Showing papers on "Animal mortality published in 2012"

Spatial analysis of amphibian road mortality levels in northern Portugal country roads

Abstract: Animal mortality caused by vehicle collisions is one of the main ecological impacts of roads. Amphibians are the most affected group and road fatalities have a significant impact on population dynamics and viability. Several studies on Iberian amphibians have shown the importance of country roads on amphibian road mortality, but still, little is known about the situation in northern Portugal. By being more permeable to amphibian passage, country roads represent a greater source of mortality than highways, which act as barriers. Thus, mitigation measures should be applied, but due to the extensive road network, the identification of precise locations (hotspots) and variables related to animal-vehicle collision is needed to plan these measures successfully. The aim of the study was to analyse the spatial occurrence and related factors linked to amphibian mortality on a number of country roads in northern Portugal, using spatial statistics implemented in GIS and applying a binary logistical regression. We surveyed 631 km of road corresponding to seven transects, and observed 404 individual amphibians: 74 (18.3%) alive and 330 (81.7%) road-killed. Bufo bufo represented 80% of the mortality records. Three transects showed clustered distribution of road-kills, and broadleaved forests and road ditches were the most important factors associated with hotspots of road-kill. Logistic regression models showed that habitat quality, Bufo bufo’s habitat preferences, and road ditches are positively associated with amphibians’ road mortality in northern Portugal, whereas average altitude and length of walls were negatively associated. This study is a useful tool to understand spatial occurrence of amphibian road-kills in the face of applying mitigation measures on country roads from northern Portugal. This study also considers the necessity of assessing the condition of amphibian local populations to understand their road-kills spatial patterns and the urgency to apply mitigation measures on country roads.

Validation and optimization of experimental colitis induction in rats using 2, 4, 6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid.

Abstract: Trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis is one of the most common methods for studying inflammatory bowel disease in animal models. Several factors may, however, affect its reproducibility, rate of animal mortality, and macroscopic and histopathological outcomes. Our aim was to validate the main contributing factors to this method and compare the effects of different reference drugs upon remission of resultant colon injuries. TNBS was dissolved in 0.25 ml of ethanol (50% v/v) and instilled (25, 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg) intracolonically to the male Wistar rats. After determination of optimum dose of TNBS in male rats and assessment of this dose in female rats, they were treated with reference drugs including dexamethasone [1 mg/kg, intraperitoneally (i.p.) and 2 mg/kg, orally (p.o.)], Asacol (mesalazine, 100 mg/kg, p.o.; 150 mg/kg, enema) and hydrocortisone acetate (20 mg/kg, i.p.; 20 mg/kg, enema) which started 2 h after colitis induction and continued daily for 6 consecutive days. Thereafter, macroscopic and microscopic parameters and clinical features were assessed and compared in different groups. We found that the optimum dose of TNBS for the reproducibility of colonic damage with the least mortality rate was 50 mg/kg. Amongst studied reference drugs, hydrocortisone acetate (i.p.), dexamethasone (i.p. and p.o.) and Asacol (p.o.) significantly diminished the severity of macroscopic and microscopic injuries and could be considered effective for experimental colitis studies in rats. Our findings suggest that optimization of TNBS dose is essential for induction of colitis under the laboratory conditions; and gender exerts no impact upon macroscopic and histological characteristics of TNBS-induced colitis in rats. Furthermore, the enema forms of hydrocortisone and Asacol are not appropriate reference drugs.

The difference between night and day: antipredator behavior in birds

Abstract: Animals have evolved sophisticated strategies for avoiding predators during the day These strategies can vary depending on the type of predator and level of threat Although nocturnal predation is a major cause of animal mortality, antipredator behavior at night is poorly understood To investigate how diurnal animals adjust their antipredator behavior during these different conditions, peahens (Pavo cristatus) were exposed to a taxidermy raccoon during the daytime and nighttime During the day, the peahens emitted loud antipredator calls, extended their necks upward, adopted a preflight posture, and approached the predator; at night, the peahens emitted soft hissing calls, remained stationary, piloerected their feathers, and raised their tails The results demonstrate that birds adopt radically different antipredator behavior depending on whether the threat occurs in the daytime or nighttime These different tactics could result from limitations in sensory abilities Videos showing nocturnal and diurnal antipredator behavior of peafowl are available online ( http://wwwmomo-pcom/showdetail-ephp?movieid=momo111110pc01a and http://wwwmomo-pcom/showdetail-ephp?movieid=momo111110pc02a )

Radiomodulatory role of Rutin and Quercetin in Swiss Albino mice exposed to the whole body gamma radiation.

Abstract: Context: Radiation therapy is the prime treatment modality against various cancers. However, its use is limited due to the effects of radiation on normal tissues. Aims: In view of this, present study was carried out to evaluate the radioprotective potential of Rutin (RUT) and Quercetin (QRT) in Swiss Albino mice exposed to the whole body gamma radiation. To gain insight into the mechanism of action, RUT and QRT were tested for its antioxidant levels in mice. Settings and Designs: Optimum protective dose of RUT and QRT against radiation induced animal mortality was selected by administration of various doses of the RUT and QRT before 10 Gy gamma irradiation. Materials and Methods: Swiss Albino mice were used for the assessment of radiation induced sickness along with the survival analysis and anti-oxidative properties of RUT and QRT. Statistical Analysis Used: Survival studies were determined using the Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Results: The maximum survival was observed with 10 mg/kg. b. wt. and 20 mg/kg. b. wt. of RUT and QRT respectively, this dose was considered as an optimal dose for radioprotection. Treatment of mice with RUT and QRT before irradiation delayed the onset of mortality as compared with the untreated irradiated controls. The oral administration of RUT and QRT resulted in an increase in the radiation tolerance and the dose reduction factor was found to be 1.15 and 1.11 respectively. RUT and QRT pre-treatment significantly (P < 0.01) elevated levels of reduced glutathione, glutathione-S-transferase, catalase, Superoxide dismutase, and a decreased lipid peroxidation in mouse liver homogenate at 24 h after exposure to 4.5 Gy. Conclusions: Present findings demonstrate the potential of RUT and QRT in mitigating radiation-induced mortality, which may be attributed to the elevation in the antioxidant status, anti-lipid peroxidative potential.

Dabigatran versus warfarin after mechanical mitral valve replacement in the swine model

Abstract: Background: Mechanical heart valve replacement is an absolute indication for anticoagulation. We report our experience comparing dabigatran to warfarin as thromboembolic prophylaxis after mechanical mitral valve replacement in the swine model. Methods: Nineteen swine underwent mitral valve replacement with a regulatory approved, 27 mm mechanical valve. Two control groups consisted of three animals receiving no anticoagulation and five animals receiving warfarin (5 mg once a day [QD], adjusted to maintain international normalized ratio [INR] from 2.0 to 2.5). The experimental group consisted of 11 animals receiving dabigatran (20 mg/kg twice a day [BID]). The study period was 90 days. The primary outcome was animal mortality; secondary outcomes included presence of thrombus and bleeding complications. Results: The experimental group had four full-term survivors (40.0%); there were no full-term survivors in either control group. The average length of survival was 50.3 days in the experimental group ...

Effect of Traffic on Mortality of Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds and Mammals on Two Types of Roads Between Pazardzhik and Plovdiv Region (Bulgaria) - Preliminary Results

Abstract: The study explores the mortality of birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals causes of traffic on Tra- kia highway (the section is 68 km long) and one control road section: first-class road (the section is 58 km long) between Pazardzhik and Plovdiv. To observe the number of killed amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals on the highway 11 one-kilometer transects were chosen and on the control section - 10 transects. They were visited for overall 20 days in seven months. During the visiting of transects was reg- istered every animal, the species, sex and age (if possible) and also the exact distance from the end of the road at which the individual was found. In total, 756 corpses of amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals were found. The results from this one-year study show that the amphibians are most affected from the traf- fic on the two types of roads between Pazardzhik and Plovdiv, but if we exclude the migration of Marsh Frog, the most affected groups are birds and mammals. From all killed animals, 67.2% were amphibians, 15.7% birds, 9.2% mammals and 7.8% reptiles. Difference of animal mortality between Trakia highway and the first-class road between Pazardzhik and Plovdiv was found. On the highway the most abundant group of killed animals are birds and on first-class road are amphibians and reptiles. The highest casual- ties occurred in September - 92 individuals and the numerous killed individuals are adults (without the masking effect of migration of Marsh Frog). Overall 36 killed animals per 1 km were found. The largest number of killed animals was found on the roadway (44%).

Ceratomyxa shasta genotypes cause differential mortality in their salmonid hosts.

Abstract: Ceratomyxa shasta is a myxozoan parasite of salmonid fish. In natural communities, distinct genotypes of the parasite are associated with different salmonid hosts. To test the hypothesis that genotypes of C. shasta cause differential mortality, the polychaete host was experimentally infected with different parasite genotypes. Genotype I was obtained from Chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, and genotype II from either coho salmon, O. kisutch, or rainbow trout, O. mykiss, We then challenged four salmonid strains: Chinook and coho salmon that occur in sympatry with the parasite and allopatric Chinook salmon and rainbow trout. Parasite genotype I caused mortality only in Chinook strains, although mortality in the allopatric strain also occurred from exposure to genotype II. A second experiment demonstrated that genotype II could be separated into two biotypes based on differential mortality in rainbow trout and coho salmon. These differential patterns of mortality as a result of infection by certain genotypes of C. shasta support field observations and suggest a co-evolutionary relationship between these parasites and their hosts.

Morphological, biological and molecular characterization of three strains of Trypanosoma cruzi Chagas, 1909 (Kinetoplastida, Trypanosomatidae) isolated from Triatoma sordida (Stal) 1859 (Hemiptera, Reduviidae) and a domestic cat

Abstract: A study was conducted of the biological, morphological and molecular characters of 3 strains of Trypanosoma cruzi (SI5, SI8 and SIGR3) isolated from specimens of Triatoma sordida collected in Santo Inacio and a domestic cat. In order to carry out the study, the following parameters were evaluated: pre-patent period, parasitaemia curves, morphology of the parasites, mortality rates, histopathological lesions and molecular typing. The strains presented variable pre-patent periods, low parasitaemia and no animal mortality. The morphological study of trypomastigotes showed a predominance of intermediate-width and short-length forms, as well as low nuclear index. Epimastigotes presented a low nuclear index, intermediate-width forms in strains SI5 and SI8, and large-width forms in SIGR3. A shorter length could be noted in strains SI8 and SIGR3, whereas SI5 displayed an intermediate length. The histopathological study did not detect amastigote nests in tissues. The amplification of the divergent domain of 24Sα rRNA, HSP60 and GPI genes of strains SI5, SI8 and SIGR3 classified the 3 strains into Group II. Biological parameters made it possible to classify the strains isolated in Santo Inacio (BA) into Biodeme III, Zymodeme 1 and Group II of T. cruzi.

Rabies DNA Vaccines: Current Status and Future

Abstract: Rabies continues to be a significant cause of human and animal mortality, despite the availability of safe and effective prophylactics Apart from limited access, the cost and complex schedules of rabies biologics often impact on the success of post-exposure prophylaxis in humans in the endemic countries Mass vaccination of dogs, critical in rabies control, often fails to achieve its goal in rabies-endemic countries due to logistic, animal and vaccine-related issues DNA vaccination has been proposed as a cheaper and efficient strategy for rabies prophylaxis, and its feasibility has been demonstrated in a number of animal models including companion animals, since 1994 Despite the proven efficacy, the technology suffers from a few drawbacks that limit its large-scale application, such as delayed and weaker immune responses in larger animals Recent advances in the field of vector design and delivery hold promise for enhancement of rabies DNA vaccine efficacy The present article provides an overview of developments in the field of DNA rabies vaccination and its future prospects

Predator-prey spatial game as a tool to understand the effects of protected areas on harvester-wildlife interactions.

Abstract: No-take reserves are sometimes implemented for sustainable population harvesting because they offer opportunities for animals to spatially avoid harvesters, whereas harvesters can benefit in return from the reserve spillover. Here, we used the framework of predator-prey spatial games to understand how protected areas shape spatial interactions between harvesters and target species and determine animal mortality. In these spatial games, the "predator" searches for "prey" and matches their habitat use, unless it meets spatial constraints offering the opportunity for prey to avoid the mortality source. However, such prey refuges could attract predators in the surroundings, which questions the potential benefits for prey. We located, in the Geneva Basin (France), hunting dogs and wild boar Sus scrofa L. during hunting seasons with global positioning systems and very-high-frequency collars. We quantified how the proximity of the reserve shaped the matching between both habitat uses using multivariate analyses and linked these patterns to animals' mortality with a Cox regression analysis. Results showed that habitat uses by both protagonists disassociated only when hunters were spatially constrained by the reserve. In response, hunters increased hunting efforts near the reserve boundary, which induced a higher risk exposure for animals settled over the reserve. The mortality of adult wild boar decreased near the reserve as the mismatch between both habitat uses increased. However the opposite pattern was determined for younger individuals that suffered from the high level of hunting close to the reserve. The predator-prey analogy was an accurate prediction of how the protected area modified spatial relationships between harvesters and target species. Prey-searching strategies adopted by hunters around reserves strongly impacted animal mortality and the efficiency of the protected area for this harvested species. Increasing reserve sizes and/or implementing buffer areas with harvesting limitations can dampen this edge effect and helps harvesters to benefit durably from source populations of reserves. Predator-prey spatial games therefore provide a powerful theoretical background for understanding wildlife-harvester spatial interactions and developing substantial application for sustainable harvesting.

Role of Nicotinic and Muscarinic Cholinoreceptors in the Realization of the Cholinergic Anti-Infl ammatory Pathway during the Early Phase of Sepsis

Abstract: Stimulation of nicotinic and muscarinic cholinoreceptors (nAChR, mAChR) in outbred albino mice with nicotine and aceclidine, respectively, in single equilethal doses 0.5 DL50 6 h before sepsis induction signifi cantly reduced animal mortality due to a decrease in blood concentrations of proinfl ammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and MIP-2. Stimulation of mAChR (injection of aceclidine) stimulated the neutrophilic phagocytic and metabolic activity. Realization of the cholinergic anti-infl ammatory pathway (stimulation of the peripheral nicotinic cholinoreceptors (α7nAChR) and central muscarinic cholinoreceptors (mAChR) was modulated by stimulation of the muscarinic cholinoreceptors of the phagocytic monocytic system cells.

Screening of Indigofera lupatana Baker F. root extracts for antibacterial activities

Abstract: Herbal remedies as cheap alternatives to conventional medicine have contributed significantly to rural livelihoods. Apart from the traditional healers practicing herbal medicine, many people are involved in collecting and trading medicinal plants. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 80% of the world’s population depends on medicinal plants for their primary health care (Mothana et al, 2008; Ngoci et al, 2011). The use of traditional medicine has been explored globally and is widely used in developing countries as an alternative or to complement conventional medicine (Rates, 2001; Gupta et al, 2010). Natural products, either as pure compounds or as standardized plant extracts, provide exceptional opportunities for new drug leads because of the unmatched chemical diversity of naturally derived compounds (Cowan, 1999; Parekh and Chanda, 2007; Mariita et al, 2010; Ngoci et al, 2011). Scientific interest in medicinal plants has burgeoned due to the recognized efficacy of plant derived drugs and everpresent concerns about the side effects of modern medicinal substances. This has fuelled the intensive investigation of new molecular structures from the plant kingdom as potential medicinal compounds (Mariita et al, 2010). As a result, drugs derived from unmodified natural products or semi-synthetic drugs obtained from natural sources accounted for 78% of the new drugs approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) between 1983 and 1994 (Suffredini et al, 2006; Ngoci et al, 2011). This underscores the importance of screening natural products. Infectious diseases are a leading cause of human and animal mortality. This is further aggravated by the rapid development of multi-drug resistance to available antimicrobial agents (Doughart and Okafor, 2007; Ngoci et al, 2011), their limited anti-microbial spectrum, their side effects (Huie, 2002), and emergence and reemergence of opportunistic infections. Therefore, studies aimed at identifying and characterizing of the substances that exhibit activity against infectious microorganisms, yet showing no cross resistance with existing antibiotics, are required (Olila et al, 2001). In recent years, pharmaceutical companies have focused on developing drugs from natural products that promises to counter the limitations of conventional antibiotics (Doughart and Okafor, 2007). The bio-activity of natural products is due to phytochemicals, a group of secondary metabolites often elaborated for the plant defense against pests and herbivores or to gain an advantage over competing agents. These phytochemicals inadvertently also protect humans against pathogens (Ngoci et al, 2011). Some phytochemicals are known to have antimicrobial properties, immune-modulative properties, provide nutrition for normal cell health and repairs, inhibit carcinogens and act as antioxidants. Indigofera lupatana Baker F., locally called ‘mugiti’ by the Mbeere community in Kenya, is a woody shrub found in Acacia-Combretum ecological zones of Mbeere. It is widely used for its perceived medicinal value in treating coughs and diarrhea (Riley and Brokensha, 1988; Ngoci et al, 2011), gonorrhea and pleurisy (Kokwaro, 1993; Ngoci et al, 2011). There is apparently no documented scientific report on anti-microbial properties of this plant. This lack of scientific corroboration has often constituted a major constraint to the consideration of the use of herbal remedies in conjunction with or as an affordable alternative to conventional medical treatment (Okeke et al, 2001). Knowledge of the chemical constituents of plants is desirable not only for the discovery of therapeutic agents, but also because such information may be important in identifying new sources of substances of economic value such as tannins, oils, gums, and precursors for the synthesis of complex chemical substances. In addition, the knowledge of the chemical constituents of plants would further be valuable in discovering the actual value of folkloric remedies (Mojab et al, 2003). This study was therefore undertaken to determine the antibacterial properties of hexane, ethyl acetate and dichloromethane root extracts of I. lupatana Baker F.

Epizootic Agent-Based Modeling: The Mobility Threshold for Disease Spread as a Critical Percolation Phenomenon

Abstract: Modeling of epidemic spread within human populations has been an active research area for a considerable time, yet relatively little work has been done in investigating the modeling dynamics of epizootic spread in livestock populations within intensive livestock production operations (ILPOs). Enclosed ILPOs are the standard environment for swine and poultry production in North America, and animal health is a key economic and food safety concern. This article investigates an agent-based model (ABM) overlayed on a modified dynamic percolation model to characterize epizootic spread within a poultry ILPO. The objective of the work was to develop a behavior-based disease modeling framework and, in doing so, to examine the relative impacts of infection longevity and agent mobility on epizootic spread and animal mortality in a poultry ILPO. Initial validation and systematic analysis of the model demonstrated that an ABM built on a regular percolation topology is a reasonable model to capture the macroscopic dynamics of disease transmission in a poultry ILPO. The results indicate that, at low population density, the infection duration has a greater impact on mortality than the impact of animal mobility on mortality. At higher population density, the impact of animal mobility rapidly dominates the impact of infection duration on mortality. The most significant insight arising from the study is that the percolation threshold, where a disease is able to spread throughout the entire ILPO environment, is greatly reduced when mobility is introduced. In other words, in addition to infection duration, animal mobility is a significant factor in accelerating disease spread. These insights and more detailed modeling can inform generalized livestock housing design considerations and management practices that may mitigate epizootic spread in an ILPO.

A model of cerebral circulation disorders created by staged ligation of the common carotid arteries.

Abstract: A model of brain ischemia induced by staged ligation of the left and right common carotid arteries has been developed in experiments on rats. The use to this model led to reduction of animal mortality. On days 2-5 after the second ligature, the animals lost weight, the level of their CNS vulnerability increased, the volume of perceived information reduced, adaptation to environmental conditions and reproduction of conditioned reflexes were disordered. Focal and diffuse destructive changes in the nerve and glia cells were found in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and thalamic nuclei. The severity of disorders in the blood supply to the brain depended on the interval between ligation of the carotid arteries. This recommends this model for evaluation of the efficiency of drugs of various pharmacological groups.

Effects of reversible inhibition of cholinesterase and nicotine on mouse mortality and blood levels of proinflammatory cytokines during the early phase of sepsis.

Abstract: Experiments on outbred albino mice have shown that proserine (reversible cholinesterase inhibitor) and nicotine (nicotinic receptor agonist) in a equivalent dose of 0.2 DL(50)injected 2 h before sepsis induction significantly reduced animal mortality from experimental infection due to reduction of blood concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6.

A literature Review on Disinfecting Chemicals for Improved Bio‐Security of Emergency Animal Mortality Composting and Anaerobic Digestion

Abstract: This work reviews literature on disinfecting chemicals that could be used to inactivate pathogens in carcass composting and anaerobic digestate. Our review suggests the pathogens sometimes survive in compost and anaerobic digestate. The objective of this review is to look for a possibility of a two‐ phase treatment, composting and anaerobic digestion followed by a chemical treatment, to improve the bio‐security of livestock mortality management. First, we review the available information on liquid and gaseous disinfecting chemicals that have been used historically for inactivating pathogens in solid and liquid matrixes such as soil, grains, and certain food products. Based on the scientific, practical appeal of those chemicals, we evaluate and discuss their potentials and suggest some chemicals that could be used in emergency disposals of animal mortalities. Finally, we highlight future emerging research needs. Disciplines Bioresource and Agricultural Engineering | Veterinary Medicine Comments This poster was presented at the 4th International Symposium on Managing Animal Mortality, Products, By Products and Associated Health Risk, 21–24 May 2012, Dearborn, MI. This conference proceeding is available at Iowa State University Digital Repository: http://lib.dr.iastate.edu/abe_eng_conf/225 4 International Symposium on Managing Animal Mortality, Products, By Products and Associated Health Risk Dearborn, MI May 21-24, 2012 A literature Review on Disinfecting Chemicals for Improved Bio‐Security of Emergency Animal Mortality Composting and Anaerobic Digestion By: Lam Nguyen, ABE – Iowa State University This work reviews literature on disinfecting chemicals that could be used to inactivate pathogens in carcass composting and anaerobic digestate. Our review suggests the pathogens sometimes survive in compost and anaerobic digestate. The objective of this review is to look for a possibility of a two‐ phase treatment, composting and anaerobic digestion followed by a chemical treatment, to improve the bio‐security of livestock mortality management. First, we review the available information on liquid and gaseous disinfecting chemicals that have been used historically for inactivating pathogens in solid and liquid matrixes such as soil, grains, and certain food products. Based on the scientific, practical appeal of those chemicals, we evaluate and discuss their potentials and suggest some chemicals that could be used in emergency disposals of animal mortalities. Finally, we highlight future emerging research needs.

Toxicity and Lethality Evaluations of Koordersiodendron pinnatum Leaves Methanolic Extract in DDY Mice

Abstract: The study of toxic features of Koordersiodendron pinnatum is vital for further studies of its pharmacological activities. Acute toxicity test was done on methanolic extracts of K. pinnatum in DDY mice. Animals were grouped into five: Group 1 was given 1 mL solution of 2.5% Tween 80 in a single oral dose; the remaining groups were orally given a single dose of 2, 4, 8 and 16 g/kg of K. pinnatum, respectively. Toxic effects of the extract were evaluated on the basis of behavioral observations in the form of locomotor activity; curiosity; defecation; urination and also animal mortality. Observations were carried out for 14 days. No significant changes on body weight, and behavioural activities were recorded. Mortality was recorded up to 2% of the male group, and no mortality within the female group. The extract is practically non toxic for both male and female (LD50>15 g/kg).