Emerging Animal Species最新文献

Hematology and serum chemistry are used to diagnose disease in marine mammals in captivity and in the wild. Clinicopathologic variables are the first step in determining treatment and assessing the suitability for rehabilitation and release. The South American fur seal (SAFS; Arctocephalus australis) occurs along the Pacific coast from southern Peru to Cape Horn and northward to southern Brazil on the Atlantic coast. The goal of this study was to evaluate hematologic, clinical chemistry, and physical parameters of eight female SAFS from coastal Uruguay. Segmented neutrophils were the major leukocytes followed by lymphocytes. The mean aspartate aminotransferase (AST) was similar to that reported previously for females and pups, except two females that showed higher levels. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in SAFS from our study was markedly higher than values reported for Chilean SAFS. AST and ALT values found could be related to liver damage. ALP levels in the females were within the range reported previously. Creatinine was higher compared with females and pups from Chile. The differences found in hematology and serum chemistry between Chilean and Uruguayan populations may also be related to differences in physiological and immune status. Basophils, myelocytes, metamyelocytes, lymphocyte plasma cells, and immature or pathologic forms were not observed. No unusual values were observed for red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), and platelets. Glucose, uricemia, creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), Na, Cl, Ca, P and K levels are the first report for the species. These are the first results on the hemotology and blood chemistry of otherwise wild SAFS from Isla de Lobos, which can be used to assess the health of wild populations and during rehabilitation.

Zoonoses affect multiple host species, including bats, which are known to harbor and transmit many zoonotic pathogens. The objective of this study was to detect antibodies against to Toxoplasma gondii and Leptospira spp., as well as DNA of the respective pathogens in bats captured for for rabies diagnosis. Bats at risk, falling or roosting in unusual places, were rescued by the Environmental Health Surveillance in Botucatu, São Paulo, and sent to the Zoonosis Diagnosis Service of the São Paulo State University (UNESP), FMVZ-UNESP, Campus of Botucatu, SP to perform the diagnostic test of rabies. Serum samples from these animals were used tested for the Modified Agglutination Test (MAT-Toxo), the Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT-Lepto), while blood samples were submitted for conventional PCR. In total, nine species of bats, insectivores, and frugivores (n = 49) of the genera Artibeus, Eptesicus, Eumops, Lasiurus, Molossus, and Myotis. Among the 49 samples tested, MAT-Toxo detected Toxoplasma antibodies in seven (14.2%), while MAT-Lepto detected Leptospira antibodies in 3 (6.1%). None of the samples tested positive by PCR. The results indicate natural exposure of insectivorous bats to T. gondii and Leptospira spp. in urban areas of Brazil and the possibility of these animals acting as reservoirs and disseminating these pathogens in the environment.

Developing standardized primal, sub-primal and commercial cuts, yield standards, and nutritional value for the Caiman crocodilus are vital in the process of developing a market for the animals’ consumption. This study aims to describe the carcass characteristics and the nutritional profile of wild caught C. crocodilus found in Trinidad and Tobago. Five adult C. crocodilus specimens were captured with an average weight and length of 28.04 ± 11.06 kg, 139.40 ± 16.32 cm respectively. Through carcass fabrication, a dressing percentage of 55.38 ± 1.8% was found and five primal cuts consisting of a neck, torso/rib cage, front leg with shoulder blade, back leg, and tail were determined for this species. Further fabrication of the carcass resulted in four sub-primal cuts, a top fillet, bottom fillet, loin, and breast cut. The fabricated tail of C. crocodilus constituted 28.32 ± 4.50% of the carcass weight with the highest meat to bone ratio by cut of 6.43. The results of the proximate analysis to determine the moisture, protein, lipid, and ash content of a homogenized sample of neck and tail meat presented values of 75.31 ± 3.03, 21.36 ± 4.07, 6.00 ± 5.40, and 0.25 ± 0.03 respectively on a dry matter basis. Based on these carcass characteristics and nutritional profile, this study can be used to justify further exploration into the use of C. crocodilus as an alternative meat source.

The present investigation sought to elucidate the changes induced by Bisphenol A (BPA) on some organs, liver enzymes, lipid profiles and its amelioration by Azanza garckeana (AG) extract and melatonin. Adult New Zealand White rabbit bucks (N = 42), with average live weight of 1.2 ± 0.03 kg and aged 10–18 months were fed ad libitum on a commercial diet. They were randomly divided into seven groups of six (6) bucks each. Group A was administered distilled water (1.5 mL); group B, BPA (100 mg/kg); group C, AG (500 mg/kg); group D, melatonin (1.0 mg/kg); group E was pre-dosed for six weeks with BPA (100 mg/kg), then AG (500 mg/kg) for another six weeks; group F was pre-dosed for six weeks with BPA (100vmg/kg), then melatonin (1.0 mg/kg) for another six weeks; and group G was pre-dosed for six weeks with BPA (100 mg/kg), then AG (500 mg/kg) and melatonin(1.0 mg/kg) for another six weeks. BPA increased (p < 0.05) activities of AST (143.9 ± 25.3 U/mL), ALT (29.95 ± 4.9 U/mL), and concentrations of urea (22.72 ± 5.3 mg/dL) and creatinine (199.2 ± 17.6 U/mL) in group B compared to other groups. BPA increased (p < 0.05) concentrations of total cholesterol (27.34 ± 5.2 mmol/L), triglycerides (2.82 ± 0.5 mmol/L) and low-density lipoprotein (6.8 ± 0.4 mmol/L), but decreased in high density lipoprotein concentrations (1.95 ± 0.1 mmol/L) in group B when compared to other groups. In conclusion, AG and melatonin administration reduced the cytotoxic effects of BPA on hepatic tissue, through improving the liver and kidney function biomarkers and were confirmed by hepatic, renal, heart and lungs histopathological examinations.

Newborn calves undergoes tremendous physiological stress during the early life stage, leading to gut dysbiosis and reduced performance. Synbiotics administration has been shown to play a vital role in immunomodulation by replenishing gut microbiota, thereby conserving and protecting biological membranes against oxidative damage. This study examined the effects of synbiotic supplementation on selected antioxidant markers and immune response in Murrah buffalo calves. A total of twenty-four Murrah buffalo calves aged 5–7 d were enrolled randomly into three treatment groups based on body weight (BW) in a sixty-day feeding trial. Treatments were (1) control (CON); basal diet with no supplementation; (2) SYN1; control + synbiotic formulation 1 (200 mL fermented milk prepared from Lactobacillus acidophilus NCDC15 + 8g Cichorium intybus root powder); (3) SYN2; control + synbiotic formulation 2 (200 mL fermented milk prepared from Limosilactobacillus reuteri BFE7 + 8g Cichorium intybus root powder). Supplementation of SYN1 and SYN2 to calves significantly improved (P < 0.05) the cell-mediated immune response to phytohaemagglutinin-P (CMI; delayed type of hypersensitivity response to PHA-P). At the same time, the humoral immune response to chicken RBC (HIR; antibody titre to C-RBC) was enhanced (P < 0.05) in SYN-fed calves than in CON calves. Moreover, increased superoxide dismutase and catalase activities (P < 0.05) were observed in synbiotic-fed calves compared to CON calves. However, glutathione peroxidase activity was not influenced by SYN supplementation. Overall, the research showed that synbiotic formulations improved the immune system and antioxidant capacity of Murrah buffalo calves, making them less likely to get sick or stressed out during their early lives.

Mycoplasma capricolum subspecies capripneumoniae (Mccp) causes contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP), a serious, economically important, WOAH (World Organisation for Animal Health) listed, acute, and highly contagious respiratory disease, in goats. Despite, the presence of CCPP has been previously reported in India, the current study confirms the presence of the disease in the state of Maharashtra, India. Clinical signs like fever, lethargy, anorexia, nasal discharge, coughing and respiratory distress followed by death (within 3–7 days if illness) with varying severity and duration were recorded in the affected goats. DNA was extracted from lung tissue collected from suspected cases and PCR was performed using primers specific for 16S rRNA gene of Mycoplasma spp. The agarose gel electrophoresis of PCR product revealed the presence of bands of expected size (278 bp) indicating positive amplification. The nucleotide sequence analysis of PCR amplicons showed 100% identity with 16S rRNA gene of Mccp isolate 033C1 (Accession No. LT578418.1) and AMRC-C758 (Accession No. LT578418.1). Additionally, specific anti-mycoplasma treatment was given to ailing animals and recovery was observed. These data confirms the presence of CCPP in Maharashtra state, adding information about disease spreading in the region. Further, it warrants the need of surveillance study on CCPP to investigate risk of the disease in goat population of Maharashtra state, India.

Ferrets are an emergent companion animal species, and a possible animal model for conditions such as COVID-19 infection. As such, they are more present in veterinary practice than in the past. This study aimed at assessing how ferrets’ electrocardiographic parameters varied according to the age of the animal during isoflurane anesthesia. Eighteen ferrets, divided into three age categories (3–6 months: 7 ferrets; 32–36 months: 4 ferrets; >55 months: 7 ferrets), were included in the study. Generalized Estimation Equations, with Bonferroni corrected pairwise comparisons for age categories, were run. Most of the measured electrocardiographic parameters varied depending on age (all p < 0.05), although their trend across the three age groups was not the same for all the parameters. S wave amplitude and P wave duration varied according to sex. Findings of the present study can be useful for veterinary practitioners dealing with ferrets.

A 6 year old unsterilised male rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) was presented in emergency with respiratory distress. He has been suffering from dental disease for some years. On clinical examination, the rabbit was discordant and had expiratory dyspnoea without nasal discharge. Respiratory sounds are audible on pulmonary auscultation and he is bradycardic. Pulmonary, bronchial and/or pleural disease are sought. Chest X-rays are consistent with cardiomegaly and pulmonary oedema is suspected. Abdominal X-rays showed generalized ileus. After two hours of oxygen and diuretics, the patient's electrocardiogram showed sinus bradycardia. Echocardiography diagnosed dilated cardiomyopathy. After 48 h of intensive care, the patient was discharged on benazepril, furosemide, pimobendan, metoclopramide and feeding. In rabbits, dilated cardiomyopathy can be idiopathic, age or breed related (giant breed), infectious or toxic. A link between severe stress and catecholamine action is also described in favour of ischaemic dilated cardiomyopathy. The treatment of dilated cardiomyopathy is similar to that of domestic carnivores. However, in rabbits, the difficulty is to suspect cardiac pathology. With the thymus, interpretation of chest X- rays is not always easy. The practitioner may be assisted by measurement of blood pressure, electrocardiogram and assessment of the Buchanan index. However, echocardiography remains the preferred examination for a definite diagnosis.

Background

The scimitar-horned oryx (Oryx dammah) (SHO) is a large African antelope that became extinct in the wild just over two decades ago. Conservation of the species is of prime importance, but it might face pathogen stressors.

Methods and principal findings

Brucella melitensis biovar 1 was previously confirmed in a high-density captive population of SHO held in Abu-Dhabi emirate. The infection reached 67.0 % (95 % CI: 64.0–70.0) individual seroprevalence (n = 959) during testing performed between January 2013 and January 2015. A model based on a multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the seroprevalence ranged from 51.2 (95 % CI: 39.6–62.7) to 86.9 % (95 % CI: 82.4–91.4) between six different enclosures, and probability of being seropositive was 1.83 (95 % CI: 1.32–2.55) higher in females than in males, 3.09 (95 % CI: 1.66–5.91) and 9.35 (95 % CI: 4.66–19.44) higher in subadults and adults than in juveniles, respectively. The three serological tests used in this study (Rose Bengal Test, lateral flow assay and in-house i-ELISA) had a perfect or near-perfect agreement (Cohen’s Kappa coefficient >=0.97). Recurrent high seroprevalence in time and congruence of results from three different serological tests point toward a persistent B. melitensis infection in a high-density captive SHO population.

Conclusion and significance

Testing strategy (Bengal Test, lateral flow assay or in-house i-ELISA) has no effect on the estimation of the brucellosis seroprevalence in SHO permitting the selection of a practical test. We call for an evidence-based control program, and Brucella vaccine efficacy and innocuity studies in this endangered species.

The results of this study document the molecular detection of Theileria cervi in a symptomatic adult marsh deer Blastocerus dichotomus (Artiodactyla: Cervidae) from Argentina and characterize the phylogenetic position of the Argentinian strain. The animal was founded with signs of obnubilation, anaemia, and ataxia on Isla Talavera in the Paraná Delta, Argentina. Biochemical, haematological and post mortem histopathological studies resulted in the detection of symptoms associated with Theileria infections. Piroplasmid DNA was detected in a blood sample and the complete 18S rDNA gene sequence could be archived. Phylogenetic analyses of the obtained sequence verify the genetic relationship of the Argentinian strain with strains of T. cervi found in other deer species in North America. This result, together with reports of T. cervi detected in various deer species that inhabit countries from Canada in the North to Argentina in the Western Hemisphere, indicates that this Piroplasmorida possess a low host specificity. Although the majority of T. cervi infections results asymptomatic or in mild course of the disease, it must be considered that T. cervi is circulating in Argentinian B. dichotomus populations and can cause serve course of the disease. Therefore, further studies are needed to investigate its prevalence, distribution and veterinary impact.