Factors Associated with Reproductive Success in Captive Vancouver Island Marmots (Marmota vancouverensis).

The Vancouver Island marmot (Marmota vancouverensis) is Canada's most endangered endemic mammal. In 1997, a conservation breeding-for-release program was established to supplement wild marmot populations. Retrospective analyses of captive breeding studbook records since 2000 indicate the age of the sire and the dam significantly impacted the odds of successfully weaning a litter. Dams and sires between 5 and 7 years of age had more than double the odds of reproductive success compared to older animals. Successful reproduction by the dam in the previous year also doubled the odds of successfully weaning a litter in subsequent years. Assessment of adrenal function via fecal glucocorticoid analyses indicated established breeding pairs had decreased stress compared to new pairs (5.74 ± 0.28 ng/g vs. 7.60 ± 0.34 ng/g; p < 0.0001). Pairs that were ultimately successful at weaning pups in a breeding season had decreased stress compared to unsuccessful pairs (6.05 ± 0.34 ng/g vs. 7.22 ± 0.28 ng/g; p = 0.0006). These endocrine results suggest social buffering via familiarity and breeding/pair bond formation may be decreasing stress in established and successful pairs, respectively. The results of this study will be used to assist in the captive breeding management of this species to optimise numbers of animals produced to supplement the wild populations.

A SCOPING REVIEW OF THE RANGIFER TARANDUS INFECTIOUS DISEASE LITERATURE: GAP BETWEEN INFORMATION AND APPLICATION.

The role and impact of infectious diseases in wildlife population dynamics are increasingly recognized, yet disease information is variably incorporated into wildlife management frameworks. This discrepancy is particularly relevant for Rangifer tarandus (caribou or reindeer), a keystone circumarctic species experiencing widespread population declines. The primary objective of this review was to characterize the available peer-reviewed literature on infectious diseases of Rangifer by using a scoping review methodology. Three databases of peer-reviewed literature-Web of Science, BIOSIS previews, and Scopus-were searched and 695 articles met the criteria for initial review. After screening for relevance and language, 349 articles, published between 1967 and 2020, remained. More than half of the excluded articles (181/346; 52%) were left out because they were not published in English; the majority of these excluded articles (120) were in Russian. From the 349 included articles, 137 (39%) pertained to wild (as opposed to semidomesticated or captive) Rangifer populations. Articles on infectious disease in wild Rangifer were published in 40 different journals across various disciplines; the most common journals were disease and parasitology oriented, accounting for 55% of included articles. Most studies were descriptive (87%), followed by experimental (9%). Of the pathogen taxa investigated, helminths were the most common, comprising 35% of articles. Rangifer subspecies were not equally represented in the literature, with barren-ground caribou (R. t. groenlandicus; n=40) and woodland caribou (R. t. caribou; n=39) having the greatest abundance and diversity of infectious disease information available. Few studies explicitly examined individual or population-level impacts of disease, or related disease to vital population rates, and only 27 articles explicitly related results to management or conservation. Findings from this review highlight an unbalanced distribution of studies across Rangifer ecotypes, a preference for dissemination in disease-specialized publication venues, and an opportunity for investigating population-level impacts that may be more readily integrated into caribou conservation frameworks.

ASSESSING THE HUMORAL RESPONSE TO AND SAFETY OF A COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE EQUINE WEST NILE VIRUS VACCINE IN A ZOO-BASED CONSERVATION BREEDING POPULATION OF ENDANGERED GREATER SAGE-GROUSE (CENTROCERCUS UROPHASIANUS).

Greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) are an endangered species in Canada and have been extirpated from five states in the United States. Infectious diseases can pose a challenge to conservation efforts, and the greater sage-grouse is susceptible to West Nile virus (WNV). This study measured the humoral response to a commercially available WNV vaccine in a zoo-based conservation breeding population of greater sage-grouse. Since the initiation of the conservation program in 2014, all sage-grouse at the Calgary Zoo's Wildlife Conservation Centre have been vaccinated against WNV. Juveniles received a series of three vaccines every 2-3 wk starting around 2 wk of age; adults had received the same vaccination series at hatch and had since been boostered annually. Antibody titers were measured on 60 serum samples from 36 juveniles and 18 adults collected in 2018 using either serum neutralization or plaque-reduction neutralization methods. No detectable antibody response was noted in juveniles after their second (n = 17) or third booster vaccinations (n = 23). Only 35% of 20 adult samples collected had positive titers even after multiple years of vaccination. Only two cases of adverse vaccine reaction have been noted in this species with over 800 doses being administered between 2014 and 2020. Despite a lack of antibody response in juveniles and most adults, there have been no WNV-associated deaths in this population even with confirmed cases of WNV in free-ranging greater sage-grouse and other species in the area during this time frame, suggesting that cell-mediated immunity may be of greater importance for protection against WNV infections in this species. The initial vaccination series was changed in 2019 to a series of only two doses of vaccine, and no clinical cases or mortality from WNV occurred in 2019 or 2020 with the new protocol.

Faecal metabolites and hair cortisol as biological markers of HPA-axis activity in the Rocky mountain goat.

Monitoring glucocorticoids in faeces and hair is increasingly used in ecological studies and provides a powerful and minimally intrusive mean to identify physiological challenges faced by wild animals. Using a cortisol and a corticosterone immunoassays, we conducted an adrenocorticotropic (ACTH) challenge with five weekly repeated injections to validate the use of faecal glucocorticoid metabolites and hair cortisol concentration as biological markers of the HPA-axis activity in captive mountain goats (Oreamnos americanus). We also investigated the effect of endogenous (age, sex, reproductive status) and methodological (faecal sample collection date, freezing delay and hair type) variables on cortisol values using faecal and hair samples collected from marked wild mountain goats during a long-term study. The cortisol enzyme immunoassay was reliable for mountain goat faeces and hair, and was sensitive enough to detect a clear rise in glucocorticoid concentration following ACTH injections for both matrices. Age and sex had no detectable effect on faecal glucocorticoid metabolites, but hair cortisol concentration was higher in kids and yearlings than in older goats, and lower in adult males compared to adult females. Reproductive status had no detectable effect on both faecal and hair measurements. Faecal metabolite concentrations increased with sample collection date in late spring until mid-summer and decreased afterward until early fall. Guard hair had nearly twice as much cortisol per gram as undercoat hair. Prolonged delay to freezing reduced the concentration of faecal glucocorticoid metabolites, but degradation seemed limited when samples were exposed to wind and sun or when ambient temperature was low. We conclude that faeces and hair can be used as valid biomarkers of the HPA-axis activity in mountain goat provided that confounding variables are taken into account when interpreting measurements.

A PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECTS OF REPRODUCTIVE SEASONALITY ON SEMINAL PLASMA CHARACTERISTICS IN NORTH AMERICAN BISON (BISON BISON).

The two subspecies of the North American bison, plains ( Bison bison bison) and wood ( Bison bison athabascae) bison, are seasonal breeders. The objective of this study was to conduct a preliminary investigation into the effects of season on semen. To test the hypothesis that there are seasonal effects on seminal plasma, protein profiles of seminal plasma from plains and wood bison (n = 2 of each subspecies) were compared between breeding and nonbreeding seasons. Using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis of seminal plasma proteins, 54 of 170 spots (plains bison) and 19 of 153 spots (wood bison) had differential expression (≥2-fold; P < 0.01) between seasons. Based on immunoblotting, BSP5 and TIMP-2 (two fertility-associated proteins in cattle) were higher during the breeding vs. nonbreeding season. Furthermore, epididymal sperm incubated with seminal plasma from the nonbreeding season had lower postthaw progressive motility (17.33 ± 7.47 vs. 22.09 ± 6.67%; mean ± SD) and an increased ability to undergo a lysophosphatidylcholine-induced acrosome reaction (77.83 ± 8.47 vs. 52.67 ± 7.76%; mean ± SD) as compared to epididymal sperm incubated with seminal plasma from the breeding season. In a heterologous in vitro fertilization system (using bovine oocytes), cleavage rate was higher for sperm exposed to seminal plasma from the breeding vs. the nonbreeding season (75.35 ± 16.55 vs. 33.63 ± 12.44%; mean ± SD). This study suggested that differential expression of seminal plasma characteristics modulating sperm function is one of the mechanisms by which reproductive seasonality affects sperm function in the North American bison.

Conservative management of pyothorax in an Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica).

Therapy for pyothorax, or pleural empyema, has not been described for large felids. This case describes the successful treatment of pyothorax in a captive, large felid. A 15-yr-old multiparous, female Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) presented with nonspecific clinical signs caused by an insidious onset of pyothorax. Management of pyothorax cases in companion animals often involves thoracostomy tube placement with recurrent drainage of the pleural cavity, intensive supportive care, and monitoring. In this case, conservative management was elected because hospitalization was not a viable option. Thoracocentesis was performed to drain as much fluid from the chest cavity as possible, yielding more than 1.3 L. Corynebacterium sp. and unidentified anaerobic gram-positive cocci were cultured. Treatment included cefovecin subcutaneously, oral antibiotic therapy with clindamycin and marbofloxacin, meloxicam, and restricted exercise by minimizing access to the main exhibit. Significant improvement was noted clinically and radiographically 6 wk later, and no relapses were noted in the following weeks. An examination 11.5 mo later confirmed resolution.

Concentrations of 17 elements, including mercury, in the tissues, food and abiotic environment of Arctic shorebirds.

Exposure to contaminants is one hypothesis proposed to explain the global decline in shorebirds, and is also an increasing concern in the Arctic. We assessed potential contaminants (As, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Tl, V, and Zn) at a shorebird breeding site in Nunavut, Canada. We compared element levels in soil, invertebrates and shorebird blood to assess evidence for bioconcentration and biomagnification within the Arctic-based food chain. We tested whether elements in blood, feathers and eggs of six shorebird species (Pluvialis squatarola, Calidris alpina, C. fuscicollis, Phalaropus fulicarius, Charadrius semipalmatus, and Arenaria interpres) were related to fitness endpoints: adult body condition, blood-parasite load, egg size, eggshell thickness, nest duration, and hatching success. To facilitate comparison to other sites, we summarise the published data on toxic metals in shorebird blood and egg contents. Element concentrations and invertebrate composition differed strongly among habitats, and habitat use and element concentrations differed among shorebird species. Hg, Se, Cd, Cu, and Zn bioconcentrated from soil to invertebrates, and Hg, Se and Fe biomagnified from invertebrates to shorebird blood. As, Ni, Pb, Co and Mn showed significant biodilution from soil to invertebrates to shorebirds. Soil element levels were within Canadian guidelines, and invertebrate Hg levels were below dietary levels suggested for the protection of wildlife. However, maximum Hg in blood and eggs approached levels associated with toxicological effects and Hg-pollution in other bird species. Parental blood-Hg was negatively related to egg volume, although the relationship varied among species. No other elements approached established toxicological thresholds. In conclusion, whereas we found little evidence that exposure to elements at this site is leading to the declines of the species studied, Hg, as found elsewhere in the Canadian Arctic, is of potential concern for breeding bird populations.

Nasal osteosarcoma and interstitial cell tumor in a Vancouver Island marmot (Marmota vancouverensis).

A 6-yr-old male Vancouver Island marmot (Marmota vancouverensis) presented for poor hibernation, weight loss, and symmetric trunk alopecia. An abdominal interstitial cell tumor was identified and surgically removed. Serum levels of estrogen were markedly elevated before surgery and decreased after tumor removal, indicating that the tumor had been functionally secretory. Nine months later, the marmot presented with respiratory stridor. A large boney nasal mass was identified radiographically and evaluated by computed tomography (CT) prior to surgical debulking. The marmot did not recover from anesthesia. Pathologic findings included a nasal osteosarcoma with lysis of the cribriform plate, and endocardial fibrosis with degenerative changes within the adjoining myocardium. This is the first known report of nasal osteosarcoma and interstitial tumor in a Vancouver Island marmot.

Concentrations of 17 elements, including mercury, and their relationship to fitness measures in arctic shorebirds and their eggs.

Exposure to contaminants is one hypothesis proposed to explain the global decline in shorebirds, and this is of particular concern in the arctic. However, little information exists on contaminant levels in arctic-breeding shorebirds, especially in Canada. We studied potential contaminants in three biparental shorebird species nesting in Nunavut, Canada: ruddy turnstones (Arenaria interpres), black-bellied plovers (Pluvialis squatarola) and semipalmated plovers (Charadrius semipalmatus). Blood, feathers and eggs were analyzed for As, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Tl, V, and Zn. We assessed whether element concentrations a) differed among species and sexes, b) were correlated among pairs and their eggs, and c) were related to fitness endpoints, namely body condition, blood-parasite load, nest survival days, and hatching success. Non-essential elements were found at lower concentrations than essential elements, with the exception of Hg. Maximum Hg levels in blood approached those associated with toxicological effects in other bird species, but other elements were well below known toxicological thresholds. Reproductive success was negatively correlated with paternal Hg and maternal Pb, although these effects were generally weak and varied among tissues. Element levels were positively correlated within pairs for blood-Hg (turnstones) and feather-Ni and Cr (semipalmated plovers); concentrations in eggs and maternal blood were never correlated. Concentrations of many elements differed among species, but there was no evidence that any species had higher overall exposure to non-essential metals. In conclusion, whereas we found little evidence that exposure to the majority of these elements is leading to declines of the species studied here, Hg levels were of potential concern and both Hg and Pb warrant further monitoring.

Nutrition and behavior of coatis and raccoons.

Raccoons and coatis are inquisitive members of the Procyonidae family, commonly found in zoos, treated in wildlife rehabilitation centers, and increasing in popularity as pets. Compared with other carnivores, both species have unique adaptations and behaviors associated with their omnivorous lifestyles. It is therefore important for clinicians to have an appreciation of their natural history, diet, and behavior to aid in the formulation of captive diets and feeding strategies to mitigate potential nutritional or behavioral pathologies.

Dogs as sources and sentinels of parasites in humans and wildlife, northern Canada.

A minimum of 11 genera of parasites, including 7 known or suspected to cause zoonoses, were detected in dogs in 2 northern Canadian communities. Dogs in remote settlements receive minimal veterinary care and may serve as sources and sentinels for parasites in persons and wildlife, and as parasite bridges between wildlife and humans.

Pharmacokinetic disposition of the oral iron chelator deferiprone in the white leghorn chicken.

Deferiprone is a bidentate oral iron chelator used for the treatment of transfusional iron overload in people. The purpose of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetic disposition of deferiprone in the white leghorn chicken as a potential model upon which to base therapeutic regimens for the treatment of iron storage disease (hemochromatosis) in affected avian species. A suspension of deferiprone (DFP) was administered orally at a single dose of 50 mg/kg to 10 birds that were iron-loaded (IL-DFP) and 10 non--iron-loaded control birds (NIL-DFP). After a 30-day washout period, 5 birds from the NIL-DFP group were used for a bioavailability study of deferiprone administered intravenously at the same dose. Blood samples were collected at varying intervals over a 24-hour period and were analyzed for deferiprone by high-performance liquid chromatography, then plasma concentration versus time curves were developed. Deferiprone was rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract of the chicken, with plasma concentrations effective for iron chelation in humans (>20 micromol/L) maintained for at least 8 hours after oral dosing. The half-life (mean +/- SD) of the orally administered deferiprone in the IL-DFP and NIL-DFP groups was 2.91 +/- 0.78 hours and 3.61 +/- 0.90 hours, respectively, and was 2.42 +/- 0.24 hours for deferiprone administered intravenously. The mean oral bioavailability was 93%. Deferiprone is well absorbed and widely distributed in the chicken, with a longer half-life than reported in mammals.

Pharmacokinetic disposition of the oral iron chelator deferiprone in the domestic pigeon (Columba livia).

Deferiprone is a bidentate oral iron chelator used for the treatment of iron overload in people. The purpose of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetic disposition of deferiprone in the domestic pigeon (Columba livia) and to compare the results with a previous study in the white leghorn chicken. Deferiprone (DFP) was administered orally as a suspension at a single dose of 50 mg/kg to 10 iron-loaded (IL-DFP) pigeons and 10 non--iron-loaded controls (NIL-DFP). Six NIL-DFP birds were also administered deferiprone intravenously to determine the bioavailability of the drug after a 30-day washout period. To evaluate if deferiprone induces its own metabolism, the pharmacokinetic disposition of the drug was also studied in the IL-DFP group after oral therapy with deferiprone at a dosage of 50 mg/kg q12h for 30 days. For each phase, collected blood was analyzed for deferiprone by high-performance liquid chromatography to develop a plasma concentration versus time curve. Deferiprone was rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, with plasma concentrations effective for iron chelation maintained for at least 8 hours after administration in iron-loaded birds. The half-life (mean +/- SD) for deferiprone given orally to the IL-DFP and NIL-DFP groups was 2.98 +/- 0.85 hours and 3.26 +/- 1.25 hours, respectively, and when intravenously administered was 3.79 +/- 1.23 hours. The half-life after 30 days of treatment was 3.42 +/- 1.18 hours. Oral bioavailability was 44%. This study demonstrated that oral absorption of deferiprone is acceptable, it does not induce its own metabolism, and the drug was widely distributed in the pigeon, as it was in the chicken, with a longer half-life than that reported in mammals. Minor interspecies variations in the pharmacokinetics of deferiprone exist between chickens and pigeons.

Campylobacter canadensis sp. nov., from captive whooping cranes in Canada.

Ten isolates of an unknown Campylobacter species were isolated from cloacal swabs obtained from captive adult whooping cranes (Grus americana). All isolates were identified as Campylobacter based on generic PCR and grouped with other Campylobacter species based on 23S rRNA gene sequence. None of the isolates could be identified by species-specific PCR for known taxa, and all ten isolates formed a robust clade that was very distinct from known Campylobacter species based on 16S rRNA, rpoB and cpn60 gene sequences. The results of 16S rRNA gene nucleotide sequence (

Evaluation of the enteric microflora of captive whooping cranes (Grus americana) and sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis).

The enteric flora of captive whooping cranes (Grus americana) and sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis) has not been well described, despite its potential importance in the understanding of both the normal condition of the intestinal physiology of these animals and the altered colonization within disease states in these birds. Nineteen whooping cranes and 23 sandhill cranes housed currently at the Calgary Zoo or its affiliated Devonian Wildlife Conservation Centre (DWCC) in Calgary, Alberta were sampled from October 2004-February 2005 by collecting aerobic and anaerobic cloacal swabs from each bird. There were seven major groupings of bacteria isolated from both species of crane. Gram-positive cocci, coliforms, and gram-negative bacilli were the most prevalent types of bacteria isolated for both crane species, with Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, and Streptococcus Group D, not Enterococcus the bacterial species isolated most commonly. There was a significant difference in the average number of isolates per individual between the two crane species but no differences between age or gender categories within crane species. Campylobacter sp. were isolated from five whooping cranes. The potential zoonotic pathogen Campylobacter jejuni was isolated from one whooping crane and C. upsaliensis was isolated from a second. Three other isolates were unspeciated members of the Campylobacter genus and likely belong to a species undescribed previously. The evaluation of the enteric cloacal flora of whooping cranes and sandhill cranes illustrates that differences exist between these two closely related crane species, and highlights the potential implications these differences may have for current practices involving captive wildlife. Zoo Biol 0:1-13, 2007. (c) 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Suspected cervical spinal cord vascular anomaly in an African warthog (Phacochoerus africanus).

Vascular myelopathies of the spinal cord have not been described in Suidae, and are a rare finding in companion animals. An 8.5-yr female African warthog (Phacochoerus africanus) presented with an acute onset of tetraparesis. Based on neurologic findings, a cervical spinal cord lesion between C7-T2 was suspected. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed severe intramedullary hemorrhage with suspected abnormal vessels in the spinal cord at the level of the seventh cervical vertebrae. The acute onset of clinical signs and rapid deterioration of neurological status precluded surgical managements. A vascular anomaly was suspected on gross pathology and histology. Immunohistochemistry identified the lesion as a spontaneous intramedullary hematoma. Spontaneous intramedullary hematomyelia should be considered as a differential for acute onset of paresis in suid species.

Meloxicam and surgical denervation of the coxofemoral joint for the treatment of degenerative osteoarthritis in a Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris).

An adult male white Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) with pronounced atrophy of the pelvic musculature was diagnosed with degenerative osteoarthritis of the coxofemoral joints. Initial management with the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug meloxicam and a semisynthetic sodium pentosan polysulfate resulted in clinical improvement and radiographic stabilization of the arthritic condition over several months. However, because pain was still evident, bilateral denervation of the coxofemoral joints was performed, successfully ameliorating the signs of osteoarthritic pain in the tiger. Meloxicam has shown good clinical efficacy for the treatment of osteoarthritis and other painful conditions in large felids. Coxofemoral joint denervation offers many advantages for the treatment of osteoarthritis in exotic carnivore species, and should be considered a viable treatment modality.

Varanid herpesvirus 1: a novel herpesvirus associated with proliferative stomatitis in green tree monitors (Varanus prasinus).

Stomatitis is a common problem in lizards, and the etiologies of stomatitis in lizards are not well understood. Four green tree monitor lizards (Varanus prasinus) from two different collections were evaluated because of proliferative stomatitis. Degenerate PCR primers targeting a conserved region of herpesvirus DNA-dependent DNA polymerase were used to amplify and sequence a product from gingival tissue of three of four lizards (cases 1, 3, and 4). DNA in situ hybridization of tissues from three lizards was positive for herpesvirus in the oral mucosa of all three lizards tested (cases 1-3) and the brain of two lizards (cases 1 and 3). Comparative sequence analysis suggests that this virus is a novel member of the subfamily alpha-herpesvirinae, and is here termed varanid herpesvirus 1.

Metastatic anal sac adenocarcinoma in a dog presenting for acute paralysis.

A 4-year old, female spayed terrier was referred for hind end paresis that rapidly progressed to paralysis. Spinal radiographs revealed vertebral collapse and bony lysis. Myelography confirmed spinal cord compression and surgical exploration found an extradural soft tissue mass. Metastatic anal sac adenocarcinoma was diagnosed at postmortem examination.

Clinical evaluation of the oral iron chelator deferiprone for the potential treatment of iron overload in bird species.

The clinical use of oral Fe chelators for the treatment of Fe-storage disease in birds requires evaluation. In this study, the efficacy of the Fe chelator deferiprone in reducing hepatic Fe stores, its effects on hematologic, biochemical, and plasma Fe parameters, and its potential toxicity during a 30-day treatment period were investigated in a controlled setting using two model species, the white leghorn chicken (Gallus gallus f. domestica) and the domestic pigeon (Columba livia). A second phase of the study investigated deferiprone-related Fe elimination in the excreta. Deferiprone, administered orally at a dosage of 50 mg/kg twice daily to birds that had been experimentally Fe loaded, significantly reduced hepatic Fe concentrations compared with levels in Fe-loaded and non-Fe-loaded controls. There were no significant alterations in routine clinical hematologic or biochemical parameters, although decreased transferrin saturation was noted in both species. Side effects associated with deferiprone administration were decreased weight gain and significant decreases in plasma Zn concentrations. No mortalities occurred in the pigeons, but there were three deaths in the deferiprone-treated group of Fe-loaded chickens, most likely associated with acute reduction of Fe required for normal enzymatic processes. Histologic changes associated with deferiprone treatment were not noted. Deferiprone caused a dose-dependent increase of Fe in the excreta at oral dosages of 50 and 75 mg/kg once daily in both species. Deferiprone is a promising, orally active Fe chelator for the treatment of Fe overload in birds, although its potential side effects need to be considered.