Morphological and molecular characterization of parabasilids isolated from ex situ nonhuman primates and their keepers at different institutions in Brazil.

Intestinal protozoa, which can be asymptomatic or cause diarrhea, dysentery and even death, are among the main agents that affect nonhuman primates (NHPs) kept under human care. Nevertheless, information on the molecular and morphometric profiles of parabasilids in the Neotropics is still scarce. In this context, the objective of this study was to isolate the Parabasalia protozoa detected in the feces of NHPs and their keepers in Pavlova and TYSGM9 media and to characterize the isolates by molecular biology and morphometry. Fecal samples from NHPs from five Brazilian institutions were analyzed. Direct examination was performed immediately after obtaining the samples. A total of 511 fecal samples from NHPs were collected, and 10.6% contained parabasilids. Regarding the handlers, of the 74 samples analyzed, three were positive. In vitro-generated parabasilid isolates were successfully obtained from all positive samples, as identified via microscopy. Isolates of the parasite were obtained both from New World NHPs, including the genera Leontopithecus, Saguinus, Leontocebus, Aotus, Saimiri, Sapajus, and Alouatta, and from the Old World primate Pan troglodytes. Forty-nine NHP isolates were molecularly identified: Pentatrichomonas hominis (16), Trichomitus batrachorum (14), Tetratrichomonas brumpti (13) and Hypotrichomonas hampli (6). The human isolates were identified as Tetratrichomonas sp. (2) and T. batrachorum (1). Visualization and morphometric analysis revealed trophozoites with piriform or rounded shapes that presented variable measurements. The isolates previously characterized as P. hominis had up to five free flagella, while T. batrachorum and Tetratrichomonas sp. had up to four free flagella, and H. hampli had a maximum of three free flagella. These morphometric characteristics corroborated the molecular identification. In general, a variety of parabasilids were observed to infect NHPs, and T. batrachorum was isolated from biological samples from both NHPs and their keepers, a finding that reinforces the susceptibility of these hosts to infections by parabasilids in Brazil.

MYCOLICIBACTERIUM FORTUITUM INFECTION IN EX SITU EMERALD TREE BOA (Corallus batesii).

Emerald tree boas (Corallus batesii) are boids that in situ occurs in forested habitats in the Amazon Basin. The mycobacterial species can infect reptiles but the species Mycolicibacterium fortuitum was identified only in feces samples of ex situ Python regius and was isolated from granulomatous lesions of an ex situ Iguana iguana when was still part of the genus Mycobacterium. This article aims to report a mycobacteria infection case in a female Corallus batesii kept under human care. The animal presented apathy and 2 months of anorexia, being found dead. The necropsy revealed presence of tracheal and pulmonary nodules besides multifocal, bacterial, granulomatous pneumonia. After Fite-Faraco histochemical staining, immunohistochemistry, semi-nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and genetic sequencing the Mycolicibacterium fortuitum complex was diagnosed with 99.54% of nucleotide similarity. This mycobacterial species was already pointed out as an important nosocomial pathogen and more studies are necessary to explore their zoonotic potential.

Facial and ocular thermal mapping in black-and-gold howler monkey (Alouatta caraya) by infrared thermography: An ex situ study.

BACKGROUND: This study used infrared thermography (IRT) for mapping the facial and ocular temperatures of howler monkeys, to determine parameters for the diagnosis of febrile processes. There are no published IRT study in this species. METHODS: Were evaluated images of a group of monkeys kept under human care at Sorocaba Zoo (São Paulo, Brazil). The images were recorded during 1 year, in all seasons. Face and eye temperatures were evaluated. RESULTS: There are statistically significant differences in face and eye temperatures. Mean values and standard deviations for facial and ocular temperature were respectively: 33.0°C (2.1) and 36.5°C (1.9) in the summer; 31.5°C (4.5) and 35.3°C (3.6) in the autumn; 30.0°C (4.3) and 35.6°C (3.9) in the winter; 30.8°C (2.9) and 35.5°C (2.1) in the spring. CONCLUSIONS: The IRT was effective to establish a parameter for facial and ocular temperatures of black-and-gold howler monkeys kept under human care.

Sonographic features of abdominal organs in healthy captive Neotropical otters (Lontra longicaudis).

This study aimed to assess the sonographic features of abdominal organs in healthy captive Neotropical otters (Lontra longicaudis). The sonograph showed that the urinary bladder was located in the caudal abdomen and its content was uniformly anechoic. The bladder wall had three layers: outer hyperechoic serosa, hypoechoic muscular layer and hyperechoic mucosa. The mean total wall thickness was 0.10 cm. The splenic parenchyma had a homogeneous echotexture with greater echogenicity than that of the left renal cortex and liver. The borders were regular and tapered. Rugal folds were observed in the stomach when undistended. The mean gastric wall thickness was 0.28 cm and five distinct layers were visible. The liver had smooth contours, and division of the hepatic lobes was not precisely visualized. The hepatic parenchyma had a homogeneous echotexture with greater echogenicity as compared to the right kidney and lesser echogenicity than that of the spleen. The gallbladder appeared as an oval or rounded structure in the transverse plane, filled with homogeneous anechogenic content; the wall was thin, regular and hyperechoic, with a mean thickness of 0.09 cm. The kidneys had a lobulated appearance with renicular subunits. The mean total length of the kidneys in longitudinal plane was 6.18 cm for the left and 6.27 cm for the right. Each reniculus was covered by an echogenic capsule, and the medullary region was more hypoechogenic than the cortical region. In conclusion, sonographic features in most of the abdominal organs in Neotropical otters are similar to the ultrasound patterns observed in healthy dogs and cats, except for kidneys with reniculi.

Retrospective study of the mortality of the Vieira's titi monkey (Plecturocebus vieirai) at the Sorocaba Zoo, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The Vieira's titi monkey (Plecturocebus vieirai) was recently described and characterized as endemic to Brazil. According to the IUCN red list, this species is classified as critically endangered (CR). At the date of the publication of this manuscript, there are no published data on the health aspects of this species. METHODS: For this study, the necropsy, and histopathological data of the mortality of P. vieirai at Sorocaba Zoo (São Paulo, Brazil) were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Causes of death diagnosed included disorders of the urinary, gastrointestinal, immune, and circulatory systems. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides information regarding the pathological conditions of P. vieirai and points to urinary and gastrointestinal diseases as the main causes of death in this species at Sorocaba Zoo. These results can help veterinarians who have this species under their care diagnose and deal with it more quickly, increasing the probability of survival.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of the liver and gallbladder and hepatic histogram of non-venomous snakes.

This study aimed to describe sonographic features of the liver, gallbladder and hepatic histogram from grey-scale ultrasound in three species of healthy non-venomous snakes. Twenty-eight adult snakes were enrolled in the study, including 10 common boas (Boa constrictor), eight black-tailed pythons (Python molurus) and 10 rainbow boas (Epicrates crassus). The snakes fasted for 30 days and were manually restrained while conscious. For B. constrictor and P. molurus the liver and gallbladder were best visualized in ventral recumbency, and E. crassus in dorsal recumbency. A single elongated hepatic lobe was identified in all snakes. The gallbladder was positioned caudal and separated from the liver, with an oval shape and homogeneous anechoic content in the lumen, and thin and regular walls. A region of interest by pixel number was chosen for the liver, fat bodies, left kidney, and splenopancreas. The mean grey level (G) of the organs had significant differences within each species. Standard deviation of grey levels (SG ) had significant differences within B. constrictor and E. crassus. P. molurus had no significant difference among organs. The comparison among snakes showed that E. crassus had G of liver and splenopancreas lower than B. constrictor and P. molurus. The SG of the liver in E. crassus was lowest compared to B. constrictor and P. molurus. P. molurus showed the highest values in mean of G and SG . In conclusion, despite the liver and gallbladder having similar sonographic features, the grey-level histogram showed that liver echotexture and echogenicity differ among species.

Flea parasitism in wild mammals in the metropolitan region of Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brazil.

Fleas are eurixenous ectoparasites that can parasitize different species of warm-blooded animals, including humans, with the possibility of causing irritation and blood spoliation. They are vectors responsible for the transmission of numerous pathogens and have a wide geographical distribution, more frequently in warm regions. Domestic animals (dogs and cats) are preferred hosts, but parasitism can also occur in wild hosts, with a greater variety of parasitic species and strong interaction between these siphonapters and their hosts. During the period from January 2021 to June 2023, flea specimens were collected from wild animals coming from the metropolitan region of Sorocaba, São Paulo. Some of these animals were animals from the zoo's own stock, which were diagnosed with parasitism during routine examinations and others were rescued from the natural environment and sent to the zoo. The flea specimens collected were packed in alcohol 700 GL and sent for microscopic diagnosis. Four groups were diagnosed at the specific level: Ctenocephalides felis, Rhopalopsyllus lutzi, R. lugrubis and Tunga penetrans, and two groups as unidentified species, belonging to the genera Rhopalopsyllus and Polygenis. The parasitized animals were all mammals, belonging to eleven different species, distributed in the Orders Carnivora, Didelphimorphia, Rodentia and Cingulata. Studies on the parasitofauna of wild animals contribute to a greater knowledge about the distribution of parasitic agents and their relationships with the host species.

As pulgas são ectoparasitos eurixenos que podem parasitar diferentes espécies de animais de sangue quente, incluindo seres humanos, com possibilidade de causar irritação e espoliação sanguínea. São vetores responsáveis pela transmissão de inúmeros patógenos e apresentam ampla distribuição geográfica, com maior frequência em regiões quentes. Os animais domésticos (cães e gatos) são hospedeiros preferenciais, mas o parasitismo pode ocorrer também em hospedeiros selvagens, com maior variedade de espécies parasitas e forte interação entre esses sifonápteros e seus hospedeiros. Durante o período de janeiro de 2021 a junho de 2023, espécimes de pulgas foram coletados de animais selvagens provenientes da região metropolitana de Sorocaba, São Paulo. Alguns destes animais eram animais do plantel do próprio zoológico, que foram diagnosticados com o parasitismo durante exames de rotina e outros foram resgatados do ambiente natural e encaminhados ao zoológico. Os espécimes de pulgas coletadas foram acondicionados em álcool 700 GL e enviados para diagnóstico microscópico. Foram diagnosticados quatro grupos a nível específico: Ctenocephalides felis, Rhopalopsyllus lutzi, R. lugrubis e Tunga penetrans, e dois grupos como espécies não identificadas, pertencentes aos gêneros Rhopalopsyllus e Polygenis. Os animais parasitados eram todos mamíferos, pertencentes a onze espécies diferentes, distribuídas nas Ordens Carnivora, Didelphimorphia, Rodentia e Cingulata. Estudos sobre a parasitofauna de animais selvagens contribuem para um maior conhecimento sobre a distribuição de agentes parasitários e suas relações com as espécies hospedeiras.

Canine distemper virus and canine adenovirus type 1 co-infection in a free-living hoary fox (Lycalopex vetulus) from Brazil.

The present case is the first description of a co-infection with canine distemper virus (CDV) and canine adenovirus type 1 (CAdV-1) in a free-living hoary fox pup from Brazil. The animal was found and rescued with poor body condition, dehydration, incoordination, ataxia, excessive vocalization, and "blue eyes" phenomenon. Despite the efforts, euthanasia was elected due to worsening clinical signs and poor prognosis. Pathologic examination revealed a mild, acute, random, necrotizing hepatitis, acute bronchopneumonia, hydrocephalus, corneal edema with epithelium degeneration, and acidophilic intracytoplasmatic inclusion bodies in different epithelial cells types with rare syncytial. Through immunohistochemistry, CDV antigen was observed in the tongue, trachea, lungs, liver, spleen, stomach, intestine and urinary bladder. Adenovirus antigen was identified in the nucleus of scattered hepatocytes. Polymerase chain reaction and sequencing demonstrated high similarity with CAdV-1 and wild-type strain of CDV close related to Brazilian viral lineages isolated from domestic dogs. Disease surveillance in wildlife animals is essential to assess possible conservation threats and consider the implementation of mitigation or control measures.

Lack of serological and molecular evidences of Zika virus circulation in non-human primates in three states from Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Zika virus (ZIKV) was discovered in 1947 with the virus isolation from Rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) in Uganda forest, Africa. Old World Primates are involved in a sylvatic cycle of maintenance of this arbovirus, however a limited knowledge about the role of New World primates in ZIKV transmission cycles has been established. OBJECTIVE: This work aimed to investigate the presence of enzootic circulation of ZIKV in New World Primates from three Brazilian states: São Paulo, Paraíba, and Paraná. METHODS: We analyzed 100 non-human primate samples collected in 2018 and 2020 from free-ranging and captive environments from São Paulo (six municipalities belonging to Sorocaba region), Paraíba (João Pessoa municipality), and Paraná (Foz do Iguaçu municipality) using reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase reaction (RT-qPCR) assays, indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT). FINDINGS: All samples (n = 141) tested negative for the presence of ZIKV genome from tissue and blood samples. In addition, all sera (n = 58) from Foz do Iguaçu' non-human primates (NHPs) were negative in serological assays. MAIN CONCLUSION: No evidence of ZIKV circulation (molecular and serological) was found in neotropical primates. In addition, the absence of antibodies against ZIKV suggests the absence of previous viral exposure of NHPs from Foz do Iguaçu-PR.

Diagnosis and successful treatment of Brazillian porcupine poxvirus infection in a free-ranging hairy dwarf porcupine (Coendu spinosus).

Brazilian porcupine poxvirus (BPoPV) is a new poxvirus recently described in porcupines (Coendou prehensilis) from Brazil. Herein, we described a free-ranging adult male Coendou (Sphiggurus) spinosus rescued after being found lethargic on the ground in a rural area. The animal presented crusty, edematous, and suppurative skin lesions on the face, tail, and perineum, and yellowish ocular secretion. The diagnosis was performed by histopathology, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), PCR, and sequencing. Microscopically, proliferative and necrotizing dermatitis, subacute, multifocal with ballooning degeneration, and eosinophilic intracytoplasmic viral inclusion bodies were observed. TEM confirmed large brick-shaped virions inside the keratinocyte cytoplasm, measuring about 200-280 × 120-180 nm. Partial fragment of intracellular mature virion membrane protein gene and putative metalloproteinase gene was successfully amplified and sequenced, and the strain herein denoted IAL/21 V-102 was classified as BPoPV, showing 99.4% of nucleotide identity to the reference strain UFU/USP001. Enrofloxacin 10% (10 mg/kg) was administered every 24 h through intramuscular injection for 10 days, dipyrone/metamizole (25 mg/kg) every 24 h orally (PO) for 3 days, 0.5 ml (mL) of thymomodulin every 24 h PO for 30 days, and each 48 h for another 15 days. The lesions were cleaned and debrided every 15 days. Seventy-five days after the beginning of the treatment, the cutaneous lesions regressed, the animal gained weight, and was clinically stable. After treatment, the skin biopsy showed only mild epidermal acanthosis, intra-cellular edema, and mild lymphoplasmacytic perivascular dermatitis. No viral particles were observed by TEM and no poxviral DNA was amplified by PCR. This study documents the first case of confirmed and treated BPoPV infection in a hairy dwarf porcupine. The implemented therapeutic plan eliminated the infection and improved the general state of the animal.

SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF UPWARD FIXATION OF THE PATELLA VIA MEDIAL PATELLAR LIGAMENT DESMOTOMY IN A LOWLAND TAPIR (TAPIRUS TERRESTRIS).

Tapirs are endangered terrestrial mammals that inhabit several continents. They have anatomical similarities to horses, sharing a common ancestral lineage. This article reports the case of a 14-yr-old female lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris) presented for intermittent lameness due to upward fixation of the patella causing extension of the limb in the caudal phase of the stride. Medial patellar desmotomy was performed under general anesthesia, correcting the problem. To date there are no reports of this condition or treatment recommendations in tapirs. An anatomical study including stifle dissection, advanced MRI, and CT was performed in a separate lowland tapir. According to the clinical case and the anatomical findings in the other lowland tapir, upward fixation of the patella may occur in the tapir, although the anatomy varies slightly from that of the horse. Because the lowland tapir does not have parapatellar cartilage or as large of a medial patellar ligament or medial trochlea of the distal femur compared to the horse, more severe disease secondary to complete or persistent upward fixation of the patella may not occur in tapirs. Rather, mild forms of the disease associated with intermittent upward fixation of the patella or delayed patellar release appear more likely in the tapir.

Lack of serological and molecular evidences of Zika virus circulation in non-human primates in three states from Brazil

BACKGROUND Zika virus (ZIKV) was discovered in 1947 with the virus isolation from Rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) in Uganda forest, Africa. Old World Primates are involved in a sylvatic cycle of maintenance of this arbovirus, however a limited knowledge about the role of New World primates in ZIKV transmission cycles has been established. OBJECTIVE This work aimed to investigate the presence of enzootic circulation of ZIKV in New World Primates from three Brazilian states: São Paulo, Paraíba, and Paraná. METHODS We analyzed 100 non-human primate samples collected in 2018 and 2020 from free-ranging and captive environments from São Paulo (six municipalities belonging to Sorocaba region), Paraíba (João Pessoa municipality), and Paraná (Foz do Iguaçu municipality) using reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase reaction (RT-qPCR) assays, indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT). FINDINGS All samples (n = 141) tested negative for the presence of ZIKV genome from tissue and blood samples. In addition, all sera (n = 58) from Foz do Iguaçu' non-human primates (NHPs) were negative in serological assays. MAIN CONCLUSION No evidence of ZIKV circulation (molecular and serological) was found in neotropical primates. In addition, the absence of antibodies against ZIKV suggests the absence of previous viral exposure of NHPs from Foz do Iguaçu-PR.

Spermatic profile of captive giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla): Knowing more to preserve better.

The giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) is being threatened by natural habitat destruction and fragmentation, illegal hunting and road kills. In this context, the generation of basic information on the reproductive parameters of this species is vital, aiming to improve reproductive management via, amongst others, assisted reproductive technologies. This study aimed to describe the morphological and functional features of semen collected from captive giant anteaters. Electroejaculation was performed in 13 animals housed in zoos located in São Paulo state, Brazil. Semen samples were collected from 13 animals in 16 procedures. Samples were evaluated for volume, motility, vigor, pH, concentration, sperm morphology, and functional tests. The following mean values were obtained: volume 1.28 ± 0.27 mL; motility 28.3 ± 6.2%; vigor 2.4 ± 0.25; concentration 129.4 ± 36.1 × 106 sperm/mL; pH 7.4 ± 0.2. Total acrosome, head, midpiece, and tail sperm abnormalities were 3.2 ± 0.8%, 25.4 ± 3.6%, 20.7 ± 3.2%, and 14.7 ± 2.6%, respectively. Intact acrosome was found in 83.7 ± 3.1% and intact membrane in 81.1 ± 4.0% of all samples collected. Mitochondrial activity was 66.4 ± 6.0% (Class I), 18.7 ± 2.9% (Class II), 8.0 ± 2.0% (Class III), 3.9 ± 1.0% (Class IV), and 3.0 ± 0.9% (Class V). Sperm DNA fragmentation rate was 13.2 ± 3.7%. These results indicated that electroejaculation is a feasible method for semen collection in giant anteaters, allowing a more detailed description of the semen in this species.

Testicular volume and semen characteristics in the endangered southern muriqui (Brachyteles arachnoides).

BACKGROUND: The southern muriqui (Brachyteles arachnoides) is an endangered Neotropical primate. Semen collection and description of its traits, as well as testicular morphometry, have never been reported for this species. METHODS: Testicles from five healthy adult captive southern muriqui were measured, and semen was collected by rectal probe electrostimulation (RPE). RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: A solid coagulum was identified in all ejaculates, and none of them liquefied, spontaneously or non-spontaneously. It was possible to collect semen using RPE, and although solids coagula did not liquefy, we managed to describe ejaculates characteristics and also confirmed that southern muriqui have relatively large testes size. Further investigations are needed to improve coagulum handling, to achieve a better spermatozoa recovery aiming its application in assisted reproductive technologies.

Captive wild birds as reservoirs of enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) and Shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC)

ABSTRACT Psittacine birds have been identified as reservoirs of diarrheagenic Escherichia coli, a subset of pathogens associated with mortality of children in tropical countries. The role of other orders of birds as source of infection is unclear. The aim of this study was to perform the molecular diagnosis of infection with diarrheagenic E. coli in 10 different orders of captive wild birds in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Fecal samples were analyzed from 516 birds belonging to 10 orders: Accipitriformes, Anseriformes, Columbiformes, Falconiformes, Galliformes, Passeriformes, Pelecaniformes, Piciformes, Psittaciformes and Strigiformes. After isolation, 401 E. coli strains were subjected to multiplex PCR system with amplification of genes eae and bfp (EPEC), stx1 and stx2 for STEC. The results of these tests revealed 23/401 (5.74%) positive strains for eae gene, 16/401 positive strains for the bfp gene (3.99%) and 3/401 positive for stx2 gene (0.75%) distributed among the orders of Psittaciformes, Strigiformes and Columbiformes. None of strains were positive for stx1 gene. These data reveal the infection by STEC, typical and atypical EPEC in captive birds. The frequency of these pathotypes is low and restricted to few orders, but the data suggest the potential public health risk that these birds represent as reservoirs of diarrheagenic E. coli.

Captive wild birds as reservoirs of enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) and Shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC).

Psittacine birds have been identified as reservoirs of diarrheagenic Escherichia coli, a subset of pathogens associated with mortality of children in tropical countries. The role of other orders of birds as source of infection is unclear. The aim of this study was to perform the molecular diagnosis of infection with diarrheagenic E. coli in 10 different orders of captive wild birds in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Fecal samples were analyzed from 516 birds belonging to 10 orders: Accipitriformes, Anseriformes, Columbiformes, Falconiformes, Galliformes, Passeriformes, Pelecaniformes, Piciformes, Psittaciformes and Strigiformes. After isolation, 401 E. coli strains were subjected to multiplex PCR system with amplification of genes eae and bfp (EPEC), stx1 and stx2 for STEC. The results of these tests revealed 23/401 (5.74%) positive strains for eae gene, 16/401 positive strains for the bfp gene (3.99%) and 3/401 positive for stx2 gene (0.75%) distributed among the orders of Psittaciformes, Strigiformes and Columbiformes. None of strains were positive for stx1 gene. These data reveal the infection by STEC, typical and atypical EPEC in captive birds. The frequency of these pathotypes is low and restricted to few orders, but the data suggest the potential public health risk that these birds represent as reservoirs of diarrheagenic E. coli.

Mycobacterium genavense infection in two species of captive snakes.

BACKGROUND: Mycobacterium is an important zoonotic agent with companion, livestock and wildlife animals reportedly playing a role as reservoirs. Although its association with reptiles has been described, the disease cycle remains to be fully established, particularly in snakes. Accordingly, this study aimed to report the occurrence of mycobacteriosis with clinical pneumonia in one exotic python snake (Python molurus) and one native green snake (Philodryas olfersii) from the Sorocaba Zoo, São Paulo state, Brazil. METHODS: Diagnosis was based on necropsy, histopathological examination, Ziehl-Neelsen stain and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Using a nested PCR followed by DNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis, the causative Mycobacterium species was identified as Mycobacterium genavense. CONCLUSION: Mycobacterium genavense is an infectious zoonotic agent of animal and public health concerns.

Hepatic myelolipoma in two Goeldi's monkeys from South America held captive.

Two cases of hepatic myelolipoma in Goeldi's monkeys from South America are described. One was a female evaluated due progressive abdominal distension. Ultrasound and computed tomography detected hepatic mass. Partial hepatectomy was performed, but the monkey died after surgery. Case 2 was a male that died suddenly, showing non-specific clinical signs.

COMPARISON BETWEEN DEXMEDETOMIDINE-S-KETAMINE AND MIDAZOLAM-S-KETAMINE IN IMMOBILIZATION OF ONCILLA (LEOPARDUS TIGRINUS).

Established immobilization protocols are required for safe procedures on wildlife and zoo animals. This study evaluated the cardiovascular, respiratory, and anesthetic effects of dexmedetomidine (40 µg/kg) with S-ketamine (5 mg/kg) and midazolam (0.5 mg/kg) with S-ketamine (5 mg/kg) in 12 specimens of oncilla (Leopardus tigrinus) at Quinzinho de Barros Municipal Zoo Park in Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brazil, between January and March 2010. Each animal underwent both protocols, totaling 24 anesthetic procedures. The dexmedetomidine-S-ketamine group (DK) showed a decrease in heart rate compared to initial values and significantly lower heart rate and oxyhemoglobin saturation values compared to Midazolam-S-Ketamine Group (MK). Four animals in DK had episodes of sinus pauses. Systemic blood pressure, respiratory frequency, and rectal temperature showed no significant differences between groups. The dexmedetomidine-S-ketamine group showed a greater degree of muscle relaxation and allowed for more thorough and longer oral evaluations. The dexmedetomidine-S-ketamine group had a shorter period of recumbency, longer period to return of muscle tone, and shorter recovery time. Two animals in MK did not reach recumbency. The dexmedetomidine-S-ketamine group had better qualities of induction and recovery. It may be concluded that both protocols can be safely used in oncillas. Midazolam-S-ketamine promotes effective chemical restraint for quick and minimally invasive procedures and dexmedetomidine-S-ketamine promotes effective chemical restraint for prolonged and more invasive procedures.

Mycobacterium genavense infection in two species of captive snakes

Mycobacterium is an important zoonotic agent with companion, livestock and wildlife animals reportedly playing a role as reservoirs. Although its association with reptiles has been described, the disease cycle remains to be fully established, particularly in snakes. Accordingly, this study aimed to report the occurrence of mycobacteriosis with clinical pneumonia in one exotic python snake (Python molurus) and one native green snake (Philodryas olfersii) from the Sorocaba Zoo, São Paulo state, Brazil. Methods: Diagnosis was based on necropsy, histopathological examination, Ziehl-Neelsen stain and immunohistochemistry. Results: Using a nested PCR followed by DNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis, the causative Mycobacterium species was identified as Mycobacterium genavense. Conclusion: Mycobacterium genavense is an infectious zoonotic agent of animal and public health concerns.