Animal Behavior and Learning: Support from Applied Behavior Analysis.

Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a relevant field for veterinarians helping clients whose animals engage in problem behaviors. In ABA, learning is defined as behavior change due to changes in the environment. Changing behavior then requires changes in conditions. Understanding the importance of control and the difference between emotional behavior and emotional feelings also is informed by ABA. Every behavior intervention should start with a systematic, analytical process called a functional assessment. Behavior change strategies are described, including an ethical procedural hierarchy based on the least intrusive, effective behavior change solution.

Patterns of mortality in free-ranging California Condors (Gymnogyps californianus).

We document causes of death in free-ranging California Condors (Gymnogyps californianus) from the inception of the reintroduction program in 1992 through December 2009 to identify current and historic mortality factors that might interfere with establishment of self-sustaining populations in the wild. A total of 135 deaths occurred from October 1992 (the first post-release death) through December 2009, from a maximum population-at-risk of 352 birds, for a cumulative crude mortality rate of 38%. A definitive cause of death was determined for 76 of the 98 submitted cases, 70% (53/76) of which were attributed to anthropogenic causes. Trash ingestion was the most important mortality factor in nestlings (proportional mortality rate [PMR] 73%; 8/11), while lead toxicosis was the most important factor in juveniles (PMR 26%; 13/50) and adults (PMR 67%; 10/15). These results demonstrate that the leading causes of death at all California Condor release sites are anthropogenic. The mortality factors thought to be important in the decline of the historic California Condor population, particularly lead poisoning, remain the most important documented mortality factors today. Without effective mitigation, these factors can be expected to have the same effects on the sustainability of the wild populations as they have in the past.

Prospective immunization of the endangered California condors (Gymnogyps californianus) protects this species from lethal West Nile virus infection.

West Nile virus (WNV) has caused significant morbidity and mortality in humans, mammals, and both native and exotic birds in North America since its emergence in New York City in 1999 and its subsequent spread westward. Prior to the arrival of WNV to the western United States, prospective vaccination was conducted for the entire population of endangered California condors, both in captivity and in the wild. Here we show that this vaccine is safe for condors, stimulates protective immunity in adults, nestlings, and newly hatched chicks. Most importantly, we demonstrate protection of captive birds exposed to naturally circulating WNV during the 2004 transmission season. The prospective vaccination of the entire population of California condors before the arrival of WNV has thus potentially saved this endangered species from subsequent lethal WNV encephalitis, and possible extinction.

Treatment of lead toxicity and crop stasis in a California condor (Gymnogyps californianus).

A free-ranging California condor (Gymnogyps californianus) presented severely dehydrated, unable to stand, very weak, and with a distended crop. Toxicologic analysis revealed an elevated blood lead level of 291.4 microg/ ml. There was no evidence of lead exposure on radiographs. The condor was treated with chelating agents and intensive supportive care. Over a period of 10 days, a majority of its clinical signs improved, and lead levels dropped to near normal. However, the condor was left with a severe, persistent crop stasis and malnutrition. An esophagostomy tube, and later an ingluviostomy tube, were placed and maintained for a period of 1 mo. The condor was managed with continuous infusion feeding. After the feeding tube was removed, the condor was managed with small amounts of soft food orally. After 10 wk of treatment, the crop returned to normal function.

Human exposure following Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection of multiple animal species in a Metropolitan Zoo.

From 1997 to 2000, Mycobacterium tuberculosis was diagnosed in two Asian elephants (Elephas maximus), three Rocky Mountain goats (Oreamnos americanus), and one black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) in the Los Angeles Zoo. DNA fingerprint patterns suggested recent transmission. An investigation found no active cases of tuberculosis in humans; however, tuberculin skin-test conversions in humans were associated with training elephants and attending an elephant necropsy.