Showing papers in "Journal of Wildlife Diseases in 1972"
TL;DR: Meningeal worm can apparently have considerable impact on moose populations in endemic areas and the existence of clinical disease in moose in an area should be regarded as evidence of a much more widespread disease problem which may have eventually a serious impact on the population.
Abstract: The author reviews the relationship of meningeal worm (Parelapostrongylus tenuis) and its usual host, the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Important alterations in the environment in the past 100 years have greatly expanded the northern range of white-tailed deer and brought host and parasite into contact with other native cervids such as moose (Alces americana), mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), and woodland caribou (Rangfier tarandus) in which meningeal worm is highly pathogenic. There is evidence the parasite is spreading westward with deer in the aspen-parklands of Canada. Meningeal worm can apparently have considerable impact on moose populations in endemic areas. Possibly the existence of clinical disease in moose in an area should be regarded as evidence of a much more widespread disease problem which may have eventually a serious impact on the population.
117 citations
TL;DR: Studies were conducted on 104 striped skunks, 97 raccoons, 64 opossums, 10 woodchucks, 5 feral cats, and 1 muskrat trapped on an undeveloped forest and swamp area in Eastern Maryland to investigate leptospiral agglutinins, lung flukes, and microfilariae found in animals.
Abstract: Studies were conducted on 104 striped skunks, 97 raccoons, 64 opossums, 10 woodchucks, 5 feral cats, and 1 muskrat. Animals were trapped on an undeveloped forest and swamp area in Eastern Maryland. Leptospiral agglutinins were demonstrated in 62% of the skunks, 15% of opossums and 50% of the raccoons. Leptospiral serogroup members isolated from hosts were as follows: skunks — icterohaetnorrhagiae, grippotyphosa, ballum, and autumnalis; opossum — icterohaemorrhagiae and ballum; raccoon — icterohaemorrhagiae. Listeria monocytogenes was isolated from one raccoon. Significant complement-fixing antibodies for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever group of rickettsia were demonstrated in 15% of 102 skunks, 18% of 94 raccoons, 40% of 10 woodchucks and in only 1 of 54 opossums. Isolates of a pox virus which appears to be a new type were obtained from upper respiratory tissues of two raccoons. Significant antibody titers for the isolated pox virus were demonstrated in 23% of 92 raccoon sera. Two isolates serologically rela...
56 citations
TL;DR: An 8 year study of the influence of climate on the seasonal prevalence of bubonic plague in the Republic of Vietnam has been completed and found that slight variations in temperature, relative humidity, and vapor pressure deficits either permit an epidemic to flourish or cause a decline in its intensity.
Abstract: An 8 year study of the influence of climate on the seasonal prevalence of bubonic plague in the Republic of Vietnam has been completed. Climatic conditions were found to influence the course of plague epidemics in 2 ways: 1) by regulating the density of the flea population; and, 2) by regulating the efficiency of Xenopsylla cheopis in transmitting the plague bacillus. Slight variations in temperature, relative humidity, and vapor pressure deficits either permit an epidemic to flourish or cause a decline in its intensity.
55 citations
TL;DR: A wide range of environmental and genetic factors cause fish to respond differently to given levels of fluorides, but they do display characteristic fluoride intoxication signs, and postulating a chloride-fluoride excretion mechanism over the epithelial tissues would explain variations in toxicity correlated with different chloride concentrations.
Abstract: A wide range of environmental and genetic factors cause fish to respond differently to given levels of fluorides, but they do display characteristic fluoride intoxication signs. Some of the variation can also be explained by postulating a chloride-fluoride excretion mechanism over the epithelial tissues. Such a mechanism would explain variations in toxicity correlated with different chloride concentrations and the survival of natural populations of fish at fluoride concentrations which are lethal under laboratory conditions.
47 citations
TL;DR: Seven dolphins that were found stranded near Point Mugu, California between 1966 and 1970 were given complete necropsy examinations and it is suggested that the stranding and subsequent death of all seven animals resulted from this disease.
Abstract: Seven dolphins (Delphinus sp.) that were found stranded near Point Mugu, California between 1966 and 1970 were given complete necropsy examinations. In all seven cases a similar pathological picture was observed. The findings included adult trematodes in the bile and pancreatic ducts, severe liver damage, and massive brain necrosis due to the presence of numerous trematode ova in the brain tissue. We suggest that the stranding and subsequent death of all seven animals resulted from this disease.
44 citations
TL;DR: The finding of renal intranuclear inclusion bodies in animals at several zoo, scattered reports of lead intoxication of animals dwelling in various zoos, the occurrence of leaded paint in many zoos and the high incidence of lead poisoning at this zoo indicated that lead poisoning of zoo animals is much more common than was previously thought.
Abstract: Lead poisoning was diagnosed post-mortem in 34 simian primates, 11 parrots, and 3 Australian fruit bats at the National Zoological Park. Diagnoses were made by the finding of acid-fast intranuclear inclusion bodies in renal epithelia or hepatocytes and, in most cases, by finding excess lead in samples of liver. The estimated prevalence of lead intoxication among autopsied primates and parrots was 44% and 50% respectively. Leaded paint was found in many animal enclosures at this zoo and it was available to all the lead-poisoned animals in this study. The finding of renal intranuclear inclusion bodies in animals at several zoos, scattered reports of lead intoxication of animals dwelling in various zoos, the occurrence of leaded paint in many zoos and the high incidence of lead poisoning at this zoo, indicated that lead poisoning of zoo animals is much more common than was previously thought.
42 citations
TL;DR: Twenty-six species of fauna were examined for the presence of antibodies in their sera and Reactors were found against Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, Leptospira pomona, and Toxoplasma gondii.
Abstract: Twenty-six species of fauna were examined for the presence of antibodies in their sera. Reactors were found against Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae (2/74 fallow deer and 3/27 forest ravens), Leptospira pomona (3/5 wombats and 1/2 Gunn's bandicoots), Leptospira icterohaemorrhagiae (2/13 Norway rats), Leptospira hyos (3/6 potoroos and 1/19 hares), Leptospira grippotyphosa (1/127 fallow deer), Q. fever (1/1 Bennett's wallaby), psittacosis - lymphogranuloma group (1/1 giant petrel and 1/18 short-tailed shearwaters), mucosal disease (2/44 Bennett's wallaby and 11/76 fallow deer), infectious bronchitis (1/84 short-tailed shearwaters), and Toxoplasma gondii (3/7 pademelons and 12/69 rabbits).
37 citations
TL;DR: Findings indicate that the following species are maintaining hosts for leptospires of identified serotypes in Denmark: Sorex araneus (poi), Erinaceus europaeus (bratislava), Microtus arvalis (grippotyphosa), Rattus norvegicus (icterohaemorrhagiae), Mus musculus (sejroe), Apodemus agrarius (pomona), and ApodEmus flav
Abstract: Leptospirosis in man and animals has been studied in Denmark since 1934. Strains of the following ten serotypes have been isolated: icteroluienwrrhagiae, poi, canicola, bellum, bratislava, pomono, grippotyphosa, sejroe, saxkoebing, and bataviae. Twenty-eight of the 44 species of wild land mammals living in Denmark have been examined culturally. Leptospires of eight serotypes were isolated from 14 species. Leptospires were demonstrated microscopically in the urine and/or kidneys of 31 bats belonging to four species. These leptospires could not be cultured in vitro or transmitted to animals other than bats. Serological evidence of present or past leptospirosis was found in four species of Lagomorpha, Carnivora and Ungulata not examined culturally. Our findings indicate that the following species are maintaining hosts for leptospires of identified serotypes in Denmark: Sorex araneus (poi), Erinaceus europaeus (bratislava), Microtus arvalis (grippotyphosa), Rattus norvegicus (icterohaemorrhagiae), Mus musculu...
37 citations
TL;DR: Based on presumptive evidence of death (extrusion of polar filaments and disintegration of sporoplasm) 1.0%, 0.5%, and 0.25% calcium oxide or potassium hydroxide killed the spores of Myxosoma cerebrallis in vitro.
Abstract: Based on presumptive evidence of death (extrusion of polar filaments and disintegration of sporoplasm) 1.0%, 0.5%, and 0.25% calcium oxide or potassium hydroxide killed the spores of Myxosoma cerebrallis in vitro. Chlorine at 400 ppm destroyed 36% to 90% of the spores but 13% to 37% of those in the controls perished. Calcium hydroxide, ammonium chloride, sodium borate, potassium permanganate, Roccal (alkyl dimethylbenzylammonium chloride), and copper sulfate allowed survival of 38–96% of the spores, usually not much less than the rate of survival of the controls. In simulated pond testing, quicklime at 380 grams or more per square meter (3360 lbs/acre) of pond bottom prevented whirling disease in rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri).
34 citations
TL;DR: Embryonated ova were found in the feces of 8 of 73 falcons representing five species and illnesses in a peregrine and another prairie falcon, tentatively diagnosed as serratospiculiasis, were successfully treated with thiabendazole given orally.
Abstract: Nematodes of the genus Serratospiculum are common and usually innocuous inhabitants of the air sacs of several species of falcons. However, the abdominal and thoracic air sacs of a prairie falcon (Falco mexicanus) that died in respiratory distress were filled with hundreds of adult parasites. Illnesses in a peregrine (Falco peregrinus tundrius) and another prairie falcon, tentatively diagnosed as serratospiculiasis, were successfully treated with thiabendazole given orally. Embryonated ova were found in the feces of 8 of 73 falcons representing five species.
34 citations
TL;DR: The intravenous administration of 1 mg of cortisol, cortisone, estradiol or progesterone, or the infusion of 5 i.u./kg body weight/24h of thyroid stimulating hormone, had a facilitating effect upon fungus growth on the freshwater teleost Catostomus commersonii Commersonii Lacépéde.
Abstract: The intravenous administration of 1 mg of: cortisol, cortisone, estradiol or progesterone, or the infusion of 5 i.u./kg body weight/24h of thyroid stimulating hormone, had a facilitating effect upon fungus growth on the freshwater teleost Catostomus commersonii commersonii Lacepede. The same dose (1 mg) of corticosterone or testosterone or adrenocorticotrophin (5 i.u./kg/24h) did not have this facilitating effect. The possible role of steroids in the mechanism of action of temperature in promoting infections in fish is discussed.
TL;DR: A 5-week-old cygnet died of severe ulcerative enteritis caused by Sphaeridiotrema globulus (Rudolphi 1814).
Abstract: A 5-week-old cygnet died of severe ulcerative enteritis caused by Sphaeridiotrema globulus (Rudolphi 1814). Environmental conditions under which the cygnet was raised and pathological findings are described.
TL;DR: It was concluded that distributions of disintegrated lead shot (i.e. particulate lead) in waterfowl wetlands could probably exceed existing distributions of commercial lead shot in heavily hunted areas by ten fold without presenting a significant toxicity toWaterfowl.
Abstract: Adult mallard drakes were exposed for approximately 14 weeks to distributions of 17.8, 89.0, and 178 g of particulate lead per m2 in simulted-marsh areas. The ante-mortem and post-mortem findings indicated that exposures of 17.8 g of particulate lead per m2 had a low toxicity for the experimental birds. The birds exposed to 89.0 g/m2 experienced a 57% mortality within an average of 72.5 days; all had positive fluorescent erythrocyte tests; and post-mortem examinations showed evidence of chronic lead toxicosis. The birds exposed to 178 g/m2 showed overt signs of lead poisoning; they experienced 100% mortality within an average of 22.5 days; and post-mortem examinations showed evidence of subacute lead toxicosis. It was concluded that distributions of disintegrated lead shot (i.e. particulate lead) in waterfowl wetlands could probably exceed existing distributions of commercial lead shot in heavily hunted areas by ten fold without presenting a significant toxicity to waterfowl.
TL;DR: The 1970–71 avian cholera epornitic was the third highest in waterfowl mortalities during the 22 annual California recurrences for which records are available, and the most serious aspect of this outbreak was its impact on species in low numbers.
Abstract: The 1970–71 avian cholera epornitic was the third highest in waterfowl mortalities during the 22 annual California recurrences for which we have records. The most serious aspect of this outbreak was its impact on species which, although not classified as rare and endangered, nonetheless are in low numbers. For example, 7.3 percent of the Ross goose (Chen rossii), and 3.9 percent of the whistling swan (Olor columbianus) populations wintering in California died of avian cholera as well as ten sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis) and one bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). A possible cause of the large losses of waterfowl was a late winter drought with resultant local high concentrations of birds and heavy contamination of the water.
TL;DR: Variations between individuals of the same species and sex were slight but a possible difference between male and female erythrocyte numbers and packed cell volumes was evident in the canvasback and scaup samples.
Abstract: Blood samples were obtained from 54 canvasbacks (Aythya valisineria), 30 lesser scaup (A. affinis), 3 ring-necks (A. collaris), and 3 buffleheads (Bucephala albeola), which were wintering on Chesapeake Bay. These blood samples were used for: red blood cell counts (cans. 2.56 × 106/mm3; scaup 2.45 × 106/mm3; ring-necks 2.50 × 106/mm3; bufflehead 2.64 × 106/mm3), packed cell volume (cans. 52.2%; scaup 57.1%; ring-neck 49.1%; buffleheads 54.3%), total protein (cans. 4.4 g/100 ml; scaup 4.4 g/100 ml; ring-neck 3.5 g/100 ml; bufflehead 3.8 g/100 ml), erythrocyte measurements, and electrophoretic analysis of plasma and serum. Variations between individuals of the same species and sex were slight but a possible difference between male and female erythrocyte numbers and packed cell volumes was evident in the canvasback and scaup samples.
TL;DR: Five species of rodents were inoculated intramuscularly with rabies virus derived from naturally infected wild animals to evaluate the potential for wild rodents to serve as inapparent rabies reservoirs in nature.
Abstract: The potential for wild rodents to serve as inapparent rabies reservoirs in nature has not been well evaluated. In this study five species of rodents were inoculated intramuscularly with rabies virus derived from naturally infected wild animals. Inoculated rodents were observed for behavioral changes, and those which died were tested for rabies. Differences in species susceptibility and salivary gland virus tropism were noted and discussed as these factors might affect the epidemiological potential of rabies in wild rodents.
TL;DR: Oral infection of rodents with Pasteurella pestis has been demonstrated with both fully virulent and avirulent strains, and is considered to provide a plausible mechanism for the persistence of plague in an area where conditions are temporarily unsuitable for flea transmission.
Abstract: Oral infection of rodents with Pasteurella pestis has been demonstrated with both fully virulent and avirulent strains. Sustained rodent plague epizootics have been initiated and maintained in the absence of the classical flea vector. Transmission was due to cannibalism of the dying rodents by their healthy cagemates. Oral infection is considered to provide a plausible mechanism for the persistence of plague in an area where conditions are temporarily unsuitable for flea transmission.
TL;DR: Third-stage larvae of Protostrongylus spp.
Abstract: Third-stage larvae of Protostrongylus spp. were recovered from the liver and lungs of a bighorn sheep foetus and from the placenta of the ewe.
TL;DR: The characteristics of the epizootic and its effect on this species reinforce the assumption that the brush rabbit is an endemic reservoir of the Californian myxoma virus.
Abstract: During the spring and summer months of 1964 more than 95% of a population of brush rabbits (Sylrilagus bachmani) became infected with Californian myxoma virus. The characteristics of the epizootic and its effect on this species reinforce the assumption that the brush rabbit is an endemic reservoir of the Californian myxoma virus.
TL;DR: A naturally occurring case of pox infection was identified in a Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) from the Prince George area of British Columbia.
Abstract: A naturally occurring case of pox infection was identified in a Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) from the Prince George area of British Columbia. Gross and microscopic findings are described. This is apparently the first record of pox infection in the Golden Eagle.
TL;DR: The ruminant arterial worm Elaeophora schneideri is reported for the first time from the moose in Montana and similarities were noted in the lesions of elaeophorosis in moose and wapiti.
Abstract: The ruminant arterial worm Elaeophora schneideri is reported for the first time from the moose, Alces alces, in Montana One of four infected animals examined during 1971 was blind and had extensive intimal proliferation in the leptomeningeal arteries, areas of cerebrocortical neuronal necrosis, and numerous hemorrhages in the brain Similarities were noted in the lesions of elaeophorosis in moose and wapiti
TL;DR: The capsules surrounding isopods in both the discus fish and albino catfish contained tissue elements of body wall origin suggesting that the growing isopod causes fibrous changes of the body wall which expands to form a protective invagination.
Abstract: The endoparasitic isopod, Artystone trysibia, was found within a pouch-like encapsulation in the abdomen of a naturally-infected, fresh water discus fish, Symphysodon discus, imported from South America. Larval stages released from the female isopod penetrated various body sites in the albino catfish, Corydoras aeneus, where they caused mechanical damage and hemorrhage. In one case, a larva that penetrated behind a pectoral fin was observed during a 72 day period to grow and develop into an immature male isopod which was separated from the internal organs of the catfish by a host-produced capsule. The isopod maintained an opening to the outside by the continuous movement of its abdominal appendages. The capsules surrounding isopods in both the discus fish and albino catfish contained tissue elements of body wall origin suggesting that the growing isopod causes fibrous changes of the body wall which expands to form a protective invagination. A proposed life history is discussed.
TL;DR: A fatal diffuse granulomatous pneumonia and focal necrotizing hepatitis were found at necropsy of three 6-month old caimans and the fungal organism was identified as Cephalosporium sp.
Abstract: A fatal diffuse granulomatous pneumonia and focal necrotizing hepatitis were found at necropsy of three 6-month old caimans. Centers of the widely disseminated, discrete lesions in the lungs had a branching fungus with septate hyphae, chlamydospores, and elliptical and cigar-shaped conidia. On culture the fungal organism was identified as Cephalosporium sp. Characteristics of the genus are discussed.
TL;DR: Field observations of 36 white-tailed bucks with malformed antlers suggested a cause-effect relationship between rear leg injury and antler malformation and experimental procedures indicated that contralateral antlers malformation can be produced by amputation of a rear leg.
Abstract: Field observations of 36 white-tailed bucks with malformed antlers suggested a cause-effect relationship between rear leg injury and antler malformation. Experimental procedures involving six bucks indicated that contralateral antler malformation can be produced by amputation of a rear leg.
TL;DR: Agar gel precipitin (AGP) antibody was detected in 31 of 283 (11%) pheasant serum samples using antigen prepared with spleen tissue from a p heasant dying of marble spleen disease.
Abstract: Agar gel precipitin (AGP) antibody was detected in 31 of 283 (11%) pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) serum samples using antigen prepared with spleen tissue from a pheasant dying of marble spleen disease (MSD). These same serum samples failed to react with normal pheasant spleen or antigens of chick embryo lethal orphan (CELO) virus or Marek's disease virus.
TL;DR: Cutaneous lesions with the gross morphologic appearance of fowl pox were observed on the feet and lateral aspect of the face of a Red-Tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicenis).
Abstract: Cutaneous lesions with the gross morphologic appearance of fowl pox were observed on the feet and lateral aspect of the face of a Red-Tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicenis). Typical fowl pox inclusion bodies were seen on histologic examination of a biopsy sample from one of the lesions.
TL;DR: The harp seal was anesthetized with halothane following induction with Halothane/nitrous oxide or thiopental sodium and there were two anesthetic deaths: one related to hypothermia, and one to a prolonged induction period.
Abstract: The harp seal (Pagophilus groenlandicus) was anesthetized with halothane following induction with halothane/nitrous oxide or thiopental sodium. Halothane concentrations of 0.75 - 1.5% were required for surgical anesthesia. The depth of anesthesia was best assessed by heart rate, muscle relaxation and the presence or absence of shivering. Controlled ventilation was required throughout anesthesia and CO2 homeostasis was maintained by tidal volumes of 22–25 ml/kg at a rate of 10/min. There were two anesthetic deaths: one related to hypothermia, and one to a prolonged induction period.
TL;DR: A neoplastic process considered to be a leiomyoma was seen in the cecal wall of three golden pheasants (Chrysolophus pictus) and the reaction was unusual as Aves ordinarily react to focal intestinal insult by granuloma formation.
Abstract: A neoplastic process considered to be a leiomyoma was seen in the cecal wall of three golden pheasants (Chrysolophus pictus). In each neoplasm, remnants of Heterakis sp. were present. This parasite caused inflammation which developed into the tumor. The reaction was unusual as Aves ordinarily react to focal intestinal insult by granuloma formation.
TL;DR: There was no significant difference in prevalence between males and females or between host age groups except in Jackson's hartebeest, and in this host the prevalence was higher in older animals.
Abstract: The liver fluke Fasciola gigantica was recovered from 58 percent of 82 African buffalo (Syncerus caffer), 47 percent of 103 Uganda kob (Adenota (Kobus) kob), and 47 percent of 47 Jackson's hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus jacksoni) examined in the West Acholi District of Uganda in 1965–67. None of 22 oribi (Ourebia ourebi) was infected. There was no significant difference in prevalence between males and females or between host age groups except in Jackson's hartebeest. In this host the prevalence was higher in older animals. In 5 percent of the infected hartebeest, 17 percent of the infected kob, and 69 percent of the infected buffalo, flukes were recovered only from the gall bladder. The importance of examining the gall bladder in addition to the bile ducts to detect F. gigantica is emphasized.
TL;DR: Young peafowl (Pavo cristatits), when tested for susceptibility to histomoniasis by feeding embryonated eggs of Heterakis gallinarum carrying Histomonas meleagridis, were almost as susceptible to the disease as young Beltsville Small White turkeys.
Abstract: Young peafowl (Pavo cristatits), when tested for susceptibility to histomoni-asis by feeding embryonated eggs of Heterakis gallinarum carrying Histomonas meleagridis, were almost as susceptible to the disease as young Beltsville Small White turkeys. The disease developed more slowly, but, by 14 days after inoculation morbidity was 100% and 84% died. The young peafowl is so much more susceptible to histomoniasis than either chickens or pheasants that it should never be permitted to mingle with these birds, except where earthworms, the means of transmission of Heterakis, are absent. However, the young peafowl is unimportant in transmitting Histomonas meleagridis because the cecal worm rarely completes its life cycle in a young bird of this species when histomoniasis is present.