SEROSURVEY, HEMATOLOGY, AND CAUSES OF MORTALITY OF FREE-RANGING AMERICAN MARTENS ( MARTES AMERICANA) IN MICHIGAN.

To better understand the clinical pathology, diseases, and causes of mortality of reintroduced American martens ( Martes americana) in Michigan, a study was conducted from 2011 to 2015 in the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of Michigan. Samples obtained from live trapping ( n = 58) or harvested carcasses ( n = 34) were serologically tested for select pathogens. Antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii and canine distemper virus were detected in 58 and 3.4% of samples, respectively. All samples were seronegative for Leptospira spp. and negative for Dirofilaria immitis antigen. Urine samples tested for Leptospira spp. via immunofluorescent antibody assay ( n = 7), polymerase chain reaction ( n = 6) , or both ( n = 3) were all negative. Parvovirus DNA was detected in 9.1% of small intestine samples ( n = 22) collected from carcasses and in 3.7% of fecal samples ( n = 27) collected during live trapping. Complete blood counts ( n = 64) and serum biochemistries ( n = 63) were obtained from 49 live-trapped martens. Biochemical parameters found to be significantly different ( P < 0.05) between genders were calcium, creatinine, glucose, and phosphorus. There was no significant difference between genders for any hematologic parameter. Significant differences ( P < 0.05) between summer and winter seasons were found in total estimated white blood cell count, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, alkaline phosphatase, bicarbonate, calcium, creatinine, globulin, glucose, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and total protein. There was no significant difference in blood cell count or serum biochemistry values between radio-collared ( n = 17) and noncollared ( n = 47) martens. Animals seropositive for T. gondii were found to have significantly higher ( P < 0.05) eosinophil and globulin levels than seronegative animals. The primary natural cause for mortality of radio-collared American martens was predation. Histologic examinations revealed a high percentage (60%) of martens with verminous or granulomatous pneumonia.

Detection of Trichomonas gallinae in Wild Birds Admitted to a Rehabilitation Center, Florida, USA.

We screened raptors (n=188) and columbids (n=2) presenting to a Tampa, Florida, US rehabilitation center from June 2016 to April 2017 for Trichomonas gallinae. One juvenile Cooper's Hawk (Accipiter cooperii) was culture- and PCR-positive and sequencing identified as genotype E1. A subset of culture-negative (10%, n=19) samples were negative via PCR.

BIOACCUMULATION OF MERCURY IN A TERRESTRIAL CARNIVORE, AMERICAN MARTEN (MARTES AMERICANA).

Studies that assess mercury bioaccumulation in small carnivores in terrestrial habitats are limited. We quantified total mercury (THg) in American marten (Martes americana) that were harvested for fur in Michigan, US, during 2013 and 2014. We quantified THg (dry weight) in hair, kidney, and liver samples and further analyzed hair for potential demographic and ecological factors that influence THg bioaccumulation. We found THg concentrations to be the highest in hair (1.228±0.475 µg/g, n=40), followed by kidney (0.922±0.651 µg/g, n=29) and liver (0.344±0.219 µg/g, n=26). Total mercury distributed predictably and significantly between tissue types, and hair was moderately predictive at modeling THg in kidney (R2=0.50, P<0.001, n=29) and weakly predictive in liver (R2=0.35, P<0.001, n=26), suggesting that hair, which is easily obtained, could be a useful sample type for future biomonitoring programs. The concentrations of THg in hair were higher in adults relative to juveniles, and adult female martens had the highest levels of THg (1.980±0.188 µg/g), as compared to juveniles and adult males. Results of generalized linear modeling suggested that THg hair concentrations were positively associated with marten age and trophic position (stable isotope ratio, δ15N). An interaction between δ15N and the year marten carcasses were collected showed that δ15N alone could be highly predictive of THg in some years but not in others. Annual changes in diet could lead to differing rates of mercury bioaccumulation and alter the usefulness of δ15N to predict THg in marten tissues. Further research should explore the connections between changes in prey availability, types of prey consumed, and the influence on bioaccumulation rates of mercury in terrestrial system mesocarnivores.

EFFECTS OF LIVE-TRAPPING AND ISOFLURANE ANESTHESIA ON FREE-RANGING AMERICAN MARTENS (MARTES AMERICANA).

Seventy-two free-ranging American martens ( Martes americana ) in Michigan, US were immobilized using isoflurane from 2011 to 2015. In total, 129 anesthetic procedures were performed with no mortalities. Hypothermia and hyperthermia were the most common anesthetic complications, and the mean rectal temperatures were significantly higher during summer than in winter. Dental abnormalities were common; the majority of abnormal findings were broken or discolored teeth attributed to previous dental trauma and were not trap-induced. Blood (n=72) was analyzed from 53 martens for venous blood gas, lactate, hematocrit, and/or selected serum biochemistry analytes. Lactate concentration was measured by two different devices (VetScan i-STAT 1 and Lactate Plus) and compared for clinical agreement for 26 samples. Both methods for lactate measurement provided statistically similar results. Using domestic feline reference ranges, the acid-base status and relative arterial oxygen saturation of anesthetized martens in this study were normal as determined by blood pH and pulse oximetry, respectively. Serum biochemistry parameters, multiple environmental parameters, and marten-specific attributes were evaluated for their influence on lactate in American martens using linear regression and an information-theoretic approach with model averaging. Blood urea nitrogen was in all of the top models and was positively related to lactate (ß=0.02, 95% confidence interval: 0.00-0.04). Initial body temperature, ambient temperature, and time from trap discovery until immobilization of martens were informative predictors for lactate level. Recommendations for the live-trapping and isoflurane anesthesia of free-ranging martens include using caution during warmer summer months, minimizing disturbance prior to induction, monitoring lactate in addition to vital rates, and being prepared to prevent or treat both hypothermia and hyperthermia during any time of year.

Endoparasites of American marten (Martes americana): Review of the literature and parasite survey of reintroduced American marten in Michigan.

The American marten (Martes americana) was reintroduced to both the Upper (UP) and northern Lower Peninsula (NLP) of Michigan during the 20th century. This is the first report of endoparasites of American marten from the NLP. Faeces from live-trapped American marten were examined for the presence of parasitic ova, and blood samples were obtained for haematocrit evaluation. The most prevalent parasites were Capillaria and Alaria species. Helminth parasites reported in American marten for the first time include Eucoleus boehmi, hookworm, and Hymenolepis and Strongyloides species. This is the first report of shedding of Sarcocystis species sporocysts in an American marten and identification of 2 coccidian parasites, Cystoisospora and Eimeria species. The pathologic and zoonotic potential of each parasite species is discussed, and previous reports of endoparasites of the American marten in North America are reviewed.