Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in captive felids in Thailand

The prevalence of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii was investigated by commercial latex agglutination test kit (Toxocheck-MT 'Eiken') in captive felids maintained at zoos and a wildlife breeding center in different geographic regions of Thailand. Sera from a total of 136 captive felids of 12 species was obtained between 2002 and 2004. The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii was found in 21 of 136 (15.4%) felids. The titers varied from 1:64 (eight samples) to 1:8192 (one sample). The seroprevalence in different geographic regions were from 0% in the northern area to 23% in the southern area. This study suggested a widespread exposure of captive felids to T. gondii in Thailand and this is the first report of serologic analysis for T. gondii in captive felids in Southeast Asia.     

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in captive neotropical felids from Brazil.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii was determined in 865 captive neotropical felids from 20 states from Brazil, sampled from September 1995 to April 1997. Sera were tested by the modified agglutination test (MAT) using formalin-fixed whole tachyzoites and mercaptoethanol. Antibodies (MAT> or =1:20) to T. gondii were found in 472 of 865 (54.6%) cats: in 45 of 99 (45.9%) jaguarundis (Herpailurus yagouaroundi), in 97 of 168 (57.7%) ocelots (Leopardus pardalis), in 68 of 131 (51.9%) oncillas (L. tigrinus), in 35 of 63 (55.5%) margays (L. wiedii), in 1 of 8 (12.5%) Pampas-cat (Oncifelis colocolo), in 9 of 12 (75.0%) Geoffroys-cat (O. geoffroyi), in 134 of 212 (63.2%) jaguars (Panthera onca), and in 83 of 172 (48.2%) pumas (Puma concolor). Antibody titers were: 1:20 in 27 felids, 1:25 in 142 felids, 1:40 in 6 felids, 1:50 in 292 felids, and > or =1:500 in 5 felids. The high seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies found in the present study suggested a widespread exposure of neotropical cats to T. gondii in zoos in Brazil. The results warrant an investigation on the mode of exposure and oocyst shedding by neotropical cats.     

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in American free-ranging or captive pumas (Felis concolor) and bobcats (Lynx rufus)

Toxoplasma gondii is a major zoonotic agent infecting a wide range of mammals, including wild felids. Like domestic cats, wild felids are involved in the complete infective cycle of T. gondii, as they can host in their gastrointestinal tract sexually mature parasites and shed infective oocysts in their feces. In order to evaluate the importance of this wildlife reservoir, 438 serum samples collected between 1984 and 1999 from 438 pumas (Felis concolor) and from 58 bobcats (Lynx rufus) from North America, Central America and South America were screened for antibodies to T. gondii. The overall prevalence of T. gondii antibodies was 22.4% in pumas and 51.7% in bobcats, with regional variations. Adults were more likely to be seropositive than juveniles and kittens (prevalence ratio (PR) = 2.61; confidence interval (CI) = 1.15, 4.04). In the US, pumas from the southwestern states (Arizona, California and New Mexico) were more likely to be seropositive for T. gondii ( PR = 2.61; 95% CI = 1.32-5.18 ) than pumas from the northwestern and mountain states (Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Utah and Wyoming). Male pumas from the US were more likely to be seropositive than females (PR = 2.08; 95% CI = 1.11-3.92), whereas female pumas from Mexico, Central America and South America were more likely to be seropositive than female pumas from Canada and the US (PR = 2.49; 95% CI = 1.09-5.69). Captive pumas were also more likely to be seropositive (21.7%, 29/92) for T. gondii than free-ranging animals (19.9%, 69/346) (PR = 1.85; 95% CI = 1.06, 3.17).     

Seroprevalence of Bartonella infection in American free-ranging and captive pumas (Felis concolor) and bobcats (Lynx rufus)

Bartonella henselae is the main agent of cat scratch disease in humans and domestic cats are the main reservoir of this bacterium. We conducted a serosurvey to investigate the role of American wild felids as a potential reservoir of Bartonella species. A total of 479 samples (439 serum samples and 40 Nobuto strips) collected between 1984 and 1999 from pumas (Felis concolor) and 91 samples (58 serum samples and 33 Nobuto strips) collected from bobcats (Lynx rufus) in North America, Central America and South America were screened for B. henselae antibodies. The overall prevalence of B. henselae antibodies was respectively 19.4% in pumas and 23.1% in bobcats, with regional variations. In the USA, pumas from the southwestern states were more likely to be seropositive for B. henselae (prevalence ratio (PR) = 2.82, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.55, 5.11) than pumas from the Northwest and Mountain states. Similarly, adults were more likely to be B. henselae seropositive than juveniles and kittens (PR = 1.77, 95% CI = 1.07, 2.93). Adult pumas were more likely to have higher B. henselae antibody titers than juveniles and kittens (p = 0.026). B. henselae antibody prevalence was 22.4% (19/85) in bobcats from the USA and 33.3% (2/6) in the Mexican bobcats. In the USA, antibody prevalence varied depending on the geographical origin of the bobcats. In California, the highest prevalence was in bobcats from the coastal range (37.5%). These results suggest a potential role of wild felids in the epidemiological cycle of Bartonella henselae or closely related Bartonella species.     

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in captive mithuns (Bos frontalis) from India

One hundred and four mithuns from India were tested for serum antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii by modified direct agglutination test. The overall prevalence of T. gondii antibodies in mithun was 28% (95% CI=19-37). Highest (prevalence rate=46, 95% CI=30-62) seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies was found in mithuns above 3 years of age and lowest (prevalence rate=14, 95% CI=1-27) in mithuns of 6 months-1 year old. No statistically significant difference was observed between male (prevalence rate=23, 95% CI=10-36) and female (prevalence rate=31, 95% CI=20-42) seroprevalences (P=0.53). Significant difference was observed in the seroprevalence of T. gondii antibodies in mithuns of different strains with the highest (48%) seroprevalence recorded in Arunachal and lowest (14%) in Mizoram strain. The seroprevalence was higher in farm located at lower altitude (305 m a.s.l.) than the farm located at higher altitude (2134 m a.s.l.). This is the first serologic survey for T. gondii antibodies performed on mithuns from India.     

Seroprevalence for norovirus genogroups GII and GIV in captive non‐human primates

Noroviruses (NoVs) are a major cause of epidemic gastroenteritis in children and adults. Several pieces of evidence suggest that viruses genetically and antigenically closely related to human NoVs might infect animals, raising public health concerns about potential cross‐species transmission. The natural susceptibility of non‐human primates (NPHs) to human NoV infections has already been reported, but a limited amount of data is currently available. In order to start filling this gap, we screened a total of 86 serum samples of seven different species of NPHs housed at the Zoological Garden (Bioparco) of Rome (Italy), collected between 2001 and 2017, using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on virus‐like particles (VLPs) of human GII.4 and GIV.1 NoVs. Antibodies specific for both genotypes were detected with an overall prevalence of 32.6%. In detail, IgG antibodies against GII.4 NoVs were found in 18 Japanese macaques (29.0%, 18/62), a mandrill (10.0%, 1/10), a white‐crowned mangabey (16.6%, 1/6) and in an orangutan (33.3%, 1/3). Twelve macaques (19.3%, 12/62), five mandrills (50.0%, 5/10), two chimpanzees (100%, 2/2) and a white‐crowned mangabey (16.6%, 1/6) showed antibodies for GIV.1 NoVs. The findings of this study confirm the natural susceptibility of captive NHPs to GII NoV infections. In addition, IgG antibodies against GIV.1 were detected, suggesting that NHPs are exposed to GIV NoVs or to antigenically related NoV strains.     

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in captive elephants (Elephaus maximus maximus) in Sri Lanka

Serum samples collected during August 2003-June 2004 from 45 privately owned captive and 8 elephants from the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage were tested for the presence of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii using the direct modified agglutination test (MAT). Antibodies were found in sera of 14 of 45 (32%) privately owned elephants with titers of 1:25 in three, 1:50 in three, 1:100 in three, 1:200 in three, and 1:400 in three elephants. The elephants from Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage were seronegative. This is the first report of T. gondii seroprevalence in elephants in Sri Lanka.     

Fatal Beauveria bassiana infection in a captive American alligator

The entomopathogenic fungus, Beauveria bassiana, was isolated from pulmonary lesions of a dead American alligator (Alligator mississipiensis) at the Oklahoma City Zoo. Colonies of the fungus, which had sporulated in vivo, were found in the thoracic air spaces. Septate, branching hyphae and fungal spores were seen in stained histologic sections of pleura and lung. Dissemination to other viscera had not occurred. This case indicated that B bassiana, a rare vertebrate pathogen, may be a fatal mycotic agent in captive reptiles.     

Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with Equine piroplasmosis in North Egypt

Equine piroplasmosis (EP) is caused by Theileria equi and/or Babesia caballi and has economic importance particularly in equines reared in poor management systems. This study is based on cELISA test to study the seroprevalence of EP among 370 horses and 150 donkeys in four Governorates north Egypt. Additionally, its risk factors were studied for the first time. The seroprevalence rates 36.5 %, 20 %, and 5.6 % for T. equi, B. caballi, and mixed infections, respectively. The highest antibody levels against T. equi were detected in Kafr ElSheikh (40 %) and Giza (40.1 %) Governorates, whereas those of B. caballi were detected in Qalyubia (25 %) and Kafr ElSheikh (24.1 %) Governorates. Concerning T. equi, animals >10 years (OR = 2.06) were more likely to be infected with EP than those <5 years old. In addition, the seropositivity increased among grazing (OR = 5.7, 95 % CI: 1.73−19.27) males (OR = 1.8, 95 % CI: 1.23−2.61) infested with ticks (OR = 2.3, 95 % CI: 1.60−3.48) during summer (OR = 4.3, 95 %CI: 2.53−7.46); whereas the seropositivity of animals for B. caballi increased among grazing equines (OR = 7.8, 95 % CI: 1.05−58.25) over 10 years old (OR = 2.08, 95 % CI: 1.10−3.94) and infested with ticks (OR = 2.4, 95 % CI: 1.54−3.76) during summer (OR = 7.12, 95 % CI: 3.15–16.06). Therefore, EP is an important prevalent disease in Egypt and deserves further attention regarding the management system, treatment, and vector control.     

Fatal mycotic pulmonary disease of captive American alligators.

Fatal pulmonary disease occurred in two captive American alligators. The entomopathogenic fungus, Beauveria bassiana, was isolated from pulmonary lesions in both alligators. An extended hibernation period because of a severe winter and a failure of the zoo heating system may have predisposed the alligators to infection.     

Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii in captive and free-ranging nondomestic felids in the United States.

Seven serum samples of 101 samples from nondomestic, captive and free-ranging felids from the United States were indirect fluorescent antibody positive for antibodies to Neospora caninum, whereas 44 samples were positive for antibodies to T. gondii. Although none of the captive animals displayed clinical signs of disease, nondomestic felids in the United States have been exposed to, and are likely infected with, N. caninum and T. gondii. This may have serious implications for zoological gardens exhibiting susceptible animals, such as kangaroos, close to felids.     

2008 American Association of Feline Practitioners' feline retrovirus management guidelines

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) are among the most common infectious diseases of cats. Although vaccines are available for both viruses, identification and segregation of infected cats form the cornerstone for preventing new infections. Guidelines in this report have been developed for diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and management of FeLV and FIV infections. All cats should be tested for FeLV and FIV infections at appropriate intervals based on individual risk assessments. This includes testing at the time of acquisition, following exposure to an infected cat or a cat of unknown infection status, prior to vaccination against FeLV or FIV, prior to entering group housing, and when cats become sick. No test is 100% accurate at all times under all conditions; results should be interpreted along with the patient's health and risk factors. Retroviral tests can diagnose only infection, not clinical disease, and cats infected with FeLV or FIV may live for many years. A decision for euthanasia should never be based solely on whether or not the cat is infected. Vaccination against FeLV is highly recommended in kittens. In adult cats, antiretroviral vaccines are considered non-core and should be administered only if a risk assessment indicates they are appropriate. Few large controlled studies have been performed using antiviral or immunomodulating drugs for the treatment of naturally infected cats. More research is needed to identify best practices to improve long-term outcomes following retroviral infections in cats.     

Hepatic lipidosis in pregnant captive American bison (Bison bison).

Hepatic lipidosis, a hallmark lesion of lipid mobilization disorders in ruminants, was noted in four 3-year-old, pregnant bison (Bison bison) after periods of anorexia that progressed to recumbency and death. The affected bison were part of a herd at the National Animal Disease Center (NADC) that was used for brucellosis vaccine research. Microscopically, the liver contained swollen hepatocytes with numerous, variably sized, round, smoothly contoured vacuoles that displaced cytoplasmic structures. Hepatocytes in all zones of the lobule were affected equally. Hypoglycemia, decreased total carbon dioxide, elevated gamma-glutamyltransferase, elevated alkaline phosphatase, and increased nonesterified fatty acid levels were noted. As in the case of cattle, altered nutritional demands of late gestation combined with management factors such as obesity, nutrition, stress, and concomitant disease may be critical in the pathophysiology of lipid mobilization disorders in bison. Additionally, stressors unique to this research herd likely contributed to fatal hepatic lipidosis.