Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in little penguins and associations with urbanisation and health parameters.

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are increasingly detected in wildlife and present concerning and unknown health risks. While there is a growing body of literature describing PFAS in seabird species, knowledge from temperate Southern Hemisphere regions is lacking. Little penguins (Eudyptula minor) can nest and forage within heavily urbanised coastal environments and hence may be at risk of exposure to pollutants. We analysed scat contaminated nesting soils (n = 50) from 17 colonies in lutruwita/Tasmania for 16 PFAS, plasma samples (n = 45) from nine colonies, and three eggs for 49 PFAS. We detected 14 PFAS across the sample types, with perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) most commonly detected. Mean concentration of PFOS in plasma was 2.56 ± 4.3 ng/mL (

Wildlife nidoviruses: biology, epidemiology, and disease associations of selected nidoviruses of mammals and reptiles.

Wildlife is the source of many emerging infectious diseases. Several viruses from the order Nidovirales have recently emerged in wildlife, sometimes with severe consequences for endangered species. The order Nidovirales is currently classified into eight suborders, three of which contain viruses of vertebrates. Vertebrate coronaviruses (suborder Cornidovirineae) have been extensively studied, yet the other major suborders have received less attention. The aim of this minireview was to summarize the key findings from the published literature on nidoviruses of vertebrate wildlife from two suborders: Arnidovirineae and Tornidovirineae. These viruses were identified either during investigations of disease outbreaks or through molecular surveys of wildlife viromes, and include pathogens of reptiles and mammals. The available data on key biological features, disease associations, and pathology are presented, in addition to data on the frequency of infections among various host populations, and putative routes of transmission. While nidoviruses discussed here appear to have a restricted in vivo host range, little is known about their natural life cycle. Observational field-based studies outside of the mortality events are needed to facilitate an understanding of the virus-host-environment interactions that lead to the outbreaks. Laboratory-based studies are needed to understand the pathogenesis of diseases caused by novel nidoviruses and their evolutionary histories. Barriers preventing research progress include limited funding and the unavailability of virus- and host-specific reagents. To reduce mortalities in wildlife and further population declines, proactive development of expertise, technologies, and networks should be developed. These steps would enable effective management of future outbreaks and support wildlife conservation.

Controlling wildlife fungal disease spread: in vitro efficacy of disinfectants against Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis and Mucor amphibiorum.

Chytridiomycosis in amphibians, and mucormycosis in the platypus Ornithorhynchus anatinus and amphibians, are serious fungal diseases affecting these aquatic taxa. In Tasmania, Australia, the fungi that cause these diseases overlap in range along with Phytophthora cinnamomi (Pc), an invasive fungal plant pathogen. To identify disinfectants that may be useful to reduce anthropogenic spread of these fungi to uninfected wilderness areas, for example by bush walkers and forestry or fire-fighting operations, we tested 3 disinfectants and a fire-fighting foam against Mucor amphibiorum (Ma) and tested 1 disinfectant and the foam against Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). Combining the present study with previous work we found Bd was more susceptible to all 4 chemicals than Ma. Phytoclean, a disinfectant used at 2 to 10% for 30 s to control Pc, killed cultures of Bd at 0.075% and Ma at 5%, when also applied for 30 s. The disinfectant F10sc was not effective against Ma at standard exposures, but previous work shows Bd is killed at 0.03% with a 1 min exposure. Path-X is effective against Bd at 0.001% with a 30 s exposure and killed Ma at 1% with a 5 min exposure. Forexpan S, a foam added to water at 0.1 to 1% to control forest fires, killed Bd but not Ma when used at 1% for 2 min. Therefore, Phytoclean and Path-X have broader efficacy, although Path-X has not been trialled against Pc. Interestingly a positive mating strain of Ma (from a platypus) was more resistant to disinfectants than a negative strain (from a frog). Current protocols against Pc that involve high concentrations (10%) of Phytoclean are likely to reduce spread of pathogenic wildlife fungi, which is important for protecting biodiversity.