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Whether harmonious or tense over time, the ways in which encounters with wild animals are narrated reflect perspectives on nature and human interaction with it. In this regard, the article reveals documents recorded by the author during fieldworks conducted among Carpathian shepherds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The trafficking of wild animals is one of the biggest causes of loss of biodiversity in the world. This descriptive article, using the hypothetical-deductive method, identified the regulations on the subject and the socioeconomic characteristics of wild animal traders in the state of São Paulo in 2018 and 2019. After analyzing 5,005 cases, the traders were identified as male, white, married, native, aged between fifty and 59 years old, with adequate income to pay the fine, with complete elementary education and educated, which opposes empirical findings present in the world literature, enabling the break of consolidated paradigms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation describes the main characteristics of chucha, fara or opossum (Didelphis marsupialis) that should be considered for the establishment of its captive breeding in Colombia as an effective tool for the preservation of the species within the framework of systems of rational use of its products. For its development analytical and comparative methods of relevant scientific and normative information were used, regarding the use of the species in an international and national context. The most significant results are developed around the great variety of reported uses, from environmental to research, religious and food, the broad national regulations clearly established for the development of captive breeding systems, and the few technical requirements established for this end. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista U.D.C.A Actualidad & Divulgación Científica is the property of Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas y Ambientales U.D.C.A and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista de Silvicultură şi Cinegetică is the property of Societatea Progresul Silvic / Forest Progress Society and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Caldasia is the property of Universidad Nacional de Colombia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract A central challenge in understanding the evolution of cognition is the ability to compare a set of species differing in a trait of interest while being ecologically and phylogenetically close. Here, we examine whether differences in bower‐building flexibility are related to differences in cognitive flexibility between two Tanganyikan cichlids. Cognitive flexibility enables animals to modify their decision rules when faced with new situations, and inhibitory control, the ability to inhibit a normally favoured response, is an essential component of this capacity. We tested male Aulonocranus dewindti and Cyathopharynx furcifer in a choice‐against‐preference paradigm. Both species clean their bowers of foreign objects and we found that both preferred to remove a snail shell over a stone. We tested their ability to modify this preference and learned to preferably select the stone instead of the shell. Although neither species showed clear learning of the new preference rule, both demonstrated inhibitory control through increased decision times and manipulations of the objects when selecting the stone. Specifically, A. dewindti, the species exhibiting greater behavioural flexibility in the construction of their bowers, selected the stone in fewer trials than C. furcifer, providing support for a link between behavioural flexibility in bower construction and cognitive flexibility.

The increasing frequency of zoonotic spillover events and viral mutations in low and middle-income countries presents a critical global health challenge. Contributing factors encompass cultural practices like bushmeat consumption, wildlife trade for traditional medicine, habitat disruption, and the encroachment of impoverished settlements onto natural habitats. The existing “vaccine gap” in many developing countries exacerbates the situation by allowing unchecked viral replication and the emergence of novel mutant viruses. Despite global health policies addressing the root causes of zoonotic disease emergence, there is a significant absence of concrete prevention-oriented initiatives, posing a potential risk to vulnerable populations. This article is targeted at policymakers, public health professionals, researchers, and global health stakeholders, particularly those engaged in zoonotic disease prevention and control in low and middle-income countries. The article underscores the importance of assessing potential zoonotic diseases at the animal-human interface and comprehending historical factors contributing to spillover events. To bridge policy gaps, comprehensive strategies are proposed that include education, collaborations, specialized task forces, environmental sampling, and the establishment of integrated diagnostic laboratories. These strategies advocate simplicity and unity, breaking down barriers, and placing humanity at the forefront of addressing global health challenges. Such a strategic and mental shift is crucial for constructing a more resilient and equitable world in the face of emerging zoonotic threats.

Four species of dominant wild animals, namely, Prionailurus bengalensis euptilurus, Nyctereutes procyonoides koreensis, Hydropotes inermis argyropus, and Sus scrofa coreanus, are hosts of potential infectious agents, including helminths and protozoa. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze the infectious agents present in these wild animals to monitor and control the spread of pathogens. In the present study, fecal samples from 51 wild animals were collected from the mountains of Yangpyeong, Hoengseong, and Cheongyang in South Korea and metabarcoding of the V9 region of the 18S rRNA gene was performed to identify various parasite species that infect these wild animals. Genes from nematodes, such as Metastrongylus sp., Strongyloides spp., Ancylostoma sp., and Toxocara sp., were detected in the fecal samples from wild animals. In addition, platyhelminthes, including Spirometra sp., Echinostomatidae gen. sp., Alaria sp., Neodiplostomum sp., and Clonorchis sp., and protozoa, including Entamoeba sp., Blastocystis sp., Isospora sp., Tritrichomonas sp., Pentatrichomonas sp., and Cryptosporidium sp., were detected. In the present study, various parasites infecting wild animals were successfully identified using metabarcoding. Our technique may play a crucial role in monitoring parasites within wild animals, especially those causing zoonoses.

This study examines social media users' views on Indonesian Muslim celebrities' who use wild animal materials in fashion. Using a descriptive qualitative method, the researcher utilized Teun van Dijk's critical discourse analysis, which consists of three levels: text level (microstructure), social cognition (superstructure), and social context (macrostructure). The subject of this research was Instagram accounts and YouTube videos of Angel Lelga, Ola Ramlan, and Syahrini wearing wild-animal fashion items. The results found that in the microstructure level, the comments' word choices, emphasis, and details represent commenters' background, intention, and presumption, mostly influenced by halal-lifestyle. In the superstructure level, it can be concluded that most netizens do not understand animal welfare issues sufficiently. Meanwhile, in the macrostructure, the researcher underlines the notion of power and access, which enables Indonesian Muslims to create a discourse on the halal lifestyle without concerning animal welfare. However, the awareness of animal welfare is also noteworthy, although not significant.

Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and Blastocystis are significant causes of diarrhea worldwide. However, studies on their prevalence in wild animals are limited, compared to humans and domestic animals. In this study, we collected 23 stool samples from captive wild rescued animals in Boyacá, Colombia. Using conventional PCR, we detected Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia spp., and Blastocystis in over half of the samples (69.6%). Cryptosporidium spp. (43.5%) were the most commonly found, followed by Giardia spp. (39.1%) and Blastocystis (13.0%). Co-infections involving these parasites were also observed. Subsequent genotyping revealed Cryptosporidium canis and Cryptosporidium ryanae as the predominant species. These findings contribute valuable information about the ecoepidemiology of intestinal parasites in Colombian wild animals.

ABSTRACTThe lumbar nerve distribution can differ depending on vertebral count variations among individuals of the same species. The variation in the lumbar vertebra formula and the lumbar nerve distribution in twenty adult common opossums (eight female and twelve males) was studied. Radiographs were taken to confirm vertebral identification and count. Two vertebral patterns were recognized: three specimens presented five lumbar vertebrae (5VP) and seventeen individuals presented six lumbar vertebrae (6VP). All the 6VP specimens had the same innervation pattern; however, the 5PV had three different innervation patterns (5PVa, 5VPB, and 5PVc). 5VPa and 6VP differed only in the origin of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (L2-L3 and L3, respectively). The differences among 5PVa, 5PVb, and 5VPc were seen in the iliohypogastric nerve, which was formed by L1 in 5VPa and 5VPb, and T13 in 5VPc. The ilioinguinal nerve was formed by L1-L2 in 5VPa and 5VPb, while it was formed by T13-L1 in 5VPc. The genitofemoral nerve was formed by L2-L3 in 5VPa, L2 in 5VPb, and L1-L2 in 5VPc. The cutaneous femoris lateralis was formed by L2-L3 in 5VPa and 5VPc, while it is formed only by L2 in 5VPb. The femoral and obturator nerves were formed by L3-L4 in 5VPa, and L2-L3 in 5VPb and 5VPc. The lumbosacral trunk originated from L4-L5-S1 in 5VP and L5-L6-S1 in 6VP. The data provided in this study may help understand the relationship between the spine and lumbosacral plexus variations and may find application in veterinary spine surgery.

Wild animals play an important role as amplifiers and/or reservoir hosts in the ecology of many ticks and tick-borne pathogens affecting livestock and humans. In this study, which was carried out in the Hatay province, the southernmost region of Anatolia, a total of 362 (210♀, 146 ♂, 6N) tick specimens were collected from 18 wild animals from 7 species, including white stork (Ciconia ciconia) (n = 1), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) (n = 5), badger (Meles meles) (n = 2), jackal (Canis aureus) (n = 3), red fox (Vulpes vulpes) (n = 5), hare (Lepus europaeus) (n = 1), and wild goat (Capra aegagrus) (n = 1), which were obtained between 2014 and 2022. The collected ticks were identified according to morphological criteria at the level of species as Amblyomma lepidum, Dermacentor marginatus, Haemaphysalis erinacei, Haemaphysalis inermis, Haemaphysalis kopetdaghica, Ixodes gibbosus, Ixodes kaiseri, Ixodes ricinus, Rhipicephalus kohlsi, Rhipicephalus rossicus, and Rhipicephalus turanicus. With this study, A. lepidum was reported for the first time in Türkiye, while R. rossicus detected in roe deer was reported for the first time in wild animals, and the lesser-known/rare tick H. kopetdaghica was reported for the second time in wild goats where it was previously reported.

Prions cause infectious and fatal neurodegenerative diseases in mammals. Chronic wasting disease (CWD) affects wild and farmed cervids. The increasing number of cases in Europe, the resistance of prions to external conditions, and the persistence period threaten not only wild cervid populations but also the economy. The possible zoonotic potential of CWD is of growing concern. CWD is a relevant issue as far as the idea of “one health” is concerned, which is a fundamental principle of European veterinary law. Methods of legal text analysis and interpretation are used for this comparative legal study. Research reveals that countries struggling to tackle CWD employ different normative approaches to the problem and use different control and eradication schemes. The results of this study indicate that it is reasonable to issue uniform regulations in the European Union at the common, rather than national, level. The European legislation should creatively draw on the experience of North American countries that have been struggling with the discussed disease for a long time.

Turkiye is a natural land bridge connecting Europe and Asia, and has a rich terrestrial mammalian fauna, with more than 150 species within the seven orders. However, there is limited information on ectoparasites of wild animals, especially carnivores, in Turkiye. In the present study, we provide the first data of ectoparasites of Turkish stone marten, Martes foina (Erxleben). A total of 38 ectoparasite specimens were collected from two road-killed stone martens in two different localities in Tokat province. Here, the presence of the genus Stachiella Keler (Insecta: Phthiraptera) in Turkiye was reported for the first time, based on two specimens (1 male and 1 nymph) of Stachiella retusa (Burmeister). In addition, three flea (Insecta: Siphonaptera), namely Monopsyllus sciurorum sciurorum (Schrank) (1 male), Pulex irritans L. (1 female), Chaetopsylla rothschildi Kohaut (3 males, 8 females) and two tick (Acari: Ixodida) species, namely Haemaphysalis erinacei Pavesi (18 males, 4 females), Ixodes redikorzevi Olenev (1 female) were collected from stone martens. All ectoparasitic species are new host-associations for stone marten, M. foina, in Turkiye.

Zoonotic leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by pathogenic Leptospira bacteria that can be transmitted from animals to humans. Animals, especially wild and domestic mammals, are reservoir hosts that carry and excrete the bacteria in their urine. A retrospective analysis of the incidence of leptospirosis in animals and humans in Ukraine from 2003 to 2022 was conducted based on reports from regional state laboratories of veterinary medicine and the Center for Public Health. GIS mapping was used to analyze and visualize the data. The incidence and prevalence of leptospirosis among different animal species, including farm, domestic and wild animals, were analyzed. These studies included a retrospective analysis of blood serum samples from different animal species for leptospirosis and analysis of the results to determine the level of seropositivity. The study analyzed a total of 6,543,934 samples, with an overall seropositivity rate of 3.3%. Among cattle, 4.1% of the samples were positive. For pigs, 2.1% were positive. Horses had a seropositivity rate of 7.9%, while dogs and cats had seropositivity rates of 17.5% and 13.1% respectively. Wild boars showed a positivity rate of 2.2%. The number of seropositive animals of different species in Ukraine showed different dynamics from 2003 to 2022. The highest number of positive cases was found among cattle, pigs and horses. However, the number of positive cases decreased significantly after 2015, which coincides with a significant reduction in the number of farm animals. Trends of increasing seropositivity among dogs and cats in the period 2007–2015 indicate that these species are also active carriers of Leptospira, as are the leading agricultural species. Wildlife species with stable seropositivity serve as both sources and reservoirs of Leptospira. Wild pigs are becoming the main bacterial carriers in all regions of Ukraine. There is a marked disproportion between the number of positive cases among farm animals and wildlife, indicating that seropositivity in these populations exists largely autonomously. A total of 7,937 people were infected in Ukraine between 2003 and 2022. Certain regions, such as Lviv, Kherson, Kyiv, Mykolaiv, and Vinnytsia, account for a larger share of the total number of cases, ranging from 4.8% to 7.3%. The incidence of human leptospirosis has fluctuated over the years, peaking at 473 cases in 2014, followed by a decline: 301 cases in 2015, 323 cases in 2016 and 330 cases in 2017, and in subsequent years the number of cases remained relatively stable, ranging from 142 to 295 cases per year. The study emphasizes the need to improve preventive measures and raise public awareness of the disease, especially in rural areas. It is important to adopt a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach involving collaboration between veterinary medicine, public health and environmental authorities to better understand and address the complexities of leptospirosis transmission and reduce its impact on animal and human health.

Abstract Background Human societies have food taboos as social rules that restrict access to a particular animal. Taboos are pointed out as tools for the conservation of animals, considering that the presence of this social rule prevents the consumption of animals. This work consists of a systematic review that aimed to verify how food taboos vary between different animal species, and how this relationship has influenced their conservation. Methods For this systematic review, the search for articles by keywords took place in the databases “Science Direct,” Scopus,” “SciELo” and “Web of Science,” associating the term “taboo” with the taxa “amphibians,” “birds,” “mammals,” “fish” and “reptiles.” From this search, 3959 titles were found related to the key terms of the research. After the entire screening process carried out by paired reviewers, only 25 articles were included in the search. Results It was identified that 100 species of animals are related to some type of taboo, and segmental taboos and specific taboos were predominant, with 93 and 31 citations, respectively. In addition, the taxon with the most taboos recorded was fish, followed by mammals. Our findings indicate that the taboo protects 99% of the animal species mentioned, being a crucial tool for the conservation of these species. Conclusions The present study covered the status of current knowledge about food taboos associated with wildlife in the world. It is noticeable that taboos have a considerable effect on animal conservation, as the social restrictions imposed by taboos effectively contribute to the local conservation of species.

The exploration of hunting tourism reveals its multifaceted benefits, encompassing nature preservation and tourism expansion. This study delves into the dynamics and prospective trends within hunting tourism, specifically in Prlekija's administrative unit of Gornja Radgona, Slovenia. It commences with a comprehensive international comparative analysis, followed by insightful semi-structured interviews involving key stakeholders within the destination. Hunting tourism emerges as a pivotal facet of tourism within this locale, exhibiting substantial potential for further growth, particularly in terms of diversification, regional integration, and synergy with other tourism offerings. However, it's imperative to address the adverse impacts of hunting tourism on biodiversity. As a counterbalance, the study underscores the increasing global emphasis on sustainable variants of hunting tourism, such as wildlife photography, fostering a more conscientious approach to animal tourism practices.

ABSTRACT: Clostridioides difficile is a strictly anaerobic, spore-forming Gram-positive bacterium associated with diarrhea, known as C. difficile infection (CDI). In domestic animals, C. difficile is considered an important pathogen mostly in pigs and horses, but there are also reports in other domestic species. In wild animals, the epidemiology of C. difficile is largely unknown, and the role of the bacterium as a cause of diarrhea is unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of C. difficile in the feces of wild animals referred to the Center of Medicine and Research in Wild Animals (CEMPAS). Fecal samples obtained from 100 animals of 34 different species were subjected to qPCR for the detection of the C. difficile 16S rRNA gene and two major toxin genes (tcdA and tcdB) and to anaerobic bacterial isolation. A total of 63 animals (63%) were positive for C. difficile by qPCR, and 16 isolates were recovered. The opossum (Didelphis spp.) had the highest number of positive animals in both tests (from 21 samples, 19 were qPCR positive, and four isolates were recovered). Three toxigenic strains (RT 002, 004, and 014), all previously described as infecting humans and animals, were isolated in the following species: bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps), pampas fox (Lycalopex vetulus), and marmoset (Callithrix sp.). The presence of C. difficile in the feces of wild animals highlights the importance of wildlife as potential carriers of infection for production animals or humans.

Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) is the aetiological agent of paratuberculosis (Johne’s disease) in both domestic and wild ruminants. In the present study, using a whole-genome sequence (WGS) approach, we investigated the genetic diversity of 15 Mycobacterium avium field strains isolated in the last 10 years from red deer inhabiting the Stelvio National Park and affected by paratuberculosis. Combining de novo assembly and a reference-based method, followed by a pangenome analysis, we highlight a very close relationship among 13 MAP field isolates, suggesting that a single infecting event occurred in this population. Moreover, two isolates have been classified as Mycobacterium avium subsp. hominissuis, distinct from the other MAPs under comparison but close to each other. This is the first time that this subspecies has been found in Italy in samples without evident epidemiological correlations, having been isolated in two different locations of the Stelvio National Park and in different years. Our study highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach incorporating molecular epidemiology and ecology into traditional infectious disease knowledge in order to investigate the nature of infectious disease in wildlife populations.

While research on the parasitic fauna of wildlife in Greece is currently limited, conducted studies have provided valuable insights into the prevalence of parasitic infections in wild carnivores, omnivores, and herbivores. This review consolidates the existing data on the endoparasites detected in wild animals in Greece, specifically focusing on those that pose established or potential zoonotic risks. Over the last 60 years, various parasite species such as Leishmania infantum, Cryptosporidium spp., Toxoplasma gondii, Sarcocystis spp., Toxocara canis, Ancylostoma caninum, Capillaria spp., Baylisascaris spp., Trichinella spp., Thelazia callipaeda, Dirofilaria immitis, Echinococcus granulosus, Mesocestoides sp., Taenia spp., Alaria alata, and Dicrocoelium dendriticum have been identified in wildlife in Greece. These findings have become increasingly relevant due to the growing interaction between humans and wild animals, which now extends to urban environments, as well as the increased contact between wild and domestic animals. This is further complicated by the geographical expansion of vector-borne diseases due to global warming and the increased movements of humans and animals. Surveillance and monitoring of parasitic infections in Greek wildlife is warranted, and it should be based on interdisciplinary investigations considering the interconnectedness of human, wild, and domestic animals, as well as environmental health, in line with the One Health approach.

Abstract—It is generally recognized that environmental pollution with agrotechnical substances is a major problem for the conservation of biological diversity and human food security. However, their use cannot be completely excluded. Of particular importance are modern rodenticides, i.e., superwarfarins, designed to reduce the numbers of rodents damaging agriculture, i.e., to destroy animals. However, these poisons are highly toxic and are passed up the food chain. Furthermore, it is impossible to draw a line between agrocenoses in their classical sense and the natural or slightly modified environment. The absence of clear physical boundaries of agrocenoses means that the processes occurring therein affect the biological diversity of adjacent territories, which are considered natural. Animals use both fields and the spaces adjacent to them. In addition, there is water exchange between cultivated fields and adjacent natural areas and reservoirs. Modern changes in the structure of agrocenoses increase the segment of fields on which rodenticides are used. The plowing of ravines, riversides, and other inconvenient lands (due to the improved quality of equipment) facilitates the ingress of rodenticides into water bodies. Data on the consequences of the use of superwarfarins in some anthropogenic biocenoses of the southern regions of the Russian Federation are presented. Facts of mass destruction of consumers of the 1st and 2nd order (so-called nontarget species), directly related to rodenticide use, are given. Complex pathomorphological and toxicological studies of animals that died in nature were carried out for the first time in the Russian Federation. The presence of bromadiolone in tissue samples was confirmed by chemical analysis, and the descriptions of autopsies of dead birds have been processed. Recommendations on the specific features for the sampels collection and storage of materials sent for study have been prepared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review is devoted to mammalogical research in Vietnam. A brief history of the study of mammals in eastern Indochina from the 17th century to the present is given. The main attention is paid to Soviet and Russian research carried out within the framework of the activities of the Joint Vietnam–Russia Tropical Research and Technological Center (established in 1987). The main trends of mammalogical research and the scientific publications of Russian scientists are analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Foco (Interdisciplinary Studies Journal) is the property of Revista Foco and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Influenza D virus (IDV) infections have been observed in animals worldwide, confirmed through both serological and molecular tests, as well as virus isolation. IDV possesses unique properties that distinguish it from other influenza viruses, primarily attributed to the hemagglutinin-esterase fusion (HEF) surface glycoprotein, which determines the virus' tropism and wide host range. Cattle are postulated to be the reservoir of IDV, and the virus is identified as one of the causative agents of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) syndrome. Animals associated with humans and susceptible to IDV infection include camels, pigs, small ruminants, and horses. Notably, high seroprevalence towards IDV, apart from cattle, is also observed in camels, potentially constituting a reservoir of the virus. Among wild and captive animals, IDV infections have been confirmed in feral pigs, wild boars, deer, hedgehogs, giraffes, wildebeests, kangaroos, wallabies, and llamas. The transmission potential and host range of IDV may contribute to future viral differentiation. It has been confirmed that influenza D may pose a threat to humans as a zoonosis, with seroprevalence noted in people with professional contact with cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article delves into the concept of "Wild Animal Sovereignty" from an Indigenous perspective, arguing that wild animals should be acknowledged as having authority over their land. It contrasts this idea with the traditional understanding of sovereignty and emphasizes the need for a new form of jurisdiction that addresses power imbalances between humans and wild animals. The article also highlights the importance of considering Indigenous perspectives and critiquing exclusionary and coercive aspects of sovereignty. It explores the concept of "Grounded Authority" as a jurisdiction rooted in Indigenous thought and ecological principles, emphasizing the significance of relationships with the land and knowledge of its seasons, plants, and animals. The text suggests that wild animal communities possess this knowledge and should be recognized as having their own jurisdiction. It discusses the shared jurisdiction between humans and nonhuman animals and the importance of respecting the gifts provided by the land. The article encourages a shift in perspective to recognize the land and its resources as gifts shared by all beings, including wild animals. It explores the concepts of respect and reciprocity in Indigenous philosophies and their implications for political practice and relationships with nonhuman animals. The text acknowledges that Indigenous philosophy may not always align with political actions and emphasizes the need to respect diverse perspectives. It discusses the concept of respect in relationships between humans and nonhuman animals, as well as the land and other elements of the natural world, emphasizing the importance of sustainable behavior and leaving enough for others. The article also explores examples of negotiations and treaties between human and wild animal communities, highlighting [Extracted from the article]

In the present study, total of 32 ante-mortem (AM) samples (saliva = 18 and corneal smears = 14) from six animal species (cattle = 5; camel = 1; goat = 1; horse = 1; buffalo = 4; dog = 6) and 28 post-mortem (PM) samples of domestic (cattle = 6; camel = 1; goat = 1; buffalo = 5; dog = 7) and wild animals (lion = 4, mongoose = 2; bear = 1; leopard = 1) were examined for rabies diagnosis in Gujarat, India. Direct fluorescent antibody test (dFAT) and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were applied on AM samples, whereas along with dFAT and RT-PCR, histopathological examination, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and real time PCR (qPCR) were used for PM diagnosis. Nucleotide sequencing of full nucleoprotein (N) and glycoprotein (G) genes were carried out upon representative amplicons. In AM examination, 7/18 saliva and 5/14 corneal impressions samples were found positive in dFAT and 8/18 saliva samples were found positive in RT-PCR. In PM examination, 14/28 samples showed positive results in dFAT and IHC with unusual large fluorescent foci in two samples. In histopathology, 11/28 samples showed appreciable lesion and Negri bodies were visible in 6 samples, only. Out of 23 brain samples examined. 12 samples were found positive in N gene RT-PCR and qPCR, and 10 samples in G gene RT-PCR. Phylogenetic analysis of N gene revealed that test isolates (except sample ID: lion-1; lion, Gir) form a close group with sequence ID, KM099393.1 (Mongoose, Hyderabad) and KF660246.1 (Water Buffalo, Hyderabad) which was far from some south Indian and Sri Lankan isolates but similar to Indian isolates from rest of India and neighboring countries. In G gene analysis, the test isolates form a close group with sequence ID, KP019943.1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryptosporidium , Giardia , and Blastocystis are significant causes of diarrhea worldwide. However, studies on their prevalence in wild animals are limited, compared to humans and domestic animals. In this study, we collected 23 stool samples from captive wild rescued animals in Boyacá, Colombia. Using conventional PCR, we detected Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia spp., and Blastocystis in over half of the samples (69.6%). Cryptosporidium spp. (43.5%) were the most commonly found, followed by Giardia spp. (39.1%) and Blastocystis (13.0%). Co-infections involving these parasites were also observed. Subsequent genotyping revealed Cryptosporidium canis and Cryptosporidium ryanae as the predominant species. These findings contribute valuable information about the ecoepidemiology of intestinal parasites in Colombian wild animals. [Display omitted] • We detected Giardia, Cryptosporidium and Blastocystis by PCR in captive wild animals. • We found C. canis and C. rynae as the predominant species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein I engage with the very difficult question of whether the duty to aid (sometimes called a duty of assistance or a duty of beneficence) extends so far as to justify harming persons, perhaps even lethally, in order to protect wild animals. I argue that this question is not nearly as settled as our intuitions may suggest and that Shelly Kagan's arguments on Defending Animals, contained in his book How to Count Animals, More or Less, provide a rich substrate in which to cultivate ideas on this subject (2019, pp. 248-279). My intuition is that killing a person, even one 'guilty' of trying to kill an animal for sport or leisure, is far beyond what a duty to aid can command, though admittedly I find my own intuition somewhat morally dumbfounding. I argue further that Tom Regan's 'worse-off principle' may ease the ever-uncomfortable sense of moral dumbfounding by providing a surer foundation for the intuitive sense that we cannot ethically go so far as to threaten a person with lethal force in defense of nonhuman animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated Salmonella spp. in wild animals in Algeria, focusing on their prevalence, serotypes, antibiotic resistance, and virulence profiles. From fecal samples collected between May 2021 and June 2022, 1.9% showed Salmonella shedding. The identified serotypes included S. Bredeney, S. Enteritidis, S. Altona, and S. Virchow. Except for S. Altona, all isolates were resistant to quinolones, with S. Bredeney strains, exhibiting multidrug resistance. Whole-genome sequencing revealed various resistance genes and mutations in gyrA or parC genes. Additionally, plasmids IncX1 and ColpVC were detected in several isolates. A comprehensive analysis identified 201 virulence genes. These findings contribute to understanding Salmonella in wild animal populations and their potential impact on public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wild animals play an important role as amplifiers and/or reservoir hosts in the ecology of many ticks and tick-borne pathogens affecting livestock and humans. In this study, which was carried out in the Hatay province, the southernmost region of Anatolia, a total of 362 (210°C, 146 °C, 6N) tick specimens were collected from 18 wild animals from 7 species, including white stork (Ciconia ciconia) (n = 1), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) (n = 5), badger (Meles meles) (n = 2), jackal (Canis aureus) (n = 3), red fox (Vulpes vulpes) (n = 5), hare (Lepus europaeus) (n = 1), and wild goat (Capra aegagrus) (n = 1), which were obtained between 2014 and 2022. The collected ticks were identified according to morphological criteria at the level of species as Amblyomma lepidum, Dermacentor marginatus, Haemaphysalis erinacei, Haemaphysalis inermis, Haemaphysalis kopetdaghica, Ixodes gibbosus, Ixodes kaiseri, Ixodes ricinus, Rhipicephalus kohlsi, Rhipicephalus rossicus, and Rhipicephalus turanicus. With this study, A. lepidum was reported for the first time in Türkiye, while R. rossicus detected in roe deer was reported for the first time in wild animals, and the lesser-known/rare tick H. kopetdaghica was reported for the second time in wild goats where it was previously reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cognitive flexibility, the ability to modify one's decision rules to adapt to a new situation, has been extensively studied in many species. In fish, though, data on cognitive flexibility are scarce, especially in the wild. We studied a lekking species of cichlid fish in Lake Tanganyika, Aulonocranus dewindti. Males create sand bowers as spawning sites and maintain them by removing any objects falling into it. In the first part of our experiment, we investigated the existence of spontaneous decision rules for the maintenance of the bowers. We showed that if a snail shell and a stone are placed in their bower, fish prefer to remove the shell first. In the second phase of our experiment, we took advantage of this spontaneous decision rule to investigate whether this rule was flexible. We tested five individuals in a choice against preference task, in which the fish had to modify their preference rule and remove the stone first to be allowed to then remove the shell and have a clean bower. While there was no overall trend towards flexibility in this task, there was variation at an individual level. Some individuals increased their preference for removing the shell first, deciding quickly and with little exploration of the objects. Others were more successful at choosing against preference and showed behaviours suggesting self-regulatory inhibition abilities. Bower-building cichlids could therefore be a promising model to study cognitive flexibility, and other aspects of animal cognition in the wild. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Haemonchus contortus is a common parasite of ruminants. It is necessary to pay attention to captive herbivores that are infected by H. contortus. This is because with nature of high pathogenicity, the mortality of the host would be enhanced after infection. Based on the pathogenic characteristics and diagnostic methods of H. contortus, this paper summarized the associated control techniques including drug control, immune control and biological control. Combined with the feeding characteristics of captive herbivores, we proposed effective measures to strengthen breeding management and nutritional management, as well as to protect susceptible animals. The aim of our study is to provide references for the prevention and control of H. contortus disease of captive animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, the appearance of wild animals in urban areas is an increasingly common problem, usually causing alarm among the inhabitants. In the present study, we would like to set out the legal background to the management of the presence of wild animals in urban areas and, if no specific legal provisions can be found, we will try to describe the options available to law enforcement by analogy. In order to deal with the problem quickly, it is essential to have the detection of them as soon as possible. At that point, we have highlighted the importance of ICT tools – drones, mobile apps…etc.- which can help this process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic disturbances affecting forest areas can increase disease prevalence and susceptibility in several species of arboreal mammals, such as sloths. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the most common conditions in body systems of free-ranging sloths admitted at the Wildlife Triage and Rehabilitation Center of Amazonas of the Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources. A total of 227 individuals (139 retrospective cases from 2015 to 2019, and 88 prospective cases from July 2020 to July 2021) were evaluated over a six-year period. Cases from the genus Bradypus showed involvement of the following body systems: 44% respiratory, 29% integumentary, 15% musculoskeletal, 5% digestive, 3% visual, 2% auditory, 1% circulatory and 1% genitourinary, while that distribution in the genus Choloepus was: 39% musculoskeletal, 27% integumentary, 19% respiratory, 9% digestive, 3% circulatory, 1% visual, 1% auditory and 1% genitourinary. The results reveal significant differences between the condition detected and the genus (Bradypus and Choloepus), age and case outcome. These results can provide data for future investigations of sloth diseases, confirming lesions, as well as motivating and suggesting adequate management methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wild animal trafficking is a growing practice worldwide and a complex problem that brings a lot of profit, moving billions of dollars. This illegal trade has Brazil as route due to its rich biodiversity. It is widespread throughout the state of Pernambuco, having constant growth because the state is in a geographical position that favors this type of illegal practice and has a great diversity of species. Thus, the objective of the study was to perform a spatial analysis of wild bird trafficking in the municipalities of the state of Pernambuco in the period from 2016 to 2021, through an exploratory data analysis with seven variables that could explain its occurrence. It was used as methodology the global and local Moran’s indexes, all implemented in the Geographic Information System software. The findings revealed that the municipalities that showed high average rates of wild bird trafficking in the investigated period, in general, are geographically close to those that also showed high rates of seizure of birds, Intentional Lethal Violent Crime, Violent Crime against Property, and unemployment. In general, the results allowed us to conclude that the methods of spatial cluster analysis proved satisfactory for the analysis in question. Moreover, it is important to note that the precarious enforcement favors the continuity of this practice, and there is an urgent need for environmental policies to restrain it effectively.

We found highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus clade 2.3.4.4b associated with meningoencephalitis in a stranded harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena). The virus was closely related to strains responsible for a concurrent avian influenza outbreak in wild birds. This case highlights the potential risk for virus spillover to mammalian hosts.

While conducting research in a protected ecological reserve within Ecuador’s subtropical rainforest, a 49-year-old biologist, residing in an Andean city, contracted hookworm-related cutaneous larva migrans (Hr-CLM) in the vesiculobullous clinical form. Since there were no domestic dogs or cats in the reserve, it is likely that wild animals carrying Ancylostoma sp. larvae infected the patient. She was effectively treated with two doses of oral ivermectin, administered 31 days after getting the infection. This case was diagnosed in a temperate city; therefore, a comprehensive travel history and clinical assessments are crucial for an accurate diagnosis and timely treatment.

Leishmaniasis in wild canids is a vector-borne disease caused in Europe by the protozoan parasite Leishmania infantum. To date, there is limited information on clinical signs and laboratory abnormalities in wolves due to leishmaniasis. The current clinical case report described a female Iberian wolf (Canis lupus signatus) housed in semi-captivity conditions at the Centro del Lobo Ibérico “Félix Rodríguez de la Fuente”, in Robledo de Sanabria, Zamora (Spain), with an interdigital ulcerous wound at the right forepaw, hyper-gammaglobulinemia, and abnormal liver blood parameters. Definitive serodiagnosis of leishmaniasis was established using antileishmanial serum antibodies and PCR analysis of different biological samples. A gold-standard anti-L. infantum treatment protocol consisting in subcutaneous meglumine antimoniate and oral allopurinol combination was installed. However, the presence of pain at the site of injection due to meglumine antimoniate administration forced its substitution by oral miltefosine. A progressive reduction of the levels of anti-L. infantum serum antibodies and the concentrations of gamma-globulin fraction was detected after antileishmanial treatment as well as a decline of liver GPT. To our knowledge, this is the first case of leishmaniasis diagnosed in a wolf housed in semi-captivity conditions, with the condition subsequently treated and successfully cured.

ABSTRACT: This study described the pathological aspects of a metastatic grade II simple tubulopapillary mammary carcinoma in a free-living senile female maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus). The diagnosis was based on histopathological findings of malignant epithelial cells arranged in tubular and papillary patterns, with marked anisocytosis and anisokaryosis and metastases to regional lymph nodes, lungs, parietal pleura, and pericardium. Also associated to positive immunolabeling of neoplastic cells for Cytokeratin AE1/AE3 and negative for P63, Calponin and Cox-2, added to the cell proliferation index of 26.8%. The findings demonstrated that free-ranging wild canids develop mammary neoplasms similar to those observed in domestic canids.

Abstract The giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a semiaquatic carnivore and a top predator in the trophic chain, considered a sentinel of freshwater ecosystems. Ticks are common ectoparasites of worldwide distribution and potential vectors of diseases. In this study, we report the ectoparasitism by ticks on a giant otter carcass found during monitoring activity at the Negro River, that holds a viable population of this endangered species in the Brazilian Pantanal. A total of three tick specimens were collected: two adults were identified as Amblyomma sculptum and a nymph as Amblyomma spp. There is a lack of information about the health of free-ranging giant otters and this report contributes to elucidate some of the host-parasite relationships, although much more research is needed to expand the knowledge about which kinds of pathogens are circulating in the species, especially among those transmitted by ticks.

The present study was undertaken to characterize virulence factors associated with fecal Escherichia coli (E.coli) isolates (n=22) from wild animals. Isolates were phenotypically characterized for haemolytic, haemagglutination and gelatinase activity, whereas presence of adhesion genes,viz., fimH and papG1 was detected genotypically by PCR. Further, whole blood survival assay of E. coli isolates (n=6) was performed using human and goat blood. Isolates exhibited haemolytic (45.45%) as well as gelatinase activity (27.27%) and led mannose sensitive agglutination of human (45.45%), dog (40.90%) and chicken (27.27%) RBCs. fimH gene was detected in 27.27% of the isolates, whereas none of the isolates was found positive for PapG1 gene. Isolates survived, got adapted and then grew successfully in human as well as goat blood. It can be concluded from the present study that wild animals are potent reservoir of virulent E. coli that could adversely affect in-contact human and livestock population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Melanophoroma is a neoplasm of reptilian pigment cells, considered uncommon and part of a group of neoplasms called chromatophoromas. The objective of this work was to describe a case of melanophoroma in a free‐living Lichtenstein's green racer snake (Philodryas olfersii), presenting with an ulcerative nodular neoformation in the integument of the head region. In the neurologic evaluation, a proprioceptive deficit was observed. Ultrasound, X‐ray, and mass cytology examinations were performed. Radiographic and ultrasound findings of the tumor indicated infiltrative behavior, and cytology indicated a presumptive diagnosis of a melanocytic neoplasm. Based on the results of the examinations and the patient's clinical condition, euthanasia was chosen. At necropsy, there was a nodule measuring 4.5 × 2.5 × 2.0 cm, with a blackish‐colored cut surface, mottled by gray areas, which infiltrated soft tissue and bone, and extended dorsally from the mouth to the cervical musculature. On microscopy, a non‐delimited, non‐encapsulated, and invasive neoplastic proliferation was observed, with moderate cellularity, which was predominantly composed of fusiform cells with distinct borders and foci of epithelioid cells. The cells had ample cytoplasm, which had a brown to black (melanocytic) granular pigment compatible with a melanophoroma. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is a unique description of a melanophoroma in P. olfersii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Human societies have food taboos as social rules that restrict access to a particular animal. Taboos are pointed out as tools for the conservation of animals, considering that the presence of this social rule prevents the consumption of animals. This work consists of a systematic review that aimed to verify how food taboos vary between different animal species, and how this relationship has influenced their conservation. Methods: For this systematic review, the search for articles by keywords took place in the databases "Science Direct," Scopus," "SciELo" and "Web of Science," associating the term "taboo" with the taxa "amphibians," "birds," "mammals," "fish" and "reptiles." From this search, 3959 titles were found related to the key terms of the research. After the entire screening process carried out by paired reviewers, only 25 articles were included in the search. Results: It was identified that 100 species of animals are related to some type of taboo, and segmental taboos and specific taboos were predominant, with 93 and 31 citations, respectively. In addition, the taxon with the most taboos recorded was fish, followed by mammals. Our findings indicate that the taboo protects 99% of the animal species mentioned, being a crucial tool for the conservation of these species. Conclusions: The present study covered the status of current knowledge about food taboos associated with wildlife in the world. It is noticeable that taboos have a considerable effect on animal conservation, as the social restrictions imposed by taboos effectively contribute to the local conservation of species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) belong to the superorder Xenarthra, they have low metabolism and anatomical features distinct from other groups of mammals. The species is classified as vulnerable by the IUCN Red List and ICMBio, being commonly found participating in ex situ conservation programs or received in wildlife rescue centers. The objective of this paper is to compile retrospective data and analyze the effectiveness of using ketamine associated with midazolam for the chemical restraint of giant anteaters. Fifty-five anesthetic files were selected from a heterogeneous group of giant anteaters, anesthetized between 2006 and 2023, at Sorocaba Zoo, and whose anesthetic protocol consists in the association between ketamine and midazolam in different doses, intramuscularly (IM). The ketamine dose ranged from 4 -12 mg/kg, and of midazolam, from 0,27 - 1 mg/kg. During anesthetic maintenance, the mean physiological parameters were 78 ± 32 bpm of heart rate, 10 ± 7 bpm of respiratory rate, and 33,9 ± 1°C of rectal temperature. The working time was, on average, 56 minutes and only 11 animals showed prolonged recovery, above 2 hours and 30 minutes. The protocol analyzed produced rapid induction and adequate working time, even with the possibility of extending the anesthetic protocol with isoflurane. There were no episodes of apnea or severe depression of the parameters during the procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]