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To determine the diagnostic value of fecal bacterial enteric pathogen cultures (FBEPC) as part of routine preventive medicine protocols in terrestrial mammals housed in a zoological collection, this study investigated the clinical utility of FBEPC results in context of subsequent clinical actions and how its use was rationalized after adjunct use of fecal cytology as a first-line diagnostic tool. Retrospective results (n = 692) that included a routine FBEPC panel of a commercial diagnostic laboratory, including Aeromonas, Salmonella, Campylobacter, Plesiomonas, Shigella, Yersinia, and Edwardsiella, of 417 mammals were organized into preventive (P; n = 485), diagnostic (D; n = 177), or recheck (R; n = 30) samples; for P and D samples, findings were assigned a "clinical significance factor" of 1 to 5 according to culture results and subsequent clinical actions. A score of 3 or higher indicated positive growth of potentially pathogenic bacterial organisms, of which there were 50 FBEPC (P n = 27, D n = 20, R n = 3). The difference in mean clinical significance factor for P versus D samples was significant. Aeromonas spp. were most frequently isolated (n = 32), followed by Salmonella spp. (n = 8) and Plesiomonas shigelloides (n = 8), then Campylobacter spp. (n = 5). There was no growth of Yersinia enterocolitica, Shigella spp., or Edwardsiella spp. In the absence of clinical evidence of gastrointestinal disease, treatment was initiated in only two cases with isolated Campylobacter spp. Implementation of fecal cytology as an initial step in fecal evaluation resulted in a prompt, substantial reduction in number of ordered FBEPC (mean n = 12/month before and n = 5/month after implementation). The findings in this study suggest that FBEPC for these bacterial species has limited value as a screening tool in preventive medicine protocols for the mammalian orders best represented in this study. The use of fecal cytology led to a more targeted and cost-effective use of FBEPC. Fecal cytology as an initial step in preventative and diagnostic testing protocols is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beginning 01 January 2016, for all animals transferred into the collection, Disney's Animal Kingdom used a risk-based process that relies on pathogen hazard identification and then assessment and mitigation of the risk for each identified pathogen hazard. Data on morbidity, mortality, and disease introduction was compared for birds transferred in pre– and post–risk-based processes used during the period 2013–2018. When assessing morbidity within 3 mo of acquisition, logistic regression revealed that birds entering "straight to collection" had lower morbidity rates than those entering with either "standard quarantine" or "risk-based standard quarantine" methods (P = 0.032). Mortality within 3 mo of acquisition was not significantly different between straight-to-collection and standard quarantine or risk-based standard quarantine methods (P = 0.40). In addition, no transmissible pathogens of concern were introduced with acquired birds using either method. Implementation of a risk-based approach to animal transfers between zoos and aquariums may be an alternative method that does not pose a greater risk to animal morbidity or mortality while still protecting the collection from disease introduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As modern zoos evolved from menageries, quarantine practices were developed to protect animal collections from the introduction of diseases that might arrive with new animals from wild populations and, more recently, from other managed populations. As the understanding of, and ability to diagnose, diseases grew tremendously in recent decades, quarantine protocols became more stringent and standardized as the tolerance for disease introduction decreased. These practices resulted in healthier animal collections, and the introduction of transmissible pathogens of concern became rarer. Sustainable population management in zoos has further lessened the reliance on taking animals from the wild, and the knowledge of disease risk in such situations has deepened. Today animals being transferred between modern zoological institutions have well-documented medical histories complemented with robust collection health histories. This improved understanding has reduced concerns about disease transmission in many cases. Consequently, more formal use of risk analysis to drive transfer-related examination, diagnostic testing, and quarantine decision making was adopted by a number of zoos and aquariums that have modified their quarantine practices and use risk analysis to reduce quarantine requirements, in some cases moving animals directly into collections after transportation. This commentary discusses the rationale for and changes to quarantine processes for animal acquisitions in zoos and aquariums, using risk analysis to direct decision making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wildlife health assessments at remote sites may lead to delayed testing of whole blood for complete blood counts (CBC) resulting in artifacts affecting clinical interpretation. Streck Cell Preservative (SCP) is a proprietary liquid stabilization reagent designed to preserve human leukocytes and may be applicable to wildlife health assessments when immediate processing of blood is not possible. The purpose of this study was to determine if SCP adequately preserved EDTA-anticoagulated whole blood from koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) for up to 14 days. Blood from 12 captive adult koalas was collected and combined with SCP in a 1 : 1 ratio and refrigerated. Paired samples of SCP treated and untreated blood had CBCs performed at five time-points over 14 days. Streck Cell Preservative extended koala EDTA-anticoagulated whole blood viability to 14 days by decreasing cellular lysis. Species- and method-specific reference intervals for SCP should be generated to avoid clinical misinterpretation, especially when evaluating anemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Koala retrovirus (KoRV) is a gammaretrovirus that has been identified in both captive and free-ranging koalas ( Phascolarctos cinereus) with variable geographic distribution in Australia. KoRV is capable of both exogenous and endogenous transmission, which provides an interesting research platform for scientists to study active retrovirus endogenization into a host genome and offers veterinary scientists an opportunity to examine the clinical consequences of KoRV infection in koalas. Causation between KoRV and frequently recognized clinical conditions associated with immune suppression and neoplasia in koalas has not been definitively established, however research continues to evaluate a potential association. Three KoRV variants, KoRV-A, KoRV-B, and KoRV-J, have been the most thoroughly described and preliminary evidence suggests KoRV variability may be fundamental in host pathogenicity. In addition to reviewing what is currently known about KoRV, this article discusses treatment, management, and future research directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quarantine is designed primarily to prevent the introduction of transmissible diseases to zoological collections. Improvements in preventive medicine, disease eradication, and comprehensive pathology programs call into question current industry quarantine standards. Disease risk analysis was used at the San Diego Zoo (SDZ) and the SDZ Safari Park to eliminate quarantine isolation and transmissible disease testing for animals transferred between the two institutions. To determine if a risk-based approach might be valid between other institutions and SDZ, we reviewed quarantine data for animals arriving at SDZ from 81 Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited and 124 other sources (e.g., non-AZA-accredited institutions, private breeders, private dealers, governmental bodies) over a 5-yr period (2009-2013). No mammal or herptile failed quarantine due to transmissible diseases of concern. Approximately 2.5% of incoming birds failed quarantine due to transmissible disease; however, all 14 failed individuals were obtained from three nonaccredited sources (private breeders, confiscation). The results of our study suggest that a risk-based approach could be used to minimize or eliminate quarantine for the transfer of animals from institutions with comprehensive disease surveillance programs and/or preshipment testing practices. Quarantine isolation with testing remains an essential defense against introducing transmissible diseases of concern when there is a lack of health knowledge about the animals being received. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The preshipment examination, with associated transmissible disease testing, has become standard practice in the movement of animals between zoos. An alternative disease risk-based approach, based on a comprehensive surveillance program including necropsy and preventive medicine examination testing and data, has been in practice since 2006 between the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park. A retrospective analysis, evaluating comprehensive necropsy data and preshipment testing over a 5-yr study period, was performed to determine the viability of this model for use with sending animals to other institutions. Animals (607 birds, 704 reptiles and amphibians, and 341 mammals) were shipped to 116 Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited and 29 non-AZA-accredited institutions. The evaluation showed no evidence of the specific transmissible diseases tested for during the preshipment exam being present within the San Diego Zoo collection. We suggest that a risk-based animal and institution-specific approach to transmissible disease preshipment testing is more cost effective and is in the better interest of animal welfare than the current industry standard of dogmatic preshipment testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study conducted to describe computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) for the cross-sectional imaging of the normal anatomy of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses of the koala Phascolarctos cinereus. Further the study compares the features of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses of the normal koala with those in other domestic species. The study concludes that images can be used diseased koalas to help with diagnosis and surgical intervention.

The article presents the case study of three koalas at the San Diego Zoo with moderate to severe interproximal Eucalyptus spp. retention. Study used premise trimodal composite to create dental onlay bridge-like prostheses to eliminate enlarged interproximal spaces. Study found that the prosthesis replicates normal tooth coloration and appearance and wears at a similar rate to surrounding teeth.

The article presents a study of a 42-year-old female Indian elephant suspected with esophageal obstruction. in the study, esophageal endoscopy showed a mat of plant material in the distal esophagus and material can be removed through subsequent use of custom-made instruments along with insufflation and hydropulsion.

The article offers information on a research on the gastrointestinal torsions and intussusception in the northern koala. Topics discussed include conservation and health management of Australian marsupial, diagnoses of ileocecal intussusception, and signs of colic including anorexia, lethargy and acute abdominal distension. Also mentioned are need for timely recognition and surgical correction, and postoperative management and affects of Eucalyptus species on koala.

The article focuses on a comparative health investigation program between 18 free-ranging and 22 zoo-based koalas conducted by the San Diego Zoo in California. Topics discussed include quantification of serum concentrations that revealed high quantity of calcium, chloride and molybdenum in zoo-based koalas and high quantity of magnesium, manganese and phosphorus in free-ranging koalas. It mentions the significance of study in finding correct circulating nutrient concentrations in koalas.

A case study of a 16-yr-old, male red spitting cobra with caudal coelomic swelling is presented. The snake was restrained inside a clear plastic tube to collect its blood from the ventral coccygeal vein for several tests including white blood cell count (WBC). Plain radiograph revealed the presence of soft tissue masses in the caudal coelom of cobras. Surgery was performed and the snake was recovered.

The article presents as case study related to levels of vitamin D in Koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus). It states that koalas tend to develop metabolic bone disease due to a lack of exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation becasue of harsh climatic conditions in Northern America and Europe. Infotrmation on detecting level of vitamin D values by using serum collected from 20 free-ranging koalas on St. Bees Island, Queensland, Australia is presented.

The article focuses on a study that discusses the incidence of metabolic bone disease (MBD) in Phascolarctos cinereus. It states that due to the climatic restrictions in North America and Europe, young Koalas are susceptible to the development of metabolic bone disease due to a lack of exposure to natural ultraviolet light (UV). The study reveals that all koalas that were considered for the evaluation of MBD have mild to severe hip and shoulder dysplasia and it also reveals the relationship between the exposure to UV light and MBD development.

The article presents information on a study related to the preshipment testing which is performed to ensure that only healthy animals are subjected to the stress of the translocation process, as well as to reduce the risk that the receiving institution introduces disease into the existing animal population. It informs that under the study a three year old Koala was diagnosed with a nasal sinus granuloma caused by Cryptococcus gattii after a pre-shipment was used a subject. It further informs that majority of preshipment examinations produce negative or normal results.

The article presents information on a study related to the removal of the nasal mass in koala, which is a very challenging to diagnose and treat. It informs that the diagnoses for nasal masses in the koala are cryptococcal granulomas, nasal polyps, nasal adenocarcinoma, and osteochondromatosis and requires photodocumentation and description of the anatomy of the koala nasal passages. It further informs that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) could be used in the treatment of the animal.

The article presents a study which examines the megaesophagus disease in parma wallabies (Macropus parma) at the San Diego Zoo in San Diego, California. The study performs prospective and retrospective study using institutional survey, blood samples, and aerobic bacterial culture and cytology to determine the cause and prevalence of megaesophagus in parma wallabies. Results show that clinical signs of the disease include weight loss, swelling of the cervical region, and short flight distance. Moreover, the cause of megaesophagus in parma wallabies is not identified.

The article analyzes the protein electrophoresis (EPH) values for free-ranging and zoo-based koalas. The EPH is considered important as adjunct tool in veterinary medicine for general health and monitoring of the species. Both groups of koalas are found to differ in total protein, albumin, and albumin-globulin (A-G) ratio and moderate-to-marked differences are also noted which are attributed to liver, kidney, or gastrointestinal disease. It is considered that the difference in A-G ratio is due to the infectious stimuli found in the wild and zoo environments.

The article examines the cause of megaesophagus in the parma wallaby, Macropus parma, at the San Diego Zoo in California. It involves restrospective and prospective studies at the zoo and a multi-institutional survey in the U.S. An etiology of the disease is not identified through the restrospective study and the presence of the disease and severely delayed esophageal transit time are detected in the animals through the prospective study. The assumed causes of megaesophagus such as myasthenia gravis, lead toxicosis, and toxoplasmosis are eliminated.

The article presents a case study of a 46-year-old female orangutan (Pongo abelli) diagnosed with pericardial effusion in July 2006. She was performed with pericardiocentesis to give short-term relief in January 2007. A transabdominal subxiphoid percardiostomy technique was used to create a pericardialperitoneal window to give her immediate and long-term relief in May 2007. The orangutan died due to heart failure after seven months and pericardial effusion was absent.

The article presents a study which was aimed at determining the extent of shoulder dysplasia in koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) in the San Diego Zoo in San Diego, California. The retrospective study involves the examination of all archived radiographs of koalas while the prospective study involves the obtainment of shoulder radiographs of the current koala collection at the zoo. The study concludes that shoulder dysplasia is common in koalas at the San Diego Zoo and most of them do not have clinical signs.

The article explores the condition of a 16-year-old male koala with nonspecific signs of illness and weight loss. The animal was euthanized after its health declined despite two months of diagnostics and supportive care. It was found through histopathologic examination that lesions containing fungal organisms in the koala are consistent with coccidioidomycosis in the lung, liver, and spleen. The animal was noted to be seronegative for immunoglobulin M (IgM) and Ig G (IgG) for Coccidioides spp. before euthanasia.

The article looks at the application of a preventive medicine program in the detection and removal of a subclinical thymoma in an African spot-necked otter. It notes that the otter was presented for preventive medicine due to the presence of clumps of epithelioid cells which was consistent with a diagnosis of a benign thymoma. Details related to the procedures of the surgery to remove the cranial thoracic mass by thoracotomy via a cranial sternotomy are presented. The authors also believe that the thymoma or thymic lymphona was attributed to historic eosinophilia caused by paraneoplastic syndrome. It also emphasizes that the success of the case reflects the effectiveness of a preventive medicine program in the advanced detection and efficient resolution of clinical problems.