Infectious disease is a naturally occurring phenomenon in healthy ecosystems, but anthropogenic pressures have led to an increase in the spread and intensity of disease outbreaks in recent decades. Ecosystem health and f...Infectious disease is a naturally occurring phenomenon in healthy ecosystems, but anthropogenic pressures have led to an increase in the spread and intensity of disease outbreaks in recent decades. Ecosystem health and functioning can be monitored through sentinel organisms, such as marine mammals for coastal environments. In the northwest Atlantic Ocean, gray (Halichoerus grypus) and harbor (Phoca vitulina) seals are exposed to influenza A virus (IAV) but exhibit apparent differences in disease severity, as gray seals largely remain asymptomatic while harbor seals experience IAV-associated morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to investigate gray seal response to IAV through cytokines, which are signaling proteins responsible for initiating and regulating an immune response. Swabs (nasal, conjunctival, and rectal) and blood samples were collected from wild gray seal pups (n=116) and used to detect IAV infection and to measure 13 serum cytokines. There was no significant difference in cytokine profiles across IAV infection status, age (as determined by molt stage), or body condition (a proxy of overall health), but individual cytokines were identified as important in differentiating between seals across these categorical variables, and a general trend of lower cytokine detection rates was observed among IAV-infected pups. These results suggest that gray seal pups lack a strong cytokine response during IAV infections. Understanding the immune response of pinnipeds, and mammals more broadly, to viral pathogens is important for predicting how the increased emergence and spread of infectious disease will shape the future of global terrestrial and marine mammal populations.
The recent expansion of the European wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris) and increasing numbers of domestic cats in Germany are leading to more interactions between domestic cats and wildcats. Not only hybridization, b...The recent expansion of the European wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris) and increasing numbers of domestic cats in Germany are leading to more interactions between domestic cats and wildcats. Not only hybridization, but also the reciprocal transmission of pathogens may occur. This could threaten wildcat populations, or they may act as a reservoir for their domestic relatives. In this study, 102 effusion fluid samples collected from wildcats found dead between 2020 and 2022 in the German federal state of Rhineland-Palatinate were serologically tested for antigens of and specific antibodies against viral pathogens typically found in domestic cats (feline herpesvirus [FHV], feline calicivirus [FCV], feline parvovirus [FPV], feline immunodeficiency virus [FIV], feline coronavirus [FCoV], and feline leukemia virus [FeLV]). Antigens of and/or specific antibodies against at least one virus were detected in 59% of the wildcats. Detected prevalences of specific antibodies against FHV (22.5%), FCV (20.6%), FPV (13.7%), FIV (0%), and FCoV (17.6%) were each 0-22.5%. The prevalence of antigens of FeLV was 28.4%. The high prevalence detected for FeLV antigens possibly shows that wildcats form a reservoir for this virus, as the prevalence in domestic cat populations is significantly lower.
The recent highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak in Peru devastated seabird populations and was associated with mass mortality events in marine mammals. The first mortality events were observed in coastal Per...The recent highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak in Peru devastated seabird populations and was associated with mass mortality events in marine mammals. The first mortality events were observed in coastal Peru in 2022, with the death of hundreds of Peruvian Pelicans (Pelecanus thagus). The outbreak response included health assessments and attempts to use rapid virus detection methods in the field on live and dead birds. Our study compared the FluDETECT Avian rapid antigen screening test that is commonly used in poultry with reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) for the detection of HPAI virus in Peruvian seabirds. In total, 43 birds across five species were evaluated in this study: Humboldt Penguins (Spheniscus humboldti; n=6), Guanay Cormorants (Leucocarbo bougainvilliorum [Phalacrocorax bougainvillii]; n=19), Peruvian Pelicans (n=13), Kelp Gulls (Larus dominicanus; n=2), and Peruvian Boobies (Sula variegata; n=3). We did not find agreement between the results of the rapid antigen test and the RT-qPCR (Cohen kappa=0.14). The diagnostic sensitivity of the rapid test was low (33%), whereas the specificity was 100%. Based on these findings, we do not recommend the FluDETECT Avian rapid antigen test for influenza screening in seabird species, although given the high specificity, a positive result from this rapid test should be interpreted as a true positive.
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a prion-associated transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) that causes fatal neurodegeneration in cervids. One promising method for CWD surveillance is the use of detection dogs tra...Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a prion-associated transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) that causes fatal neurodegeneration in cervids. One promising method for CWD surveillance is the use of detection dogs trained to differentiate between fecal matter from CWD-positive (infected) and CWD-negative (noninfected) deer. However, using actual fecal matter during the training process confers a biohazard risk. Chronic wasting disease detection dogs trained on fecal matter can differentiate between CWD-positive and CWD-negative training aids, including cotton aids, which are inexpensive and simple to use. However, as most dogs in an applied setting would instead be trained on aids and tasked with finding actual fecal matter in the field, this study examined 1) the extent to which dogs initially trained on CWD-incubated cotton can discriminate between fecal samples from CWD-positive and CWD-negative deer; and 2) the impact of substrate form (cotton ball or cotton roll) on the dogs' detection accuracy. Results show that dogs (n=5) maintained an accuracy of >80% during training while discriminating between cotton ball training aids that had been incubated (noncontact) with deer fecal samples confirmed as either CWD-positive or CWD-negative. When tested with cotton ball training aids incubated with novel samples, dogs (n=4) showed 73% sensitivity and 77% specificity. When presented with deer fecal samples, dogs showed a sensitivity of 50% and a specificity of 90%. The type of cotton (ball or roll) did not significantly influence performance. In sum, cotton aids can be used to train dogs to detect the CWD odor profile effectively. However, an initial reduction in sensitivity suggests that integrating exposure to target fecal matter may enhance detection performance.
Periods of drought have been observed in the Brazilian Pantanal for several decades, typically occurring from May to November. These droughts impact the conservation of thousands of species, including the yacare caiman (...Periods of drought have been observed in the Brazilian Pantanal for several decades, typically occurring from May to November. These droughts impact the conservation of thousands of species, including the yacare caiman (Caiman yacare). This study aimed to describe the pathologic and parasitologic findings from postmortem examinations of free-ranging yacare caimans to provide insights regarding the influence of extreme drought on the health of this species. In total, 13 caimans were necropsied, representing deaths during a period of extreme drought (October 2021, 12 individuals) and a period of typical rainfall (October 2022, 1 individual). The main lesions identified in the respiratory tract included pulmonary granulomas (10/13, 77%), tracheal granulomas (8/13, 61.6%), tracheal pentastomids (5/13, 38.5%), and pulmonary pentastomids (3/13, 23.1%). The main lesions identified in the gastrointestinal tract included lesions caused by helminthiasis (Nematoda and Acanthocephala: 10/13, 77%), granulomas (5/13, 38.5%,), and intestinal hemorrhage (2/13, 15.4%). Other findings included myocardial granulomas, bacterial endocarditis, and unidentified helminths within renal tubules. Five helminth species were morphologically identified: the intestinal acanthocephalan Polyacanthorhynchus rhopalorhynchus, the respiratory pentastomids Alofia platycephala and Leiperia gracilis, the gastric nematode Ortleppascaris alata, and the intestinal nematode Micropleura vazi. The increased number of reported deaths and the consistent identification of parasite-associated lesions in the necropsied caimans from 2021 suggests an association between extreme drought, parasite infections, and the health status of yacare caiman.
Coronaviruses are known for their potential to cross species barriers, based on high mutation rates and interstrain recombinations. The emergence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) as a b...Coronaviruses are known for their potential to cross species barriers, based on high mutation rates and interstrain recombinations. The emergence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) as a bidirectional zoonotic pathogen in 2019 is only one of many examples. Given the detection of SARS-CoV-2 with a high prevalence in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in 2020 in North America, the importance of monitoring for SARS-CoV-2 infections in a broad spectrum of animal species, including additional cervids, grew considerably. Therefore, we analyzed samples from red deer (Cervus elaphus), collected in southern Bavaria between May 2021 and February 2023, for genomic evidence of SARS-CoV-2 and bovine coronavirus (BCoV). The latter has been previously shown to infect wild mammals, including deer species. In 727 colon tissue samples and 807 upper respiratory tract swabs respective genomes were detected rarely and in low genome copy numbers only. Bovine coronavirus sequences were detected in six upper respiratory tract swabs (0.74%) and 10 colon tissue samples (1.38%). Additionally, SARS-CoV-2 sequences were detected in one colon tissue sample from an adult female individual. It appears that red deer in Bavarian alpine regions rarely carry viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 and BCoV. Furthermore, none of the samples showed any indication of a coinfection with both viruses, which putatively could trigger recombination and in consequence the emergence of new viruses.
Amphibians worldwide are increasingly threatened, with some populations experiencing significant declines. Infectious diseases play a major role in many of these scenarios. Bufonid herpesvirus 1 (BfHV1) and ranid herpesv...Amphibians worldwide are increasingly threatened, with some populations experiencing significant declines. Infectious diseases play a major role in many of these scenarios. Bufonid herpesvirus 1 (BfHV1) and ranid herpesvirus 3 (RaHV3) are both relatively recently discovered pathogens of European amphibians, and their distribution and host species spectrums are not yet fully understood. In the present study, native amphibians were sampled at four locations in Schleswig-Holstein, northern Germany, during the spawning seasons from March to June 2022 and 2023. In total, 611 skin swabs from nine amphibian species were analyzed for BfHV1 and RaHV3 by using PCR. The overall prevalence was 10.64% for BfHV1 and 4.91% for RaHV3. Prevalence varied significantly (P <0.05) between the species tested and the locations: BfHV1 was found in common toads (Bufo bufo, 62.82%), common frogs (Rana temporaria, 12.28%), moor frogs (Rana arvalis, 7.55%), natterjack toads (Epidalea calamita, 4.17%), water frogs (Pelophylax sp., 1.54%), northern crested newts (Triturus cristatus, 1.27%), and smooth newts (Lissotriton vulgaris, 0.68%), whereas RaHV3 was found in common frogs (43.86%), northern crested newts (3.80%), and smooth newts (1.36%). No macroscopic pathogen-specific skin lesions were noted in any of the animals during sample collection. The role of these herpesviruses in health and disease of native amphibians, as well as the role of various species in their epidemiology, requires further study.
Ranaviruses (Iridoviridae) and chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium spp.) cause globally reportable diseases affecting a wide array of amphibians. Both pathogens are well documented in the US and have caused local or regiona...Ranaviruses (Iridoviridae) and chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium spp.) cause globally reportable diseases affecting a wide array of amphibians. Both pathogens are well documented in the US and have caused local or regional scale mortality events for susceptible amphibians. Over a period of 8 y (2012-2019), we tested salvaged amphibians collected during amphibian audio survey work across the central, southeastern, and coastal areas of Texas, US. Individuals of 7/8 anuran taxa tested positive for either or both pathogens, as did individuals in counties with large sample sizes (i.e., n>25) across taxa. Ranavirus prevalence was high in 2012 (67%) but decreased to 5% by 2019. Conversely, chytrid fungus prevalence started low in 2013 (4%) but increased to 20% by 2019. The detection of both pathogens in any individual was consistently rare throughout the period. Although salvage of specimens during annual fieldwork adds permitting requirements, handling time, and curation effort, we argue that this additional effort significantly contributes to regional pathogen surveillance. Therefore, it should be considered a standard approach for the extensive array of roadway-based herpetofaunal surveys conducted each year.
The red serow (Capricornis rubidus) is a solitary, cryptic, forest-dwelling goat-antelope species from Asia, with very limited veterinary and health information. We report on the chemical immobilization of three red sero...The red serow (Capricornis rubidus) is a solitary, cryptic, forest-dwelling goat-antelope species from Asia, with very limited veterinary and health information. We report on the chemical immobilization of three red serows by using medetomidine (0.03 mg/kg) and ketamine (3 mg/kg). This combination may be useful for chemical capture and field anaesthesia of these animals.
Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) are retroviruses that cause severe diseases in domestic cats. Recently, they have emerged as a concern for wild felids. The aim of this study was to ev...Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) are retroviruses that cause severe diseases in domestic cats. Recently, they have emerged as a concern for wild felids. The aim of this study was to evaluate the exposure to feline retroviruses in free-ranging Neotropical wild felids from southern Brazil. A total of 48 road-killed wild felids belonging to three species were sampled: Geoffroy's cat (Leopardus geoffroyi), margay (Leopardus wiedii), and Southern tiger cat (Leopardus guttulus). In addition, 28 domestic cats found inside protected areas were investigated. Both the wild and domestic felids were tested for the presence of FeLV and FIV with lateral flow immunoassay (LFA) and molecular methods. Three wild felids (two Geoffroy's cats and one margay) were positive to FeLV by LFA (antigen), PCR (proviral DNA), and quantitative reverse-transcription PCR (viral RNA). From the 28 free-roaming domestic cats sampled inside protected areas, 10 (35%) were positive for FeLV. None of the domestic or wild felids were positive for FIV. In addition to the occurrence of FeLV in two species of free-ranging Neotropical felids, FeLV-positive domestic cats appear to be relatively common in protected areas from southern Brazil, posing an important risk of FeLV transmission to threatened wild felids inside those areas.
Some Australian marsupial species are believed to have a high likelihood of death following infection with the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. The impacts of T. gondii on free-ranging marsupial populations have not...Some Australian marsupial species are believed to have a high likelihood of death following infection with the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. The impacts of T. gondii on free-ranging marsupial populations have not, however, been well demonstrated, with most studies only reporting seroprevalence. This parameter alone does not allow assessment of the impact of infection and may underestimate the incidence of exposure in species highly susceptible to fatal disease. We used multiple diagnostic methods on two free-ranging eastern barred bandicoots (Perameles gunni) populations and one long-nosed potoroo (Potorous tridactylus) population to assess the impacts of T. gondii. Animals had their serological status to T. gondii determined using the modified agglutination test (MAT). Three MAT-positive results were returned from 212 bandicoot blood samples collected from 159 individuals, whereas 16.7% (7/42) potoroos were MAT positive. Animals available for necropsy underwent histopathologic examination and had tissues tested for T. gondii by quantitative PCR (qPCR). Toxoplasmosis was diagnosed by histopathology in 13.1% (18/137) of bandicoots, and more than half of these animals had severe disease. Positive qPCR results were returned in 19.2% (37/193) of bandicoots and 12.5% 7/56) of potoroos. The high prevalence of T. gondii infection demonstrated by qPCR and the observation that >50% of histopathology-positive bandicoots had severe toxoplasmosis demonstrates that infection is an issue of population importance. This result, coupled with the low number of MAT-positive bandicoots detected, suggests that eastern barred bandicoots are highly likely to die within weeks of exposure to T. gondii, before immunoglobulin G antibodies are formed. This contrasts with sympatric potoroos, assumed to be exposed to T. gondii with comparable frequency to bandicoots. The potoroos showed a T. gondii antibody prevalence similar to their qPCR antigen prevalence, suggesting survival after infection.
Hepatozoon spp. are protozoal organisms that infect a wide variety of animal hosts. Three free-ranging American mink (Neovison vison) from Pennsylvania, USA, were diagnosed with hepatozoonosis either as the primary cause...Hepatozoon spp. are protozoal organisms that infect a wide variety of animal hosts. Three free-ranging American mink (Neovison vison) from Pennsylvania, USA, were diagnosed with hepatozoonosis either as the primary cause of mortality or as a co-morbidity with canine distemper virus infection or trauma. In all cases, protozoa were detected in the lungs and/or heart with varying severity, as characteristic microgranulomas with intrahistiocytic merozoites as well as fewer distinct meronts. Partial 18S rRNA gene sequence from one case was identical to a Hepatozoon sp. previously detected in mink followed by a Hepatozoon sp. detected in ticks and other mustelid species. This paper expands on the limited knowledge of Hepatozoon spp. infecting North American mustelids and correlates that a previously detected Hepatozoon sp. in mink can cause histopathologic lesions and occasional mortality.
Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2) is an emerging virus of lagomorphs, with an extremely high mortality rate. Outbreaks of RHDV2 have been reported in domestic and wild European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) an...Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2) is an emerging virus of lagomorphs, with an extremely high mortality rate. Outbreaks of RHDV2 have been reported in domestic and wild European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and wild lagomorphs globally, with the recent emergence and establishment of RHDV2 in the USA in 2018 and 2020, respectively. Here, we describe experimental infections in snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus), a species of conservation interest in the US. In this pilot study that took place January-April 2022, six hares were orally exposed to infectious virus and monitored for clinical signs and viral shedding for 2 wk. Snowshoe hares were relatively resistant to disease, with no hares succumbing to lethal infection during the experimental time frame (14 d) and animals showing histopathologic evidence of recovery from hepatic injury. Liver samples collected postmortem and pooled fecal samples collected daily were PCR positive for RHDV2, indicating that the hares were indeed infected and shedding viral particles. The majority of hares (5/6) seroconverted by the end of the study. These findings suggest that snowshoe hares are susceptible to RHDV2 and can potentially shed virus onto the landscape, but are less likely to be affected clinically than certain other species of lagomorph.
Pathogens of domestic dogs have been reported in various carnivorans worldwide. Canine distemper virus (CDV) has been responsible for lethal outbreaks and population declines. Data are scarce regarding CDV outbreaks and...Pathogens of domestic dogs have been reported in various carnivorans worldwide. Canine distemper virus (CDV) has been responsible for lethal outbreaks and population declines. Data are scarce regarding CDV outbreaks and their impact on South American canids. An eco-epidemiological investigation of a disease outbreak in a free-living population of Pampas foxes (Lycalopex gymnocercus) in a protected area (reserve) in southern Brazil began after locals informed our team of three foxes in the reserve showing signs of incoordination and seizures. Two carcasses of recently dead foxes were recovered and tested for CDV and rabies. Additionally, samples from 22 Pampas foxes live trapped in the study area were analyzed. Samples of the two dead foxes were positive for CDV antigen, and one of them for the presence of CDV RNA. None of the animals were positive for rabies virus. Analysis of a sequence from the CDV hemagglutinin gene allowed the classification of the CDV strain within the South America 1/Europe 1 (SA1/E1) clade, with high identity with other strains previously identified in domestic dogs. Approximately 90% of live-trapped Pampas foxes were seropositive for the presence of anti-CDV antibodies, and two of them showed myoclonus, indicating an outbreak of CDV in a population of free-ranging Pampas foxes in southern Brazil, possibly due to a spillover from domestic dogs.
Toxoplasma gondii, a globally distributed protozoan, poses risks to wildlife and public health, with domestic cats playing a significant role in its dissemination. The Valdivian temperate rainforest in southern Chile, kn...Toxoplasma gondii, a globally distributed protozoan, poses risks to wildlife and public health, with domestic cats playing a significant role in its dissemination. The Valdivian temperate rainforest in southern Chile, known for its biodiversity and endemism, faces threats from human activities and from invasive species such as domestic cats. We evaluated T. gondii seroprevalence in two sympatric introduced carnivores, an intermediate host, the American mink (Neogale vison), and a definitive host, the domestic cat (Felis catus), and we determined landscape variables linked to exposure for both species and identified high T. gondii exposure using ecological niche modeling. Seroprevalence for T. gondii in 180 American minks and 140 domestic cats exceeded 60% in both species, indicating significant exposure to T. gondii within the study area. Spatial analysis highlighted a relationship between low-altitude areas, characterized by floodable forests and slower river flow, and elevated T. gondii exposure in both species. Areas with agricultural activity and higher human and cattle densities, such as croplands and grasslands, exhibited an increased risk of T. gondii exposure. Parasite exposure was higher in the Tolten and Valdivia River basins compared to the other four basins studied. These findings emphasize the importance of considering landscape factors, including altitude, land use, and human activities, when assessing T. gondii exposure patterns. The identified landscape variables associated with exposure and the mapping of high-risk areas can guide public health and conservation management plans.
The susceptibility of white-tailed deer (WTD; Odocoileus virginianus) to SARS-CoV-2 has resulted in WTD being one of the most studied wildlife species during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, WTD specimen collections for S...The susceptibility of white-tailed deer (WTD; Odocoileus virginianus) to SARS-CoV-2 has resulted in WTD being one of the most studied wildlife species during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, WTD specimen collections for SARS-CoV-2 research and surveillance have largely been opportunistic. Our objective was to evaluate the detection of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) in WTD serum, plus two additional WTD biological sample types, using a blocking ELISA previously used for WTD serum. The two additional sample types evaluated were eluted Nobuto filter-paper strips (FPSs) from heparinized whole blood collected perimortem from 34 WTD and serosanguinous fluid collected postmortem from the thoracic cavity of 34 WTD. A true NAb prevalence of 88% was established from the serum samples. The FPS eluates performed most poorly (56% apparent prevalence; 57% sensitivity; 50% specificity), followed by serosanguinous fluid (88% apparent prevalence; 87% sensitivity; 0% specificity). Serosanguinous fluid appeared to better reflect the WTD population's true seroprevalence, although sensitivity decreased to <90% for both nonserum biological sample types. As studies are being developed to better understand the ecology of SARS-CoV-2 infections in WTD and other wildlife, it is important to consider the sample type being assessed, because sensitivity may vary greatly.
A stranded juvenile harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) was necropsied following acute dyspnea and death. Necropsy revealed an esophageal perforation caused by fourth-stage Contracaecum osculatum larvae with Streptococcus phoca...A stranded juvenile harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) was necropsied following acute dyspnea and death. Necropsy revealed an esophageal perforation caused by fourth-stage Contracaecum osculatum larvae with Streptococcus phocae-associated pyothorax and aspiration pneumonia. Pyothorax is uncommon in seals, and S. phocae is considered a novel etiology, secondary to verminous esophageal perforation.
Leptospirosis is a complex and often underestimated global bacterial disease that continues to be of zoonotic concern. It is difficult to diagnose and has an unclear pathogenesis. Several new species of the genus Leptosp...Leptospirosis is a complex and often underestimated global bacterial disease that continues to be of zoonotic concern. It is difficult to diagnose and has an unclear pathogenesis. Several new species of the genus Leptospira have been discovered in recent years; the impact of these species on animal health is unknown. In 2013, Leptospira tipperaryensis was first identified in greater white-toothed shrews (GWTSs, Crocidura russula) in Ireland, where they are an invasive species that displaces the native pygmy shrew (Sorex minutus). This study investigated the prevalence of Leptospira spp., including L. tipperaryensis, and their potential impact on the health of shrews from Ireland using histopathology (n=212), immunohistochemistry (IHC; n=206), and quantitative PCR (n=168) on renal tissues. Shrews (n=81) from Belle Île, France were examined as a species and habitat control group using histopathology (n=81) and IHC (n=79). No Leptospira were detected with any of the methods in renal tissues from shrews sampled in Ireland and there was no significant renal pathology. In contrast, 34.6% (28/81) of shrews from Belle Île were positive on IHC for Leptospira sp. and had associated chronic nephritis in histopathology. The results do not indicate a negative impact by L. tipperaryensis or other Leptospira spp. on the health and distribution of the GWTS and the pygmy shrew in Ireland; onward transmission within the shrew population currently appears unlikely.
While investigating an American Robin (Turdus migratorius) mass mortality event in February-March 2022 in southwestern Virginia (USA), we collected parasites, investigated gizzard contents, and described flock demographi...While investigating an American Robin (Turdus migratorius) mass mortality event in February-March 2022 in southwestern Virginia (USA), we collected parasites, investigated gizzard contents, and described flock demographics. We recovered ectoparasites (ticks, mites, lice) from 32/83 (38.7%) individuals. Ten of 83 (12.0%) American Robins presented with scaly mites (Knemidocoptes) and varying levels of disfiguring keratin growth on their legs. We report that 57.1% of individuals harbored endoparasites and 90% of intact ventriculi contained seeds, pulp, or husks from American holly (Ilex opaca) berries. Although we were unable to test the berries directly, these findings lend credence to the conclusion that these birds died from consuming fermented holly berries. This mortality event provided an unusually large sample no longer collected systematically and provided baseline natural history data for a common migratory species. These data are valuable to researchers exploring changes in flock dynamics and parasite load due to contemporary stressors such as habitat and microhabitat modifications caused by anthropogenic impacts like climate change.
A free-ranging adult female mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) from Wyoming, USA, was euthanized due to an open wound on its head. Postmortem examination yielded a diagnosis of multicentric B cell lymphoma associated with s...A free-ranging adult female mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) from Wyoming, USA, was euthanized due to an open wound on its head. Postmortem examination yielded a diagnosis of multicentric B cell lymphoma associated with severe skin ulceration. Sequencing of frozen neoplastic tissue found no evidence of an exogenous viral etiology.