Viral and mycoplasmal infections of laboratory rodents. Effects on biomedical research

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BRITISH VETERINARY JOURNAL, 144, 2

has been omitted from this edition . Apart from a brief mention in the chapter on microbiologically defined animals by Trexler there is no description of hysterectomy/hysterotomy techniques which are fundamental to the setting up of both SPF and germ free colonies . Also there is nothing specifically on the management of disease-free colonies which are still used and are likely to continue in use by large scale breeders and research laboratories . Apart from these quibbles, which do not detract significantly from its usefulness, the UFA W Handbook retains its value to the laboratory animal world ; if there is only enough money to buy one book then this must be the one. H . T. DONNELLY 5th edn . Edited by E. S . E . Hafez Beckenham, Kent : Quest-Meridien/Philadelphia : Lea & Febiger. 1987 . 649 pp . $46 .75 It must be a testimony to its success and popularity that a book, first published in 1962, has reached a 5th edition . This new edition of Reproduction in Farm Animals has been completely updated and revised, and is a fitting tribute to a former contributor, the late Professor J . L . Hancock, to whom the editor so generously dedicates as a memorial this fifth edition . The bulk of the new edition is still the work of Dr E . S . E . Hafez although, as with the previous edition, he has collaborated with 12 leading experts in various aspects of reproduction, worldwide. As the title suggests, this is a book dealing with reproduction in farm animals ; included is a section on the horse . It is pleasing to find a chapter devoted entirely to domestic poultry, in particular the domestic fowl (Gallus domesticus) and the turkey (Meleagris galloparvo), since these are frequently neglected in many texts on reproduction . Strangely, the rabbit, rat, domestic cat and dog are included in a chapter devoted to laboratory animals . Perhaps the 6th edition will have the all-embracing title of 'Reproduction in Domestic and Laboratory Animals' . Welcome inclusions are details of the water buffalo in the chapter dealing with cattle, the comparisons with Bos bovis are fascinating . One of the strong features of this, and previous editions, are the very high quality

Reproduction in Farm Animals,

black and white photographs, diagrams and graphs . Other useful inclusions which have been retained and extended in this 5th edition, are the summary tables . However, the reviewer feels that some of the flow charts are confusing since, in some cases, the relationships between the various components are not very clear . The sections and chapters dealing with normal structure and functions are up-to-date and excellent . However, it is in the chapters on reproductive failure that the overall high quality is not quite maintained and perhaps the editor and the authors are being overambitious in attempting to make the book all embracing . Such aspects as dystocia, infectious causes of abortion, periparturient diseases and causes of perinatal and neonatal mortality are covered very superficially, although the chapter on Genetics and Reproductive Failure is very clear and concise . The new chapters on Embryo Transfer, Invitro fertilization, Genetic Engineering and preservation of gametes and embryos are very good and have added an important modern dimension to the book . Finally, the numerous appendices are a useful adjunct and include such items as: details of culture media, cryoprotectants, addresses of manufacturers and preparation of sperm stains ; it is surprising that the latter appendix does not describe the preparation of a nigrosin-eosin stain . The fifth edition of this standard textbook has maintained and improved the quality of previous editions . It is a clearly presented and a very readable book on general reproduction in domestic animals which is highly suitable for veterinary and animal science students . It should be included in the library of anyone aspiring to RCVS specialist qualifications in veterinary reproduction ; sheep, cattle and pig health and production . I look forward to the 6th edition in due course . D . E . NOAKES Viral and Mycoplasmal Infections of Laboratory Rodents. Effects on Biomedical Research

Edited by P . N . Bhatt, R . O . Jacoby, H . C . Morse and A . E . New . Orlando, Florida : Academic Press Inc . 1986 . 844 pp . £54 .00/$65 .00 This book contains the proceedings of a conference held at the National Institutes of Health in October, 1984, which brought



BOOK REVIEWS

together a group of international experts on viral and mycoplasmal infections of laboratory rodents . The aim of the conference was to determine the impact of such infections on biomedical research . These problems should be of major concern to laboratory animal breeders, veterinarians, diagnosticians and to scientists in all fields that use laboratory rodents . The symposium is divided into three main sections : first, the biology and pathoand genic mechanisms of viruses mycoplasmas which infect laboratory rodents ; second, the known and potential research complications of these infections and third, their detection, control and prevention . The first section on basic biology and pathogenic mechanisms deals with rodent viruses, mycoplasmas and one bacteria (the cilia-associated Bacillus of rats) in 23 chapters . Most chapters are composed of comprehensive and up-to-date reviews which cover the basic biology, pathogenesis, immunology, and the natural history of the organism. Also included are implications for research, diagnosis, prevention and control and future research for each of the organisms. Although some of the effects of infection on biomedical research are not always known, many authors have speculated on the potential research complications . Where known, the authors give many examples of aberrations in experimental data, ranging from, for example, enhanced disease and confused attempts to isolate viruses, to death of the animal and even to infection, with morbidity and mortality, in man . The second section on known and potential research complications does not merely constitute a repeat of parts of the previous section but deals in a more detailed way with the threats to research posed by enzootic infections of laboratory rodents . This section has reviews on virus-induced immunomodulation, activation of latent viruses by immunosuppressive treatments and the complications caused by enzootic infections on infectious disease and toxicology research . The final section has reviews on recent advances in diagnostic virology and serological tests . The latter chapter, in particular, contains comparative information on the various serological assays for a number of organisms . This should be of great value to those involved in the diagnosis of laboratory animal infections . The final chapters on prevention and control include realistic advice

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on how to proceed after the discovery of an infection in experimental animals, starting with `Do nothing' . The data on the prevalence of viral and mycoplasmal infections in laboratory rodents is based on animals in commercial barrier facilities in the United States . However, data published elsewhere for the United Kingdom show a similar prevalence of virus infection . In terms of the book's format, it is easy to read, the tables are well set out and the photomicrographs are of good quality . Each chapter contains a liberal supply of useful references (with 209 references being the most liberal!) . For the most part the references are up-to-date up to the year 1984, although an occasional editor's note contains references up to 1986 . The book may prove too expensive for individuals to purchase but should prove a valuable addition to departmental libraries and is recommended reading to all those involved in laboratory animal husbandry and to all scientists that use laboratory rodents in their research. G . TAYLOR

Veterinary Virology

F . Fenner, P . A. Bachmann, E . P . J . Gibbs, F . A . Murphy, M . J . Studdert & D . O . White Orlando, Florida : Academic Press. 1987 . 660 pp . $59 .00/£49 .00 Over the last 20 years a number of English textbooks on veterinary virology have appeared together with more general texts that include lay sections on general virology and virus diseases . All these were directed to veterinary students, practitioners and animal research workers ; all have chapters on general principles such as physical and chemical properties, morphology and classification, replication, culture, pathogenicity, immunology, epidemiology and identification of viruses, followed by information of variable extent on the diseases associated with various families of viruses . However, the pace of discovery in basic and applied virological research, as well as limitations on student time and interest, necessitate more frequent revision than some texts have achieved and this new attempt by Fenner and his coauthors to bridge the gap and provide an up-to-date, stimulating and accurate introduction to the subject, will be widely welcomed .