SEROLOGICAL SURVEY FOR SELECTED PATHOGENS IN FREE-RANGING COUGARS (PUMA CONCOLOR) IN SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL.

This study performed a serological assay to assess the exposure of free-ranging cougars (Puma concolor) to four selected infectious agents, including Toxoplasma gondii, Leptospira spp., the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), and the feline leukemia virus (FeLV). Serum samples were collected from 27 free-ranging cougars along the Tietê River Basin, in the central region of the State of São Paulo, Brazil. The presence of antibodies against T. gondii was detected in 59.3% (16/27) of the serum samples through the modified agglutination test (MAT-t), which was the most prevalent agent. The microscopic agglutination technique (MAT-1) was used to investigate the occurrence of anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies, showing that 11.1% (3/27) of the sampled cougars were seropositive. The only serovar detected was Djasiman (L. interrogans). A commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) licensed for use in domestic felines was used to investigate the occurrence of retroviruses. The ELISA test kits detected a prevalence of 11.1% (3/27) of FIV antibodies, while none of the samples tested showed any evidence of FeLV antigen. These results suggest that free-ranging cougars are exposed to potentially pathogenic agents. This study presented the first recorded occurrence of the serovar Djasiman in P. concolor.

Threats to health and conservation of free-living sloths (Bradypus and Choloepus) under anthropic influence in the city of Manaus, Amazonas state, Brazil / Ameaças à saúde e conservação de preguiças (Bradypus e Choloepus) de vida livre sob influência antrópica em Manaus, Estado do Amazonas, Brasil

Abstract Anthropogenic disturbances affecting forest areas can increase disease prevalence and susceptibility in several species of arboreal mammals, such as sloths. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the most common conditions in body systems of free-ranging sloths admitted at the Wildlife Triage and Rehabilitation Center of Amazonas of the Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources. A total of 227 individuals (139 retrospective cases from 2015 to 2019, and 88 prospective cases from July 2020 to July 2021) were evaluated over a six-year period. Cases from the genus Bradypus showed involvement of the following body systems: 44% respiratory, 29% integumentary, 15% musculoskeletal, 5% digestive, 3% visual, 2% auditory, 1% circulatory and 1% genitourinary, while that distribution in the genus Choloepus was: 39% musculoskeletal, 27% integumentary, 19% respiratory, 9% digestive, 3% circulatory, 1% visual, 1% auditory and 1% genitourinary. The results reveal significant differences between the condition detected and the genus (Bradypus and Choloepus), age and case outcome. These results can provide data for future investigations of sloth diseases, confirming lesions, as well as motivating and suggesting adequate management methods.

Resumo Distúrbios antrópicos que afetam áreas florestais podem aumentar a prevalência de afecções e a suscetibilidade às doenças em diversas espécies de mamíferos arborícolas, como as preguiças. Desta forma, este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar as condições mais comuns nos sistemas orgânicos de preguiças de vida livre admitidas no Centro de Triagem e Reabilitação de Animais Silvestres do Amazonas. Um total de 227 indivíduos (139 casos retrospectivos de 2015 a 2019 e 88 casos prospectivos de julho de 2020 a julho de 2021) foram avaliados durante um período de seis anos. Para o gênero Bradypus foram diagnosticadas 44% de afecções do sistema respiratório, 29% tegumentar, 15% musculoesquelético, 5% digestório, 3% visual, 2% auditivo, 1% circulatório e 1% genitourinário. Por sua vez, para o gênero Choloepus foram detectadas 39% de afecções do sistema musculoesquelético, 27% tegumentar, 19% do sistema respiratório, 19% do sistema respiratório, 9% digestório, 3% circulatório, 1% visual, 1% auditivo e 1% genitourinário. Os resultados mostraram diferenças significativas na prevalência da afecção e gênero das preguiças (Bradypus e Choloepus), a faixa etária e desfecho do caso. Esses resultados podem fornecer subsídios para investigar as doenças de preguiças, confirmando afecções, motivo e sugerir métodos adequados de manejo.

Seroprevalence to Rabies Virus in Wildlife in Brazil.

Serum samples of 638 free-ranging wild mammals from São Paulo state, Brazil, were tested for neutralizing antibodies against rabies virus by the rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test. Overall seroprevalence was 1.7% among 24 species surveyed, with individuals of six species having positive results indicating exposure to rabies virus.

Are echocardiographic parameters affected by body condition scores in blue-fronted Amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva, Linnaeus, 1758)?

This study aimed to determine the echocardiographic parameters of blue-fronted Amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva, Linnaeus, 1758) with varying body condition scores. Thirty-five birds only grown in captivity were included in the study and allocated into three different groups according to their respective body condition scores: Lean, Ideal, and Obese. The group of obese parrots presented lower right ventricle dimensions in diastole than lean parrots. The fractional shortening was considerably lower in obese parrots than in parrots with lean and ideal body condition scores but without statistical significance. The flow rate and the aortic pressure gradient were lower in the lean group than in the ideal group. The alterations in the nutritional state of captive blue-fronted amazon parrots may lead to cardiovascular dysfunctions detected through an echocardiographic evaluation, which represents an important diagnostic tool for these animals. The description of the techniques and the measures obtained in this study can contribute to future research in the area.

First detection of canine parvovirus 2b DNA in a crab-eating fox pup (Cerdocyon thous, Linnaeus, 1766).

The crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) is a small wild mammal present in all Brazilian biomes and in some countries of South America. This study aimed to verify the involvement of viral infectious agents in the death of a wild crab-eating fox pup (Cerdocyon thous) in Brazil. The Center for Medicine and Research of Wild Animals of the Universidade Estadual Paulista received a free-living crab-eating fox aged approximately 21 days and apparently healthy. After 13 days, the animal presented anorexia, diarrhea, fever, prostration, and neurological signs progressing to death with an inconclusive diagnosis. In a retrospective study, tissue fragments stored at - 80 °C were used to identify nucleic acids from major canine viruses, such as canine parvovirus-2 (CPV-2), canine adenovirus A types 1 and 2, canid alphaherpesvirus 1, and canine distemper virus. The amplified product with the expected length for CPV-2 was obtained from the heart fragment. After performing nucleotide (nt) sequencing of the amplicon, it was possible to demonstrate that the crab-eating fox strain exhibited high (99.8%) nt identity with the CPV-2b prototype (CPV-39 strain). Additionally, deduced amino acid (aa) sequence analysis showed the GAT codon for the aa Asp (D) at position 426 of the CPV-2 viral protein VP2, which characterizes the subtype 2b. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this report describes the first detection of CPV-2b DNA in tissue fragments from a crab-eating fox.

Use of road underpasses by terrestrial tetrapods inside a protected area in the southeastern part of the State of São Paulo, Brazil / Uso de pontes e galerias rodoviárias por tetrápodes terrestres em uma área protegida na região sudeste do Estado de São Paulo

Abstract: Roads, despite playing a key role in economy, begin or aggravate processes of forest fragmentation and lead to several species losing their natural habitats, acting as filters and barriers that impose challenges to animal locomotion. Wildlife crossings seek to reestablish the connectivity of the landscape. In general, after being installed, these passages need to be evaluated regarding their functioning. In this study, we present the results of monitoring the underpasses on Serra da Macaca Park Road (SP-139), which crosses Carlos Botelho State Park. The underpasses, constituted by bridges and culverts, were constructed after a license obtained to restore this section of the road. Camera traps were installed inside all crossing structures, and systematic samples were obtained through four field expeditions, with sampling efforts of 10 days each, between March 2018 and February 2019. The footprints found around the intersection structures were also considered. A two-sided Student's t-test was applied to verify differences in richness between the underpasses that have distinct types of margins. Differences in abundance were analyzed through the non-parametric Mann-Whitney test. A Whittaker diagram was generated according to the order of the species, from the most common to the rarest, while their diversity was estimated through Simpson's Diversity Index (1 - D). The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to study the interaction between diversity and altitude variation. We observed a richness of 16 species of terrestrial tetrapods, without any statistically significant differences between underpasses with dry or flooded margins. Cuniculus paca was the most abundant species, and higher altitudes presented the most diversity. We concluded that the underpasses located inside Permanent Preservation Areas (PPAs) of watercourses are essential to maintain the flow of animals beneath the road.

Resumo: As rodovias, apesar de exercerem um papel fundamental na economia, instauram ou agravam processos de fragmentação florestal e levam à perda de habitat. Atuam como filtros e barreiras, dificultando a movimentação animal. As passagens de fauna buscam restabelecer a conectividade na paisagem. Geralmente, após serem implantadas procede-se à avaliação do seu funcionamento. Nesse artigo nós apresentamos os resultados de um monitoramento do uso das passagens inferiores de fauna da Estrada Parque Serra da Macaca (SP-139), que atravessa o Parque Estadual Carlos Botelho. As passagens inferiores, representadas por pontes e galerias hidráulicas, foram concebidas através do licenciamento das obras de revitalização do trecho rodoviário. Armadilhas fotográficas foram instaladas no interior de todas as estruturas, e as amostragens sistemáticas ocorreram por meio de quatro expedições a campo, com um esforço amostral de 10 dias cada, entre março de 2018 e fevereiro de 2019. Os rastros encontrados no perímetro das estruturas de transposição também foram considerados. Os dados foram submetidos ao teste T de Student bicaudal, para verificar a diferença de riqueza entre as passagens inferiores com tipos distintos de margens. As diferenças de abundância foram analisadas pelo teste não paramétrico de Mann-Whitney. O diagrama de Whittaker foi gerado pela ordenação das espécies, a partir das mais comuns para as mais raras, enquanto a diversidade de espécies foi estimada pelo índice de Simpson (1 - D). O coeficiente de correlação de Pearson foi empregado para estudar a interação entre a diversidadade e a variação de altitude. Detectamos uma riqueza de 16 espécies de tetrápodes terrestres e não houve diferença significativa entre as passagens com margens secas e alagadas. Cuniculus paca foi a espécie mais abundante. Altitudes mais elevadas concentraram as maiores diversidades. Concluímos que as passagens inferiores alocadas em APPs de curso d'água são essenciais para manter o fluxo da fauna sob a rodovia.

Semen collection, sperm characteristics and ultrasonographic features of reproductive tissues in crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous).

Our objective was to condition adult male crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) to allow semen collection by digital manipulation of the penis, assess sperm characteristics, and use ultrasonography to assess and measure testes and prostate and determine echotexture, as well as hemodynamics of testicular and spermatic cord arteries. Five captive C. thous (2-5 y, ∼7 kg) were used. After conditioning for digital sperm collection, 13 ejaculates were obtained from two males. Ejaculate characteristics (mean ± SD) were volume (393.2 ± 178.0 µL), concentration (463.7 ± 594.4 × 106 sperm/mL), total sperm number (217.4 ± 304.0 × 106 sperm), total motility (68.0 ± 6.1%), progressive motility (48.8 ± 5.1%) and rapid sperm (57.2 ± 6.8%). The most prevalent sperm morphological defects were abnormal acrosome, small abnormal head, and diadem defect. Under chemical restraint, testes and prostate were evaluated with B-mode and spectral Doppler ultrasonography. Based on ultrasonography, testicular volumes were (2.2 ± 0.7 and 2.1 ± 0.7 cm3 for left and right testes, respectively), whereas prostate dimensions were 2.3 ± 0.4 cm long and 1.5 ± 0.3 cm thick. Lastly, using triplex Doppler, peak systolic velocity (PSV) was higher in testicular versus intratesticular arteries. In conclusion, adult male C. thous were conditioned to allow sperm collection by digital manipulation without urine contamination, enabling evaluation of sperm characteristics. Furthermore, B-mode ultrasound facilitated evaluation of testes and prostate morphometry and echotexture, whereas Doppler was used to characterize testicular blood flow. This was proof of concept for semen collection and baseline data for future male reproductive soundness examinations and development of assisted reproductive techniques in this species.

Canine parvovirus 2b in fecal samples of asymptomatic free-living South American coatis (Nasua nasua, Linnaeus, 1766).

Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) is classified into three subtypes (CPV-2a, CPV-2b, and CPV-2c) and is the main cause of enteritis and myocarditis in young domestic and wild animals. This study aimed to evaluate the presence of CPV-2 in the feces of asymptomatic free-living coatis from Garden Forest Reserve, Palmital city, SP, Brazil. Fecal samples from 21 coatis (both sexes, different ages, and different aspects of feces) were collected in August 2014 and March 2015. The nucleic acid extracted was submitted to a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay to amplify a fragment of the VP2 gene of CPV-2. Eight (38%) fecal samples were positive in the PCR assay and were confirmed by sequencing. The 7 nucleotide (nt) sequences analyzed showed 100% nt identity with the prototype strain of CPV-2b (CPV-39 strain). The analysis of the deduced amino acid (aa) sequence revealed the presence of the GAT codon (aa D-Asp) at position 426 of the VP2 viral protein (subtype 2b). This study describes for the first time the identification of CPV-2b in asymptomatic free-living coatis (Nasua nasua) and suggests that coatis are susceptible to Carnivore protoparvovirus 1 infection and are important as a reservoir and an asymptomatic carrier to other wild and domestic animal species.

Oral microbiota and their antibiotic susceptibility in free-living monkeys in Goiás State, Brazil: Repercussions for injuries in humans.

INTRODUCTION: Goiás State, which is in the midwest region of Brazil, has several urban forests. This fact, along with the expansion of urban areas within the limits of Forest Conservation Units, increases the contact between humans and wildlife, such as capuchin monkeys. The impulsive behavior of these animals and the scarcity of food cause them to vigorously search for food, leading to direct encounters with Park visitors, which can result in scratches and bites and making them potential disseminators of pathogenic microorganisms. METHODS: Ten specimens of bearded capuchin monkey (Sapajus libidinosus) were captured at the Onofre Quinan Environmental Park in Anápolis, Goiás, Brazil. Samples were collected from the monkeys, and the bacteria and fungi present in the samples were isolated and identified. Then, the identified microorganisms were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing. RESULTS: A total of 111 bacteria and 12 fungi were isolated, including two strict anaerobic bacteria of the genus Peptostreptococcus, 109 facultative anaerobic bacteria, and 12 yeasts. Among the facultative bacteria, enterobacteria and Staphylococcus were common. Resistance to tetracycline and ampicillin antibiotics was detected in the enterobacteria, and resistance to tetracycline, erythromycin, and clindamycin was detected in the Staphylococci. The other strains were sensitive to all tested antimicrobials. Cefoxitin showed 100% efficacy in all isolated bacteria. CONCLUSIONS: For bites from capuchin monkeys, we recommend performing complete hygiene and antibiotic therapy, according to medical recommendations. Given the 100% effectiveness of cefoxitin, it should be considered for this type of injury, especially in the study region.

Serologic Screening for Smooth Brucella sp. in Wild Animals in Brazil.

Antibodies against smooth Brucella were investigated in serum samples of 526 freeranging mammals (21 species) in Brazil. All animals were seronegative, which indicated lowlevel exposure to these bacteria.

Oral microbiota and their antibiotic susceptibility in free-living monkeys in Goiás State, Brazil: Repercussions for injuries in humans

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Goiás State, which is in the midwest region of Brazil, has several urban forests. This fact, along with the expansion of urban areas within the limits of Forest Conservation Units, increases the contact between humans and wildlife, such as capuchin monkeys. The impulsive behavior of these animals and the scarcity of food cause them to vigorously search for food, leading to direct encounters with Park visitors, which can result in scratches and bites and making them potential disseminators of pathogenic microorganisms. METHODS: Ten specimens of bearded capuchin monkey (Sapajus libidinosus) were captured at the Onofre Quinan Environmental Park in Anápolis, Goiás, Brazil. Samples were collected from the monkeys, and the bacteria and fungi present in the samples were isolated and identified. Then, the identified microorganisms were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing. RESULTS: A total of 111 bacteria and 12 fungi were isolated, including two strict anaerobic bacteria of the genus Peptostreptococcus, 109 facultative anaerobic bacteria, and 12 yeasts. Among the facultative bacteria, enterobacteria and Staphylococcus were common. Resistance to tetracycline and ampicillin antibiotics was detected in the enterobacteria, and resistance to tetracycline, erythromycin, and clindamycin was detected in the Staphylococci. The other strains were sensitive to all tested antimicrobials. Cefoxitin showed 100% efficacy in all isolated bacteria. CONCLUSIONS: For bites from capuchin monkeys, we recommend performing complete hygiene and antibiotic therapy, according to medical recommendations. Given the 100% effectiveness of cefoxitin, it should be considered for this type of injury, especially in the study region.

Human erythrocyte antigens in Brazilian Capuchin monkeys (Sapajus sp.).

BACKGROUND: Investigation of erythrocyte antigens in New World monkeys, especially in the Brazilian ones, is scant and incomplete. METHODS: Determining the presence of 29 erythrocyte antigens from 11 human blood group systems (ABO, H, Rh, Kell, Duffy, Kidd, Lewis, P, MNS, Lutheran and Diego) on erythrocytes in nine Capuchin monkeys (Sapajus sp.). RESULTS: A majority (20 of 29) of human erythrocyte antigens were not found in this monkey genus. Erythrocyte phenotyping was very similar within this animal group, as five Capuchin monkeys differed from the other four in the ABO system only. CONCLUSION: The erythrocyte phenotype for this group of animals is less diversified than in humans. Some monkey erythrocyte antigens were similar in frequency, whereas others were different from those observed in human ethnicities.

A survey of hemoparasites and ectoparasites in Nasua nasua Linnaeus, 1766 with a redescription of Hepatozoon procyonis Richards, 1961 based on morphological and molecular data.

Hemoparasites are vector-borne parasites that infect wild carnivores worldwide. Since data on hemoparasite infections in Nasua nasua from Brazil are lacking, the aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of hemoparasites and ectoparasites in N. nasua from different areas of Brazil. Blood samples and ectoparasites from 83 N. nasua were collected in Botucatu, Palmital, and São Paulo municipalities. Samples were screened via microscopy and molecular methods to detect hemoparasites. Tissues from two N. nasua were obtained for histopathological and molecular analyses. All 83 samples were negative for piroplasms on morphological and molecular examination. Thin blood smears of nine animals were positive for Hepatozoon gamonts. The gamonts shared morphological characteristics of Hepatozoon procyonis. Meronts were detected in the liver and spleen tissue of one animal. Twenty-one blood samples and four tissue samples were PCR positive for Hepatozoon sp. The sequences obtained were 97% identical to those of Hepatozoon felis, Hepatozoon ursi, and Hepatozoon sp. Based on searches for similarity and morphology, we identified the sequences as belonging to H. procyonis. This study provides epidemiological data on hemoparasite infections and redescribe H. procyonis based on morphological, morphometrical, and molecular analyses.

Morphometric and morphologic parameters of the heart in healthy Alouatta guariba clamitans (Cabrera, 1940).

BACKGROUND: This study aimed at assessing the heart function of one neotropical primate (Alouatta guariba clamitans) kept in captivity using radiography, electrocardiogram (ECG) and Doppler echocardiography. METHODS: Ten adult healthy howler monkeys (A. g. clamitans) were evaluated under general anaesthesia. Vertebral Heart Scores (VHS) were obtained from radiographic studies. Ejection fraction, shortening fraction of left ventricle, left atrial/aortic root ratio, ascending aortic diameter, peak velocity of pulmonary, mitral, tricuspid and aortic blood flow and other values were measured by Doppler echocardiography. Heart rate, mean electrical axis of QRS complex, P, Q, R, S, T amplitude, P, PR interval, QRS, QT interval duration and ST segment unbalancing were measured by ECG. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Exam techniques were akin the ones used in humans. Doppler echocardiographic, radiographic, electrocardiographic and clinical parameters for howler monkey were described and correlated. The results have shown profiles of cardiovascular function and structure of A. g. clamitans.

Leptospira reservoirs among wildlife in Brazil: Beyond rodents.

Leptospirosis is a disease of great importance in tropical regions. Infection occurs mainly through contact with water contaminated with the urine of infected animals, especially that of rodents. Despite the diversity and abundance of wild fauna in Brazil, little is known about the role of other wild species in the epidemiology of leptospirosis. This study aimed to investigate new reservoirs of Leptospira among wildlife in Brazil, using serological and molecular diagnoses in a large-sized sample. Biological samples were collected from 309 free-ranging mammals, belonging to 16 species. The majority of the animals included were opossums (Didelphis albiventris) and coatis (Nasua nasua). Blood and urine samples were subjected to the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) and real-time PCR, respectively. Genetic characterization of genomospecies was performed using PCR amplicons. Statistical analysis was applied to test associations between positive diagnoses and age, sex, season and type of environment. The prevalence of infection found via MAT and PCR was 11% and 5.5%, respectively. If these tests are taken to be complementary, the overall prevalence was 16%. The most common serogroups were Djasiman and Australis, while L. santarosai was the prevalent genomospecies. Significant differences in prevalence between animal species were observed. Greater risk of infection was detected among adult opossums than among young ones. The influence of each serogroup and genomospecies was tested for the same variables, and this revealed higher risk of infection by L. santarosai among male opossums than among females. The present study highlights the exposure and carrier status of several wild species in Brazil and it indicates that coatis and other carnivores are priorities for further investigations.

Evaluation of collared anteaters (Tamandua tetradactyla) presented in a wildlife health reference center of São Paulo state, Brazil / Avaliação de tamanduás-mirins (Tamandua tetradactyla) atendidos em um centro de referência de animais selvagens do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil

Abstract Deforestation and road construction have inflicted negative effects on wildlife populations. To contribute to the comprehension and preservation of wildlife species, this study aimed to evaluate collared anteater presented to a reference center located in São Paulo state, Brazil. Furthermore, the locations where the animals were most frequently found were determined. Data on collared anteaters (Tamandua tetradactyla) examined at the Center for Medicine and Research in Wild Animals (CEMPAS) were evaluated retrospectively for a period of 13 years. A total of 46 collared anteaters was examined, comprised of 14 males, 10 females, and 22 without identifying information. On average, adult males weigh 4.41 kg while adult females weigh 4.95 kg. The most common admission circumstance was vehicular strikes (36.96%), followed by dog bites (21.74%); 23.91% were considered clinically healthy. Animal outcomes were 36.96% (n=17) reintroduced, 34.78% (n=16) fatalities, 15.22% (n=7) transferred to other institutions, and 6.52% (n=3) escaped from the enclosure; and 6.52% (n=3) presented no medical record information. The collared anteaters were found mainly in the municipal areas of Botucatu (21.73%), São Manuel (17.39%), Lençóis Paulista (6.52%), and Bauru (4.34%), with SP-300 being the main highway associated with the occurrences. In conclusion, the main cause of lesion in the collared anteaters evaluated in this study was vehicular strike that that led to death. However, including all collared anteaters at least half of them had a positive outcome.

Resumo O desmatamento e a construção de estradas têm promovido uma série de problemas à fauna. Visando contribuir com informações que podem ser usadas na compreensão e preservação das espécies, o trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar tamanduás-mirins atendidos em um centro de referência localizado no Estado de São Paulo, Brazil. Foram avaliados retrospectivamente dados referentes a tamanduás-mirins (Tamandua tetradactyla), que foram trazidos ao Centro de Medicina e Pesquisa em Animais Selvagens (CEMPAS), durante um período de 13 anos. De um total de 46 tamanduás-mirins atendidos, 14 foram machos e 10 foram fêmeas, e 22 não possuíam identificação quanto ao sexo. Em média, os machos adultos pesaram 4,41 kg, enquanto as fêmeas adultas pesaram 4,95 kg. Com relação à circunstância que levou ao atendimento, as mais importantes foram o atropelamento (36,96%) e a mordedura de cães (21,74%), sendo que 23,91% foram considerados clinicamente saudáveis. No tocante à evolução dos casos, 36,96% (n=17) foram reintroduzidos, 34.78% (n=16) foram a óbito, 15,22% (n=7) foram transferidos para outras instituições, 6,52% (n=3) evadiram do recinto e 6,52% (n=3) não há informação. Os animais foram provenientes principalmente dos municípios de Botucatu (21,73%), São Manuel (17,39%), Lençóis Paulista (6,52%) e Bauru (4,34%), sendo a SP-300 a principal rodovia relacionada as ocorrências. Foi possível concluir que dos tamanduás-mirins avaliados a principal causa de lesão foi o atropelamento, que teve por evolução o óbito; porém ao se incluir os tamanduás-mirins saudáveis e demais, ao menos metade evoluíram positivamente.

Whole-Body Vibration Exercise on Hematology and Serum Biochemistry in Healthy Dogs.

The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of whole-body vibration (WBV) exercise on hematology and serum biochemistry in healthy dogs. Ten intact beagle dogs, 3 females, and 7 males, with a mean age of 3 years, and mean body mass of 14.3kg, body condition score between 4.0/9 and 4.5/9 were evaluated. The WBV sessions were done with the dog standing up on all 4 feet on a vibrating platform. Daily session of 30Hz for 5 minutes, followed by 50Hz for 5 minutes and finishing with 30Hz for 5 minutes was accomplished for 5 days. The velocity and amplitude of the vibrating platform were 12-40m/s2 and 1.7-2.5mm, respectively. Blood samples were collected, before and immediately after the WBV platform exercise session, and 1 and 6 hours after the end of each session for 5 days. In addition, blood samples were collected 24 hours and 48 hours after the last WBV platform exercise session. Complete blood count and serum biochemistry (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and serum total protein) were the data analyzed. The erythrocytes, hemoglobin, and packet cell volume values decreased, whereas the leukocytes, neutrophils, and eosinophils values increased after WBV platform exercise sessions; however, all values were within the reference range. Other hematological and serum biochemical parameters did not show important variations. In conclusion, the WBV exercise sessions attended for 5 consecutive days did not adversely affect the hematology and serum biochemistry of adult healthy dogs.

Didelphis albiventris naturally infected with Hepatozoon canis in southeastern Brazil.

Hepatozoon species are vector-borne pathogens that infect domestic and wild animals. Marsupials of the species Didelphis albiventris are adapted to urban and peri-urban areas and act as reservoir hosts for several parasites. The present study evaluated the occurrence of infection by Hepatozoon species in synantropic D. albiventris from Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil. Blood samples and ectoparasites from 19 D. albiventris were collected from urban and peri-urban areas. Hepatozoon spp. detection was performed by microscopy and molecular analysis. One opossum was positive for Hepatozoon spp. in microscopy analysis and PCR, while another animal was positive only in PCR. The obtained sequences were 100% identical to Hepatozoon canis. Six species of ticks and two species of fleas were detected on D. albiventris. This is the first report of H. canis in synantropic D. albiventris. In Brazil, H. canis transmission among dog populations is not well established, which highlights the importance of investigating the role that opossums might play in the epidemiology of this protozoan.