High Exposure to Livestock Pathogens in Southern Pudu (Pudu puda) from Chile.

A significant gap in exposure data for most livestock and zoonotic pathogens is common for several Latin America deer species. This study examined the seroprevalence against 13 pathogens in 164 wild and captive southern pudu from Chile between 2011 and 2023. Livestock and zoonotic pathogen antibodies were detected in 22 of 109 wild pudus (20.18%; 95% CI: 13.34-29.18) and 17 of 55 captive pudus (30.91%; 95% CI: 19.52-44.96), including five Leptospira interrogans serovars (15.38% and 10.71%), Toxoplasma gondii (8.57% and 37.50%), Chlamydia abortus (3.03% and 12.82%), Neospora caninum (0.00% and 9.52%), and Pestivirus (8.00% and 6.67%). Risk factors were detected for Leptospira spp., showing that fawn pudu have statistically significantly higher risk of positivity than adults. In the case of T. gondii, pudu living in "free-range" have a lower risk of being positive for this parasite. In under-human-care pudu, a Pestivirus outbreak is the most strongly suspected as the cause of abortions in a zoo in the past. This study presents the first evidence of Chlamydia abortus in wildlife in South America and exposure to T. gondii, L. interrogans, and N. caninum in wild ungulate species in Chile. High seroprevalence of livestock pathogens such as Pestivirus and Leptospira Hardjo in wild animals suggests a livestock transmission in Chilean template forest.

Molecular survey and phylogenetic analysis of Bartonella sp., Coxiella sp., and hemoplamas in pudu (Pudu puda) from Chile: first report of Bartonella henselae in a wild ungulate species.

Introduction: Recent evidence shows a high diversity of infectious agents in wildlife that represent a threat to human, domestic, and wild animal health. In Chile, wild populations of the most common cervid species, pudu (Pudu puda), have been reported as hosts for novel pathogens such as Mycoplasma ovis-like and a novel ecotype of Anaplasma phagocytophilum. A better understanding of the epidemiology of this group and other intracellular bacteria that might have cervids as hosts would enlighten their population relevance. This study aimed to determine the occurrence and genetic diversity of Bartonella spp., hemotropic mycoplasmas, and Coxiella burnetii in pudus from Chile. Methods: The DNA was extracted from the blood samples of 69 wild free-ranging and 30 captive pudus from Chile. A combination of real-time (nouG gene for Bartonella and IS1111 element for C. burnetii) and conventional PCR (16S rRNA for hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. and rpoB, gltA, and ITS for Bartonella spp.) was used for pathogen screening and molecular characterization. Results: DNA of Bartonella spp. was detected in 10.1% [95% CI (5.2-18.2%)] samples, hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. in 1.7% [95% CI (0.08-10.1%)], and C. burnetii in 1.0% [95% CI (0.05-6.3%)] samples. Two sequenced samples were identified as Mycoplasma ovis-like, and one free-ranging pudu was positive for C. burnetii. While one captive and two free-ranging pudus were positive for Bartonella henselae, one wild pudu was co-positive for B. henselae and Bartonella sp., similar to Bartonellae identified in ruminants. Discussion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of B. henselae in wild ungulate species, and C. burnetii and Bartonella spp. in wild ungulate species in South America. Further research will be necessary to evaluate the potential role of pudu as reservoirs of infection and identify the sources for disease transmission among humans and wild and domestic animals.

Molecular survey of selected viruses in Pudus (Pudu puda) in Chile revealing first identification of caprine herpesvirus-2 (CpHV-2) in South American ungulates.

Viral diseases jeopardize the health of wildlife in Chile. However, this country lacks health surveillance programs that allow for defining preventive measures to tackle such diseases. The objective of this study was to determine the occurrence and the genetic diversity of pestivirus, herpesvirus and adenovirus in pudus from Chile. Blood samples from wild (n=34) and captive (n=32) pudus were collected between 2011 and 2019 and analyzed through consensus PCR. All the samples were negative to pestivirus and adenovirus. Herpesvirus was confirmed in four captive, and one wild pudu. All four zoo animals share the same sequence for both polymerase and glycoprotein genes. Both sequences share a 100% identity with caprine herpesvirus-2, classifying them in the same cluster as the Macavirus group. In turn, novel sequences of the polymerase and glycoprotein B genes were obtained from the wild pudu. Our study reports the first evidence of CpHV-2 infection in Chile and South American ungulate populations. Further research will be necessary to assess the pathogenicity of CpHV-2 in this species. It is also urgently recommended that molecular, serological and pathological screening should be conducted in Chilean wild and captive pudus to understand the impact of the herpesvirus on their populations.

Molecular and phylogenetic analysis of herpesviruses in endangered free-ranging cervids of Chile: ovine gammaherpesvirus-2-A novel threat to wild and domestic animal health in Chilean Patagonia.

Introduction: Herpesvirus infections have been highlighted as emerging diseases affecting wildlife health and the conservation of several taxa. Malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) and infectious keratoconjunctivitis (IKC) are two viruses that infect wild ruminants. Nevertheless, epidemiological data on herpesviruses in South American wild ruminants are limited. An outbreak of caprine gammaherpesvirus-2 (CpHV-2) that recently was suspected as the cause of MCF in southern pudus (Pudu puda) prompted the need to conduct molecular screenings in Chilean cervids to understand the epidemiology of herpesviruses. The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence and genetic diversity of herpesviruses in free-ranging cervids from Chile. Methods: Herpesvirus infection was assessed in antemortem blood samples (n = 86) from pudus (n = 81) and huemuls (Hippocamelus bisulcus) (n = 5), as well as postmortem samples of spleen (n = 24) and lung (n = 3) from pudus, using a nested pan-herpesvirus PCR assay. Results: Combining all suitable sample types, DNA of pudu gammaherpesvirus-1 was detected in five pudues and five huemuls, with an overall prevalence of 9.90% (n = 10/101; 95% CI = 5.11-17.87%). One pudu tested positive for ovine gammaherpesvirus-2 (n = 1/96; 1.04%; 95% CI = 0.05-6.49%), and one pudu tested positive for a Macavirus sequence with 98.63 similarity to ovine gammaherpesvirus-2 (n = 96; 1.04%; 95% CI = 0.05-6.49%). Discussion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a herpesvirus in huemul and of ovine gammaherpesvirus-2 in Chile. Our results also confirm the active circulation of herpesvirus in free-ranging cervids in Chilean Patagonia, and as such, MCF should be considered as a possible cause of disease in free-ranging Chilean pudus and livestock species. Further research is necessary to develop a plan of systematic monitoring (serological and pathological screening) of herpesviruses in Chilean wild and domestic ruminants to understand their diversity and impact on animal health and conservation.

MOLECULAR DETECTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF HEMOPLASMAS IN THE PUDU (PUDU PUDA), A NATIVE CERVID FROM CHILE.

Hemotropic mycoplasmas cause hemolytic anemia in a variety of wild and domestic mammals. Despite growing evidence about their widespread presence and genetic diversity in wildlife, their presence has never been investigated in Chilean artiodactyls. We aimed to describe the presence and diversity of hemoplasmas in pudus (Pudu puda), a small cervid native to Chile. Hemoplasma infection was assessed in blood samples from 43 wild and 33 captive pudus from central and southern Chile by direct sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. We detected hemoplasmas in 13%, with no statistical differences between wild (19%) and captive animals (6%). A sequence closely related to Mycoplasma ovis was present both in wild (14%) and captive (6%) pudus. Two previously undescribed sequences, classified in a clade including hemoplasmas from carnivores, were found in one wild pudu each. This study presents the first evidence of the presence of M. ovislike organisms in Chile and of the susceptibility of pudus to infection with hemoplasmas. Further research is needed to understand the pathologic consequences of this pathogen for pudus, its effects at the population level, and their potential impact on the health small ruminants and other wildlife species in Chile.

Serological prevalence and risk factors of Toxoplasma gondii in Zoo Mammals in Chile.

Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic cosmopolitan protozoan that causes a high mortality rate among zoo mammals such as New World primates, meerkats, marsupials and Pallas' cat. It has been recently reported in Chile, mainly among wild populations, but also as the cause of death of a kangaroo and a mara. However, there has not been a T. gondii report at a Zoo population level in Chile in the last 35 years. The aim of the study was to estimate the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with T. gondii infection in mammals housed in a zoo located in the Metropolitan Region of Chile between 2011 and 2018. In this study, we analyzed 350 samples, from 324 animals, belonging to 57 species of carnivores, non-human primates, macropodids, ungulates and rodents to detect the presence of anti-T. gondii antibodies. Additionally, 20 animals were longitudinally sampled to evaluate intra-zoo infection. Using a commercial indirect Enzyme-Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA) test, we detected T. gondii antibodies in 72 (22.2 %) samples. The overall seroprevalence estimates were 48.4 % in felines, 22.9 % in non-feline carnivores, 21.1 % in ungulates and 15.0 % in non-human primates. There were no positive samples from rodents or marsupials. Of animals sampled longitudinally, only a culpeo fox (Lycalopex cualpaeus) became seropositive along the study indicating exposition inside the facility. T. gondii seroprevalence differed significantly in taxonomic groups (p = 0.003), felines are statistically different from non-feline carnivores (NFC) (p = 0.040), ungulate (p = 0.027) and non-human primates (NHP) (p = 0.009). Annual prevalence comparison was performed showing no statistical difference (p = 0.941). A multivariable logistic regression was performed to ascertain the effect of taxonomic groups, proximity to water sources, diet, sex and type of housing on seropositivity. Only taxonomic group was statistically significant, indicating that NFC (OR = 0.35; 95 % CI = 0.15 - 0.83; p = 0.017), ungulates (OR = 0.30; 95 % CI = 0.13 - 0.69; p = 0.005), and NHP (OR = 0.25; 95 % CI = 0.09 - 0.72; p = 0.010) have lower risk of positivity to T. gondii compared to felines. Additionally, a black-faced spider monkey (Ateles chamek) and a siamang (Symphalangus syndactylus) were seropositive, being the first description of T. gondii infection in these species worldwide. As seen in previous studies, the widespread presence and exposure of T. gondii in zoo mammals was confirmed, and there may be contact with the agent and transmission within the zoo, which was confirmed by one animal became seropositive over the time. This fact could be a health problem for animals susceptible to fatal toxoplasmosis.

Successful unilateral vasectomy reversal in a lion (Panthera leo).

Background: In 2016, the veterinarian team of Buin Zoo in Chile decided to try to increase the lion population. At that time, the zoo had three lions; two females and one male. The 9-year-old male had been vasectomized 5 years ago at the same institution for birth control. Considering the fact that in humans, vasectomy reversal has excellent reproductive outcomes, a team of human urologists, highly experienced in vasectomy reversal was contacted to perform the procedure. Case description: Surgery was performed on June 16, 2016 under general anesthesia, with the vasectomy site accessed through the previous scar localized in the lower groin. After opening the skin, dartos and tunica vaginalis, we were able to identify the previous vasectomy site. After liberating both vas ends and checking for permeability, a microsurgical anastomosis (magnification 25×) was performed. The surgery took 80 minutes with minimal bleeding, and no surgical complications were observed. After 2 weeks, the lion joined the lionesses and reproductive follow-up was started. Seven months after surgery, one lioness became pregnant, and 4 months later gave birth to two female lion cubs, with no incidents at the zoo. Both cubs were healthy and are still living at the zoo. Conclusion: Vasectomy reversal constitutes a valid perspective to reassume fertility in previous vasectomized lions.

Evaluación de l rotiferofauna presente en el cmplejo de pajarales durante la época lluviosa, departamento de magdalena, Colombia / Assessment Of The Pajarales Complex Rotiferofauna During The Rainy Season, Departamento De Magdalena, Colombia

RESUMEN Con miras a evaluar posibles efectos de la recomunicación del río Magdalena con su antiguo delta, se determinó la abundancia y composición de la rotiferofauna del Complejo de Pajarales (CP), durante el período de mayor abundancia anual de zooplancton. El phylum Rotifera fue seleccionado por sus altas tasas reproductivas y eficiencia en procesos de transformación energética. Las muestras se colectaron con botella van Dorn durante la segunda temporada lluviosa de 2006. En cada una de las cuatro estaciones analizadas se registraron la salinidad, temperatura, pH y oxígeno disuelto. La diversidad se calculó empleando el índice de Shannon-Wiener H’ (log10) comparando estaciones y fechas de muestreo para establecer variaciones en el período de estudio. Gráficamente se relacionaron variables fisicoquímicas con valores de diversidad que emplearon un α de 0.05 y 95% de intervalo de confianza. En total, fueron encontrados 20 morfotipos pertenecientes a las familias Brachionidae, Lecanidae, Filiniidae, Synchaetidae, Hexarthriidae y Testudinellidae, siendo Brachionidae y Lecanidae las más abundantes. La relación entre diversidad y variables fisicoquímicas, indica que la salinidad es la principal responsable de la diversidad de rotíferos. En conclusión, la rotiferofauna actual en el CP es más abundante y diversa que hace 16 años, antes de la recomunicación con el río Magdalena. Así mismo, la concentración de oxigeno disuelto, pH y salinidad son diferentes. Teniendo en cuenta que la salinidad es el factor que más influyó en la diversidad de rotíferos, la reapertura de canales probablemente favoreció el incremento en la diversidad de rotíferos en el CP.

ABSTRACT In order to assess the potential effects of the Magdalena River recommunication with its former delta, we studied the abundance and composition of the rotiferofauna of the Pajarales Complex (PC) during its highest annual zooplankton abundance. We selected the Rotifera phylum, due to its high reproductive rates and the efficiency in energetic transformation process. We sampled the rotifers with a van Dorn bottle, during the second rainy season in 2006. During each sampling we registered salinity, temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen. We calculated the rotifer diversity using the Shannon-Wiener H’ (log10) index comparing among sampling sites and sampling dates to establish variations along the study period. The physico-chemical variables were graphically related with the diversity values calculated using 0,05 for α and 95% for the confidence interval. We found a total of 20 morphotypes belonged to Brachionidae, Lecanidae, Filiniidae, Synchaetidae, Hexarthriidae and Testudinellidae families, been Brachionidae and Lecanidae the most abundant. The relationships between diversity and physico-chemical variables, show salinity as the main responsible of the rotifer diversity. In conclusion, the current rotiferofauna in the PC is most abundant and diverse than 16 years ago, before the recommunication with the Magdalena River. Likewise, dissolved oxygen concentration, pH and salinity of the CP waters were different. Taking into account that salinity was the most influent factor in the rotiferofauna diversity, the river recomommunication probably favored the increment of rotiferofauna diversity in the PC.

Microflora cultivable y endomicorrizas obtenida en hojarasca de bosqueParamo Guerrero Finca Puente de Tierra) Zipaquirá, Colombia / Cultivable Microflora and Endomycorrhizas Obtained in Litter Forest (Paramo Guerrero Finca Puente de Tierra) Zipaquirá, Colombia

Se realizó el recuento de microorganismos cultivables (bacterias y hongos), microorganismos celulolíticos y endomicorrizas presentes en la hojarasca de bosque (finca Puente de Tierra) en el páramo Guerrero, Colombia. Los microorganismos aislados con mayor frecuencia pertenecían a los géneros Staphylococcus, Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Micrococcus, Penicillium, Rhodotorula y se aisló una cepa de Cladosporium sp. en un medio selectivo con carboximetil celulosa. Así mismo, se encontraron ocho morfotipos de endomicorrizas, entre los cuales predominaron especies de Glomus y Acaulospora. Este estudio contribuye con el conocimiento de la microbiota cultivable de hojarasca, que ha sido poco explorada en ecosistemas de páramo.