Journal Of Zoo And Wildlife Medicine[JOURNAL]
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200 papers
DETECTION OF SARS-COV-2 IN A SQUIRREL MONKEY (): A ONE HEALTH INVESTIGATION AND RESPONSE.
Yaglom HD, Roth A, Alvarez C … +9 more , Corbus E, Ghai RR, Ferguson S, Ritter JM, Hecht G, Rekant S, Engelthaler DM, Venkat H, Tygielski S
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2024 Jun · PMID 38875205 · Full text
Through collaborative efforts, One Health partners have responded to outbreaks of COVID-19 among animals, including those in human care at zoos. Zoos have been faced with numerous challenges, including the susceptibility...
Through collaborative efforts, One Health partners have responded to outbreaks of COVID-19 among animals, including those in human care at zoos. Zoos have been faced with numerous challenges, including the susceptibility of many mammalian species, and therefore the need to heighten biosecurity measures rapidly. Robust One Health collaborations already exist in Arizona to address endemic and emerging zoonoses, but these have rarely included zoos. The pandemic shed light on this, and Arizona subsequently expanded its SARS-CoV-2 surveillance efforts to include zoo animals. Testing and epidemiologic support was provided to expedite the detection of and response to zoonotic SARS-CoV-2 infection in zoo animals, as well as to understand possible transmission events. Resulting from this program, SARS-CoV-2 was detected from a rectal swab collected from an 8-yr-old squirrel monkey () from a zoo in Southern Arizona. The animal had rapidly become ill with nonrespiratory symptoms and died in July 2022. Genomic sequencing from the swab revealed mutations consistent with the Omicron (BA.2) lineage. An epidemiologic investigation identified an animal caretaker in close proximity to the affected squirrel monkey who tested positive for COVID-19 the same day the squirrel monkey died. Critical One Health partners provided support to the zoo through engagement of local, state, and federal agencies. Necropsy and pathologic evaluation showed significant necrotizing colitis; the overall clinical and histopathological findings did not implicate SARS-CoV-2 infection alone as a causal or contributing factor in the squirrel monkey's illness and death. This report documents the first identification of SARS-CoV-2 in a squirrel monkey and highlights a successful and timely One Health investigation conducted through multisectoral collaboration.
TILETAMINE-ZOLAZEPAM-XYLAZINE ANESTHESIA IN BLACK-HANDED SPIDER MONKEYS ( SSP.).
Mercado JA, Cueva H, Noriega JR … +3 more , Rojas AN, Campos A, Lamberski N
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2024 Jun · PMID 38875204 · Publisher ↗
Black-handed spider monkeys ( ssp.) are endangered in Mexico. Safe anesthetic protocols are important for and conservation problems. Such protocols are scarce in the literature; nor have safety and physiologic response...
Black-handed spider monkeys ( ssp.) are endangered in Mexico. Safe anesthetic protocols are important for and conservation problems. Such protocols are scarce in the literature; nor have safety and physiologic responses been reported. High doses and volume are a counter side for field immobilizations. We tested an anesthetic protocol with a combination of tiletamine-zolazepam (5 mg/kg) plus xylazine (1 mg/kg) in 14 black-handed spider monkeys under human care from two facilities in Mexico. Physiological parameters such as HR, RR, T, SPO, systolic arterial pressure (), diastolic arterial pressure (DAP), and median arterial pressure (MAP) were obtained. HR and RR decreased over time, but T increased significantly during the anesthetic time for the whole group; RR and T decreased for juveniles only. Variation between individuals was observed for HR, RR, and DAP. Volume reduction of drugs was achieved compared to previously reported anesthesia protocols. Induction time was fast (6.2 ± 10.4 min) and no tail prehension was seen. Recovery was prolonged (mean and SD). Physiologic parameters remained stable throughout. The protocol proved to be safe for the chemical immobilization of black-handed spider monkeys.
SEROLOGICAL RESPONSE TO CANINE DISTEMPER VACCINATION IN WILD CAUGHT RACCOONS ().
Selleck MR, Johnson SR, Gilbert AT
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2024 Jun · PMID 38875203 · Publisher ↗
Canine distemper virus (CDV) is a well-known RNA virus that affects domestic dogs and all families of wild terrestrial carnivores. Spillover infections from wildlife to domestic animals are mitigated by preventive vaccin...
Canine distemper virus (CDV) is a well-known RNA virus that affects domestic dogs and all families of wild terrestrial carnivores. Spillover infections from wildlife to domestic animals are mitigated by preventive vaccination, but there is limited information on the off-label use of veterinary vaccines for wildlife like raccoons (). Twenty wild-caught raccoons were inoculated with a commercial recombinant DNA canarypox-vectored CDV vaccine, applying a regimen of two serial doses by SC route with an interval of 25-28 days between doses. The CDV serum virus neutralizing antibody (VNA) baseline titers and the postvaccination titers were measured at fixed time points. Forty percent (8/20) of the wild-caught raccoons had CDV VNA titers of 1:8 or greater upon intake, and all but a single individual were juvenile animals. Approximately one month following the first vaccine dose, 8% (1/12) of raccoons seronegative at baseline had serum CDV VNA titers of 1:24 or greater. Approximately one month following the booster vaccine dose, 67% (8/12) of raccoons seronegative at baseline had serum CDV VNA titers of 1:24 or greater. Among raccoons with CDV VNA titers greater than or equal to 1:8 at baseline, 13% (1/8) demonstrated a fourfold or greater rise in titer one month after the first vaccine dose, whereas 38% (3/8) reached the same threshold one month after the booster dose. The presence of naturally acquired CDV VNA in juvenile raccoons at the time of vaccination may have interfered with the humoral VNA response. A regimen of at least two serially administered SC vaccine doses may be immunogenic for raccoons, but further investigation of alternative routes, regimens, and CDV vaccine products is also warranted for this species.
PILOT STUDY OF INTRACOELOMIC TERBINAFINE IMPLANTS IN GREATER SIRENS ().
Towe AE, Hardman RH, Cox S … +4 more , Sheley WC, DeMarchi JA, Carter ED, Miller DL
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2024 Jun · PMID 38875202 · Publisher ↗
Chytridiomycosis caused by () has been documented in greater sirens () in the wild and in the pet trade. This study evaluated the use of terbinafine-impregnated implants for chytridiomycosis prophylaxis in greater siren...
Chytridiomycosis caused by () has been documented in greater sirens () in the wild and in the pet trade. This study evaluated the use of terbinafine-impregnated implants for chytridiomycosis prophylaxis in greater sirens exposed to . Implants were placed intracoelomically in both control (blank implant, n = 4) and treatment (24.5 mg of terbinafine implant, n = 4) groups. Sirens were exposed to zoospores via 24-h immersion bath at 1 and 2 mon postimplant placement. Blood was collected monthly for plasma terbinafine levels, and skin swabs were collected weekly for quantitative PCR. Animals with terbinafine implants had detectable concentrations of plasma terbinafine ranging from 17 to 102 ng/ml. Only one terbinafine-implanted animal had a peak concentration above the published minimum inhibitory concentration for terbinafine against zoospores (63 ng/ml); however, it is unknown how plasma terbinafine concentrations relate to concentrations in the skin. There was no difference between the two treatment groups in clinical signs or clearance rate, and no adverse effects from implants were observed. These findings indicate using intracoelomic drug implants for drug delivery in amphibians is safe; however, terbinafine efficacy in preventing chytridiomycosis in sirens remains unclear. Further investigation of the use of intracoelomic implants and identification of effective drugs and doses in other amphibian species against and other infectious diseases is warranted, as this may provide a practical method for long-term drug delivery in wildlife.
CASE DEFINITION AND TREATMENT TRIAL OF TETANY SYNDROME IN PANAMANIAN GOLDEN FROGS ().
Coyne SP, Barrett K, Shultz J … +2 more , Flanders JA, Bronson E
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2024 Jun · PMID 38875201 · Publisher ↗
The mass extinction of amphibians necessitates specialized programs to ensure species' survival. Maryland Zoo in Baltimore houses the largest assurance population of the critically endangered Panamanian golden frog (). H...
The mass extinction of amphibians necessitates specialized programs to ensure species' survival. Maryland Zoo in Baltimore houses the largest assurance population of the critically endangered Panamanian golden frog (). However, individuals in this population experience a tetany-like syndrome, characterized by rigid/inappropriately positioned limbs and difficulty hopping, swimming, and righting. In this study, a syndrome case definition was assigned and the associated clinical signs were described. Then, four different treatments were systematically assessed in order to find the most effective protocol for treatment and begin to elucidate its underlying causes. Eighty-three frogs fulfilled the case definition and were treated orally for 14 d with either calcium gluconate, magnesium chloride, supplemental gavage feeding, or combination of calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B complex. Frogs were tested with a defined protocol assessing hopping, righting, and swimming abilities. Testing was performed at symptom onset and repeated weekly until resolution occurred. Analyses revealed that combination treatment was significantly more effective in eliminating clinical signs of tetany syndrome. Results show the most effective way to treat this syndrome, but do not help elucidate the underlying cause. Future work will focus on examining factors (e.g., diet, husbandry) that may elicit the syndrome for a more complete understanding of its etiology.
RETROSPECTIVE HEMATOLOGY AND SERUM BIOCHEMISTRY OF RING-TAILED LEMURS () ON ST. CATHERINES ISLAND, GEORGIA, USA.
Page A, Brenner D, Norton TM
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2024 Jun · PMID 38875200 · Publisher ↗
Annual health records were retrospectively analyzed for a colony of ring-tailed lemurs () inhabiting St. Catherines Island, Georgia, USA to establish baseline hematological and serum biochemical parameters and determine...
Annual health records were retrospectively analyzed for a colony of ring-tailed lemurs () inhabiting St. Catherines Island, Georgia, USA to establish baseline hematological and serum biochemical parameters and determine sex- and age-related differences. Summarized complete blood count and serum biochemistry panel results are presented for 85 blood samples collected from 54 lemurs at annual health exams during 1998-2003. Within each of four age classes (infant, <1 yr; juvenile, 1-5 yr; adult, ≥ 6 yr), data were stratified and summarized based on sex. Lemur age was a significant positive predictor of mean corpuscular hemoglobin; absolute concentrations of neutrophils, monocytes, and band cells; serum concentrations of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, globulins, lipase, and total protein; and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity. Lemur age was a significant negative predictor of albumin:globulins ratio; alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity; and serum concentrations of calcium, cholesterol, glucose, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and triglycerides. Neutrophil proportions increased with aging and lymphocyte proportions decreased with aging, particularly in females. Recent steep population declines of wild ring-tailed lemurs make their successful husbandry and medical care an increasingly pressing concern. These biomedical data will aid in clinical diagnosis and treatment of lemurs in human care, and support conservation efforts for this species.
SERUM VITAMIN D AND SELECTED BIOMARKERS OF CALCIUM HOMEOSTASIS IN ASIAN ELEPHANTS () MANAGED AT A LOW LATITUDE.
Childs-Sanford SE, Kiso WK, Schmitt DL
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2024 Jun · PMID 38875199 · Publisher ↗
An understanding of species-specific vitamin D metabolism and its role in calcium homeostasis is essential for correct diet formulation and development of husbandry protocols for managed nondomestic species. This study d...
An understanding of species-specific vitamin D metabolism and its role in calcium homeostasis is essential for correct diet formulation and development of husbandry protocols for managed nondomestic species. This study documented serum vitamin D metabolites and other analytes involved in calcium homeostasis in Asian elephants () managed at a latitude similar to their wild natural habitat. Serum values for 33 elephants managed at a low latitude were measured in the peak of summer, revealing low vitamin D (25(OH)D 2.3 ± 0.6 ng/ ml and 24,25(OH)D 2.17 ± 0.52 ng/ml) and nondetectable vitamin D. Serum minerals (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium), ionized calcium, and parathyroid hormone were within normal reported ranges. In comparison with previously reported values in elephants managed at a high latitude, 25(OH)D ( < 0.001), 24,25(OH)D ( = 0.001), and magnesium ( = 0.013) were significantly lower, and parathyroid hormone was significantly higher ( < 0.001). The lack of D production during ample sun exposure at a low latitude suggests that Asian elephants are incapable of cutaneous photobiosynthesis of vitamin D, and that low serum D is normal for this species.
EVALUATION OF IMMERSION IN EMULSIFIED ISOFLURANE OR PROPOFOL AS PART OF A TWO-STEP EUTHANASIA PROTOCOL IN MARBLED CRAYFISH ().
Heinz J, Wenninger M
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2024 Jun · PMID 38875198 · Publisher ↗
The marbled crayfish () is a parthenogenetic invasive species across much of the world, and when found, euthanasia is often recommended to reduce spread to naïve ecosystems. Euthanasia recommendations in crustaceans incl...
The marbled crayfish () is a parthenogenetic invasive species across much of the world, and when found, euthanasia is often recommended to reduce spread to naïve ecosystems. Euthanasia recommendations in crustaceans includes a two-step method: first to produce nonresponsiveness and then to destroy central nervous tissue. Minimal data exist on adequate anesthetic or immobilization methods for crayfish. A population of 90 marbled crayfish was scheduled for euthanasia due to invasive species concerns. The population was divided into six treatment groups to evaluate whether immersion in emulsified isoflurane or propofol solutions could produce nonresponsiveness. Each group was exposed to one of six treatments for 1 h: isoflurane emulsified at 0.1%, 0.5%, 2%, 5%, and 15% or propofol at 10 mg/L and then increased to 100 mg/L. Crayfish from all treatment groups were moved to nonmedicated water after completion of 1 h and observed for an additional 4 h. All crayfish treated with isoflurane showed lack of a righting reflex at 5 min and loss of movement after 30 min. By 240 min (4 h), none of the crayfish from the isoflurane treatment groups regained movement. None of the crayfish in the propofol treatment achieved loss of reflexes or responsiveness, and all remained normal upon return to nonmedicated water. Isoflurane emulsified in water produces nonresponsiveness that is appropriate for the first step of euthanasia, while propofol was insufficient at these treatment doses.
THE EFFECT OF 4-VINYLCYCLOHEXENE DIEPOXIDE ON FEMALE NUTRIA () FERTILITY IN CAPTIVITY-A PILOT STUDY.
Avdeev M, Tal S, Fishman R … +2 more , Vortman Y, Shanas U
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2024 Jun · PMID 38875197 · Publisher ↗
The nutria () is a globally widespread invasive species. Attempts to eradicate nutria by shooting, poisoning, and trapping have been mostly unsuccessful, leading to calls for the development of new control methods. The c...
The nutria () is a globally widespread invasive species. Attempts to eradicate nutria by shooting, poisoning, and trapping have been mostly unsuccessful, leading to calls for the development of new control methods. The compound 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD) is known to cause follicular atresia in mammals and may control conception when administered orally. It was hypothesized that VCD administered PO will cause follicular destruction in female nutria. VCD (250 mg/kg PO) was administered or coconut oil, as a control, to five nutria females each for 12 d. Sixty days following VCD exposure, males were introduced to the females. Over the following 7 mon, the effect of VCD on nutria fertility was assessed by conducting ultrasound monitoring to determine pregnancy status and measuring blood serum progesterone and estradiol levels. Finally, after performing ovariectomies, viable follicles were counted on histologic ovarian cortical sections. It was found that the female estrous cycles became synchronized, suggesting a Whitten effect in this species. Also, an increase in the females' serum progesterone levels following the introduction of males occurred, suggesting a male presence effect. Orally administered doses of 250 mg/kg VCD for 12 d had no significant effect on nutria pregnancy rates or on the number of follicles in the ovaries examined. Further studies, using a higher dose or longer administration period, are necessary to conclude whether orally administered VCD can be used as a contraceptive agent for nutria.
DEVELOPING A THROMBOELASTOGRAPHY ASSAY IN ELASMOBRANCHS.
Bonadie KL, Lynch AM, Ruterbories LK … +2 more , Christiansen EF, Harms CA
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2024 Jun · PMID 38875196 · Publisher ↗
Thromboelastography (TEG) is a hemostatic assay evaluating clot initiation time, kinetics, strength, and extent of fibrinolysis. Hemostatic assays in nonmammalian species have been less extensively studied because of lac...
Thromboelastography (TEG) is a hemostatic assay evaluating clot initiation time, kinetics, strength, and extent of fibrinolysis. Hemostatic assays in nonmammalian species have been less extensively studied because of lack of taxon-specific reagents and unique physiology. Hemostatic or hemorrhagic disease has been described postmortem in elasmobranchs, but antemortem detection of coagulopathies is limited in this taxon. The study aimed to establish an elasmobranch TEG protocol to improve hemostatic evaluation and facilitate advanced treatment options for animals under human care. Multiple clotting initiators were assessed for efficacy with frozen-thawed citrated plasma, fresh citrated plasma, and fresh whole citrated blood: RapidTEG, citrated kaolin, Reptilase, and species brain-derived thromboplastin prepared by two different methods. Initial evaluation found plasma samples clot inconsistently, but TEG analyses using fresh whole blood consistently led to measurable TEG reactions using multiple clotting initiators. The most reliable elasmobranch TEG results were observed using citrated fresh whole blood and the RapidTEG clot initiation reagent.
USE OF VISCOELASTIC COAGULATION TESTING IN MEGACHIROPTERA ( AND ) REVEALS HIGH VARIABILITY IN CLOT KINETICS.
Brenner EE, Alexander AB, Londoño LA … +4 more , Stacy NI, Crevasse SE, Hernandez JA, Wellehan JFX
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2024 Jun · PMID 38875195 · Publisher ↗
Megachiroptera is a mammalian suborder that includes old world fruit bats. Common clinical problems among captive Megachiroptera, such as liver disease (e.g., iron storage disease), kidney disease (e.g., protein-losing n...
Megachiroptera is a mammalian suborder that includes old world fruit bats. Common clinical problems among captive Megachiroptera, such as liver disease (e.g., iron storage disease), kidney disease (e.g., protein-losing nephropathy), and heart disease (e.g., dilated cardiomyopathy), carry elevated risk for hemostatic derangements. The assessment of viscoelastic coagulation assays, however, has not yet been reported in bats. The main objective of the study was to describe viscoelastography data using the Viscoelastic Coagulation Monitor (VCM) Vet in captive large flying foxes () ( = 20) and variable flying foxes () ( = 10). Additional objectives were to compare viscoelastic and clotting parameters (1) between healthy and bats and (2) between untreated bats and those treated with meloxicam or aspirin, and (3) to examine relationships between activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and potentially homologous viscoelastic parameters clotting time (CT) and clot formation time (CFT). The results showed marked variability among clinically normal bats. The intrinsic pathway, as measured by aPTT, had prolonged times compared with most terrestrial mammals, but similar times to birds, marine mammals, and sea turtles. A search of genome found stop codons present in two exons of the factor XI gene; alterations in factor XI expression would be expected to alter intrinsic coagulation. Because of the high variability, no statistically significant findings were noted in the secondary objectives. Correlation between aPTT and CT or CFT was not strong ( = 0.406 or 0.192, respectively). The results from this study suggest that clot kinetics vary widely among Megachiroptera when using the VCM Vet with untreated blood. A prolonged intrinsic coagulation pathway, as has been found in other megachiropteran species, and activation of the extrinsic coagulation pathway during venipuncture may be responsible for the inconsistent results.
EVALUATION OF MORTALITY CAUSES AND PREVALENCE OF RENAL LESIONS IN ZOO-HOUSED CHAMELEONS: 2011-2022.
Aduriz A, Lanthier I, Lair S … +1 more , Vergneau-Grosset C
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2024 Jun · PMID 38875194 · Publisher ↗
Of the 202 species of Chamaeleonidae, 38.6% are globally threatened. Currently, nearly a thousand individual chameleons from 36 different species are kept in zoological institutions worldwide. The objectives of this stud...
Of the 202 species of Chamaeleonidae, 38.6% are globally threatened. Currently, nearly a thousand individual chameleons from 36 different species are kept in zoological institutions worldwide. The objectives of this study were to assess the main mortality causes of chameleons in zoological institutions, the prevalence of renal lesions at necropsy, and the environmental factors associated with renal lesions. An online survey was sent to 245 zoological institutions worldwide to collect information about species and sex distribution, necropsy results, and husbandry parameters. Necropsy reports of the last 10 yr were requested from participating institutions ( = 65) when available. Mortality causes were classified into three categories (open diagnosis, infectious, and noninfectious), and noninfectious causes were further subdivided into seven categories (renal, reproductive, myoarthroskeletal, digestive, ophthalmologic, denutrition/multisystemic, and neoplastic). The prevalence of renal lesions was recorded. Multiple linear regression models were used with the prevalence of renal diseases as the dependent variable, and exhibit minimum and maximum hygrometry; exhibit highest and coolest temperature; as well as minimum, mean, and maximum hygrometry of the geographical area as independent variables, combining all chameleon species with similar environmental requirements. Results were obtained for 14 species ( = 412 individuals). The main mortality causes were infectious (46.8%), noninfectious renal (11.4%), and noninfectious reproductive (10.7%) diseases, with all cases of fatal reproductive diseases reported in females. Of the individuals that underwent renal histopathology, 41.7% displayed renal lesions. There was a tendency towards higher renal lesion prevalence in zoos located in areas with lower mean hygrometry ( = 0.05). Further research studies about infectious, renal, and reproductive diseases of Chamaeleonidae are warranted.
MORTALITY AND MORBIDITY REVIEW IN THE UNITED KINGDOM POPULATION OF EUROPEAN WILDCATS () BETWEEN 2000 AND 2021.
Ferreira B, Girling S, Guthrie A … +3 more , Milnes E, Stidworthy MF, Bacon A
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2024 Jun · PMID 38875193 · Publisher ↗
The Scottish population of the European wildcat (), the only remaining native felid species in the United Kingdom, is critically endangered and was declared functionally extinct by the International Union for Conservatio...
The Scottish population of the European wildcat (), the only remaining native felid species in the United Kingdom, is critically endangered and was declared functionally extinct by the International Union for Conservation of Nature in 2019. This retrospective study investigated the causes of morbidity and mortality reported in the United Kingdom captive wildcat population from 01 January 2000 to 31 December 2021. The aim was to assess the health and welfare of wildcats and, by making recommendations for management based on study findings, contribute to the sustainability of the population under managed care. Younger wildcats accounted for 85.7% of all morbidity cases (kittens, 7/77; young adults, 59/77), and the gastrointestinal (67.5% [52/77]), musculoskeletal (10.4% [8/77]), and integumentary (5.2% [4/77]) systems were most affected. Mortality was primarily associated with disease of the gastrointestinal (13.5% [12/89]), respiratory (13.5% [12/89]), neurological (5.6% [5/89]), and renal (5.6% [5/89]) systems. One quarter of all the histopathology examinations reported gastritis with associated -like organisms, often combined with pancreatitis or cholangiohepatitis. Neonates represented 25% (22/89) of all deaths, a high percentage compared with that of previous reviews in other nondomestic felids.
RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY IN A CAPTIVE POPULATION OF -POSITIVE LOUISIANA PINE SNAKES ().
Mayer C, Lee J, Carossino M … +1 more , Nevarez JG
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2024 Jun · PMID 38875192 · Publisher ↗
The Louisiana pine snake () is a diurnal colubrid species native to Louisiana and eastern Texas whose free-ranging populations have been declining over at least the past 30 yr. The creation and maintenance of sustainable...
The Louisiana pine snake () is a diurnal colubrid species native to Louisiana and eastern Texas whose free-ranging populations have been declining over at least the past 30 yr. The creation and maintenance of sustainable captive breeding programs of to restore native populations has also provided ample opportunity for research into this species and for to serve as a research model for other colubrid snakes. However, no investigation into prevalent causes of morbidity and mortality in captive populations of this species has been described. A research population of was maintained at Louisiana State University (LSU) for over 4 yr due to unsuitability for breeding after testing positive for . Since arrival at LSU, the snakes were under close veterinary surveillance. Complete postmortem examinations were performed on 12 snakes that died or were euthanized. The aim of this study was to further understanding of common factors influencing morbidity and mortality in captive infected with , by retrospectively reviewing postmortem exam findings from the 12 deceased members of the population at LSU. A predominant finding across individuals included bacterial infections, which were responsible for major illness or death in 37.5% of the animals. Fifty percent of snakes tested positive for sp. based on PCR performed from postmortem samples; it was directly implicated as cause of death or morbidity in 83.3% of positive cases. Although infectious disease represented the most common pathologic postmortem finding, several noninfectious disease processes were identified, including gout, goiter, and neoplasia. These findings mirror those of other retrospective investigations of reptile collections at various institutions and highlight the need for appropriate emphasis on the identification, treatment, and prevention of infectious disease as part of routine veterinary care.
IN PSITTACINES KEPT IN CAPTIVITY IN THE STATE OF SANTA CATARINA, BRAZIL.
Schmitt SE, das Neves GB, Withoeft JA … +6 more , Costa LS, Biezus G, Pagani RS, Miletti LC, Costa UM, Casagrande RA
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2024 Jun · PMID 38875191 · Publisher ↗
are responsible for proventricular dilatation disease (PDD) in psittacines. This study aimed to determine the occurrence and factors associated with infection in psittacines kept in captivity in a state in the southern...
are responsible for proventricular dilatation disease (PDD) in psittacines. This study aimed to determine the occurrence and factors associated with infection in psittacines kept in captivity in a state in the southern region of Brazil. A cross-sectional study was carried out with 192 birds from two facilities (A and B) in 2019, using choanal, esophageal, and cloacal swabs and feathers, totaling 768 samples subjected to reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), for the matrix (M) protein gene with a final product of 350 base pairs (bp). Genetic sequencing of three positive samples was performed by the Sanger method. In the study, the overall virus occurrence was 35.9% (69/192), with 40.4% (42/104) in Facility A and 30.7% (27/88) in Facility B. Sequencing analysis of the samples revealed the presence of (PaBV-2) in both facilities. Swab samples from the choanal (40/69), esophageal (30/69), cloacal (35/69), and feather (15/69) tested positive, facilitating the molecular diagnosis of . The results indicated that there is no single ideal sample type for antemortem molecular diagnosis of this virus. Simultaneously testing all four samples at the same time point yielded more diagnoses than testing any single sample among the four. Most of the 29 sampled psittacine species were native, and 46.9% of the birds (90/192) consisted of endangered species. Among the psittacines that tested positive, 88.4% (61/69) were clinically healthy, and 8.7% (6/69) exhibited clinical or behavioral signs, including behavioral changes, alterations in feathering, and changes in body score at the time of collection. This study showcases the application of minimally invasive sampling for diagnosing , enabling sample collection when the birds are restrained for clinical evaluation. This approach facilitates a prompt and effective antemortem diagnosis, thereby serving as an efficient screening method for parrots kept in captivity.
PLASMA PROTEIN ELECTROPHORESIS IN THE WHITE STORK (): AGREEMENT BETWEEN AGAROSE GEL VERSUS CAPILLARY ZONE METHODS AND DEVELOPMENT OF REFERENCE INTERVALS.
Thorel M, Roman Y, Leclerc A
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2024 Jun · PMID 38875190 · Publisher ↗
The white stork () is a ciconiiform species widely represented in zoological institutions. Plasma protein electrophoresis is widely used in avian patients for assessment of inflammatory conditions, but reference interval...
The white stork () is a ciconiiform species widely represented in zoological institutions. Plasma protein electrophoresis is widely used in avian patients for assessment of inflammatory conditions, but reference intervals for this testing modality are lacking for the white stork. The two main electrophoretic methods are agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE) and capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE). This study assessed fresh plasma samples of healthy adult white storks ( = 30). Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate agreement between AGE and CZE. Typical electrophoretic fractions were obtained from both methods (prealbumin, albumin, α, α, β, γ, and γ). The AGE and CZE methods were not equivalent for determining major electrophoretic fractions (except β-globulins) and albumin:globulin ratio on plasma samples. An additional prealbumin fraction was seen with CZE. Reference intervals were established for each method as the smallest group was 27 individuals for a given value; most values had normal distribution, and robust or parametric methods were used on the data.
PREVALENCE OF OCULAR ABNORMALITIES AND NORMAL DIAGNOSTIC PARAMETERS IN TWO GROUPS OF PANAMANIAN GOLDEN FROGS ().
Lisankis AP, Weigt AK, Barrett K … +3 more , Youngclaus D, Bradenburger P, Bronson E
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2024 Jun · PMID 38875189 · Publisher ↗
Panamanian golden frog (PGF) () is a critically endangered species. The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore houses two groups of PGF originating from distinct geographic locations as an assurance colony, with the goal of upholding...
Panamanian golden frog (PGF) () is a critically endangered species. The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore houses two groups of PGF originating from distinct geographic locations as an assurance colony, with the goal of upholding genetics for future release of individuals back to their native environment. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to characterize the prevalence of ocular abnormalities in these two zoo-housed populations of PGF as well as to establish normal parameters for selected diagnostic tests in these groups. Twenty-five females and 25 males were randomly selected from each group (100 PGF; 200 eyes in total) to undergo ocular examination using slit lamp biomicroscopy and direct ophthalmoscopy. Endodontic absorbent paper point test (EAPPT) and intraocular pressure (IOP) and Rose Bengal stain diagnostic tests were also performed. Reference ranges for tear production (EAPPT, 0.5-3 mm/min) and IOP (14-26 mmHg) were calculated in the nondiseased PGF eyes ( = 160 eyes). Rose Bengal stain uptake was negative on all eyes. In total, 40 eyes of 30 PGF were found to have some form of ocular abnormality (28% of PGF, 20% of eyes). The most frequently observed ocular abnormalities were cataract (9% of PGF, 6% of eyes) and keratitis (nonlipid keratopathy; 10% of PGF, 5.5% of eyes). There was no significant difference in overall ocular abnormality prevalence between the two groups studied ( = 0.37) or between the sexes ( = 0.76). The median age of an eye with cataract and keratitis (nonlipid keratopathy) was 10.35 and 7.7 yr, respectively. Ocular abnormalities are common in these two populations of PGF. Documentation of these ocular abnormalities and establishment of diagnostic reference ranges have not previously been published and may be important for maintaining the health of this endangered species.
FOUR-WEEK ORAL ADMINISTRATION OF BALOXAVIR MARBOXIL AS AN ANTI-INFLUENZA VIRUS DRUG SHOWS NO TOXICITY IN CHICKENS.
Miki M, Obara RD, Nishimura K … +12 more , Shishido T, Ikenaka Y, Oka R, Sato K, Nakayama SMM, Kimura T, Kobayashi A, Aoshima K, Saito K, Hiono T, Isoda N, Sakoda Y
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2024 Jun · PMID 38875188 · Publisher ↗
High pathogenicity avian influenza is an acute zoonotic disease with high mortality in birds caused by a high pathogenicity avian influenza virus (HPAIV). Recently, HPAIV has rapidly spread worldwide and has killed many...
High pathogenicity avian influenza is an acute zoonotic disease with high mortality in birds caused by a high pathogenicity avian influenza virus (HPAIV). Recently, HPAIV has rapidly spread worldwide and has killed many wild birds, including endangered species. Baloxavir marboxil (BXM), an anti-influenza agent used for humans, was reported to reduce mortality and virus secretion from HPAIV-infected chickens (, order Galliformes) at a dosage of ≥2.5 mg/kg when administered simultaneously with viral challenge. Application of this treatment to endangered birds requires further information on potential avian-specific toxicity caused by repeated exposure to BXM over the long term. To obtain information of potential avian-specific toxicity, a 4-wk oral repeated-dose study of BXM was conducted in chickens ( = 6 or 7 per group), which are commonly used as laboratory avian species. The study was conducted in reference to the human pharmaceutical guidelines for nonclinical repeated-dose drug toxicity studies to evaluate systemic toxicity and exposure. No adverse changes were observed in any organs examined, and dose proportional increases in systemic exposure to active pharmaceutical ingredients were noted from 12.5 to 62.5 mg/kg per day. BXM showed no toxicity to chickens at doses of up to 62.5 mg/kg per day, at which systemic exposure was approximately 71 times higher than systemic exposure at 2.5 mg/kg, the reported efficacious dosage amount, in HPAIV-infected chickens. These results also suggest that BXM could be considered safe for treating HPAIV-infected endangered birds due to its high safety margin compared with the efficacy dose. The data in this study could contribute to the preservation of endangered birds by using BXM as a means of protecting biodiversity.
GUT MICROBIOME DIVERSITY OF THREE RHINOCEROS SPECIES IN EUROPEAN ZOOS.
van der Meijs RM, van Leeuwen W, Prins C … +5 more , Wittink F, Pirovano W, Duijsings D, van den Bogert B, Bruins-van Sonsbeek LGR
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2024 Jun · PMID 38875187 · Publisher ↗
The wild rhinoceros populations have declined drastically in the past decades because the rhinoceros are heavily hunted for their horns. Zoological institutions aim to conserve rhinoceros populations in captivity, but on...
The wild rhinoceros populations have declined drastically in the past decades because the rhinoceros are heavily hunted for their horns. Zoological institutions aim to conserve rhinoceros populations in captivity, but one of the challenges of conservation is to provide food sources that resemble those available in the wild. Considering that the mammalian gut microbiota is a pivotal player in their host's health, the gut microbiota of rhinoceros may also play a role in the bioavailability of nutrients. Therefore, this study aims to characterize the fecal microbiome composition of grazing white rhinoceros (WR; ) and greater one-horned rhinoceros (GOHR; ) as well as the browsing black rhinoceros (BR; ) kept in European zoos. Over the course of 1 yr, 166 fecal samples in total were collected from 9 BR ( = 39), 10 GOHR ( = 56), and 14 WR ( = 71) from 23 zoological institutions. The bacterial composition in the samples was determined using 16S rRNA gene Illumina sequencing. The fecal microbiomes of rhinoceros clustered by species, with BR clustering more distantly from GOHR and WR. Furthermore, the data report clustering of rhinoceros microbiota according to individual rhinoceros and institutional origin, showing that zoological institutions play a significant role in shaping the gut microbiome of rhinoceros species. In addition, BR exhibit a relatively higher microbial diversity than GOHR and WR. BR seem more susceptible to microbial gut changes and appear to have a more diverse microbiome composition among individuals than GOHR and WR. These data expand on the role of gut microbes and can provide baseline data for continued efforts in rhinoceros conservation and health status.
ADVANCED DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING AND PATHOLOGIC FINDINGS OF THYROID LESIONS IN TWO SHORT-BEAKED ECHIDNAS ().
Vaasjo E, Clancy MM, Kinney ME … +4 more , Hostnik ET, Burns RE, Duncan M, Hanley CS
J Zoo Wildl Med · 2024 Mar · PMID 38453515 · Publisher ↗
Two zoo-maintained short-beaked echidnas () had long histories of intermittent anorexia and lethargy. Case 1 presented with a recurrence of these signs after transfer to another facility and died shortly after arrival. A...
Two zoo-maintained short-beaked echidnas () had long histories of intermittent anorexia and lethargy. Case 1 presented with a recurrence of these signs after transfer to another facility and died shortly after arrival. A focal area of hyperattenuation within the paratracheal tissue of the cranial mediastinum was noted antemortem on CT. Postmortem, this corresponded with severe thyroid follicular hyperplasia with lymphoplasmacytic thyroiditis. Additional findings included a systemic fungal infection without an inflammatory response, suggesting underlying factors such as torpor or immunosuppression. In Case 2, an intrathoracic mass was identified during a preshipment examination. CT confirmed a contrast-enhanced mass compressing the cranial vena cava and right atrium, and the animal was euthanized. The mass was diagnosed histologically as thyroid adenocarcinoma. These cases report thyroiditis and thyroid adenocarcinoma in echidna and describe the use of IV contrast and CT as a diagnostic aid in this species.
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