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Regnery J, Rohner S, Bachtin J, Möhlenkamp C, Zinke O, Jacob S, Wohlsein P, Siebert U, Reifferscheid G, Friesen A. First evidence of widespread anticoagulant rodenticide exposure of the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) in Germany. Sci Total Environ 2024; 907:167938. [PMID: 37866608 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Exposure of wildlife to anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) has been extensively documented for species directly or indirectly linked to pest rodents via the terrestrial food web. Recently, the scientific focus extended to a former blind spot, namely AR emissions to the aquatic environment, and provided clear evidence of AR residues in freshwater fish. As second-generation ARs are likely to be transferred along the aquatic food chain, a total of 122 Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) individuals found dead in Germany between 2005 and 2021 were investigated to shed more light on resultant environmental risks. Target analytes comprised one pharmaceutical and eight biocidal anticoagulants, as well as one suspected bait impurity. Notably, all target compounds were detected in the analyzed livers of otters, a primarily piscivorous top predator and indicator species for the aquatic environment, strictly protected by conservation laws. In regions with pronounced rodent control measures, otters were frequently exposed to biocidal ARs. The elevated AR levels measured in multiple otters, compared to freshwater fish, hinted at biomagnification of second-generation ARs within the aquatic food web. The results indicated that risk mitigation measures implemented in Germany within the biocidal product authorization may not be sufficient to protect aquatic non-target wildlife from AR exposure, challenging the effectiveness of current regulatory measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Regnery
- Federal Institute of Hydrology, Department of Biochemistry and Ecotoxicology, 56068 Koblenz, Germany.
| | - Simon Rohner
- University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, 25761 Büsum, Germany
| | - Julia Bachtin
- Federal Institute of Hydrology, Department of Biochemistry and Ecotoxicology, 56068 Koblenz, Germany
| | - Christel Möhlenkamp
- Federal Institute of Hydrology, Department of Biochemistry and Ecotoxicology, 56068 Koblenz, Germany
| | - Olaf Zinke
- Museum of the Westlausitz Kamenz, Department of Zoology, 01917 Kamenz, Germany
| | - Stefanie Jacob
- German Environment Agency, Section IV 1.2 Biocides, 06844 Dessau-Rosslau, Germany
| | - Peter Wohlsein
- University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Department of Pathology, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Ursula Siebert
- University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, 25761 Büsum, Germany
| | - Georg Reifferscheid
- Federal Institute of Hydrology, Department of Biochemistry and Ecotoxicology, 56068 Koblenz, Germany
| | - Anton Friesen
- German Environment Agency, Section IV 1.2 Biocides, 06844 Dessau-Rosslau, Germany
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2
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Soresini G, Foerster N, Paiva F, Mourão G, Leuchtenberger C. Amblyomma sculptum ticks on a giant otter from the Brazilian Pantanal. Rev Bras Parasitol Vet 2023; 32:e010923. [PMID: 37878901 PMCID: PMC10723652 DOI: 10.1590/s1984-29612023053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
The giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a semiaquatic carnivore and a top predator in the trophic chain, considered a sentinel of freshwater ecosystems. Ticks are common ectoparasites of worldwide distribution and potential vectors of diseases. In this study, we report the ectoparasitism by ticks on a giant otter carcass found during monitoring activity at the Negro River, that holds a viable population of this endangered species in the Brazilian Pantanal. A total of three tick specimens were collected: two adults were identified as Amblyomma sculptum and a nymph as Amblyomma spp. There is a lack of information about the health of free-ranging giant otters and this report contributes to elucidate some of the host-parasite relationships, although much more research is needed to expand the knowledge about which kinds of pathogens are circulating in the species, especially among those transmitted by ticks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nathalie Foerster
- Giant Otter Conservation Fund, Arroio do Meio, RS, Brasil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Conservação, Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul – UFMS, Campo Grande, MS, Brasil
| | - Fernando Paiva
- Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul – UFMS, Campo Grande, MS, Brasil
| | - Guilherme Mourão
- Laboratório de Vida Selvagem, Embrapa Pantanal, Corumbá, MS, Brasil
| | - Caroline Leuchtenberger
- Giant Otter Conservation Fund, Arroio do Meio, RS, Brasil
- Instituto Federal Farroupilha – IFFAR, Santa Maria, RS, Brasil
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3
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Rohner S, Boyi JO, Artemeva V, Zinke O, Kiendl A, Siebert U, Lehnert K. Back from Exile? First Records of Chewing Lice ( Lutridia exilis; Ischnocera; Mallophaga) in Growing Eurasian Otter ( Lutra lutra) Populations from Northern Germany. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12040587. [PMID: 37111473 PMCID: PMC10143350 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12040587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Arthropod ectoparasites of aquatic wildlife often have complex relationships with their host species that have developed over long evolutionary time scales. Specialist parasite occurrence might depend on these hosts' distributions. Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) populations are recovering in Northern German federal states, such as Schleswig-Holstein and Lower Saxony. Chewing lice (Lutridia exilis; Ischnocera; Mallophaga) are considered otter-specific yet rare parasites in their known range. In 2022, they were recorded for the first time on nine otters found dead in Northern Germany. All otters originated from the years 2021-2022 and were dissected during population health monitoring programs in 2022. Females (n = 6) were 0-5.5 years old and showed signs of disease in five cases. Males (n = 3), in contrast, were 0-1.6 years old and showed disease in a single case. Individual lice intensity of infection ranged from 1 to 75 specimens per otter. No direct adverse health effects of chewing lice on the otters were noted. Lutridia exilis morphological characteristics were documented and measurements were taken to study specialized adaptations that allow lice to attach to semi-aquatic otters. In addition, morphology was compared between lice from different geographical regions and specimens from previous reports. A region of the COI mDNA was amplified to molecularly characterize L. exilis for the first time and detect genetic differences between otter lice populations in Germany. It is believed that specialist parasites reduce in numbers even before their host populations decline. Recovering otter populations in Northern Germany could be an example of a reverse effect, where the comeback of a host species results in the return of a specialist parasite, which reflects an ultimate boost in overall species biodiversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Rohner
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Werftstrasse 6, 25761 Buesum, Germany
| | - Joy Ometere Boyi
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Werftstrasse 6, 25761 Buesum, Germany
| | - Valentina Artemeva
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Werftstrasse 6, 25761 Buesum, Germany
| | - Olaf Zinke
- Museum der Westlausitz Kamenz, 01717 Kamenz, Germany
| | - Astrid Kiendl
- Aktion Fischotterschutz e.V., Otterzentrum Hankensbüttel, 29386 Hankensbüttel, Germany
| | - Ursula Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Werftstrasse 6, 25761 Buesum, Germany
| | - Kristina Lehnert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Werftstrasse 6, 25761 Buesum, Germany
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4
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Rohner S, Gramer M, Wiesweg I, Scherf-Clavel O, Wohlsein P, Schmelz M, Siebert U, Richter F, Gernert M. Present in the Aquatic Environment, Unclear Evidence in Top Predators-The Unknown Effects of Anti-Seizure Medication on Eurasian Otters ( Lutra lutra) from Northern Germany. Toxics 2023; 11:338. [PMID: 37112566 PMCID: PMC10142713 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11040338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Emerging contaminants are produced globally at high rates and often ultimately find their way into the aquatic environment. These include substances contained in anti-seizure medication (ASM), which are currently appearing in surface waters at increasing concentrations in Germany. Unintentional and sublethal, chronic exposure to pharmaceuticals such as ASMs has unknown consequences for aquatic wildlife. Adverse effects of ASMs on the brain development are documented in mammals. Top predators such as Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra) are susceptible to the bioaccumulation of environmental pollutants. Still little is known about the health status of the otter population in Germany, while the detection of various pollutants in otter tissue samples has highlighted their role as an indicator species. To investigate potential contamination with pharmaceuticals, Eurasian otter brain samples were screened for selected ASMs via high-performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Via histology, brain sections were analyzed for the presence of potential associated neuropathological changes. In addition to 20 wild otters that were found dead, a control group of 5 deceased otters in human care was studied. Even though none of the targeted ASMs were detected in the otters, unidentified substances in many otter brains were measured. No obvious pathology was observed histologically, although the sample quality limited the investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Rohner
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover Foundation, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Martina Gramer
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover Foundation, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Ivo Wiesweg
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover Foundation, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Peter Wohlsein
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover Foundation, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Martin Schmelz
- Aktion Fischotterschutz e.V, Otter-Zentrum Hankensbüttel, 29386 Hankensbüttel, Germany
| | - Ursula Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover Foundation, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Franziska Richter
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover Foundation, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Manuela Gernert
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover Foundation, 30559 Hannover, Germany
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5
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Reckendorf A, Oberlercher T, Alps B, Krueger H, Ludes‐Wehrmeister E, Fladung E, Siebert U. Newly developed exit options for European otters from fish fykes. Conservat Sci and Prac 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.12873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Anja Reckendorf
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation Buesum Germany
| | - Thomas Oberlercher
- Department of lake, river and angle fishing Institute of Inland Fisheries Potsdam‐Sacrow Potsdam Germany
| | - Britta Alps
- Aktion Fischotterschutz e.V Hankensbuettel Germany
| | | | - Eva Ludes‐Wehrmeister
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation Buesum Germany
| | - Erik Fladung
- Department of lake, river and angle fishing Institute of Inland Fisheries Potsdam‐Sacrow Potsdam Germany
| | - Ursula Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation Buesum Germany
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6
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Dias D, Fonseca C, Mendo S, Caetano T. First characterization of the faecal resistome of eurasian otter (Lutra lutra), a sentinel species for aquatic environments. Chemosphere 2022; 309:136644. [PMID: 36181859 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health concern. Nowadays, antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are considered emerging pollutants. This study followed the One Health framework, in which AMR surveillance in the environment, including in wild animals, is advisable to mitigate this problem. Here we investigated AMR associated with Eurasian otter, a semi-aquatic mammal considered an indicator of freshwater health. To do so, otter's faecal resistome was characterized by a high-throughput qPCR array. This technique has a high-capacity of ARGs profiling. Additionally, we have assessed the antimicrobial susceptibility of two indicator bacteria, E. coli and Enterococcus spp, isolated from otter spraints and interpreted the results according to clinical and epidemiological cut-offs (ECOFFs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Dias
- CESAM and Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Carlos Fonseca
- CESAM and Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal; ForestWISE - Collaborative Laboratory for Integrated Forest & Fire Management, Quinta de Prados, 5001-801, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Sónia Mendo
- CESAM and Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Tânia Caetano
- CESAM and Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
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7
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Mazzamuto MV, Schilling A, Romeo C. Wildlife Disease Monitoring: Methods and Perspectives. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:3032. [PMID: 36359156 PMCID: PMC9659093 DOI: 10.3390/ani12213032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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8
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Máca O, González-Solís D. White-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) as the definitive host of Sarcocystis lutrae in the Czech Republic. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:981829. [PMID: 36061107 PMCID: PMC9435999 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.981829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The white-tailed eagle, Haliaeetus albicilla, has been involved in the life cycle of several Sarcocystis species as the intermediate and definitive host. To date, it has been supposed that the eagle might play the role as the definitive host for S. Lutrae, and, herein, we tried to elucidate it based on morphometric and molecular analyses. One out of two eagles harbored oocysts (17.0−17.4 × 11.3–11.9 μm) and sporocysts (11.3–12.3 × 8.3–9.3 μm) in the intestinal mucosa, whose sequences at 18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, ITS1, and cox1 showed similar identity (97.64–100%) to published sequences of S. lutrae from other hosts. The presence of sporulated oocysts in the lamina propria of villi confirms that S. lutrae truly infects the white-tailed eagle. The white-tailed eagle is confirmed as the definitive host of S. lutrae in the Czech Republic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ondřej Máca
- Department of Pathology and Parasitology, State Veterinary Institute Prague, Prague, Czechia
- Department of Zoology and Fisheries, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - David González-Solís
- Department of Systematics and Aquatic Ecology, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Chetumal, Quintana Roo, Mexico
- *Correspondence: David González-Solís
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Boyi JO, Heße E, Rohner S, Säurich J, Siebert U, Gilles A, Lehnert K. Deciphering Eurasian otter (
Lutra lutra
L.) and seal (
Phoca vitulina
L.;
Halichoerus grypus
F.) diet: metabarcoding tailored for fresh and saltwater fish species. Mol Ecol 2022; 31:5089-5106. [DOI: 10.1111/mec.16635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joy Ometere Boyi
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation Büsum Germany
| | - Eileen Heße
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation Büsum Germany
| | - Simon Rohner
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation Büsum Germany
| | - Josefin Säurich
- Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation Hannover Germany
| | - Ursula Siebert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation Büsum Germany
| | - Anita Gilles
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation Büsum Germany
| | - Kristina Lehnert
- Institute for Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife Research, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation Büsum Germany
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10
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Schilling A, Mazzamuto MV, Romeo C. A Review of Non-Invasive Sampling in Wildlife Disease and Health Research: What’s New? Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:1719. [PMID: 35804619 PMCID: PMC9265025 DOI: 10.3390/ani12131719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The interest in wildlife research has increased in the last decades as more scientists work within a One Health framework that regards human, livestock and wildlife health as connected entities. To minimise the impact of research on wildlife, collecting samples with as little disturbance of the animals as possible is important. In our review, we assess the use of so-called non-invasive sampling and summarise which samples can be used successfully when carrying out research on wildlife diseases and health status. Our results show that interest in minimally invasive sampling has steadily increased since the 2010s. Topics able to employ these methods include disease research, but also stress and other hormone assessments, pollution studies, and dietary studies. At the moment, such methods are mainly used to collect samples from land mammals, however, they can also be used in a wide range of other animals. Ever more capable analytical methods will allow for an even wider use of such “animal-friendly” sampling methods. Abstract In the last decades, wildlife diseases and the health status of animal populations have gained increasing attention from the scientific community as part of a One Health framework. Furthermore, the need for non-invasive sampling methods with a minimal impact on wildlife has become paramount in complying with modern ethical standards and regulations, and to collect high-quality and unbiased data. We analysed the publication trends on non-invasive sampling in wildlife health and disease research and offer a comprehensive review on the different samples that can be collected non-invasively. We retrieved 272 articles spanning from 1998 to 2021, with a rapid increase in number from 2010. Thirty-nine percent of the papers were focussed on diseases, 58% on other health-related topics, and 3% on both. Stress and other physiological parameters were the most addressed research topics, followed by viruses, helminths, and bacterial infections. Terrestrial mammals accounted for 75% of all publications, and faeces were the most widely used sample. Our review of the sampling materials and collection methods highlights that, although the use of some types of samples for specific applications is now consolidated, others are perhaps still underutilised and new technologies may offer future opportunities for an even wider use of non-invasively collected samples.
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Fusillo R, Romanucci M, Marcelli M, Massimini M, Della Salda L. Health and Mortality Monitoring in Threatened Mammals: A First Post Mortem Study of Otters ( Lutra lutra L.) in Italy. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12050609. [PMID: 35268178 PMCID: PMC8909196 DOI: 10.3390/ani12050609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Dead specimens provide valuable data for the conservation of threatened species, allowing investigations of mortality, health conditions, and demographic parameters. The Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra) is a semiaquatic carnivore listed as endangered in Italy. In 2009, we started the first post mortem (PM) study of otters in Italy, through collaborative research between mammal ecologists and veterinary pathologists, using standardized protocols. Twenty-eight otters, mostly collected between 2009 and 2017, were examined. Most otters were males (67%), between 1 and 3 years old (64%), and predominantly in good nutritional condition. Adult males were significantly larger than adult females (p < 0.02), as expected for the species, although both sexes appeared to be smaller than otters examined in Central−northern Europe. The youngest sexually mature female was 3 years old. Road traffic collisions were the major cause of death, especially in young individuals, and mainly occurred in autumn−winter, particularly for females. Investigations of the scene of death contributed to revealing factors forcing otters to travel out of the water and move over the road, suggesting appropriate measures to reduce vehicle collision risk. Other causes of death included blunt chest trauma of uncertain origin, dog and conspecific attacks, or diseases of infectious or non-infectious origin, such as ulcerative gastritis, pleuropneumonia and peritonitis. Other diagnosed diseases included lymphoma. Ecto- and endoparasites were rarely detected, although we report the first documentation of heartworm and Ixodes hexagonus infestation in Italian otters. It is important to continue comprehensive, standardized PM investigations of otters in Italy to define baseline health, biometric and demographic parameters, collect biological samples for comparative analyses, and to reduce road-kill mortality. The present study suggests that the timely collection of carcasses and collaborative and coordinated research efforts are essential for obtaining useful data for the conservation of otters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romina Fusillo
- LUTRIA sas Wildlife Research and Consulting, 00173 Roma, Italy;
- Correspondence: (R.F.); (L.D.S.)
| | - Mariarita Romanucci
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.R.); (M.M.)
| | - Manlio Marcelli
- LUTRIA sas Wildlife Research and Consulting, 00173 Roma, Italy;
| | - Marcella Massimini
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.R.); (M.M.)
| | - Leonardo Della Salda
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy; (M.R.); (M.M.)
- Correspondence: (R.F.); (L.D.S.)
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