowledgeable about factors that contributed to climate change but had doubts about how they contribute to the problem and whether the community was willing to take action to protect the environment. The fishers were more knowledgeable about changes in the environment and advocated for the designation of marine protected areas (MPAs) to protect their trade. The community residents were the least knowledgeable about climate change. The community residents, however, felt that education was necessary to effect positive change towards the coastal and marine ecosystems. The fishers and community members demonstrated a high level of interest and support for MPAs. Conclusion: The findings highlight a need to address gaps in knowledge of all groups about the potential effect of climate change on the environment. Such knowledge is also necessary to build community support for the MPA project.展开更多
Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, cause of enzootic pneumonia is known for serious economic losses in pigs. The disease is prevalent all over the world. There is no published report on Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae incidence in Gr...Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, cause of enzootic pneumonia is known for serious economic losses in pigs. The disease is prevalent all over the world. There is no published report on Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae incidence in Grenadian pigs. The aim of this study was to estimate seroprevalence of antibodies for Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae in non vaccinated pigs in Grenada. Sera were collected randomly from 459 pigs of all ages from all six parishes of Grenada. Sera were tested for antibodies to Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae using an indirect Enzyme Linked Immunosorbant Assay (ELISA) kit. Antibodies to Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae were found in 8.71% (95% CI: 0.0644 to 0.1167) pigs. The greatest percent of positives (62.5%) (95% CI: 0.4699 to 0.7582) were in youngest group 22.5% (95% CI: 0.1211 to 0.3771) in >2 year. Positive females were overrepresented compared to males by 3:1. This is the first report on the sero-prevalence of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae in pigs from Grenada, West Indies.展开更多
The aim of the present study was to estimate the seroprevalence of antibodies to bluetongue virus (BTV) among domestic ruminants of Grenada. Sera samples from cattle (133), goat (314) and sheep (481) were tested using...The aim of the present study was to estimate the seroprevalence of antibodies to bluetongue virus (BTV) among domestic ruminants of Grenada. Sera samples from cattle (133), goat (314) and sheep (481) were tested using competitive Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA). Of the total of 928 samples tested, the overall BTV seroprevalence was 78.4% (95% confidence interval (CI ± 2.65). The seropositivity of ovine, caprine and bovine was found to be 71.7% (95% CI, 67.67% to 75.73%), 80.2% (95% CI, 75.79% to 84.61%) and 98.5% (95% CI, 96.43% to 100.57%), respectively. There was statistical significance in the seroprevalence of BTV among bovine, caprine and ovine (p < 0.05). It is evident from this study that blue tongue virus is endemic in Grenada.展开更多
Of 52 culture positive urine samples from dogs in Grenada for six years (2004 through 2009) 65.5% of isolates were Gram-negative bacteria, with E. coli as the predominant species, followed by Proteus mirabilis, and Ps...Of 52 culture positive urine samples from dogs in Grenada for six years (2004 through 2009) 65.5% of isolates were Gram-negative bacteria, with E. coli as the predominant species, followed by Proteus mirabilis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Other Gram-negative isolates included Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter anitratus, and Serratia plymuthica. Among the Gram-positive isolates, Staphylococcus intermedius was the most common species, followed by S. aureus, coagulase-negative staphylococci, and enterococci. Sensitivity results obtained with 6 antibiotics showed least resistance to enrofloxacin, the rate being 19% for all isolates together. More than two-thirds of isolates were resistant to tetracycline. For Gram-positive isolates, resistance to cephalothin was even less than that against enrofloxacin, with a rate of only 13%. Overall resistance to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid was 36%. The most common drug used for treatment of urinary tract infections in Grenada has been amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, followed by enrofloxacin.展开更多
文摘Transmissible venereal tumor (TVT) is a widely reported transplantable tumor in dogs, with no breed or sex predilection and with a low metastatic rate. This retrospective study conducted from 2005 and 2011 sought to evaluate the total number of TVT cases, and to report extragenital TVT lesions in dogs from the small tropical island of Grenada, West Indies. Evaluation of the biopsy and necropsy specimens from dogs with TVT was carried out by cytological and histopathological methods. In the present study, we observed a total of 78 dogs with TVT, comprising 40 male and 38 female dogs. Most cases were from dogs between 3 and 6 years;less frequently from older dogs (over 6 years) or younger dogs (1 - 2 years of age). In the present study, we report 15 cases (19.2%) of dogs with TVT in extragenital sites. Tumors were noted in the nasal cavity, eye orbit, spleen, liver, skin, ribs, subcutaneous, and submandibular, cervical and inguinal lymph nodes. There was also evidence of metastasis to the ovaries in 2 dogs. The most interesting finding was the presence of extragenital lesions without primary genital involvement in 4 cases (5.1%). Our findings emphasize the need to consider TVT on the list of differential diagnosis for masses in extragenital sites in dogs from geographic regions where TVT is prevalent.
文摘Neospora caninum (N. caninum), an intracellular protozoan parasite, causes abortion and neonatal mortality in many herbivores including sheep and goats. The aim of this study was to estimate the Seroprevalence of N. caninum in sheep and goats in Grenada, West Indies. Sera were collected from 138 sheep and 138 goats from all six parishes of Grenada and Carriacou, a small island within Grenada. Animals were identified by gender. Sera were tested for antibodies for N. caninum using an indirect Enzyme Linked Immunosorbant Assay (ELISA) multispecies Kit from Pourquire Laboratorie (IDvet, France). Antibodies to N. caninum were detected in 18 of 138 sheep (13%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 7.39% to 18.61%) and 8 of 138 goats (5.8%, 95% CI: 1.9% to 9.7%). Although seropositivity was high in female sheep and in male goats, there was no statistical difference in seropositivity of males and females in both species of animals (p > 0.05, χ2). The results of this study revealed that sheep and goats in Grenada were exposed to N. caninum and dogs might be considered as a source of infection. There was a need to educate the farmers, possessing small ruminants, about the transmission cycle of N. caninum and methods of prevention, to minimize the exposure of their flocks. This is the first report on seroprevalence of N. caninum in Grenada, West Indies.
文摘Respiratory viral infections are known for serious economic losses in ruminants. Bovine parain-fluenza 3 virus (bPI-3V) a member of Respirovirus genus in association with other respiratory viruses causes respiratory disease complex in ruminants. The aim of this study was to estimate the seroprevalence of bPI-3V in non vaccinated cattle, sheep and goats from Grenada. Sera were collected randomly from 60 sheep, 60 goats and 60 cattle from all six parishes of Grenada. Sera were tested for antibodies to bPI-3V using an indirect Enzyme Linked Immunosorbant Assay (ELISA) kit. Antibodies to bPI-3V were detected in 13.4% (Confidence Level (CL): 95%;Confidence Interval (CI): 4.76% to 22.02%) in cattle;16.7% (CL: 95%;CI: 7.26% to 26.14%) in sheep and 11.7% (CL: 95%;CI: 3.57% to 19.83%) in goats. There was statistically no significant difference in prevalence (p > 0.05) of antibodies to bPI-3V in cattle, sheep and goats in Grenada. This is the first report on seroprevalence of bPI-3V in ruminants in Grenada, West Indies.
文摘Dirofilariasis (heartworm disease) has been reported in Grenadian dogs. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the prevalence of Dirofilaria immitis in stray dogs (n = 523) from the six Parishes of Grenada. Necropsy records were reviewed;information on the distribution and lesions of Dirofilaria immitis was recorded. A total of 144 from 523 dogs (27.5%;95% CI: 23.9% to 31.5%) were positive for Dirofilaria immitis on necropsy. This study shows that heartworm disease is prevalent in stray dogs in all the Parishes of mainland Grenada. This is a progressive, life-threatening disease and thus, there is a need to screen and prevent it within the stray dog population of Grenada.
文摘Objective: The authors conducted this study to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of residents in two parishes in Grenada with regard to climate change and coastal and marine ecosystems. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a survey administered to 220 residents in two parishes, St. John and St. Mark, which lie along the west coast in Grenada. Results: At least 50% of the respondents correctly identified factors that can contribute to climate change although the majority, 52.6%, also stated they were “somewhat informed” about impacts of climate change and mitigation measures. Overall, about 90% of respondents did not participate in programmes to raise awareness about climate change or coastal ecosystem management in the past five years. Residents who completed their education lower than college, residents above 45 years and residents in St. Mark were found to have significantly lower levels of knowledge and awareness about climate change and coastal ecosystem. Together, almost 50% of respondents reported they were somewhat concerned, not concerned at all or not sure if they should be concerned about climate change. In each case, more than 50% of the respondents also felt communities were prevented from taking action due to lack of knowledge, cooperation, and resources. There was moderate to high support for designating Marine Protected Areas in St. John and St. Mark. Conclusion: Residents in St. John and St. Mark need to increase their knowledge and awareness of the relationship between climate change, coastal and marine ecosystem, and community development and sustainability. Increasing knowledge about climate change is also expected to have a positive effect on the residents’ participation in the Coastal Protection for Climate Change Adaptation in Small Island States project.
文摘Objective: This study was conducted to assess knowledge and attitudes to climate change and coastal and marine ecosystems of residents in the westerly parishes of St. Mark and St. John in Grenada. Methodology: Interviews were conducted in focus groups with three distinct groupings of fishers, students, and community members. The interviews focused on seven thematic areas: knowledge and awareness about climate change;components of the coastal and marine ecosystems;impact of climate change on the ecosystems;marine protected areas;attitude to climate change and impacts;responses to climate change and impacts;and education and sources of information. Results: The participants discussed their observations of major changes in the coastal and marine environments including considerable build-up of sediments along the shoreline due to the erosion of soil from inland, smaller volume of rivers, increased severity and frequency of flooding, larger deposition of sand in reefs, decline in the stock and variety of fishes, and erosion of coastal lands. The students were more knowledgeable about factors that contributed to climate change but had doubts about how they contribute to the problem and whether the community was willing to take action to protect the environment. The fishers were more knowledgeable about changes in the environment and advocated for the designation of marine protected areas (MPAs) to protect their trade. The community residents were the least knowledgeable about climate change. The community residents, however, felt that education was necessary to effect positive change towards the coastal and marine ecosystems. The fishers and community members demonstrated a high level of interest and support for MPAs. Conclusion: The findings highlight a need to address gaps in knowledge of all groups about the potential effect of climate change on the environment. Such knowledge is also necessary to build community support for the MPA project.
文摘Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, cause of enzootic pneumonia is known for serious economic losses in pigs. The disease is prevalent all over the world. There is no published report on Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae incidence in Grenadian pigs. The aim of this study was to estimate seroprevalence of antibodies for Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae in non vaccinated pigs in Grenada. Sera were collected randomly from 459 pigs of all ages from all six parishes of Grenada. Sera were tested for antibodies to Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae using an indirect Enzyme Linked Immunosorbant Assay (ELISA) kit. Antibodies to Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae were found in 8.71% (95% CI: 0.0644 to 0.1167) pigs. The greatest percent of positives (62.5%) (95% CI: 0.4699 to 0.7582) were in youngest group 22.5% (95% CI: 0.1211 to 0.3771) in >2 year. Positive females were overrepresented compared to males by 3:1. This is the first report on the sero-prevalence of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae in pigs from Grenada, West Indies.
文摘The aim of the present study was to estimate the seroprevalence of antibodies to bluetongue virus (BTV) among domestic ruminants of Grenada. Sera samples from cattle (133), goat (314) and sheep (481) were tested using competitive Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA). Of the total of 928 samples tested, the overall BTV seroprevalence was 78.4% (95% confidence interval (CI ± 2.65). The seropositivity of ovine, caprine and bovine was found to be 71.7% (95% CI, 67.67% to 75.73%), 80.2% (95% CI, 75.79% to 84.61%) and 98.5% (95% CI, 96.43% to 100.57%), respectively. There was statistical significance in the seroprevalence of BTV among bovine, caprine and ovine (p < 0.05). It is evident from this study that blue tongue virus is endemic in Grenada.
文摘Of 52 culture positive urine samples from dogs in Grenada for six years (2004 through 2009) 65.5% of isolates were Gram-negative bacteria, with E. coli as the predominant species, followed by Proteus mirabilis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Other Gram-negative isolates included Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter anitratus, and Serratia plymuthica. Among the Gram-positive isolates, Staphylococcus intermedius was the most common species, followed by S. aureus, coagulase-negative staphylococci, and enterococci. Sensitivity results obtained with 6 antibiotics showed least resistance to enrofloxacin, the rate being 19% for all isolates together. More than two-thirds of isolates were resistant to tetracycline. For Gram-positive isolates, resistance to cephalothin was even less than that against enrofloxacin, with a rate of only 13%. Overall resistance to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid was 36%. The most common drug used for treatment of urinary tract infections in Grenada has been amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, followed by enrofloxacin.