Effect of dietary glycine and benzoate level on benzoate metabolism in mink (Mustela vision), blue fox (Alopex lagopus), and raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides)

Three 2 x 4 factorial experiments were carried out from August to September with 30 juvenile male mink, 24 raccoon dogs, and 24 blue foxes to investigate the effect of dietary glycine supply (low or high) on the efficiency of these species to excrete hippuric acid with incremental benzoate intake (0, 1, 2, or 4 mmol/kg BW). For mink, two additional treatments with 1 or 2 mmol/kg BW of ethyl benzoate were included. A basal low-glycine diet was formulated to meet the minimum protein requirements of fur animals (30% of ME). This diet was supplemented with 0 or 3 g/kg of glycine, or with 0, 1.0, 2.07, or 4.15 g/kg of sodium benzoate for mink and blue foxes, and with 0 or 4.5 g/kg of glycine and 0, 1.58, 3.17, or 6.34 g/kg of sodium benzoate for raccoon dogs, respectively. Two additional diets with .76 or 1.53 g/kg of ethyl benzoate were made for mink. Fecal and urinary benzoic and hippuric acid excretion were measured for 3 d. The 24-h recovery of [14C]benzoic acid injected intraperitoneally was measured from urine, the liver, and the kidneys. All animals appeared healthy and no clinical signs of benzoate overdose were observed. Dietary benzoate level did not affect ADFI or ADG in any species. Glycine supplementation lowered ADFI in mink. The majority of ingested benzoates were absorbed from the gut (over 95%), except in blue foxes, which excreted 6 to 15% of ingested benzoates in feces with incremental increases in benzoate intake. Urinary free benzoic acid excretion accounted for 10% of the ingested benzoates in blue foxes but less than 5% in mink and raccoon dogs. When benzoate intake was 1 mmol/kg BW, mink, blue foxes, and raccoon dogs excreted 71, 77, and 34% of ingested benzoates as hippuric acid in urine, respectively. With higher benzoate intakes, urinary hippuric acid excretion decreased quadratically with mink to 20%, and linearly with blue foxes and raccoon dogs to 45 and 16%, respectively. The hippuric acid pathway appears to be the principal route of benzoate elimination in the mink and blue fox, whereas, in the raccoon dog, other pathways appear to be more important. In mink, the elimination of ethyl benzoate did not differ from that of sodium benzoate. Because glycine conjugation is the primary route of benzoate elimination, it is recommended that benzoate content in fur animal feeds should not exceed 1 g/kg feed on an as-fed basis.     

Vitamin A excreted in the urine of canines is associated with a Tamm-Horsfall like protein

Under physiological conditions canines transport vitamin A in blood plasma primarily as retinyl esters bound to lipoproteins and excrete substantial amounts of vitamin A as retinol and retinyl esters with urine. In the aqueous environment of urine, the hydrophobic vitamin A has to be associated with a protein. This vitamin A-protein complex was purified to homogeneity, prepared by preparative ultracentrifugation (density 1.21 g/mL), native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and size exclusion chromatography. The vitamin A-protein complex has a high molecular mass of > 5,000 kDa under native conditions. SDS PAGE under reduced conditions revealed a single band with a molecular mass of about 100 kDa for the protein moiety. Peptides obtained after limited proteolysis with trypsin from the 100 kDa protein were characterised by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and showed amino acid sequence homology to the human Tamm-Horsfall Protein (THP). This was further confirmed by a positive immunoreaction of the isolated protein with crossreacting human THP antibodies. The localisation of THP in dog kidneys was determined by using immunohistology. The reaction was strong along the entire thick ascending limb ofthe Henle loop and distal convoluted tubule. Our data point to the possibility that THP functions as a novel carrier for vitamin A in the urine of canines.     

Effects of chronic renal disease on the transport of vitamin A in plasma and urine of dogs

OBJECTIVE: To determine plasma and urine concentrations of retinol, retinyl esters, retinol-binding protein (RBP), and Tamm-Horsfall protein (THP) in dogs with chronic renal disease (CRD). ANIMALS: 17 dogs with naturally developing CRD and 21 healthy control dogs. PROCEDURE: A diagnosis of CRD was established on the basis of clinical signs, plasma concentrations of creatinine and urea, and results of urinalysis. Concentrations of retinol and retinyl esters were measured by use of reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Concentrations of RBP and THP were measured by use of sensitive ELISA systems. RESULTS: Dogs with CRD had higher plasma concentrations of retinol, which were not paralleled by differences in plasma concentrations of RBP. Calculated ratio of urinary total vitamin A (sum of concentrations of retinol and retinyl esters to creatinine concentration) and ratio of the concentration of urinary retinyl esters to creatinine concentration did not differ between groups. However, we detected a significantly higher retinol-to-creatinine ratio in the urine of dogs with CRD, which was paralleled by a higher urinary RBP-to-creatinine ratio. Thus, in dogs with CRD, the estimated fractional clearance of total vitamin A, retinol, and RBP was increased. Furthermore, dogs with CRD had a reduced urinary THP-to-creatinine ratio. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results of this study documented that CRD affects the concentrations of retinol in plasma and urine of dogs. Analysis of the data indicates that measurement of urinary RBP and urinary THP concentrations provides valuable information that can be helpful in follow-up monitoring of dogs with CRD.     

Evaluation of selenium status and its distribution in organs of free living foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from an Se deficient area

The objective of the study was to determine selenium status and its distribution in the organs of free living foxes from selenium deficient areas of north-western Poland. Samples of organs harvested from 40 foxes shot during the 2008-2009 hunting seasons served as experimental material. Selenium concentration in the organs was determined spectrofluorometrically. Selenium distribution in tissues depends largely on its dietary content. Our study indicated that concentrations of selenium in the examined organs followed the order: kidney>liver>spleen>lung>heart and kidneys were the organ with the highest retention of this element. Mean selenium concentration in fox kidneys was 0.60 +/- 0.15 microg/g wet weight. Several times less selenium on average was found in the liver (0.27 +/- 0.09 microg/g w.w.), lungs (0.17 +/- 0.06 microg/g w.w.), spleen (0.19 +/- 0.06 microg/g w.w.) and heart (0.13 +/- 0.05 microg/g w.w.). All the animals studied were deficient in selenium.     

Levels of retinol and retinyl esters in plasma and urine of dogs with urolithiasis

Vitamin A (VA) deficiency and Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein (THP), a protein that binds retinol and retinyl esters in canine urine, might be involved in the pathogenesis of urolithiasis in dogs. In the present study, we assessed levels of retinol, retinyl esters, retinol-binding protein (RBP) and THP in plasma and urine of dogs with a history of urolithiasis (n = 25) compared with clinically healthy controls (n = 18). Plasma retinol concentrations were higher in dogs with uroliths of struvit (P < 0.01), calcium oxalate (P < 0.05), urate (P < 0.01) and cysteine, but there were no differences in the concentrations of plasma RBP and retinyl esters. Excretion of urinary retinol and retinyl esters were tentatively, but not significantly higher in the stone-forming groups, which was accompanied by increased levels of urinary RBP (P < 0.01) and lower excretions in THP (P < 0.01). The results show that VA deficiency may be excluded as a potential cause for canine urolithiasis. However, the occurrence of RBP and a concomitant reduction of THP in urine indicates a disturbed kidney function as cause or consequence of stone formation in dogs.     

Parasitological survey on wild carnivora in north-western Tohoku, Japan.

In the winter of 1997-1998, we collected parasitological data from 60 wild carnivora in the north-western part of Tohoku region, Japan. These included 7 foxes (Vulpes vulpes japonica), 20 raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides viverrinus), 29 martens (Martes melampus melampus), 3 weasels (two Mustela sibirica itatsi and one M. nivalis namiyei), and one Japanese badger (Meles meles anakuma). Roundworms (Toxocara canis in foxes and Toxocara tanuki in raccoon dogs), hookworms (Ancylostoma kusimaense and Arthrostoma miyazakiense) and Molineus sp. in the small intestine were the most prevalent in foxes and raccoon dogs. In martens, Aonchotheca putorii in the stomach, Concinnum ten in the pancreatic duct, Molineus sp. and Euryhelmis costaricensis in the small intestine were the most prevalent. Collected parasites include some new helminth species for this region or Japan; the strobilar stage of Taenia polyacantha from foxes, Pygidliopsis summa from a raccoon dog, Eucoleus aerophilus, A. putorii, and Soholiphyme baturini from martens.     

An epidemic of sylvatic rabies in Finland--descriptive epidemiology and results of oral vaccination.

When rabies reappeared in Finland in April 1988, the country had been rabies free since 1959. Soon a picture of sylvatic rabies become evident, its main vector and victim being the raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides). Between 8 April 1988 and 16 February 1989, 66 virologically verified cases were recorded (48 raccoon dogs, 12 red foxes, 2 badgers, 2 cats, 1 dog and 1 dairy bull) in an area estimated at 1700 km2 in south-eastern Finland. The greatest distance between recorded cases was 67 km. A positive reaction with monoclonal antibody p-41 indicated that the virus was an arctic-type strain. A field trial on oral immunization of small predators was initiated in September 1988 using Tübingen fox baits according to the Bavarian model of bait distribution. Each bait contained 5*10(7) TCID50/ml modified live rabies virus (SAD-B19). The 6 months' surveillance indicate a seroconversion rate of 72% (N = 126) in the raccoon dog population, 67% (N = 56) in the red foxes and 13% (N = 16) in the badgers, when titers greater than or equal to 1.0 IU/ml are considered seropositive. In the whole follow-up period, no statistically significant difference could be detected between the raccoon dogs and red foxes in the rate of seroconversion or in the uptake of tetracycline from the baits. Notably high antibody levels were recorded in both raccoon dogs and red foxes within 4-5 months after vaccination. Of the seropositive animals, the proportion of animals with titers 3.0 IU/ml or greater was higher in raccoon dogs (73%) than in red foxes (51%) (x2 = 5.29, p less than 0.05). The trial shows that raccoon dogs can be immunized against rabies in the field with vaccine baits originally developed for controlling sylvatic rabies in foxes.     

Effect of strenuous exercise on urine concentrations of homovanillic acid, cortisol, and vanillylmandelic acid in sled dogs

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether prolonged exercise by conditioned sled dogs affects urine concentrations of homovanillic acid (a metabolite of dopamine), vanillylmandelic acid (a metabolite of norepinephrine and epinephrine), and cortisol. ANIMALS: 24 conditioned Alaskan sled dogs (2 to 8.5 years old) that were in training for a multiday endurance race. PROCEDURES: Voided urine samples were collected from 4 groups of dogs (randomly selected from 54 dogs) after no exercise (control group; n = 6 dogs), completion of a 160km run (group A; 3), completion of a 420-km run (group B; 7), and completion of a 560-km run (group C; 6). Urine cortisol concentrations were determined by use of an immunoassay technique; urine vanillylmandelic acid and homovanillic acid concentrations were measured via high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, urine cortisol concentration in groups A, B, and C was significantly different (5.33 x 10(4) +/- 2.62 x 10(4) microg/dL vs 1.04 x 10(4) +/- 2.31 x 10(5) microg/dL, 8.88 x 10(4) +/- 5.49 x 10(4) microg/dL, and 6.31 x 10(4) +/- 5.09 x 10(4) microg/dL, respectively). Urine homovanillic acid concentration did not differ among the 4 groups. Vanillylmandelic acid was not detected in any urine samples. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicated that prolonged exercise by sled dogs did not affect urine homovanillic acid concentration but did increase urinary cortisol secretion, which is indicative of adrenocortical stimulation. The apparent lack of vanillylmandelic acid in voided urine samples requires further investigation.     

Immunochemical Localization of Megalin,Retinol-binding protein and Tamm–Horsfall Glycoprotein in the Kidneys of Dogs

Megalin, retinol-binding protein (RBP) and Tamm–Horsfall glycoprotein (THP) are involved in the renal metabolism of vitamin A in canine species. The presence of megalin, RBP and THP in the kidneys of dogs was investigated using immunohistochemical methods. Megalin was highly expressed in the apical membrane of the proximal convoluted and straight tubule cells. Immunoreactive RBP was detected below the apical plasma membrane, as well as in basolateral granules of the proximal convoluted tubule cells. THP immunoreactivity was seen in the epithelial cells lining the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle. Furthermore, THP was displayed in a scattered pattern within the distal convoluted tubules. The co-localization of megalin and RBP coincides with biochemical studies that have shown megalin to be responsible for renal RBP absorption in the proximal convoluted tubules after filtration through the renal glomerulus. The presence of THP, the carrier for vitamin A in canine urine, showed that vitamin A excretion in the urine of dogs is not merely a filtration process but also seems to be a pathway located in the distal part of the nephron.     

Individual differences in the vitamin A metabolism of the order Carnivora--a review

Vitamin A transport in blood of most species in the order carnivora is fundamentally different from other animals and man. Very high levels of vitamin A in blood plasma of canines and mustelides are due to a high percentage of retinyl esters. These esters (basically retinyl palmitate and stearate) are transported nonspecifically bound to lipoproteins with very-low and low density lipoproteins representing the major fractions (about 70% of total vitamin A esters). A high percentage of retinyl esters could also be found in the families Ursidae, Procyonidae, Viverridae and Felidae in which total vitamin A in blood was low. In man and rat severe signs of vitamin A intoxication can be observed due to a similarly high percentage of nonspecifically bound vitamin A esters. No clinical or clinical-chemical signs of vitamin A intoxication were observed in the animals investigated. Because vitamin A esters are transported by lipoproteins, their blood levels are readily affected by dietary vitamin A supply as it is known to be the case for vitamin E. Furthermore, canines seem to be the only ones that excrete vitamin A as retinol and retinyl esters (basically retinyl palmitate) under physiological conditions with the urine. These fat-soluble metabolites of vitamin A are bound to a protein with a molecular weight between 50,000 and 125,000 Da which shows characteristics of a lipoprotein when subjected to ultracentrifugation or selective precipitation. Higher levels of vitamin A in organs and tissues, as well as the excretion of vitamin A with the urine, might be a consequence of the nonspecific binding of large amounts of retinyl esters to lipoproteins in blood.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Prevalence and intensity of Echinococcus multilocularis in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes schrencki) and raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides albus) in Otaru City, Hokkaido, Japan

A survey was done in an attempt to investigate the epidemiological status of Echinococcus multilocularis in red foxes and raccoon dogs in Otaru city from June to September 1999. Sixty-seven red foxes (Vulpes vulpes schrencki) and 13 raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides albus) were captured, and postmortem examinations were conducted with them. Thirty-eight red foxes (56.7%) and 3 raccoon dogs (23.1%) were found to be infected with E. multilocularis. The total biomass of E. multilocularis in all infected red foxes and raccoon dogs were 2,817,000 and 1,515 worms, respectively. Nine of the infected red foxes harboring more than 100,000 worms accounted for 90.6% of the total biomass. No significant differences in the prevalence were observed between male and female, and juvenile and adult. However, the worm burden was higher in juvenile than in adult foxes. In one of the infected raccoon dogs, mature worms and eggs of E. multilocularis were found in the intestine and fecal sample, respectively. This result suggested that the raccoon dogs are probably playing a small role in the egg contamination of the environment. The validity of coproantigen ELISA for diagnosis of foxes was confirmed by comparing the results of autopsy, egg examination and coproantigen ELISA using rectal fecal samples.     

The role of the kidneys in vitamin metabolism

It is well established that the kidney plays an essential role in regulating the homeostasis of body fluids. Recent studies provided evidence for the kidney to be an important organ for the regulation in the metabolism of both fat (vitamin A, D) and water soluble vitamins (e.g. vitamin B12). This regulation is mediated by glomerular filtration as well as reabsorption and secretion processes of protein-bound vitamins. Vitamin transport proteins such as retinol-binding protein, vitamin D-binding protein and transcobalamin II are filtered in renal glomeruli and subsequently reabsorbed in the proximal tubules by endocytosis from the tubular fluid. Megalin, a scavenger receptor belonging to the LDL receptor family, is probably the most important receptor in this process in the proximal tubule cells. The carrier proteins are degraded in lysosomes whereas the vitamins are probably stored, may become coupled to newly synthesized carriers and secreted at the basolateral plasma membrane. A renal vitamin excretion is observed in dogs and other species of the family Canidae, in form of fat soluble retinol and retinyl esters bound to Tamm-Horsfall protein. This and the high vitamin A concentrations in renal tissue of canines suggest an important role of the kidneys in vitamin A metabolism of these species.     

Missense polymorphisms in the MC1R gene of the dog,red fox,arctic fox and Chinese raccoon dog

Coat colour variation is determined by many genes, one of which is the melanocortin receptor type 1 (MC1R) gene. In this study, we examined the whole coding sequence of this gene in four species belonging to the Canidae family (dog, red fox, arctic fox and Chinese raccoon dog). Although the comparative analysis of the obtained nucleotide sequences revealed a high conservation, which varied between 97.9 and 99.1%, we altogether identified 22 SNPs (10 in dogs, six in farmed red foxes, two in wild red foxes, three in arctic foxes and one in Chinese raccoon dog). Among them, seven appeared to be novel: one silent in the dog, three missense and one silent in the red fox, one in the 3′‐flanking region in the arctic fox and one silent in the Chinese raccoon dog. In dogs and red foxes, the SNPs segregated as 10 and four haplotypes, respectively. Taking into consideration the published reports and results of this study, the highest number of missense polymorphisms was until now found in the dog (9) and red fox (7).     

Epizootiological survey of Trichinella spp. infection in carnivores, rodents and insectivores in Hokkaido, Japan

In order to evaluate the present epidemiological situation of Trichinella infection in wild animals in Hokkaido, Japan, red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) , brown bears (Ursus arctos) , martens (Martes melampus), rodents and insectivores captured in Hokkaido were examined for muscle larvae by the artificial digestion method from 2000 to 2006. Foxes (44/319, 13.8%), raccoon dogs (6/77, 7.8%) and brown bears (4/126, 3.2%) were found to be infected with Trichinella larvae and all other animal species evaluated were negative. Multiplex PCR and DNA sequencing revealed that larvae from a fox captured in Otofuke, in south-eastern Hokkaido, were T. nativa, and larvae from 27 animals including 21 foxes, 2 raccoon dogs and 4 brown bears captured in western Hokkaido were Trichinella T9.     

Raccoon dog rabies surveillance and post-vaccination monitoring in Lithuania 2006 to 2010

Background

Oral rabies vaccination (ORV) in rabies infected regions should target the primary rabies vector species, which in Lithuania includes raccoon dogs as well as red foxes. Specific investigations on ORV in raccoon dogs are needed e.g. evaluation of vaccine effectiveness under field conditions. The objective of the current study was to investigate the efficacy of the ORV programme 2006-2010 in Lithuania by examining the number of rabies cases and estimating the prevalences of a tetracycline biomarker (TTC) and rabies virus antibodies in raccoon dogs.

Methods

From 2006 to 2010, 12.5 million rabies vaccine-baits were distributed by aircraft. Baiting occurred twice per year (spring and autumn), targeting raccoon dogs and red foxes in a 63,000 km² area of Lithuania. The mandibles of raccoon dogs found dead or killed in the vaccination area were analyzed by fluorescence microscopy for the presence of the TTC. Rabies virus sera neutralizing anti-glycoprotein antibody titres were determined using an indirect ELISA method and seroconversion (> 0.5 EU/ml) rates were estimated.

Results

During the study period, 51.5% of raccoon dog mandibles were positive for TTC. 1688 of 3260 tested adults and 69 of 175 tested cubs were TTC positive. Forty-seven percent of raccoon dog serum samples were positive for rabies virus antibodies. 302 of 621 investigated adults and 33 of 95 investigated cubs were seropositive. In the same time 302 of 684 and 43 of 124 tested samples were TTC and ELISA positive in spring; whereas 1455 of 2751 and 292 of 592 tested samples were TTC and ELISA positive in autumn. There was a positive correlation between the number of TTC and antibody positive animals for both adult and cub groups.

Conclusions

ORV was effective in reducing the prevalence of rabies in the raccoon dog population in Lithuania. The prevalence of rabies cases in raccoon dogs in Lithuania decreased from 60.7% in 2006-2007 to 6.5% in 2009-2010.     

Comparative immunogenicity and efficacy studies with oral rabies virus vaccine SAD P5/88 in raccoon dogs and red foxes.

A comparative study of immunogenicity and efficacy of the oral rabies virus vaccine SAD P5/88 in raccoon dogs and foxes was conducted. The raccoon dogs received 10(6.9) (n = 6), 10(6.3) (n = 6) or 10(5.7) FFU SAD P5/88 (n = 5) by direct oral application, and subsequently all animals seroconverted. The foxes received 10(7.2) (n = 4), 10(6.2) (n = 4), 10(5.2) (n = 4) and 10(4.2) FFU SAD P5/88 (n = 5) by the same route. On days 106 and 196 post vaccination 10 raccoon dogs and 16 foxes were challenged with a relevant street virus, respectively. All 10 raccoon dogs vaccinated with 10(6.3) (n = 5) or 10(5.7) FFU SAD P5/88 (n = 5) survived the challenge, whereas all control animals (n = 5) died of rabies. Two foxes vaccinated with 10(4.2) FFU and one fox vaccinated with 10(5.2) FFU died of rabies on day 7, 17 and 12 post infection, respectively. Also all control foxes succumbed to rabies. Our findings demonstrate that SAD P5/88 is not only an effective vaccine for oral vaccination of foxes but also for that of raccoon dogs.     

Yttrium oxide (Y2O3) as an inert marker in digestibility studies with dogs, blue foxes and mink fed diets containing different protein sources

The study evaluated the use of yttrium oxide (Y(2)O(3)) as an inert marker in studies of apparent total tract digestibility in dogs, blue foxes and mink. Comparison was made with total faecal collection, and use of chromic oxide (Cr(2)O(3)) as marker respectively. Four experimental diets were added 0.1 g/kg yttrium oxide and 10 g/kg chromic oxide and fed to four animals of each species. Faecal recovery of yttrium oxide was 94.4% (SEM +/- 1.0), and of chromic oxide 105.8% (SEM +/- 1.5). The digestibilities of dry matter, crude protein, crude fat, starch and total carbohydrates obtained by total collection and yttrium oxide as marker showed close similarity, and in most cases not significant differences, independent of species and diets. In dogs, overall digestibilities of main nutrients with chromic oxide as marker were not significantly different from overall means obtained with yttrium oxide (p > 0.05). Overall digestibility of dry matter, crude protein and total carbohydrates in blue foxes and mink was significantly higher with chromic oxide than with yttrium oxide (p < 0.05). In dogs and blue foxes, digestibilities of individual amino acids determined by use of yttrium oxide were not different from values obtained using total collection of faeces, both within diets and for overall mean (p > 0.05). Overall amino acid digestibilities in dogs determined with chromic oxide as marker were similar to corresponding figures for yttrium oxide, whereas use of chromic oxide resulted in significantly higher digestibilites for a number of amino acids compared with yttrium oxide in foxes and mink (p < 0.05). The digestibilities of most main nutrients and amino acids revealed no interaction between diet and method (p > 0.05). The study showed that yttrium oxide can be used in low concentration in the feed, and allows high accuracy of analyses and thereby precise digestibility determination. It is concluded that yttrium oxide is an alternative inert marker to chromic oxide in the studied species.     

Determination of canine beta2-microgloblin in plasma and urine by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was developed for the determination of canine beta2-microglobulin (beta2-m) in plasma and urine. The detectable sensitivity for pure canine beta2-m was 0.05 microg/l and the analytical range was 0.1 to 50 microg/l. The mean analytical recovery when pure canine beta2-m was added to normal plasma was 101.9%. The mean analytical recovery in the urine was 102.1%. The intra-day variation coefficient was 3.1% in plasma, 4.3% in serum and 1.9% in urine. No difference was found between the concentration of beta2-m in plasma and serum (n=17). The concentration of beta2-m in the plasma of normal dogs was 1.82 +/- 0.57 mg/l (n=31). The mean excretion in 24 hr urine collected from normal dogs was 17.6 +/- 9.2 microg/l, 0.22 +/- 0.12 microg/kg of body weight or 14.2 +/- 9.4 microg/g of urine creatinine. The beta2-m creatinine index of random urine samples was 23.5 +/- 16.6 microg/g (n=26). There was a close correlation between the beta2-m creatinine index of 24 hr urine samples and that of random urine samples (r=0.872).     

Helminth fauna of carnivores distributed in north-western Tohoku, Japan, with special reference to Mesocestoides paucitesticulus and Brachylaima tokudai

In the winter of 1998-1999, we collected parasitological data from 54 wild carnivores in the north-western part of Tohoku region, Japan. These consisted of 38 martens (Martes melampus melampus), 14 raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides viverrinus) and 2 foxes (Vulpes vulpes japonica). Collected helminth parasites were 11 nematode, 10 trematode, 3 cestode, and a single acanthocephalan species, including 5 hitherto unknown species for this research area or the mainland of Japan (Honshu). Mesocestoides paucitesticulus was for the first time recorded from martens as well as from carnivores distributed in Honshu. Brachylaima tokudai originally recorded from Urotrichus talpoides in the central part of Honshu was for the first time found from a raccoon dog.     

Epizootiological investigations of canine distemper virus in free-ranging carnivores from Germany

Canine distemper virus (CDV) infects a broad range of carnivores. To assess whether wild carnivores may play a role in the epidemiology of CDV in domestic dogs in Germany, the seroprevalence of CDV was determined. In sera from red foxes (30 of 591 (5%)) and stone martens (2 of 10 (20%)) antiviral antibodies were detected using a neutralization assay, whereas sera of raccoons, two mink, one pine marten and one raccoon dog were negative. In foxes, there was a significantly higher prevalence in urban and suburban compared to rural regions. When testing lung and spleen tissue samples (fox, badger, stone marten, polecat, raccoon dog) 13 of 253 (5.1%) foxes, 2 of 13 (15.4%) stone martens and 2 of 6 (33%) badgers were virus positive using RT-PCR. Phylogenetic analysis based on partial sequences of the F gene revealed a distinct relatedness to canine CDV isolates. Together, the data support the concept of transmission of CDV between domestic dogs and wild carnivores.