Ophidiomycosis in Red Cornsnakes (Pantherophis guttatus): Potential Roles of Brumation and Temperature on Pathogenesis and Transmission.

Ophidiomycosis (snake fungal disease) is caused by the fungus Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola. As ophidiomycosis is difficult to study in free-ranging snakes, a reliable experimental model is needed to investigate transmission, pathogenesis, morbidity, and mortality, and the effects of brumation and temperature on disease development. Our objective was to develop such a model via subcutaneous injection of O. ophiodiicola conidia in red cornsnakes (Pantherophis guttatus). The model was used to evaluate transmission and the effects of brumation and temperature in co-housed inoculated and noninoculated snakes. All 23 inoculated snakes developed lesions consistent with ophidiomycosis, including heterophilic and granulomatous dermatitis, cellulitis, and myositis, and embolic fungal granulomas throughout the liver and the coelomic connective tissue in 21/23 (91%). In the inoculated snakes, 21% of skin swabs, 37% of exuvia, and all liver samples tested positive by qPCR (quantitative polymerase chain reaction) for O. ophiodiicola. A post brumation skin swab from 1/12 noninoculated snakes that brumated in contact with inoculated snakes tested positive by qPCR, suggesting possible contact transmission. That snake had microscopic skin lesions consistent with ophidiomycosis, but no visible fungal elements. Of the 23 inoculated snakes, 20 (87%) died over the 70-day experiment, with ophidiomycosis considered the primary cause of death; 12 (52%) of the inoculated snakes died during brumation. Overall, this experimental model of ophidiomycosis reproduced skin lesions analogous to those of many natural cases, and internal lesions similar to the most severe natural cases. The study provides tentative experimental evidence for horizontal transmission in brumation, and offers a tool for future studies of this widespread snake disease.

Pathology associated with ophidiomycosis in wild snakes in Ontario, Canada.

Ophidiomycosis (snake fungal disease) is the most common cause of skin lesions in free-ranging snakes in North America. Naturally infected snakes with ophidiomycosis (9 carcasses, 12 biopsies) were examined grossly and histologically. These cases comprised 32% of the 66 snake cases submitted to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative-Ontario/Nunavut Node in 2012 through 2018. Affected species included the eastern foxsnake (Pantherophis vulpinus; n = 15), gray ratsnake (Pantherophis spiloides; n = 3), eastern massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus; n = 2), and queensnake (Regina septemvittata; n = 1). Severity of disease varied widely from mild microscopic skin lesions to fatal, necrotizing, and ulcerative facial lesions. Key clinical message: Ophidiomycosis should be the primary differential diagnosis for skin lesions in wild snakes, particularly in southern Ontario.

L'ophidiomycose (maladie fongique du serpent) est la cause la plus fréquente de lésions cutanées chez les serpents en liberté en Amérique du Nord. Les serpents infectés naturellement avec l'ophidiomycose (9 carcasses, 12 biopsies) furent examinés macroscopiquement et histologiquement. Ces cas comprenaient 32 % des 66 cas de serpents soumis au Réseau canadien pour la santé de la faune ­ Centre régional de l'Ontario et du Nunavut entre 2012 et 2018. Les espèces affectées incluaient la couleuvre fauve de l'est (Pantherophis vulpinus; n = 15), la couleuvre obscure (Pantherophis spiloides; n = 3), la massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus; n = 2) et la couleuvre royale (Regina septemvittata; n = 1). La sévérité de la maladie variait grandement allant de lésions cutanées microscopiques à une forme fatale, nécrosante et lésions faciales ulcératives.Message clinique clé :L'ophidiomycose devrait être le diagnostic différentiel primaire pour les lésions cutanées chez les serpents sauvages, particulièrement dans le sud de l'Ontario.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

GENETIC CHARACTERISTICS OF CANINE DISTEMPER VIRUSES CIRCULATING IN WILDLIFE IN THE UNITED STATES.

Canine distemper virus (CDV) is a highly contagious disease of wild and domestic mammals. Maintenance of CDV among wildlife plays an important role in the disease epidemiology. Wild animals, including raccoons (Procyon lotor) and gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), serve as reservoirs of CDV and hamper the control of the disease. Recently, we discovered that at least three different CDV lineages (America-3 [Edomex], America-4, and America-5] that are genetically different from the available vaccine strains are circulating in domestic dogs in the United States. Because wildlife serve as a reservoir for the virus, it is important to determine if wildlife play a role in the maintenance and spread of these lineages. To determine the genetic characteristics of circulating strains of CDV in wildlife in various geographic regions in the United States, we studied the nucleotide sequences of the hemagglutinin (H) gene of 25 CDV strains detected in nondomestic species. The species included were free-ranging wildlife: three fishers (Martes pennanti), six foxes, one skunk (Mephitis mephitis), 10 raccoons, two wolves (Canis lupus), and one mink (Neovison vison). Strains from two species in managed care, one sloth (Choloepus didactylus) and one red panda (Ailurus fulgens), were also evaluated. Phylogenetic analysis of the H genes indicated that in addition to America-3, America-4, and America-5 lineages, there are at least two other lineages circulating in US wildlife. One of these includes CDV nucleotide sequences that grouped with that of a single CDV isolate previously detected in a raccoon from Rhode Island in 2012. The other lineage is independent and genetically distinct from other CDV strains included in the analysis. Additional genetically variable strains were detected, mainly in raccoons, suggesting that this species may be the host responsible for the genetic variability of newly detected strains in the domestic dog population.

Both PD-1 ligands protect the kidney from ischemia reperfusion injury.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common problem in hospitalized patients that enhances morbidity and mortality and promotes the development of chronic and end-stage renal disease. Ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) is one of the major causes of AKI and is characterized by uncontrolled renal inflammation and tubular epithelial cell death. Our recent studies demonstrated that regulatory T cells (Tregs) protect the kidney from ischemia reperfusion-induced inflammation and injury. Blockade of programmed death-1 (PD-1) on the surface of Tregs, prior to adoptive transfer, negates their ability to protect against ischemic kidney injury. The present study was designed to investigate the role of the known PD-1 ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2, in kidney IRI. Administration of PD-L1 or PD-L2 blocking Abs prior to mild or moderate kidney IRI significantly exacerbated the loss of renal function, renal inflammation, and acute tubular necrosis compared with mice receiving isotype control Abs. Interestingly, blockade of both PD-1 ligands resulted in worse injury, dysfunction, and inflammation than did blocking either ligand alone. Genetic deficiency of either PD-1 ligand also exacerbated kidney dysfunction and acute tubular necrosis after subthreshold ischemia. Bone marrow chimeric studies revealed that PD-L1 expressed on non-bone marrow-derived cells is critical for this resistance to IRI. Finally, blockade of either PD-1 ligand negated the protective ability of adoptively transferred Tregs in IRI. These findings suggest that PD-L1 and PD-L2 are nonredundant aspects of the natural protective response to ischemic injury and may be novel therapeutic targets for AKI.

Sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor-1 enhances mitochondrial function and reduces cisplatin-induced tubule injury.

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), the natural sphingolipid ligand for a family of five G protein- coupled receptors (S1P1-S1P5Rs), regulates cell survival and lymphocyte circulation. We have shown that the pan-S1PR agonist, FTY720, attenuates kidney ischemia-reperfusion injury by directly activating S1P1 on proximal tubule (PT) cells, independent of the canonical lymphopenic effects of S1P1 activation on B and T cells. FTY720 also reduces cisplatin-induced AKI. Therefore, in this study, we used conditional PT-S1P1-null (PepckCreS1pr1(fl/fl)) and control (PepckCreS1pr1(w/wt)) mice to determine whether the protective effect of FTY720 in AKI is mediated by PT-S1P1. Cisplatin induced more renal injury in PT-S1P1-null mice than in controls. Although FTY720 produced lymphopenia in both control and PT-S1P1-null mice, it reduced injury only in control mice. Furthermore, the increase in proinflammatory cytokine (CXCL1, MCP-1, TNF-α, and IL-6) expression and infiltration of neutrophils and macrophages induced by cisplatin treatment was attenuated by FTY720 in control mice but not in PT-S1P1-null mice. Similarly, S1P1 deletion rendered cultured PT cells more susceptible to cisplatin-induced injury, whereas S1P1 overexpression protected PT cells from injury and preserved mitochondrial function. We conclude that S1P1 may have an important role in stabilizing mitochondrial function and that FTY720 administration represents a novel strategy in the prevention of cisplatin-induced AKI.

Pelvic Limb Amputation for the Treatment of a Soft-tissue Sarcoma of the Tibiotarso-tarsometatarsal Joint in a Blue-and-gold Macaw (Ara ararauna).

An unsexed, 16-year-old blue-and-gold macaw (Ara ararauna) was presented for evaluation of rapidly growing subcutaneous masses at the left tibiotarso-tarsometatarsal joint. Results of incisional biopsy were diagnostic for an intermediate-grade soft-tissue sarcoma. A distal-femoral amputation was performed and the leg was submitted for histopathology. Histopathologic examination confirmed the biopsy diagnosis and revealed neoplastic spread into the bone marrow cavity of the tibiotarsus. Excisional margins were complete. The macaw recovered and did well until it died suddenly 32 months after surgery. At necropsy, death was attributed to acute hepatic hemorrhage. No recurrence or metastasis of the sarcoma was identified.

Chronic liver lobe torsion in a cat.

A 13 yr old castrated male blue British shorthair with a 3 mo history of vomiting was diagnosed with a left lateral liver lobe mass following abdominal ultrasonography. At the time of celiotomy, liver lobe torsion (LLT) of the left lateral lobe was also present. Histopathologic evaluation of the liver mass and associated lobe revealed extensive necrosis secondary to chronic torsion. This is the second reported case of LLT in a cat. Both cases were associated with liver masses. The cat presented in this case remained clinically normal 8 mo postoperatively following lobectomy of the affected lobe.

Plastic ingestion, accumulated heavy metals, and health metrics of four Larus gull species feeding at a coastal landfill in eastern Canada.

The objectives of this research were to assess ingested plastics and accumulated heavy metals in four urban gull species. Additionally, the relationships between ingested plastics and selected demographic and health metrics were assessed. Between 2020-2021 during the non-breeding seasons, 105 gulls (46 American herring gulls (HERG, Larus argentatus smithsonianus), 39 great black-backed gulls (GBBG, Larus marinus), 16 Iceland gulls (Larus glaucoides), 4 glaucous gulls (Larus hyperboreus)) were killed at a landfill in coastal Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, as part of separate, permitted kill-to-scare operations related to aircraft safety. Birds were necropsied, the upper gastrointestinal tract contents were processed using standard techniques, and livers were analyzed for accumulated As, Cd, Hg, and Pb. The relationships between ingested plastics, demographics, and health metrics were assessed in HERG and GBBG. Across all four species, 85 % of birds had ingested at least one piece of anthropogenic debris, with 79 % ingesting at least one piece of plastic. We detected interspecific differences in plastic ingestion and hepatic trace metals, with increased ingested plastics detected in GBBG compared with HERG. For GBBG, levels of ingested plastic were relatively greater for birds with higher scaled mass index, while HERG with more ingested plastic had higher liver lead concentrations.

Assessing avian influenza surveillance intensity in wild birds using a One Health lens.

Wildlife disease surveillance, particularly for pathogens with zoonotic potential such as Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus (HPAIV), is critical to facilitate situational awareness, inform risk, and guide communication and response efforts within a One Health framework. This study evaluates the intensity of avian influenza virus (AIV) surveillance in Ontario's wild bird population following the 2021 H5N1 incursion into Canada. Analyzing 2562 samples collected between November 1, 2021, and October 31, 2022, in Ontario, Canada, we identify spatial variations in surveillance intensity relative to human population density, poultry facility density, and wild mallard abundance. Using the spatial scan statistic, we pinpoint areas where public engagement, collaborations with Indigenous and non-Indigenous hunter/harvesters, and working with poultry producers, could augment Ontario's AIV wild bird surveillance program. Enhanced surveillance at these human-domestic animal-wildlife interfaces is a crucial element of a One Health approach to AIV surveillance. Ongoing assessment of our wild bird surveillance programs is essential for strategic planning and will allow us to refine approaches and generate results that continue to support the program's overarching objective of safeguarding the health of people, animals, and ecosystems.

Additional diagnoses of Echinococcus multilocularis in eastern chipmunks (Tamias striatus) from southern Ontario - results from ongoing surveillance for E. multilocularis in intermediate hosts in Ontario, Canada.

Echinococcus multilocularis, a cestode with zoonotic potential, is now known to have a high prevalence in wild canid definitive hosts of southern Ontario. The distribution of E. multilocularis across this region in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and coyotes (Canis latrans) is widespread yet heterogenous. In contrast, confirmed diagnoses of E. multilocularis in wild free-ranging intermediate hosts within Ontario are currently limited to a single eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus). These findings prompted ongoing surveillance efforts in intermediate host species, primarily rodents. Our report describes the results of passive surveillance through wildlife carcass submissions to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC) and targeted active sampling of small mammal species from 2018 to 2023; a second and third eastern chipmunk were found to be infected with E. multilocularis. However, these were the only occurrences from surveillance efforts which collectively totaled 510 rodents and other small mammals. Continued surveillance for E. multilocularis in intermediate hosts is of high importance in light of the recent emergence of this parasite in Ontario.

How do life history and behaviour influence plastic ingestion risk in Canadian freshwater and terrestrial birds?

Plastic ingestion presents many potential avenues of risk for wildlife. Understanding which species and environments are most exposed to plastic pollution is a critical first step in investigating the One Health implications of plastic exposure. The objectives of this study were the following: 1) Utilize necropsy as part of ongoing passive disease surveillance to investigate ingested mesoplastics in birds collected in Ontario and Nunavut, and examine the relationships between bird-level factors and ingested debris; 2) evaluate microplastic ingestion compared to ingested mesodebris in raptors; and 3) identify potential sentinel species for plastic pollution monitoring in understudied freshwater and terrestrial (inland) environments. Between 2020 and 2022, 457 free-ranging birds across 52 species were received for postmortem examination. The upper gastrointestinal tracts were examined for mesoplastics and other debris (>2 mm) using standard techniques. Twenty-four individuals (5.3%) retained mesodebris and prevalence varied across species, with foraging technique, food type, and foraging substrate all associated with different metrics of debris ingestion. The odds of ingesting any type of anthropogenic mesodebris was nine times higher for non-raptorial species than for raptors. For a subset of raptors (N = 54) across 14 species, the terminal portion of the distal intestinal tract was digested with potassium hydroxide and microparticles were assessed using stereo-microscopy. Although only one of 54 (1.9%) raptors included in both analyses retained mesodebris in the upper gastrointestinal tract, 24 (44.4%) contained microparticles in the distal intestine. This study demonstrates that a variety of Canadian bird species ingest anthropogenic debris in inland systems, and suggests that life history and behaviour are associated with ingestion risk. For raptors, the mechanisms governing exposure and ingestion of mesoplastics appear to be different than those that govern microplastics. Herring gulls (Larus argentatus) and ring-billed gulls (Larus delawarensis) are proposed as ideal sentinels for plastic pollution monitoring in inland systems.

Avian influenza viruses in wild birds in Canada following incursions of highly pathogenic H5N1 virus from Eurasia in 2021-2022.

Following the detection of novel highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b in Newfoundland, Canada, in late 2021, avian influenza virus (AIV) surveillance in wild birds was scaled up across Canada. Herein, we present the results of Canada's Interagency Surveillance Program for Avian Influenza in Wild Birds during the first year (November 2021-November 2022) following the incursions of HPAIV from Eurasia. The key objectives of the surveillance program were to (i) identify the presence, distribution, and spread of HPAIV and other AIVs; (ii) identify wild bird morbidity and mortality associated with HPAIV; (iii) identify the range of wild bird species infected by HPAIV; and (iv) genetically characterize detected AIV. A total of 6,246 sick and dead wild birds were tested, of which 27.4% were HPAIV positive across 12 taxonomic orders and 80 species. Geographically, HPAIV detections occurred in all Canadian provinces and territories, with the highest numbers in the Atlantic and Central Flyways. Temporally, peak detections differed across flyways, though the national peak occurred in April 2022. In an additional 11,295 asymptomatic harvested or live-captured wild birds, 5.2% were HPAIV positive across 3 taxonomic orders and 19 species. Whole-genome sequencing identified HPAIV of Eurasian origin as most prevalent in the Atlantic Flyway, along with multiple reassortants of mixed Eurasian and North American origins distributed across Canada, with moderate structuring at the flyway scale. Wild birds were victims and reservoirs of HPAIV H5N1 2.3.4.4b, underscoring the importance of surveillance encompassing samples from sick and dead, as well as live and harvested birds, to provide insights into the dynamics and potential impacts of the HPAIV H5N1 outbreak. This dramatic shift in the presence and distribution of HPAIV in wild birds in Canada highlights a need for sustained investment in wild bird surveillance and collaboration across interagency partners. IMPORTANCE: We present the results of Canada's Interagency Surveillance Program for Avian Influenza in Wild Birds in the year following the first detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) H5N1 on the continent. The surveillance program tested over 17,000 wild birds, both sick and apparently healthy, which revealed spatiotemporal and taxonomic patterns in HPAIV prevalence and mortality across Canada. The significant shift in the presence and distribution of HPAIV in Canada's wild birds underscores the need for sustained investment in wild bird surveillance and collaboration across One Health partners.

Renal nephroblastoma in a 3-month-old golden retriever.

Nephrectomy was performed in a 3-month-old intact female golden retriever dog for a renal nephroblastoma. The dog has remained disease-free for 19 months with nephrectomy alone. The adoption of human Wilms' tumor grading criteria may be useful in determining clinical stage, adjuvant treatment options, and prognosis in this rare disease.

Néphroblastome rénal chez un Golden Retriever âgé de 3 mois. Une néphrectomie a été réalisée sur une chienne Golden Retriever intacte âgée de 3 mois pour un néphroblastome rénal. La chienne est demeurée exempte de maladie pendant 19 mois, seulement à l'aide de la néphrectomie. L'adoption du critère humain de Wilms pour la classification des tumeurs peut être utile pour déterminer le stade clinique, les options de traitement auxiliaire et le pronostic de cette maladie rare.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Development and experimental application of an HPLC procedure for the determination of capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin in serum samples from human subjects.

Total capsaicins are extracted from 2 mL aliquots of serum or plasma using methyl-isobutyl ketone, evaporation of the extract to dryness and reconstitution with 200 µL of acetonitrile. The HPLC mobile phase is 40:60 water:acetonitrile. The absorbance of the eluent is monitored at 205 nm. Standardisation uses a known mixture of pure capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin. Accuracies are 98.9 and 100.6 % for capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin respectively. Inter batch reproducibility for both is 15 %. The limits of detection are 2.6 and 3.8 ng/mL for capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin respectively. Analyses of sera obtained previously from human subjects who had eaten chilli containing meals showed that in those that absorbed capsaicins (N = 30) then the median, mean and SD of their serum capsaicin were: 13.4, 18.9 and 16.3 ng/mL. The corresponding data for those sera (N = 13) that had measurable levels of dihydrocapsaicin were: 6.9, 7.5 and 3.6 ng/mL. This procedure is suitable for use in prospective studies of the metabolism of orally ingested chilli.

Characterization of neurotropic HPAI H5N1 viruses with novel genome constellations and mammalian adaptive mutations in free-living mesocarnivores in Canada.

The GsGd lineage (A/goose/Guangdong/1/1996) H5N1 virus was introduced to Canada in 2021/2022 through the Atlantic and East Asia-Australasia/Pacific flyways by migratory birds. This was followed by unprecedented outbreaks affecting domestic and wild birds, with spillover into other animals. Here, we report sporadic cases of H5N1 in 40 free-living mesocarnivore species such as red foxes, striped skunks, and mink in Canada. The clinical presentations of the disease in mesocarnivores were consistent with central nervous system infection. This was supported by the presence of microscopic lesions and the presence of abundant IAV antigen by immunohistochemistry. Some red foxes that survived clinical infection developed anti-H5N1 antibodies. Phylogenetically, the H5N1 viruses from the mesocarnivore species belonged to clade 2.3.4.4b and had four different genome constellation patterns. The first group of viruses had wholly Eurasian (EA) genome segments. The other three groups were reassortant viruses containing genome segments derived from both North American (NAm) and EA influenza A viruses. Almost 17 percent of the H5N1 viruses had mammalian adaptive mutations (E627 K, E627V and D701N) in the polymerase basic protein 2 (PB2) subunit of the RNA polymerase complex. Other mutations that may favour adaptation to mammalian hosts were also present in other internal gene segments. The detection of these critical mutations in a large number of mammals within short duration after virus introduction inevitably highlights the need for continually monitoring and assessing mammalian-origin H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b viruses for adaptive mutations, which potentially can facilitate virus replication, horizontal transmission and posing pandemic risks for humans.

Quality initiatives: planning, setting up, and carrying out radiology process improvement projects.

In the coming decades, those who provide radiologic imaging services will be increasingly challenged by the economic, demographic, and political forces affecting healthcare to improve their efficiency, enhance the value of their services, and achieve greater customer satisfaction. It is essential that radiologists master and consistently apply basic process improvement skills that have allowed professionals in many other fields to thrive in a competitive environment. The authors provide a step-by-step overview of process improvement from the perspective of a radiologic imaging practice by describing their experience in conducting a process improvement project: to increase the daily volume of body magnetic resonance imaging examinations performed at their institution. The first step in any process improvement project is to identify and prioritize opportunities for improvement in the work process. Next, an effective project team must be formed that includes representatives of all participants in the process. An achievable aim must be formulated, appropriate measures selected, and baseline data collected to determine the effects of subsequent efforts to achieve the aim. Each aspect of the process in question is then analyzed by using appropriate tools (eg, flowcharts, fishbone diagrams, Pareto diagrams) to identify opportunities for beneficial change. Plans for change are then established and implemented with regular measurements and review followed by necessary adjustments in course. These so-called PDSA (planning, doing, studying, and acting) cycles are repeated until the aim is achieved or modified and the project closed.

Staphylococcus aureus infections in kidney transplantation: a matched case controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Data are lacking on the risk factors and outcomes of Staphylococcus aureus infections in kidney transplant recipients. METHODS: Kidney recipients with S. aureus infections (n = 20) were retrospectively identified and compared to age- and transplant-type-matched (1:2) non-S. aureus-infected controls (n = 40). Risk factors for S. aureus infections were identified by conditional logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) was the cause of 32.1% of infections. Localizations of the infections were as follows: skin 42.9%, intra-abdominal 35.7%, blood stream 7.1%, and pulmonary 10.7%. The infections developed at a median time of 29 days (range 0-358 days) after transplantation. By univariate analysis, variables significantly associated with infection were steroid administration 4 weeks prior to infection (odds ratio (OR) 4.2, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.1-15.8; p = 0.03) and the presence of a central venous catheter 7 days prior to infection (OR 5.6, 95% CI 1.1-27.8; p = 0.03). By multivariate analysis, subjects with steroid treatment during the previous 4 weeks had a 6.13-times higher risk of developing S. aureus infection (95% CI 1.5-25.7; p = 0.01), and the risk of infection decreased by a factor of 0.65 for every 1-y increase in age (95% CI 0.44-0.97; p = 0.03); these results were adjusted for matched criteria. Post-infection outcomes (cases vs controls) included graft loss (10% vs 0%; p = 0.11) and 12-month mortality (0% vs 2.5%; p = 0.99). CONCLUSIONS: Younger age and steroid treatment were significant independent risk factors associated with S. aureus infections after kidney transplantation. Graft and patient survival were not affected, but the study was not powered for these outcomes.

Bromethalin Exposure in a Free-Ranging American Black Bear (Ursus americanus).

A free-living black bear (Ursus americanus) with cerebellar ataxia and occasional unilateral epistaxis was given supportive care. Neurologic signs resolved within 7 d; however, the epistaxis progressed and the bear developed pancytopenia and died. Adipose tissue tested positive for desmethylbromethalin, while liver samples were negative for anticoagulant rodenticides and other toxic agents.

Intranasal butorphanol and midazolam administered prior to intramuscular alfaxalone provides safe and effective sedation in Quaker parrots (Myiopsitta monachus).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate 2 doses of alfaxalone on cardiopulmonary parameters, temperature, sedation, endotracheal intubation, the incidence of muscle tremors, and radiographic positioning in Quaker parrots previously administered intranasal midazolam and butorphanol. ANIMALS: 10 healthy adult Quaker parrots (male = 5; female = 5). PROCEDURES: A randomized, masked, crossover study was conducted where birds received midazolam (2 mg/kg) and butorphanol (2 mg/kg) intranasally 15 minutes prior to a low- or high-dose of intramuscular alfaxalone: 2 mg/kg (LDA) or 5 mg/kg (HDA), respectively. Heart (HR) and respiratory rate (RR), cloacal temperature, sedation quality, and ability to position for radiographs were recorded over time. The incidence of muscle tremors and the ability to intubate were recorded. Data were compared to baseline values and between treatments where appropriate. Significance was set at P < .05. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in HR, RR, cloacal temperature, and sedation scores between treatments at any time point. Duration of time from midazolam-butorphanol administration to complete recovery from treatment administration was significantly shorter for LDA when compared to HDA (90 [60 to 195] vs 127.5 [90 to 10] minutes, respectively). Compared to baseline, sedation scores were significantly higher from T = 15 to 60 for LDA and from T = 15 to 75 for HDA. The incidence of muscle tremors was greater in HDA (9/10) than in LDA (7/10). All birds were successfully intubated and positioned for radiographs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The combination of intranasal midazolam-butorphanol and intramuscular alfaxalone at the doses examined was a safe and effective method for sedating Quaker parrots. LDA produced adequate sedation with a shorter time to recovery and with fewer muscle fasciculations when compared to HDA.

Anticoagulant rodenticide exposure in raptors from Ontario, Canada.

Anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) are used globally to control rodent pest infestations in both urban and agricultural settings. It is well documented that non-target wildlife, including predatory birds, are at risk for secondary anticoagulant exposure and toxicosis through the prey they consume. However, there have been no large-scale studies of AR exposure in raptors in Ontario, Canada since new Health Canada legislation was implemented in 2013 in an attempt to limit exposure in non-target wildlife. Our objective was to measure levels of ARs in wild raptors in southern Ontario to assess their exposure. We collected liver samples from 133 raptors representing 17 species submitted to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC) in Ontario, Canada, between 2017 and 2019. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used to quantitatively assess the level of exposure to 14 first- and second-generation ARs. Detectable levels of one or more ARs were found in 82 of 133 (62%) tested raptors, representing 12 species. The most commonly detected ARs were bromadiolone (54/133), difethialone (40/133), and brodifacoum (33/133). Of AR-positive birds, 34/82 (42%) contained residues of multiple (> 1) anticoagulant compounds. Our results indicate that AR exposure is common in raptors living in southern Ontario, Canada. Our finding that brodifacoum, difethialone, and bromadiolone were observed alone or in combination with one another in the majority of our sampled raptors indicates that legislative changes in Canada may not be protecting non-target wildlife as intended.