Occurrence of Fox Squirrels Influenced by Fine-Scale Landscape Characteristics on a College Campus.

Urbanization and urban sprawl generally degrade and diminish wildlife habitat, threatening to extirpate local populations. However, certain synanthropic species (e.g., coyotes, white-tailed deer, and squirrels) are able to persist in urban environments and may even occur at greater densities than they do in their natural habitats. Eastern fox squirrels (Sciurus niger) are large tree squirrels that are known to be present in greater densities within urban areas. To determine how landscape characteristics may affect fox squirrel presence, we conducted line-transect surveys along sidewalks on the Texas A&M University-College Station campus to record presence of fox squirrels and nearest tree species. We calculated Jacobs' index of selectivity (D) for use of trees by fox squirrels along the transects. Squirrel density was calculated for all transects and modeled using linear regression with environmental (e.g., tree density) and survey (e.g., transect distance) variables. Fox squirrels preferred only a small number of the available tree species, primarily Quercus and Ulmus species. Observed fox squirrel density significantly increased with time of day, temperature, density of oaks (Quercus spp.), and density of all trees, and decreased with distance and area of the transect. These results suggest that even when urban areas contain suitable habitat, use of urban environments by wildlife is still highly selective and dependent on specific habitat requirements.

TRICHINELLA MURRELLI POZIO AND LA ROSA, 2000 IN A GRAY FOX (UROCYON CINEREOARGENTEUS) FROM PENNSYLVANIA: A NEW HOST RECORD FOR THIS ZOONOTIC NEMATODE.

Trichinella murrelli Pozio and La Rosa, 2000, is the primary sylvatic trichinellid encountered in temperate North America. During a survey for Sarcocystis in wild canids, a single worm matching the morphology of encapsulated Trichinella was observed in a muscle tissue squash from a gray fox male originating from Pennsylvania. The worm was photographed and then separated from the host tissue by artificial digestion, and genomic DNA was extracted from the worm. This DNA was subjected to species-specific multiplex PCR and short-read genomic sequencing. The banding pattern of the multiplex PCR indicated that the worm was T. murrelli, and the sequence of the mitochondrial Cytochrome c oxidase 1 gene and the ribosomal 18S ribosomal RNA, Internal Transcribed Spacer 1, 5.8S ribosomal RNA, Internal Transcribed Spacer 2, and 28S ribosomal RNA confirmed the diagnosis. This is the first report of T. murrelli in gray foxes that includes assays for assigning parasite species. This report confirms suspected data from surveys conducted over 30 yr ago and establishes a new host record for T. murrelli.

The role of indirect interspecific effects in the stochastic dynamics of a simple trophic system.

Indirect interspecific effects (IIEs) occur when one species affects another through a third intermediary species. Understanding the role of IIEs in population dynamics is key for predicting community-level impacts of environmental change. Yet, empirically teasing apart IIEs from other interactions and population drivers has proven challenging and data-demanding, particularly in species-rich communities. We used stochastic population models parameterized with long-term time series of individual data to simulate population trajectories and examine IIEs in a simple high-arctic vertebrate food chain consisting of the wild Svalbard reindeer, its scavenger (the Arctic fox) and the barnacle goose, a migratory prey of the fox. We used the simulated population trajectories to explore co-fluctuations between the species within the food chain. Additionally, we adjusted the model in two ways: first, to isolate the impact of fluctuations in the abundance of a species by keeping its abundance constant; and second, to isolate the impact of a trophic interaction on the dynamics of other species by setting the abundance of the influencing species to zero. We found that fluctuations in reindeer carcasses shaped fox abundance fluctuations, which subsequently affected goose population dynamics. Reindeer and goose population growth rates were nevertheless only weakly correlated, probably in part due to demographic and environmental stochasticity, density dependence and lagged dynamics in the geese. However, removing the fluctuations in reindeer abundance or setting reindeer abundance to zero indeed demonstrated strong underlying IIEs on goose population dynamics and extinction probability. This study thus highlights the importance of species interactions, including IIEs, on species coexistence and communities in the long-term, that is beyond immediate effects and covariation in short-term fluctuations.

Short Communication: Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Babesia spp. in ixodid ticks infesting red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in Great Britain.

Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) are found throughout the United Kingdom (UK), and can reach high population densities in urban areas. They are often infested with ticks which may carry tick-borne pathogens, leading to a risk of transmission to domestic animals and humans. This study investigated the prevalence of tick-borne pathogens in ticks sourced from red fox carcasses across Great Britain between 2018 and 2022. Tick species were identified using morphological keys and molecular barcoding, followed by specific pathogen testing using PCR. In total, 227 ticks were collected from 93 foxes. Pooling (n = 2) was undertaken for unengorged nymphs from the same tick species and fox host, with 203 homogenates tested in total (24 pools and 179 individual ticks). Ixodes hexagonus was the most abundant tick species sampled (73 %), of which 59 % were nymphs and 41 % were females. Less common were Ixodes ricinus (12 %) and Ixodes canisuga (15 %), the majority of which were females (73 % and 91 %, respectively). One Ixodes sp. larva was identified. Babesia DNA was identified in seven individual ticks and once in pooled ticks (n = 2); seven detections were in I. hexagonus and one in I. canisuga, with an overall detection rate of 7 % (95 % CI: 6 - 8 %). Sequence analysis confirmed that all Babesia detections in I. hexagonus were Babesia vulpes, with detection of Babesia Badger Type A in I. canisuga. Screening for Anaplasma phagocytophilum DNA through amplification of the msp2 gene yielded an overall detection rate of 4 % (detected in I. hexagonus only). Louping ill virus was not detected by qRT-PCR in any tick RNA tested. The majority of pathogen detections were in ticks from red foxes in rural areas of the UK, although a small number of Babesia detections were in ticks collected from semi-rural or urban red foxes. Additionally, B. vulpes was detected in GB red fox tissues, suggesting a potential role as a reservoir host. This study confirms the detection of tick-borne pathogens in ticks infesting UK red foxes and highlights the involvement of GB tick species in animal or human disease transmission.

Novel Therapeutic Target for ALI/ARDS: Forkhead Box Transcription Factors.

ALI/ARDS can be a pulmonary manifestation of a systemic inflammatory response or a result of overexpression of the body's normal inflammatory response involving various effector cells, cytokines, and inflammatory mediators, which regulate the body's immune response through different signalling pathways. Forkhead box transcription factors are evolutionarily conserved transcription factors that play a crucial role in various cellular processes, such as cell cycle progression, proliferation, differentiation, migration, metabolism, and DNA damage response. Transcription factors control protein synthesis by regulating gene transcription levels, resulting in diverse biological outcomes. The Fox family plays a role in activating or inhibiting the expression of various molecules related to ALI/ARDS through phosphorylation, acetylation/deacetylation, and control of multiple signalling pathways. An in-depth analysis of the integrated Fox family's role in ALI/ARDS can aid in the development of potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets for the condition.

FOX Optimization Algorithm Based on Adaptive Spiral Flight and Multi-Strategy Fusion.

Adaptive spiral flight and multi-strategy fusion are the foundations of a new FOX optimization algorithm that aims to address the drawbacks of the original method, including weak starting individual ergodicity, low diversity, and an easy way to slip into local optimum. In order to enhance the population, inertial weight is added along with Levy flight and variable spiral strategy once the population is initialized using a tent chaotic map. To begin the process of implementing the method, the fox population position is initialized using the created Tent chaotic map in order to provide more ergodic and varied individual beginning locations. To improve the quality of the solution, the inertial weight is added in the second place. The fox random walk mode is then updated using a variable spiral position updating approach. Subsequently, the algorithm's global and local searches are balanced, and the Levy flying method and greedy approach are incorporated to update the fox location. The enhanced FOX optimization technique is then thoroughly contrasted with various swarm intelligence algorithms using engineering application optimization issues and the CEC2017 benchmark test functions. According to the simulation findings, there have been notable advancements in the convergence speed, accuracy, and stability, as well as the jumping out of the local optimum, of the upgraded FOX optimization algorithm.

Update on infections with Thelazia callipaeda in European wildlife and a report in a red fox, Vulpes vulpes, in Portugal.

Thelazia callipaeda, also known as the "oriental eye worm", is a zoonotic parasitic nematode with a wide range of hosts, particularly wild and domestic carnivores, but also lagomorphs and humans. Currently, ocular thelaziosis presents an expanding distribution range throughout Europe, including Portugal. This study provides an update on T. callipaeda infection reports (30 studies) in European wildlife comprising 54 host-locality records in 10 host species from nine European countries. The prevalence of T. callipaeda varied widely, with ranges from around 1% in red foxes and European hares to almost 50% in red foxes. The lowest mean intensity was 2.7 nematodes/host in European wildcats and the highest was 38.0 nematodes/host in wolves. In addition, a massive infection with T. callipaeda in a juvenile male red fox from eastern-central Portugal is also described, representing the southernmost report in a wild animal in this country. A total of 188 nematodes (139 females and 49 males) were collected from both eyes and were submitted to morphological and molecular characterization. Collected nematodes were morphologically identified as T. callipaeda. Given the endemicity of T. callipaeda in eastern-central Portugal, surveillance system should be implemented to monitor its presence among wild and domestic animals.

Oral rabies vaccination of foxes in Türkiye, 2019-2022.

Background: Rabies in Turkey is maintained by dogs, but following a sustained spill-over, red fox mediated rabies had spread from the Aegean region to the central part of Türkiye. During the past four years from 2019 to 2023 large scale efforts used oral rabies vaccination (ORV) to control rabies in red foxes. Here, we present the results of the largest ORV campaign on the Asian continent. Methods: ORV campaigns were carried out twice a year in spring and autumn with a targeted bait density of 20-23 baits/km2. Monitoring of ORV campaigns included the GIS-based analyses of bait distribution, the assessment of bait uptake through biomarker detection and the determination of seroconversion (sero-positivity in ELISA) in the target species collected within the vaccination area. For determination of fox rabies incidence in vaccination areas as the main indicator of the performance of the ORV campaigns, epidemiological data was obtained from the national passive surveillance program. Results: Aerial bait distribution was highly accurate, with >99 % of baits being recorded from targeted zones, thus meeting the desired bait densities. Although the overall bait uptake (28.1 %; 95 %CI: 23.2-32.8) and seroprevalance (36.3 %; 95 %CI: 30.0-43.2) were low, rabies incidence drastically decreased in ORV areas and rabies was eliminated from western and central parts of Turkey, with no reported cases in foxes from ORV areas in 2022 and 2023. Conclusions: A large-scale ORV campaign against fox rabies using high quality vaccine baits and the GIS-aided and monitored bait distribution was able to control fox mediated rabies in the western and central parts of Türkiye. Rabies control both in dogs and foxes should be expanded to cover also the eastern parts of Türkiye, to become eventually rabies free.

Trichinella murrelli identified in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in Pennsylvania, USA.

Trichinella infections have been eliminated from pork where pigs are raised in biosecure facilities, but wildlife infections persist. Trichinella murrelli is the primary zoonotic species in wild carnivores in the United States, having been identified in several species of omnivores and carnivores. Here, we document its occurrence in seven of 21 (33.3%) red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from six counties in Pennsylvania. Encysted Trichinella larvae were detected in muscle squashes (<5 g samples) of all seven foxes, and in histological sections of the tongue and limb muscle of three. Larvae from muscle squashes were pooled and tested in a multiplex PCR capable of differentiating all Trichinella species native to the USA; all samples contained only T. murrelli. This is the first identification of T. murrelli in red foxes from Pennsylvania, and the first such survey performed in the last three decades. Results indicate that Trichinella remains endemic in Pennsylvania wildlife and a threat to the health of those who consume wild game.

Investigations on the Potential Role of Free-Ranging Wildlife as a Reservoir of SARS-CoV-2 in Switzerland.

Amid the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, concerns surfaced regarding the spread of the virus to wildlife. Switzerland lacked data concerning the exposure of free-ranging animals to SARS-CoV-2 during this period. This study aimed to investigate the potential exposure of Swiss free-ranging wildlife to SARS-CoV-2. From 2020 to 2023, opportunistically collected samples from 712 shot or found dead wild mustelids (64 European stone and pine martens, 13 European badgers, 10 European polecats), canids (449 red foxes, 41 gray wolves, one golden jackal) and felids (56 Eurasian lynx, 18 European wildcats), as well as from 45 captured animals (39 Eurasian lynx, 6 European wildcats) were tested. A multi-step serological approach detecting antibodies to the spike protein receptor binding domain (RBD) and N-terminal S1 subunit followed by surrogate virus neutralization (sVNT) and pseudotype-based virus neutralization assays against different SARS-CoV-2 variants was performed. Additionally, viral RNA loads were quantified in lung tissues and in oronasal, oropharyngeal, and rectal swabs by reverse transcription polymerase chain reactions (RT-qPCRs). Serologically, SARS-CoV-2 exposure was confirmed in 14 free-ranging Swiss red foxes (prevalence 3.1%, 95% CI: 1.9-5.2%), two Eurasian lynx (2.2%, 95% CI: 0.6-7.7%), and one European wildcat (4.2%, 95% CI: 0.2-20.2%). Two positive foxes exhibited neutralization activity against the BA.2 and BA.1 Omicron variants. No active infection (viral RNA) was detected in any animal tested. This is the first report of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in free-ranging red foxes, Eurasian lynx, and European wildcats worldwide. It confirms the spread of SARS-CoV-2 to free-ranging wildlife in Switzerland but does not provide evidence of reservoir formation. Our results underscore the susceptibility of wildlife populations to SARS-CoV-2 and the importance of understanding diseases in a One Health Concept.

Trichinella spp. in wolves (Canis lupus) and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) of southern Italy.

Trichinella spp. are cosmopolitan parasites that infect a wide range of hosts, with wildlife being the main reservoir of these zoonotic nematodes, especially red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and wolves (Canis lupus) due to their apex position in the food chain in most European countries. The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of Trichinella spp. in these wild canids and their epidemiological role in the Campania region (southern Italy). From 2017 to 2023, the carcasses of red foxes (n = 352) and wolves (n = 41) were collected as part of a health surveillance plan. Muscle samples were analysed individually by artificial digestion and four (1.1%) red foxes and nine (21.9%) wolves tested positive for Trichinella britovi. All Trichinella isolates were identified as T. britovi by multiplex PCR. Statistically significant differences in prevalence were found by province (p-value = 0.05) for red foxes and sampling years (p-value = 0.01) for wolves. The prevalence was lower in red foxes than in wolves, probably due to the longer life expectancy of wolves compared to red foxes and the role of wolves as apex predators compared to red foxes as meso-carnivores. The results obtained confirm the important role that these wild canids play in the circulation of the parasite.

Characterization and expression patterns of the Fox gene family under heat and cold stress in Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum based on genome-wide identification.

In this study, the Fox gene family of Ruditapes philippinarum was identified by bioinformatics analysis and genome data. The results showed that a total of 21 Fox genes were identified in R. philippinarum, which were divided into 16 subfamilies, including two members of Foxa subfamily (Foxa1, Foxa2), three members of Foxl subfamily (Foxl1b, Foxl1a, FOXL2), three members of Foxn subfamily (FOXN3, FOX4A, Foxn4b) and one member of other families. The chromosome distribution, domains, conserved motifs, introns, exons and protein tertiary structures of these 21 Fox genes were predicted. By analyzing the RNA-seq data of R. philippinarum, it was found that the Fox gene family was differentially expressed in different tissues, different developmental stages and under heat and cold stress. Most of Fox genes were highly expressed in four tissues: labial palp, gonad, gill and foot. Most of the Fox genes were highly expressed in blastula stage. Most of the Fox genes were highly expressed in high temperature group of two populations, and Foxo, FOXG1 were highly expressed in low temperature group. In addition, qPCR showed that the expression levels of Foxo and Foxj1b genes increased significantly under acute cold stress. Therefore, we speculate that Fox genes may play important roles in embryo development and the temperature stress of R. philippinarum, and this study provides a basis for further exploring the molecular mechanism of low temperature tolerance mediated by Fox.

Captive-raised western ringtail possum (Pseudocheirus occidentalis) with a bold personality have higher survival rates when released into the wild.

We tested if the personality of captive-raised western ringtail possums (Pseudocheirus occidentalis), and the impact of other variables would influence their survival after release using radiotelemetry. We hypothesised a greater survival for individuals: (i) bold; (ii) habituated in advance to food collected from the release area; (iii) juveniles instead of adults, because more easily tolerated by wild individuals, and (iv) released in new dreys (nests) as they would not have the strong odour of old dreys and would be less attractive to foxes. After 3 months of radio tracking, out of 143 possums released, 79 died: 51 (64.6%) were preyed upon by European red foxes (Vulpes vulpes). Bold or female individuals had higher survival rates than shy or male individuals (survival rate bold: 53%, shy: 41%, p = 0.046, hazard ratio = 0.352, 95% CI HR [0.126, 0.979]; survival rate females: 44%, males: 35%, p = 0.007, hazard ratio = 2.811, 95% CI HR [1.322, 5.976]). Shooting was a more effective fox control strategy to improve survival compared to baiting (p = 0.019, hazard ratio = 0.167, 95% CI HR [0.038, 0.742]). Our results demonstrate that the control of introduced predators is critical for the success of reintroductions of this critically endangered species.

Multi-Energy Load Prediction Method for Integrated Energy System Based on Fennec Fox Optimization Algorithm and Hybrid Kernel Extreme Learning Machine.

To meet the challenges of energy sustainability, the integrated energy system (IES) has become a key component in promoting the development of innovative energy systems. Accurate and reliable multivariate load prediction is a prerequisite for IES optimal scheduling and steady running, but the uncertainty of load fluctuation and many influencing factors increase the difficulty of forecasting. Therefore, this article puts forward a multi-energy load prediction approach of the IES, which combines the fennec fox optimization algorithm (FFA) and hybrid kernel extreme learning machine. Firstly, the comprehensive weight method is used to combine the entropy weight method and Pearson correlation coefficient, fully considering the information content and correlation, selecting the key factors affecting the prediction, and ensuring that the input features can effectively modify the prediction results. Secondly, the coupling relationship between the multi-energy load is learned and predicted using the hybrid kernel extreme learning machine. At the same time, the FFA is used for parameter optimization, which reduces the randomness of parameter setting. Finally, the approach is utilized for the measured data at Arizona State University to verify its effectiveness in multi-energy load forecasting. The results indicate that the mean absolute error (MAE) of the proposed method is 0.0959, 0.3103 and 0.0443, respectively. The root mean square error (RMSE) is 0.1378, 0.3848 and 0.0578, respectively. The weighted mean absolute percentage error (WMAPE) is only 1.915%. Compared to other models, this model has a higher accuracy, with the maximum reductions on MAE, RMSE and WMAPE of 0.3833, 0.491 and 2.8138%, respectively.

Diversity and biogeographical patterns in the diet of the culpeo in South America.

Here we describe the dietary patterns of the culpeo or Andean fox (Lycalopex culpaeus) on a biogeographical scale. We also analyse the influence of exotic lagomorphs on its diet and explore differences between culpeo subspecies. We selected 17 mutually comparable diet studies, which include 19 independent diet assessments. Then, we extracted and standardized the values of the different diet components from these studies and calculated the relative frequency of occurrence of the 10 main trophic groups that we found. Further, we calculated the Shannon-Wiener H' trophic diversity index. The results showed that small mammals (41%), lagomorphs (21%), invertebrates (12.4%) and large herbivores (7.3%) were the most consumed groups. A factorial analysis of all trophic groups rendered four orthogonal factors that were used as response variables in relation to a set of environmental predictors. Altitude correlated with most factors (i.e. trophic groups). Exotic lagomorphs were consumed in lowlands, in higher latitudes and in regions showing high values of the human footprint index, enriching in those areas the culpeo's trophic spectrum. There were no differences in diet between the two main culpeo subspecies analysed, L.c. culpaeus and L.c. andinus. Finally, the best explanatory models (general linear model) of trophic diversity selected, using Akaike's information criterion, showed that the most diverse diets were those composed of large herbivores, edentates, carnivorous species, birds and herptiles (i.e. reptiles and frogs). Trophic diversity was low in rainy areas where big rodents dominated the diet. Neither latitude nor altitude seemed to have an effect on the trophic diversity of the culpeos, as they were not retained by the final models.

Opposed to Pain: Antikamnia Chemical Company.

The Antikamnia (AK) Chemical Company founded in 1890, which eventually was renamed The Antikamnia Remedy Company in 1819, was an important medicine company that thrived prior to passage of the 1906 Food and Drug act using smart worldwide marketing. As dangerous as the AK products were, success continued after 1906 by pursuing methods to flout regulations and stick to the marketing methods and legal maneuvering that kept AK sales strong. This article describes the tumultuous history of one of the most successful drug companies between 1890 and well into the 1920s.

Estimation of mammalian wildlife density by REM method in a Mediterranean forest ecosystem (Pinus brutia) of Türkiye: how human footprint effects mammal community?

BACKGROUND: Determining the density of mammalian wildlife in an ecosystem is very important for the ecosystem conservation. The aim of this study is to reveal mammalian wildlife density and compare the effect human footprint index (HFI) on the Mediterranean ecosystems. The mammalian wildlife surveys were conducted between August 2013 and December 2013, using 21 camera traps with 2175 camera trap days in a Mediterranean forest ecosystem in Izmir, Türkiye. We used random encounter model (REM) method to estimate densities. RESULTS: The population density for 5 mammals were; for red fox 7.89 ind./km2 (± 0.82 SE), wild boar 4.36 ind./km2 (± 0.46 SE), European hare 15.33 ind./km2 (± 03.37 SE), beech marten 0.99 ind./km2 (± 0.10 SE) and golden jackal 0.50 ind./km2 (± 0.05 SE). These results were compared with mammal community which was previously studied in another Mediterranean ecosystem in Mugla, Türkiye, includes caracal and has a lower human footprint index. CONCLUSIONS: According to results of this study human activity which can be revealed by Human footprint index (HFI) is one of the main parameter on Mediterranean ecosystem and it is effecting the density and occurence of species in mammal community. Both a higher human footprint index and the absence of caracal might cause higher density of red fox and European hare in Izmir, Türkiye. This study also suggests that caracal might be a serious suppressor on red fox which could be explained by competition. Caracal may also control the European hare in Mediterranean forest ecosystem of Anatolia. Thus, decreasing human footprint index and maintaining caracal suppressor effect are crucial for the conservation of the whole Mediterranean ecosystem.

Thymol improves the growth performance of blue foxes by regulating the gut microbiota.

Introduction: The drawbacks of using antibiotics as feed additives for blue foxes have gradually become apparent; moreover, thymol has wide-spectrum antimicrobial activity and has the potential to replace antibiotics in various animals. However, there are few reports on the effects of thymol on blue foxes. Methods: This study aimed to investigate the effects of different concentrations of thymol on the growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, serum biochemical indicators, intestinal morphology, and gut microbiota of blue foxes. Twenty-four male blue foxes (120 ± 5 d) of similar weight (6.05 ± 0.16 kg) were randomly divided into 4 groups. 0, 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg thymol were added to the basal diets of groups C, L, M, and H, respectively. Results: Compared with those in the C group, the addition of 100 mg/kg thymol to the diet significantly increased organic matter (OM) digestibility, crude protein (CP) digestibility, immunoglobulin (Ig) A, IgM, the VH of the duodenum, the CD of the jejunum, the VH of the ileum, and the VH/CD of the ileum (P < 0.05) and strongly significantly increased IgG (P < 0.01). The addition of 200 mg/kg thymol to the diet increased the VH/CD of the duodenum (P < 0.05). The addition of 300 mg/kg thymol to the diet significantly increased the VH and CD of the jejunum (P < 0.05). The addition of 200 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg thymol to the diets increased the final weight (FW) (P < 0.05). Adding 100 mg/kg thymol significantly increased the levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4) and catalase (CAT) compared with those in the other groups (P < 0.05). 16S rRNA gene detection revealed that thymol can change the abundances of Bifidobacterium, Fusobacterium, Allobaculum, Streptococcus, Megasphaera, and Lactobacillus in the gut. Conclusion: The addition of thymol to diets can increase the abundance of Bifidobacterium, Fusobacterium, and Allobaculum, which may contribute to improving the growth performance of blue foxes.

Wild red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) do not participate in SARS-CoV-2 circulation in Poland.

BACKGROUND: Biomonitoring is an essential activity for identifying possible vectors and reservoirs of pathogens and predicting potential outbreaks. Wild red foxes are present in both sylvatic and synanthropic environments, making them potential carriers of zoonotic pathogens. Experimental studies have shown that both coyotes and red foxes can transmit SARS-CoV-2. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in wild red foxes hunted in northern Poland. METHODS: Oral swabs, blood clots or heat tissue samples were collected from 292 red foxes hunted in northern Poland. We used both molecular (RT-PCR) and serological (IFA) approaches to detect SARS-CoV-2 infections in the sampled animals. RESULTS: We did not find any evidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the collected samples, using both molecular and serological methods. CONCLUSIONS: Despite foxes having frequent contact with humans, human waste, and other animals, they do not appear to participate in the circulation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in our geographical region. Nevertheless, we believe that continuous biomonitoring should be performed to assess the SARS-CoV-2 epidemiological situation in the wild.

Temporal activity and detection rates of chilla (Lycalopex griseus) in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina.

Designing mitigation strategies for invasive species requires a clear understanding of their ecology and behaviour. Chilla (or grey fox; Lycalopex griseus) were introduced to Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego (Tierra del Fuego Island) in 1951 to control European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) populations. Although this management strategy was unsuccessful, the chilla spread across the island and are now considered invasive. Despite this, there is a lack of research concerning their ecology and behavioural patterns, particularly on the Argentinian side of the island. We assessed the detection rates and temporal activity patterns of chillas using camera traps in the Argentinian region of Tierra del Fuego Island. Chilla had average detection rates of 61.7 (SD ± 33.3, range = 13.5-105.7) per 100 trap nights. Although analysis by clock time suggested cathemeral activity patterns, when analysed by sun time the chillas exhibited distinct nocturnal activity patterns. These findings offer the first information on the detection rates of chilla on the Argentinian side of Tierra del Fuego Island and reveal new insights into their temporal activity patterns, providing an important basis for future research that may aid the development of more effective management and conservation strategies.