Histopathological analyses were performed of the tonsils, palatal glands, spleen, and kidneys of wild boars infected with classical swine fever virus (CSFV) found in Yamagata Prefecture. Gross findings included emaciation (7/12), splenomegaly (4/12), dark redness of the splenic margin (1/12), and renal petechiae (2/12). Pathological findings included splenic lymphopenia and hemorrhage, renal interstitial mononuclear cell infiltration and hemorrhage. CSFV antigen was immunohistochemically detected in all tonsils, spleens and kidneys examined. The results of this survey were similar to those reported in pigs infected with a domestic epidemic strain of CSFV, which is considered to be moderately pathogenic. The CSFV antigen was found in tonsils, palatal glands and kidneys. Therefore, it was suggested that the virus was excreted in saliva and urine, and it is highly possible that this was the source of CSFV in the wild boar population.

We performed greater trochanter translocations to treat coxofemoral luxation in 3 calves, and observed their long-term progress. Cases developed at 1‐85 days old, all were diagnosed with craniodorsal luxation and the number of days from onset to surgery was 9‐16 days. Surgery was performed under total venous sedation and immobilization procedures. The coxofemoral joint was exposed using the craniolateral approach and the dislocation was repositioned. The greater trochanter was moved distally and fixed to the femur by screw and tension band wire methods. Painful lameness disappeared by 14 days after surgery in all cases. Case 1 developed other trauma during its progress and was culled. Cases 2 and 3 were fattened to 19 and 31 months old, respectively. The usefulness of greater trochanter translocation for coxofemoral luxation in calves was suggested.

At a dairy farm in Gunma Prefecture, Japan, a specific gene fragment of astrovirus (AstV) was detected in the cerebrum of a cow with nonsuppurative encephalitis. The cow laid down, lactation decreased, lost its appetite, and the prognosis was poor. No gross abnormalities were detected during the necropsy. Histopathological examination of the cerebrum, diencephalon, midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata revealed multiple vessels cuffed by numerous lymphocytes and glial nodules, which were more severe in the brain stem. No pathogenic bacteria were isolated from the cerebrum and other organs, and no other viruses were detected. The nucleotide sequence of the detected AstV gene fragment had a 95% coincidence with the non-structural protein region of neurotropic AstV reported in the first confirmed case in Japan. AstV may have been involved in this case of encephalitis, which is considered to be the second reported case in Japan. This study suggests the existence of neurotropic AstV in multiple regions of Japan and infers the possibility that AstV is prevalent in Japan.

A 7-year-old spayed female toy poodle was referred to the Veterinary Medical Center with a history of right forelimb lameness for 2 months. Clinical signs improved after administration of oral prednisolone. Radiographic survey of the scapula revealed a periosteal reaction. Histopathological analysis led to sterile osteitis being suspected. When prednisolone was discontinued, plasma C-reactive protein became elevated and paresis developed in the pelvic limbs without right forelimb lameness. Magnetic resonance imaging findings suggested extradural lesions on the ventral aspects of T1‐2 and T4‐5. Clinical signs and images were consistent with idiopathic sterile pyogranulomatous inflammation of epidural fat. Oral administration of prednisolone and cyclosporine improved the clinical signs and there was no recurrence. This is a case report of idiopathic sterile pyogranulomatous inflammation of epidural fats and scapula in a toy poodle.

We compared total aerobic plate count (APC) on Japanese black cattle (wagyu ) carcasses and their products, from fiscal year (FY) 2010 to 2019. The APC prevalence on carcasses and products decreased more than 20% in FY 2011 and 2015. The average APC level in all three carcass parts began to decrease in FY 2013, The lowest average APC level in 10 years on carcass rumps, top flanks and briskets were reported in FY 2016, FY 2017 and FY 2019. These averages were significantly lower than FY 2014, The average APC levels of two cuts were the lowest in FY 2011, compared with FY 2010. In FY 2011, the plant improved hygiene procedures in preparation for obtaining accreditation for export to Hong Kong. In 2015, the plant was working hard to obtain accreditation for export to the US. These events were the trigger motivating the food handlers, and they contributed to the improvement of the microbial contamination levels in carcasses and cut meats through cleaning and sanitizing equipment and personal hygiene.