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The following are arrests and citations recently issued in Craven County:
The following are arrests and citations recently issued in Craven County:
New Bern Police Department:
Damien James Godette, 40, 823 Clark Ave., Aug. 8, driving while license revoked, rear lamps violation. Officer: N. Rhodes.
Rodney Brame, 43, 1050 Antioch Road, June 27, (13 counts) obtaining property by false pretense, (13 counts) felony conspiracy. Officer: J. Sanderlin.
Curtis L. Bradley, 55, A2-215 Craven Terrace, Aug. 13, possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a schedule IV controlled substance. Officer: J. Rowe.
Mary Melvin Holloway, 51, 102 White Ave., Cove City, Aug. 13, injury to personal property. Officer: E. Johnston.
Keosha Mykesha Byndon, 21, 807 Chattawka Lane, Aug. 13, driving while license revoked, possession or display of altered, fictitious or revoked drivers license. Officer: N.A. Rhodes.
Anthony Frank Massengill Jr., 24, 700 Wildlife Road, Aug. 12, driving while license revoked, no insurance, cancelled, revoked or suspended tag. Officer: N. Rhodes.
Linda Ann McCollum, 57, 310 Clark St., Aug. 10, misdemeanor larceny. Officer: J.R. Wester.
Adam Fair McCollum, 19, 310 Clark St., Aug. 10, misdemeanor larceny. Officer: J.R. Wester.
Ricky Nathaniel Meadows Jr., 20, 176 Goshen Way, Pollocksville, Aug. 8, misdemeanor larceny. Officer: D.A. Evans.
LaQueshia Sade Sims, 27, 3422 Preakness Place, Aug. 8, driving while license revoked, possession of marijuana up to 1/2 ounce. Officer: D.L. Mewborn.
Charles Ayres, 40, no known address, Aug. 8, disorderly conduct in public building, resisting public officer. Officer: E. Johnston.
Michael Damien Register, 22, 2107 Rail Court, Aug. 4, driving while impaired, possession of drug paraphernalia, reckless driving to endanger, failure to maintain lane control. Officer: D. Mewborn.
Joseph Jarmond, 53, 1801 St. John St., Aug. 3, misdemeanor larceny. Officer: D.L. Mewborn.
Craven County Sheriff�s Office:
William Scott Smith, 26, 4546 N.C. 306 E., Bayboro, Aug. 12, driving while license revoked, speeding. Deputy: H. Clements Jr.
Franklin Laine Rasberry, 47, 614 South West Craven Middle School Road, Aug. 12, driving while license revoked. Deputy: H. Clements Jr.
Suzanne Grace Walker, 28, 4217 Old Cherry Point Road, Aug. 12, trafficking in cocaine, maintaining vehicle, dwelling or place for a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia. Deputy: C. Drake.
Donald R. Moore, 54, 585 E. Bridge St., Bridgeton, Aug. 12, resisting public officer, possession of drug paraphernalia, trafficking in cocaine, maintaining a vehicle, dwelling and place for a controlled substance. Deputy: C. Drake.
Christopher Tracy Barnes, 30, 3919 Old Cherry Point Road, Apt. B, Aug. 11, assault on a female. Deputy: D. Craft.
Angel Michelle Cutting, 34, 3919 Old Cherry Point Road, Apt. B, Aug. 11, assault and battery. Deputy: D. Craft.
Daniel Jon Whitlow, 22, 106 Friar Court, Havelock, Aug. 10, driving while license revoked. Deputy: C.K. Drake.
April Lancaster, 33, 200 Lilliana Court, Aug. 9, identity theft, obtaining property by false pretense. Deputy: E. Bennett.
Christopher Simon, 39, 503 B Street, Bridgeton, Aug. 13, resisting public officer, assault on government official. Deputy: J. Nunley.
Marissa Lynn Gonzalez-Yula, 22, 910 N.C. 17 North, Lot 15, Bridgeton, Aug. 13, resisting public officer. Deputy: G. Clark.
N.C. State Highway Patrol:
Timothy Michael Hoke, 50, 1318 B Street, Bridgeton, Aug. 10, driving while license revoked, failure to wear seat belt. Trooper: S. Brown.
Alvester Ray Sledge, 52, 356 Sanders Lane, Aug. 10, driving while license revoked. Trooper: J. Leitschuh.
Matthew J. Hartley, 24, 804 Deerfoot Circle, Aug. 9, driving while impaired, driving left of center. Trooper: M. Riggs.
Christian Lee Hickle, 22, 121 Tupelo Trail, Aug. 7, driving while impaired, reckless driving to endanger. Trooper: R. Woods.
John Melvin Mercer, 69, 1607 Colonial Way, Aug. 13, driving while license revoked, failure to yield at stop sign or flashing red light. Trooper: C.D. Toler.
Franklin Elroy Clark, 56, 10214 Fairbourne Court, Charlotte, Aug. 12, driving while impaired. Trooper: J. Midgette.
Havelock Police Department:
Patrick Cartos, 24, 106 Verona Drive, Havelock, Aug. 12, assault on a female. Officer: B. King.
Carmen Leanna Cartos, 21, 106 Verona Drive, Havelock, Aug. 12, assault with a deadly weapon. Officer: B. King.
Justin M. Pickens, 22, 2009 Waters St., Aug. 12, first-degree burglary, larceny after breaking and entering. Officer: K. Tutwiler.
Charles Steven McDonald Jr., 35, 17 Donnell Ave., Havelock, Aug. 12, felony possession of schedule I controlled substance. Officer: B. Edwards.
Ronda Monique Bartlett, 23, Philadelphia, Pa., Aug. 10, driving while impaired, resisting public officer. Officer: K. Tutwiler.
Ginny Marie Hager, 27, 3520 Williamsborough Court, Raleigh, Aug. 10, driving while license revoked, failure to burn headlamps. Officer: B. King.
Charles Steven McDonald, 35, 17 Donnell Ave., Havelock, Aug. 9, driving while license revoked, expired registration card or tag. Officer: B. Elam.
Jasper Myers, 25, streets of Havelock, Aug. 6, fictitious information to officer, resisting public officer. Officer: B. Rogers.
Melvin Owens, 40, 305 N. 13th St., Morehead City, Aug. 10, driving while license revoked.
Jaycee Samuels, 41, 127 Glen Drive, Havelock, Aug. 9, driving while license revoked.
Donna Hendricks, 60, 739 Tuttles Grove Road, Beaufort, Aug. 8, driving while license revoked.
Michael Martin, 49, 103 Berkshire Drive, Havelock, Aug. 7, drunk and disruptive, second-degree trespassing.
Brittney Walker, 26, 216 Webb Blvd., Havelock, Aug. 7, driving while license revoked.
Tomas Hernanadez-Osborne, 40, 216 Borgo Court, Havelock, Aug. 7, simple assault.
Heather Straight, 26, 28 Brown Blvd., Havelock, Aug. 6, larceny or shoplifting.
Jordan Richards, 28, 746 E. Cornwall Road, Cary, Aug. 6, assault by pointing a gun.
Jonathan Solis, 23, 200 Shipman Road, Havelock, Aug. 5, assault on a female.
Nicholas Dove, 18, 105 N. Nunn St., Havelock, Aug. 5, consuming alcohol beverage by person under age 21, possession or purchase of fortified wine or liquor by person under age 21.
Bridgeton Police Department:
Rodney L. Brame, 43, 1050 Antioch Road, New Bern, Aug. 10, possession of drug paraphernalia, simple possession of a schedule II controlled substance. Officer: A. Callaway.
Clifton Earl Lovick, 25, 419 Cow Pen Landing Road, Vanceboro, Aug. 9, possession of open container or consumption of alcohol in passenger area, possession of marijuana up to 1/2 ounce. Officer: R. Barney.
Vanceboro Police Department:
Ernie Dermont Teel, 45, 1403 Westpoint Drive, Apt. 16, Greenville, Aug. 10, driving while license revoked. Officer: J. Lovick.


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What is Illustrator and who is it for?
Adobe Illustrator is the industry-standard vector graphics software used worldwide by designers of all types who want to create digital graphics, illustrations, and typography for all kinds of media: print, web, interactive, video, and mobile. Learn more about Illustrator at https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/how-to/what-is-illustrator.html?set=illustrator--get-started--overview.
As Illustrator is part of Adobe Creative Cloud, you get access to all the latest updates and future releases the moment they're available. Learn more about Creative Cloud.
What are vector graphics and why are they important?
Vector graphics are one of the two most commonly used graphic formats in design, the other being bitmap (or raster) graphics. Vector graphics, like those created with Illustrator, are resolution independent, which means they can be resized infinitely with no loss of quality. For example, the same logo design created with Illustrator can be used on a business card or an outdoor billboard, maintaining the accuracy and detail of the original design.
Where can I learn more about new features?
How does Illustrator compare with earlier versions?
What are the minimum system requirements to run Illustrator?
What hardware is recommended to make Illustrator run faster?
With native 64-bit support, Illustrator can take full advantage of the available RAM on your system. Many users will see additional performance gains as they add more RAM, with 8 GB of RAM being a good baseline, particularly if you run multiple applications simultaneously.
For the 2015 release of Illustrator, GPU Performance is available for both Mac OS and Windows, and it works with various GPUs. For more information, see GPU Performance on the Illustrator Help pages.
What is GPU acceleration?
Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)-accelerated computing offers significant boosts to application performance by offloading compute-intensive operations to the GPU, while the rest of the application runs on the CPU. GPU acceleration for vector graphics is relatively new territory; today most rendering of vector graphics takes place on the CPU.
For more information, see GPU performance on the Illustrator Help pages.
What are the touch-enabled features in Illustrator, and how can they be used?
For customers using Windows tablets, Illustrator offers a Touch workspace that surfaces the essential tools and controls for drawing and editing with a pressure sensitive pen and multi-touch gestures.
Illustrator also brings multitouch capabilities to the Touch Type, Free Transform, and Path Segment Reshape tools. These touch capabilities provide new ways to work with natural, intuitive gestures right on the screen when using display devices that support multitouch, such as the Wacom Cintiq 24HD touch display or Windows tablets.
Will my existing plug-ins work with Illustrator?
Plug-ins designed for earlier versions of Illustrator will not work with Illustrator and must be updated. Vendors of the more popular plug-ins have been working to make new versions available as quickly as possible. For a list of available plug-ins, visit the plug-ins page. For more information, contact the plug-in manufacturer directly.
Why are Chinese, Japanese, and Korean (CJK) fonts not included in the file packaging feature?
Can I change the Illustrator user interface from dark gray to light gray?
The darker UI in Illustrator is set by default to match other Adobe professional products like Photoshop, InDesign, and Adobe Premiere Pro. You can easily change the brightness in the Preferences dialog box. Choose Edit > Preferences > User Interface (Windows) or Illustrator > Preferences > User Interface (Mac OS).
Is Illustrator compatible with Windows 10?
Is Illustrator compatible with macOS X El Capitan (v10.11)?
Where can I get a trial version of Illustrator?
With a free Creative Cloud membership, you can download a trial version of Illustrator — and other applications in Creative Cloud. When you upgrade to All Apps plan, you'll be able to download the full version of every Creative Cloud application.
Can I convert my trial version to a paid membership?
If you were prompted to enter your payment details before downloading Illustrator, the trial automatically converts to a paid plan after the trial period ends. Otherwise, you can purchase a plan directly from the Creative Cloud website.
How can I purchase Illustrator?
How can I get started with Illustrator?
Check out Illustrator Learn & Support for all you need to get started, with video and step-by-step-tutorials as well as comprehensive product support from Adobe and our knowledgeable community.
Where can I find the manual?
Where can I find the latest news about Illustrator?
You can follow Illustrator on Facebook and Twitter and find informative posts and tutorials on the Illustrator blog.

subset: commoncrawl


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Great Firm to Work With
Fund: Amplifier Ventures
Posted by bphelan on 2007-07-30
Amplifier served a critical role with us as our seed financing partner. Any entrepreneur that has been through the exercise of raising capital understands how much time is involved in raising an A round of capital. Amplifier Ventures served a critical role in not only assisting us with our business plan and providing capital - Amp also made all the key introductions to only the most logical of venture firms that represented the best fits. Jonathan introduced us to Intersouth Partners, our lead venture firm. Jonathan Aberman has been a key partner and I gladly recommend them to experienced entrepreneurs who understand just how valuable this is.PRIVATE: Members Only


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LONDON, Feb 13 (Reuters) - A new drug from Novartis for myelofibrosis, a rare blood cancer, is not worth using on the state health service, Britain's healthcare cost watchdog said on Wednesday.
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) said it had issued new draft guidance not recommending Jakavi because it could not be considered a cost-effective use of resources.
The drug costs 3,600 pounds ($5,600) for a 60-tablet pack, corresponding to an annual cost of approximately 43,200 pounds per patient.
Jakavi, which was licensed from Incyte, was given a marketing authorisation in Europe last August.
Industry analysts expect it to have annual worldwide sales of around $1.5 billion by 2017, according to consensus forecasts compiled by Thomson Reuters Pharma.
The NICE draft guidance is now out for consultation, ahead of a final decision on the medicine expected in June.


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The academic programs offered through the Graduate School at Wright State University are second to none. Groundbreaking research, award winning faculty, and nationally ranked programs allow our students to engage in innovative scholarly work. Our flexible course structure allows students to create a detailed program of study which will help them meet their personal academic goals.
Graduate School Student Services
The Graduate School is a customer-oriented center for all persons interested in graduate study at Wright State University, as well as for current graduate students. As you continue your academic career with us, we hope the links provided on this page will lead you to information that will assist you.
In addition, we hope that you will continue to keep close contact with your academic advisor, program director and the Graduate School in order to ensure that your educational journey goes smoothly.
The graduate faculty, the body primarily responsible for graduate study, comprises faculty members whose experience and records of scholarship qualify them to offer graduate-level instruction. The graduate faculty's purpose is to encourage and contribute to the advancement of knowledge through instruction and research of the highest quality. It is responsible for student academic advising and supervision of student research and graduate assistants.
Our group of dedicated faculty have enabled Wright State to boast graduate programs which have received national recognition. Graduate faculty are actively engaged in a variety of research and service learning projects which allow students to relate in class education to real world applications.
Programs & Degrees
The graduate programs at Wright State University provide advanced professional training in the area of a student's field of specialization and afford opportunities to conduct research and special investigations. The student's graduate program of study is an initiation into methods of intensive study and research in some selected area of knowledge. It is the objective of the Graduate School to provide its students with the opportunity to achieve a high level of professional competence.
Campus Student Services
In addition to the Graduate School, several administrative departments will play a major role in you advancement through your academic program. The links listed below will direct you to the vast majority of non-academic areas with which you will interact on a regular basis. However, if you have difficulty identifying which department or area you need to contact regarding your particular situation, feel free to contact the Graduate School.


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"Leonardo da Vinci" Rome-Fiumicino international airportWebsiteDistance from the city centre: 34 km from Rome city centre. How to reach the city centre:
Bus servicesInformation
Taxi servicesInformation
Rent-a-car services
Air Italy recommends Europcar to rent a car.Book now!
Train servicesLEONARDO EXPRESS Rome Fiumicino airport – "Termini" station = everyday, from 06.36 a.m. until 11.36 p.m., every 30 minutes. "Termini" station – Rome Fiumicino airport = everyday, from 05.52 until 11.52 p.m., every 30 minutes.Information: "Leonardo Express" is a direct train (non-stop). The journey lasts 31 minutes. For further information about timetables and fares: www.trenitalia.com Metropolitano FM1 Information For any information: Website
The Air Italy Group does not assume responsibilty for material or contents that may be present in third party web sites which are reachable through links present on this web page.


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New Hosting Team for the 2019 edition of Le Dîner en Blanc - Houston
Along with Paris, New York, Hong Kong, Montreal, Toronto, Washington DC, Sydney, Singapore, Buenos Aires, Mexico City, Houston is already a proud host of Le Dîner en Blanc, having held its inaugural edition in 2019. The event returns with a new hosting team!Read More »
Luxury Retreats partners with Le Dîner en Blanc US - Enter the Sweepstake
Dîner en Blanc International is sponsoring a nationwide sweepstake. As the prize provider, Luxury Retreats is offering one lucky winner a villa stay worth $10,000!*. Enter here.Read More »
ONEHOPE partners with Dîner en Blanc US
Dîner en Blanc International is thrilled to announce ONEHOPE as its Official Sparkling Partner. This partnership is the perfect marriage of Dîner en Blanc's appreciation of creativity and sharing and ONEHOPE's beautiful and tasteful shimmer bottle.
Be sure to try their California Sparkling Brut Gold Shimmer Edition which will be available for purchase on the e-store.
Sofitel Partners with Dîner en Blanc North America
Dîner en Blanc International is thrilled to announce Sofitel Hotels & Resorts as its Official Luxury Hotel Partner. A celebration of the French art de vivre, this partnership is a magnifique blend of Le Dîner en Blanc's appreciation for refined elegance, design and culinary excellence, and Sofitel's exquisite hotels, sophisticated service and chic contemporary style.Read More »
Special Invitation for the 30th Anniversary of Le Dîner en Blanc de Paris: June 3, 2018
Chers amis, On Sunday, June 3, 2018, in one of Paris' most prestigious locations, an immense Le Dîner en Blanc will bring together some 20,000 people, half of whom are from other countries, to dine at the same table. We extend this invitation to thousands of people who, on all continents...Read More »
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Read More » Most viewed questions
How many Le Dîner en Blanc events are there in the world?
Founded in 2012, Dîner en Blanc International is responsible for developing this secret posh picnic in close to 80 cities in 30 countries around the world with close 120,000 participants. The largest and most internationally recognized Le Dîner en Blanc remains the original Paris event. Launched in 1988 by François Pasquier and his close friends, Le Dîner en Blanc de Paris attracts nearly 10,000 people annually.
What are the membership and transaction fees for?
Membership and transaction fees are used to cover the inherent costs of training, support and technological services to all the organizers around the world, to enable them to organize their own event, as offered by Dîner en Blanc International. These services allow us to preserve and convey the concept's values, to sustain our corporate standards by regrouping them within a single network and, to develop technical tools. The membership offers members a number of online services that will grow in the coming years. Dîner en Blanc International is working on updating its platforms so that all participants of a Dîner en Blanc event become members. In addition, this annual fee will allow members to register for as many Dîner en Blanc events in the world as they wish.
Is Dîner en Blanc an illegal activity?
For almost 30 years, Le Dîner en Blanc de Paris has been taking place without authorization, in some of the city's most prestigious sites. The first editions were not easy to pull off. Today, French authorities know that the event is always well organized and that guests are always respectful of public property. Moreover, the event's photogenic quality helps promote the city's image as a stylish Metropolis. On the other hand, all events produced according to Le Dîner en Blanc International guidelines require local hosts to acquire the proper authorization, permits, and insurances before proceeding with their event.
How many Dîner en Blanc events are there in the world?
Since the founding of Dîner en Blanc International in 2012, the event has quickly spread to over 70 cities around the world, with close to 120,000 guests participating each year. The largest and most internationally recognized Dîner en Blanc remains the original Paris event. Launched nearly 30 years ago by François Pasquier and his close friends, Le Dîner en Blanc de Paris now attracts almost 10,000 people annually, with 15,000 guests attending the 25th anniversary edition in 2013.
Is it possible to organize a Dîner en Blanc in my city?
Dîner en Blanc International has established an exclusive service to facilitate the organization and management of Dîner en Blanc events around the world. This turnkey service enables interested local teams to produce Dîner en Blanc in their own city, while connecting to the international network. For more information, write to firstname.lastname@example.com.
How can I participate?
You can register for Le Dîner en Blanc by one of the following three methods: by being part of the Hosts or Leaders' personal network and getting invited by them (Phase 1); by knowing someone who registers during Phase 1 and asking them to sponsor you for Phase 2; or, by signing up to the waiting list and registering during Phase 3.
What are the key rules of the event?
Le Dîner en Blanc is an evening like no other. Once registration is confirmed, each guests' participation becomes mandatory, regardless of weather conditions. Participants arrive at a designated departure point with their table, chairs, and picnic materials, and then make their way to the secret location with their Table Leader by chartered bus or organized public transportation. They take all of their belongings with them at the end of the night, including leftovers and trash, and they leave the site as clean as it was upon arrival.
What must guests wear?
All guests must dress elegantly in head-to-toe white. This means no ivory, no off-white, and no beige… Originality is always encouraged, as long as it stays stylish and tasteful.


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The Maidenhead paintball centre is located in Berkshire, just west of London and features six incredible paintballing game zones - including a three story Zombies Crypt with everything you might expect from your favourite creepy movies. Come on down and check it out.
Located in West London the Gerrards Cross paintballing centre is the place to go for outdoor entertainment in and around Buckinghamshire. This awesome paintballing centre is also easily accessible thanks to great links to the M25 and M40, making it ideal for visitors from Maidenhead, High Wycombe and Uxbridge. So come on down and check it out.
Make sure you bring your camera when you visit with Southampton paintballing centre. The Alvis Stalwart heavy-duty amphibious military truck right in the middle of basecamp is perfect for those memorable stag no photos with a difference. Once youre done posing for those group photos why not give the seven varied game zones a go. There really is no better place to go paintballing on the southern coast.
The Cobham Paintballing Centre is Britannias flagship centre, located just South of London via the M25. As you might imagine from our flagship centre, weve pulled out all the stops to bring visitors the very best paintballing Surrey has to offer. Guests may be familiar with the two helicopters that dominate basecamp - one from the TV show Silent Witness and the other from the time travel epic starring Tom Cruise - The Edge of Tomorrow.
The Effingham paintballing centre is located just south of London in Surreys beautiful Effingham forest. Making full use of the stunning surroundings, the centre offers guests a massive 7 game zones in total - including the immensely popular Speedball Arena. The Effingham paintballing centre is also incredibly accessible due to being located close to both the M25 and Effingham Junction train station.
Located within the outskirts of Reading city centre, the Britannia Reading paintballing centre is perfect for visitors from surrounding areas such as Buckinghamshire and Maidenhead. The centre offers guests a selection of six game zones, including the epic dystopian setting of London Apocalypse. Come on down to the Reading paintballing centre and check it out today.


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YORK, PA – Spartan senior Drew Frankenfield (Blue Bell, Pa./Wissahickon) banged a game-winning single up the middle with two outs in the bottom of the ninth to lift the York College baseball team to a walk-off 6-5 win over Messiah on a brutally cold Wednesday afternoon in York.
The Spartans swept the season series from the Falcons as York improves to 10-12 overall. The Falcons fall to 6-15 with the setback.
York started out strong as they struck for a run in the first courtesy of a Dustin Worthman (Tabernacle, N.J./Seneca) RBI single up the middle.
York tacked on a four-spot in the fourth with some help from the Messiah defense. The Spartans loaded the bases to start the inning and Frankenfield drove in York's first run of the inning after he got hit by a pitch. The Falcons made a pitching change and after a Adam Bartholomew (Haddonfield, N.J./Bishop Eustace) sacrifice fly made it 3-0, Falcon reliever Mitch McClure looked like he was going to get out of the inning without any further damage but a throwing error allowed two more Spartans to cross the plate as the Spartans had a 5-0 lead through four innings.
Ironically, the Spartans also scored four runs in the fourth inning in their March 20 win at Messiah.
Messiah climbed back into the game as they scratched out a pair of runs in the top of the fifth courtesy of a big Spartan error.
The Falcons' Jeremiah Eaton trimmed the Spartan lead to 5-3 with a big fly that hugged the rightfield line in the sixth as Messiah kept chipping away at the York lead.
Messiah kept their momentum going in the seventh with two more runs on two more Spartan errors in the seventh. It could have been much worse for the Spartans but junior Zach Philippi (Levittown, Pa./Harry S. Truman), who came into the game with no outs and the bases loaded, got three straight Falcons to keep the game tied.
Junior centerfielder Andrew Hershey (Lancaster, Pa./Penn Manor) was the Spartan hero in the top of the eighth as Messiah was threatening again with runners at second and third and two outs. The Falcons' Zach Brubaker hit an absolute bullet to centerfield that looked like a sure hit and two runs but Hershey made a diving stab that kept the Falcons off the board.
Frankenfield opened the bottom of the eighth with a booming double to center followed by a walk. However, the Spartans couldn't get a bunt down and then couldn't get a clutch hit as Frankfield was left stranded on second to end the inning.
Mike Sarecky (Brookeville, Md./Sherwood) came on to pitch the ninth as was dominate as he needed just seven pitches to navigate the ninth setting the stage for a Spartan walk-off win.
The bottom of the ninth began with a booming double to right off the bat of Colbe Herr (Hummelstown, Pa./Lower Dauphin) as York looked primed to win the game. Derek Pitzer (York, Pa./Dallastown) attempted to bunt Herr to third but a poor bunt resulted in Herr being cut down at third. Justin Cohen (Severn, Md./Old Mill) singled to put runners at first and second but a strikeout brought Frankenfield to the plate with two outs.
Frankenfield fell behind 1-2 and took a close pitch on the outside corner before banging the sharp single to center that scored Pitzer with the game-winner.
Sarecky earned the win as he tossed the perfect ninth inning to improve to 1-1 overall. Josh Kohn (Derwood, Md./Col. Zadok Magruder) started and allowed two unearned runs on three hits with five strikeouts and three walks during his five innings of work. Philippi was very strong as he tossed the seventh and eighth innings, allowing one walk with a hit batter as he kept the Falcons off the board.
Paul Broomell suffered the loss as he allowed a run on three hits in his 0.2 innings of work. McClure was outstanding in relief of starter Peter Fisher as the left-hander tossed five scoreless innings, scattering five hits with three strikeouts and a walk. Fisher allowed five runs, three earned, in his three innings of work. He struck out one and walked another for Messiah.
Cohen led the Spartans as he went 3-for-5 with a run scored. Frankenfield finished 2-for-4 with two RBI and a run scored while Pitzer also had two hits for York.
The Falcons were held to just five hits in the game. Eaton went 1-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored on his second home run of the year. Tyler Spence added a hit and an RBI off the bench for Messiah.
The Spartans return to action on Thursday as they travel to Susquehanna to face the Crusaders in a non-conference contest. First pitch is set for 3:30 pm.
Drew Frankenfield photo courtesy of Chelsea Bock - Athletic Communications Student Photographer


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If you plan to vote in the Sept. 10 city primaries and aren't registered, you have until Monday at 5 p.m. to do so.
That's the deadline for new voters to register, which is 29 days before the primary date, according to the Lee County Supervisor of Elections office.
Those who are eligible to vote in Florida can update after Monday and still be eligible to vote for the primary. New voters have until the end of business on Monday to register.
The hope is that more people go to the polls for this primary than two years ago, when just 11.1 percent of registered voters cast a ballot in the city election.
This primary election, six candidates running for the mayor's seat - Daniel "Dan" Ashby, Alan "AJ" Boyd, David P. Carr, Vincent A. Cummings, Marni Lin Sawicki and incumbent John J. Sullivan -?and four running for District 1 - James "Jim" Burch, Steven L. Golub, David R. Headd and Graham Madison Morris.
District 1 Councilmember Marty McClain is not running for reelection.
The top two vote getters in these races will advance to the general election in November, which also will feature the District 4 and 6 council seats.
Running in District 4 are incumbent Chris N. Chulakes-Leetz and Richard Leon.
Running in District 6 are incumbent Kevin M. McGrail and Richard "Rick" Williams.
Every registered voter gets to vote in every race on the ballot in both the primary and the general election: City council races are non-partisan, and all council members are elected citywide although officials must live in the district they represent.
This year's early numbers are slightly more promising. There are 101,469 active voters and 4,606 inactive voters, according to numbers provided by Jo Ann Beaumont, administrative assistant to Supervisor of Elections Sharon Harrington, who was at a conference and unavailable for comment.
"Inactive voters haven't voted in the last two general elections and haven't done anything to keep it active, such as move," Beaumont said. "If you call in on Monday, you become active again."
City Clerk Rebecca van Deutekom said numbers have been paltry since after 2000, which was the last year the city held elections during even-numbered years.
No longer buoyed by state and national elections, it has become tougher to get people to the polls for local elections.
Van Deutekom said the city hopes to add another layer of advertising this time around to grab a few more voters.
"Any time there's an opportunity to vote, people should take advantage," van Deutekom said. "We're going to run ads, get the word out about early voting. There will be an ad in 'On The Move.' We're going to see if that affects numbers at all."
In 2011, only 10,355 out of 92,995 eligible voters cast a ballot, with 2,908 voting early and 1,242 casting absentee ballots.
That number improved only slightly in the general election, with 16.5 percent voting, or 20,149 out of 122,073 registered. Of those, 4,281 were early voters and 2,874 of the absentee variety.
Early voting will take place from Saturday, Aug. 31 to Saturday, Sept. 7. Offices are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday. Offices will be closed Monday for Labor Day.


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Alex Fallstrom netted the game-winning goal for Harvard against No. 1 Quinnipiac Friday (Gil Talbot).
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Alex Fallstrom scored with 18 seconds remaining in overtime to give the Harvard men's hockey team a 2-1 comeback upset over No. 1 Quinnipiac Friday night at Bright Hockey Center. It is Harvard's (9-16-3, 6-13-2 ECAC) biggest upset since Nov. 17, 2004 when the Crimson defeated No.1 Boston College at home, 3-1.
Late in the overtime Quinnipiac (23-5-5, 16-2-3 ECAC) attempted to clear the puck from its zone behind their net, but Greg Gozzo knocked the puck away from the Bobcats player to keep possession for Harvard. Gozzo dropped the puck to Jimmy Vesey who went hard into the Quinnipiac zone. Vesey sent a shot towards Eric Hartzell and Fallstrom was alone on the back door to tip home the game winner.
Fallstrom extended his career-long point streak to seven games when the senior netted his seventh goal of the season. Kyle Criscuolo kept the Crimson alive when he netted his third goal in the past two games to force the overtime. It marks Harvard's second overtime victory this season since a 6-5 comeback over then No. 8 Boston University on Jan. 9.
Both teams played a controlled game through the first period, with Quinnipiac having slightly better looks through the opening 20 minutes. Harvard's best chance came just shy of the 12-minute mark when Luke Greiner collected a puck right on the doorstep, but his short -range attempt was stuffed by goalie Hartzell. The Crimson went on a power play just over a minute later, but a poised Quinnipiac penalty kill held Harvard without a shot. The Bobcats had a man-up look of their own with 2:20 remaining in the period, and a shot by Matthew Peca rang off the post to keep the score tied at 0-0. Quinnipiac finished the frame with a slight 10-8 edge in shots.
A cross-checking penalty early in the second sent the Bobcats on another power play, but Harvard was once again up to the task, keeping the look sot a minimum, save a blocked shot by Brenden Rempel on a Peca attempt. While the Harvard chances improved through the period, it was the guests that jumped onto the scoreboard first. Jordan Samuels-Thomas was lurking near the Harvard net as the Crimson was setting up for a breakout, and the junior swept behind the cage, wrestled the puck towards the front of the net and slid it to Ben Arnt, who shot past Raphael Girard for the game's first goal. The Crimson managed 10 shots in the period, but went into the locker room with a 1-0 deficit.
It was do-or-die for the Crimson in the third, and offense showed its grit with a bevy of shots on Hartzell. Marshall Everson picked off a Quinnipiac pass and drove down to the Bobcats zone. Everson passed to lineman Criscuolo who was on a 2-on-1 with Brian Hart. Criscuolo kept the puck for himself and netted the equalizing goal at the 5:38 minute mark in the final period. The Crimson's defense and Girard denied Quinnipiac's five attempts on net to force overtime.
The Crimson wraps up its regular season schedule tomorrow when it takes on Ivy rival Princeton in a 7 p.m. contest.


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This page contains a list of all the entries for the maiden name BEREZA that are held within the Gravestone Photographic Resource online database. It is quite likely that there are also entries available for alternative spellings of this name. It is very easy for you to check to see if there are any alternative spellings: you just need to look at the page that shows all the names listed under the starting letter (B in this case) of the maiden name you are interested in.
If you click on a particular name or GPR reference number below you will see details of what information is held for that particular grave monument. If there is an image available then you will be able to order a free copy of it.
If you click on a particular church, parish or town name below then you will see details of all the grave monument images that are available for that particular location.
|full name
|birth year
|burial year
|city / town / village
|state / province / county
In most cases images are available. However sometimes they will unavailable. In many cases this is because although images have been taken they were unfortunately lost when the resource suffered a major computer fault and not all the images could be recovered.


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0 Members and 2 Guests are viewing this topic.
okay, wow. i JUST finished watching the entire series.
Quote from: modage on April 16, 2004, 11:03:09 PMokay, wow. i JUST finished watching the entire series.Five years later I am rewatching Twin Peaks and it is a sobering experience. Once you know what's going to happen, every extraneous plotline feels like a complete waste of time. I'm giving up after episode 14 but after years of building it up this has been extremely disappointing. It was my introduction to TV again, but since then I've seen Freaks & Geeks, The Office, Arrested Development, Lost, and so many others. I appreciate Peaks for what it was, especially at the time, but can't help but see its many flaws now.


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In terms of emergency flagging out the kite, how are most new 4-line bars set up?
1. Flag out on one front-line
2. Flag out on both front-lines
3. Flag out on on rear line
Which of these approaches works the best?
Does it depend on the type of kite?
I have seen some kites flagged where they spun uncontrollably (presumably flagged on one line). If the lines do get spun up the twisting can lock them into each other so that no further depower or flagging is possible.


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At least 47 churches and organizations have reportedly signed up in support of placing the words, "In God We Trust," on the Anderson County Courthouse in Clinton and other churches and organizations are being invited to add their names to the list.
At least 47 churches and organizations have reportedly signed up in support of placing the words, "In God We Trust," on the Anderson County Courthouse in Clinton and other churches and organizations are being invited to add their names to the list.
Oak Ridge businessman Lynn Byrge organized the effort and gave The Oak Ridger a copy of the churches he'd contacted and who had agreed to stand up in support of the measure. Byrge said he made contact and obtained the addresses of these churches, adding he attempted to contact all the area churches and wanted to give all the chance to join in on the effort. As a means of doing this, he stated in a memo given to the newspaper Wednesday: "We appreciate the following churches, pastors and individuals who have supported installing our nation's motto, 'In God We Trust' on the Anderson County Courthouse. If your church or organization would like to be added to this list of those supporting the effort, please contact Lynn Byrge at (865) 483-4520 or firstname.lastname@example.com."
The following is the list of churches: Laurel Branch Baptist Church, Briceville; Robertsville Baptist Church, Oak Ridge; Rock Hill Baptist Church, Rosedale; East Wolfe Valley Baptist Church, Heiskell; Shiloh Baptist Church, Rosedale; Royce Baptist Church, Oak Ridge; Free Communion Baptist Church, Rosedale; Faith Missionary Baptist Church, Clinton; South Clinton Baptist Church, Clinton; Mount Olive Baptist Church, Clinton; Black Oak Baptist Church, Clinton; Jarnigan Chapel Baptist Church, Clinton; Bethel Baptist Church, Clinton; Oasis of Love Women's Shelter, Clinton; Bible Baptist Church, Lake City; Hillvale Baptist Church, Clinton; Mineral Springs Baptist Church, Oliver Springs; First Baptist of Briceville, Briceville; Greenway Baptist Church, Clinton; Midway Baptist Church, Clinton.
Calvary Baptist Church, Oak Ridge; Glenwood Baptist Church, Oak Ridge; Poplar Creek Baptist Church, Clinton; Mount Pisgah Baptist Chuch, Oliver Springs; Oliver Springs Church of Christ, Oliver Springs; Grace Baptist Church, 7171 Oak Ridge Highway, Knoxville; Second Baptist Church, Clinton; Charity Missionary Baptist Church, Clinton; Central Baptist Church, Oak Ridge; First Baptist Church of Oliver Springs, Oliver Springs; Oak Ridge Baptist Church, Oak Ridge; Batley Baptist Church, Clinton; Community Baptist Church, Oliver Springs; Grave Hill Baptist Church, Rosedale; Clinton Baptist Association, Clinton; Woodland Park Baptist Church, Oak Ridge; Oak Ridge Family Bible Church, Oak Ridge; Dutch Valley Baptist Church, no city given; Pine Ridge Baptist Church, Clinton; The Rock Ministries Center, no city given.
Beech Park Baptist Church, Oliver Springs; Clinton Church of Christ, Clinton; Oak Valley Baptist Church, Oak Ridge; Covenant Life International Church of God, Lake City; Antioch Baptist Church, Clinton; Clinton Church of God, Clinton; and Disabled American Veterans, Oliver Springs.
At the Feb. 19 meeting of the Anderson County Commission, commissioners voted 12-4 to allow the motto on the Courthouse, unless the county Operations Committee and/or County Law Director Jay Yeager find legal or liability problems. The county Operations Committee meets at 6 p.m. March 11 in Room 312 of the Courthouse. Also on the agenda is working out the specifications for placing the motto on the Courthouse.
During the Feb. 19 Commission meeting, Tom Byrge, Clinton Baptist Association's director of missons, said he'd received support on the measure from additional pastors within Anderson County. (The Byrges are not known to be related; Lynn Byrge said if they are related it's very distant and that he hadn't met Tom Byrge in person until the commission meeting.)
Contacted Wednesday, Tom Byrge said he didn't feel comfortable listing the churches whose pastors had given him support for the "In God We Trust" effort, although he said he believes most, if not all, would agree and/or support their pastor.
"I don't (know) that even they could speak for the churches without a vote," Tom Byrge said. "We Baptists are independent and autonomous."
He said he received emails from 16 to 18 pastors and "they said, 'go for it, we're on board with this.' And then I received four or five phone calls."
The Clinton Baptist Association includes 46 churches in Anderson County.
Donna Smith can be contacted at (865) 220-5502.


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81-Year-Old Woman Jailed for Feeding Bears, Threatening to Kill Police
A retired teacher was arrested after she repeatedly ignored a judge's order to stop feeding black bears in back yard. When police officers arrived at her home to arrest her, the 81-year-old reportedly threatened to kill them.
Mary Musselman has been illegally feeding bears in the yard of her Sebring, Florida home since at least early 2013; at some point in the year, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission euthanized a bear she'd repeatedly fed with dog food out of concern that the bear had become dangerously comfortable around humans.
"Feeding bears results in bears losing their fear of people," Gary Morse, an FWC spokesperson, told ABC Action News, adding that his department went the "extra mile" to educate Musselman about the dangers of feeding bears. Still, she refused to stop, telling police that she was worried the bears wouldn't survive without her help.
FWC officers returned to her home in November to find that she was regularly feeding at least two bears. "We are talking about putting out as many as 17 or 18 bowls of dog food," Morse said.
Officers gave her more information, including educational videos. Again, she failed to heed their warnings. Then, on December 6, she was summoned to court where a judge ordered her to stop and placed her on probation.
Two weeks later, she returned to court, where she again admitted to feeding the bears. A week later, after officers found further evidence of beer feeding, the judge ordered her arrest.
Mussleman reportedly threatened to kill the FWC officers who arrived at her home and resisted arrest.
She's currently in jail facing charges of violating parole and battery on a lawman, and is being held without bond. Her next court appearance is scheduled for March 3.
"I think it is outrageous," Karron Tedder, Musselman's former student, told ABC Action News. "This is out of her character to act as she did."


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Journal of the South African Veterinary Association
versión On-line ISSN 2224-9435
versión impresa ISSN 1019-9128
J. S. Afr. Vet. Assoc. vol.81 no.2 Pretoria ene. 2010
South African Association of Veterinary Technologists
The following are abstracts of papers and posters presented at the 'Back to Basics Congress' of the South African Association of Veterinary Technologists (SAAVT), 15-16 September 2009, Batter Boys, Pretoria, South Africa.
Oral presentations
A novel rotavirus from South African pigs is related to adult rotaviruses J19 from China and B219 from Bangladesh
I PeenzeI; A C PotgieterII; A D SteeleI,III
IDepartment of Virology and MRC Diarrhoeal Pathogens Research Unit, University of Limpopo: Medunsa Campus, South Africa E-mail: email@example.com
IIDepartment of Virology, Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, 0110 South Africa
IIIPATH, Seattle, USA
Rotaviruses (RVs) are classified into 7 Serogroups (A-G). Group A RVs are the major cause of severe viral gastroenteritis in the young of humans and domestic mammalian and avian species. Groups B and C RVs are detected in both humans and animals, while Groups D to G are confined to mammals and birds. Traditionally, rotavirus Group A infections were more frequently detected in children under 5 years and very prevalent in children under 2 years. However, in 1997 an outbreak of gastroenteritis in adults in China was caused by rotavirus strains different from those in Groups A, B and C. The Chinese strain is similar to the novel adult rotavirus strain from Bangladesh called B219. Rotavirus particles consist of 3 protein layers; a) outer-viral capsid containing 2 viral proteins (VP4 and VP7, b) the inner capsid, VP6 protein, and c) a core capsid protein, VP2. The genome of 11 distinct segments of double-stranded (ds) RNA can be separated using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and segments are separated based on size and charge. Each rotavirus serogroup possesses a distinct PAGE migration pattern. The aim of this study was to characterize Group A and non-Group A RVs at a molecular level, using stool samples collected from pig farms in the provinces of Gauteng, North West Province, Free State and Mpumalanga in South Africa. All stool samples were screened for Group A RV antigen using a commercially available Rotavirus IDEIA kit (Oxoid, Ely, UK) according to the manufacturer's instructions. PAGE analysis of genomic dsRNA was performed on all ELISA-positive and -negative stool samples to identify serogroups. RV dsRNA was extracted from a 10 % stool sample solution using a TRIzol-phenol-chloroform method and precipitated with absolute ethanol. The PAGE gels were stained with silver nitrate to visualise the dsRNA segments. A sequence-independent genome amplification method was used to amplify the complete segmented genome from selected specimens. The cDNA of all genomes was sequenced using the ultra-deep DNA sequencing method (454/Roche GSFLX Sequencer, Inqaba Biotechnical Industries (Pty) Ltd). Rotavirus Group A could be detected in 44 % and 37 % of piglets during 2007 and 2008 respectively. Among the 9 Serogroup B RVs identified, 1 Group B sample (now termed Pig-N) revealed differences in PAGE migration patterns of the 11 gene segments compared to other Group B samples. Sequence homology and phylogenetic analysis of several genes of Pig-N clustered with the novel Group B-like adult rotavirus strains J19, from China and B219 from Bangladesh. The results demonstrate that other RV serogroups circulate in the pig environment which could potentially either reassort with human rotavirus strains to produce new strains or are capable of causing diarrhoeal disease in naïve populations. This research suggests that the novel Group B rotavirus detected in pigs may be related to the rare human adult Group B RVs from China and Bangladesh, and that the viruses from those outbreaks may have been of animal origin. Furthermore, these results highlight the importance of improved technologies for genome amplification and ultra-deep sequencing of rotavirus genomes. These techniques bypass the problems associated with primer-binding selection of specific genes and in the sequencing of large gene segments. Furthermore, there is a need to investigate non-Group A RVs circulating in domestic animal herds in South Africa to determine the significance of these strains in potential outbreaks.
A survey of trout farms in the Western Cape to establish the occurrence of Flavobacterium spp. in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
B M Peyrot
Western Cape Provincial Veterinary Laboratory, Private Bag X5020, Stellenbosch, 7599 South Africa E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
The Skills Development and Training Program of the Aquaculture Institute of South Africa (AISA) arranged the visit of a fish health specialist from Switzerland to various trout-producing farms in the Western Cape in February 2009. One of the aims of his visit was to do sampling to determine the occurrence and distribution of Flavobacterium spp. and Aeromonas spp. in the trout. Samples from the organs, skin and gills of trout on 7 farms were taken and inoculated onto bacterial culture media on the farms. Two types of media (Anacker and Ordal's agar and Columbia blood agar) were used for culturing. Incubation was carried out at 14-18 ºC and at 25 ºC. Various Aeromonas spp. from 4 farms and a Flavobacterium sp. from 1 farm were isolated. Phenotypical identifications of the Aeromonas spp. were performed using biochemical tests in conventional carbohydrate media as well as a commercial biochemical identification system. The Flavobacterium was presumptively identified on the basis of colony morphology on the selective medium, together with direct microscopy using Gram's stain. Although these bacteria are well-documented trout pathogens, this is the first time, to the knowledge of current staff, that this laboratory was asked to participate in this kind of survey for Flavobacterium spp. The media that were used appeared to adequately support the growth of both the control Flavobacterium isolate and the field isolate.
Introduction to the Food Safety Laboratory: activities at the Western Cape Provincial Veterinary Laboratory, Stellenbosch
T Potgieter
Food Safety Section, Veterinary Provincial Veterinary Laboratory, Stellenbosch, 7599 South Africa E-mail: email@example.com
The Food Safety section at the Western Cape Provincial Veterinary Laboratory (WCPVL) was established 14 years ago and was part of the Meat Inspection Services since the early 1980s. The main function of the laboratory was to monitor the hygiene of local abattoirs and cold storage facilities in the Western Cape and at a later stage, meat imports from European countries. Currently the laboratory monitors an average of 160 containers of imported frozen poultry meat per month. Samples are collected by health officials from the National Department of Agriculture (NDA) and forwarded to the WCPVL in Stellenbosch. These products are required to adhere to the microbiological standards set by the European Union specified on importation certificates and our laboratory conducts quantitative tests to ensure that these products comply with recommended standards. These test procedures are all based on methods used by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) and entail bacteriological monitoring of feed and water samples and locally produced meat, and screening for microbial residues. The following tests are conducted on the food/feed: Total plate counts, Enterobacteriacea, coliforms, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas sp. counts, and Salmonella and Listeria detection. Water analysis tests consist of total plate counts, faecal coliform and Escherichia coli counts, faecal Streptococcus counts and, to a lesser extent, Clostridia counts. The implementation of the Nordic Committee on Food Analysis (NMKL) procedure of 2008 (measurement of uncertainty in quantitative microbiological examination of foods) has resulted in an increase in workload, but yields more reliable results. This laboratory also participates in different inter-laboratory testing schemes
DIptera of veterinary importance - focusing on Culicoides biting midges
K Labuschagne
Entomology, ARC-Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, PO Box X05, Onderstepoort, 0110 South Africa E-mail: email@example.com
Culicoides biting midges are important worldwide in disease transmission. These small biting flies transmit a number of protozoa, nematodes and viruses to humans and livestock. Not all Culicoides species are able to act as vectors of the pathogens that may be transmitted. In South Africa, African horsesickness (AHS), bluetongue (BT) and equine encephalosis (EE) are 3 economically important virus diseases that may be transmitted. It is thus of vital importance to be able to identify these insects correctly. Unfortunately, in practice, these insects are often confused with other small biting flies such as Simulium, Leptoconops, Forcipomyia, Lasiohelia and Phlebotomus species. There are some important differences between all of these insects, such as body and wing shape, colouration, diseases transmitted and habits. In appearance some of these insects differ greatly from each other, while others are similar. Some are able to transmit diseases while others are not. A short description of each insect group will be given along with their importance in disease transmission.
Optimization of the MontanideTM ISA 206 adjuvanted foot-and-mouth disease vaccines containing the South African Territories (SAT) serotypes
F Peta; M CloeteI,II; L van StadenI
ITransboundary Animal Diseases Programme, ARC-Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, Private Bag X05, Onderstepoort, 0110 South Africa E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
IICrop Protection Division, ARC-Roodeplaat Vegetable and Ornamental Plant Institute, Private Bag X293, Pretoria, 0001 South Africa
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is an economically important disease of cloven-hoofed animals that is primarily controlled by vaccination of susceptible animals and movement control of animals and animal-derived products in South Africa as prescribed by the Animal Diseases Act 35 of 1984. The Seppic MontanideTM ISA 206 B oil vaccine induces a protective immune response in all susceptible animals when used shortly after formulation and, compared to the aqueous ALSA vaccine, has been shown to be the most suitable oil adjuvant to use with the South African Territories (SAT) serotypes of FMD. However, this vaccine needed to be optimized to ensure sustained vaccine stability for at least 12 months of storage at 4 ºC. A stable vaccine is indicated by: maintenance of pH levels >7.0, a water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) emulsion type and consistent emulsion size. Different buffers, buffer concentrations, buffer:antigen ratios and storage temperatures to be used in this oil vaccine were tested to determine the most suitable parameters which would ensure vaccine stability over at least 12 months of storage. The effects of saponin (an immuno-stimulant), if any, on the vaccines' pH were determined. A combination of Tris and KCl buffers (concentrations are trade secrets) with 10 % antigen of the aqueous phase of vaccine volume, proved to be the most suitable buffer for oil vaccines as it was able to maintain pH levels >7.0, a W/O/W emulsion type and consistent emulsion size over 24 months at 4 ºC. It was closely comparable to the Seppic recommended KH2PO4 buffer which was used as a control. Saponin does not negatively affect the vaccine's buffer as no significant drop in vaccine pH or changes in vaccine emulsion type or size were noticed over the testing period. Further research is required to determine the optimized ISA 206 B efficacy in cattle.
Detection of Campylobacter fetus in bovine preputial scrapings using PCR and culture assays
T Schmidt; E H Venter; J A Picard
Allerton Provincial Veterinary Laboratory, Private Bag X2, Cascades, 3202 South Africa E-mail: tracy: email@example.com
The traditional method for the diagnosis of campylobacteriosis is the culture and identification of the causative organism, Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis (Cfv). This approach is considered to be relatively insensitive owing to the fragility of the bacteria, their specific nutritional and atmospheric requirements, and their being easily overgrown by commensal bacteria. With the rapid advances which have been made in the molecular field, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays have become more robust and cost-effective, making them more feasible for routine use in the diagnostic laboratory. The aim of this study was to evaluate a previously published C. fetus-specific PCR to detect C. fetus directly in diagnostic specimens, specifically bovine preputial specimens. The specificity of the assay was established by testing C. fetus reference and field isolates in addition to a collection of other Campylobacter species and organisms which may be encountered in the genital tract of cattle. All C. fetus isolates tested yield a single PCR amplicon of approximately 750 bp. No amplicons were generated when any of the other non C. fetus isolates were tested. The sensitivity of the assay was determined using spiked Weybridge medium. A detection limit of 615 Cfv/ml Weybridge medium (or 6.15 cells equivalents per PCR assay) was obtained. Once the detection limit had been established, the influence of potential PCR inhibitors (faeces, urine, semen and blood) on the sensitivity of the assay was evaluated. Faeces were identified as a potent inhibitor of the PCR assay and contamination of specimens with as little as 1 % (w/v) faeces significantly reduced the sensitivity of the assay. Concentrations of up to 50 % (v/v) of blood, urine and semen were shown to have no effect on the sensitivity of the assay. Preputial specimens, collected in Weybridge medium, were subsequently pooled and spiked, and used to establish the sensitivity of both the PCR and culture methods as well as determine the influence of time on the sensitivity of the assays. Testing was carried out in triplicate on samples collected from different herds which were ascertained to be free of Cfv based on the use of specific selection criteria. The detection limit of the culture method was found to be better than that achieved using PCR only immediately after the samples were spiked. The detection limit of the culture method decreased with time while the detection limit of the PCR assay remained unchanged for up to 72 hours post-inoculation. Ensuing field evaluation involved the testing of 212 clinical samples using both the culture method and the optimized PCR assay. Of the samples tested 4.2 % were found to be positive using the PCR assay, whilst only 3.8 % were found to be positive by culture. Based upon this evaluation the analytical specificity of the PCR assay was calculated to be 99 % and the analytical sensitivity 85.7 %.The PCR assay was shown to be both specific and sensitive, and overall test performance compared rather favourably with the culture method. The multiple advantages offered by PCR make the assay an attractive alternative to conventional methods available for use in diagnostic laboratories.
The role and influence of government control programmes for rabies in KwaZulu-Natal
K Le Roux
Epidemiology Section, Allerton Regional Veterinary Laboratory, South African Veterinary Services KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X2, Cascades, 3202 South Africa E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
The observation that the level of canine rabies in a country or province is directly related to the immunity level of its canine population should focus our attention on the factors that influence the immunity. The 6 major outbreaks of rabies in KZN over the past 42 years can all be directly linked to government control programmes and their successes and failures. Other factors such as virus evolution and ecology of the host species have, however, also played a role, albeit very small, in the progress of the disease. Molecular biology of the virus showed that the canine biotype still dominates, with no evidence of a wildlife host, in KZN. Many of the original factors that influenced the arrival and establishment of the virus in the canine population remain present. New evidence of a growing stray dog population owing to socioeconomic factors such as the AIDS epidemic and rising poverty in the province, will complicate future control strategies. Analysis of the successes and failures over the past 42 years have highlighted many key issues in canine rabies control. These include sustainability, importance of political collaboration, constant improvements in control strategies, financial input and the need for someone to drive the process. Rabies in KZN has been shown to be completely controllable and, with the improvements in control measures and international support, canine rabies could be eliminated from the province in the foreseeable future.
Monitoring genetic variability of foot-and-mouth disease virus strains circulating in the African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) population in the Kruger National Park
B BothaI; R M DwarkaI; N T E MtshaliI; R BengisII
IARC-Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, Transboundary Animal Diseases Programme, Private Bag X05, Onderstepoort, 0110 South Africa E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
IIDivision of Veterinary Services, PO Box 12, Skukuza, 1350 South Africa
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious, economically devastating viral disease of cloven-hoofed animals, affecting both livestock and game. The virus is serologically heterogeneous with 7 serotypes occurring worldwide, namely serotypes A, O, C, South African Territories (SAT)-1, SAT-2, and SAT-3, and Asia 1. The Kruger National Park (KNP) is the only region in South Africa where FMD is endemically present, the remainder of the country being recognised as free of the disease. The African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) population in the KNP is persistently infected and acts as a maintenance host of the SAT types of FMD viruses, and represents a potential source of infection to other susceptible species. FMD infections in buffalo are generally subclinical, and a long-term carrier state develops. Transmission from carrier buffalo to other species has been demonstrated both under experimental and natural conditions, thereby requiring the National and Provincial Directorates of Veterinary Services to focus on establishing and maintaining control measures to prevent the spread of the disease to adjacent domestic animal populations. A thorough understanding of the behaviour of SAT viruses in wildlife and transmission of FMD from wildlife to livestock is critical in addressing FMD control in the face of increasing integrated land-use. Sera and pharyngeal scrapings from various buffalo herds throughout the KNP are submitted on a regular basis by State Veterinary Services (KNP) to the Diagnostic Section of the Transboundary Animal Diseases Programme (TADP) at ARC-Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute (OVI). Samples are processed and analysed in order to genetically and antigenically characterise FMD virus isolates circulating within the buffalo populations. Monitoring of FMD field isolates is crucial in ensuring the suitability of vaccines currently used in the endemic control zone bordering the KNP.
A retrospective serological analysis of the spatiotemporal activity of Rift Valley fever virus infection in the Kruger National Park
J JoubertI,II; R T F BernardI
IDepartment of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, 6140 South Africa
IIVeterinary Wildlife Services, Kruger National Park, South African National Parks, South Africa E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
In the Kruger National Park (KNP) there is the possibility of Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) being transmitted across the fence from buffalo to neighbouring community cattle. Thus there is a need to understand the spatial and temporal occurrence of RVFV in the KNP and how this is related to climate. The aim of the study was to establish the prevalence of RVFV in space and time throughout KNP by examining the biotic (buffalo age and sex) and abiotic (rainfall) factors affecting the prevalence and distribution of the virus. Serum samples collected from 1487 buffaloes sampled during BTB surveys in KNP in 1996, 1998, 1999, 2005, 2006 and 2007 were analysed by means of an indirect enzyme linked immonosorbent assay (I-ELISA) technique based on the recombinant nucleocapsid protein (recNp) for RVFV antibodies. Results indicate that RVFV is endemic to the KNP. We found no significant relationship between high rainfall and RVFV prevalence. There was, however, a significant change in prevalence over time. Analyses showed that there was a significant difference between RVFV positive females compared to males and also between adult females compared to adult males. GIS maps were created using GPS coordinates showing positive and negative herds for each year buffalo were sampled.
Determining baseline blood chemistry values of free-ranging African buffaloes (Syncerus caffer) and the effect of bovine tuberculosis
J JoubertI,II; R T F BernardI
IDepartment of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa
IIVeterinary Wildlife Services, Kruger National Park, South African National Parks, South Africa E-mail: email@example.com
Baseline blood chemistry values for African buffaloes (Syncerus caffer) in the Kruger National Park were analysed statistically to ascertain their usefulness in detecting bovine tuberculosis (BTB) at an early stage and used as a diagnostic tool. An ANOVA was used to evaluate the effects of age, sex and BTB status on blood chemistry values. Parameters tested included chloride (Cl), creatinine, potassium (K), urea, sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and immunoglobulins. Age affected the concentrations of K, ALT, AST, creatinine and urea. The results showed that BTB positive adult and/or subadult buffaloes had significantly higher K, creatinine and Cl concentrations than BTB negative animals. BTB positive juveniles had significantly lower chloride and AST concentrations than BTB negative animals, and BTB positive buffaloes of all age groups had significantly lower urea concentrations than BTB negative buffaloes. The BTB status of buffaloes had no effect on the ALT, IgG, Na and Ca concentrations. Baseline blood chemistry values are not a useful tool for early indication of BTB.
Epidemiology of anthrax in the Kruger National Park
A Dekker
PO Box 12, Skukuza, 1350 South Africa E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
Anthrax has been known since recorded history. Descriptions of anthrax are in the biblical Book of Exodus, where the disease was referred to in the 5th and 6th plagues of Egypt (1491 BC). Anthrax is caused by a bacterium, Bacillus anthracis. All mammals are believed to be susceptible to anthrax, especially ruminants. Three forms are described in animals: peracute (apoplectic), acute, and subacute to chronic. Anthrax has been a part of the Kruger National Park ecosystem for as long as there has been game in the region. In certain areas it can be described as indigenous (endemic) because of the frequency of outbreaks, or presence of viable spores in the soil or bones. The first described and positively diagnosed outbreak in the Kruger National Park was in 1959 in the Shingwedzi area. This outbreak later spread to the Punda Maria ranger section and neighbouring Pafuri area. The latter is probably the area with the highest frequency of outbreaks in the Park. This can be ascribed to the fact that it was discovered to be the area where the most anthrax spores have been found in the soil and old bones (carbon-dated bones of 250 years have been found to harbour viable anthrax spores). In the last 20 years there have been 2 major outbreaks in the Park. The first one in 1992 started on the Letaba section and then rapidly spread to neighbouring sections. All species were affected with kudu being the prime victim. Thereafter outbreaks in 1993 and 1999 took place in the Kingfisherspruit section; once again kudu were the prime victims. Outbreaks of anthrax in the Park can be linked to rainfall: most outbreaks have occurred in winter after a dry or low rainfall summer. The opposite usually happens if it starts to rain during an outbreak, as the number of cases declines rapidly until only isolated cases are recorded for a time and then none. In the park there are 3 cycles that play a major role in the maintenance and spread of the disease namely, vultures, blowflies/kudu or scavengers. The disease is diagnosed using 1 of the following methods: smears made from blood or exudates, bacterial cultures prepared from any body part such as skin, muscle, bone and soil in the vicinity of the carcass, control of anthrax in wildlife: It is impractical to implement any control measures in the Kruger National Park for wildlife, as is done for domestic animals, such as immunization and treatment, except in areas where biodiversity is threatened. Anthrax carcasses are disposed of by burning or burying after covering with lime. Continuous surveillance is of great importance to locate and monitor all outbreaks. Blood smears should be collected from all carcasses including animals killed by carnivores. All unnatural deaths should be reported. Tourist awareness is also important in monitoring abnormal vulture activity. The zoonotic potential of anthrax should be emphasized. Anthrax can be contracted by 3 different methods: inhalation, cutaneous and ingestion.
Poster abstracts
Detection of feline coronavirus in cheetahs using real-time polymerase chain reaction
A-M BosmanI; M van VuurenI; J S PeckII; J M BernardII; M KennedyII
IDepartment of Veterinary Tropical Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Onderstepoort, 0110 South Africa E-mail: email@example.com
IIDepartment of Comparative Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, USA
Feline coronavirus infection is a contagious viral disease that can be a serious pathogen of members of the family Felidae and is transmitted via the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. The viral genome consists of a long positive stranded RNA of 27-31 kilobase pairs (kb). It is believed that the 7b open reading frame (ORF) gene plays a role in the virulence of the virus and that the 7a ORF plays a role in the development of the disease. Genes 7a and 7b were used as target genes in the reverse transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction (rt RT-PCR) assay to study the prevalence of coronavirus in captive populations of cheetahs. Faecal specimens were collected from healthy cheetahs from different conservation centres and samples were also obtained during necropsy from cheetahs following various causes of death. RNA was extracted using the QIAamp® Viral RNA mini kit (Qiagen, Southern Cross Biotechnologies) as protocol. A One-step quantitative rtRT-PCR was performed using Superscript III Platinum, and the One-Step qRT-PCR System according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Primers to a conserved region of the 7b gene of coronavirus as well as a probe (TaqMan, Applied Biosystems) specific to an internal genetic region of the target were used. Only a small number of the samples tested positive and some of the specimens have late curves. One of these samples, 'Jake', was collected from a clinically sick cheetah. The other samples with late curves were collected from animals that did not have clinical disease. Late peaks require further investigation, especially the sample labelled 'Jake'. The low number of positive samples may be due to the fact that the probe used was not specific enough and that a new probe must be designed that targets a larger area in the gene of interest. More sequencing results are therefore required.
What is in a name? - Salmonella nomenclature and serotyping
M Maartens
Deltamune (Pty) Ltd, PO Box 14167, Lyttelton, 1040 South Africa E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
Salmonella nomenclature is very intricate and scientists use diverse systems to communicate with reference to this genus. There are currently 2579 serovars of Salmonella in the 2 species and 6 subspecies of the genus Salmonella. These are defined and maintained by the World Health Organization Collaborating Centre and are listed in the White-Kauffman-Le Minor scheme. Before the taxonomy of the genus Salmonella was established on a scientific basis, S. enterica subspecies were considered as subgenera and serovars were treated as species, for example Salmonella typhimurium. Molecular methods have shown that the genus Salmonella consists of only 2 species S. enterica and S. bongori. Kauffmann has led the nomenclature on the basis of serological identification of somatic (O) and flagellar (H) antigens, but historically O groups were first designated by letters and since there were not enough letters, it was necessary to continue with numbers 51 to 67. Along with the reclassification of the genus this has led to immense confusion between the scientist, health officials and the public. However, the nomenclature for Salmonella is still evolving and the debate will not be settled soon. We believe that clarity on the nomenclature established by the WHO collaborating centre is needed for the veterinary technologist reporting Salmonella serovars and this poster explains what is currently considered to be correct. As an example, should Salmonella typhimurium now be written as the very cumbersome Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium, or S. enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium, or Salmonella ser. Typhimurium, or S. enterica serovar Typhimurium, or S. Typhimurium?
Echinococcus survey in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
C Boshoff
Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria, 0001 South Africa E-mail: email@example.com
Echinococcosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the parasitic flatworms (Cestodes) of the genus Echinococcus. The disease is of worldwide importance because of its potential economic impact. Echinococcus granulosus is known to occur in South Africa but an accurate assessment of its incidence is difficult owing to the lack of recent and more comprehensive data. The adult worm resides in the digestive tract of canines and felines which act as definite host. In the intermediate hosts, which include humans, hydatid cysts develop in internal organs. The potential for domestic transmission of E. granulosus is highest in poor countries where the level of education is low, humans and domestic animals live close together, and home slaughtering practices are common. South Africa is regarded as a developing country with a large portion of the population living in rural areas. Rural populations are still to a large extent dependent on animals for food, transport and cultivating the land. Based on the number of cases of echinococcosis reported to the Department of Animal Health, Veterinary Services, SA, rural areas of Eastern Cape were selected in which to do a 4-month survey of the prevalence of the parasite in domestic animals to establish whether this disease is still prevalent in South Africa. Specimens were collected during home-slaughtering practices. Cysts were found in the livers and lungs of goats and sheep from different rural communities. This indicates that echinococcosis is still prevalent in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. It's extent, distribution and the genetic strain of the parasite, however, still need to be identified.
Validation and accreditation of the test method for total aflatoxins in feed samples using the enzyme-linked immuno-absorbent assay (ELISA)
G C H Ferreira; H van den Berg; D Naicker
Toxicology Section, Food, Feed and Veterinary Public Health, ARC-Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, Private Bag X05, Onderstepoort, 0110 South Africa E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
Aflatoxins are secondary metabolites that are produced by certain strains of the moulds Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. Aflatoxins cause cancer, liver damage and interference with reproductive efficiency. Chronic aflatoxicosis in adult ruminants can cause anorexia, drying and peeling of the skin on the muzzle, rectal prolapse, and abdominal edema. Aflatoxicosis has also been shown to cause decreased fertility, abortion, and lowered birth weights in sheep. Large doses of aflatoxins have been shown to produce hepatic necrosis in pigs. A competitive direct enzyme linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA) is used to determine the total aflatoxin in feed samples. In this type of ELISA, there is an inverse relationship between the signal obtained and the concentration of the analyte in the sample, due to the competition between the free analyte and the ligand-enzyme conjugate for the antibody coating the microplate, i.e. the more analyte the lower the signal. The validation process included quality control, intermediate checks, test performance of the method using reference materials, validating data of linearity and range (r > 0.99); recovery (>93.4%+7 %(RSD)], precision (<11.9 % RSD), limit of detection (3 ppb), limit of quantification (5ppb) and accuracy. Accuracy was proven through proficiency testing (pass rate of 95 %) received from 2 international schemes (FAPAS and Neogen). An evaluation of measurement uncertainty (MU) is also expressed in a way that can be given to the client on request. It describes the range around a reported or experimental result in which the true value can be expected to lie within a defined level of probability. All these processes have been audited by SANAS according to ISO 17025 requirements and have been deemed acceptable for accreditation (granted in November 2008).
The road to laboratory accreditation according to ISO/IEC 17025: 2005 standard: 'General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories'
B Cloete; N Moyo
Western Cape Provincial Veterinary Laboratory, Stellenbosch, 7599 South Africa E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
ISO 17025: 2005 - 'General Requirements for the Competence of Calibration and Testing Laboratories' was published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in December 1999 and revised in May 2005. It is the result of a joint partnership between the ISO and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). It replaces ISO Guide 25 and EN 45001 and takes into consideration the operating experience gained since the previous standards were published. ISO 17025: 2005 was developed specifically to give guidance to laboratories on both quality management and the technical requirements for proper operation. This standard can be considered the technical complement to ISO 9000. Consequently, any organization that satisfies the requirements of ISO 17025: 2005 also meets the intent of ISO 9000 requirements; however, the reverse is not true. While the ISO 9000 requirements are generic and are intended to be applicable to any type of organization, the ISO 17025: 2005 requirements are specific to testing and calibration laboratories. This standard addresses issues such as: the technical competence of personnel, ethical behaviour of staff, use of well-defined test and calibration procedures, participation in proficiency testing, and contents of test reports and certificates. Another reason for development of the standard was to harmonize laboratory accreditation and acceptance of test data worldwide. All participating countries will be required to accept the test results performed by accredited members of the other countries. This poster aims to demonstrate the various stages a laboratory needs to embark on in order to attain ISO 17025 accreditation, and the potential challenges that could be faced during this process. Although it was developed for specific use at the Western Cape Provincial Laboratory, it also considers the situation of other provincial laboratories. Bearing in mind that laboratory test results are a significant component of the information used to make crucial decisions in veterinary medicine, it stands to reason that errors in laboratory tests can lead to serious misjudgements in health management. Quality assurance procedures in the laboratory minimize errors and provide confidence in the validity of laboratory test results. Ultimately, therefore, it can be said that the importance of Quality within the laboratory environment cannot be emphasized enough, especially in the ever-competitive world where Quality, as perceived by the customer (in the case of laboratories, the department, external veterinarians and farmers) will make the essential difference between the survival or not of any laboratory in the developing world.
Guide to sample collection and preparation as well as test selection for the rapid confirmatory diagnosis of Rift Valley fever virus infection in livestock
S J E Bosch; R D Last
Vetdiagnostix - Veterinary Pathology Services, PO Box 13624, Cascades, Pietermaritzburg, 3202 South Africa E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a mosquito-transmitted disease of livestock and humans which has historically been associated with large epidemics of devastating disease throughout Africa and, more recently, the Arabian Peninsula. The recent 2009 outbreak in Kwazulu-Natal has highlighted the changing face of RVF in South Africa, alerting us to the probable emergence of enzootic RVF foci in the country. Against this background it is clear that there is a greater need to be more vigilant about the safe handling of samples. The aim of this study was to compile a list to improve on the rapid and safe diagnosis of the disease. Essential requirements for handling and processing RVF samples include wearing protective clothing and disinfecting all instruments, clothing and the necropsy area with antiviral solution on completion of the necropsy, and ensuring safe carcass disposal. The organs of choice for confirmation of the diagnosis are liver, lymph nodes, spleen, lung, kidney plus adrenal glands and placenta, fixed in 10 % buffered formalin. All samples must be processed in a bio-hazard cabinet. Effective control of RVF requires rapid response, warranting the selection of reliable rapid confirmatory diagnostic assays, to enable prompt implementation of control procedures. RVF is also a notifiable disease in South Africa and all positive results must be forwarded to the local State Veterinarian. All necessary steps must be taken to ensure rapid and safe diagnosis.
Determining the optimal growth conditions for South African Territories (SAT) type foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) strains in suspension culture.
K Malan; P Dolo; B Ngobeni; L Ikaneng; F Peta; J. van Heerden
Transboundary Diseases Programme, ARC-Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, Private Bag X05, Onderstepoort, 0110 South Africa E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) virus South African Territories (SAT) serotypes 1, 2 and 3 are endemic in African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) populations in the Kruger National Park (KNP) and adjoining game farms in the northeastern corner of South Africa (SA). This area, comprising the only FMD infected zone in SA, is separated by a buffer and surveillance zone from the rest of the country which is called an FMD-free zone. Vaccination of cattle occurs only in the buffer zone where ±55 000 animals are vaccinated twice annually with a trivalent vaccine adjuvanted with alhydrogel-saponin (AS). The current FMD vaccine contains 4 strains that are representative of all 3 SAT serotypes of FMD and were previously produced in a monolayer production plant (MPP). The production of FMD antigen in a suspension production plant (SPP) with a 600 litre capacity is currently in the developmental stage. Production yields can be improved by determining the optimal harvest time for each of the FMD vaccine strains in the SPP. Factors that contribute to the effective recovery of SAT virus in suspension cultures include the multiplicity of infection (m.o.i.), the cell entry pathway, time of harvest (TOH), and the stability of the virus and the antigen after inactivation. In this study different m.o.i. were investigated for optimal recovery of the SAT-type viruses in the suspension culture. The ability of the viruses to infect baby hamster kidney (BHK)-21 cells, the production cells and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO)-K1, non-natural host cells, provided information regarding the cell entry pathway of the vaccine strains. BHK-21 cells express both integrins, αV β6, and heparin sulphate surface receptors that are required for FMD virus entry into the cells, whereas CHO-K1 cells only express heparin sulphate receptors on their cell surfaces. The results indicated that the optimal harvest time was between 13-19 h for SAT strains grown on small scale (500 m ) in suspension. The optimal TOH for each SAT strain was dependent on the m.o.i used for virus seeding. The BHK and CHO cell lines had varying susceptibilities to the viruses.
Optimisation of the production process is a continuous process and research information obtained can be implemented in future research projects to ensure a vaccine which will provide optimal protection in animals.
Culicoides species of South Africa (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). The Imicola group
K Labuschagne
Entomology, PVVD, ARC-Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute, PO Box X05, Onderstepoort, 0110 South Africa E-mail: email@example.com
Culicoides biting midges transmit economically important viral diseases such as African horse sickness (AHS), bluetongue (BT), equine encephalosis (EE) and epizootic haemorrhagic disease of deer (EHD). In South Africa, C. imicola and C. bolitinos are considered to be the primary vectors of these diseases. Both these species belong to the subgenus Avaritia and are members of the Imicola group. The Imicola group comprises at least 10 species worldwide, of which 6 occur in South Africa. The 6 species within the Imicola group in South Africa are C. imicola, C. bolitinos, C. loxodontis, C. tuttifrutti, C. miombo and C.sp.#107 (a species not yet described). Distinguishing characteristics of the subgenus Avaritia and the Imicola group are discussed along with distribution maps and examples of the breeding site of each species are given. The role of each of these species in disease epidemiology is indicated.
Assigning Campylobacter fetus isolates to subspecies using genotyping and phenotyping assays
T Schmidt; E H Venter; J A Picard
Allerton Provincial Veterinary Laboratory, Private Bag X2, Cascades, 3202 South Africa E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
Currently, the only test recommended by the Office International des Epizooties (OIE) for assigning Campylobacter fetus isolates to subspecies, is tolerance to 1 % glycine. Doubts over the reliability of this test have led to alternative or supplementary tests being sought. Within the context of this investigation a collection of 40 South African field isolates were identified to subspecies using a previously described multiplex PCR as well as the traditional 1 % glycine tolerance phenotyping test. Additionally, other phenotyping tests (selenite reduction, growth at 42 ºC and susceptibility to metronidazole and cefoperazone) were evaluated to determine their suitability for use as an aid in assigning C. fetus isolates to subspecies. None of the C. fetus field isolates tested yielded a subspecies-specific amplicon when tested using the multiplex PCR assay, suggesting that all of the isolates were Campylobacter fetus subsp. fetus (Cff). Based on the glycine tolerance test, however, only 6 isolates were identified as Cff, whilst the rest were classified as Cfv. The results of the 'sensitive' hydrogen sulphide test indicated that the Cfv isolates were specifically Cfv biovar intermedius. The multiplex PCR failed to differentiate this specific 'group' of isolates, resulting in the incorrect subspecies identification of isolates. Owing to the seemingly large proportion of Cfv biovar intermedius isolates in South Africa and the unpredictable results obtained with this group of organisms when using the multiplex PCR, the assay is deemed unsatisfactory for assigning SA field isolates to subspecies. None of the other phenotyping tests evaluated showed 100 % correlation with subspecies differentiation based on glycine tolerance. The selenite reduction test, which has been used with varying degrees of success by different laboratories, was found to be unreliable with variable results being obtained between replicate tests. In order to resolve the problems experienced in the laboratory with the assignment to subspecies of C. fetus isolates it appears that more specialized genotyping techniques are going to be needed. These techniques are largely beyond the resources of routine diagnostic laboratories, requiring technical expertise and expensive hardware. Thus for the time being the only option available to diagnostic laboratories is the glycine tolerance test. Owing to the importance of this test, it is recommended that the test be carried out in duplicate in order to eliminate the possibility of an aberrant, incorrect result being reported.