Accuracy of body weight prediction in Alpine ibex (Capra ibex, L. 1758) using morphometry

The relationship between weight and body measurements of 227 Alpine ibex Capra ibex (162 males and 65 females, age range: 2-16 years) were analysed by linear and multiple regression. The animals were live-captured across all seasons of the year, in the Western Italian Alps, 1986-1994. The relationship between weight and body measurements changed with sex and season. In male ibex, the best annual estimation of the body weight was obtained using as predictor variables the squared value of the chest girth and age. In females, the best predictive variables were age, total body length and withers height. Age was always selected as a predictor variable, when considered in the prediction models. The use of chest girth and the squared value of the chest girth as predictive variables in the regression equation, being the most highly correlated linear measurements with total weight, did not result in an accurate prediction of ibex body weight. The best prediction was obtained using age and different linear measurements in stepwise multiple regression, nevertheless the standard error of the estimate and the magnitude of the 95% prediction interval were great. The use of linear measurements cannot be considered accurate nor precise predictors of body weight in Alpine ibex.     

KIT-positive gastrointestinal stromal tumours in two Spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica hispanica)

Gastrointestinal mesenchymal tumours from two Spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica hispanica) were examined grossly, histologically and immunohistochemically. One neoplasm was a 1.5 kg tan multinodular cavitated mass in the forestomach. The other tumour was a firm mural mass 1.2 cm in diameter in the colon. Microscopically, both tumours were formed mainly by spindle shaped cells arranged in closely packed interlacing fascicles. Neoplastic cells in both tumours labelled positively for KIT (CD117), vimentin and alpha-smooth muscle actin. These findings suggest that both neoplasms were gastrointestinal stromal tumours and most likely to be derived from the interstitial cells of Cajal or their progenitor cells.     

Presumptive Babesia ovis infection in a spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica)

On December 29 1995, a 13-year old, male Spanish ibex was easily captured by hand, with depression, weakness and severe tick infestation, mainly in the periocular and auricular regions. Blood and serum samples were collected and haematological analysis and serum iron levels were determined. Red blood cell count, haematocrit, haemoglobin concentration and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were decreased and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) increased (macrocytic-hypochromic anemia). Serum iron and transferrin saturation were decreased and total and unbound iron-binding capacity were increased. Piroplasms were observed within parasitized erythrocytes and presumptively identified as Babesia spp. Ticks were identified exclusively as Ripicephalus bursa. The animal was treated with imidocarb but died after 15 days of capture. Histopathological examination revealed congestion of pulmonary capillaries and spleen, glomerulonephritis, hemoglobinuric nephrosis and generalized hemosiderosis. An indirect fluorescent antibody test was performed using a Babesia ovis isolate of ovine origin as antigen and the animal was positive with a titre of 1:640.     

Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum antibodies in Spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica hispanica)

A cross-sectional study was carried out on Spanish ibex populations in Southern Spain to assess the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum and to investigate the risk factors associated with these infections. Using the modified agglutination test, the seroprevalence to T. gondii was 27.5% (146/531; CI(95%), 23.7-31.3), and this seropositivity significantly increased with age. Among adults, statistically significant differences were observed between geographical locations and over different sampling years. Thirty of 531 (5.6%) ibex had antibodies to N. caninum using a competitive ELISA, of which 27/30 (5.1%; CI(95%), 3.1-7.1) were confirmed as seropositive by the indirect fluorescent antibody test. This study is the first to report the presence of N. caninum antibodies in Spanish ibex and also indicates widespread exposure of this species to T. gondii. The findings indicate that ibex are more exposed to T. gondii than to N. caninum in their natural environment and there is little evidence of co-infection with both parasites. The seroprevalence levels reported suggest a role for ibex in the sylvatic cycle of both parasites with potentially important environmental and public health implications.     

Use of acepromazine for stress control in Spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica) captured by drive-net

Capture and restraint can induce stress in wild animals and tranquilizers may be beneficial in preventing some of the more adverse effects. A short-acting neuroleptic agent (acepromazine) was assessed in 25 Spanish ibexes (Capra pyrenaica) captured by drive-net. The animals were divided into a control group (14 ibexes) and a treated group (11 ibexes). Heart rate and rectal temperature, as well as haematological and biochemical parameters, were used to evaluate the effects of tranquilization during 3 h of restraint. A reduction in rectal temperature, red blood cell count, packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration, white blood cell count, lymphocytes, neutrophils, activities of creatine kinase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and concentrations of urea, total bilirubin and potassium in the treated group, suggested that acepromazine decreased signs of stress in Spanish ibex following drive-net capture.     

Arthropod parasites of Nubian ibexes (Capra ibex nubiana) and gazelles (Gazella gazella) in Israel.

In a 20-year survey the following ectoparasites were collected from Nubian ibexes: larvae of an unidentified Oestrus sp. collected from the nasal cavities, sinuses and horns, hippoboscid flies (Lipoptena chalcomelaena) specific to the Nubian ibex, blood sucking lice (Linognathus africanus) and unidentified biting lice (Damalinia sp.). Ibexes were severely infested with the cattle tick, Boophilus annulatus; a few Hyalomma anatolicum excavatum ticks were also collected. In five ibexes kept in two zoos, showing otitis, Psoroptes cuniculi, was identified, and from skin scrpaings of nine animals with severe dermatitis in three other zoos, Sarcoptes scabiei was isolated. Infestation of Nubian ibexes with sucking and biting lice as well as H. anatolicum excavatum is reported for the first time. The ectoparasites collected from gazelles were: hippoboscid flies (Lipoptena capreoli), calliphorid flies (Lucilia sericata and Calliphora sp.), sucking lice (Linognathus africanus and Solenopotes capillatus) and unidentified biting lice (Damalinia sp.), fleas (Ctenocephalides felis felis), and ticks, B. annulatus, Rhipicepahlus bursa, Rhipicephalus turanicus, H. anatolicum excavatum and H. marginatum rufipes. In skin scrapings of four gazelles with local dermatitis in the fetlocks Chorioptes bovis was identified. Neoschoengastia sp. was found in craters between the claws in three gazelles.     

Management of a caseous lymphadenitis outbreak in a new Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica) stock reservoir

Background

In 2010, an Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica hispanica) stock reservoir was established for conservation purposes in north-eastern Spain. Eighteen ibexes were captured in the wild and housed in a 17 hectare enclosure. Once in captivity, a caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) outbreak occurred and ibex handlings were carried out at six-month intervals between 2010 and 2013 to perform health examinations and sampling. Treatment with a bacterin-based autovaccine and penicillin G benzatine was added during the third and subsequent handlings, when infection by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis was confirmed. Changes in lesion score, serum anti-C. pseudotuberculosis antibodies and haematological parameters were analyzed to assess captivity effects, disease emergence and treatment efficacy. Serum acute phase proteins (APP) Haptoglobin (Hp), Amyloid A (SAA) and Acid Soluble Glycoprotein (ASG) concentrations were also determined to evaluate their usefulness as indicators of clinical status.Once in captivity, 12 out of 14 ibexes (85.7%) seroconverted, preceding the emergence of clinical signs; moreover, TP, WBC, eosinophil and platelet cell counts increased while monocyte and basophil cell counts decreased. After treatment, casualties and fistulas disappeared and both packed cell volume (PCV) and haemoglobin concentration significantly increased. Hp, SAA and ASG values were under the limit of detection or showed no significant differences.

Conclusions

A role for captivity in contagion rate is suggested by the increase in antibody levels against C. pseudotuberculosis and the emergence of clinical signs. Although boosted by captivity, this is the first report of an outbreak of caseous lymphadenitis displaying high morbidity and mortality in wild ungulates. Treatment consisting of both vaccination and antibiotic therapy seemed to prevent mortality and alleviate disease severity, but was not reflected in the humoural response. Haematology and APP were not useful indicators in our study, perhaps due to the sampling frequency. Presumably endemic and irrelevant in the wild, this common disease of domestic small ruminants is complicating conservation efforts for the Iberian ibex in north-eastern Spain.     

Effects of sarcoptic mange on serum proteins and immunoglobulin G levels in chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica) and Spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica)

Three groups of chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica) and three groups of Spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica) were established to study the effects of sarcoptic mange on serum proteins and immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels. The first group of chamois consisted of 22 healthy Pyrenean chamois (R. pyrenaica pyrenaica) from a non-infested area, the second group consisted of 20 healthy Cantabrian chamois (R. p. parva) from an area where sarcoptic mange has been reported since 1994 and the third group consisted of 16 Cantabrian chamois from the same area but naturally infested by Sarcoptes scabiei. The first group of Spanish ibex was 39 healthy animals from a sarcoptic mange non-infested area, the second group was 23 healthy animals from a sarcoptic mange infested area and the third group consisted of 20 animals from the same area but naturally infested with the parasite. Blood samples were taken after killing the animals as part of hunting programmes. Values for total proteins, gamma-globulin and IgG were higher in infested and healthy chamois from the infested area compared to healthy chamois from the non-infested area, and IgG levels were higher in infested chamois compared to healthy-exposed chamois. Values for alpha2-globulin were higher in healthy Cantabrian chamois. In Spanish ibex, albumin, alpha2-globulin and IgG levels were lower in the healthy Spanish ibex from the non-infested area than in healthy animals from an infested area. The differences found in the chamois were indicative of the establishment of a humoral antibody response in the animals in contact with the disease. As the IgG levels were not significantly different between healthy and infested Spanish ibex from the same area, a different pattern of chronic infection with humoral response to the disease was suggested.     

Epidemiological surveillance of bluetongue virus serotypes 1, 4 and 8 in Spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica hispanica) in southern Spain

A cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the prevalence and circulation of bluetongue virus (BTV) in Spanish ibexes (Capra pyrenaica hispanica). A total of 770 sera samples, 380 blood samples and 34 spleen samples were collected between 2006 and 2009 in Andalusia (southern Spain), a region and time period with a wide circulation of BTV in livestock. Thirty-one out of 770 (4.0%; CI(95%): 2.6-5.4) sera samples analyzed by ELISA showed antibodies against BTV. Twenty-four out of 31 seropositive samples were tested against BTV serotypes 1, 4 and 8 by serum neutralization test (SNT). Neutralizing antibodies against BTV-1 and BTV-4 were detected in seven and ten animals, respectively, four of them showed neutralizing antibodies to both serotypes. The animals seropositive to BTV-4 were sampled between 2006 and 2008, while BTV-1 circulation was confirmed in ibexes sampled between 2007 and 2009. None of the ibexes presented neutralizing antibodies against BTV-8. Statistically significant differences were found among regions and years, which is in coincidence with what occurred in domestic ruminants. There were no statistically significant differences between sexes, age classes and habitats (captivity vs. free-living). BTV RNA was not found in any of the 380 blood samples analyzed. However, BTV-1 RNA was detected from spleen in one Spanish ibex from Málaga province in August 2008. This finding evidences the presence of BTV-1 in Spanish ibex in a municipality where BT outbreaks were not detected in domestic ruminants during that period. Results of the present study show that Spanish ibexes were exposed and responded serologically to both BTV-1 and BTV-4. The low seroprevalence obtained suggests that Spanish ibex is not a relevant species in the dissemination of BT. However, the detection of BTV-1 RNA and the presence of seropositive ibexes in areas where BT outbreaks were not detected in livestock, could not exclude a significant role in the epidemiology of BTV in certain areas.     

An evaluation of the application of infrared thermal imaging to the tele-diagnosis of sarcoptic mange in the Spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica)

The application of infrared thermal imaging to the diagnosis of sarcoptic mange in the wild Spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica) was evaluated. Seventy-three ibexes (35 males, 38 females) of varying ages were studied. Each animal was observed using conventional binoculars (OT) to detect lesions characteristic of mange. Infrared thermography (IR) was then performed and the resultant image judged negative or positive. The distance from the thermograph to the animal was measured, and the animal killed. Skin samples were taken for mite detection by routine laboratory diagnosis (LAB). The most sensitive and specific technique for the tele-diagnosis of sarcoptic mange in the Spanish ibex is OT, as it permits diagnosis over greater distances than IR, which sensitivity is impaired at distances >100m. When disease prevalence is low, such as in initial and final phases of an epidemic, a more sensitive technique would be valuable in detecting all affected animals.     

Analysis of serum proteins in clinically healthy goats (Capra hircus) using agarose gel electrophoresis

Background: Electrophoretic patterns of serum proteins provide useful information on pathological conditions in ruminants. Their reference values, however, are dissimilar to those of other species. Reference values for goats using agarose gel as the supporting matrix have not been reported. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate serum concentrations of total protein and protein fractions (albumin and globulins) by means of agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE) in goats in order to establish electrophoretic reference intervals and to evaluate potential changes associated with aging. Methods: Blood was collected from 105 clinically healthy Girgentana goats by means of jugular venipuncture. Serum protein concentrations were assessed by AGE. Three age groups were compared: 1–1.5 years, 2–4 years, and 5–12 years. Results: Values (mean ± SD) were determined for concentrations of total protein (72.26 ± 6.40 g/L), albumin (31.80 ± 4.00 g/L), α‐globulins (6.40 ± 1.23 g/L), β₁‐globulins (10.50 ± 2.58 g/L), β₂‐globulins (5.18 ± 1.60 g/L), and γ‐globulins (18.65 ± 5.90 g/L) and for albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio (0.82 ± 0.20). One‐way ANOVA showed statistically significant age‐related differences for total protein and α‐globulin concentrations and A/G ratios. Age influenced protein concentrations with the 5–12‐year‐old group having higher total protein and α‐globulin concentrations and lower albumin concentration and A/G ratios than the 2–4‐year‐old group. Conclusions: This study provides reference values for total protein concentrations and protein fractions obtained by AGE in goats. Some values vary with age. Age‐specific reference intervals are reported in order to provide clinicians with an additional diagnostic aid.     

Antimicrobial resistance pattern of Salmonella serotypes isolated from apparently healthy slaughtered camels (Camelus dromedarius) in eastern Ethiopia

A total of 714 samples consisting of faeces, mesenteric lymph nodes, liver, spleen, abdominal and diaphragmatic muscles (each 119) were collected from November 2001 to April 2002 from apparently healthy slaughtered camels (Camelus dromedarius) in eastern Ethiopia. One hundred sixteen (16.2%) Salmonella strains belonging to 16 different serovars were isolated. All Salmonella strains isolated were examined for antimicrobial resistance to 17 selected antimicrobials. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were determined by the microdilution broth test. Fifty-two (44.8%) of the Salmonella isolates were resistant to one or more antimicrobials. Thirty-nine of the 52 (75%) resistant Salmonella serovars exhibited multiple resistance to up to eight different antimicrobials. Among the serovars tested, S. Typhimurium, S. Heidelberg, S. Braenderup and S. Hadar displayed multiple resistance mainly to streptomycin (35.3%), spectinomycin (28.4%), sulfamethoxazole (25.0%), ampicillin (24.1%), trimethoprim (22.4%), trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (18.9%), tetracycline (12.9%) and colistin (11.2%). All Salmonella strains tested were susceptible to ciprofloxacin, nalidixic acid, gentamicin, kanamycin and neomycin. The present study showed the importance of camels as a potential source of single and multiple resistant Salmonella strains to different antimicrobials that are also used in the public health sector for the treatment of different bacterial diseases in Ethiopia.     

Vertical transmission of duck plague virus (DPV) by apparently healthy DPV carrier waterfowl

Duck plague virus (DPV) was transmitted vertically in muscovy, pekin, and mallard ducks that were persistently infected with the LA-SD-73, MSN-WI-77, or CO-WI-73 isolates of DPV. The effects of vertical transmission on the fertility and hatchability of eggs laid by DPV carrier ducks varied with the DPV isolate and duck species. Fertility was reduced significantly only in eggs laid by MSN-WI-77 virus carrier pekin and muscovy ducks. The hatchability of eggs laid by DPV carrier mallards and muscovies was significantly reduced from that of uninfected control ducks. All ducklings tested that hatched from eggs laid by DPV carrier waterfowl shed DPV in the feces. The DPV carrier ducklings shed DPV in small amounts. Vertical transmission of DPV in domestic flocks can lower fertility and hatchability. In wild waterfowl, vertical transmission may be a means of virus perpetuation from generation to generation.     

Ocular findings in two colonies of gray mouse lemurs (Microcebus murinus)

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence and describe the characteristics of cataracts and other ocular lesions found in two colonies of gray mouse lemurs (Microcebus murinus). ANIMALS STUDIED: A total number of 218 mouse lemurs (age range: 4 months-11 years) were included in this study. All individuals were property of the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle (France), and were housed either in Paris (colony #1: 75 animals examined), or in Brunoy (colony #2: 143 animals). METHODS: Ocular examinations were performed on all animals before and after pupil dilation, and included slit-lamp biomicroscopy and indirect ophthalmoscopy. In both colonies, a limited number of individuals were re-examined between several months and 2 years following the initial eye examinations. The eyes of five mouse lemurs with incipient or immature cataracts that died during this period were collected, and processed for routine histopathologic examination. RESULTS: A high incidence of cataracts was observed in both colonies (48% in colony #1; 21% in colony #2). Cataracts were predominantly bilateral, started in the anterior and/or posterior subcapsular area, and appeared to be slowly progressive. The earliest age at which lens opacities were observed was 3.5 years, and more than 50% of mouse lemurs over 7 years of age were diagnosed with cataracts. Complete cataracts led to blindness and were occasionally associated with other ocular lesions. CONCLUSION: We report a high incidence of acquired, slowly progressive, bilateral cataracts in two colonies of mouse lemurs (Microcebus murinus). Further studies need to be conducted to determine the cause of this disease in this species.     

Antimicrobial resistance in Salmonella isolates from apparently healthy food-producing animal from 2000 to 2003: the first stage of Japanese veterinary antimicrobial resistance monitoring (JVARM)

Antimicrobial susceptibility of 183 Salmonella isolates from apparently healthy food-producing animals obtained during the period from 2000 to 2003 throughout Japan was examined. Of 29 serovars identified, Salmonella Infantis (37.7%) was the most prevalent, followed by S. Typhimurium (19.7%). Salmonella bacteria resistant to dihydrostreptomycin (77.6%) were about 10% more prevalent than those resistant to oxytetracycline (67.8%), though the nation-level veterinary use of tetracycline antibiotics is much greater than that of streptomycin in Japan. In seventeen isolates (9.3%) resistant to nalidixic acid, single point mutations were detected at 84 or 87 in the quinolone resistance-determining region of the gyrA gene.     

Monthly prevalence (in 1986) of antibody titers against equine monocytic ehrlichiosis in apparently healthy horses in Illinois

The seroprevalence and seasonal trend of antibody titers against equine monocytic ehrlichiosis (Potomac horse fever) were determined in apparently healthy horses in selected areas of Illinois in 1986. Sera from 1,367 horses (6 months to 29 years old) were evaluated for the presence of antibodies against Ehrlichia risticii with indirect immunofluorescence. The majority (88%) of the horses were Thoroughbred or Standardbred racehorses. The number of horses with antibodies against E risticii was 229/1,367 (16.75%). The titers in these horses ranged from 1:10 to 1:640. As the year progressed, the number of seropositive horses (titers greater than or equal to 1:10) and the magnitude of the titers increased significantly, both reaching a maximum in July and August, respectively (P less than 0.05). A relationship between seropositivity and gender was not detected. In the year prior to sampling, 56.8% of the seropositive horses had not been ill, whereas 0.8% had diarrhea, an episode of acute abdominal pain, or laminitis. It was concluded that a large number of horses in Illinois are exposed to E risticii, that maximal exposure occurs in July, and that the most common form of the disease in Illinois is not associated with clinical signs.