Showing papers in "Journal of Wildlife Diseases in 1978"
TL;DR: Nematode infections of the lung and/or gastrointestinal tract were the primary cause of death in 5 of 42 seals and sea lions examined for parasites and associated pathology.
Abstract: Forty-two seals and sea lions found dead along the Oregon Coast were examined for parasites and associated pathology. Nematode infections of the lung and/or gastrointestinal tract were the primary cause of death in 5 of 42 animals examined. New distribution records were established for Pricetrema zalophi and Zalophotrema hepaticum. New host records include Z. hepaticum and Diphyllobothrium cordatum in the Steller's sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus); Nanophyetus salmincola in the California sea lion (Zalophus californianus); P. zalophi in the harbor seal (Phoca vitulina); and P. zalophi, Trigonocotyle sp. and Otostrongylus circumlitus in the northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris).
94 citations
TL;DR: Examination of 53 black bears from six states in the southeastern United States revealed at least 17 species of endoparasites, including Sarcocystis sp.
Abstract: Examination of 53 black bears (Ursus americanus) from six states in the southeastern United States revealed at least 17 species of endoparasites, including Sarcocystis sp., Spirometra mansonoides (spargana), Macracanthorhynchus ingens, Ancylostoma caninum, Arthrocephalus lotoris, Baylisascaris transfuga, Capillaria aerophila, Capillaria putorii, Crenosoma sp., Cyathospirura sp., Dirofilaria immitis, Gnathostoma sp., Gongylonema pulchrum, microfilariae, Molineus barbatus, Physaloptera sp. and Strongyloides sp. Twelve of these represent new host records for black bear, and two are considered to be new species. Data are presented on prevalence, intensity and geographic distribution of each species. Pathologic effects were associated with infections of spargana of S. mansonoides and adults of C. aerophilia.
86 citations
TL;DR: Fifty-nine of 1250 (4.7%) wild and domestic animals from Norway and Sweden had positive dye-test titers (≥1:8) for antibody against Toxoplasma gondii, which was confirmed in two of the three sero-positive small rodents using a FA-technique.
Abstract: Fifty-nine of 1250 (4.7%) wild and domestic animals from Norway and Sweden had positive dye-test titers (≥1:8) for antibody against Toxoplasma gondii. A dye-test titer of 1:8 (30-40 i.u.) or higher was detected in 3 of 732 small rodents (0.4%), 21 of 87 domestic cats (24%), 9 of 29 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) (31%), 2 of 2 domesticated arctic foxes (Alopex lagopus), 12 of 99 red deer (Cervus elaphus) (12%), 5 of 8 roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) (63%) and in 7 of 34 wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cunicilus) (21%). Antibodies were not found in 29 shrews (Sorex spp.), 127 gulls (Larus spp.), 4 terns (Sterna sp.), 10 skuas (Stercorarius sp.), 68 domestic reindeer (Rangifertarandus) and 21 wild reindeer. Histologic examination of brain tissue from another 51 wild rabbits, on which serological data were not available, did not reveal cysts. Sero-conversion was not observed in laboratory mice inoculated with the same material. Infection with T. gondii was confirmed in two of the three sero-positive small rodents using a...
69 citations
TL;DR: The effects of brucellosis in 60 mature elk (Cervus canadensis) and over 72 of their offspring were determined over a 65-month period and the most probable route of infection was oral contact through licking or ingestion of contaminated materials.
Abstract: The effects of brucellosis in 60 mature elk (Cervus canadensis) and over 72 of their offspring were determined over a 65-month period. Artificial infections were induced with Brucella abortus type 1 strain 2308. All 27 artificially inoculated and 96% of 24 naturally-exposed mature elk became infected with brucellosis. An additional five cow elk were used to examine the importance of venereal transmission. The average incubation period from artificial exposure until abortion was 89 days among seven cows, and the average incubation period from exposure to development of a serotiter was 39 days among 24 artificially-inoculated cows. The most probable route of infection was oral contact through licking or ingestion of contaminated materials. Fetal fluids, vaginal exudates and aborted fetuses were the most likely sources of contamination. The venereal route of transmission was unimportant. Abortion or birth of nonviable calves was the most important and frequent sign of brucellosis, and 48% of 29 cows lost the...
64 citations
TL;DR: Parasites collected from free-ranging black bears in northern Wisconsin included Dermacentor variabilis, D. albipictus, Ixodes scapularis, Demodex sp.
Abstract: Parasites collected from free-ranging black bears, Ursus americanus, in northern Wisconsin included Dermacentor variabilis, D. albipictus, Ixodes scapularis, Demodex sp., Trichodectes pinguis euarctidos, Baylisascaris transfuga and Dirofilaria ursi. Mange, possibly caused by the Demodex sp., also was observed. Dental caries were common and periodontal disease was observed in one animal.
57 citations
TL;DR: Chitin degrading species of bacteria in the genera Pseudomonas, Vibrio, and Beneckea were cultured from the lesions of lobsters with a shell disease and produced necrosis characteristics of shell disease in experimental lobsters.
Abstract: Chitin degrading species of bacteria in the genera Pseudomonas, Vibrio, and Beneckea were cultured from the lesions of lobsters (Homarus americanus) with a shell disease. A species of bacterium of the genus Vibrio (Beneckea) produced necrosis characteristics of shell disease in experimental lobsters when the integument had been damaged prior to inoculation.
50 citations
TL;DR: No single serologic test should be relied upon to diagnose brucellosis in elk, and the incidence of infection among mature females in both herds was approximately 50% during this study.
Abstract: Incidence of brucellosis in elk (Cervus canadensis) on two winter feedgrounds in Wyoming was examined over a 5-year period by testing serum samples using the standard plate agglutination (SPT) buffered Brucella antigen (BBA), rivanol (Riv) and complement fixation (CFT) tests. Thirty-one percent of 1,165 elk were positive by defined criteria. Considering each test individually, only 29% (106) of 370 positive sera would have been classified as reactors by the SPT, 83% (307) by the BBA test and 86% (314) by the Riv test. The CFT would have identified 85% (267) of 332 positive samples on which it was used. Brucella abortus, type 1, was isolated from 17 of 45 elk necropsied. The SPT identified 59% (10) of these as reactors, the BBA test 94% (16) and the Riv test 88% (15). The CFT identified nine of nine (100%) on which it was used. Prevalence of seropositive animals increased with age. Brucellosis has been present in one of the two elk herds since at least 1930, and the incidence of infection among mature fema...
46 citations
TL;DR: An analysis of 114 samples of feces from black bears from La Verendrye Park, Quebec revealed that the prevalence of eggs of Diphyllobothrium ursi and Baylisascaris transfuga varied seasonally.
Abstract: An analysis of 114 samples of feces from black bears (Ursus americanus) from La Verendrye Park, Quebec revealed that the prevalence of eggs of Diphyllobothrium ursi and Baylisascaris transfuga varied seasonally. D. ursi ova were most prevalent during the summer and fall and at their lowest in spring while the converse was true for B. transfuga. This phenomenon possibly is associated with the cessation of feeding during the winter denning of black bears.
45 citations
TL;DR: Normal mean values for packed cell volume, total erythrocyte count, total leukocyte count,total protein and mean corpuscular volume were obtained from 37 species of Strigiformes and Falconiformes representing 207 individuals.
Abstract: Normal mean values for packed cell volume, total erythrocyte count, total leukocyte count, total protein and mean corpuscular volume were obtained from 37 species of Strigiformes and Falconiformes representing 207 individuals.
42 citations
TL;DR: Schizonts of Hepatozoon sp.
Abstract: Schizonts of Hepatozoon sp. were found in the myocardium of an adult coyote (Canis latrans) collected from the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, Austwell, Texas. This constitutes the first time hepatozoonosis has been recorded in Canidae in the Western Hemisphere.
41 citations
TL;DR: Outbreaks of avian cholera (Pasteurella multocida) occur frequently in common eiders in Maine during early summer and might be associated with their weakened condition because females do not feed during the incubation period.
Abstract: Outbreaks of avian cholera (Pasteurella multocida) occur frequently in common eiders (Somateria mollissima dresseri) in Maine during early summer. Studies over a seven year period show that over 90% of the loss occurred in incubating females and might be associated with their weakened condition because females do not feed during the incubation period. High nesting densities also may contribute to the losses. The exact source of P. multocida is unknown although carrier birds were found.
TL;DR: Muscle samples from 1497 Australian mammals, comprising 73 species (2 monotreme, 48 marsupial, 3 cetacean, 1 lagomorph, 10 rodent, 2 canid, 3 chiropteran and 4 cervid) were examined histologically for cysts of Sarcocystis.
Abstract: Muscle samples from 1497 Australian mammals, comprising 73 species (2 monotreme, 48 marsupial, 3 cetacean, 1 lagomorph, 10 rodent, 2 canid, 3 chiropteran and 4 cervid) were examined histologically for cysts of Sarcocystis. Cysts were recorded in 126 (8.4%) of the mammals examined. Type A cysts (cysts with thick walls and/or large zoites and/or internal trabeculation) were found in 77 (5.1%) of these mammals, representing 13 species (4 marsupial, 1 cetacean, 1 lagomorph and 7 rodent). Type B cysts (cysts with thin walls and small zoites) were found in 50 (3.3%) of the animals, representing 20 species (14 marsupial, 1 cetacean and 5 rodent). The greatest prevalence of type A cysts (21.1%) was found in rabbits, Oryctolagus cuniculus. Among the rodents examined, type A cysts were more frequently encountered (11.1%) than type B (2.2%). In four species, Rattus fuscipes, R. lutreolus, R. rattus and Mus musculus, both types of cyst were found. Both types of cyst also were recorded in the macropodid marsupials, bu...
TL;DR: Edwardsiella tarda was isolated from the peritoneal exudate of a Steller's sea lion with peritonitis resulting from a perforating colonic ulcer and from the liver of a harbor porpoise with metritis andPeritonitis sequela to dystocia.
Abstract: Edwardsiella tarda was isolated from the peritoneal exudate of a Steller's sea lion (Eumetopias jubata) with peritonitis resulting from a perforating colonic ulcer; from the liver of a harbor porpoise (Phocena phocena) with metritis and peritonitis sequela to dystocia; and from the liver of a California sea lion (Zolophus californianus) with peritonitis following fracture and necrosis of a lumbar vertebrae. These findings indicate E. tarda is a common opportunistic invader in sick or injured marine mammals.
TL;DR: In a serologic and cultural survey of 127 brush-tailed possums occupying pasture land in New Zealand, leptospires of the Hebdomadis serogroup were obtained from 48 (38%) of the animals sampled and there was a marked age difference in prevalence.
Abstract: In a serologic and cultural survey of 127 brush-tailed possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) occupying pasture land in New Zealand, leptospires of the Hebdomadis serogroup were obtained from 48 (38%) of the animals sampled. Eight isolates were identified by cross-absorption agglutination studies as being Leptospira interrogans serovar balcanica. There was a marked age difference in prevalence with 41 positive cultures from 64 mature adults (64%) and no recoveries being made from juveniles. Isolation of leptospires was aided by the use of a new technique involving the homogenation of whole kidneys in gamma sterilized plastic bags in a “Coleworth Stomacher”. The use of this apparatus allowed the processing of whole kidneys and the technique was efficient in both the recovery of leptospires and the prevention of contamination. In view of the fact that serovar balcanica has been recorded previously only in East Europe in man, cattle and pigs, the high prevalence of infection in a wild animal population in New Zeala...
TL;DR: Pathologic alterations were most pronounced in the posterior third of the intestines (hindgut), the hindgut lumen was greatly dilated and filled with blood, oocysts and tissue debris.
Abstract: Caryospora cheloniae sp. n. is described from mariculture-reared green sea turtles (Chelonia m. mydas). The sporulated oocyst has a thin, transparent, single-layered wall which often ruptures, leaving a naked sporulated sporocyst. Oocysts measured 33.8 to 40.1 μm by 11.0 to 14.6 μm (mean 37.4 by 12.8 μm). Greatest concentrations of developmental stages of C. cheloniae were found in the hindgut. Transverse binary fission was observed in dividing tissue stages. Pathologic alterations were most pronounced in the posterior third of the intestines (hindgut). The hindgut lumen was greatly dilated and filled with blood, oocysts and tissue debris. The hindgut wall was thinner than normal and the mucosal folds had sloughed into the intestinal lumen. Free blood escaped from the blood vessels of the tunica propria into the intestinal lumen. Epithelial hyperplasia was pronounced at the margins of denuded mucosal areas. Numerous inflammatory cells infiltrated the infected mucosal surface.
TL;DR: Glugea hertwigi, a microsporidan parasite, was observed in 90% of the distressed smelt examined, and is believed to have been a major contributing factor to the mortality.
Abstract: An extensive mortality of young-of-the-year rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax) occurred in Lake Erie during the fall of 1969. Dead and dying smelt were observed along the north shore from west of Long Point in the central basin to Port Maitland in the eastern basin. No other fish species was involved. Glugea hertwigi, a microsporidan parasite, was observed in 90% of the distressed smelt examined, and is believed to have been a major contributing factor to the mortality.
TL;DR: Sixty-one red foxes from New Brunswick and Nova Scotia were examined for helminths and approximately 67% of the foxes examined were clinically affected with Sarcoptes scabiei mange.
Abstract: Sixty-one red foxes from New Brunswick and Nova Scotia were examined for helminths. Alaria americana, A. arisaemoides, A. mustelae, Cryptocotyle lingua, Echinostoma revolution and Metorchis conjunctus, Capillaria aerophila, Crenosoma vulpis, Toxocara canis, Uncinaria stenocephala and Taenia crassiceps were found. Approximately 67% of the foxes examined were clinically affected with Sarcoptes scabiei mange.
TL;DR: Sera from 153 wild animals of 18 species were tested for antibodies against 12 serovars of Leptospira by the microscopic agglutination (MA) test, and to compare the IHA test with the MA test, there was 84% concordance between the two tests.
Abstract: Sera from 153 wild animals of 18 species were tested for antibodies against 12 serovars of Leptospira by the microscopic agglutination (MA) test. Seventy-five percent of the animals tested were seropositive against one or more of the 12 serovars used. The most commonly found serovars were pomona, autumnalis, pyrogenes, icterohaemorrhagiae, australis, and canicola. Of 62 carnivores representing 7 species, 55 (89%) were seropositive, as were 46 (60%) of 77 rodents from 9 species. Leptospira of the serovar copenhageni serogroup icterohaemorrhagiae were recovered from kidney tissues of a Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus). Of 443 wildlife sera tested by the indirect hemagglutination (IHA) test using cells sensitized with L. illini antigen, 47 (11%), mainly carnivores and deer, gave a heterophile reaction. Of the remaining 396 sera, 164 (41%) were seropositive for leptospirosis by the IHA test. To compare the IHA test with the MA test, 143 serum samples were tested by both methods. There was 84% concordance betwee...
TL;DR: An adult nematode having morphologic features of the meningeal worm (Parelap hostrongylus tenuis) was found in the brain of one llama andLesions in the central nervous system of both llamas appeared to have been caused by a migrating parasite.
Abstract: Four of 11 llamas (Lama guanicoe) from a ranch near Houston, Texas developed clinical signs of a neurologic disease. Tissues from 2 of the 4 llamas were submitted for microscopic examination. Lesions in the central nervous system of both llamas appeared to have been caused by a migrating parasite. An adult nematode having morphologic features of the meningeal worm (Parelap hostrongylus tenuis) was found in the brain of one llama. The findings suggest that the neurologic disease in the llamas were caused by P. tenuis.
TL;DR: The only parasite observed to initiate damage or lesions in the alligator was the pentastome, suggesting disjunct distributions for the trematode species in South Carolina alligators.
Abstract: Twelve American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) were obtained from three different areas of South Carolina. One species of pentastome (Sebekia oxycephala), two species of nematodes (Dujardinascaris waltoni and Multicaecum tenuicolle), four species of trematodes (Polycotyle ornata, Acanthostomum coronarium, Archaeodiplostomum acetabulatum and Pseudocrocodilicola americaniense) and one species of hemogregarine (Haemogregarina crocodilnorum) were recovered. Polycotyle ornata was observed only in alligators from Par Pond while P. americaniense was found in Par Pond and coastal hosts, A. acetabulatum from Kiawah Island and coastal alligators, and A. coronarium only at Kiawah Island. These patterns suggest disjunct distributions for the trematode species in South Carolina alligators. The other parasites were found in alligators from all three locations. The only parasite observed to initiate damage or lesions in the alligator was the pentastome.
TL;DR: A wild raccoon (Procyon lotor) had clinical signs, histopathologic and ul-trastructural lesions indicative of lead intoxication and chemical analyses of liver and kidney tissues revealed 35 ppm of lead in wet tissues.
Abstract: A wild raccoon (Procyon lotor) had clinical signs, histopathologic and ul-trastructural lesions indicative of lead intoxication. The diagnosis was confirmed by chemical analyses of liver and kidney tissues which revealed 35 ppm of lead in wet tissues. A survey of hepatic lead concentration in 13 additional raccoons was conducted.
TL;DR: Prevalence of blood parasites in Senegal was low in comparison to that seen in birds from other parts of Africa and blood parasites were most prevalent in the colonial-nesting ploceids.
Abstract: A total of 809 birds from Senegal, including 43 species and 21 families, were examined for hematozoans; 93 birds (11.5%) harbored blood parasites, with only 7 (7.5%) harboring mixed infections. Species of Haemoproteus occurred in 81.7% of the infected birds while species of Plasmodium, Trypanosoma, microfilaria and Leucocytozoon were encountered less frequently. The majority of the sample was composed of species of ploceids and estrildids and blood parasites were most prevalent in the colonial-nesting ploceids. Prevalence of blood parasites in Senegal was low in comparison to that seen in birds from other parts of Africa.
TL;DR: Twenty four percent of cottontail rabbits collected in Virginia from 1949-1975 showed evidence of Cuterebra parasitism, allowing up to four generations of flies to occur annually in the southern and one generation to occur in the northern distributional limits of this bot fly.
Abstract: Twenty four percent of 2,643 cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus floridanus) collected in Virginia from 1949-1975 showed evidence of Cuterebra parasitism. Occurrence was seasonal with greatest prevalence from July to November. Some Oryctolagus cuniculus, S. palustris and one S. transitionalis also showed Cuterebra myiasis. Juvenile rabbits had higher infection rates (28%) than did adult rabbits (14.5%, P<.001). Juveniles had greater numbers of larvae per host than adults, with means of 2.14 and 1.62, respectively. Larval development sites were in the genital region of most hosts. Twenty flies reared from wild cottontails were identified as C. buccata. Duration of induced infections in Oryctalagus was 30-33 days. Minimal generation time for C. buccata is concluded to be 11 weeks, allowing up to four generations of flies to occur annually in the southern and one generation to occur in the northern distributional limits of this bot fly. Peromyscus hosts were refractory to C. buccata infections. C. buccata fecundi...
TL;DR: Comparisons were made between hematologic measurements of shot and box-trapped cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus floridanus) to find trapped rabbits had significantly higher serum corticoid levels and segmented neutrophil percentages and lower lymphocyte percentages than did shot rabbits.
Abstract: Comparisons were made between hematologic measurements of shot and box-trapped cottontail rabbits (Sylvilagus floridanus). Trapped rabbits had significantly (P < 0.001) higher serum corticoid levels and segmented neutrophil percentages and significantly (P < 0.001) lower lymphocyte percentages than did shot rabbits. Trapped rabbits also had significantly (P < 0.05) higher packed cell volumes and blood urea nitrogen values than did shot rabbits.
TL;DR: Direct and indirect immunoperoxidase techniques were evaluated for their potential in identifying infectious pancreatic necrosis (IPN) virus and the indirect method was clearly specific and utilized commercially available reagents.
Abstract: Direct and indirect immunoperoxidase (IP) techniques were evaluated for their potential in identifying infectious pancreatic necrosis (IPN) virus. Both techniques were shown to offer a relatively simple, rapid and efficient means for the specific identification of IPN virus in infected cells. The direct IP method resulted in less nonspecific staining; however, the indirect method was clearly specific and utilized commercially available reagents.
TL;DR: An immature chinook salmon that had spent two winters at sea was found in a Puget Sound beach zone and Necropsy indicated the fish was infected with bacterial kidney disease (KD), the first report of KD from a wild fish in the marine environment.
Abstract: An immature chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) that had spent two winters at sea was found in a Puget Sound beach zone. Necropsy indicated the fish was infected with bacterial kidney disease (KD). This is the first report of KD from a wild fish in the marine environment.
TL;DR: A striped skunk showing abnormal behavior had histopathologic lesions of toxoplasmosis and canine distemper in addition to intranuclear, eosinophilic inclusions in the reticuloendothelial cells of the spleen, liver and lung that were compatible with herpesvirus infection.
Abstract: A striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) showing abnormal behavior had histopathologic lesions of toxoplasmosis and canine distemper in addition to intranuclear, eosinophilic inclusions in the reticuloendothelial cells of the spleen, liver and lung. The inclusions, on electron microscopic examination, were compatible with herpesvirus infection.
TL;DR: The history, gross necropsy, histopathology and predisposing factors of two epornitics of acute aspergillosis in mallard ducks in north central Colorado are described.
Abstract: Aspergillosis is a well-documented fungal disease of wild and domestic avian species.6 Outbreaks in freeranging waterfowl have been recorded in wood ducks (Aix sponsa),’ mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) ” and Canada geese (Bra nta canadensis). A more complete list of susceptible species is presented by O’Meara and Witter.5 This paper describes the history, gross necropsy, histopathology and predisposing factors of two epornitics of acute aspergillosis in mallard ducks in north central Colorado.
TL;DR: Mycobacteriosis was found in mountain whitefish taken from the Yakima River near Richland, Washington in 1975 and 1976 and has been tentatively classified as Mycobacteria sp.
Abstract: Mycobacteriosis was found in mountain whitefish (Prosopium williamsoni) taken from the Yakima River near Richland, Washington in 1975 and 1976. The disease appeared to affect about 8% of the population sampled. Gross lesions were present in most visceral organs, but were most common in the kidney, liver and pyloric caeca. Microscopically, the lesions consisted of large numbers of macrophages containing numerous intracellular bacilli. An organism was isolated and has been tentatively classified as Mycobacterium sp., Runyon group III.
TL;DR: Oocysts of both species of Eimeria gruis and E. reichenowi were prevalent in fecal samples collected from three free-ranging Canadian sandhill cranes from whooping crane wintering grounds in Texas.
Abstract: Coccidial oocysts were observed in 6 of 19 fecal samples from free-ranging whooping cranes (Grus americana) and 4 of 16 samples from captive whooping cranes. Eimeria gruis occurred in four free-ranging whooping cranes and E. reichenowi in two free-ranging and two captive whooping cranes. Fecal samples from two captive cranes contained oocysts of lsospora lacazei which was considered a spurious parasite. Oocysts of both species of Eimeria were prevalent in fecal samples collected from three free-ranging Canadian sandhill cranes (G. canadensis rowani) from whooping crane wintering grounds in Texas. These coccidia were prevalent also in fecal samples from 14 sandhill cranes (of 4 subspecies) maintained in captivity at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Maryland.