Prevalence and Molecular Analysis of Encephalomyocarditis Virus-2 in the Hazel Dormouse.

The hazel dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) population in the UK continues to decline due to habitat loss, despite reintroductions of captive-bred individuals being conducted nationally for over 30 years. Disease surveillance of captive-bred and wild dormice is performed to identify novel and existing disease threats which could impact populations. In this study, we firstly investigated cause of death in seven hazel dormice found dead in England, through next-generation sequencing identifying a virus closely related to a wood mouse encephalomyocarditis virus-2 (EMCV-2). Subsequently, lung tissue samples from 35 out of 44 hazel dormice tested positive for EMCV-2 RNA using a reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Sanger sequencing methods developed in this study. Formalin-fixed tissues available for nine hazel dormice which tested positive for EMCV-2 RNA were examined microscopically. Three cases showed moderate interstitial pneumonia with minimal to mild lymphoplasmacytic myocarditis, but no evidence of encephalitis. However, the presence of possible alternative causes of death in these cases means that the lesions cannot be definitively attributed to EMCV-2. Here, we report the first detection of EMCV-2 in hazel dormice and conclude that EMCV-2 is likely to be endemic in the hazel dormouse population in England and may be associated with clinical disease.

FIVE YEARS OF PARTULA SNAIL PRE-EXPORT HEALTH SCREENING.

Between 2015 and 2019, a health screening was carried out annually on captive-bred Partula snails prior to export for reintroduction as part of an international effort to repopulate areas of French Polynesia, where the snails were extinct or critically endangered. In total, 129 separate tank populations of 12 different species were screened at ZSL London Zoo. Wet mounts and smears stained with modified Ziehl-Neelsen (MZN) of 535 fecal samples were examined, and 45% contained flagellated protozoa, and 35.5% had MZN-positive oocysts, measuring 3-5 µm in diameter. Smaller (2 µm) presumptive spores, MZN-positive bacilli, ciliated protozoa and nematodes were recorded less frequently. Fecal bacterial culture yielded mixed species, with a clear predominance of Myroides species (88.9% of samples). The MZN-positive oocysts (3-5 µm) were present in 6.5% of impression smears from the apices of 432 snails examined postmortem, plus acid-fast bacilli in a few cases, but no 2 µm spores. Mixed bacteria were cultured from coelomic swabs, with Myroides species again the most common (63.5%). Histologic examination was carried out on 292 snails. Autolysis affected almost 90% of those found dead but only 3.4% of euthanized snails. Histology commonly identified microsporidial sporocysts in the digestive gland and midgut epithelium of all but two species. Intracellular, extracytoplasmic Cryptosporidium-like organisms were also common in the midgut but were only observed when snails were fixed in 10% formalin (2017-2019), not ethanol. There were no clear pathologic changes associated with either organism. Pigmented hemocytic nodules were commonly observed, most frequently in the foot process; these were either age related or evidence of prior chronic inflammatory reaction and of low clinical significance. With no evidence of poor health and no significant organisms found, a total of 4,978 individuals representing 12 species were exported for reintroduction.

Previous career choices gave me a robust set of skills to use when becoming a vet.

After an unsatisfying degree in history and a successful career in PR Helen Donald took up the challenge and started vet school, going on to become principal specialist in wildlife health at Natural England.

Two Novel Adenoviruses in Free-Living British lizards.

In this study, we describe two novel adenoviruses isolated from (i) a common lizard (Zootoca vivipara) found dead and examined post-mortem and (ii) pooled samples from free-living sand lizards (Lacerta agilis agilis). Sequencing indicated the two were closely related atadenovirus strains which were distinct from previously recorded adenoviruses in lizards. Adenoviruses are not always associated with disease in squamates, but morbidity and mortality have been reported. These are the first known cases of adenovirus infection in free-living native British lizards, and further monitoring will be necessary to elucidate the implications of these possible pathogens for vulnerable populations of native reptiles.

Tailored second-line therapy in asthmatic children with the Arg(16) genotype.

The Arg(16) ß(2) receptor genotype confers increased susceptibility to exacerbations in asthmatic children taking regular LABA (long-acting ß(2) agonists). We therefore evaluated using montelukast as an alternative to salmeterol as tailored second-line asthma controller therapy in children expressing this susceptible genotype. A total of 62 persistent asthmatic children with the homozygous Arg16 genotype were randomized to receive salmeterol (50 µg, b.i.d.) or montelukast (5 or 10 mg, once daily) as an add-on to inhaled fluticasone for 1 year. School absences (the primary outcome) were reduced with montelukast compared with salmeterol {difference in score=-0.40 [95% CI (confidence interval), -0.22 to -0.58]; P=0.005}. Salbutamol use was also reduced with montelukast compared with salmeterol [difference in score=-0.47 (95% CI, -0.16 to -0.79); P<0.0001]. Greater improvements occurred in both symptom and quality of life scores with montelukast against salmeterol, whereas there was no difference in FEV(1) (forced expiratory volume in 1 s). In conclusion, montelukast may be suitable as tailored second-line controller therapy instead of salmeterol in asthmatic children expressing the susceptible Arg(16) genotype, a move towards a personalized medicine approach to management.