Multidrug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates From Captive Reptiles

Pseudomonas aeruginosa represents an opportunistic pathogen for animals and humans that is often associated with high disease morbidity and, at times, mortality. Captive reptiles have been shown to be reservoirs of P. aeruginosa strains that can be sources of exposure to humans that come in contact with these animals. In this study, the prevalence of P. aeruginosa among subclinical captive reptile species and the antimicrobial sensitivity of bacterial isolates were investigated. Sixty-five oral swabs were collected from captive reptiles belonging to 15 different species in which no overt signs of disease were evident. From this group of animals, 46 (70.8%) isolates were identified as P. aeruginosa. All of the P. aeruginosa strains were shown to have a wide range of antibiotic resistance. At present, there is a paucity of data regarding the prevalence of P. aeruginosa in various reptile species; therefore, continued scientific investigations are indicated to determine the significance of P. aeruginosa infection as it relates to captive reptile species.     

How to Assess Stress in Reptiles

Stress, as an adaptive response of any animal to a stimulus that presents a threat to homeostasis, can occur in reptiles. Yet, many veterinarians fail to recognize the signs of stress in reptiles. In this article, evaluation of reptile stress has been discussed with a focus on the analysis of behavioral changes, neuroendocrine correlation, and biochemical and physiologic effects in reptiles. If stress can be assessed and treated properly in captive reptiles, their health and well-being can be optimized.     

Reptile respiratory medicine.

Respiratory tract disease is commonly diagnosed in captive collections of reptiles and associated with high morbidity and mortality. Improper environmental conditions are often contributing factors for the development of respiratory disease in reptiles. A detailed knowledge of the unique reptilian respiratory morphology and function is essential to successfully diagnose and treat respiratory disease. A variety of noninfectious and infectious causes have been identified in the etiology of reptile respiratory disease. Knowledge of the pathophysiology of reptilian diseases is increasing, and with the availability of new therapeutic agents and advanced diagnostic techniques, the diagnosis and treatment of reptile respiratory tract disease has become more successful.     

Venomous Snake Restraint and Handling

Venomous snakes may be maintained as captive animals and are commonly exhibited in both zoos and private zoological collections. Veterinarians who treat reptile species may be asked to provide medical care to venomous snakes. The addition of venomous snakes to the practice can be exciting and rewarding. Training and experience handling venomous snakes are required before treating these animals in a veterinary practice. Both training and experience with handling venomous snakes are important not only to protect hospital personnel but the owner and patient as well. Veterinarians who wish to provide care for venomous snakes need to be familiar with the many tools used to make restraint and handling venomous animals as safe as possible.     

Turtle care and husbandry.

Chelonians (turtles, tortoises, and terrapins) are not as well represented in private reptile collections as are snakes and lizards. Thismay be due in part to the fact that they often require more space and time for proper care. Nonetheless, they are still popular pets.Unfortunately, many people are not aware of what constitutes proper care for these animals. This article will discuss basic captive husbandry and nutrition issues of common chelonians, as well as recognizing illness, capture and restraint, sample collection, medication administration, and preventive care.     

圈养小熊猫对栖息地点的选择及其行为观察

为了解圈养条件下小熊猫对人工环境的选择和行为习性,为笼舍的设计和改进提供理论依据,在春夏两季对圈养的10只小熊猫进行了行为观察。结果表明,与野生小熊猫白天主要以活动行为为主不同,圈养小熊猫白天以睡和卧等安静行为为主（68.32%）,对行为发生的地点具有明显的选择性（P〈0.001）,而且几乎不受气温和天气的影响（P〉0.05）。自然生长的树为圈养小熊猫的首选地点（53.6%）。小熊猫在地面主要以活动行为为主（83.06%）,对笼箱的结构和材料没有明显的选择性（P〉0.05）。因此,圈养小熊猫笼舍内最好能种植树木,而笼箱的结构和材料则依景观的需要进行设置。     

游客对哈尔滨北方森林动物园野猪行为的影响

2018年6—10月,采用扫描取样法研究了哈尔滨北方森林动物园圈养野猪的行为,同时记录了参观野猪游客的数量和行为。在此基础上,研究了游客对野猪行为的影响。结果表明:(1)游客数量上升伴随着对野猪投食和逗引行为增加,野猪求食行为增加;(2)野猪卧息、站立、运动、冲突、友好、繁殖行为的频次与游客数量不显著相关(P>0.05);(3)刻板行为频次与游客数量呈显著正相关(相关系数=0.672,P<0.05);(4)野猪的刻板行为频次与游客数量之间的最佳拟合曲线方程为Y=-4.573+0.288 X-0.001 X^2+(4.818×10^-7)X^3,其中Y为野猪刻板行为频次,X为游客数量。研究表明,游客对野猪不同行为有不同的影响。     

Clinical presentation and disease prevalence of captive central bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) at veterinary clinics in Australia

Central bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) are one of the most popular reptile pets in Australia and around the world. Diseases, including metabolic bone disease, periodontal disease, and gastrointestinal endoparasites commonly affect captive animals. To determine the common reasons these lizards were presented to the veterinarian and to establish the prevalence of disease seen in captive P. vitticeps in Australia, this retrospective study evaluated the clinical records of three exotic pet veterinary hospitals. Records from 724 P. vitticeps were analysed, with 70 reasons for presentation and 88 diseases identified across 1000 visits to the veterinarian. Lethargy was the most reported reason for presentation (n = 181). The gastrointestinal tract (18.25%) and skin (18.25%) were the equally most commonly affected organ systems, followed by the musculoskeletal system (15.17%). Endoparasites were the most common single disease process (n = 103), followed by metabolic bone disease (n = 65), skin wounds (n = 59) and periodontal disease (n = 48). Of the patients that presented for routine preventive health examinations (n = 159), 45.30% received some form of intervention to treat or prevent disease. Many of the conditions that were identified by the veterinarians in this study are traditionally correlated with suboptimal husbandry and may be easily prevented. This study identified the common reasons for presentation to the veterinarian and the prevalence of disease in captive P. vitticeps in Australia, providing the first extensive retrospective analysis of objective reference literature for central bearded dragon owners and aspiring reptile veterinarians.     

扎龙保护区圈养亚成体丹顶鹤越冬期行为的研究

为了解扎龙保护区圈养群体亚成体丹顶鹤越冬期越冬行为策略,于2014年11月至2015年3月采用目标取样法和瞬时记录法对圈养2013年和2014年亚成体丹顶鹤进行研究。结果表明,圈养亚成体丹顶鹤越冬期主要以取食行为为主(34.14%),其次为站立行为(15.77%);双因素方差分析显示,温度对越冬期各行为均有显著影响,年龄仅对玩耍行为有显著影响,Pearson相关性分析,温度与取食和游走行为显著正相关,与站立和静栖显著负相关,年龄与玩耍行为显著正相关。表明圈养亚成体丹顶鹤越冬期温度升高时取食和运动,温度降低时站立和静栖,2岁龄亚成体丹顶鹤相较于1岁龄更喜欢玩耍。     

Hematology, leukocyte cytochemical analysis, plasma biochemistry, and plasma electrophoresis of wild-caught and captive-bred Gila monsters (Heloderma suspectum)

Background: The Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum), one of several venomous lizard species in the world, is found within the United States and Mexico and is recognized as an iconic symbol of the American Southwest. Thus, Gila monsters are of growing interest in the captive reptile trade and within zoological and educational institutions. Objectives: The aims of this study were to determine results for CBCs, describe cytochemical reactions in WBCs, and obtain plasma biochemical and protein electrophoresis results from wild‐caught and captive‐bred H. suspectum. Methods: Ventral tail vein blood samples were obtained from 16 captive (14 wild‐caught and 2 captive‐bred) Gila monsters. CBCs, RBC morphometric analysis, plasma biochemical analysis, and protein electrophoresis were performed. Leukocytes were stained for peroxidase, Sudan black B (SBB), chloroacetate esterase, napthyl butyrate esterase, and leukocyte alkaline phosphatase, and blood smears were examined for the presence of hemoparasites. Results: The median (range) PCV was 37% (22–50%) and WBC count was 4.6 × 10³/μL (3.3–6.4 × 10³/μL) with approximately 50% heterophils and fewer lymphocytes, basophils, azurophils, and monocytes in decreasing order. Cytochemical reactions were unique among reptiles with strong staining for peroxidase and SBB in monocytes/azurophils. Biochemical results were similar to those of earlier reports with slight increases in uric acid and urea concentrations. Plasma electrophoretic results indicated that albumin was approximately equal to the combined globulin fractions. Conclusions: Results of blood analysis in healthy wild‐caught and captive‐bred H. suspectum may be useful for monitoring health status in this species.     

Future directions in reptile medical education

Reptile medicine has emerged as a specialty area within the broader field of zoological medicine. It encompasses the medical needs of approximately 7,500 vertebrate species. This vertebrate class is highly diversified, having biological and medical peculiarities that differ both between and within major groups. Historically, veterinarians who have become recognized specialists with reptiles have had limited formal training in their medical management. The pet reptile trade is a multi-million-dollar business, and the popularity of reptiles as pets has resulted in a need for more veterinarians with training in their medical management. While few private practices have high volumes of reptile cases, many small-animal practices will have the opportunity to see a significant number of reptiles on an annual basis. Most practitioners with reptile medical expertise have merged their experiences as reptile pet owners with the principles of veterinary medicine taught in veterinary college. Several North American veterinary colleges have reptile medicine courses, and most have didactic and clinical courses in exotic and zoo animal medicine that include lectures and practical experience. Most accredited zoological medicine residency training programs include training in reptile medicine. The case load and interest in reptile medicine will probably never be sufficient to lead the average veterinary college to develop much more than what is currently offered. Consequently, those few colleges having more extensive course offerings, both didactic and clinical, will serve as educational centers for this discipline. Future Web-based teaching programs in reptile medicine will allow students nationally and internationally to have access to instructional material that can be continually updated.     

Diagnosis of gastrointestinal parasites in reptiles: comparison of two coprological methods

Background

Exotic reptiles have become increasingly common domestic pets worldwide and are well known to be carriers of different parasites including some with zoonotic potential. The need of accurate diagnosis of gastrointestinal endoparasite infections in domestic reptiles is therefore essential, not only for the well-being of captive reptiles but also for the owners. Here, two different approaches for the detection of parasite stages in reptile faeces were compared: a combination of native and iodine stained direct smears together with a flotation technique (CNF) versus the standard SAF-method.

Results

A total of 59 different reptile faeces (20 lizards, 22 snakes, 17 tortoises) were coprologically analyzed by the two methods for the presence of endoparasites. Analyzed reptile faecal samples contained a broad spectrum of parasites (total occurence 93.2%, n = 55) including different species of nematodes (55.9%, n = 33), trematodes (15.3%, n = 9), pentastomids (3.4%, n = 2) and protozoans (47.5%, n = 28). Associations between the performances of both methods to detect selected single parasite stages or groups of such were evaluated by Fisher''s exact test and marginal homogeneity was tested by the McNemar test. In 88.1% of all examined samples (n = 52, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 77.1 - 95.1%) the two diagnostic methods rendered differing results, and the McNemar test for paired observations showed highly significant differences of the detection frequency (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

The combination of direct smears/flotation proved superior in the detection of flagellates trophozoites, coccidian oocysts and nematode eggs, especially those of oxyurids. SAF-technique was superior in detecting larval stages and trematode eggs, but this advantage failed to be statistically significant (P = 0.13). Therefore, CNF is the recommended method for routine faecal examination of captive reptiles while the SAF-technique is advisable as additional measure particularly for wild caught animals and individuals which are to be introduced into captive collections.     

丰容对圈养双角犀鸟日常行为的影响

丰容是为圈养动物提供适宜生活环境，改善圈养动物行为结构的重要方法。为了探究丰容对圈养双角犀鸟日常行为的影响，于2013年1～4月对上海动物园3只双角犀鸟进行展区丰容实验。丰容方法包括在栖架上设置云梯、悬挂麻绳和玩具、使用饲喂器等。采用瞬时扫描法观察双角犀鸟的日常行为并进行统计学分析。实验结果表明，丰容前后双角犀鸟个体间行为时间分配在社群、休息、运动、动喙行为方面有显著差异；丰容对双角犀鸟的日常行为有显著的影响，且丰容后各个个体均在修饰行为、休息行为、运动行为和动喙行为方面出现显著差异，具体表现为：修饰行为、运动行为、动喙行为增加，休息行为减少。丰容前后双角犀鸟的Et常行为变化具有个体特异性及行为连锁性。丰容有利于丰富双角犀鸟的日常行为，减少刻板行为的发生，有效提高了动物福利。     

圈养扭角羚繁殖行为观察

记录了南昌动物园l雄1雌2只扭角羚的发情、交配、分娩、哺育等一系列繁殖行为,并与其栖息地野外行为习性进行了比较,为动物园在扭角羚的异地保护中制定科学的管理、营养及展出策略提供了必要的依据。观察结果显示:与野生扭角羚的行为相比,一方面圈养扭角羚基本保持了其野生状态下的繁殖行为习性,如雌性表现出较强的母性行为。但另一方面,圈养扭角羚的群体行为比较单调、呆板,如雄性常有强制性的交配行为发生:圈养扭角羚的觅食行为受到动物园食谱的限制,在营养失衡时容易产生异食癖行为;圈养扭角羚在缺少自然隐蔽空间时,容易产生应激而引发亚健康状态,可导致雌性的繁殖失败。     

Pentastomiasis and other parasitic zoonoses from reptiles and amphibians

Reptiles are growing in popularity as pets.The colonization of reptiles and amphibians by parasites and the resulting disease conditions are the most common problems seen in captive animals.This review focuses on pentastomiasis and sparganosis, important parasitic zoonoses of reptiles and amphibians, respectively, and free living-amoebae. Humans are suitable accidental hosts for some pentastomid species (particularly Armillifer and Porocephalus). In geographical areas with special ethnics, such as in West and Central Africa, and East Asia, 8-45% of the human population can be affected. Usually the larvae are coincidentally found during abdominal surgeries. However, fatalities have been described. Extreme caution is necessary when handling infected reptiles. Ocular or cerebral sparganosis is not uncommonly found in humans in East Asia. This disease is caused by spargana, tapeworm larvae (plerocercoids) of Spirometra sp. The infection occurs when uncooked meat from reptiles or amphibians is applied to wounds or eyes and the parasites migrate directly to human tissue, or by consumption of contaminated food or water. As a consequence of the reptile's predatory behaviour, the full spectrum of endo- and ectoparasites from potential prey animals can be found as transiting parasites in the intestinal tract, e. g. Hymenolepis nana, Cryptosporidium (C.) muris, C parvum or Capillaria hepatica. Occasionally, free-living amoebae are also found in reptile faeces (Acanthamoeba, Naegleria, Hartmanella, Vahlkampfia or Echinamoeba sp.).     

笼养丹顶鹤繁殖行为和粪样中性激素水平变化的关系

2007年3月～2008年2月,在哈尔滨北方森林动物园,选2对健康的成年丹顶鹤,采用目标取样和扫描取样相结合的方法进行了行为观测,同时收取粪便提取激素,利用放射免疫分析法（RIA）测定了笼养丹顶鹤粪样中睾酮、孕酮、雌二醇的浓度。试验结果表明：笼养丹顶鹤繁殖行为呈显著的季节变化,其对鸣、炫耀行为的高发期在3、4月（P〈0．05）,营巢行为在3月极显著高于其他月份（P〈0．01）,丹顶鹤的交尾行为集中出现在3、4月（P〈0．05）;繁殖期雄性丹顶鹤粪便中睾酮平均水平为（259．59±149．70）ng／dl,非繁殖期为（84．81±27．35）ng／dl,二者差异显著,繁殖期雄鹤求偶炫耀、交尾、卧巢等的发生频次与粪便中睾酮呈极显著相关（P〈0．01）,其对鸣、警戒以及营巢都与睾酮变化水平呈显著相关（P〈0．05）。繁殖期雌性丹顶鹤粪便中的孕酮平均浓度为（9．65±7。15）rig／m1,非繁殖期为（2．76±0．97）ng／ml,差异显著,繁殖期雌鹤粪便中的孕酮激素水平与其卧巢行为呈显著性相关（R=0．8848,P〈0．05）;繁殖期雌性丹顶鹤粪便中雌二醇平均浓度为（30．50±61．77）pg／ml,非繁殖期为（8．17±3．72）pg／ml,二者差异显著,繁殖期雌鸟雌二醇变化水平与其繁殖行为的相关性不显著（P〉0．05）;雌性丹顶鹤粪样中雌二醇激素的变化水平与其产卵时间有着较为密切的关系。     

Sample collection and clinical pathology of reptiles.

Clinical pathology techniques can guide the clinician to diagnose and treat the reptile patient successfully. Text, tables, pictures, and diagrams in this article describe blood and cytology collection techniques and interpretation for the common pet reptile species.     

野生和人工饲养鳄蜥夏季行为时间分配及节律差异

为了探析人工饲养是否会导致鳄蜥(Shinisaurus crocodilurus)行为时间分配及活动节律发生变化,2019年7月在广西大桂山国家级自然保护区,通过布置监控摄像头对22只野生鳄蜥和44只人工繁育鳄蜥进行监控,记录2种环境中被观察个体在每个时段(1 h)内每种行为的占用时长,并对数据进行整理分析。结果显示:夏季行为时间分配方面,野生鳄蜥种群的移动、捕食及晒太阳行为时间占比极显著高于人工饲养个体(P<0.01);2种环境中鳄蜥的静栖和隐蔽行为时间占比无显著差异(P>0.05)。夏季行为节律方面,当气温较高时(13:00—16:00),人工饲养个体静栖行为占比为73.04%～82.82%,而野生个体多选择隐蔽(行为占比56.82%～62.88%);野生个体移动行为占比有2个明显的高峰,分别位于07:00(5.42%)和18:00(6.02%),而人工饲养个体移动行为占比仅有1个明显高峰,位于19:00(2.34%);野生个体捕食行为有3个高峰,分别位于07:00(2.35%)、11:00(1.70%)及17:00(0.98%),而人工饲养个体几乎没有出现捕食行为(全...     

Reptile‐Associated Salmonellosis in Minnesota, 1996–2011

Reptile‐associated salmonellosis (RAS) occurs when Salmonella is transmitted from a reptile to a human. This study describes the epidemiology of RAS in Minnesota during 1996–2011. All Minnesotans with confirmed Salmonella infections are reported to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). Case patients are interviewed about illness characteristics and risk factors, including foods eaten, drinking and recreational water exposures, contact with ill people, and animal contact. Willing RAS case patients can submit stool from the reptile for culture. Serotype and pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) subtype of Salmonella isolates from reptiles and case patients are compared. Of 8389 sporadic (not associated with an outbreak) non‐typhoidal salmonellosis case patients in Minnesotans during 1996–2011, 290 (3.5%) reported reptile exposure. The median age of case patients with reptile exposure was 11 years, 31% were under the age of 5 years and 67% were under the age of 20 years; 50% were female. The median illness duration was 8 days; 23% required hospitalization. The most commonly reported reptile exposures were lizard (47%), snake (20%), turtle (19%) and a combination of reptile types (14%). Eighty‐four per cent of isolates from case patients who reported reptile exposure were Salmonella enterica subspecies I. The three most common serotypes were Typhimurium (15%), Enteritidis (7%) and subspecies IV serotypes (7%). Of 60 reptiles testing positive for Salmonella, 36 (60%) yielded the same Salmonella serotype as the human isolate. Twenty‐six of 27 reptile isolates that were subtyped by PFGE were indistinguishable from the human isolate. Of these, 88% were subspecies I; the most common serotypes were Enteritidis (12%), Typhimurium (8%), and Bareilly (8%). RAS accounts for approximately 3.5% of salmonellosis cases in Minnesota, primarily affecting children. The majority of isolates from case patients and reptiles belonged to Salmonella subspecies I, suggesting that reptiles are a source of human infection with serotypes not traditionally considered to be reptile‐associated.     

环境丰容对单独圈养黑猩猩行为影响的研究

对广州动物园科研中心的2只单独圈养的黑猩猩进行环境丰容,采取焦点观察法和连续记录法,记录2只黑猩猩丰容前后的各行为持续时间。结果表明,环境丰容对2只单独圈养黑猩猩的行为产生影响,雌性黑猩猩积极行为显著增加,刻板行为和一般行为显著降低,而雄性黑猩猩的探究和进食行为明显提高。