Animal mortality

About: Animal mortality is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 526 publications have been published within this topic receiving 14887 citations.

In Vivo Demonstration of the Superior Replication and Infectivity of Genotype 2.1 with Respect to Genotype 3.4 of Classical Swine Fever Virus by Dual Infections.

Abstract: In Taiwan, the prevalent CSFV population has shifted from the historical genotype 3.4 (94.4 strain) to the newly invading genotype 2.1 (TD/96 strain) since 1996. This study analyzed the competition between these two virus genotypes in dual infection pigs with equal and different virus populations and with maternally derived neutralizing antibodies induced by a third genotype of modified live vaccine (MLV), to simulate that occurring in natural situations in the field. Experimentally, under various dual infection conditions, with or without the presence of maternal antibodies, with various specimens from blood, oral and fecal swabs, and internal organs at various time points, the TD/96 had consistently 1.51−3.08 log higher loads than those of 94.4. A second passage of competition in the same animals further widened the lead of TD/96 as indicated by viral loads. The maternally derived antibodies provided partial protection to both wild type CSFVs and was correlated with lower clinical scores, febrile reaction, and animal mortality. In the presence of maternal antibodies, pigs could be infected by both wild type CSFVs, with TD/96 dominating. These findings partially explain the CSFV shift observed, furthering our understanding of CSFV pathogenesis in the field, and are helpful for the control of CSF.

Geography of roadkills within the Tropical Andes Biodiversity Hotspot: Poorly known vertebrates are part of the toll

Abstract: We explore the effect of roads in animal mortality within the Biodiversity Hotspot with the highest number of endemic species of vertebrates on Earth, the Tropical Andes. Our objectives were to know which species are killed on roads in this particularly biodiversity‐rich area and how landscape composition and configuration influences roadkills. We systematically looked for roadkills along roads that border three protected areas in the Ecuadorian Andes. To evaluate our hypotheses, we used correlation, logistic regression, and GIS analyses. We surveyed a total of 7128 km and observed a roadkill rate of 6.24 (95% CI = 5.35–7.14) individuals per 100 km/day. Roadkills included poorly known endemic and endangered vertebrates; among them, one undescribed snake species of the genus Atractus. Most roadkills were by pastures, the dominant vegetation by roads in our study area. Roadkills were more likely to occur near bridges and were more frequent at greater distances from natural vegetation, towns, and rivers. We conclude that pastures and bridges may be functioning as ecological traps for small and poorly known vertebrates. Mitigation measures could include increasing road permeability to wildlife by constructing culverts in critical points where mortality is high, and the adaptation of areas beneath bridges for them to function effectively as wildlife underpasses. These measures should be complemented with fences to exclude vertebrates from roads in areas near wildlife passages and along pastures. We encourage the development of similar studies in biodiversity‐rich areas to inform mitigation measures that can be adapted to local conditions.

Railway Ecology—Experiences and Examples in the Czech Republic

Abstract: The range of direct and indirect effects of railway transport on animals, plants, ecological processes and the actual ecosystems vary considerably. Railway transport operations and infrastructure building lead to environmental pollution, loss or conversion of habitats, landscape fragmentation and, last but not least, to animal mortality caused by collisions with passing trains. The impact of railways is determined by the nature of railway infrastructure, which is not as significant in the Czech Republic as road infrastructure, yet it is one of the densest in Europe. An important feature is relatively low electrification (about 33% of the lines) and the length of multi-track lines (about 20%). In the coming years, we can expect massive investments in revitalization, optimization and modernization of the railways in the Czech Republic, and eventually their electrification. To connect the crucial trans-European lines and all regions it will be necessary to complete the basic network of high-speed railways. Based on these facts we can say that the significance of railway ecology in the Czech Republic will grow with the amount of investment activities implemented in the railway network. In the past, similar development took place with road infrastructure, and therefore there is an opportunity to learn from it. To mitigate the direct effects of railways on wildlife, on the basis of previous experience in the Czech Republic we recommend working primarily with management measures. These are both in terms of wildlife management and the management of habitats in the area of transport infrastructure.

Protection against fatal renal injury due to choline deficiency by renal decapsulation.

Abstract: Decapsulation of the left kidney through a lumbar incision immediately prior to placing young rats on a choline-deficient diet afforded a significant degree of protection against animal mortality, compared with that which occurred as a result of the deficiency in the control groups. Decapsulation also was effective in reducing greatly the renal injury which developed in the decapsulated kidneys, as judged by a comparison of the decapsulated kidneys with the contralateral undecapsulated kidneys of the same animals. Decapsulation through an abdominal incision also was efficacious. Decapsulation after 4 or 5 days on the deficient diet, at which time relatively early renal lesions were present in most of the animals, afforded little if any protection. Experiments in which the usual adhesions between the decapsulated kidneys and surrounding tissues were prevented by covering the decapsulated kidneys with artificial capsules demonstrated that protection due to decapsulation could occur in the absence of adhesions. Renal denervation without removal of the renal capsule was not associated with a decrease in renal damage or animal mortality. Possible mechanisms of the protective effect of renal decapsulation in choline deficiency are discussed.

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.