The indiscriminate use of antibiotics during the past 50 yr in human and veterinary medicine and agriculture has enhanced the selection of antimicrobial resistant bacteria (AMRB) and genes (ARG), representing a serious t...The indiscriminate use of antibiotics during the past 50 yr in human and veterinary medicine and agriculture has enhanced the selection of antimicrobial resistant bacteria (AMRB) and genes (ARG), representing a serious threat to public health worldwide. Wildlife can act as reservoirs of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) environmental pollution, contributing to the dissemination of AMRB and ARG, especially in aquatic environments impacted by anthropogenic activities. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of the coypu (Myocastor coypus), an invasive semiaquatic species, as an ecologic sentinel of AMR in the wetlands of Catalonia, Spain. A total of 116 free-living coypu were analyzed to detect the presence of AMRB and determine their antimicrobial susceptibility profile, and to detect the carriage of extended-spectrum β-lactamase and colistin resistance genes by conventional PCR. Resistant bacteria were detected in 16.3% of the samples (n=19), belonging to Aeromonas spp. (31.5%), Pseudomonas spp. (26.3%), and Enterobacterales (42.1%), with Escherichia coli (26.3%) as the principal enterobacterium. Most isolates showed AMR to aminopenicillins, lincosamides, and third-generation cephalosporins. Conversely, all isolates were sensitive to carbapenems. Analysis of ARG revealed 32% (6/19) of strains were positive for the blaCMY-2 gene (three isolates of E. coli, two of Pseudomonas spp., and one of Aeromonas hydrophila). These findings reinforce the value of testing invasive species such as coypus as bioindicators of AMR in environmental surveillance programs.
Hirschinger J, Le Loc'h G, Caubet C
… +9 more, Fusade-Boyer M, Faure E, Randon M, Dubosc D, Talarico F, Saint-Andrieux C, Abed-Zahar M, Payne A, Decors A
Porcine teschoviruses (PTV) are enteric pathogens affecting suids. Although ubiquitous in healthy domestic pig (Sus scrofa domesticus) populations, some virulent strains can cause severe neurological disorders known as T...Porcine teschoviruses (PTV) are enteric pathogens affecting suids. Although ubiquitous in healthy domestic pig (Sus scrofa domesticus) populations, some virulent strains can cause severe neurological disorders known as Teschen-Talfan disease. Wild boars (Sus scrofa) can host PTV, but little is known about their epidemiological role in the dynamic of the pathogens. Until recently, PTV had not been reported in wild boars in France. However, in 2019 and 2020, serological evidence of PTV infection was detected in hunted wild boars from Drôme and Marne, some of which exhibited neurological and reproductive disorders. As a result, a combined serological, virological, and phylogenic screening was implemented. Results revealed high seroprevalence rates, up to 38%, suggesting endemic circulation of PTV in these populations. Genetic sequencing of PCR-positive samples suggests the presence of a novel PTV genotype. These findings raise questions about the pathogenicity of this new PTV strain as well as of the potential role of wild boars in the epidemiology of PTV in France, and highlight the need for further investigation into the interactions between domestic pigs and wild boar and the dynamics of the spread of PTV between them.
Flaviviruses (genus Orthoflavivirus, family Flaviviridae) are positive-sense RNA viruses able to infect a wide range of hosts and are associated with disease in humans, domestic animals and wildlife; thus, they are consi...Flaviviruses (genus Orthoflavivirus, family Flaviviridae) are positive-sense RNA viruses able to infect a wide range of hosts and are associated with disease in humans, domestic animals and wildlife; thus, they are considered a major global health concern. The sylvatic cycle is potentially linked with human outbreaks; therefore, it is essential to monitor and understand flavivirus infections in wildlife. Little is known about flaviviruses in cetaceans. To fill part of this knowledge gap, we surveyed for the presence of flavivirus RNA in tissues (brain, spleen, lung, kidney, lymph node, liver, and adrenal gland) and serum samples of 151 cetaceans of 22 species that were found stranded, bycaught, or live captured in scientific expeditions in Brazil in two different biomes (marine and Amazon basin). Total RNA was extracted from 589 samples (523 tissues and 66 sera) using commercial kits; subsequently, a broad-range real-time PCR targeting the Orthoflavivirus genus was performed. All individuals were negative for flavivirus RNA (95% confidence interval, 0-1.96%). These results potentially indicate that the known flaviviruses, if present, have limited circulation in wild cetaceans, likely accidental hosts. Future studies are warranted to understand the epidemiology of flaviviruses within the genus Orthoflavivirus in cetaceans.
The Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) is a species of conservation interest throughout much of eastern North America, and management efforts for the species are widespread. Peregrines are at risk for exposure to Tricho...The Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) is a species of conservation interest throughout much of eastern North America, and management efforts for the species are widespread. Peregrines are at risk for exposure to Trichomonas spp. because of their tendency to take pigeons and doves (Columbiformes) as prey. We investigated the prevalence of Trichomonas spp. in wild nestling Peregrine Falcons banded in nests in Kentucky, USA. We tested throat swabs collected from 266 Peregrine Falcons during 2005-23. A total of 21 birds tested positive for Trichomonas spp.; none of the falcons that tested positive were resighted as adults. We treated a subset of nestlings for Trichomonas spp. infection, including two in the nest (without removal), two nestlings temporarily removed from the nest for treatment, and 10 placed with wildlife rehabilitators for treatment. Rehabilitated nestlings were released at an age of ≥75 d. However, we did not confirm any benefits to survival from treatment. Trichomonosis may hinder Peregrine Falcon nestling survival in certain areas, especially urban locations.
Wild Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo, hereafter turkeys), an important North American game species, have experienced declines throughout their eastern range. Growing concern over turkey population sustainability has renewed...Wild Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo, hereafter turkeys), an important North American game species, have experienced declines throughout their eastern range. Growing concern over turkey population sustainability has renewed interest in investigating potential disease threats. We conducted pathogen surveillance in turkeys in three North Carolina, USA ecoregions-Mountains, Piedmont, and Coastal Plain-in 2020-22 to provide baseline data relevant to the southeastern USA. We collected samples from 586 live free-ranging turkeys plus 22 recaptured individuals (n=608: 194 males, 414 females; 159 juveniles, 449 adults) to test for exposure to or infection with selected pathogens. Molecular testing revealed infections with Haemoproteus spp. (57%), lymphoproliferative disease virus (LPDV; 46.8%), Mycoplasma spp. (39.8%), Leucocytozoon spp. (8.8%), and reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV; 3.4%). We detected antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii (21.3%), West Nile virus (WNV; 15.4%), and avian influenza virus (2.0%). No turkey coronavirus, Plasmodium, Borrelia, or Salmonella infections were detected. There were no prevalence differences between sexes, except for REV (females=5%, males=1%). Prevalence was higher in adults than in juveniles for LPDV (adult=52%, juvenile=33%), WNV (adult=19%, juvenile=6%), Haemoproteus (adult=60%, juvenile=49%), T. gondii (adult=24%, juvenile=14%), and Leucocytozoon (adult=11%, juvenile=3%). Prevalence of LPDV differed significantly across ecoregions, with the highest prevalence in the Piedmont (62%), followed by the Mountains (51%) and the Coastal Plain (27%). Prevalence of WNV antibodies was higher in the Piedmont (24%) than in the Mountains (8%). Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon prevalence increased over a regional gradient, with detections of 24% and 0% in the Mountains, 65% and 6% in the Piedmont, and 85 and 21% in Coastal Plain, respectively. Mycoplasma spp. prevalence was higher in the Mountains (45%) and the Coastal Plain (47%) than in the Piedmont (27%). Our data highlighted sex-, age-, and region-based differences in prevalence for several pathogens, thereby enabling managers to tailor management strategies and researchers to investigate effects of these pathogens on turkey survival and movement.
Isolation of protostrongylid larvae from white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) from northern Minnesota (n=60), Wisconsin (n=19), and Michigan (n=38), USA, and confirmation of species identities via DNA sequencing, r...Isolation of protostrongylid larvae from white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) from northern Minnesota (n=60), Wisconsin (n=19), and Michigan (n=38), USA, and confirmation of species identities via DNA sequencing, revealed Parelaphostrongylus tenuis, Parelaphostrongylus andersoni, Varestrongylus cf. alpenae and five unidentified genetic lineages. This has implications for moose (Alces alces) conservation.
We diagnosed and molecularly confirmed the presence of fibropapillomatosis and chelonid alphaherpesvirus 5 infection in one Kemp's ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempii) and three green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) stra...We diagnosed and molecularly confirmed the presence of fibropapillomatosis and chelonid alphaherpesvirus 5 infection in one Kemp's ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys kempii) and three green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) stranded on the Mississippi, USA, coast, expanding the known range of this disease in sea turtles in the Gulf of Mexico.
Hematologic parameters from free-ranging screaming hairy armadillos, Chaetophractus vellerosus, were determined by hemocytometry and blood smear review. Packed cell volume was higher and basophil and eosinophil counts lo...Hematologic parameters from free-ranging screaming hairy armadillos, Chaetophractus vellerosus, were determined by hemocytometry and blood smear review. Packed cell volume was higher and basophil and eosinophil counts lower than those reported for this species in captivity. These findings will serve as a reference for future research.
This study provides the first record of helminth prevalence associated with Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) at the southernmost limit of their distribution, in the Beagle Channel, Argentina. Using a non-inv...This study provides the first record of helminth prevalence associated with Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) at the southernmost limit of their distribution, in the Beagle Channel, Argentina. Using a non-invasive and indirect nest soil sampling approach, we detected multiple helminth morphotypes, including nematodes, cestodes, trematodes, and acanthocephalans. Nematodes were the most frequently encountered group. Helminth load was greater during chick rearing than in the post-breeding period, likely due to increased fecal deposition and favorable environmental conditions. Parasite occurrence also varied across colony erosion zones shaped by penguin activity and natural processes, suggesting that microhabitat characteristics influence helminth persistence. These findings underscore the utility of soil sampling for monitoring temporal patterns of parasite exposure, particularly in remote wildlife populations, highlighting the need for continued surveillance of penguin health. Future research integrating direct parasitological and molecular techniques will improve taxonomic resolution and advance the understanding of parasite transmission dynamics.
Mycoplasma bovis is a growing threat to American bison (Bison bison) health and restoration efforts, causing significant mortality and disease in affected bison herds. Despite this, little is known about the epidemiology...Mycoplasma bovis is a growing threat to American bison (Bison bison) health and restoration efforts, causing significant mortality and disease in affected bison herds. Despite this, little is known about the epidemiology or clinical course of M. bovis infection in bison. In this study, we present continued observations from a cohort of naturally infected American bison, in which maintenance of subclinical M. bovis infections was previously reported. Most (8/11) surviving previously infected animals mounted a detectable immunoglobulin G (IgG) response that waned within 6-24 mo. Two bison mounted and maintained robust IgG antibody responses throughout the study period; one of these also remained quantitative PCR and culture positive throughout the study. One animal failed to mount a detectable IgG response despite becoming infected with M. bovis during the study. Also, naïve animals (n=4) were added to the environment where positive animals were previously kept, shared a water tank with known positive animals, and were finally added to the cohort and sampled at 3-mo intervals for a 2-yr follow-up period. The four naïve animals, and a calf born to one of them, remained M. bovis negative despite commingling with known positive animals in the cohort. We discuss limitations of current antemortem test approaches and the need for more accurate testing to support healthy bison restoration and management.
The decline in koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) populations has been significantly driven by infectious diseases, with chlamydial disease contributing to this trend. Chlamydia pecorum is often codetected with viruses such...The decline in koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) populations has been significantly driven by infectious diseases, with chlamydial disease contributing to this trend. Chlamydia pecorum is often codetected with viruses such as phascolarctid gammaherpesvirus 1 and 2 (PhaHV-1 and PhaHV-2). Koalas can also be infected with other bacteria, including Bordetella bronchiseptica, which causes sporadic respiratory disease outbreaks. Respiratory infections and respiratory disease in koalas remain under-investigated. This study reports the detection of C. pecorum, Chlamydia pneumoniae, Chlamydia psittaci, B. bronchiseptica, PhaHV-1, and PhaHV-2 in 102 samples from 49 koalas that presented to veterinary facilities in South East Queensland, Australia from 2018 to 2023. The koalas included seemingly healthy individuals (n=21), koalas with respiratory disease (n=18), and koalas with other diseases (n=10). Overall, C. pecorum was detected in 37% of koalas, C. pneumoniae in 2%, C. psittaci in 0%, B. bronchiseptica in 18%, PhaHV-1 in 41%, and PhaHV-2 in 6%. Coinfections with three agents were common, particularly in koalas with signs of disease. Among the 18 koalas with respiratory disease, one was coinfected with four agents (B. bronchiseptica, C. pecorum, PhaHV-1, and PhaHV-2), and four were coinfected with three agents (B. bronchiseptica, C. pecorum, and PhaHV-1). Additionally, six koalas had coinfections involving two agents: two with C. pecorum and PhaHV-1, two with B. bronchiseptica and PhaHV-1, one with B. bronchiseptica and C. pecorum, and one with PhaHV-1 and PhaHV-2. Analysis of the genetic diversity of infecting chlamydial strains detected in koalas with respiratory and other diseases, based on the full-length ompA gene, identified previously characterized C. pecorum and C. pneumoniae ompA genotypes, as well as a unique C. pecorum ompA genotype. This study highlights the need for incorporating these infectious agents into koala respiratory diagnostics and emphasizes the need for continued research to investigate the complexities of these infections.
Eurasian beavers (Castor fiber) were reintroduced to Scotland, UK, after more than two centuries of extinction. Giardia spp. are important protozoal parasites causing waterborne gastroenteritis in humans, with the zoonos...Eurasian beavers (Castor fiber) were reintroduced to Scotland, UK, after more than two centuries of extinction. Giardia spp. are important protozoal parasites causing waterborne gastroenteritis in humans, with the zoonosis known as "beaver fever" in North America, raising public health concerns in Scotland. Using a rapid enzyme immunochromatographic assay (SNAP Giardia, IDEXX Laboratories, Inc) for soluble Giardia antigen, we tested 274 live wild beavers trapped for translocation (2019-25) and 26 wild beavers found dead. Prevalence was 1.83% (n=5/274) in live beavers (95% confidence interval, 0.6-4.21), with no clinical illness observed. Beavers that were positive for Giardia antigen on testing were treated and retested as negative before translocation. Prevalence was highest in kits at 3.7% (n=3/81) and lowest in adults at 0.71% (n=1/140), but the difference did not reach statistical significance. One dead adult female tested positive, with no evidence of disease and death was attributed to sepsis from bite wounds. Wild Eurasian beavers in Scotland currently do not appear to pose a notable Giardia infection risk to humans or animals, especially compared with the higher prevalence in local domestic animals.
Besnoitia tarandi is a protozoan commonly reported in reindeer and caribou (Rangifer tarandus spp.), in which it can be associated with morbidity and even mortality. Anecdotal observations suggest that the prevalence and...Besnoitia tarandi is a protozoan commonly reported in reindeer and caribou (Rangifer tarandus spp.), in which it can be associated with morbidity and even mortality. Anecdotal observations suggest that the prevalence and intensity of this parasitic infection vary between caribou herds, but the lack of a standardized method to evaluate the intensity of infection limits inter-herd comparisons. The presence and intensity of Besnoitia sp. infection in metatarsal skin were evaluated using a standardized histopathologic technique in 1,361 migratory caribou sampled from eight herds across Canada, Alaska (USA), and Greenland. Besnoitia sp. was not detected in the two Greenlandic herds but was observed in animals from the six other herds sampled, with prevalence ranging from 4.2-63.9% for subsets of caribou by season and/or sex, and cyst density ranging from 0.08-13.14 cysts/mm2 among herds. Observed prevalence of infection was highest in the two Canadian Québec-Labrador herds (Rivière-George and Rivière-aux-Feuilles) and lowest in the Canadian Southampton Island herd. This study provides new insights into the epidemiology of besnoitiosis in migratory caribou populations in North America.
Necropsy and histopathology of a juvenile bobcat (Lynx rufus) revealed neuronal necrosis with nuclear inclusion bodies and vacuolation and immunolabeling with parvovirus immunohistochemistry. Infection with canine parvov...Necropsy and histopathology of a juvenile bobcat (Lynx rufus) revealed neuronal necrosis with nuclear inclusion bodies and vacuolation and immunolabeling with parvovirus immunohistochemistry. Infection with canine parvovirus was confirmed by PCR. This brain lesion is an uncommon manifestation of parvovirus in non-neonatal animals and is particularly rare in wild felids.
At their southern range limits in North America, moose (Alces alces) experience increased overlap with white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and associated parasites through shared habitat use. Moose persist at low...At their southern range limits in North America, moose (Alces alces) experience increased overlap with white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and associated parasites through shared habitat use. Moose persist at low densities in New York state, USA, and are incidental hosts to multiple pathogenic endoparasites. Understanding the contributions of endoparasitism to moose morbidity and mortality requires investigation into their health status and drivers of parasite infection. We summarized health data from 60 live-captured and 191 opportunistically necropsied moose (spanning 2000-23) and used generalized linear modeling to assess the determinants of moose infection by giant liver fluke (Fascioloides magna) and meningeal worm (Parelaphostrongylus tenuis). Despite 98% of live moose having good or excellent body condition, 75% were potentially infected with at least one internal parasite species. Hematologic analyses of live moose indicated elevated eosinophil and lymphocyte counts. Infestations with winter tick (Dermacentor albipictus) were common on live-captured New York moose (74%), although intensities were considerably lower than on moose in neighboring states. Necropsied moose were commonly infected with F. magna and P. tenuis, but most often succumbed to trauma from vehicle collisions. Density of white-tailed deer, definitive host to both endoparasites, was the primary driver of P. tenuis infection in moose. For F. magna, moose age and sampling year were positively associated, whereas deer density and road density were negatively associated with moose infection probability. Limiting deer densities in core moose areas may help reduce the risk of P. tenuis infection, and targeted management efforts could promote resilience of small moose populations to multiple parasites.
Opportunistic examination of reptiles in the context of various research projects in Florida, USA identified infection with the pentastome Raillietiella orientalis in novel hosts, including free-ranging and captive anima...Opportunistic examination of reptiles in the context of various research projects in Florida, USA identified infection with the pentastome Raillietiella orientalis in novel hosts, including free-ranging and captive animals. Free-ranging hosts included two species of invasive snakes (Boa constrictor and Python sebae), three native snakes (Thamnophis saurita, Lampropeltis elapsoides, and Micrurus fulvius), two invasive lizards (Anolis equestris and Basiliscus vittatus), and one native lizard (Aspidoscelis sexlineatus). The latter represents the first documented case of adult R. orientalis spillover into Florida's native lizards. Novel definitive non-indigenous hosts in captive settings were one lizard species (Pogona vitticeps) and one tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea). The documented Raillietiella infection in a tortoise not only represents a substantial host jump to include an additional order, the testudines, but it also demonstrates the pathogenic potential of the parasite in tortoises. Developing effective biosecurity strategies is essential for safeguarding both captive and wild herpetofauna from continued R. orientalis spillover, especially in regions with proximity to and trade with Florida.
Great Horned Owls (Bubo virginianus; GHOW) are a true owl species (family Strigidae) widely distributed across the Americas. In GHOWs, herpesviral disease is best known from fatal infections with columbid alphaherpesviru...Great Horned Owls (Bubo virginianus; GHOW) are a true owl species (family Strigidae) widely distributed across the Americas. In GHOWs, herpesviral disease is best known from fatal infections with columbid alphaherpesvirus 1, which is endemic in rock pigeons (Columba livia). Recently, two novel alphaherpesviruses, strigid alphaherpesvirus 1 (StrAHV1) and strigid alphaherpesvirus 2 (StrAHV2), have been identified in GHOWs displaying ocular lesions and upper respiratory signs, respectively. To date, these are the only potentially endemic herpesviruses described in this species. This study aimed to develop and validate quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays for rapid detection of StrAHV1 and StrAHV2. Two singleplex probe-hybridization qPCR assays were developed for each virus, StrAHV1 and StrAHV2. Each primer-probe combination was cross-validated against the other. Whole blood and individual conjunctival, choanal, and cloacal swabs were obtained from 39 GHOWs hospitalized at three institutions in California, Colorado, and Florida in the USA and were run in duplicate for each assay. The highest number of copies of StrAHV1 detected and the greatest percentage of positive samples were from the choana (assay 1A: 15 of 35 [43%] positive, mean 194,030 copies, median 0 copies, range 0-3,411,469 copies; assay 1B: 16 of 35 [46%] positive, mean 197,622 copies, median 0 copies, range 0-3,554,915 copies). Conjunctiva had the next highest number of copies detected and positivity rate, followed by cloaca, with the number of copies detected and positivity rate both lowest in blood samples. A Kruskal-Wallis test using the choana results from the StrAHV1 assay 1A comparing the results from the three states found no significant differences (P=0.3443). No animals were positive for StrAHV2, suggesting that it may not be an endemic pathogen in GHOW. The qPCR assays developed can be used to further evaluate the epidemiology of StrAHV1 and StrAHV2 along with their clinical significance in GHOW.
The western population segment of the Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) has experienced significant population declines. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is studying the ecology and health of the population. We...The western population segment of the Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) has experienced significant population declines. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is studying the ecology and health of the population. We describe the use of butorphanol-midazolam-medetomidine (BMM) in the capture of free-ranging Steller sea lions. This combination is advantageous as the animals retain their breathing reflex and float at the surface if entering water after darting, and it is fully reversible. Sea lions were darted when resting on haulouts. The majority (45/55) of the adult female sea lions received 75 mg butorphanol, 75 mg midazolam, and 20 mg medetomidine (n=44) or 18 mg medetomidine (n=1), whereas 10/55 were immobilized with lower doses: 30-62.5 mg butorphanol, 45-62.5 mg midazolam, and 9-18 mg medetomidine. Time from dart to approach was a mean of 19.7 min (range 9-45 min). The mean mass of the 29/55 sea lions where weights were obtained was 292.3 (range 205.5-380.5), and the mean drug dose administered in the dart to these was 0.23 mg/kg (range 0.13-0.36 mg/kg) butorphanol, 0.25 mg/kg (range 0.18-0.36 mg/kg) midazolam, and 0.07 mg/kg (range 0.04-0.10 mg/kg) medetomidine. No mortalities were noted. Twenty of the 55 sea lions were administered an additional 30-100 mg butorphanol, 37-75 mg midazolam, and 3-13 mg medetomidine after approach to achieve adequate sedation for handling. Forty-two of 55 sea lions were intubated and maintained on isoflurane and oxygen, whereas 13 were maintained on injected drugs alone. Of these 13 animals, five received supplementary oxygen. Early in the immobilization, heart rates, and blood oxygenation (SpO2) were significantly lower in the sea lions that received supplementary drugs (P<0.05), and sea lions not receiving supplementary oxygen were hypoxemic. The immobilization was reversed with atipamezole, naltrexone, and flumazenil intramuscularly. The mean time from reversal to ambulatory was 11 min (range 2-42 min). In conclusion, BMM was efficacious for immobilization of free ranging Steller sea lions.
Knowledge of the occurrence and etiology of cetacean diseases remains limited in northern areas, including in the Arctic and sub-Arctic. In November 2023, three killer whales (Orcinus orca) were observed in northern Norw...Knowledge of the occurrence and etiology of cetacean diseases remains limited in northern areas, including in the Arctic and sub-Arctic. In November 2023, three killer whales (Orcinus orca) were observed in northern Norway exhibiting abnormal behavior, including inability to swim upright, loss of directional control, short and shallow dives, and lethargy. These unusual cases occurred within a 2-wk period and in the same area, suggesting a common underlying condition. However, due to the lack of diagnostic biologic samples, the cause of disease remains speculative. Herein, we discuss possible differential diagnoses based on the available data, including infectious disease, exposure to biotoxins, and blast trauma. Disease in live free-swimming killer whales in Norway has not been documented previously. These cases illustrate the significant challenges of investigating disease in wild, live cetaceans and emphasize the urgent need for improved surveillance, field diagnostic tools, and response protocols. Suggested developments include the implementation of ready-to-use kits for blow, fecal, and environmental DNA sampling; drones equipped with sampling devices and thermal sensors; and mobile laboratories to support on-site diagnostics. Collectively, these tools could significantly improve early detection, investigation, and management of similar unusual events in wild cetacean populations.
A DeKay's brown snake (Storeria dekayi) from Georgia, USA, was found with subcutaneous nodules. Postmortem examination identified generalized microsporidiosis with concurrent ophidiomycosis. Molecular and phylogenetic ch...A DeKay's brown snake (Storeria dekayi) from Georgia, USA, was found with subcutaneous nodules. Postmortem examination identified generalized microsporidiosis with concurrent ophidiomycosis. Molecular and phylogenetic characterization of the 18S gene identified the parasite as a member of the genus Vavraia, most closely related to isolates of invertebrate hosts in Japan.