Search Results (66)

Raccoon dog fur is a commercially valuable animal product. As the scale of raccoon dog breeding continues to expand, ensuring the health of these animals has become an urgent priority. The gut microbiota plays a central role in regulating animal health; however, current research on the composition of raccoon dog gut microbiota remains limited. This study aimed to characterize changes in the gut microbiota of suckling raccoon dogs across different stages, providing a foundation for future scientific feeding practices. Fecal samples of eight lactating raccoon dogs were collected and tested for microbiota on days 14, 21, and 45. Our results showed that the richness and diversity of microbiota increased with age in suckling raccoon dogs, peaking on the 45th day. Significant separation between groups was observed in both PCoA and NMDS analyses. UPGMA analysis indicated temporal fluctuations in gut microbiota composition. At the phylum level, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the dominant taxa across all stages. LEfSe analysis at the genus level showed that Bacteroides was the most enriched taxon on the 14th day, Fusobacterium on the 21st day, and Prevotella_9 on the 45th day. Tax4Fun and PICRUSt analyses identified metabolism and genetic information processing as the primary functional roles of the gut microbiota. Further investigation suggested that the microbiota may benefit raccoon dogs through membrane transport, carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and energy metabolism. These findings establish a theoretical basis for improving the survival rate of suckling raccoon dogs and developing scientifically informed feeding and management protocols. Full article

Pulmonary vascular proliferative lesions are rarely reported and poorly characterized in animals. In this study, we describe 13 cases identified in wild Korean raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides), suggesting a higher-than-expected incidence in this species. Gross examination revealed villous projections within the lumina of pulmonary vessels, sometimes accompanied by pneumonia, hemorrhage, or Dirofilaria immitis (heartworm) infection. Most affected animals also presented with thick, dark gray cutaneous crusts associated with scabies infestation. Histopathologically, the lesions consisted of papillary proliferations within thickened vascular lumens. Special stains (Masson’s trichrome and Elastic Verhoeff–Van Gieson) demonstrated a single layer of endothelial cells lining fibromuscular and collagenous thick cores. Immunohistochemistry confirmed endothelial origin and benign proliferative nature, with positive expression of CD31, collagen types I, III, and IV, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). To date, pulmonary vascular proliferative lesions have not been well documented in N. procyonoides, and baseline pathological data, including findings from special stains, are lacking. These findings indicate that pulmonary vascular proliferative lesions may be underrecognized in raccoon dogs and suggest a likely association with chronic vascular injury related to parasitic infections. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and contributing factors. Full article

Despite its economic profitability, fur farming in Europe, responsible for half of global production, faces a growing ethical backlash. Animal welfare concerns, particularly regarding mink, foxes, and raccoon dogs kept in restrictive cages, have intensified due to advocacy, scientific reviews, and COVID-19 outbreaks. In response, several EU nations have implemented bans or stricter regulations. However, limited research exists on EU public opinion. This study analyses data from Eurobarometer 533 (March 2023), surveying 26,368 citizens across 27 EU countries, to assess attitudes toward fur farming. Respondents selected from three policy preferences: a full ban, EU-wide regulation, or acceptance of current practices. Multinomial logistic regression and chi-square tests revealed significant socio-demographic and ideological influences. Older individuals were more supportive of current practices (p = 0.001), while higher education levels correlated with support for a ban or stricter regulation (p = 0.003). Income positively influenced support for regulation (p = 0.002), and women (p = 0.008), urban residents (p = 0.001), and those with regular animal contact (p = 0.007) were more likely to support reform. Right-leaning respondents (p = 0.012) and residents of countries without fur farming bans (p < 0.001) were less supportive. These findings suggest that values, demographics, and national legislation significantly shape public opinion. Aligning policy with evolving societal values requires integrated legislative reform, public engagement, and equitable transition strategies to ensure meaningful and sustainable improvements in animal welfare across the EU. Full article

Nest defense is a key component of avian reproductive success, yet its intensity and expression often depend on ecological and social contexts. We investigated the nest defense behaviors of Saunders’s Gulls (Saundersilarus saundersi) breeding in Incheon Bay of South Korea in 2022 in relation to nest density and perceived threats. Using decoy presentations of three heterospecifics, Oriental Magpie (Pica serica; diurnal avian nest predator), common raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides; nocturnal mammalian nest predator), and Little Tern (Sternula albifrons; neutral co-nester), we quantified latency to respond, bombing attack rate, and the number of mobbing individuals at high- and low-density nesting sites within a breeding colony. Mixed models revealed that latency to respond and attack rates varied strongly with stimulus type, with diurnal predator magpies eliciting the fastest and most intense responses, followed by nocturnal predator raccoon dogs and co-nester terns. Nest density influenced the number of mobbing individuals, which was significantly greater at high-density sites. Principal Component Analysis reduced the three behavioral metrics into a composite score, which correlated negatively with latency and positively with bombing attack rate and mobbing intensity. This score varied with both nest density and stimulus type. Our findings demonstrate that Saunders’s Gulls adjust their nest defense strategies according to both the social context and predator type, highlighting the importance of density-dependent collective nest defense in colonial breeders. Full article

Recent issues that have emerged in regard to raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) include interaction with humans and disease transmission. Therefore, understanding their habitat characteristics and preferences is crucial in the effort to limit conflicts with humans. A total of thirteen raccoon dogs were captured from three regions in South Korea, each with distinct habitat characteristics. GPS trackers were attached for tracking the raccoon dogs’ movements. Utilizing GPS tracking data, Kernel Density Estimation (KDE), Minimum Convex Polygon (MCP), and Jacobs Index were applied to learn more about the habitat preferences of the raccoon dogs. According to the results, the habitat composition ratios for KDE and MCP showed that forests had the largest proportion. However, a habitat composition ratio similar to the land proportion of the area that they inhabit indicated that raccoon dogs had the ability to adapt to various habitats. Jacobs Index analysis revealed different habitat selection patterns compared to KDE and MCP, with forests showing neutral to negative selection despite comprising large proportions of home ranges. Our results highlight important methodological considerations when inferring habitat preferences from spatial data, suggesting that multiple analytical approaches provide complementary insights into animal space use. Full article

The purpose of this study was to investigate and update the spatial distribution of Trichinella spp. in wild boars tested between 2015 and 2022 and to test the correlation of the population density of chosen animals (wild boars, red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides), and European badgers (Meles meles)) with the prevalence of Trichinella spp. in wild boars in Poland. In addition, to understand the distribution of infected animals, we sought to see if there were a correlation of Trichinella spp. infections in wild boars with land cover type. Among the wild carnivore species analyzed, only the population density of the raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides)—an invasive alien species—was significantly associated with infection rates in wild boars, particularly at the regional scale. As scavengers and competent reservoir hosts for all four European Trichinella species, raccoon dogs are likely to play a key role in the sylvatic transmission cycle. The positive rate of Trichinella spp. infection in wild boars during 2015–2022 was 0.22%, compared to 0.3% in 2009–2016. Moreover, forest density was positively correlated with infection rates, underlining the role of forest habitats in sustaining Trichinella transmission. Full article

We examined three decades of changes in the mammal fauna of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania in the context of climate variability, land use transformation, and anthropogenic pressures. We compiled distributional, abundance, and status data from publications, atlases, official game statistics, and long-term monitoring programs, and we evaluated trends using compound annual growth rates or temporal indices. Our review identified losses such as regional extinctions of garden dormice and European mink, declines in small insectivores (e.g., pond bats and shrews) and herbivores (e.g., Microtus voles), and the contraction of boreal specialists (e.g., Siberian flying squirrels). However, we also identified gains, including increases in ungulate numbers (e.g., roe deer, red deer, fallow deer, moose, and wild boars before African swine fewer outbreak) and the recovery of large carnivores (e.g., wolves and lynxes). Invasions by non-native species (e.g., American mink, raccoon dog, and raccoon) and episodic disturbances, such as African swine fever and the “anthropause” caused by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, have further reshaped community composition. The drivers encompass climatic warming, post-socialist forest succession, intensified hunting management, and rewilding policies, with dispersal capacity mediating the responses of species. Our results underscore the dual legacy of historical land use and contemporary climate forcing in structuring the fauna dynamics of Baltic mammal communities in the face of declining specialists and invasive taxa. Full article

Background: canine distemper (CD) is a highly contagious and fatal disease caused by canine distemper virus (CDV), posing a significant threat to carnivores. New CDV strain circulation and multi-species infection may lead to the potential dilemma of safety concern and insufficient efficacy of the commercial modified live vaccines. Safe and effective vaccines for canine and wildlife prevention of CD need to be continuously updated and developed. Methods: we developed two DNA vaccines, p17F-LNP and p17H-LNP, encoding the fusion protein (F) or hemagglutinin protein (H) of a field CDV strain (HLJ17) and encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). Serum neutralizing antibody (NAb) was evaluated via neutralization tests, and mouse serum cytokine detection were evaluated via ELISA. Results: immunization of p17F-LNP and p17H-LNP monovalent or bivalent were safe, and induced robust CDV NAb and cytokine responses in mice. LNP encapsulation improved immune responses compared to naked DNA formulation, and the bivalent formulation of p17F-LNP and p17H-LNP (p17F/H-LNP) exhibited synergistic effects with a high level of immune responses. Moreover, two doses of p17F/H-LNP induced long-lasting CDV NAb for over 300 days in dogs, and prime and boost NAb responses in foxes and raccoon dogs. Conclusions: the preliminary findings provided here warrant further development of the p17F/H-LNP vaccine for animal targets against CDV infection. Full article

Canine distemper is caused by a morbillivirus similar to others that affect livestock and humans. The increase in host range and its persistence in wildlife reservoirs complicate eradication considerably. Canine distemper virus has been reported in wildlife in Mexico since 2007. Dogs were previously considered the main reservoirs, but high vaccination coverage in the USA has helped control the disease, and racoons (Procyon lotor) are now recognized as the main reservoirs of the agent in the USA, since they live in high densities in urban environments (peridomestic), where contact with domestic and wildlife species is common. Racoons are now considered to spread CDV in wildlife species and zoo animals. Mexico is home to at least two wildlife species that have been reported as carriers of the CDV infection in studies in the USA. Raccoons and Coyotes are distributed in several Mexican states and could play the same reservoir role as for the US. In addition, the increase in non-traditional pets expands the availability of susceptible individuals to preserve CDV in domiciliary and peri-domiciliary environments, contributing to the spread of the disease. Combined with incomplete vaccination coverage in domestic canids, this could contribute to maintaining subclinical infections. Infected pets with incomplete vaccination schedules could also spread CDV to other canines or wildlife coexisting species. In controlled habitats, such as flora and fauna sanctuaries, protected habitats, zoo collections, etc., populations of wildlife species and stray dogs facilitate the spread of CDV infection, causing the spilling over of this infectious agent. Restricting domestic pets from wildlife habitats reduces the chance of spreading the infection. Regular epidemiological surveillance and specific wildlife conservation practices can contribute to managing threatened species susceptible to diseases like CDV. This may also facilitate timely interventions in companion animals which eventually minimize the impact of this disease in both scenarios. Aim: The review discusses the circulation of CDV in wildlife populations, and highlights the need for epidemiological surveillance in wildlife, particularly in endangered wildlife species from Mexico. Through an extensive review of recent scientific literature about CDV disease in wildlife that has been published in local and international databases, the findings were connected with the current needs of information from a local to global perspective, and conclusions were made to broaden the context of Mexican epidemiological scenarios as closely related to the neighboring regions. Full article

Sex identification is often challenging, especially when only skeletal remains are available. While previous research has primarily focused on skull measurements, dental traits have received less attention. This study aimed to measure the upper and lower canines, molars, and tooth rows of raccoon dogs in Lithuania to examine sexual dimorphism and analyze the correlation between different teeth and tooth row measurements. A total of 90 skulls with lower jaws of adult raccoon dogs were examined, including 55 males and 35 females. Osteometric analysis followed standard protocols, with canine measurements adapted using a method tailored to the dentition of carnivorous species. Of all the study measurements, the canine teeth demonstrated the most significant sex differences. The correlation analysis showed a strong correlation (p < 0.001) between the dimensions of the upper molars P⁴, M¹, and M². The upper tooth rows were strongly correlated (p < 0.001) with the dimensions of the P⁴ and canines. Lower molar correlations were weaker than upper ones, and lower tooth rows showed less correlation with tooth measurements. These findings indicate that molars and tooth rows are not reliable for sex determination in raccoon dogs. However, the observed sexual dimorphism in canine teeth may offer insights for future zooarchaeological and comparative anatomical studies. Full article

Sarcocystis parasites infect a wide range of animals, including reptiles, birds, and mammals, and have complex two-host prey–predator life cycle. Sarcocysts are mainly found in the muscles of intermediate hosts, and oocysts sporulate in the intestines of the definitive host. The raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides), native to Asia and invasive in Europe, is a known disease carrier. However, studies on raccoon dogs in the transmission of Sarcocystis are scarce. Between 2019 and 2024, a total of 26 raccoon dog carcasses were collected in Lithuania. The results of a light microscopy examination indicated that 50% of the samples were positive for Sarcocystis spp. sporocysts and sporulated oocysts. Based on nested PCR and sequencing of cox1, 88.5% of the samples were positive for these parasites. Molecular analysis revealed the presence of 11 different Sarcocystis species. Eight species, including S. alces, S. capracanis, S. hjorti, S. iberica, S. linearis, S. morae, S. tenella, and S. venatoria were reported for the first time in raccoon dogs as definitive hosts. The identified Sarcocystis species were linked to intermediate hosts, such as cervids, wild boars, pigs, goats, and sheep. These findings suggest that raccoon dogs play a key role in the spread of Sarcocystis, particularly species infecting cervids. Full article

The formation of animal breeds usually begins with a small subsample from their ancestral population. Deleterious mutations accumulate in the population under genetic drift, inbreeding, and artificial selection during the development and maintenance of traits desired by humans. White raccoon dogs are among the most popular breeds of farmed raccoon dogs, but white raccoon dogs are more susceptible to disease and have a lower reproductive ability. However, the accumulation of deleterious mutations in this white breed is largely unknown. By analyzing and comparing whole-genome sequencing data from 20 white raccoon dogs and 38 normal raccoon dogs, we detected an increased occurrence of loss-of-function (LoF) mutations in white raccoon dogs compared with normal raccoon dogs. With the finding of a significantly higher dosage of homozygous missense mutations in the white raccoon dog genome, we detected a greater fitness cost in white raccoon dogs. Although a much higher FROH level for ROH fragments longer than 1 Mb has been reported in white raccoon dogs, we did not detect a genetic signal of genetic purging in white raccoon dogs. This study provides valuable genomic resources and new insights into the accumulation of mutation loads in farmed raccoon dogs. Full article

Prion diseases, or transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), are a group of invariably fatal neurodegenerative disorders. One of the candidate genes involved in prion diseases is the shadow of the prion protein (SPRN) gene. Raccoon dogs, a canid, are considered to be a prion disease-resistant species. To date, the genetic polymorphisms of the SPRN gene and the predicted protein structure of the shadow of prion protein (Sho) have not been explored in raccoon dogs. SPRN was amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We also investigated the genetic polymorphisms of SPRN by analyzing the frequencies of genotypes, alleles, and haplotypes, as well as the linkage disequilibrium among the identified genetic variations. In addition, in silico analysis with MutPred-Indel was performed to predict the pathogenicity of insertion/deletion polymorphisms. Predicted 3D structures were analyzed by the Alphafold2. We found a total of two novel synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms and three insertion/deletion polymorphisms. In addition, the 3D structure of the Sho protein in raccoon dogs was predicted to resemble that of the Sho protein in dogs. This is the first study regarding the genetic and structural characteristics of the raccoon dog SPRN gene. Full article

Sarcoptic mange, caused by Sarcoptes scabiei, has been reported in various wildlife species, with the potential to impact populations. While it has been documented in some wildlife species and domestic animals, it has not been previously reported in wild boars in South Korea. In March and April 2022, skin samples from nine wild boars and one raccoon dog with suspected sarcoptic mange were submitted to the NIWDC. These samples were tested and confirmed the presence of S. scabiei in six wild boars and one raccoon dog. Genetic analysis of the cox-1 gene from mites indicated that the gene was identical and belonged to the same haplotype in both host species. Serological survey of 658 wild boars, collected from March 2022 to February 2023, revealed a nationwide seroprevalence of 5.47%. The highest seroprevalence was in Gyeongsangnam-do (9.82%); however, regional differences in seroprevalence across the country were not statistically significant, suggesting the disease may be endemic across South Korea. Seroprevalence was highest in spring (16.84%), likely due to increased contact during winter. This study provides fundamental data on the genetic characteristics and distribution of S. scabiei mites in South Korean wild boars, emphasizing the need for continued surveillance to prevent further spread. Full article

Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis are zoonotic food- and water-borne protozoa of veterinary importance. They are one of the main causes of diarrhea in domestic dogs (Canis familiaris). Wild canids, such as red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides), can act as natural reservoirs for these parasites. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of these pathogens and analyze possible factors that may affect the infection in wild and domestic canids. A total of 373 domestic dog, 219 red fox, and 78 raccoon dog fecal samples were collected and tested for Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis presence with direct immunofluorescent staining. The dog owners filled a questionnaire on the dog’s habits and lifestyle to identify and analyze potential factors that may affect the occurrence of these parasites in dogs. Cryptosporidium spp. were found in 16.3%, 28.3%, and 28.2% and G. duodenalis in 0.7%, 27.4%, and 30.8% of the examined dogs, red foxes, and raccoon dogs, respectively. The highest prevalence was observed in puppies—15.4% and 18.5% for Cryptosporidium spp. and G. duodenalis, respectively. In all three canid species, infection with Cryptosporidium increases the risk of co-infection with Giardia and vice versa. Full article