AN OUTBREAK OF FELINE INFECTIOUS PERITONITIS IN THREE RELATED SAND CATS (FELIS MARGARITA) IN HUMAN CARE.

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a systemic disease in felid species caused by infection with mutated forms of feline coronavirus (FCoV), and outbreaks can devastate exotic felid populations in human care. Feline infectious peritonitis was diagnosed in three of four related juvenile sand cats (Felis margarita) from a single institution over a 6-wk period. Case 1 was a 7-mon-old male found deceased with no premonitory signs. Case 2, an 8-mon-old male (littermate to Case 1), and Case 3, a 6-mon-old male (from a different litter with identical parentage), were evaluated for lethargy and anorexia 1 mon after Case 1. Both exhibited transient anisocoria and progressive lethargy, anorexia, and dehydration despite antibiotic and supportive treatment. Approximately 1 wk after initial presentation, Case 2 was humanely euthanized, and Case 3 was found deceased. Necropsy findings included intrathoracic and/or intra-abdominal lymphadenopathy (3/3 cases), bicavitary effusion (2/3), multifocal tan hepatic and intestinal nodules (1/3), and multifocal yellow renal nodules (1/3). Histologically, all cats had severe pyogranulomatous vasculitis in multiple organs, and the presence of FCoV antigen was confirmed using immunohistochemical staining. Next-generation sequencing of the virus from Case 3's affected kidney demonstrated ∼93% homology to the UG-FH8 virus, a serotype 1 feline alphacoronavirus isolated from Denmark. Future research will focus on comparative viral genomic sequencing with the goals of identifying potential sources of FCoV infection and identifying features that may have contributed to the development of FIP in this species.

HEALTH ASSESSMENT OF FREE-RANGING CHELONIANS IN AN URBAN SECTION OF THE BRONX RIVER, NEW YORK, USA.

The Bronx River in Bronx, New York, US spans an area of significant human development and has been subject to historic and ongoing industrial contamination. We evaluated the health of freeranging native common snapping turtles ( Chelydra serpentina) and nonnative invasive red-eared sliders ( Trachemys scripta) in a segment of the Bronx River between May and July 2012. In 18 snapping turtles and nine sliders, complete physical examinations were performed, ectoparasites collected, and blood was analyzed for contaminants (mercury, thallium, cadmium, arsenic, lead, selenium, oxychlordane, alpha-chlordane, dieldrin, DDD, DDE, polychlorinated biphenyls). Complete blood counts and the presence of hemoparasites were determined in 16 snapping turtles and nine sliders. Swabs of the choana and cloaca were screened for ranavirus, adenovirus, herpesvirus, and Mycoplasma spp. by PCR in 39 snapping turtles and 28 sliders. Both turtle species exhibited bioaccumulation of various environmental contaminants, particularly organochlorines and polychlorinated biphenyls. Molecular screening revealed a unique herpesvirus in each species. A Mycoplasma sp. previously isolated from emydid turtles was detected in red-eared sliders while a unique Mycoplasma sp. was identified in common snapping turtles. Ranaviruses and adenoviruses were not detected. Our study established a baseline health assessment to which future data can be compared. Moreover, it served to expand the knowledge and patterns of health markers, environmental contaminants, and microorganisms of freeranging chelonians.

Genetic diversity and structure in the Endangered Allen Cays Rock Iguana, Cyclura cychlura inornata.

The Endangered Allen Cays Rock Iguana (Cyclura cychlura inornata) is endemic to the Allen Cays, a tiny cluster of islands in the Bahamas. Naturally occurring populations exist on only two cays (<4 ha each). However, populations of unknown origin were recently discovered on four additional cays. To investigate patterns of genetic variation among these populations, we analyzed nuclear and mitochondrial markers for 268 individuals. Analysis of three mitochondrial gene regions (2,328 bp) and data for eight nuclear microsatellite loci indicated low genetic diversity overall. Estimates of effective population sizes based on multilocus genotypes were also extremely low. Despite low diversity, significant population structuring and variation in genetic diversity measures were detected among cays. Genetic data confirm the source population for an experimentally translocated population while raising concerns regarding other, unauthorized, translocations. Reduced heterozygosity is consistent with a documented historical population decline due to overharvest. This study provides the first range-wide genetic analysis of this subspecies. We suggest strategies to maximize genetic diversity during ongoing recovery including additional translocations to establish assurance populations and additional protective measures for the two remaining natural populations.