Radiographic evaluation of the forelimb bone development in maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus).

This study aimed to assess the fusion of growth plates and the development of secondary ossification centres in the forelimb bones of maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus), contrasting the findings with established data from domestic dogs. Three maned wolves, comprising one male and two females, initially aged between 3 and 4 months, were subjected to monthly radiographic evaluations until 10-11 months of age, followed by bimonthly assessments until 18-19 months of age, encompassing both forelimbs. The closure times of growth plates were observed as follows: supraglenoid tubercle (7-8 months), proximal humerus (17-19 months), distal humerus (8-9 months), medial epicondyle of the humerus (8-9 months), proximal ulna (9-10 months), proximal radius (13-15 months), distal ulna (13-15 months) and distal radius (17-19 months). Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in the areas of secondary ossification centres in the proximal epiphyses of the humerus and radius, respectively, observed from the initial evaluation at 8-9 months and 6-7 months. Conversely, the epiphyses of the supraglenoid tubercle, distal humerus, proximal ulna, distal ulna, medial epicondyle of the humerus and distal radius did not exhibit significant area differences between 3-4 months and 4-5 months, yet notable distinctions emerged at 5-6 months. In summary, while the radiographic appearance of epiphyseal growth plates and secondary ossification centres in maned wolves resembles that of domestic dogs, closure times vary. These findings contribute to understanding the dynamics of epiphyseal growth plates in this species.

Phylogenetic inferences based on distinct molecular markers reveals a novel Babesia (Babesia pantanalensis nov. sp.) and a Hepatozoon americanum-related genotype in crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous).

Piroplasmids and Hepatozoon spp. Are apicomplexan protozoa that may cause disease in several canid species. The present study aimed to expand the knowledge on the diversity of piroplasmids and Hepatozoon in crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous; n = 12) sampled in the Pantanal of Mato Grosso do Sul State, central-western Brazil. PCR assays based on the 18S rRNA were used as screening. Three (25%) and 11 (91.7%) were positive for piroplasmids and Hepatozoon spp., respectively. Co-infection was found in three C. thous. Phylogenetic analyses based on the near-complete 18S rRNA, cox-1 and hsp70 genes evidenced the occurrence of a novel of Babesia spp. (namely Babesia pantanalensis nov. sp.) closely related to Rangelia vitalii and Babesia sp. 'Coco'. This finding was supported by the genetic divergence analysis which showed (i) high divergence, ranging from 4.17 to 5.62% for 18 S rRNA, 6.16% for hps70 and 4.91-9.25% for cox-1 and (ii) the genotype network (which displayed sequences separated from the previously described Piroplasmida species by median vectors and several mutational events). Also, phylogenetic analysis based on the 18S rRNA gene of Hepatozoon spp. positioned the sequences obtained herein in a clade phylogenetically related to Hepatozoon sp. 'Curupira 2', Hepatozoon sp. detected in domestic and wild canids from Uruguay and Hepatozoon americanum. The present study described Babesia pantanalensis nov sp. and Hepatozoon closely related to H. americanum in crab-eating foxes from Brazil. Moreover, the coinfection by piroplasmids and Hepatozoon sp. for the first time in crab-eating foxes strongly suggesting that this wild canid species potentially acts as a bio-accumulate of hemoprotozoan in wild environment.

Rescue and rehabilitation of maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) in Paraguay: Case description.

The maned wolf, Chrysocyon brachyurus, is the largest South American canid, with a natural distribution that stretches across Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. The present study reports the case of a rescued specimen of maned wolf that underwent a rehabilitation process in Paraguay, starting in October 2020 with its rescue, and finalising in May 2021 with the reintroduction. Herein, we document findings regarding the general management, biometrics, feeding and environmental enrichment; chemical immobilisation and monitoring; haematology, blood biochemistry and specific serology-relevant pathogens; skin examination and bone marrow cytology; orthopaedic, ophthalmological and dental evaluation; abdominal and cardiac ultrasonography; radiology and copro-parasitology. Main findings include the feeding habits of the individual and enrichment opportunities. The animal weighed 7 kg on arrival, with an estimated age of 5 months, and 18 kg on reintroduction, with an estimated age of 1 year. The animal tested negative to serologic tests for Brucella canis, Dirofilaria, canine distemper, Toxoplasmosis and canine parvovirus. Leptospira testing showed antibodies against L. grippotyphosa on both samplings, L. wolffi and L. ictero on the first sampling, and L. pomona on the second sampling. Abdominal organs were examined and measured through ultrasound evaluation and kidneys showed no alterations. Echocardiography showed preserved mitral, tricuspid and aortic valve flows, but turbulent pulmonary valve flow. Copro-parasitology reported the presence of Lagochilascaris sp. and Balantidium sp. All the information gathered aided in diagnosing the health status of the individual, and the response to environmental enrichment helped assess the behaviour, which led to the suggestion of reintroducing the animal. These data constitute the first published health check of a maned wolf in Paraguay, which can contribute to the species' conservation in the country. The protocol presented in this study can serve as a basis for developing an action plan for the maned wolf in Paraguay.

Hepatozoon (Eucoccidiorida: Hepatozoidae) in wild mammals of the Americas: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The study of parasites provides insight into intricate ecological relationships in ecosystem dynamics, food web structures, and evolution on multiple scales. Hepatozoon Eucoccidiorida: Hepatozoidae) is a genus of protozoan hemoparasites with heteroxenous life cycles that switch infections between vertebrates and blood-feeding invertebrates. The most comprehensive review of the genus was published 26 years ago, and currently there are no harmonized data on the epizootiology, diagnostics, genotyping methods, evolutionary relationships, and genetic diversity of Hepatozoon in the Americas. METHODS: Here, we provide a comprehensive review based on the PRISMA method regarding Hepatozoon in wild mammals within the American continent, in order to generate a framework for future research. RESULTS: 11 out of the 35 countries of the Americas (31.4%) had data on Hepatozoon, with Carnivora and Rodentia orders having the most characterizations. Bats, ungulates, and shrews were the least affected groups. While Hepatozoon americanum, H. americanum-like, H. canis, H. didelphydis, H. felis, H. milleri, H. griseisciuri, and H. procyonis correspond to the identified species, a plethora of genospecies is pending for a formal description combining morphology and genetics. Most of the vectors of Hepatozoon in the Americas are unknown, but some flea, mite, and tick species have been confirmed. The detection of Hepatozoon has relied mostly on conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the implementation of specific real time PCR for the genus needs to be employed to improve its diagnosis in wild animals in the future. From a genetic perspective, the V4 region of the 18S rRNA gene has been widely sequenced for the identification of Hepatozoon in wild animals. However, mitochondrial and apicoplast markers should also be targeted to truly determine different species in the genus. A phylogenetic analysis of herein retrieved 18S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequences showed two main clades of Hepatozoon: Clade I associated with small mammals, birds, and herpetozoa, and Clade II associated with Carnivora. The topology of the tree is also reflected in the haplotype network. CONCLUSIONS: Finally, our review emphasizes Hepatozoon as a potential disease agent in threatened wild mammals and the role of wild canids as spreaders of Hepatozoon infections in the Americas.

Epidemiological survey of infectious agents in free-ranging maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus) in Northeastern Brazil.

Infectious diseases are one of the most concerning threats to maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus) due to the potential impact on free-ranging populations. The species is currently classified as vulnerable according to the national list of threatened species and occurs mainly in open habitats, such as the Cerrado, a tropical savannah, which comprises its main distribution area in Brazil. In the northeastern region, it occurs in the Cerrado of Bahia, Piauí, Maranhão, and Tocantins states. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the occurrence of infectious agents in Chrysocyon brachyurus through an epidemiological assessment of free-ranging individuals in western Bahia, specifically in the Barreiras microregion, a Cerrado area intensely fragmented and anthropized by agricultural activity. Eleven specimens were evaluated for serological titration, antigen research, and genetic material research for canine distemper virus (CDV), canine parvovirus (CPV), adenovirus-canine-type 1 (CAdV-1), canine coronavirus (CCoV), Leptospira interrogans and Toxoplasma gondii from 2020 to 2022. In addition to maned wolves, domestic dogs were also evaluated and tested. All maned wolves (100%) evaluated by the dot-ELISA technique exhibited immunoglobulin M (IgM) and seven (64%) exhibited immunoglobulin G (IgG) against CDV and CPV, while 100% exhibited IgG against CDV when using the immunochromatographic technique. Regarding CAdV-1, 90% were seropositive for IgG, while 64% exhibited IgG against T. gondii. Nine dogs from the region were also sampled, and all (100%) exhibited IgM and IgG against CDV and CPV. For IgG against T. gondii and against CAdV-1, 90% of the animals were seropositive. Molecular evaluation yielded negative results for all maned wolves and dogs assessed for CAdV-1, CDV, and T. gondii, as well as the CCoV antigen. These data indicate the occurrence of viral agents and Toxoplasma gondii in maned wolves and dogs, suggesting circulation in both populations.

Phylogeographic analyses of an endemic Neotropical fox (Lycalopex vetulus) reveal evidence of hybridization with a different canid species (L. gymnocercus).

The hoary fox (Lycalopex vetulus) is the only species of the Canidae (Mammalia: Carnivora) endemic to Brazil, and so far has been the target of few genetic studies. Using microsatellites and mtDNA markers, we investigated its present genetic diversity and population structure. We also tested the hypothesis that this species currently hybridizes with the pampas fox (L. gymnocercus), as suggested by previous mtDNA data from two individuals. We collected tissue and blood samples from animals representing most of the two species' distributions in Brazil (n = 87), including their recently discovered geographic contact zone in São Paulo state. We observed that the hoary fox exhibits high levels of genetic diversity and low levels of population structure. We identified six individuals from São Paulo state with clear evidence of hybridization based on introgressed pampas fox mitochondrial DNA and/or admixed microsatellite genotypes (three individuals bore both types of evidence). These results demonstrate the existence of admixed individuals between hoary and pampas foxes in southeastern Brazil, representing the first identified case of interspecies admixture between native South American canids. We discuss our findings in the context of the evolutionary history of these foxes and address potential conservation implications of this interspecies hybridization process.

New insights on the phylogeography of Hepatozoon canis in Brazil.

This study aimed to molecularly characterize the Hepatozoon spp. infecting domestic and wild dogs in Brazil. A total of 22 whole blood samples tested positive for Hepatozoon spp., and five samples were sequenced for the 18S rDNA gene from H. canis after PCR amplification with four primer sets. Phylogenetic analysis using Bayesian inference showed that the three H. canis isolates from domestic dogs were not monophyletic; however, they were more closely related to each other than to other H. canis sequences. The isolate from the hoary fox (Lycalopex vetulus) was phylogenetically more distant. Two haplotype networks were constructed, identifying 10 haplotypes of H. canis in Brazil, with H10 constituting the largest group. It contains nine isolates, including three from domestic dogs. The H5 haplotype grouped the sequence of L. vetulus with two additional sequences from hosts Tapirus terrestris and L. vetulus, representing the sole haplotype with wild hosts. Bayesian analysis suggested the possible existence of two genetic groups of H. canis in Brazil, indicating gene flow of this agent within the country. These findings contribute valuable insights for a more comprehensive understanding of the molecular diversity of Hepatozoon spp. in Brazil and may help in the development of effective control measures.

Combined use of body condition score, radiography, ultrasonography and computed tomography in body condition evaluation of crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous).

This study aimed to evaluate the application of radiography, ultrasonography, and computed tomography (CT) as auxiliaries in the determination of body fat and musculature in crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous). Eight animals were evaluated and classified based on the body condition score (BCS) scale. The total cut volume, total visceral volume, total subcutaneous volume, visceral fat volume, subcutaneous fat volume, and total fat volume were measured. The correlation of the BCS with the other data was determined. In the ultrasound, there was a correlation of the vertebral epaxial musculature score (VEMS) with body weight, BCS, muscle mass score (MMS), animal's height, and height at the withers. In the radiographic analysis, the amount of subcutaneous fat obtained in L3 vertebrae did not present a significant correlation with BCS, as opposed to L6. In the tomographic analysis, TFV/L6, VFV/L6, and SFV/L6 correlated with BCS in L3, and only SFV /L6 in L6. When the ratios between fat volumes were correlated, the correlation with BCS occurred only in L6 in the TFV/TBV, SFV/SVC, and VFW variants. Radiography and CT were effective and had a good association with BCS. With the CT it was possible to demonstrate the distribution of total fat at the level of the L3 slice. The ratio of calculations considering the length of the L6 vertebra was more adequate, while at the level of L6 the ratio between the volumes of the compartments was more effective.

Molecular Evidence of Ehrlichia canis (Rickettsiales: Anaplasmataceae) in Ticks (Ixodida: Ixodidae) Associated with Dogs (Carnivora: Canidae) from Nuevo Leon, Mexico.

Background: Ehrlichia canis is transmitted by ticks causing Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis, which is considered one of the most critical tickborne pathogens. Materials and Methods: This study aimed to identify by PCR technique E. canis in ticks associated with dogs from urban and rural homes in Nuevo Leon, Mexico. The study was conducted at 13 localities in eight municipalities from 2012 to 2021. Results: A total of 1873 ticks of three species were captured: Amblyomma tenellum, Dermacentor variabilis, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. The overall infection rate of E. canis in ticks was 59.12% (149/252). Of the 15 sequences, three haplotypes were identified. Conclusion: The urban transmission cycle of canine ehrlichiosis is demonstrated, where the potential vector is the tick R. sanguineus s.l.

Tomographic evaluation of the glands and lymph nodes of the cervical region in the crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous).

The present study aimed to determine references of normality of computed tomographic (CT) images of mandibular and parotid salivary glands (PSGs), medial retropharyngeal and mandibular lymph nodes and thyroid gland of 10 clinically healthy crab-eating foxes, Cerdocyon thous. The location, shape, homogeneity of the parenchyma, and length, height, width and pre- and post-contrast attenuation values were evaluated. The anatomical structures in the crab-eating foxes studied here presented anatomical landmarks similar to those described for domestic dogs, and showed a regular shape and homogenous parenchyma, except for the PSGs, that showed predominantly heterogeneous parenchyma. The thyroid gland topography in the crab-eating fox, though very similar, is not identical to the domestic dog and the presence of isthmus between the lobes was not detected. The values obtained from crab-eating foxes are within the normal range, although in the upper limits of dogs. There was a significant difference in the attenuation values between the right and left lobes of the thyroid gland, being greater in the left thyroid lobe. CT attenuation values ranges for this neotropical canid can be incorporated into routine staging procedures in the veterinary care of the crab-eating foxes. Furthermore, the CT images obtained were similar to those of healthy dogs, and the information obtained can be considered as initial tomographic references of normality in the cervical structures of the crab-eating fox, in order to aid in the diagnosis of future diseases that can affect this neotropical canid.

Detection of anti-Leishmania spp. antibodies in poultry from central region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

Domestic birds such as Gallus gallus, Meleagris gallopavo, Anser anser and Numida meleagris are widely distributed throughout the world and maintain contact with humans and other animal species considered reservoirs of both Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) and American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis (ATL), including dogs and cats; wild canids, marsupials; and synanthropic animals such as rodents and chiroptera. Therefore, this study aimed to detect the presence of anti-Leishmania spp. antibodies in birds from a rural area of the municipality of Santa Maria, southern Brazil. From May to December 2022, 262 blood samples were collected from 244 chickens, 8 turkeys, 7 guinea fowl and 3 geese, distributed in 27 rural properties in 6 districts. All the sites visited presented positive birds for the presence of Leishmania spp. Thus, it is inferred that, contact with this protozoan can induce the production of antibodies, suggesting that these animals can be used as sentinels for the circulation of this agent. In addition, the blood of these animals is a preferred food source for insects of the subfamily Phlebotominae, which can be used them as bioindicators of the presence of these phlebotomes.

Social media as a tool for detecting underdiagnosed parasitic infections: the case of spirocercosis.

Spirocercosis is a parasitic disease caused by the nematode Spirocerca lupi that affects several canids around the world. In Costa Rica, few spirocercosis cases have been reported; however, it is suspected that the infection is currently underdiagnosed. As seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, social media has sped up the spread of scientific knowledge, raising practioner's awareness of the epidemiology and signs and manifestations of infections. The aim of this work was to use social media as a tool for increasing awareness of spirocercosis among veterinarians and investigate the frequency of cases occurring in Costa Rica. Infographic material about the infection was disseminated by Whatsapp, Facebook, and Instagram from January 2021 to July 2022 using a public account of the Laboratory of Helminthology of the University of Costa Rica. In addition, Google Forms questionnaires were completed by veterinarians to report the number of spirocercosis cases in their clinics, associated manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of the disease. Remarkably, since 2020, a six-fold increase in the number of cases per year was noted. Clinical manifestations matched those reported elsewhere, and one of every three dogs infected with S. lupi died spontaneously or required euthanasia because of the infection. This work suggests that S. lupi infection in Costa Rica may have been underdiagnosed in the last decade, and the knowledge and awareness of clinical personnel play a major role in the detection of this and other infectious diseases.

ANTIMICROBIAL SUSCEPTIBILITY OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS SPP. ISOLATED FROM FELIDS AND CANIDS IN BELO HORIZONTE ZOO, BRAZIL.

The epidemiology of Staphylococcus spp. has become a major concern among humans and animals due to increasing antimicrobial resistance and frequent reports of infection. Despite the importance of animals as reservoirs for staphylococci, little is known about the epidemiology of Staphylococcus spp. in most nondomestic species, including canids and felids. This study evaluated the frequency, distribution, and patterns of antimicrobial resistance of staphylococcal species isolated from captive felids and canids from Belo Horizonte Zoo, Brazil. Rectal, oral, and nasal swabs from apparently healthy maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus, n= 7), a lion (Panthera leo, n = 1), jaguars (Panthera onca, n = 3), and one swab of a cougar (Puma concolor) with an ear infection were streaked onto mannitol salt agar. Colonies identified by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry, polymerase chain reaction for the Staphylococcus intermedius group (SIG), and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Isolates were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility tests and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius strains were subjected to multilocus sequence typing. Staphylococcus species were isolated from 24 of the 34 samples (70.6%). Among the isolated strains, S. pseudintermedius and Staphylococcus felis were the most frequent species (41.7 and 25%, respectively). Five novel sequence types were identified among the S. pseudintermedius isolates. Resistance to tetracycline (7/24, 29.2%) or penicillin (6/23, 26.1%) was significantly higher than the other antimicrobial agents tested (P < 0.05). One isolate, Staphylococcus nepalensis, was positive for mecA and resistant to five antimicrobials, and was thus classified as multidrug-resistant. The present work suggests that maned wolves are natural hosts of SIG and also reports the isolation of S. felis in sick and healthy, captive, nondomestic carnivores. The isolated staphylococci were susceptible to most classes of antimicrobials tested. However, the multidrug-resistance capability of an S. nepalensis strain reinforces the hypothesis that felids and canids act as reservoirs of pathogens with antimicrobial resistance.

Survey of phlebotomine sand fly fauna in a public Zoo in Brazil: Species diversity, seasonality, and host variety.

Leishmaniasis is a dynamic disease in which transmission conditions change due to environmental and human behavioral factors. Epidemiological analyses have shown modifications in the spread profile and growing urbanization of the disease, justifying the expansion of endemic areas and increasing number of cases in dogs and humans. In the city of Belo Horizonte, located in the southeastern state of Minas Gerais (Brazil), visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is endemic, with a typical urban transmission pattern, but with different regional prevalence. This study was conducted at the Zoo of the Foundation of Municipal Parks and Zoobotany of Belo Horizonte (FPMZB-BH), located in the Pampulha region, which is among the areas most severely affected by VL. This study aimed to determine the taxonomic diversity of native phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae), identify climatic variables that potentially affect the phenology of these insects, and determine the blood meal sources for female phlebotomine sand flies. To achieve this, 10 mammal enclosures in the zoo were selected using the presence of possible leishmaniasis reservoirs as a selection criterion, and sampled using light traps between August 2019 and August 2021. A total of 6034 phlebotomine sand flies were collected, indicating nine species, with Lutzomyia longipalpis being the very abundant species (65.35% of the total). Of the 108 engorged phlebotomine collected females, seven samples (6.5%) were positive for blood meals from humans, marsupials, canids, and birds. Relative humidity and rainfall increased the phenology of phlebotomine sand flies, with population increases in the hottest and wettest months. The data obtained will provide guidelines for competent health agencies to implement vector control measures to reduce the risk of leishmaniasis transmission in the FPMZB-BH.

Sharing of living area and exposure of domestic and wild canids to ticks, Rickettsia parkeri and Rangelia vitalii in the Atlantic Forest of southern Brazil.

Spotted fever caused by the bacterium Rickettsia parkeri, and canine rangeliosis caused by the protozoan Rangelia vitalii, are emerging or re-emerging tick-borne diseases in Brazil, where the main tick vectors are Amblyomma ovale and Amblyomma aureolatum, respectively. In the present study, we evaluated exposure to R. parkeri and R. vitalii infection among domestic (Canis lupus familiaris) and wild (Cerdocyon thous) canids sharing living areas within an Atlantic Forest area of southern Brazil. Four different domestic dogs and three different wild canids were captured. Most of the ticks collected from either domestic or wild canids were identified as A. ovale and A. aureolatum. DNA of R. parkeri was amplified from 14% of the A. ovale specimens. Two domestic dogs and two wild canids were seroreactive to R. parkeri antigens with high endpoint titers (>1024). Rangelia vitalii DNA was detected in two wild canids; one of them was resampled 93 days later, again infected by R. vitalii. We report exposure/infection of domestic dogs and wild canids to R. vitalii and/or R. parkeri-infected ticks in an Atlantic Forest area shared by both canid species, indicating that they also shared the same populations of the tick vectors, A. aureolatum and A. ovale. While A. ovale, A. aureolatum, R. parkeri, R. vitalii and C. thous, are all native to the Atlantic Forest, further studies are needed to evaluate the impact of an exotic canine species - C. lupus familiaris - on the enzootic cycles of R. vitalii and R. parkeri, as well as the possible role of domestic dogs in emergence and re-emergence of R. parkeri-spotted fever in humans and canine rangeliosis, respectively.

Main mites associated with dermatopathies present in dogs and other members of the Canidae family.

Dermatological diseases of parasitic origin are one of the most frequent in the clinical practice of dogs and cats. Mites such as Sarcoptes scabiei, Otodectes cynotis, Demodex canis, and Cheyletiella spp., commonly affect domestic dogs. However, the impact generated by these mites on populations of wildlife animals and the mechanisms involved in their epidemiological dynamics are still not clear. In recent decades, the migration of populations and their interaction with domestic environments and vice versa have generated a worrying threat due to the transmission of some of these ectoparasites. Some reports have suggested that sarcoptic mange represents an emerging threat to wildlife. Given the outbreaks of greater magnitude and geographical extension. The objective of this review is to contribute to the state of the art of the main mites that cause dermatopathies in members of the Canis lupus familiaris family and other members of the Canidae family. For this, a systematic search was carried out in the Embase and PubMed databases. Infections caused by mites, mainly scabies, continue to be diseases with a worldwide distribution, affecting mammals and humans. Although they are long-standing diseases, the effects that are generated in wild canids are still unknown. A comprehensive evaluation is required to generate guidelines in favor of the conservation of some species of foxes and wolves present in different regions of the world.

Herd and animal level prevalences and risk factors for Neospora caninum infection in cattle in the state of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil.

Bovine neosporosis is a globally important disease, causing abortions and significant economic losses. In Brazil, studies on neosporosis in cattle are few and based on limited samples and/or from limited areas. We aimed to determine the herd and animal levels seroprevalence and associated factors for Neospora caninum infections in cattle from the state of Paraíba, Northeastern Brazil, using a planned sampling. Herds (n = 434) and cows aged ≥24 months (n = 1891) were randomly selected, and serum samples were tested with the immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) using as cut-off point the antibody titer 200. Herd-level and animal-level seroprevalences were 17.8% (95% CI = 14.3%-21.8%) and 18.1% (95% CI = 14.7%-22.1%), respectively. The factors associated with N. caninum infection were farm located in the Sertão mesoregion (Prevalence ratio [PR] = 2.37), mixed production (PR = 1.64), herd size of 34-111 animals (PR = 3.50) and herd size >111 animals (PR = 6.14). The results indicate high N. caninum circulation in the bovine population of the state of Paraíba, semiarid of Brazil, mainly in the Sertão mesoregion, where the highest apparent herd and animal-level prevalences of positive herds were identified. Control strategies should be adopted to mitigate the impact of disease on cattle production, as well as it's suggested the encouragement of conducting surveys in wildlife from Caatinga biome, mainly canids, to provide information on the importance of these animals on the epidemiology of bovine neosporosis.

Spatio-temporal six-year retrospective study on dermatophytosis in Rio de Janeiro, Southeast Brazil: A tropical tourist locality tale.

Trichophyton, Microsporum, Nannizzia and Epidermophyton genera cause dermatophytosis, the most common and highly contagious infectious skin disease. Rio de Janeiro is one of the most visited cities in the Southern Hemisphere, located in the most visited state of Brazil. This retrospective study investigated epidemiological and laboratorial aspects of dermatophytosis in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, by using spatiotemporal analysis. More than half of all individuals were infected by one or more dermatophytes. A variation between 18 and 106 years-old of the studied population was verified, and women more frequently affected. Patients were more frequently infected by Trichophyton spp., most of them T. rubrum, followed by T. mentagrophytes. M. canis and N. gypsea were more frequently isolated in the age group between 40 and 60 years old, while T. rubrum predominates among younger patients. All species presented homogeneous distribution while T. tonsurans appears to be restricted to the Rio de Janeiro capital and E. floccosum to the municipality of Macaé (190 Km apart from RJ). Rio de Janeiro state presented spatial clusters of dermatophytosis with high density in Guanabara Bay (E. floccosum, M. canis, N. gypsea, T. tonsurans) and Niterói (T. rubrum, T. mentagrophytes) but low density in Macaé (E. floccosum). Significant spatiotemporal clusters on dermatophytosis cases were detected in distinct municipalities (p-value ≤ 0.05). The Vulnerability Index (r = 0.293) and Demographic Density (r = 0.652) distributed according to neighborhoods in Niterói were direct related with dermatophytosis cases whereas Income (r = -0.306) was inversely correlated (p-value ≤ 0.05). The dermatophytosis spatiotemporal distinct distribution after two major international events in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, highlight the pressing need for specific measures of its prevention and controlling. This is particularly relevant in touristic tropical localities which must consider both socio-economical and traveler's medicine variables.

Multiparasitism in crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) (Carnivora: Canidae), including new records, in the Brazilian Pampa: case report / Multiparasitismo em graxaim-do-mato (Cerdocyon thous) (Carnivora: Canidae), incluindo novos registros, no Pampa brasileiro: relato de caso

Cerdocyon thous is considered the most common wild canid in Rio Grande do Sul, and can serve as a host for several parasites, playing an important role in maintaining the biological cycle. Despite being a widespread and abundant species, they have a relatively little-known fauna of endo and ectoparasites, mainly focusing on the different regions of their occurrence. With this work, the objective was to report the multiparasitism in a specimen of C. thous in the Brazilian Pampa. Using modified Centrifuge-Flotation and Spontaneous Sedimentation techniques, a high taxonomic diversity of parasites was observed, and the finding of eggs compatible with Lagochilascaris spp. in C. thous in Brazil, in addition to Uncinaria spp. eggs and Cystoisospora spp. oocysts in the same host in the south of the country. The presence of eggs of different helminths in the feces of C. thous is extremely important, mainly for public health, but also for the knowledge of the biodiversity of parasites present in wild populations of canids, until then little studied, thus allowing the implementation of control programs.

Cerdocyon thous é considerado o canídeo silvestre mais comum no Rio Grande do Sul e pode servir como hospedeiro de diversos parasitos, desempenhando papel importante na manutenção do ciclo biológico. Mesmo sendo uma espécie difundida e abundante, têm uma fauna de endo e ectoparasitos relativamente pouco conhecida, principalmente enfocando as diferentes regiões de sua ocorrência. Com este trabalho, objetivou-se relatar o multiparasitismo em um espécime de C. thous no Pampa brasileiro. Por meio das técnicas de centrifugo-flutuação modificada e sedimentação espontânea, observou-se uma alta diversidade taxonômica de parasitos, sendo relatado, pela primeira vez, o achado de ovos compatíveis com Lagochilascaris spp. em C. thous no Brasil, além de ovos de Uncinaria spp. e oocistos de Cystoisospora spp. no mesmo hospedeiro, no sul do país. A presença de ovos de diferentes helmintos nas fezes de C. thous é de extrema importância, principalmente na saúde pública, mas também para o conhecimento da biodiversidade de parasitos presentes em populações silvestres de canídeos, até então pouco estudados, permitindo, assim, a implementação de programas de controle.

Different, but the same: Inferring the hunting behaviour of the hypercarnivorous bush dog (Speothos venaticus) through finite element analysis.

Cerdocyonina is a clade composed by the South-American canids in which the bush dog (Speothos venaticus) is one of the most elusive species. Known for its unique morphology within the group, this small, bear-like faced canid is the only member of the clade adapted to hypercarnivory, an almost exclusively meat-based diet currently present only in usually large, pack-hunting canids such as the grey wolf (Canis lupus). However, much of the biology of the bush dog is poorly understood, and inferences about its ecology, hunting strategies and diet are usually based on observation of captive individuals and anecdotal records, with reduced quantitative data to offer support. Here, we investigated the craniomandibular functional morphology of the bush dog through finite element analysis (FEA). FEA was employed to model the biting behaviour and to create extrinsic and intrinsic functional scenarios with different loads, corresponding to different bites used to subdue and process the prey. For comparison, the same modelling was applied to the skull of a grey wolf and a grey fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus). Our analysis showed that the bush dog's responses to loading are more similar to the wolf's than to the fox's in most scenarios, suggesting a convergent craniomandibular functional morphology between these two hypercarnivorous species, despite their distinct phylogenetic positions and body sizes. Differences between the three taxa are noteworthy and suggested to be related to the size of the usual prey. The modelled bite force for the bush dog is relatively strong, about half of that estimated for the wolf and about 40% stronger than the fox's bite. The results strengthen with quantitative data the inferences of the bush dog as a pack-hunting predator with prey size similar to its own, such as large rodents and armadillos, being specialised in subduing and killing its prey using multiple bites. Its similarity to the wolf also confirms anecdotal accounts of predation on mammals that are much larger than itself, such as peccaries and tapirs. These data highlight the ecological specialisation of this small canid in a continent where large, pack-hunting canids are absent.