Abstract: An egg transfer module is provided. Such a device includes an egg securing device configured to grasp an egg. A free-moving ejector is associated with the egg securing device and configured to freely move in relation thereto. An abutment is provided in spaced relationship to the egg securing device. The free-moving ejector is configured to interact with the abutment to cause movement of the free-moving ejector with respect to the egg securing device, thereby displacing the egg from the egg securing device. Associated systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides peptide compositions and mixtures useful for the detection of antibodies that bind to Ehrlichia antigens. The peptide compositions and mixtures comprise polypeptide sequences based on an immunogenic fragment of the Ehrlichia Outer Membrane Protein 1 (OMP-1) protein. The invention also provides devices, methods, and kits comprising such peptide compositions and mixtures useful for the detection of antibodies that bind to Ehrlichia antigens and the diagnosis of monocytic and/or granulocytic ehrlichiosis.

Abstract: This invention relates to adjuvant formulations comprising various combinations of triterpenoids, sterols, immunomodulators, polymers, and Th2 stimulators; methods for making the adjuvant compositions; and the use of the adjuvant formulations in immunogenic and vaccine compositions with different antigens. This invention further relates to the use of the formulations in the treatment of animals.

Abstract: Methods for improved cultivation media and culture conditions for Trueperella pyogenes are disclosed herein. Also disclosed are improved methods for the isolation and purification of pyolysin from Trueperella pyogenes.

Abstract: A pathogen reduction tool implementing a method of processing eggs at a poultry hatchery is provided. Such a method includes setting a production quantity of avian eggs in a setter incubator, the eggs being maintained in a plurality of egg flats. The avian eggs are removed from the setter incubator on a predetermined day of incubation, such predetermined day being during about day nine to day twelve of incubation. Subsequent to removal of the avian eggs from the setter incubator, the avian eggs are subjected to an egg detection system on the predetermined day to determine which of the avian eggs are viable and non-viable. The non-viable avian eggs are removed from the egg flats on the predetermined day. The viable avian eggs remaining in the egg flats post-inspection by the egg detection system are incubated through hatch.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for supporting a veterinary practice are provided. Further, systems and techniques for the collection and display of animal wellness information are provided. Animal wellness data relating to a single animal patient or group of animal patients are collected and subsequently displayed at a desired remote location or on a mobile device so that a veterinarian can review the information.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for treating a parasitic infection or infestation, particularly sea lice, in a fish by administering an effective amount of selamectin.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to sol-gel polymer composites that comprise chitosan, a hydrophilic polymer, a gelation agent, and optional additional ingredients in a suitable medium. Advantageously, the sol-gel polymer composite can form a durable seal or strong solid in response to one or more physiological stimulus. The disclosure further relates to medical and veterinary uses of the composite, particularly, methods and delivery systems for reducing or preventing the incidence of a mammary disorder in a dairy animal. More particularly, the disclosure includes methods and sol-gel polymer composite compositions for creating a physical barrier on the teat surface or in the teat canal or cistern of a non-human animal for prophylactic treatment of mammary disorders such as mastitis wherein the sol-gel polymer creates a seal in response to one or more physiological stimulus.

Abstract: This invention provides a combination of a first vaccine comprising a porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) antigen and a Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (M. hyo) culture supernatant and a second vaccine comprising a porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus antigen, for treating an animal against an infection with PCV2, an infection with M. hyo, and an infection with PRRS virus, wherein the M. hyo culture supernatant has been separated from insoluble cellular material and is substantially free of both IgG and immunocomplexes comprised of antigen bound to immunoglobulin.

Abstract: This invention provides a protein-A or protein-G treated Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (M.hyo) antigen that is compatible with antigens from other swine pathogens, wherein the M.hyo antigen is an M.hyo culture supernatant.

Abstract: An egg lifting device is provided. Such a device includes a body and a securing arrangement extending from the body. The securing arrangement is configured to engage and deflect about an egg such that the egg is seated within the securing arrangement for lifting thereof. A plurality of egg lifting devices is arranged on an egg removal system such that multiple eggs are capable of being removed from an egg flat. Associated systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: The invention describes a long-acting veterinary composition comprising at least one ketoprofen ester prodrug. The composition also comprises at least one veterinary acceptable triglyceride, and optionally, at least one preservative, and optionally, at least one additional veterinary acceptable excipient. The invention also describes a method of treating an animal for fever, pain, and/or inflammation by administering the long-acting composition comprising at least one ketoprofen ester prodrug to the animal in need thereof.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions, combinations, and methods comprising Canine Respiratory Coronavirus (CRCoV), which are effective in treating or preventing respiratory infections associated secondary pathogens, such as Bordetella bronchiseptica, in animals.

Abstract: An egg identification system for determining viability of an avian egg is provided. Such a system includes an emitter assembly configured to emit electromagnetic radiation having a predetermined wavelength toward an egg. A detector assembly is spaced-apart from the emitter assembly and configured to detect electromagnetic radiation transmitted through the egg. A light controlling assembly is positioned proximate to the emitter assembly. The light controlling assembly includes an absorbing layer configured to absorb electromagnetic radiation at the predetermined wavelength. The absorbing layer defines an opening through which electromagnetic radiation emitted from the emitter assembly is capable of passing therethrough toward the egg. A processor is configured to process an output signal of the detector assembly to determine viability of the egg. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: An egg processing apparatus is provided. Such an apparatus includes a processing head and processing devices associated therewith. Each processing device has an end configured to interact with an avian egg. Each processing device is capable of being selectively held in a non-contact or contact position with respect to an avian egg during a processing sequence such that a first subset of the processing devices is in the non-contact position while simultaneously having a second subset of the processing devices in the contact position. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides isolated polynucleotide molecules that comprise a DNA sequence encoding an infectious RNA sequence encoding a genetically-modified North American PRRS virus, methods to make it and related polypeptides, polynucleotides, and various components. Vaccines comprising the genetically modified virus and polynucleotides and a diagnostic kit to distinguish between naturally infected and vaccinated animals are also provided.

Abstract: An egg processing apparatus is provided. Such an apparatus includes a frame and a lift assembly operably engaged with the frame. The lift assembly has a pulley system. An egg processing head is operably engaged with the pulley system. A plurality of egg processing devices is operably engaged with the egg processing head. The pulley system is configured to move the egg processing head such that the egg processing devices are capable of interacting with eggs provided proximate thereto. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides Formula (1) compounds that are gamma-carbolines, Formula (1) wherein R1a, R1b, R1c, R1d, R2, R3, and “-” are as defined herein; veterinary acceptable salts thereof, and stereoisomers thereof, which act as parasiticides, in particular, endoparasiticides.

Abstract: The present invention provides Formula (1) compounds that are gamma-carbolines, Formula (1) wherein R1 a, R1 b, R1 c, R1d, R2, R3, and “-” are as defined herein; veterinary acceptable salts thereof, and stereoisomers thereof, which act as parasiticides, in particular, endoperasiticides.

Abstract: An IL-31 dog pruritus model is provided. This model comprises administering canine IL-31 to dogs to produce a pruritic response; quantitatively measuring pruritic responses in the dogs which were administered canine IL-31; administering a candidate dog IL-31 inhibitor; and assessing the effectiveness of the candidate dog IL-31 inhibitor in reducing prurtic behavior in the treated dogs by challenging the dogs with canine IL-31 following the administration of the candidate dog IL-31 inhibitor.