Systematic examination of the cardiopulmonary, urogenital, muscular and gastrointestinal parasites of the Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra) in Denmark, a protected species recovering from a dramatic decline.

The Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) is a protected species in Denmark and at present, the population is recovering due to conservation efforts. The Danish otters are mainly found in the continental part of Denmark (Jutland), but establishment in the main islands (Fyn and Zealand) has been observed. While there is a lack of systematic studies on the parasite fauna of otters in Denmark, this study aims to screen otters for their parasite fauna, especially those of zoonotic and/or veterinary importance. Thirty-three otter carcasses, road-killed (n = 30), found dead (n = 2) and shot (n = 1), were collected between June 2013 and May 2014 and examined for cardiopulmonary, urogenital, gastrointestinal, and muscle helminths by post mortem examination. Faecal samples were analysed by modified concentration McMaster technique and direct immunofluorescence test for Giardia and Cryptosporidium. At least one parasite was found in 75.8% of animals. The parasite fauna included 13 species, consisting of five nematodes: Molineus patens (30.3%), Aonchotheca putorii (27.3%), Strongyloides sp. (24.2%), Physaloptera sp. (12.1%), Eucoleus aerophilus (10.0%); one cestode: Schistocephalus solidius (6.1%); four trematodes: Metorchis bilis (33.3%), Isthimiophora melis (15.2%), Cryptocotyle sp. (3.0%), Plagiorchis sp. (3.0%); one acanthocephalan: Acanthocephalus ranae (18.2%); and two protozoans: Giardia spp. (3.1%), and Eimeria spp. (3.1%). The study showed that otters carry parasites of zoonotic and veterinary importance. Many of these parasites can also infect native carnivores and birds, and the distribution of these parasites may be affected if the otter population continue to increase in Denmark.

Canine theriogenology for dog enthusiasts: teaching methodology and outcomes in a massive open online course (MOOC).

A massive open online course (MOOC) in canine theriogenology was offered for dog owners and breeders and for veterinary professionals as a partnership between the University of Minnesota and Coursera. The six-week course was composed of short video lectures, multiple-choice quizzes with instant feedback to assess understanding, weekly case studies with peer evaluation to promote integration of course materials, and discussion forums to promote participant interaction. Peak enrollment was 8,796 students. The grading policy for completion was strict and was upheld; completion rate for all participants was 7.5%. About 12% of participants achieved a grade of over 90% in the course, with those who had any deficiency mostly missing one quiz or assignment. Ninety-nine individuals were enrolled in a for-cost, credentialed pathway, and 50% of those individuals completed all required course components. Pre- and postcourse surveys were used to demonstrate that learning objectives were met by the participants and to identify that lack of time to commit to study was the biggest impediment to completion. Positive aspects of the course were active engagement by participants from all over the world and the ability of this university and instructor to reach those learners. Negative aspects concerned technical support and negative feedback from some participants who were unable to meet course requirements for reasons beyond the control of the instructor.

A novel diagnostic platform based on multiplex ligase detection-PCR and microarray for simultaneous detection of swine viruses.

Simultaneous detection and identification of multiple pathogens is required in many diagnostic fields. In this study a novel method based on a multiplex ligase detection (LD)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and microarray (MLPM) is described to detect simultaneously several swine viruses involved in reproductive and/or respiratory problems. The multiplex diagnostic system was validated using standard plasmids, and clinical samples. Using this strategy as few as 10 copies of target plasmids were detected successfully. Each probe pair yielded specific positive signal only in its target site. In addition, when six target plasmids were present simultaneously sufficient robust signals were generated in their corresponding sites of six plasmid templates and no obvious signals were detected in non-target sites. Compared to real-time PCR, the MLPM showed specificities and sensitivities of 95.7-100% and 100% for 47 clinical samples tested, respectively. The results demonstrate that this novel assay is a specific, sensitive, and multiplex diagnostic method for detection of multiple pathogens and can also be adapted easily for diagnostic purposes.

Pathology of the male baboon (Papio spp.) urogenital system.

BACKGROUND: Comprehensive reports on male baboon urogenital pathology are not available. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of 2246 male baboon necropsy records over 19 years. RESULTS: A total of 289 urogenital lesions were diagnosed in 197 (8.8%) baboons. The most frequently affected organs in decreasing order were kidney, testicle, urinary bladder, penis and prepuce, seminal vesicle, ureter, and prostate. Lesions were rare in the urethra, scrotum, and epididymis. The most common diagnoses in decreasing order were nephritis, urinary bladder cystitis, nephrocalcinosis, pyelonephritis, renal cysts, renal amyloidosis, testicular atrophy, penile/preputial dermatitis, hydronephrosis, orchitis/testicular abscess, glomerulonephritis, renal hemorrhage, hypospadia, nephrosis, renal infarct, hypospermia/aspermia, seminal vesicle mineralization, and hydroureter. We also report six cases of hypospadia, the first report in the baboon. CONCLUSIONS: The male baboon has a low incidence of urogenital disease and renal disease is the most common malady. The role of herpesvirus papio 2 needs further study.

Use of quantitative real-time PCR to monitor the shedding and treatment of chlamydiae in the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus).

The aim of this study was to monitor chlamydial shedding patterns in clinically affected koalas before, during and following treatment using quantitative real-time PCR. Swab samples were obtained from 14 koalas presented for treatment at the Australian Wildlife Hospital. Four of these animals were followed over a period of 8-9 weeks. Primers were designed based on the consensus signature sequence of the 16S rRNA chlamydial gene. Additional primers were designed based on the sequence of the koala beta-actin gene and used to normalize chlamydial values when comparing results from different swab samples. Chlamydial 16S rRNA gene copy number was highest in swab samples from clinically affected sites. Daily injections of chloramphenicol resulted in a marked and rapid reduction in the numbers of chlamydiae being shed from all sites. In general, chlamydial copy number was no longer detectable by the end of the 2nd week of treatment. No evidence of relapse of infection was detected at 2 weeks after the cessation of treatment. In contrast, topical chloramphenicol treatment of the eyes required a longer treatment period and had little effect on the shedding of chlamydiae from other sites of the body. Further studies are required to confirm the efficacy of a shorter treatment period.