Papers by Martine Denicourt
Microbiology resource announcements, Oct 18, 2023
PubMed, Aug 1, 2012
This report describes an uncommon variant of humpy-back syndrome associated with multiple rib fra... more This report describes an uncommon variant of humpy-back syndrome associated with multiple rib fractures and multisystemic vasculitis in several nursing piglets and, for the first time, a skin disease in swine consistent with alopecia areata. Both conditions were observed concurrently on the farm and occasionally in the same piglets.
Canadian Veterinary Journal-revue Veterinaire Canadienne, Jun 1, 1987
Journal of Swine Health and Production, Sep 1, 2012
Objectives: To describe gilt replacement strategies in regard to porcine reproductive and respira... more Objectives: To describe gilt replacement strategies in regard to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and to assess differences between high density (HD) and moderate density (MD) pig areas. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in breeding sites located in an HD (n = 68) and an MD area (n = 52) in Quebec between May 2005 and August 2008. A questionnaire on strategies used to introduce replacement gilts was completed and PRRSV status was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Sites housing at least one pig positive * Non-refereed reference.
BMC Veterinary Research, Feb 5, 2021
Background: Streptococcus suis is an important pathogen that causes severe diseases mostly in wea... more Background: Streptococcus suis is an important pathogen that causes severe diseases mostly in weaned piglets. Only available vaccines in the field are those composed of killed bacteria (bacterins) but data about their effectiveness are missing. We report here a field study on the immunological response induced by an autogenous vaccine applied in pre-parturient sows. Using a farm with recurrent S. suis serotype 7 problems, the study was divided in three experiments: (I) Sows received the vaccine at 7 and 3 weeks pre-farrowing. (II) Replacement gilts introduced to the herd received the vaccine at 4 and 7 weeks after their entry in quarantine and a boost 3 weeks pre-farrowing. (III) Gilts from experiment II received another boost 3 weeks pre-farrowing at their 3rd/4th parity. Levels, isotype profile and opsonophagocytosis capacity of the serum antibodies induced by vaccination were evaluated in sows and maternal immunity in piglets. Results: In sows (I), the vaccine induced a slight, albeit significant, increase in anti-S. suis total antibodies after 2 doses when compare to basal levels already present in the animals. These antibodies showed a high opsonic capacity in vitro, highlighting their potential protective capacity. A gilt vaccination program of 3 doses (II) resulted in a significant increase in anti-S. suis total antibodies. Levels of maternal immunity transferred to piglets were high at 7 days of age, but rapidly decreased by 18 days of age. A gilt vaccination program ensued a higher transfer of maternal immunity in piglets compared to control animals; nevertheless duration was not improved at 18 day-old piglets. The vaccine response in both gilts and sows was mainly composed of IgG1 subclass, which was also the main Ig transferred to piglets. IgG2 subclass was also found in piglets, but its level was not increased by vaccination. Finally, a recall IgG1 response was induced by another boost vaccination at 3rd/4th parity (III), indicating that the vaccine induced the establishment of a lasting memory response in the herd. Conclusions: Overall, an optimal gilt/sow vaccination program might result in increased antibody responses; nevertheless duration of maternal immunity would not last long enough to protect post-weaned piglets.
BMC Genomics, Feb 8, 2010
Background: Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae is the etiological agent of porcine pleuropneumonia, ... more Background: Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae is the etiological agent of porcine pleuropneumonia, a respiratory disease which causes great economic losses worldwide. Many virulence factors are involved in the pathogenesis, namely capsular polysaccharides, RTX toxins, LPS and many iron acquisition systems. In order to identify genes that are expressed in vivo during a natural infection, we undertook transcript profiling experiments with an A. pleuropneumoniae DNA microarray, after recovery of bacterial mRNAs from serotype 5b-infected porcine lungs. AppChip2 contains 2033 PCR amplicons based on the genomic sequence of App serotype 5b strain L20, representing more than 95% of ORFs greater than 160 bp in length. Results: Transcriptional profiling of A. pleuropneumoniae recovered from the lung of a pig suffering from a natural infection or following growth of the bacterial isolate in BHI medium was performed. An RNA extraction protocol combining beadbeating and hot-acid-phenol was developed in order to maximize bacterial mRNA yields and quality following total RNA extraction from lung lesions. Nearly all A. pleuropneumoniae transcripts could be detected on our microarrays, and 150 genes were deemed differentially expressed in vivo during the acute phase of the infection. Our results indicate that, for example, gene apxIVA from an operon coding for RTX toxin ApxIV is highly up-regulated in vivo, and that two genes from the operon coding for type IV fimbriae (APL_0878 and APL_0879) were also up-regulated. These transcriptional profiling data, combined with previous comparative genomic hybridizations performed by our group, revealed that 66 out of the 72 up-regulated genes are conserved amongst all serotypes and that 3 of them code for products that are predicted outer membrane proteins (genes irp and APL_0959, predicted to code for a TonB-dependent receptor and a filamentous hemagglutinin/adhesin respectively) or lipoproteins (gene APL_0920). Only 4 of 72 up-regulated genes had previously been identified in controled experimental infections. Conclusions: These genes that we have identified as up-regulated in vivo, conserved across serotypes and coding for potential outer membrane proteins represent potential candidates for the development of a cross-protective vaccine against porcine pleuropneumonia.
Journal of Dairy Science, Feb 1, 2023
On-farm euthanasia is complicated in that farmers have to make the decision to end the life of an... more On-farm euthanasia is complicated in that farmers have to make the decision to end the life of an animal they are caring for. Studies have shown that some culling decisions are made too late, which results in animal welfare issues. However, information about on-farm euthanasia methods and the decision process leading to the euthanasia of an animal is limited. Additionally, emotions and feelings are involved in the decision and the act of euthanasia. The objectives of this study were to describe current practices related to on-farm euthanasia performed by Canadian dairy farmers and to assess the emotions and complex feelings surrounding the act. A cross-sectional study design was used to gather this information through an online questionnaire completed exclusively by Canadian dairy farmers. Data were analyzed descriptively using frequencies, and associations between the participants' characteristics and their practices and emotions regarding onfarm euthanasia were assessed using logistic regression models. A total of 479 dairy farmers from 5 provinces answered the survey. The most commonly used primary method of on-farm euthanasia was a firearm (>70%). Unacceptable euthanasia methods, such as standard 0.22-caliber long rifle for adult cows or no adjunct method following the use of captive bolt, were used by 25%, 18%, and 58% of the participants for calves, replacement animals, and dairy cows, respectively. Ninety-four percent of the participants reported that the farm owner was the person who always or often made the euthanasia decisions. In addition, 32% of the participants reported that the veterinarian always examined the animal before performing euthanasia, 51% reported at least one person received training to perform euthanasia, and 16% reported having a decision tree for euthanasia. Some participants (17%) were troubled with the responsibility for ending the life of their animals, and 19% perceived other people on the farm to be uncomfortable with performing euthanasia. Half of the participants reported that people performing euthanasia on the farm felt at least one related painful emotion or complex feeling, and half reported they had at least one reason to feel anxiety or unease concerning euthanasia. The results of this study showed gaps such as the limited use of acceptable euthanasia methods and decision trees by Canadian dairy farmers, low availability of on-farm training for euthanasia, and variable involvement of veterinarians.
Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in breeding sites located in an HD (... more Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in breeding sites located in an HD (n = 68) and an MD area (n = 52) in Quebec between May 2005 and August 2008. A questionnaire on strategies used to introduce replacement gilts was completed and PRRSV status was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Sites housing at least one pig positive by either test were classified as PRRSVpositive. Strategies were described according to herd characteristics, PRRSV status, and area.
Injectable alternatives to pentobarbital overdose euthanasia of cattle are needed to improve the ... more Injectable alternatives to pentobarbital overdose euthanasia of cattle are needed to improve the safety of carcass disposal. Intrathecal injection of lidocaine has been investigated as a method of euthanasia in anesthetized horses and results in low residues in the carcasses. Its efficacy has not been evaluated in cattle. The objectives were to describe the intrathecal distribution of a dye in cadavers and to investigate its efficacy as a method of euthanasia in calves.
Few data are currently available on euthanasia procedures carried out on Canadian dairy farms by ... more Few data are currently available on euthanasia procedures carried out on Canadian dairy farms by veterinarians. The objective was to investigate euthanasia methods used and recommended by Canadian veterinarians.
The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne, 2012
This report describes an uncommon variant of humpy-back syndrome associated with multiple rib fra... more This report describes an uncommon variant of humpy-back syndrome associated with multiple rib fractures and multisystemic vasculitis in several nursing piglets and, for the first time, a skin disease in swine consistent with alopecia areata. Both conditions were observed concurrently on the farm and occasionally in the same piglets.
Introduction For on-farm euthanasia, norms and recommendations have been set down according to sp... more Introduction For on-farm euthanasia, norms and recommendations have been set down according to species, age and state of health of the animals in question. To be acceptable, procedures for euthanasia must avoid any situation that may cause over-stimulation, fear or suffering for the animal. The animal’s confinement must be minimal and not stressful. The procedure for euthanasia must cause rapid loss of consciousness followed by quick death. The animal must not suffer or have a prolonged death. The procedure for euthanasia must be effective, simple to carry out, safe for the operator, irreversible for the animal and, if possible, affordable. Lastly, the overall appearance of the procedure must not be neglected. If the method is to be acceptable, both to the person in charge of the euthanasia and to the general public, it must not look repulsive or cruel.
BMC Veterinary Research
Background Streptococcus suis is an important pathogen that causes severe diseases mostly in wean... more Background Streptococcus suis is an important pathogen that causes severe diseases mostly in weaned piglets. Only available vaccines in the field are those composed of killed bacteria (bacterins) but data about their effectiveness are missing. We report here a field study on the immunological response induced by an autogenous vaccine applied in pre-parturient sows. Using a farm with recurrent S. suis serotype 7 problems, the study was divided in three experiments: (I) Sows received the vaccine at 7 and 3 weeks pre-farrowing. (II) Replacement gilts introduced to the herd received the vaccine at 4 and 7 weeks after their entry in quarantine and a boost 3 weeks pre-farrowing. (III) Gilts from experiment II received another boost 3 weeks pre-farrowing at their 3rd/4th parity. Levels, isotype profile and opsonophagocytosis capacity of the serum antibodies induced by vaccination were evaluated in sows and maternal immunity in piglets. Results In sows (I), the vaccine induced a slight, alb...
The Canadian Veterinary Journal La Revue Veterinaire Canadienne, Jun 1, 1987
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Papers by Martine Denicourt