Journal Of Wildlife Diseases[JOURNAL]
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200 papers
Contrasting Seasonal Prevalence of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis on Anurans in Fragmented Urban Forests.
Moretta-Urdiales M, Narváez AE, Barreno M … +5 more , Cuadrado S, Molina-Moreira N, Neely WJ, Guayasamin JM, Rodriguez D
J Wildl Dis · 2026 Feb · PMID 41412158 · Publisher ↗
Understanding infection dynamics of emerging pathogens, such as Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) is crucial for wildlife conservation, especially in highly disturbed urban ecosystems that support diverse host communit...
Understanding infection dynamics of emerging pathogens, such as Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) is crucial for wildlife conservation, especially in highly disturbed urban ecosystems that support diverse host communities. While Bd typically thrives in cool, humid environments, recent studies have shown that it can exhibit plasticity to warmer conditions. Our study was conducted in fragmented urban forests of Guayaquil and Durán, Ecuador, a coastal region characterized by warm temperatures year-round and facing rapid habitat loss. We hypothesized that seasonal changes associated with temperature and precipitation, anuran species richness, host family, and habitat fragment size would influence Bd infection dynamics. We found that Bd prevalence was influenced by season and host taxonomy, with the highest infection rates during the dry season and in the family Leptodactylidae. Specifically, Bd prevalence across all sites was 10.7%; with an overall prevalence of 2.5% during part of the rainy season (February to April), and 26.0% when temperatures and precipitation were lower (May to July). We also found lower amphibian richness in smaller forest fragments and during the dry season, which appeared to amplify pathogen prevalence. Our research elucidates Bd dynamics in seasonally dry tropical coastal forests and highlights the importance of considering variables associated with dry and rainy seasons (i.e., temperature and precipitation) in disease ecology and conservation planning. Understanding these dynamics is essential for safeguarding amphibian populations in the face of ongoing urbanization and climate change.
First Detection of Ranavirus Infection in Threatened Brazilian Anurans.
Pontes MR, Trafford J, Rosa GM … +2 more , Ruggeri J, Toledo LF
J Wildl Dis · 2026 Feb · PMID 41412157 · Publisher ↗
Amphibians are the most threatened vertebrate group worldwide, with emerging infectious diseases playing an important role in their ongoing declines. Although the amphibian chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (...
Amphibians are the most threatened vertebrate group worldwide, with emerging infectious diseases playing an important role in their ongoing declines. Although the amphibian chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) has received considerable attention, viruses of the genus Ranavirus (Rv) remain less explored, particularly in South America. In this study, we report the first detection of Rv in two threatened amphibian species from Brazil. Specifically, we found infected tadpoles of the redbelly toads Melanophryniscus admirabilis (1.4% prevalence) and Melanophryniscus biancae (24% prevalence) in the southern Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Our findings highlight the need for expanded surveillance and pathogen monitoring in threatened anuran populations, particularly those with limited geographic distributions and threatened with extinction. Understanding Rv dynamics and potential interactions with Bd and other stressors is essential to guiding future conservation strategies for Melanophryniscus spp. and other vulnerable amphibians in the Atlantic Forest biome.
Health Status and Pathogen Surveillance in Free-Ranging Nancy Ma's Night Monkeys (Aotus nancymaae) along the Amazonian Tri-Border Region.
Vilchez-Delgado F, Mendoza AP, Maldonado AM … +7 more , Peralta A, Inga G, Escobar-Mendoza L, Merino X, Talledo M, Falconi-Agapito F, Rosenbaum M
J Wildl Dis · 2026 Feb · PMID 41397424 · Publisher ↗
Nancy Ma's night monkeys (Aotus nancymaae) are significantly impacted by illegal trafficking along the tri-border region between Peru, Colombia, and Brazil. Night monkeys previously used for biomedical research have been...
Nancy Ma's night monkeys (Aotus nancymaae) are significantly impacted by illegal trafficking along the tri-border region between Peru, Colombia, and Brazil. Night monkeys previously used for biomedical research have been released into natural forests along the tri-border region posing a health and conservation threat to local wild monkey populations. We evaluated the health of 55 adult night monkeys during two sampling periods (2018 and 2023) along the tri-border region through clinical evaluation, determination of ectoparasite presence, and through surveillance via PCR of oral swabs and blood samples followed by Sanger sequencing for herpesviruses, orthoflaviviruses, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. Ectoparasites were more commonly found during the dry season (odds ratio=4.18, 95% confidence interval [1.36, 13.99], P=0.015). The presence of herpesvirus and flavivirus was 48.6% (18/37) and 1.8% (1/55), respectively. Sanger sequencing identified two distinct herpesviruses (Aotus nancymaae cytomegalovirus 1 and Aotus nancymaae lymphocryptovirus 1) and one flavivirus (86.18% identity to the Psorophora flavivirus, part of the insect-specific flavivirus lineage II group in South America). Tuberculosis-causing mycobacteria was not detected. Our findings provide molecular evidence that orthoflaviviruses and herpesviruses are detectable in free-ranging night monkeys in the tri-border region, underscoring the importance of future studies to investigate infection dynamics and the prevalence of potential zoonotic pathogens associated with this primate species within the Amazon Basin.
Isolation, Identification, and Prevalence of Oral Mycoplasmas in North American Pinnipeds.
Measures LN
J Wildl Dis · 2026 Feb · PMID 41381067 · Publisher ↗
Seal finger is a zoonotic infection that humans acquire from pinnipeds during dissection or handling, or from trauma. This infection is not uncommon among Canadian biologists working with wild pinnipeds. The etiological...
Seal finger is a zoonotic infection that humans acquire from pinnipeds during dissection or handling, or from trauma. This infection is not uncommon among Canadian biologists working with wild pinnipeds. The etiological agent is believed to be mycoplasma bacteria. No comprehensive data on prevalence of oral mycoplasmas in pinnipeds are available. To investigate whether pinnipeds carry oral mycoplasmas, wild (n=148) and captive (n=14) phocids in eastern Canada and pinnipeds (n=38) in a rehabilitation center in California, USA, were sampled from 1996 to 1998. Mycoplasmas were cultured, isolated, and identified using indirect fluorescent antibody tests in a dedicated mycoplasma laboratory, and prevalence by sex, age, age class, and species of seal was determined. A total of 23l mycoplasma isolates were obtained from sampled pinnipeds. In Canadian phocids, Mycoplasma phocicerebrale, Mycoplasma phocae, and Mycoplasma phocirhinis were isolated and identified from wild gray (Halichoerus grypus) and Atlantic harbor (Phoca vitulina concolor) seals, while M. phocicerebrale was isolated from wild hooded (Cystophora cristata) and harp (Pagophilus groenlandicus) seals and from captive gray and harbor seals, including new host and geographic reports. In wild seals, prevalence of M. phocicerebrale was 78% (31/40) in gray, 70% (32/46) in hooded, 44% (11/25) in harbor, and 22% (8/37) in harp seals. In Californian pinnipeds, M. phocicerebrale and M. phocirhinis were isolated and identified from California sea lions (Zalophus californianus), northern elephant (Mirounga angustirostris) seals, and Pacific harbor (Phoca vitulina richardii) seals, also new host and geographic reports. Unidentified Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma spp. were also isolated in wild and captive Canadian and Californian pinnipeds. These new data on the prevalence and identification of oral mycoplasmas in sampled pinnipeds indicate that personnel working with these animals in the field or in captive situations should exercise caution.
Pulmonary Verminous Granulomata Caused by Filaroides martis in a Pine Marten (Martes martes) in Central Scotland, UK.
Reid L, Heaver JP, Baird R … +1 more , Baker PJ
J Wildl Dis · 2026 Feb · PMID 41371290 · Publisher ↗
Filaroides martis is a respiratory parasite that can infect and cause verminous granulomata in the lungs of susceptible mustelid hosts. The parasite is common in American mink (Neogale vison) throughout their range and h...
Filaroides martis is a respiratory parasite that can infect and cause verminous granulomata in the lungs of susceptible mustelid hosts. The parasite is common in American mink (Neogale vison) throughout their range and has been reported in several other mustelid species in Europe, Asia, North America, Africa, and New Zealand. Here, we describe F. martis infection and associated verminous granulomata in a juvenile female pine marten (Martes martes) admitted to a wildlife hospital in Scotland, UK. The ecology of F. martis in the UK is poorly understood, but it is possible the parasite was cointroduced with American mink imported to Europe during the early 20th century for use in the fur trade. Further investigation is warranted to better our understanding of the ecology and host effects of F. martis in the UK and further afield.
Gastrointestinal Parasites of Wild Birds in Mexico: A Synthetic Review of the Current Knowledge and Approaches for Bird Parasitological Studies.
González-Martín Del Campo FM, Enríquez PL, Rodríguez-Moreno Á … +2 more , González-Solís D, Pedroza-Roldán C
J Wildl Dis · 2026 Feb · PMID 41371289 · Publisher ↗
Parasites are part of ecosystems and can regulate populations. The diseases they cause may negatively impact wildlife, sometimes linked to the imbalance created by anthropogenic environmental changes. Mexico harbors more...
Parasites are part of ecosystems and can regulate populations. The diseases they cause may negatively impact wildlife, sometimes linked to the imbalance created by anthropogenic environmental changes. Mexico harbors more than 10% of the world's avifauna, but there have been few studies on gastrointestinal (GIT) parasites in wild birds of Mexico. The aim of this review was to provide a comprehensive summary of knowledge on GIT parasites of Mexican wild birds and offer suggestions for approaches for future parasitological research on birds in Mexico. We analyzed 85 documents reporting gastrointestinal parasites in wild birds in Mexico. Overall, 73 genera and 96 bird species were reported as hosts for gastrointestinal parasites, representing approximately 8.17% of the bird species richness in Mexico, with the Anseriformes and Pelecaniformes being the most studied hosts. A total of 187 gastrointestinal parasite species have been identified to species level; the least studied phyla are Metamonada and Apicomplexa. Gastrointestinal parasites have been detected in 30 states; the central region of Mexico has been best studied. Game and aquatic species have been the most studied hosts, with few parasitological studies on nonaquatic bird species. Further studies are needed to understand the host-parasite relationships in Mexican landbirds, the diversity of parasites, the ecological factors underlying parasitism, and the impact of parasites in Mexican wild birds under anthropogenic changes.
Black-tailed Gull (Larus crassirostris): A Novel Host for Trichomonas gypaetinii with High Prevalence of Avian Trichomonads in South Korea.
Kim J, Son Y, Hwang B … +4 more , Kim Y, Kim J, Min W, Kim WH
J Wildl Dis · 2026 Feb · PMID 41371288 · Publisher ↗
This study detected Trichomonas gypaetinii in Black-tailed Gulls (Larus crassirostris) in South Korea. We collected 83 samples (80 oropharyngeal swabs from live birds and three carcass-derived specimens) from breeding co...
This study detected Trichomonas gypaetinii in Black-tailed Gulls (Larus crassirostris) in South Korea. We collected 83 samples (80 oropharyngeal swabs from live birds and three carcass-derived specimens) from breeding colonies on Nando and Hongdo islands and coastal habitats in Taean, South Korea, in 2023-24. Molecular analysis using nested PCR targeting the ITS region revealed an exceptionally high prevalence (98.8%) of Trichomonas spp., with both Trichomonas gallinae and Trichomonas gypaetinii identified. We observed significant seasonal variation in Trichomonas spp. distribution, with T. gallinae predominating in winter (85%), while T. gypaetinii became more prevalent during breeding and migration periods (67%). Co-infections were documented at both breeding colonies, suggesting potential interspecies interactions. Sex-based differences in infection patterns were statistically significant (P<0.05); T. gypaetinii showed higher prevalence in adult males at Nando Island (88%) and in adult females at Hongdo Island (88%). Despite the high infection rate, no distinctive lesions were observed in examined carcasses, raising questions about pathogenicity and host adaptation. These findings expand the known host range of this protozoan parasite beyond raptors. This, together with previous detection of T. gallinae in other seabird species (Streaked Shearwater [Calonectris leucomelas] and Swinhoe's Petrel [Hydrobates monorhis]), highlights the need for expanded surveillance of Trichomonas spp. in nonraptor species and further investigation into transmission dynamics, pathogenicity, and potential impacts on reproductive success and population health in colonial nesting birds.
Detection of Ophidiomyces ophidiicola in Samples from Free-Ranging Snakes in Germany, 2021-22.
Schüler L, Lenz S, Renner D … +8 more , Lindner T, Hien P, Laufer H, Jurczyk M, Pees M, Rohn K, Müller E, Marschang RE
J Wildl Dis · 2026 Feb · PMID 41371287 · Publisher ↗
Ophidiomyces ophidiicola (Oo) is a fungus primarily affecting the skin of a wide range of snake species. Ophidiomyces ophidiicola has been found in snakes under human care as well as in free-ranging snakes, and the numbe...
Ophidiomyces ophidiicola (Oo) is a fungus primarily affecting the skin of a wide range of snake species. Ophidiomyces ophidiicola has been found in snakes under human care as well as in free-ranging snakes, and the number of documented infections in free-ranging snakes from Europe is increasing. To better understand the distribution of Oo in snakes in Germany, 329 samples were collected from 328 free-ranging snakes from 47 different locations in Germany in 2021-22. Samples included swabs (n=188), shed skins (n=134), and carcasses (n=7) from six different species: 140 dice snakes (Natrix tessellata), 68 European common adders (Vipera berus), 62 Aesculapian snakes (Zamenis longissimus), 29 smooth snakes (Coronella austriaca), 17 whip snakes (Hierophis viridiflavus), and 12 grass snakes (Natrix natrix). Sampled animals were examined for the presence of skin lesions and samples were screened for Oo by real-time PCR (qPCR). Ophidiomyces ophidiicola was detected in 30/328 snakes (9.1%), including dice snakes (23/30, 77%), Aesculapian snakes (5/30, 17%), and grass snakes (2/30, 7%). No differences were found in the likelihood of detection of Oo between individual colubrid species, but colubrid snakes were significantly more likely to be Oo positive than were viperid snakes (Fisher's exact test, P=0.001). Skin lesions were observed in 37/328 snakes (11.3%), of which 8/37 (22%) were Oo positive by qPCR. Significant differences were found in Oo prevalences depending on the presence of skin lesions, and Oo positive snakes were more likely to have skin lesions compared to snakes that were Oo negative (OR=3.37 [95% confidence interval 1.38-8.26%; P<0.05]).
Alpha-coronavirus Shedding in the Reunion Free-tailed Bat (Mormopterus francoismoutoui).
Lefèvre G, Turpin M, Simbi MA … +2 more , Dietrich M, Lebarbenchon C
J Wildl Dis · 2026 Feb · PMID 41371286 · Publisher ↗
Deciphering the biological and ecological drivers of virus transmission in wildlife requires specific molecular diagnostic tools. Understanding viral shedding routes, loads, and particle infectivity is crucial for assess...
Deciphering the biological and ecological drivers of virus transmission in wildlife requires specific molecular diagnostic tools. Understanding viral shedding routes, loads, and particle infectivity is crucial for assessing transmission dynamics in reservoir hosts and spillover potential to other species, including humans. We investigated coronavirus (CoV) shedding patterns in the endemic Molossid bat species Mormopterus francoismoutoui on Reunion Island. We tested 1,326 fresh feces with two PCR assays: a pan-CoV multiprobe real-time PCR and a quantitative PCR (qPCR) targeting the RdRp gene of the alpha-CoV previously described in M. francoismoutoui. Both assays showed strong agreement, although the qPCR detected 1.55 times more positives. Temporal variation in CoV shedding prevalence was consistent across assays, and no significant differences in RdRp gene copy numbers were observed between adult females and juveniles. Urbanization may increase Molossid bats interactions with humans, livestock, and synanthropic species; a comprehensive assessment of spillover potential of Molossid-associated alpha-CoVs is therefore critical.
Methylxanthine Exposure in the American White Ibis (Eudocimus albus) in Florida, USA.
Shender LA, Kunkel MR, Nemeth NM … +5 more , Vargas V, Hernandez SM, Silva Seixas J, Langston JA, Poppenga RH
J Wildl Dis · 2026 Feb · PMID 41371284 · Publisher ↗
Naturally occurring methylxanthines (MTXs) are plant-derived alkaloids, including caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline. Common sources of these compounds are coffee, chocolate, and tea. Methylxanthine toxicosis has be...
Naturally occurring methylxanthines (MTXs) are plant-derived alkaloids, including caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline. Common sources of these compounds are coffee, chocolate, and tea. Methylxanthine toxicosis has been frequently described in domestic dogs and pet birds, but few reports exist for free-ranging wildlife species. From November 2019 through November 2020, we evaluated 24 American White Ibis (Eudocimus albus) and one Yellow-crowned Night Heron (Nyctanassa violacea) collected from morbidity and mortality events along the Atlantic coast of Florida, USA. Live ibises displayed clinical signs of lethargy, ataxia, and recumbency before their euthanasia. Toxicologic assays performed on liver primarily revealed caffeine and theobromine, with few detections of theophylline. Histologic findings were nonspecific and included diffuse vascular congestion in multiple tissues. We were unable to identify the source of MTX exposure in the clustered ibis mortality events, but several cultivated botanical sources (e.g., native Yaupon holly [Ilex vomitoria]) of MTX grow on Florida's landscape. Additionally, caffeine is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant of both freshwater and marine ecosystems, with anthropogenic inputs from sewage effluent and improper disposal of pharmaceutical products and manufacturers' waste. Our findings underscore the need for broad consideration of the ecotoxicologic impacts of caffeine and related chemicals on free-ranging wildlife species.
Investigation of Sample Storage Conditions for Optimized Detection of Frog Virus 3 DNA in Chelonian Swab Samples.
Harkey CR, Adamovicz LA, Daleo MJ … +2 more , Simmons AL, Allender MC
J Wildl Dis · 2026 Feb · PMID 41371281 · Publisher ↗
The collection and storage of swab samples for molecular diagnostics is a routine component of wildlife health surveillance. The suitability of different sample storage conditions for maximizing the recovery of pathogen...
The collection and storage of swab samples for molecular diagnostics is a routine component of wildlife health surveillance. The suitability of different sample storage conditions for maximizing the recovery of pathogen DNA in most species has not been assessed; therefore, the aim of this study was to identify a preferred storage method for swabs collected for the detection of frog virus 3 (FV3), a significant chelonian pathogen. Sterile swabs were inoculated in triplicate with a plasmid containing known quantities of FV3 DNA from 100 to 107 copies. Swabs were then stored under one of the following four conditions: 1) dry frozen at -20 °C; 2) immersed in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and frozen at -20 °C; 3) immersed in a nucleic acid preservative (RNAlater) and frozen at -20 °C; and 4) immersed in 100% ethanol at ambient room temperature. Swabs remained undisturbed under designated storage conditions for 14 d, at which point DNA extraction and conventional and quantitative PCR for FV3 detection were performed. Conventional PCR amplified down to the lowest expected FV3 target copy number (10,000 copies/swab) for the dry-frozen and PBS-frozen treatment groups. Conventional PCR amplification was inconsistent for the ethanol and RNAlater treatment groups. Quantitative PCR on dry-frozen samples successfully amplified as low as 100 FV3 target copies/swab with a mean recovery of 90%, with all other storage methods amplifying only down to 10,000 copies/swab. Findings suggest there is improved detection of pathogen DNA for samples stored from collection to extraction under the dry-frozen method. Swab sample storage recommendations for future applications should be observed within the context of study-specific objectives and target pathogens. Furthermore, failure to detect fewer than 100 copies/swab of FV3 from any storage method may have clinically significant ramifications and suggests that the differences in DNA recovery based on extraction method should also be examined.
Metallic Trace Elements Associated with Infectious Diseases in European Hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) in Belgium.
Terriere N, Miserez V, Blomme E … +7 more , De Bruyckere S, Neri J, Croubels S, Vervaeke M, Meers E, Pasmans F, Martel A
J Wildl Dis · 2026 Feb · PMID 41371280 · Publisher ↗
Wild animals are increasingly exposed to a complex array of environmental stressors, including habitat fragmentation, pollution, and emerging infectious diseases, which can interact in unpredictable ways to influence ani...
Wild animals are increasingly exposed to a complex array of environmental stressors, including habitat fragmentation, pollution, and emerging infectious diseases, which can interact in unpredictable ways to influence animal health and survival. The European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus), recently classified as near threatened on the IUCN red list, faces many of these challenges. This study investigates the relationships between hepatic concentrations of metallic trace elements (MTEs) and health status in free-ranging Belgian hedgehogs, both juveniles and adults, with a focus on hedgehog diphtheric disease (HDD) and a novel circovirus. We analyzed liver samples for essential (zinc [Zn], copper [Cu]) and nonessential (lead [Pb], cadmium [Cd]) MTEs, comparing levels between healthy and affected individuals. Results showed generally moderate MTE levels (Cd: 2.88±4.27 mg/kg dry weight [dw]; Pb: 1.06±1.34 mg/kg dw; Cu: 31.53±39.01 mg/kg dw; Zn: 365.56±282.10 mg/kg dw) compared with other European populations, with the exception of markedly elevated hepatic Zn concentrations, particularly in adults (576.32±200.20 mg/kg dw). Notably, Zn levels were significantly higher in individuals affected by HDD, across both juvenile (P<0.001) and adult (P<0.01) age classes. Although high environmental Zn exposure may predispose hedgehogs to disease, elevated hepatic Zn could also reflect infection-driven redistribution due to inflammation and host immune responses. These findings align with broader evidence linking altered MTE profiles to disease processes in wildlife and suggest a complex, potentially bidirectional interaction between trace element homeostasis and infectious disease. This study highlights the importance of incorporating MTE dynamics into wildlife health surveillance, and suggests that Zn may serve as a potential indicator and mediator of disease in hedgehogs and other free-ranging species.
Exploratory Study of the Effect of Postmortem Interval on the Biochemical Quality of Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) Blood.
Larrat S, Rannou B, Bonin L … +5 more , Lemberger K, Tucoulet J, Payne A, Calenge C, Decors A
J Wildl Dis · 2026 Feb · PMID 41371279 · Publisher ↗
Diagnosing the cause of peracute death in wildlife is challenging, particularly when necropsy, histopathology, and ancillary testing yield nonspecific results. Biochemistry could provide pathophysiologic information on t...
Diagnosing the cause of peracute death in wildlife is challenging, particularly when necropsy, histopathology, and ancillary testing yield nonspecific results. Biochemistry could provide pathophysiologic information on the death process that is unobtainable with morphologic methods. To evaluate the impact of postmortem delay on the quality of blood biochemical analysis, blood samples were collected from 20 wild boars (Sus scrofa) hunted in January 2018 in France. The body condition, age, and sex of each boar were recorded. Each animal was sampled once between the time of death and 6 h postmortem, with six boars sampled within the first hour, three boars sampled at each hour thereafter (hours 2-5), and two boars sampled at 6 h postmortem. Samples were promptly sent to the laboratory, centrifuged, and assessed for hemolysis before measurement of biochemical parameters using a wet chemistry analyzer. The first component from a principal component analysis was used as a quality index of the biochemical composition of the blood. This index strongly correlated positively with sodium and chloride and negatively with total proteins, alanine aminotransferase, fructosamine, and potassium. A segmented regression analysis indicated stability of blood quality for 2 h after death, followed by a linear decrease. Practically, blood samples drawn within 2 h after death maintained overall quality. This exploratory study should be expanded with evaluations of changes of individual metabolites over time.
Gastrointestinal Pathogens Are Highly Prevalent in Endangered Amargosa Voles (Microtus californicus scirpensis).
Reed ML, Backus L, López-Pérez AM … +4 more , Haswell PM, Edejer GI, Clifford DL, Foley J
J Wildl Dis · 2026 Feb · PMID 41371277 · Publisher ↗
Disease can threaten endangered species by affecting fitness and survival, suppressing population growth and species recovery. Herein, we investigated three gastrointestinal pathogens-Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and Helico...
Disease can threaten endangered species by affecting fitness and survival, suppressing population growth and species recovery. Herein, we investigated three gastrointestinal pathogens-Giardia, Cryptosporidium, and Helicobacter-that could negatively affect the endangered Amargosa vole (Microtus californicus scirpensis). We used PCR testing to determine the presence of the target parasites in 76 fecal samples from 71 Amargosa voles collected during summer 2021 in four marshes in Tecopa, California, USA. Overall, 51 (72%) of 71 voles were PCR positive for Giardia microti, 48 (68%) of 71 for Cryptosporidium spp., and 100% for Helicobacter spp. There were no significant associations between G. microti infection and sex, body condition score, or source marsh. Cryptosporidium sp. infection was significantly more prevalent in smaller marshes. More than half of the individuals sampled (39/71, 55%) were PCR positive for both Giardia and Cryptosporidium spp. upon initial sampling. This study provides foundational information regarding environmentally transmitted parasites in populations of Amargosa voles. Further studies are needed to understand and manage the adverse effects of disease and other threats for the survival of the Amargosa vole.
Occurrence of Dystocia among Free-Ranging Giraffes (Giraffa spp.) in Kenya.
Gakuya F, Ndeereh D, Lekolool I … +3 more , Muchina I, Akoko J, Kock R
J Wildl Dis · 2026 Feb · PMID 41329031 · Publisher ↗
Dystocia, a complication that occurs at parturition, either due to fetal or maternal factors, is uncommon in wild ungulate species because of natural selection against predisposed individuals. Among giraffes, reports of...
Dystocia, a complication that occurs at parturition, either due to fetal or maternal factors, is uncommon in wild ungulate species because of natural selection against predisposed individuals. Among giraffes, reports of dystocia are rare in free-ranging populations across Africa. This study reviewed occurrence and type of dystocia, and outcome of obstetrical interventions, in giraffes in Kenya during 1991-2023 and considered possible risk factors. Only one case of dystocia in a semicaptive and one case in a captive northern (Rothschild's) Rothschild's giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) had been reported in Kenya before 2012. Seventeen cases were recorded in free-ranging giraffes during 2012-23 in 10 different protected areas with variable range and forage restrictions, associated with fenced, partially fenced, or unfenced management systems. In the latter period, three giraffe species found in Kenya were all affected, with nine cases in Masai giraffes (Giraffa tippelskirchi) and four cases each in reticulated giraffes (Giraffa reticulata) and Rothschild's giraffes. Cases were attributed to fetal factors, including malposition that refers to the position of the fetus or to malpresentation that refers to parts of the body presenting on the pelvis. Potential maternal factors were not evaluated in any individuals. Based on dam survival, 75% success rate relieving dystocia, through obstetrical manipulation, was recorded, but none of the calves survived. We postulate that dystocia might be increasing in Kenya, although increased reports may simply reflect improving capacities to observe and intervene.
Surveillance of Anticoagulant Rodenticides in Free-Roaming Outdoor Cats (Felis catus) in Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Murray MH, Buckley JY, Magle S
J Wildl Dis · 2026 Feb · PMID 41297558 · Publisher ↗
Rats are managed using anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) in cities worldwide, but these compounds cause morbidity and mortality in nontarget wildlife. Several cities also use free-roaming outdoor cat (Felis catus) colonie...
Rats are managed using anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) in cities worldwide, but these compounds cause morbidity and mortality in nontarget wildlife. Several cities also use free-roaming outdoor cat (Felis catus) colonies to help reduce rats, but there have been no investigations of how often these cats are exposed to ARs. In this study, our goal was to assess how often free-roaming domestic cats are exposed to ARs to 1) understand health risks for urban predators by using free-roaming cats as a proxy and 2) evaluate the health risks associated with using cats as rodent control. We tested blood samples from 57 cats that were part of trap-neuter-release cat colonies in Chicago, Illinois, USA. We found that 7% (4/57) of cats tested positive for one type of rodenticide at trace amounts. Free-roaming cats can therefore be exposed to ARs, although the prevalence and concentrations were lower than in wild carnivores. Future research is needed to understand how often cats may be exposed to ARs by killing or consuming rats and any health impacts. Stronger rodenticide regulations are needed to reduce health risks for urban predators, and owned cats should be kept indoors to minimize the risk of rodenticide exposure.
Giant Liver Fluke (Fascioloides magna) in Free-Ranging Muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) of Nunavik, Québec, Canada.
Nury C, Van Driessche L, Santamaria-Bouvier A … +4 more , Simard M, Brodeur V, Taillon J, Lair S
J Wildl Dis · 2026 Feb · PMID 41297554 · Publisher ↗
We describe hepatic infections by giant liver fluke (Fascioloides magna) in free-ranging muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) in Nunavik, Québec, Canada. Whole livers and feces were collected from 51 muskoxen (37 males, 14 female...
We describe hepatic infections by giant liver fluke (Fascioloides magna) in free-ranging muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) in Nunavik, Québec, Canada. Whole livers and feces were collected from 51 muskoxen (37 males, 14 females) harvested from 2007 to 2011. Prevalence of F. magna was very high (48/51, 94%; 95% confidence interval, 84-99), with the intensity of infection reaching up to 40 adult trematodes per liver (median, 4 flukes). The estimated percentage of macroscopically altered liver, which was evaluated in serial 1-cm-thick slices, ranged from 0.1% to 57.3% and was positively correlated with the number of parasites detected. Animals harvested near Tasiujaq had higher mean fluke intensity (7.2) than those near Kuujjuaq (2.6) in Nunavik, Québec, Canada. Despite the extent of the hepatic alterations in some individuals, no association was found between intensity of infection or liver alteration and the examined nutritional condition indices (depth of back fat, femur marrow fat percentage, and kidney fat index). Field observations suggest that infections by F. magna did not have a significant clinical impact on sampled muskoxen. The mean fluke intensity and the percentage of altered liver did not vary between sex and age. Fecal shedding of F. magna eggs was documented in some individuals, indicating that muskoxen could be characterized as a definitive host. Further research is needed to define the reservoir species and characterize the life cycle of this parasite in the Canadian Arctic.
Elevated Exposure to Influenza A Viruses in Wild Pigs (Sus scrofa), Texas, USA.
Chalkowski K, Miller RS, Chandler JC … +9 more , Campos A, Arruda B, Baker AL, Anderson TK, Klemm J, Brown VR, Verauteren KC, Snow NP, Pepin KM
J Wildl Dis · 2026 Feb · PMID 41289498 · Publisher ↗
Detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses in mammals have increased globally, underscoring the need to assess influenza A virus (IAV) exposure in species that bridge wildlife, livestock, and human interface...
Detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses in mammals have increased globally, underscoring the need to assess influenza A virus (IAV) exposure in species that bridge wildlife, livestock, and human interfaces. We collected serum from 396 wild pigs (Sus scrofa, hybrids of wild boar and domestic swine) between October 2022 and May 2023 on a cattle ranch in north central Texas, USA, to estimate IAV seroprevalence and identify ecologic correlates of exposure. Using commercial blocking ELISAs and hemagglutination inhibition assays, we report high recent exposure of wild pigs to IAVs (seroprevalence 40%, n=396). Seropositivity was highest in individuals that were female, >2 yr old, sampled during spring (compared with fall or winter), and/or sampled <1.5 km from surface water. Almost half (46.3%, 57/123) of the samples were positive for at least two hemagglutinin clade representatives, and 13.8% (17/123) had titers against both an H1 and an H3 strain. These results indicate a hotspot of IAV circulation in wild pigs in north central Texas and highlight elevated exposure near water bodies, where wild pigs may contact wild waterfowl. Enhanced surveillance of wild pigs at the wildlife-livestock-waterbird interface is warranted to better understand ecologic and epidemiologic pathways for IAV transmission and reassortment.
Novel Gastric Helicobacter Species in Stranded Pygmy Sperm Whales (Kogia breviceps) on the East Coast of Florida, USA.
Marks W, Castellanos-Gell J, Tillis SB … +7 more , Pegg N, Rotstein D, Han S, Wellehan JFX, Childress A, Burton S, Page A
J Wildl Dis · 2026 Feb · PMID 41275882 · Publisher ↗
Gastric spirilliform bacteria consistent with Helicobacter spp. were identified in four pygmy sperm whales (Kogia breviceps) that stranded along the east coast of Florida, USA, during 2017-20. Six of nine (67%) stomach s...
Gastric spirilliform bacteria consistent with Helicobacter spp. were identified in four pygmy sperm whales (Kogia breviceps) that stranded along the east coast of Florida, USA, during 2017-20. Six of nine (67%) stomach samples from PCR-positive cases contained spirilliform bacteria visible on histopathologic examination. Experimental PCR targeting Helicobacter-specific 16S rRNA gene sequences produced amplification in at least one gastric tissue sample (e.g., forestomach, fundus, pylorus) from all four cases. Three different novel Helicobacter sequences were identified in 13 samples from four whales. Helicobacter-positive samples could be classified into three novel sequences, Kogia Helicobacter 1, 2, and 3, represented by a common 572-base-pair region. All four whales in this study were infested with gastric nematodes and had one or more of the following histopathologic findings: gastritis, gastric ulceration, and gastric fibrosis. These lesions were not attributed as a cause of death in the whales but may have contributed to stranding via reduced fitness. This study reports three novel Helicobacter spp. bacteria identified in K. breviceps and expands the known host range of this genus. Further studies into these novel Helicobacter spp. should include additional pathologic and molecular characterization of the bacteria and any associated lesions.
A Systematic Review of Historical and Contemporary Rabies Epidemiology and Management in Alabama, USA.
Tomey RD, Rupprecht CE, Kuzmin IV … +3 more , Jones DW, Chipman RB, Ditchkoff SS
J Wildl Dis · 2026 Feb · PMID 41242342 · Publisher ↗
The history of wildlife pathogens in time and space impacts current understanding, detection, and management of infectious diseases, which may best be appreciated dynamically at a local level. As in the rest of the USA,...
The history of wildlife pathogens in time and space impacts current understanding, detection, and management of infectious diseases, which may best be appreciated dynamically at a local level. As in the rest of the USA, over the past two centuries the epizootiology, prevention, and control of rabies in Alabama has changed significantly. Canine rabies was reported in Alabama during the USA civil war and predominated until after World War II. Appreciation of wildlife rabies grew only after the control of rabies in dogs. During the 1950s, rabies in gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) spread throughout the southeastern USA but declined unexpectedly in the ensuing decades. By the 21st century, besides multiple variants of rabies virus in bats, the only extant mesocarnivore reservoir was the raccoon (Procyon lotor). Currently, Alabama represents the westernmost extent of the raccoon rabies virus variant in the USA. Historically, rabies case detection evolved from passive reporting dependent on clinical signs towards enhanced, laboratory-based surveillance. Control progressed from host population reduction toward prevention by oral rabies vaccination of wildlife in combination with comprehensive vaccination of companion animals and postexposure prophylaxis in humans. Today, modern disease management is exemplified in Alabama via a One Health context, as reflected in this systematic review.
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