Search Results (46)

Amdoparvoviruses, encompassing the well-characterized Aleutian mink disease viruses (AMDV) as well as less investigated viruses infecting both captive and wild animals, are important carnivoran viruses that are significant pathogens in the mink farming industry. We investigated the molecular epidemiology of amdoparvoviruses among Danish wildlife. Spleen samples from 118 animals of seven carnivoran species were screened with a pan-amdoparvovirus PCR, and the identified viruses were molecularly characterized. In one of five European badgers (Meles meles), we identified an AMDV-3 strain whose ancestors were likely of farmed mink origin. This virus was last reported on a mink farm in 2002, demonstrating how farm-derived viruses have established themselves among wildlife. We also discovered and fully characterized a novel virus found in five of 81 (6.2%) foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and one of five badgers (20.0%), which we named fox and badger amdoparvovirus 1 (FBAV-1). FBAV-1 fulfills the criteria for classification as a novel species and phylogenetically is positioned as an intermediate between the North American and Eurasian amdoparvoviral clades. This study provides baseline data and expands our understanding of amdoparvoviral ecology. Further studies including more animals across diverse geographic areas are warranted to clarify amdoparvovirus epidemiology, spread, cross-species transmission, epidemic potential, and evolutionary paths. Full article

Diverse individual energy-budgeting tactics within wild populations provide resilience to natural fluctuations in food availability and expenditure costs. Although substantial heterogeneity in activity-related energy expenditure has been documented, few studies differentiate between responses to the environment and inter-individual differences stemming from life history, allometry, or somatic stores. Using tri-axial accelerometry, complemented by diet analysis, we investigated inter-individual within-season variation in overall dynamic body acceleration (ODBA; activity intensity measure) and “Activity” (above an ODBA threshold) in a high-density population of European badgers (Meles meles). Weather (including wind speed) affected ODBA and activity according to predictors of earthworm (food) availability and cooling potential. In spring, maximal ODBA expenditure at intermediate rainfall and temperature values suggested that badgers traded foraging success against thermoregulatory losses, where lower-condition badgers maintained higher spring ODBA irrespective of temperature while badgers in better body condition reduced ODBA at colder temperatures. Conversely, in summer, lower-condition badgers modulated ODBA according to temperature, likely in response to super-abundant food supply. Between 35% (spring, summer) and 57% (autumn) of residual total daily ODBA variance related to inter-individual differences unexplained by seasonal predictors, suggesting within-season tactical activity typologies. We propose that this heterogeneity among individual energy-expenditure profiles may contribute to population resilience under rapid environmental change. Full article

From April 2016 to the end of July 2024, roadkill mammals were recorded using the road sampling method on the 33.4 km-long Zmajevac-Osijek road in Osijek-Baranja County, located in the northeastern part of Croatia. A total of 86 roadkill specimens of wild mammals, classified into eight species and one subspecies, were recorded. The northern white-breasted hedgehog, Erinaceus roumanicus, topped the list with 38 individuals, followed by the European badger, Meles meles, with 23 individuals, and the red fox, Vulpes vulpes, with 13 individuals. The European badger was the most frequent roadkill in February and March. The northern white-breasted hedgehog was the most common roadkill in June and July, while the red fox was most frequent roadkill in October. The average number of roadkill per km on the Zmajevac-Osijek road, divided into nine road sections, ranged from 1.1 to 5.9. Spearman’s correlation coefficient between the length of the section and the number of roadkill mammals showed a moderate correlation. The only strong positive correlation between roadkill wild mammals and traffic (average annual daily traffic or average summer daily traffic) was recorded for State Road D-212. Full article

Canine distemper virus (CDV) is recognised worldwide as an important pathogen in both domestic and wild carnivores. Few data are available on its impact and spread on the wildlife/wildlife–domestic animal–environment interface. This study, aimed at developing a conservation-oriented control strategy, analysed 89 sick or deceased animals from 2019 to 2023 at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in Torreferrussa. RT-PCR and sequencing of the partial H gene were used to detect and analyse CDV in tissues. The total positive percentage was 20.22% (18/89), comprising 13 red foxes (44.8%), 4 European badgers (28.6%), and 1 American mink (4.5%), while 24 Eurasian otters tested negative. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that all of the CDV strains belong to the European lineage. Geographically distant individuals and different species shared the same viral strain, suggesting a strong capacity of CDV for interspecies and long-distance transmission. This calls for further research, particularly focusing on potential impacts of CDV on endangered carnivores. Full article

A survey to determine the presence of Mycobacterium spp. in the Abruzzo and Molise regions was conducted by testing samples from 124 badgers found dead or road-killed during the 2013–2021 period. Head lymph nodes were collected from all carcasses, as well as mediastinal lymph nodes from 20 of them, for bacteriological and molecular tests; tissues were inoculated onto a set of solid egg-based Lowenstein–Jensen media and in a liquid culture system (BACTEC) and were analyzed by polymerase chain reactions (PCRs). Organs and lymph nodes from 31 carcasses were collected for histological tests. During post-mortem examinations, macroscopic lesions consistent with a Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) and with nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections were not detected. Mycobacteria were isolated from four animals (3.22%). M. avium subsp. avium was isolated by head lymph nodes from two badgers (1.61%), M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis (0.80%) from one, and Mycobacterium spp. from another (0.80%). The significance of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) in wildlife hosts in the absence of clinical signs and gross pathology has yet to be assessed. The most critical aspect came from isolates belonging to the Mycobacterium avium complex infection in wildlife due to the possible interference with tuberculin skin tests in cattle. Full article

This study investigates the use of a drone equipped with a thermal camera for recognizing wild mammal species in open areas and to determine the sex and age of red deer (Cervus elaphus) and roe deer (Capreolus capreoulus) in a 13 km² moor in Denmark. Two separate surveys were conducted: (1) To achieve drone images for the identification of mammals, the drone was tested around a bait place with a live wildlife camera that was often visited by European badger (Meles meles), stone marten (Martes foina), European hare (Lepus europaeus), roe deer and cattle (Bos taurus). The thermal images of wild animal species could be distinguished by their body measures when the drone filmed with the camera pointed perpendicular to the ground in an altitude range of 50–120 m. A PCA ordination showed nonoverlapping body characteristics and MANOVA showed that the combined body measures used were significantly distinctive F = 6.8, p < 0.001. The reactions and behavioral responses of the different species to the altitude and noise of the drone were also tested in this place. (2) On a 13 km² moor, a drone was used for a population study of deer. Red deer and roe deer were counted and separated by body measures. Red deer individuals could, at the right altitude, be separated into adults and calves, and males and females. Body length was the most conclusive body measure, and therefore a reference measurement in the field is recommended. The frame thermal images were effective in species recognition and for use in population studies of deer, and are thought to be more time-efficient and less invasive than traditional methods. In autumn, the number of stags and the life stage of red deer, as well as the distribution of deer in different types of vegetation, could be determined. Full article

Canine distemper virus (CDV) affects a huge diversity of domestic and wild carnivores, with increasing numbers of mortality events worldwide. The local cell-mediated immune response elicited against a natural infection is an important factor in determining the outcome of CDV infection. Therefore, the purposes of this study were to describe the local immune response within the central nervous systems (CNSs) of seven badgers naturally infected with CDV in Asturias (Atlantic Spain) and to determine the phenotype and distribution of microglial cells, T and B lymphocytes, and astrocytes in the foci of gliosis located in the thalamus and cerebellum using immunohistochemistry. The immunohistochemical assessment demonstrated the presence of Iba1-positive microglia and GFAP-positive astrocytes in the foci of gliosis, whereas T (CD3-negative) or B (CD20-negative) lymphocytes in those same lesions were absent. Our results also revealed that the badgers with natural CDV encephalitis presented lesions mostly located in the white matter of the thalamus and cerebellum, suggesting a CDV-specific tropism for the white matter of badger brains in those locations. The knowledge gained in the field of the immunopathogenesis of distemper disease affecting the CNSs of badgers could help to clarify CDV disease patterns in this species. Full article

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are ubiquitous organisms, of which some, especially those of the Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC), may be opportunistic animal and human pathogens. Infection with NTM can interfere with tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis and induce zoonoses, especially in immunocompromised individuals. Diseases caused by NTM have become more readily recognized; however, they are likely still underestimated. In this study, we identified and genotyped Mycobacterium avium strains that were isolated during TB monitoring among free-living carnivorous animals from southeastern Poland. In 2011–2020, lymph node samples from 192 such animals were tested for mycobacteria. A total of 41 isolates of M. avium strains were detected with the use of IS901, IS900, IS1245, and mycobacterial interspersed repeat unit–variable number tandem repeat (MIRU-VNTR) identification. Thirty-three were identified as M. avium subsp. avium. These strains were derived from 1 beech marten (Martes foina), 1 common buzzard (Buteo buteo), 2 European badgers (Meles meles), 3 wolves (Canis lupus), and 26 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes). One strain isolated from a wolf was identified as M. avium subsp. hominissuis. The results show the widespread occurrence of MAC bacilli in the studied environment and additionally comprise new data on the molecular characteristics of M. avium subspecies carried by free-living southeastern Polish carnivores. Full article

Staphylococcus (S.) aureus colonizes up to 30% of all humans and can occasionally cause serious infections. It is not restricted to humans as it can also often be found in livestock and wildlife. Recent studies have shown that wildlife strains of S. aureus usually belong to other clonal complexes than human strains and that they might differ significantly with regard to the prevalence of genes encoding antimicrobial resistance properties and virulence factors. Here, we describe a strain of S. aureus isolated from a European badger (Meles meles). For molecular characterisation, DNA microarray-based technology was combined with various next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods. Bacteriophages from this isolate were induced with Mitomycin C and characterized in detail by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and NGS. The S. aureus isolate belonged to ST425 and had a novel spa repeat sequence (t20845). It did not carry any resistance genes. The uncommon enterotoxin gene see was detected in one of its three temperate bacteriophages. It was possible to demonstrate the induction of all three prophages, although only one of them was expected to be capable of excision based on its carriage of the excisionase gene xis. All three bacteriophages belonged to the family Siphoviridae. Minor differences in size and shape of their heads were noted in TEM images. The results highlight the ability of S. aureus to colonize or infect different host species successfully, which can be attributed to a variety of virulence factors on mobile genetic elements, such as bacteriophages. As shown in the strain described herein, temperate bacteriophages not only contribute to the fitness of their staphylococcal host by transferring virulence factors, but also increase mobility among themselves by sharing genes for excision and mobilization with other prophages. Full article

Nest predation significantly impacts the population decline of the long-living European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis). Kis-Balaton is one of the most important habitats of this species in Hungary, and in May 2017 more than 400 damaged nests were counted. To reveal predation pressure, we conducted a study with artificial nests on three sites in this area. On each site, we used 11 depredated real nests, and near each of them, we created new artificial nests; then in every nest we put one quail egg, one plasticine egg and several turtle egg shells. After that, we sprayed the smoothed surface of the covered holes with water-diluted turtle urine, imitating the turtle’s behaviour. Already in the first three nights, 94% of all nests were depredated by the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and in one case by the European badger (Meles meles), which was confirmed by the bite marks preserved on the plasticine eggs, by the footprints and excrements found near the nests, as well as by camera recordings. Only 6% of the nests survived during the three weeks of our study. Daily survival rates of quail eggs in artificial nests established in both real (damaged) and in new nests were similar, suggesting that estimates obtained with artificial nests reflect the degree of predation pressure on real nests. On the site where the nests were scattered, their daily survival rate (33%) was significantly lower than on the sites where their arrangement was partly scattered, partly linear (83%), or only linear (76%). On two additional sites, by using simulated turtle nests we showed that spraying the nests with diluted turtle urine and marking them with a flag did not affect their survival, although further methodological testing is needed. The information obtained with artificial nests enables the organization of the protection of the nests of the European pond turtle and selective predator control. Full article

Mesocarnivores play essential roles in terrestrial ecosystems, but anthropocentric disturbances have profoundly transformed their intraguild interactions worldwide. In this study, we explored how a guild of four mesocarnivores (red fox Vulpes vulpes, leopard cat Prionailurus bengalensis, Asian badger Meles leucurus, and hog badger Arctonyx collaris) partition their temporal niche in the temperate montane forests in North China under different human influences. We conducted a systemic camera-trapping survey on the study species in the central Taihang Mountains from 2016 to 2020. With an extensive survey effort of 111,063 camera-days from 187 camera stations, we obtained 10,035 independent detections of the four mesocarnivores and examined the activity patterns of each species under different levels of human disturbance and their overlaps. The results showed that, while the leopard cat and the badgers shifted their activity towards nocturnality, the red fox showed no significant change. The leopard cat’s degree of nocturnality varied between growing and non-growing seasons, likely a response to avoid humans and other competitors. However, the activity overlaps between species pairs demonstrated no statistically significant difference, indicating a long-developed coexistence mechanism that is homogenous across the landscape. Demonstrating how mesocarnivores shift activity patterns in response to human risks while partitioning resources, this study enhances our understanding of mesocarnivore behavioral changes and interspecific interactions at human–nature interfaces. Full article

Hedgehogs occur within an urban mammal guild in the United Kingdom. This guild commonly utilizes anthropogenic food provision, which is potentially beneficial to wild animal populations, but may also bring competitors and predators into proximity, raising the question of how these species interact in urban gardens. In this study, we determined interactions between hedgehogs, foxes, badgers, and domestic cats using videos submitted via citizen science. We analyzed interactions within and between species to determine interaction type, hierarchical relationships, and effect of supplementary food presence/amount. We found that overall agonistic interactions between individuals occurred more frequently (55.4%) than neutral interactions (44.6%) and that interspecific interactions showed greater agonism (55.4%) than intraspecific ones (36%). Within intraspecific interactions, those between hedgehogs were the most agonistic (54.9%) and between badgers the least (6.7%). Species composition of the interaction affected agonism, with interactions between cats and foxes showing the highest level (76.7%). In terms of overall “wins”, where access to garden resources was gained, badgers dominated cats, which were dominant or equal to foxes, which dominated hedgehogs. However, hedgehogs exhibited a greater overall proportion of wins (39.3%) relative to cats. Our findings are important in the context of the documented impact of patchy resources on urban wildlife behavior, and we show that provision of anthropogenic food can potentially result in unintended consequences. We recommend actions to reduce proximity of guild competitors in space and time to limit negative effects. Full article

Wild carnivore species infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus subtype H5N1 during the 2021–2022 outbreak in the Netherlands included red fox (Vulpes vulpes), polecat (Mustela putorius), otter (Lutra lutra), and badger (Meles meles). Most of the animals were submitted for testing because they showed neurological signs. In this study, the HPAI H5N1 virus was detected by PCR and/or immunohistochemistry in 11 animals and was primarily present in brain tissue, often associated with a (meningo) encephalitis in the cerebrum. In contrast, the virus was rarely detected in the respiratory tract and intestinal tract and associated lesions were minimal. Full genome sequencing followed by phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that these carnivore viruses were related to viruses detected in wild birds in the Netherlands. The carnivore viruses themselves were not closely related, and the infected carnivores did not cluster geographically, suggesting that they were infected separately. The mutation PB2-E627K was identified in most carnivore virus genomes, providing evidence for mammalian adaptation. This study showed that brain samples should be included in wild life surveillance programs for the reliable detection of the HPAI H5N1 virus in mammals. Surveillance of the wild carnivore population and notification to the Veterinary Authority are important from a one-heath perspective, and instrumental to pandemic preparedness. Full article

Canine distemper virus (CDV) is a fatal, highly contagious disease found in wild and domestic carnivores. Several outbreaks have occurred in wildlife in Italy in recent years. This study aims to detect CDV in wildlife following the increasing mortality of foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in the Emilia-Romagna region (northern Italy) observed in 2021. Sixty-seven foxes and one badger (Meles meles) were subjected to necropsy followed by histological examination and were analyzed with molecular techniques to detect the presence of CDV. Of the tested animals, 16% (nine foxes and one badger) were positive for CDV. Phylogenetic analysis showed two different lineages based on complete H gene sequences. The Europe/South America-1 lineage was detected in one fox from Modena, which resembled the CDV variant associated with a previous outbreak in northern Italy in 2018, while the European Wildlife lineage was detected in animals from the Rimini province. Amino acid analysis highlighted a Y549H mutation in all sequences collected, which is commonly associated with increased virulence. Full article

It is vitally important to understand the ecological roles of medium and small carnivores in the context of the massive decline in the number of large carnivores around the world. Based on a spatial association network of terrestrial birds and mammals, this study analyzed the ecological roles of medium and small carnivores in the community in Liancheng National Nature Reserve. From October 2019 to June 2020, we obtained 3559 independent detections of 20 terrestrial birds and mammals from 112 camera traps. There are seven species that are medium and small carnivores present in the study area, including red fox (Vulpes vulpes), leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), Chinese mountain cat (Felis bieti), stone marten (Martes foina), Asian badger (Meles leucurus), Siberian weasel (Mustela sibirica) and mountain weasel (Mustela altaica). By calculating the Phi coefficient of all species pairs, a spatial association network composed of twelve species was constructed. We analyzed the characterization of spatial associations by the Shannon–Wiener index and Lambda statistic. The results showed that: (1) the status of the network reflects the changes of community composition and structure after the decline in large carnivores and other species; (2) with the exception of the Chinese mountain cat and stone marten, the other five medium and small carnivores were located in the network, which played an important role in the complexity of the network and the maintenance of the community; (3) the medium and small carnivores could not take the place of the large carnivores in order to control the population of herbivores, such as Siberian roe deer (Capreolus pygargus) and Himalayan marmot (Marmota himalayana). The results of this study provide guidance for determining the direction and focus of conservation efforts. Full article