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A 30-year-old free-ranging female mountain gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei) developed a perioral mass that was surgically debulked and diagnosed as malignant melanoma. After tumor recurrence, a canine melanoma vaccine was administered. However, the gorilla died shortly thereafter, and metastases to lymph nodes, lung, liver, and kidney were found post-mortem.

Takin (Budorcus taxicolor) are classified as "Vulnerable" on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature Red List. Thus, ex situ conservation efforts provide assurance populations for future survival of this species. The objective of this study was to identify common causes of morbidity and mortality in takin populations in human care. Twenty North American institutions that housed takin from 1997 to 2017 completed a survey requesting medical and husbandry data. Data were examined broadly, by sex and age groups. There were 206 morbidity events (male = 133; female = 73) submitted across 102 takin (male = 62; female = 40). The most common causes of morbidity were infectious or inflammatory diseases (50%; 104/206), degenerative diseases (22%; 46/206), and traumatic events (17%; 34/206). Necropsy reports were provided for 42 takin that died during the study period. The most common causes of mortality were infectious or inflammatory diseases (26%; 11/42), traumatic events (24%; 10/42), and degenerative disease (12%; 5/42). Sixty-two percent of infectious or inflammatory diseases causing morbidity were associated with endoparasites (64/104). Degenerative joint diseases more commonly affected males (78%; 36/46) as well as forelimbs (48%; 22/46) when compared to hindlimbs (30%; 14/46) and unspecified limbs (22%; 10/46). The prevalence of trauma as a cause of morbidity and mortality was higher in neonate and juvenile takin groups combined (morbidity = 19%; mortality = 50%) as compared to adult and senior takin groups combined (morbidity = 15%; mortality = 11%). Older takin were euthanatized more often (57%; 16/28) than younger takin (29%; 4/14). Correlations between husbandry and health were difficult as a result of the inherent limitations of the survey. These data will inform takin-holding zoologic institutions and contribute to the successful management of takin in human care.

Variation in spatial and temporal distribution of resources drives animal movement patterns. Links between ecology and behavior are particularly salient for the multilevel society of hamadryas baboons, in which social units cleave and coalesce over time in response to ecological factors. Here, we used data from GPS collars to estimate home range size and assess temporal patterns of sleeping site use in a band of hamadryas baboons in Awash National Park, Ethiopia. We used GPS data derived from 2 to 3 collared baboons over three 8–12‐month collaring intervals to estimate annual and monthly home ranges using kernel density estimators (KDEs) and minimum convex polygons (MCPs). The 95% KDE home range was 64.11 km2 for Collaring Interval I (July 2015–March 2016), 85.52 km2 for Collaring Interval II (October 2016–October 2017), 76.43 km2 for Collaring Interval III (July 2018–May 2019), and 75.25 km2 across all three collaring intervals. MCP home ranges were 103.46 km2 for Collaring Interval I, 97.90 km2 for Collaring Interval II, 105.22 km2 for Collaring Interval III, and 129.33 km2 overall. Ninety‐five percent KDE home range sizes did not differ across months, nor correlate with temperature or precipitation, but monthly MCP home ranges increased with monthly precipitation. Our data also revealed a southward home range shift over time and seven previously unknown sleeping sites, three of which were used more often during the wet season. Band cohesion was highest during dry months and lowest during wet months, with fissioning occurring more frequently at higher temperatures. One pair of collared individuals from Collaring Interval III spent 95% of nights together, suggesting they were members of the same clan. Our results both suggest that previous studies have underestimated the home range size of hamadryas baboons and highlight the benefits of remote data collection., Hamadryas baboon (Papio hamadryas) sleeping sites (a) and 95% and 50% KDE home range estimates (b–d) over three collaring intervals in Awash National Park, Ethiopia., Research Highlights The home range of a band of hamadryas baboons was over 75 km2 using 95% KDE method and over 129 km2 using MCP.During wet months, the band fissioned more and spent more nights at southerly cliffs.The band's home range shifted southward over time.

Between December 2002 and September 2017, 125 anesthetic procedures involving free-living and orphaned captive mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) were performed in the Virunga Massif and Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in East-Central Africa. Of these 125 immobilizations, 114 records were complete enough for inclusion into this study. Anesthetic and physiologic data from these 114 cases were analyzed, of which 57 used medetomidine–ketamine and 57 used dexmedetomidine–ketamine administered intramuscularly. With the use of estimated weights, the mean induction dosage (mg/kg ± SD) for medetomidine was 0.033 ± 0.003 (n = 42), for dexmedetomidine 0.018 ± 0.005 (n = 53), and for ketamine 3.66 ± 0.95 (n = 95). Mean time from injection of induction dose to recumbency was 6.8 ± 3.1 min (n = 74). Atipamezole was administered intramuscularly to reverse anesthesia. First signs of recovery occurred at 5.0 ± 4.0 min, and full recovery was 19.0 ± 17.0 min after administration of the reversal agent. No significant differences in physiologic parameters or anesthetic time variables were noted between healthy and unhealthy individuals. Mean heart rate was 72.0 ± 17.6 beats/min (n = 83) and mean oxygen saturation was 96.5% ± 4.2 (n = 62). Mean respiratory rate was 27 ± 9 breaths/min (n = 84) and mean body temperature 36.6°C ± 1.2 (n = 61). The current protocol has several advantages for field use in this species given its quick induction, few observed side effects, and ability to reverse so that the animal can return more quickly to its social group.

The effects of COVID-19 have gone undocumented in nomadic pastoralist communities across Africa, which are largely invisible to health surveillance systems despite the fact that they are of key significance in the setting of emerging infectious disease. We expose these landscapes as a “blind spot” in global health surveillance, elaborate on the ways in which current health surveillance infrastructure is ill-equipped to capture pastoralist populations and the animals with which they coexist, and highlight the consequential risks of inadequate surveillance among pastoralists and their livestock to global health. As a platform for further dialogue, we present concrete solutions to address this gap.

Long-term studies of morbidity and mortality in free-ranging primates are scarce, but may have important implications for the conservation of extant populations. Infants comprise a particularly important age group, as variation in survival rates may have a strong influence on population dynamics. Since 1968, the Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project (MGVP, Inc.) and government partners have conducted a comprehensive health monitoring and disease investigation program on mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei) in Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In an effort to better understand diseases in this species, we reviewed reliable field reports (n = 37), gross post-mortem (n = 66), and histopathology (n = 53) reports for 103 infants (less than 3.5 years) mountain gorillas in the Virunga Massif. Our aim was to conduct the first comprehensive analysis of causes of infant mortality and to correlate histological evidence with antemortem morbidity in infant mountain gorillas. Causes of morbidity and mortality were described, and compared by age, sex, and over time. Trauma was the most common cause of death in infants (56%), followed by respiratory infections and aspiration (13%). Gastrointestinal parasitism (33%), atypical lymphoid hyperplasia (suggestive of infectious disease) (31%), and hepatic capillariasis (25%) were the most significant causes of antemortem morbidity identified post-mortem. Identifying the causes of mortality and morbidity in infants of this critically endangered species will help to inform policy aimed at their protection and guide ante- and post-mortem health monitoring and clinical decision-making in the future.

Thirteen pronghorn antelope (Antilocapra americana) from a single captive herd at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium underwent complete or partial necropsies between 1997 and 2016. Ten of the 13 animals had histologic evidence of amyloidosis resulting in a 77% prevalence. Histologic and ultrastructural changes were characterized in an attempt to determine the underlying cause of the amyloid. Amyloid detection was performed through histologic examination of hemotoxylin and eosin and Congo red–stained microscopic slides for all 13 animals. Transmission electron microscopy and mass spectrometry was performed on renal tissue from two animals. Pedigree analysis and retrospective investigation into the clinical histories was performed. Histologically, 9/10 animals had amyloid present in the kidneys, 8/10 in the liver, 9/10 in the spleen, 4/10 in the gastrointestinal tract, 3/10 in the adrenal glands, and 2/10 in the thyroid glands. Transmission electron microscopy demonstrated glomerular deposits consistent with amyloid. Mass spectrometry performed on renal specimens from two animals revealed the presence of serum amyloid A. Eight of the 10 animals diagnosed with systemic amyloidosis had a clinical history of haemonchosis (elevated fecal strongyle count), 5/10 were diagnosed with pneumonia postmortem, and 7/10 had postmortem findings consistent with negative energy balance. Serum amyloid A, and β and γ globulin levels were evaluated in four cases of amyloidosis, and all were within normal ranges for healthy domestic cattle. It was possible that the herd's amyloidosis was associated with a hereditary defect that could be exacerbated by chronic inflammation. However, there was no significant association between the mean degree of relatedness and presence of amyloidosis. In conclusion, systemic amyloidosis in this captive population of pronghorn is common. It is likely reactive and secondary to underlying chronic inflammation caused by haemonchosis and/or pneumonia.

Objective— To report successful femoral fracture repair in a polar bear. Study Design— Case report. Animals— Female polar bear (Ursus maritimus) 5 years and ∼250 kg. Methods— A closed, complete, comminuted fracture of the distal midshaft femur was successfully reduced and stabilized using a compression plating technique with 2 specialized human femur plates offering axial, rotational, and bending support, and allowing the bone to share loads with the implant. Postoperative radiographs were obtained at 11.5 weeks, 11 months, and 24 months. Results— Bone healing characterized by marked periosteal reaction was evident at 11 months with extensive remodeling evident at 24 months. No complications were noted. Conclusions— Distal mid shaft femoral fracture was reduced, stabilized, and healed in an adult polar bear with a locking plate technique using 2 plates. Clinical Relevance— Previously, femoral fractures in polar bears were considered irreparable. Use of 2 plates applied with a locking plate technique can result in successful fracture repair despite large body weight and inability to restrict postoperative activity.

Cervical subluxation and compressive myelopathy appears to be a cause of morbidity and mortality in captive Komodo dragons (Varanus komodoensis). Four cases of cervical subluxation resulting in nerve root compression or spinal cord compression were identified. Three were presumptively induced by trauma, and one had an unknown inciting cause. Two dragons exhibited signs of chronic instability. Cervical vertebrae affected included C1-C4. Clinical signs on presentation included ataxia, ambulatory paraparesis or tetraparesis to tetraplegia, depression to stupor, cervical scoliosis, and anorexia. Antemortem diagnosis of compression was only confirmed with magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography. Treatment ranged from supportive care to attempted surgical decompression. All dragons died or were euthanatized, at 4 days to 12 mo postpresentation. Studies to define normal vertebral anatomy in the species are necessary to determine whether the pathology is linked to cervical malformation, resulting in ligament laxity, subsequent instability, and subluxation.

A 16-yr-old, castrated male lion-tailed macaque (Macaca silenus) presented with acute bilateral pelvic limb paralysis. Cisternal and lumbar myelograms demonstrated right-sided spinal cord compression at T13-L1. During an extradural hemilaminectomy, chronically ruptured disk material was removed at T13-L1, with moderate venous dilatation observed cranially. The macaque fully recovered from clinical signs within 2 mo.

Two alpha2-adrenoceptor agents, xylazine and medetomidine, in combination with midazolam and ketamine safely and effectively immobilized Siberian tigers (Panthera tigris altaica). The medetomidine protocol used smaller drug volumes, and induction and recovery times were shorter. Although cardiopulmonary abnormalities were noted, none were likely to be life threatening.

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)-positive and FIV-negative cats ( n = 4/group) received 2 × 10 6 CFU Mycobacterium tuberculosis Δ lysA Δ panCD intramuscularly. Vaccination elicited antibody responses, albeit at lower levels in FIV-positive cats than in FIV-negative cats. Delayed-type hypersensitivity responses were minimal in both groups. No adverse reactions were found.

Background Diabetes is associated with increased risk of mortality as a consequence of acute myocardial infarction. This study determined whether rosiglitazone (ROSI) could reduce myocardial infarction after ischemia/reperfusion injury. Methods and Results Male Lewis rats were anesthetized, and the left anterior descending coronary artery was ligated for 30 minutes. After reperfusion for 24 hours, the ischemic and infarct sizes were determined. ROSI at 1 and 3 mg/kg IV reduced infarct size by 30% and 37%, respectively ( P −1 · d −1 PO) for 7 days also reduced infarct size by 24% ( P P Conclusions ROSI reduced myocardial infarction and improved contractile dysfunction caused by ischemia/reperfusion injury. The cardioprotective effect of ROSI was most likely due to inhibition of the inflammatory response.