When economy meets ecology, is it truly conflicted? A dashboard approach to assess the sustainability performance of European tropical tuna purse seine fisheries.

The development of an ecosystem approach to fisheries management makes the assessment of the sustainability performance of fisheries a priority. This study examines European tropical tuna purse seine fleets as a case study, employing a multidisciplinary dashboard approach to evaluate historical and current sustainability performances. The aim is to enhance comprehension of the interconnected dimensions of sustainability and pinpoint management policy priorities. Using 18 indicators, we assessed the environmental, economic and social sustainability performances of European tropical tuna purse seine fleets, comparing them with other industrial tropical tuna fishing fleets in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The analysis also explored the temporal trend of sustainability performance for European tuna purse seiners from 2009 to 2019. Our results suggest that, compared with gillnetters and longliners, purse seiners and baitboats have a greater species-based selectivity, thereby catching fewer endangered, threatened or protected species, but a lower mature tuna catch rate, thus capturing more juveniles. We identify likely gaps in bycatch data reported by fishing on fish aggregating devices (FADs), due to results regarding selectivity and discard rates that appear inconsistent in the light of the scientific literature. The greater use of FADs, likely caused by the global tuna market, by purse seiner seems result in decreased ecological performances, as suggested by an increased carbon footprint per tonne landed. At the same time, it implies a better economic performance on the short-term, with higher net profit, energy efficiency (fuel consumed relative to monetary value created) and catch. For our case study, Ecology and Economy might seem to be in conflict for short-term perspective. However, consideration of the long-term impacts of FAD fishing and market incentives for fishing on free schools should lead purse seiner fleets to reduce drifting FAD fishing and promote more sustainable fishing practices.

Surveys on Baylisascaris procyonis in two of the three French wild raccoon populations.

Human infection by Baylisascaris procyonis can result in larva migrans syndromes, which can cause severe neurological sequelae and fatal cases. The raccoon serves as the definitive host of the nematode, harboring adult worms in its intestine and excreting millions of eggs into the environment via its feces. Transmission to paratenic hosts (such as rodents, birds and rabbits) or to humans occurs by accidental ingestion of eggs. The occurrence of B. procyonis in wild raccoons has been reported in several Western European countries. In France, raccoons have currently established three separate and expanding populations as a result of at least three independent introductions. Until now the presence of B. procyonis in these French raccoon populations has not been investigated. Between 2011 and 2021, 300 raccoons were collected from both the south-western and north-eastern populations. The core parts of the south-western and north-eastern French raccoon populations were free of B. procyonis. However, three worms (molecularly confirmed) were detected in a young raccoon found at the edge of the north-eastern French raccoon population, close to the Belgian and Luxemburg borders. Population genetic structure analysis, genetic exclusion tests and factorial correspondence analysis all confirmed that the infected raccoon originated from the local genetic population, while the same three approaches showed that the worms were genetically distinct from the two nearest known populations in Germany and the Netherlands. The detection of an infected raccoon sampled east of the northeastern population raises strong questions about the routes of introduction of the roundworms. Further studies are required to test wild raccoons for the presence of B. procyonis in the area of the index case and further east towards the border with Germany.

Predominant heterotrophic diazotrophic bacteria are involved in Sargassum proliferation in the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt.

Since 2011, the Caribbean coasts have been subject to episodic influxes of floating Sargassum seaweed of unprecedented magnitude originating from a new area "the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt" (GASB), leading in episodic influxes and mass strandings of floating Sargassum. For the biofilm of both holopelagic and benthic Sargassum as well as in the surrounding waters, we characterized the main functional groups involved in the microbial nitrogen cycle. The abundance of genes representing nitrogen fixation (nifH), nitrification (amoA), and denitrification (nosZ) showed the predominance of diazotrophs, particularly within the GASB and the Sargasso Sea. In both location, the biofilm associated with holopelagic Sargassum harboured a more abundant proportion of diazotrophs than the surrounding water. The mean δ15N value of the GASB seaweed was very negative (-2.04‰), and lower than previously reported, reinforcing the hypothesis that the source of nitrogen comes from the nitrogen-fixing activity of diazotrophs within this new area of proliferation. Analysis of the diversity of diazotrophic communities revealed for the first time the predominance of heterotrophic diazotrophic bacteria belonging to the phylum Proteobacteria in holopelagic Sargassum biofilms. The nifH sequences belonging to Vibrio genus (Gammaproteobacteria) and Filomicrobium sp. (Alphaproteobacteria) were the most abundant and reached, respectively, up to 46.0% and 33.2% of the community. We highlighted the atmospheric origin of the nitrogen used during the growth of holopelagic Sargassum within the GASB and a contribution of heterotrophic nitrogen-fixing bacteria to a part of the Sargassum proliferation.

High pathogenicity avian influenza A (H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b virus infection in a captive Tibetan black bear (Ursus thibetanus): investigations based on paraffin-embedded tissues, France, 2022.

High pathogenicity avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) H5Nx of clade 2.3.4.4b have been circulating increasingly in both wild and domestic birds in recent years. In turn, this has led to an increase in the number of spillover events affecting mammals. In November 2022, an HPAIV H5N1 caused an outbreak in a zoological park in the south of France, resulting in the death of a Tibetan black bear (Ursus thibetanus) and several captive and wild bird species. We detected the virus in various tissues of the bear and a wild black-headed gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) found dead in its enclosure using histopathology, two different in situ detection techniques, and next-generation sequencing, all performed on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues. Phylogenetic analysis performed on the hemagglutinin gene segment showed that bear and gull strains shared 99.998% genetic identity, making the bird strain the closest related strain. We detected the PB2 E627K mutation in minute quantities in the gull, whereas it predominated in the bear, which suggests that this mammalian adaptation marker was selected during the bear infection. Our results provide the first molecular and histopathological characterization of an H5N1 virus infection in this bear species. IMPORTANCE: Avian influenza viruses are able to cross the species barrier between birds and mammals because of their high genetic diversity and mutation rate. Using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues, we were able to investigate a Tibetan black bear's infection by a high pathogenicity H5N1 avian influenza virus at the molecular, phylogenetic, and histological levels. Our results highlight the importance of virological surveillance programs in mammals and the importance of raising awareness among veterinarians and zookeepers of the clinical presentations associated with H5Nx virus infection in mammals.

Pathological investigation of high pathogenicity avian influenza H5N8 in captive houbara bustards (Chlamydotis undulata), the United Arab Emirates 2020.

At the end of 2020, an outbreak of HPAI H5N8 was registered in captive African houbara bustards (Chlamydotis undulata) in the United Arab Emirates. In order to better understand the pathobiology of this viral infection in bustards, a comprehensive pathological characterization was performed. A total of six birds were selected for necropsy, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, RNAscope in situ hybridization and RT-qPCR and nanopore sequencing on formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue blocks. Gross lesions included mottled and/or hemorrhagic pancreas, spleen and liver and fibrinous deposits on air sacs and intestine. Necrotizing pancreatitis, splenitis and concurrent vasculitis, hepatitis and fibrino-heterophilic peritonitis were identified, microscopically. Viral antigens (nucleoprotein) and RNAs (matrix gene) were both detected within necro-inflammatory foci, parenchymal cells, stromal cells and endothelial cells of affected organs, including the myenteric plexus. Molecular analysis of FFPE blocks successfully detected HPAI H5N8, further confirming its involvement in the lesions observed. In conclusion, HPAI H5N8 in African houbara bustards results in hyperacute/acute forms exhibiting marked pantropism, endotheliotropism and neurotropism. In addition, our findings support the use of FFPE tissues for molecular studies of poorly characterized pathogens in exotic and endangered species, when availability of samples is limited.

Persistent organic pollutants and trace metals in selected marine organisms from the Akanda National Park, Gabon (Central Africa).

Akanda National Park (ANP) is composed of mangrove ecosystems bordering Libreville, Gabon's capital. The contamination of aquatic resources from the ANP by persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and trace metals (TMs) was never evaluated. To provide a basis for their monitoring in the ANP, five species (two fish, two mollusks, and one crustacean) were analyzed from three sampling sites in 2017. Contamination levels for POPs and TMs were below maximum acceptable limits for seafood, including Cd and Pb. No DDT was found in any sample. Inter-specific differences were more obvious than the differences among sites, although the results may be biased by an unbalanced sampling design. The oyster Crassostrea gasar was the most contaminated species, making this species a good candidate to assess environmental contamination in the area. The studied species also contained essential elements, such as Fe, Zn and Mn at interesting levels in a nutritional point of view.

Helicobacter pylori Eradication Rate Using Stool Antigen Test in Vietnamese Children: A Prospective Multicenter Study.

Objectives: This study assessed the diagnostic value of a monoclonal immunoassay stool antigen test (HpSA) for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and the eradication outcomes. Methods: Children undergoing digestive endoscopy at 2 Children's Hospitals in Ho Chi Minh City were recruited. Treatment was offered to H. pylori-infected children. Stool samples were collected on the same day as the endoscopy procedure and after 6 weeks post-treatment for HpSA. Diagnostic value and optimal cutoff of HpSA were assessed using biopsy-based tests as the gold standard. Eradication was defined as a negative HpSA post-treatment. Ethical approval was obtained, and informed consent was signed by the participants. Results: In total, 394 patients participated in the study. The most common symptoms were epigastric pain (74.6%) and vomiting (37.3%). H. pylori status was positive in 78% of patients (306/394), doubtful in 10.1%, and negative in 12.2%. HpSA was positive in 73.2% (142/194). Excluding doubtful infections, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy of HpSA were 87.4%, 95.2%, 99.2%, 51.3%, and 88.4%, respectively. The optimal cutoff value of 0.148 provided similar accuracy to the recommended cutoff. The eradication rate was 56.1% in per-protocol analysis and 27.9% in intention-to-treat analysis. Treatment success was higher in boys, but lower among malnourished children and those infected with cagA+ strains. Conclusions: The HpSA is reliable for identifying H. pylori infection in epidemiological studies and assessing eradication outcomes. The low eradication rate highlights the need for an appropriate intervention strategy in Vietnamese children.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza affects vultures' movements and breeding output.

An exceptional highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak due to H5N1 virus genotypes belonging to clade 2.3.4.4.b has been affecting birds worldwide since autumn 2021.1,2,3 Mortality caused by viral infection has been well documented in poultry and more recently in wild birds, especially in seabird-breeding colonies.4,5,6 However, there is a critical lack of knowledge about how terrestrial birds deal with HPAI virus infections in terms of behavior and space use, especially during the breeding season.7,8,9 Understanding how birds move when they are infected could help evaluate the risk of spreading the virus at a distance among other populations of wild or domestic birds, this latter risk being especially important for commensal bird species. Through long-term GPS tracking, we described the changes in daily movement patterns of 31 adult griffon vultures Gyps fulvus in two French sites in 2022 compared with 3 previous years. In spring 2022, 21 vultures at both sites showed periods of immobility at the nest, during 5.6 days on average. Positive serological status of 2 individuals confirmed that they had been infected by HPAI viruses. Death was recorded for 3 of the 31 tracked individuals, whereas all others recovered and returned quickly to their foraging routine, although at least 9 birds failed breeding. Such immobility patterns and death rates were never observed in previous years and were not related to weather conditions. The high immobility behavior of infected birds could reduce the risks of transmission. The observed vulnerability to HPAI viruses questions the resistance of endangered vulture species worldwide if infected.

Do marine protected areas influence mercury exposure? Insights from a shark community in the tropical Northeast Pacific.

Biomass depletion caused by overfishing is likely to alter the structure of food webs and impact mercury transfer to marine predators. Although marine protected areas (MPAs) are spared from fishing pressure, their influence on biota mercury levels is poorly understood. Here, we used carbon and nitrogen stable isotope compositions as well as mercury concentrations in fin clips to characterize foraging habitat and mercury exposure of a shark community composed of migratory and resident species of the Revillagigedo archipelago, an offshore MPA in the Northeast Pacific off Mexico. We found that the probability of finding migratory sharks in the isotopic niche of Revillagigedo-resident sharks was low, likely reflecting the use of habitats outside the archipelago by highly mobile species. Community-wide variations in mercury were primarily explained by shark length, revealing that bioaccumulation was the main driver of Hg concentrations. We failed to detect a clear effect of foraging habitat on shark mercury exposure, which may be related to migratory species using both exploited and protected areas when moving outside the Revillagigedo MPA. More similar studies on the potential mitigation of Hg contamination by MPAs are needed in the future if fishing pressure increases to satisfy the growing global human population.

Validation of an RNAscope assay for the detection of avian influenza A virus.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is an acute viral disease associated with high mortality and great economic losses. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is a common diagnostic and research tool for the demonstration of avian influenza A virus (AIAV) antigens within affected tissues, supporting etiologic diagnosis and assessing viral distribution in both naturally and experimentally infected birds. RNAscope in situ hybridization (ISH) has been used successfully for the identification of a variety of viral nucleic acids within histologic samples. We validated RNAscope ISH for the detection of AIAV in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues. RNAscope ISH targeting the AIAV matrix gene and anti-IAV nucleoprotein IHC were performed on 61 FFPE tissue sections obtained from 3 AIAV-negative, 16 H5 HPAIAV, and 1 low pathogenicity AIAV naturally infected birds, including 7 species sampled between 2009 and 2022. All AIAV-negative birds were confirmed negative by both techniques. All AIAVs were detected successfully by both techniques in all selected tissues and species. Subsequently, H-score comparison was assessed through computer-assisted quantitative analysis on a tissue microarray comprised of 132 tissue cores from 9 HPAIAV-infected domestic ducks. Pearson correlation of r = 0.95 (0.94-0.97), Lin concordance coefficient of ρc = 0.91 (0.88-0.93), and Bland-Altman analysis indicated high correlation and moderate concordance between the 2 techniques. H-score values were significantly higher with RNAscope ISH compared to IHC for brain, lung, and pancreatic tissues (p ≤ 0.05). Overall, our results indicate that RNAscope ISH is a suitable and sensitive tool for in situ detection of AIAV in FFPE tissues.

Concurrent Mycobacterium genavense infection and intestinal B-cell lymphoma in a pet rabbit (Oryctolaguscuniculus).

A 6-year-old male intact pet rabbit was evaluated for chronic weight loss. A large mass was detected by palpation in the mid-abdomen and ultrasound examination suggested a jejunal location. Explorative laparotomy revealed a nodular mass within the jejunal wall. Histological examination of a biopsy revealed mycobacterial granulomatous enteritis with an atypical lymphoblastic proliferation suggestive of lymphoma. Neoplastic lymphocytes were immunopositive for Pax-5 but negative for CD3, which is diagnostic of a B-cell neoplasm. Numerous acid-fast bacteria were seen within histiocytes and identified by polymerase chain reaction as Mycobacterium genavense, which is a non-tuberculous and opportunistic mycobacterium with zoonotic potential. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first documented case of a concurrent B-cell lymphoma and M. genavense infection in a rabbit. Concomitant mycobacteriosis and lymphoma have been rarely described in animals and the coexistence of neoplasia and mycobacterial infection within the jejunum suggests a potential pathogenetic association. Interestingly, the rabbit owner worked in an anti-tuberculosis clinic, and an anthropic origin of the mycobacterial infection could not be excluded.

Normal bacterial flora of the oral cavity in healthy pet rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

BACKGROUND: Rabbits often suffer from dental disease, including dental abscesses and periodontal/apical infections. With odontogenic infection and abscessation, a bacterial aetiology can be proven by bacterial culture and identification. Although studies exist on the bacterial flora of dental abscesses, the information available to date on the bacterial flora of the oral cavity in healthy rabbits is limited. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the cultivable bacterial flora in the oral cavity of healthy, young, pet rabbits and to compare this flora with the pathologic flora of odontogenic abscesses described in the literature. METHODS: Samples were collected from the oral cavity of 33 healthy, young pet rabbits undergoing routine procedures. Oral cavity culture specimens were collected by rolling a sterile flocked paediatric swab in the mouth. Identification was first attempted by morphological assessment, Gram staining and mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF). Colonies that could not be identified by mass spectrometry were identified by amplification and molecular sequencing of a part of the 16s rRNA gene. RESULTS: Bacteria were recovered from 100% of oral swabs; 220 isolates of 35 different genera of bacteria were cultured. The most frequently isolated bacteria were Streptococcus sp. (19.8%), Rothia sp. (17.9%), Enterobacter sp. (7%), Staphylococcus sp. (6.6%) and Actinomyces sp. (5.7%). Four phyla are represented: Proteobacteria (38.3%), Firmicutes (30.5%), Actinobacteria (26.9%) and Bacteroidota (4.3%). CONCLUSIONS: A wide range of commensal bacteria are present in the mouths of rabbits. Bacterial cultures taken from cases of dental abscesses often reveal bacteria. Streptococcus sp., Staphylococcus sp. and Actinomyces sp. are frequently found in cultures from dental abscesses, in contrast to Rothia and Enterobacter species. Our findings enhance the knowledge of rabbit microbial communities throughout oral cavity.

From the light blue sky to the dark deep sea: Trophic and resource partitioning between epipelagic and mesopelagic layers in a tropical oceanic ecosystem.

The connection between epipelagic and deep-sea mesopelagic realms controls a variety of ecosystem processes including oceanic carbon storage and the provision of harvestable fish stocks. So far, these two layers have been mostly addressed in isolation and the ways they connect remain poorly understood. Furthermore, both systems are affected by climate change, exploitation of resources, and increasing pervasion of pollutants. Here we use bulk isotopes of δ13C and δ15N of 60 ecosystem components to evaluate the trophic linkage between epipelagic and mesopelagic ecosystems in warm oligotrophic waters. Additionally, we we conducted a comparison of isotopic niche sizes and overlaps across multiple species to evaluate how environmental gradients between epipelagic and mesopelagic ecosystems shape ecological patterns of resource use and competition between species. Our database comprises siphonophores, crustaceans, cephalopods, salpas, fishes, and seabirds. It also includes five zooplankton size classes, two groups of fish larvae, and particulate organic matter collected at different depths. Through this wide taxonomic and trophic variety of epipelagic and mesopelagic species, we show that pelagic species access resources originating from different food sources, mostly autotrophic-based (epipelagics) and microbial heterotrophic-based (mesopelagics). This leads to a sharp trophic dissimilarity between vertical layers. Additionally, we show that trophic specialization increases in deep-sea species and argue that food availability and environmental stability are among the main drivers of this pattern. Finally, we discuss how the ecological traits of pelagic species highlighted in this study can respond to human impacts and increase their vulnerability in the Anthropocene.

Trace elements, dioxins and PCBs in different fish species and marine regions: Importance of the taxon and regional features.

Chemical contaminant concentrations in wild organisms are used to assess environmental status under the European Marine Strategy Framework Directive. However, this approach is challenged by the complex intra- and inter-species variability, and the different regional features. In this study, concentrations in trace elements (As, Cd, Hg and Pb), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorodibenzo-para-dioxines (PCDDs) and polychlorodibenzofuranes (PCDFs) were monitored in 8 fish species sampled on the continental shelf of three French regions: the Eastern English Channel (EEC) and Bay of Biscay (BoB) in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean, and the Gulf of Lions (GoL) in Western Mediterranean Sea. Our objectives were to identify species or regions more likely to be contaminated and to assess how to take this variability into account in environmental assessment. While concentrations were higher in benthic and demersal piscivores, PCB and PCDD/F concentrations (lipid-weight) were similar in most teleost species. For Cd, Hg and Pb, the trophic group accumulating the highest concentrations depended on the contaminant and region. Concentrations in Hg, PCBs and PCDD/Fs were higher in the EEC and/or GoL than in BoB. Cadmium and Pb concentrations were highest in the BoB. Lipid content accounted for 35%-84% of organic contaminant variability. Lipid normalisation was employed to enhance robustness in the identification of spatial patterns. Contaminant patterns in chondrichthyans clearly differed from that in teleosts. In addition, trophic levels accounted for ≤1% and ≤33% of the contaminant variability in teleost fishes in the EEC and BoB, respectively. Therefore, developing taxa-specific thresholds might be a more practical way forward for environmental assessment than normalisation to trophic levels.

Role of estuarine habitats for the feeding ecology of the European eel (Anguilla anguilla L.).

This study aims to characterize and compare the feeding ecology of the European eels (Anguilla anguilla L.) during the continental phase (i.e. yellow and silver) along a salinity gradient (i.e. lower, middle and upper) in six northern France estuaries (i.e. brackish water). The diet and stable isotopic (i.e. δ15N and δ13C values) compositions of eels collected with a fyke net in six estuaries (Slack, Wimereux, Liane, Canche, Authie and Somme estuaries) located along the French coast of the eastern English Channel per season over a year were described by combining gut content and stable isotope analyses. Eel guts were dominated by typical BW prey, Malacostraca and Actinopterygii (54% and 40%, respectively), with the gammare Gammarus zaddachi and the green crab Carcinus maenas (38% and 14%, respectively), and smaller yellow eels of A. anguilla and juvenile European flounder, Platichthys flesus (19% and 14%, respectively) being the most frequently found in their guts. The δ13C values of a majority of eels confirmed the sea- and brackish water-specific carbon resources. Dietary and isotopic niche revealed no clear change between total length, silvering stages and seasons, but a significant difference between salinity gradients and estuaries. Eels δ13C values showed significant enrichment from upper to lower along the estuaries while the δ15N values showed an inverse effect, with the lowest values in the lower part and highest in the upper part. Higher variability in δ13C values in larger estuaries suggested that eels feed on a wide range of food sources than in smaller estuaries. While eels in the smaller estuaries fed mainly on Actinopterygii prey, eels in the larger ones had a lower trophic level (i.e. δ15N values) and fed mainly on Malacostraca prey. This spatial difference in dietary and isotopic niche is discussed in relation to biological structure of eel and environmental variables.

Radiation exposure for the population living around the coal-fired power plant complexes in Vietnam.

A coal-fired power plant's operation can release radioactive nuclides and radon gas into the environment, affecting the surrounding ecosystem. In this work, the collective effective dose due to the inhalation and the consumption of food containing the deposited radionuclides from the atmospheric release of the plants were evaluated. The results show that the radioactivity concentration in coal and fly ash samples depends on the origin of feed coal. The distribution of Th and U radionuclides in the 6a1 dust coal and bituminous coal is different. In general, the collective effective dose for different organs due to radiation exposure from the atmospheric release of two surveyed CFPP complexes are lower than the corresponding value published by UNSCEAR.

Quantification and characterisation of commensal wild birds and their interactions with domestic ducks on a free-range farm in southwest France.

The role of commensal birds in the epidemiology of pathogens in poultry farms remains unclear. Our study aimed to identify potential key species for interactions with domestic ducks on one free-range duck farm in southwest France. Methods combined direct individual observations on duck outdoor foraging areas, network analysis, and general linear mixed models of abundances. Results showed a wide diversity of wild bird species visiting foraging areas, heavily dominated in frequency by White wagtails (Motacilla alba) and Sparrows (Passer domesticus and Passer montanus). These also were the only species seen entering duck premises or perching on drinkers in the presence of ducks. Moreover, White wagtails were the species most frequently observed on the ground and in close proximity to ducks. Network analysis suggested the role of White wagtails and Sparrows in linking ducks to other wild birds on the farm. The abundance of White wagtails was positively associated with open vegetation, with the presence of ducks and particularly in the afternoon, while the abundance of Sparrows was positively associated only with the fall-winter season. By precisely characterising interactions, the study was able to identify few wild bird species which should be prioritized in infectious investigations at the interface with poultry.

Covariation between glucocorticoids, behaviour and immunity supports the pace-of-life syndrome hypothesis: an experimental approach.

The biomedical literature has consistently highlighted that long-term elevation of glucocorticoids might impair immune functions. However, patterns are less clear in wild animals. Here, we re-explored the stress-immunity relationship considering the potential effects of behavioural profiles. Thirteen captive roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) were monitored over an eight-week period encompassing two capture events. We assessed how changes in baseline faecal cortisol metabolite (FCM) concentrations following a standardized capture protocol and an immune challenge using anti-rabies vaccination affected changes in 13 immune parameters of innate and adaptive immunity, and whether these changes in baseline FCM levels and immune parameters related to behavioural profiles. We found that individuals with increased baseline FCM levels also exhibited increased immunity and were characterized by more reactive behavioural profiles (low activity levels, docility to manipulation and neophilia). Our results suggest that the immunity of large mammals may be influenced by glucocorticoids, but also behavioural profiles, as it is predicted by the pace-of-life syndrome hypothesis. Our results highlight the need to consider covariations between behaviour, immunity and glucocorticoids in order to improve our understanding of the among-individual variability in the stress-immunity relationships observed in wildlife, as they may be underpinned by different life-history strategies.

Causes of Mortality and Pathological Findings in European Hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) Admitted to a Wildlife Care Centre in Southwestern France from 2019 to 2020.

The European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is a nocturnal, solitary and non-territorial mammal endemic across Europe and central Asia. Due to population decline in recent decades in Europe, this species was declared as protected and registered as 'Least Concern' on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species. Previous studies pointed to the possible contribution of human activities to hedgehog mortality but few reports provide a complete overview of the pathological processes associated with mortality of the European hedgehog. The aim of this study was to identify the causes of mortality and pathological findings in 35 wild adult European hedgehogs that died spontaneously or were euthanized at the Wildlife Care Centre of the Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire de Toulouse between 2019 and 2020. The main causes of mortality were trauma (41%) including collision (9%), predation (9%), trapping (6%) and trauma of unknown origin (17%). Infectious diseases associated with systemic and local bacterial infections accounted for 34% of the cases and included cutaneous wounds (23%), mandibular abscesses and botryomycosis (23%), exudative bronchopneumonia (9%), suppurative rhinitis (7%) and otitis (3%). One hedgehog (3%) had a large subcutaneous tumour consistent with a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour. Parasitism was associated with mortality in 11% of cases with severe debilitation, massive infestation and active larval migration. Incidental findings included splenic and hepatic extramedullary haematopoiesis (100% and 69%, respectively), pulmonary crenosomiasis (91%), gastrointestinal capillariasis (61%), renal lipofuscinosis (59%), chronic renal infarction and interstitial nephritis (50%). These data emphasize the need for further study of hedgehog mortality and of the genetic, behavioural and environmental factors that may contribute to population decline.

Pathobiology of highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza viruses in naturally infected Galliformes and Anseriformes in France during 2015-2016.

In late 2015, an epizootic of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5Nx) was registered in Southwestern France, including more than 70 outbreaks in commercial poultry flocks. Phylogenetic analyses suggested local emergence of H5 viruses which differed from A/goose/Guangdong/1/1996 clade 2.3.4.4b lineage and shared a unique polybasic cleavage site in their hemagglutinin protein. The present work provides an overview of the pathobiological picture associated with this epizootic in naturally infected chickens, guinea fowls and ducks. Upon necropsy examination, selected tissues were sampled for histopathology, immunohistochemistry and quantitative Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction. In Galliformes, HPAIVs infection manifested as severe acute systemic vasculitis and parenchymal necrosis and was associated with endothelial expression of viral antigen. In ducks, lesions were mild and infrequent, with sparse antigenic detection in respiratory and digestive mucosae and leukocytes. Tissue quantifications of viral antigen and RNA were higher in chickens and guinea fowls compared to duck. Subsequently, recombinant HA (rHA) was generated from a H5 HPAIV isolated from an infected duck to investigate its glycan-binding affinity for avian mucosae. Glycan-binding analysis revealed strong affinity of rHA for 3'Sialyl-LacNAc and low affinity for Sialyl-LewisX, consistent with a duck-adapted virus similar to A/Duck/Mongolia/54/2001 (H5N2). K222R and S227R mutations on rHA sequence shifted affinity towards Sialyl-LewisX and led to an increased affinity for chicken mucosa, confirming the involvement of these two mutations in the glycan-binding specificity of the HA. Interestingly, the rHA glycan binding pattern of guinea fowl appeared intermediate between duck and chicken. The present study presents a unique pathobiological description of the H5 HPAIVs outbreaks that occurred in 2015-2016 in Southwestern France.