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Bull K, Davies G, Jenkins TP, Peachey L. The faecal microbiome of Exmoor ponies shows step-wise compositional changes with increasing levels of management by humans. Equine Vet J 2024; 56:159-170. [PMID: 37264698 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Horses can suffer from gastrointestinal (GI) disease in domestic environments, often precipitated by human-led changes in management. Understanding the consequences of these changes on equine gut microbiota is key to the prevention of such disease episodes. OBJECTIVE Profile the faecal microbiota of adult female Exmoor ponies under three management conditions, representing increasing levels of management by humans, encompassing different diets; whilst controlling for age, breed and sex. STUDY DESIGN Cross-sectional descriptive. METHODS Faecal samples were collected from three populations of Exmoor ponies kept under contrasting management conditions: 29 adult female ponies in groups with low management (LM) (n = 10), medium management (MM) (n = 10) and high management (HM) (n = 9) levels, based on diet, drug use, handling and exercise. Faecal microbial composition was profiled via high-throughput sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene, and functional metagenome predictions. RESULTS We observed profound step-wise changes in microbiome structure in the transition from LM to MM to HM. A relatively high abundance of Proteobacteria and Tenericutes was associated with the HM group; higher abundance of Methanobacteria was observed in the LM group. The MM group had intermediate levels of these taxa and exhibited high 'within group' variation in alpha diversity. Functional predictions revealed increased amino acid and lipid metabolism in HM; energy metabolism in LM and carbohydrate metabolism and immune/metabolic disease pathways in MM. MAIN LIMITATIONS Low group sizes, incomplete knowledge of bacterial genomes in equine gut microbiota and it was not possible to assess the relative impact of diet, drug use, handling and exercise on the microbiome as variables were confounded. CONCLUSIONS Human-led management factors had profound step-wise effects on faecal microbial composition. Based on functional metagenome predictions, we hypothesise that dietary differences between groups were the major driver of observed differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Bull
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Gareth Davies
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Timothy P Jenkins
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Laura Peachey
- School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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Vergara-Wilson V, Hidalgo-Hermoso E, Sanchez CR, Abarca MJ, Navarro C, Celis-Diez S, Soto-Guerrero P, Diaz-Ayala N, Zordan M, Cifuentes-Ramos F, Cabello-Stom J. Canine Distemper Outbreak by Natural Infection in a Group of Vaccinated Maned Wolves in Captivity. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10010051. [PMID: 33429927 PMCID: PMC7827803 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10010051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 01/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Canine distemper virus (CDV) is one of the most significant infectious disease threats to the health and conservation of free-ranging and captive wild carnivores. CDV vaccination using recombinant canarypox-based vaccines has been recommended for maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) after the failure of modified live vaccines that induced disease in vaccinated animals. Here, we report a CDV outbreak in a captive population of maned wolves that were previously vaccinated. Five juveniles and one adult from a group of seven maned wolves housed in an outdoor exhibit died in April–May 2013 in a zoo in the Metropolitan Region, Chile. Clinical signs ranged from lethargy to digestive and respiratory signs. Diagnosis of CDV was confirmed by histopathology, antibody assays, and viral molecular detection and characterization. The phylogenetic analyses of the nucleotide sequence of the H gene of the CDV genome identified in the two positive samples suggest a close relation with the lineage Europe 1, commonly found in South America and Chile. CDV infections in maned wolves have not been previously characterized. To the authors’ best knowledge, this is the first report of the clinical presentation of CDV in a canine species previously immunized with a recombinant vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicente Vergara-Wilson
- Conservation and Research Department, Parque Zoologico Buin Zoo, Panamericana Sur Km 32, Buin 9500000, Chile; (V.V.-W.); (N.D.-A.); (M.Z.)
| | - Ezequiel Hidalgo-Hermoso
- Conservation and Research Department, Parque Zoologico Buin Zoo, Panamericana Sur Km 32, Buin 9500000, Chile; (V.V.-W.); (N.D.-A.); (M.Z.)
- Departamento de Veterinaria, Parque Zoologico Buin Zoo, Panamericana Sur Km 32, Buin 9500000, Chile; (S.C.-D.); (P.S.-G.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Carlos R. Sanchez
- Living Collection Unit, Veterinary Medical Center, Oregon Zoo, Portland, OR 97221, USA;
| | - María J. Abarca
- Faculty of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Chile, Av. Santa Rosa, Santiago 11735, Chile; (M.J.A.); (C.N.); (F.C.-R.)
| | - Carlos Navarro
- Faculty of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Chile, Av. Santa Rosa, Santiago 11735, Chile; (M.J.A.); (C.N.); (F.C.-R.)
| | - Sebastian Celis-Diez
- Departamento de Veterinaria, Parque Zoologico Buin Zoo, Panamericana Sur Km 32, Buin 9500000, Chile; (S.C.-D.); (P.S.-G.)
| | - Pilar Soto-Guerrero
- Departamento de Veterinaria, Parque Zoologico Buin Zoo, Panamericana Sur Km 32, Buin 9500000, Chile; (S.C.-D.); (P.S.-G.)
| | - Nataly Diaz-Ayala
- Conservation and Research Department, Parque Zoologico Buin Zoo, Panamericana Sur Km 32, Buin 9500000, Chile; (V.V.-W.); (N.D.-A.); (M.Z.)
| | - Martin Zordan
- Conservation and Research Department, Parque Zoologico Buin Zoo, Panamericana Sur Km 32, Buin 9500000, Chile; (V.V.-W.); (N.D.-A.); (M.Z.)
- World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), Carrer de Roger de Llúria, 2, 2-208010 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Federico Cifuentes-Ramos
- Faculty of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, University of Chile, Av. Santa Rosa, Santiago 11735, Chile; (M.J.A.); (C.N.); (F.C.-R.)
| | - Javier Cabello-Stom
- Patagonia Campus, School of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad San Sebastian, Puerto Montt 5480000, Chile;
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Lima PC, Dutra IS, Araújo FAA, Lustosa R, Zeppelini CG, Franke CR. First record of mass wild waterfowl mortality due to Clostridium botulinum in Brazilian semiarid. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2020; 92:e20180370. [PMID: 32321011 DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765202020180370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2008, 270 wild birds from aquatic environments were found dead or debilitated on the banks of smaller lakes that had been formed due to the decrease in the level of the holding lake of the Sobradinho Dam located on the São Francisco River in the Caatinga of Bahia, Brazil. The outbreak occurred months after the dam's partial drainage, with the formation of puddles that accumulated decomposing organic material. Amongst the 270 individuals examined and/or found dead, the majority (50%) of the birds found belonged to the Anatidae family. The debilitated birds presented neurological clinical signs including lack of motor coordination, weakness, grave flaccid paralysis in the legs, wings, neck and eyelids, diarrhea, and dyspnea. Tissue samples of the birds were collected, as were water samples and samples of the substrate of the lakes. Zoonotic arboviroses or heavy metals were not detected. Analyses of liver and digestive tract content samples through bioassay and serum neutralization in mice revealed the presence of type C botulinic toxin in the viscerae samples, and type D in sediment samples. According to our knowledge, this is the first record of an outbreak of botulism in wild birds in natural conditions in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro C Lima
- Laboratório de Infectologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Rua Barão do Jeremoabo, s/n, 40170-155 Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Iveraldo S Dutra
- Escola de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Rua Clóvis Pestana, 793, Dona Amélia, 16050-680 Araçatuba, SP, Brazil
| | - Francisco A A Araújo
- Faculdades Integradas da União Educacional do Planalto Central, SIGA Área Especial para Indústria Lote 2/3, Sce St. Leste Industrial, Gama, 72445-020 Brasília, DF, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Lustosa
- Laboratório de Infectologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Rua Barão do Jeremoabo, s/n, 40170-155 Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Caio G Zeppelini
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia: Teoria, Aplicação e Valores (PPGETAV), Universidade Federal da Bahia, Rua Barão do Jeremoabo, s/n, 40170-155 Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Carlos R Franke
- Laboratório de Infectologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Rua Barão do Jeremoabo, s/n, 40170-155 Salvador, BA, Brazil
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Severe anemia caused by babesiosis in a maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus). J Zoo Wildl Med 2012; 43:162-7. [PMID: 22448525 DOI: 10.1638/2010-0210.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
An 8-yr-old, captive, spayed, female maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) developed progressive lethargy and weakness over a 24-hr period. Clinical signs included vomiting, recumbency, horizontal nystagmus, possible blindness, pale icteric mucus membranes, and port-wine colored urine. A complete blood cell count revealed severe anemia (packed cell volume [PCV], 6%) and intraerythrocytic piroplasms consistent with a Babesia species. Polymerase chain reaction testing later confirmed babesiosis. The wolf was treated with imidocarb dipropionate, antibiotics, and fluid therapy. A whole-blood transfusion from a sibling maned wolf also was performed. Despite aggressive treatment, the wolf failed to improve and was euthanized. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first documented case of babesiosis in a captive maned wolf in North America. Surveillance of infectious diseases in captive and wild maned wolf populations should be expanded to include screening for Babesia species. Tick control also should be implemented to prevent and decrease transmission of the disease to this endangered species.
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The influence of human settlements on the parasite community in two species of Peruvian tamarin. Parasitology 2009; 137:675-84. [PMID: 20025821 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182009991570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Although there is a growing recognition that the transfer of diseases between humans and non-human primates can be of great significance for conservation biology, there have been only a few studies focusing on parasites. In this study, saddleback (Saguinus fuscicollis) and moustached tamarin (Saguinus mystax) from the rainforest of the Peruvian lowlands were used as models to determine helminth parasite associations between canopy-dwelling primate species and a nearby human settlement. The human population showed high prevalences of infestation with a number of nematodes, including Ascaris lumbricoides (88.9%), Trichuris trichiura (37%) and hookworms (55.6%). However, the ova of these geohelminths were not detectable in tamarin faeces. Thus, no direct parasite transfer from humans to non-human primates could be documented. However, tamarin groups with more frequent contact to humans and their facilities had significantly higher prevalences and egg output of Prosthenorchis elegans, an important primate pathogen, than a forest group. In contrast, a cestode was significantly more common with more egg output in sylvatic than in human-associated groups. Human alteration of the habitat is likely to play a major role in determining the occurrence, prevalence and intensity of helminth infestation of wild non-human primates.
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Opinion of the Scientific Panel on Animal Health an Welfare (AHAW) on the EFSA Selfmandate on bluetongue origin and occurrence. EFSA J 2007. [DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2007.480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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Opinion of the Scientific Panel on Animal Health and Welfare (AHAW) on request from the Commission on bluetongue vectors and vaccines. EFSA J 2007. [DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2007.479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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Deem SL, Emmons LH. EXPOSURE OF FREE-RANGING MANED WOLVES (CHRYSOCYON BRACHYURUS) TO INFECTIOUS AND PARASITIC DISEASE AGENTS IN THE NOËL KEMPFF MERCADO NATIONAL PARK, BOLIVIA. J Zoo Wildl Med 2005; 36:192-7. [PMID: 17323558 DOI: 10.1638/04-076.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus) are neotropic mammals, listed as a CITES Appendix II species, with a distribution south of the Amazon forest from Bolivia, through northern Argentina and Paraguay and into eastern Brazil and northern Uruguay. Primary threats to the survival of free-ranging maned wolves include habitat loss, road kills, and shooting by farmers. An additional threat to the conservation of maned wolves is the risk of morbidity and mortality due to infectious and parasitic diseases. Captive maned wolves are susceptible to, and die from, common infectious diseases of domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) including canine distemper virus (CDV), canine parvovirus (CPV), rabies virus, and canine adenovirus (CAV). Results from this study show that free-ranging maned wolves in a remote area of Bolivia have been exposed to multiple infectious and parasitic agents of domestic carnivores, including CAV, CDV, CPV, canine coronavirus, rabies virus, Leptospira interrogans spp., Toxoplasma gondii, and Dirofilaria immitis, and may be at increased risk for disease due to these agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon L Deem
- Field Veterinary Program, Wildlife Conservation Society, 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, New York 10460, USA
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Fiorello CV, Deem SL, Gompper ME, Dubovi EJ. Seroprevalence of pathogens in domestic carnivores on the border of Madidi National Park, Bolivia. Anim Conserv 2004; 7:45-54. [PMID: 32313442 PMCID: PMC7159408 DOI: 10.1017/s1367943003001197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2003] [Accepted: 07/24/2003] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The importance of diseases of domestic animals in the conservation of wildlife is increasingly being recognised. Wild carnivores are susceptible to many of the pathogens carried by domestic dogs and cats and some of these pathogens have caused disease outbreaks and severe population declines in threatened species. The risk of disease spillover from domestic to wild carnivores in South America has not been extensively investigated. This study examined the disease exposure of domestic carnivores living near a protected area in Bolivia. Forty dogs and 14 cats living in three towns on the eastern border of Madidi National Park were sampled. High levels of exposure to canine distemper virus, canine parvovirus, Sarcoptes scabiei and Toxoplasma gondii were found among domestic dogs, with similarly high levels of exposure to feline parvovirus, feline calicivirus and T. gondii being found among domestic cats. If contact occurs between domestic and wild carnivores, disease spillover may represent an important risk for the persistence of wild carnivores in the region. Additional research is therefore necessary to determine if wild carnivores living in proximity to these domestic carnivore populations are being exposed to these pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine V Fiorello
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology, Center for Environmental Research and Conservation, Columbia University, 1200 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10027, USA
- Field Veterinary Program, Wildlife Conservation Society, 185th Street and Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10460, USA
| | - Sharon L Deem
- Field Veterinary Program, Wildlife Conservation Society, 185th Street and Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10460, USA
| | - Matthew E Gompper
- Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, 302 ABNR, University of Missouri, Columbia, Columbia, MO 65211-7240, USA
| | - Edward J Dubovi
- Cornell University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Section of Virology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, P.O. Box 5786, Ithaca, NY 14852-5786, USA
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