A review of some of the health issues of captive black rhinoceroses (Diceros bicornis).

In captivity, black rhinoceroses (Diceros bicornis) are beset by many disease syndromes not described in black rhinoceroses in the wild. Hemolytic anemia, hepatopathy, and ulcerative dermatopathy that lead to increased morbidity and mortality characterize these syndromes. It is uncertain whether these are separate disease syndromes with different etiologies or the same disease with different manifestations. This article offers a brief review of some of the health issues of concern for the captive black rhinoceros population and proposes some possible avenues of research for consideration.     

Persistent nonregenerative anemia in a 4-year-old cat

A 4-year-old male neutered domestic shorthair cat was presented to The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine for a 2-month history of severe weight loss, lethargy, anemia, and bilaterally hyperechoic kidneys with loss of corticomedullary distinction as reported by the referring veterinarian. Relevant initial laboratory results included severe non-regenerative normocytic hypochromic anemia, increased blood urea nitrogen, minimally concentrated urine, proteinuria, and an increased urine protein:creatinine ratio. Cytologic evaluation of a bone marrow aspirate revealed a markedly hypocellular marrow with abundant mucinous material. Gelatinous marrow transformation (GMT) was confirmed histologically by the presence of mucinous material in the bone marrow that stained positive for Alcian blue but negative for periodic acid-Schiff. The cat died despite repeated blood transfusions and supportive care. Gelatinous marrow transformation, immune complex-mediated membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, and gastrointestinal hemorrhage were observed on autopsy and histology. It is likely that the development of GMT was secondary to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and that CKD, GMT, and gastrointestinal hemorrhage contributed to the cat's non-regenerative anemia.     

Growth and survival of selected aquatic animals in two saline groundwater evaporation basins: an Australian case study

Evaluation trials were undertaken in two evaporation basins filled with saline groundwater to identify finfish and shellfish that have the potential to survive and grow in these conditions. Test animals were reared in replicate culture units in each of two basins filled with saline groundwater located in the Goulburn–Murray Irrigation District (GMID), south‐eastern Australia. Salinity in basin 2 (9.5–24.6 p.p.t., mean 16.8 p.p.t.) was significantly higher than in basin 1 (8.8–15.2 p.p.t., mean 11.6 p.p.t.). Some differences were observed between the ionic concentrations in the groundwater and sea water (at 10 p.p.t.) and may have affected growth and survival of some species. Survival and growth for oysters (Crassostrea gigas and Saccostrea glomerata) in the basins were low. Shrimps (Penaeus monodon and Marsupenaeus japonicus) did not survive beyond 3 weeks. Of the eight species of fish stocked into the basins, Salmo salar, Macquaria novemaculeata and Acanthopagrus butcheri survived and grew in both basins. Oncorhynchus mykiss did not survive in the low‐salinity basin, whereas Bidyanus bidyanus did not survive in the high‐salinity basin. These results indicate that some species of fish in particular can be cultured in saline groundwaters within the GMID.     

Improving Control of the Vegetable Armyworm

Abstract

Because of recently acquired resistance of armyworm in Cyprus to prophyllactic spraying of methylparathion, a full investigation into the biology of Spodoptera littoralis was launched. It is not yet clear whether immigration to the Island occurs, but some moths can overwinter in “survival pockets” on the South coast. Pheromone traps and sterilisation are suggested as an alternative method of control. A more rational use of pesticides will cause less damage to natural enemies of the pest and reduce further development of resistance.     

Genetic diversity of taro (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott) in Vanuatu (Oceania): an appraisal of the distribution of allelic diversity (DAD) with SSR markers

In Vanuatu, an oceanic archipelago located in south-west Pacific, taro (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott) is one of the staple crops. An eco-geographical survey of its genetic resources was conducted in ten villages, each located on a different island. A sample of 344 landraces referred as the National Sample (NS) was collected. Its genetic diversity was assessed using nine microsatellites markers and then was compared with an International Core Sample (ICS) that was previously distributed in the ten villages of the study in order to test the geographical distribution of allelic diversity as an effective mean for the on-farm conservation of root crops. The ICS was composed of 41 accessions, including 23 originating from South-East Asia. The molecular dataset revealed in the NS (1) 324 distinct multilocus genotypes, (2) six genetic clusters mainly differentiated by rare alleles, (3) a geographical structure of the genetic resources of taro based, within each village, on the dominance of one or two of these clusters rather that their exclusivity, and (4) an analogy between the patterns of dominant clusters between villages and the past and present social networks. In addition, accessions from the ICS revealed 52 new alleles. Based on these findings, we formulate hypotheses regarding the processes involved in the genetic diversification of taro in Vanuatu. We also discuss the use of this set of microsatellite markers along with the molecular dataset obtained from this study as effective tools to monitor the diversity and evolution of taro in the future.