Search Results (51)

Tetanus is a life-threatening neurological disease affecting vertebrate species, including primates. Here, we present a case of severe generalized tetanus in a juvenile male chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) that was rescued from the illegal wildlife trade and admitted to a rehabilitation center in the Republic of Congo. Upon arrival, the chimpanzee presented with deep, contaminated constrictive wounds, trismus, generalized rigidity, and stimulus-induced tonic spasms accompanied by transient apnea, while remaining conscious. A presumptive clinical diagnosis was made, after which integrated care began immediately. This included meticulous wound debridement and irrigation, passive immunization with antitoxin, initiation of active immunization, metronidazole with adjunctive penicillin G, diazepam-based spasm control, multimodal analgesia, and low-stimulation nursing with oxygen supplementation, enteral nutrition, and temporary urinary catheterization. Aerobic wound culture yielded mixed flora, and a Gram stain of the feces showed large Gram-positive rods with terminal spores. Hematology tests revealed leucopenia with neutropenia and severe thrombocytopenia. The spasms ceased by day 5, at which point the diazepam dose was reduced and oral intake was increased. By week 8, he had made a full clinical recovery and was successfully reintegrated into his group. This case supports the use of pragmatic, sanctuary-adapted protocols and systematic vaccination. Full article

The common swift is the most observed swift species in Germany. During the summer months in urban areas, juvenile swifts in need of help are frequently cared for in wild bird rescue centers. Providing adequate housing and veterinary treatment for hundreds of juvenile swifts can be very challenging for non-specialized organizations and contact with other bird species is often unavoidable. The knowledge about the transmission of infectious diseases between individuals of this bird species specialized in an airborne life and of other bird species is limited. In this presented case a wild juvenile common swift was hand-reared for about 17 days and was noticed to have increasing feather abnormalities in a wildlife rescue center with close proximity to other wild birds. At the time of the investigation, the swift was of an age of about 35 days, and in good physical condition. The affected body, wing, and tail feathers showed retentions of feather sheaths, malformation of the feather vane, and circumferential constrictions with feather loss. The virological examination of the dystrophic feathers revealed a positive result for the circovirus and a negative result for the polyoma-consensus-nested PCR. The detected sequence of the circovirus showed the highest identity in 300 base pairs of 83.11% to a Canary circovirus isolate in NCBI Blast analysis. In addition to a transmission between common swifts during the nestling phase, other wild bird species can be discussed as a possible source of the infection. Full article

The Iberian ribbed newt (Pleurodeles waltl) is a salamander in the Salamandridae family. Endemic to the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa, it is not commonly found in zoological institutions or wildlife rescue centers. As in other species, routine blood analysis of amphibians under human care is highly recommended, forming an essential component of preventive medicine and effective clinical management. However, despite the great utility of hematological parameters for the diagnosis and prevention of diseases in amphibians, the lack of reliable reference values for many species severely limits their clinical use. The aim of this study is to establish preliminary reference values (RV) for the main hematological parameters in the Iberian ribbed newt. Blood samples were taken from healthy adult individuals (n = 30), females (n = 9) and males (n = 21) maintained under controlled conditions in two zoological institutions. A complete hematological analysis was conducted, which included measurements of hematocrit, total erythrocyte and leukocyte counts, as well as a leukocyte differential. The reference intervals were established according to the guidelines provided by the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology (ASVCP) for sample sizes between 20 and 40 individuals. No significant sex-related differences were detected in the hematological parameters analyzed. Despite the broad reference ranges obtained, these preliminary data provide an essential foundation for the clinical assessment and preventive medical management of P. waltl under human care. Expanding the dataset through collaboration with additional institutions will further refine and improve the accuracy and clinical utility of these reference values. Full article

The ecological role and overlap with urban environments make wild carnivores useful epidemiological sentinels for several pathogens. The present study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum and Encephalitozoon cuniculi in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from Central and Southern Italy. Sera from 120 foxes were analyzed using IFAT with a 1:20 cut-off value. Overall, seropositivity was highest for T. gondii (68.5%), followed by E. cuniculi (15.0%) and N. caninum (3.3%). Multivariable logistic regression models with stepwise selection identified age class and location as significant predictor factors for T. gondii exposure, with adults and red foxes from Southern Italy showing higher levels of prevalence. No significant associations with epidemiological risk factors were detected for E. cuniculi or N. caninum. Co-infections were detected in 15% of red foxes with a statistically significant positive association between T. gondii and E. cuniculi. These findings highlight that red foxes, being scavengers, are particularly exposed to food-borne pathogens, especially to T. gondii, and prove once again that they are reliable epidemiological sentinels for parasites that circulate at the wild–domestic interface. Full article

The expansion of urbanized areas is leading to increased human−animal interactions, thereby creating potential new ecosystems for wildlife. In this context, dermatophytoses are of particular significance. This investigation aimed to evaluate the presence of dermatophyte species in wild animals enrolled by passive control and targeted active control plans or deceased for causes independent of this study and analyzed for necroscopic procedures. From 2010 to 2024, a total of 704 samples were collected and analyzed by conventional and molecular assays. Dermatophytes were detected in 77 animals. The molecular approach identified Paraphyton mirabile (5.96%), Trichophyton mentagrophytes complex (2.41%), Microsporum canis (0.71%), Arthroderma curreyi, A. thuringense (0.57% each), A. uncinatum, and A. eboreum (0.43% each). In one animal a co-infection of T. mentagrophytes and M. canis was found. Considering wild animals as sentinels for dermatophytoses, it is crucial to implement surveillance to prevent potential zoonotic outbreaks. Full article

Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) rescued from the illegal wildlife trade often suffer from chronic, traumatic injuries that require specialized and prolonged medical treatment in wildlife rehabilitation centers. We present the case report of a two-year-old male chimpanzee admitted at the Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center in the Republic of Congo with a chronic periorbital abscess, likely caused by a machete wound sustained during the poaching of his mother. Despite receiving extended antimicrobial therapy, his condition was never fully controlled and progressed to a chronic orbital infection, causing him discomfort and producing chronic purulent discharge. Enucleation was performed under general anesthesia using ketamine and medetomidine, with surgical approach adapted to the distinctive orbital anatomy of chimpanzees. During the procedure, ligation of the optic nerve and ophthalmic vessels was required due to the confined orbital apex and extensive vascularization, ensuring adequate haemostasias and procedural safety. The chimpanzee made an uneventful postoperative recovery, resuming normal feeding and social behavior within 48 h, with complete wound healing occurring within two weeks. This case report highlights the importance of prompt surgical intervention when conservative medical management fails to resolve refractory ocular infections in chimpanzees. It also emphasizes the importance of specific anesthetic protocols, refined surgical techniques and tailored postoperative care in wildlife rehabilitation centers. Documenting and sharing detailed case reports such as this contributes to the limited veterinary literature on great ape surgery and supports evidence-based clinical decision-making to improve the welfare and treatment outcomes of rescued chimpanzees. Full article

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global health threat, with wild birds increasingly recognized as potential reservoirs of resistant pathogens and as sentinels of environmental AMR. This study investigated the occurrence and AMR profiles of Gram-negative bacteria isolated from wild birds that died at the Wildlife Rescue Center in Vanzago, Lombardy, in 2024. Cloacal swabs were collected from 112 birds representing various ecological categories. A total of 157 Gram-negative bacteria were isolated and identified, including clinically relevant genera and species, such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter spp., Salmonella spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed resistance to first-line and critically important antimicrobials, including those exclusively authorized for human use. Notably, a phenotype compatible with Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) production was detected in four out of ten (40%) K. pneumoniae isolates. In addition, 20 out of the 157 (12.7%) isolated bacteria phenotypically exhibited a resistance profile indicative of AmpC beta-lactamase (AmpC) production, including Enterobacter spp. and P. aeruginosa. Resistance patterns were particularly interesting in birds with carnivorous, scavenging, or migratory-associated behaviors. These findings highlight the role of wild birds in the ecology and dissemination of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria (ARB) and highlight the need for wildlife-based AMR monitoring programs as part of a One Health approach. Full article

Among synanthropic species, European hedgehogs are widely distributed throughout Europe. In recent decades, these animals have increasingly adapted to anthropogenic environments, where they find abundant shelter and food resources, along with fewer natural predators. As with other wildlife, it is likely that their coexistence in cities is also affecting their microbiota, promoting the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study aimed to assess the occurrence and patterns of AMR in commensal enteric Escherichia coli isolated from hedgehogs (n = 53) living in anthropogenic environments upon admission to a wildlife rescue center in Turin (Italy). The effects of hospitalization on the prevalence and trends of AMR were also assessed. Our results confirm that hedgehogs can harbor resistant E. coli upon admission, in particular against cefazolin (41.5%), ampicillin (37.7%), and enrofloxacin (22.6%). In addition, hospitalization promoted an increase in minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of all antibiotics except imipenem, which led to a significant increase in E. coli that was resistant towards doxycycline, enrofloxacin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Admitted hedgehogs were also carriers of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing E. coli (5.7%), whose presence increased during hospitalization (to 20.8%). These results highlight the role of hospitalizations longer than five days in the acquisition of AMR and suggest that European hedgehogs can become potential carriers of resistant E. coli following hospitalization. Full article

A water deer (Hydropotes inermis argyropus) was rescued following a vehicle collision and presented with suspected hip injury. Radiographic examination confirmed coxofemoral luxation, and a femoral head ostectomy (FHO) was performed to restore functional mobility. Postoperatively, the water deer underwent intensive rehabilitation, including controlled movement and physical therapy, to enhance limb function. Following successful recovery, the water deer was equipped with a GPS collar and released into its natural habitat. GPS tracking data were collected to evaluate the water deer’s post-release adaptation and movement patterns. The Minimum Convex Polygon (MCP) method was used to determine the home range, showing an overall home range (MCP 95%) of 8.03 km² and a core habitat (MCP 50%) of 6.967 km². These results indicate a successful post-surgery outcome, with the water deer demonstrating mobility comparable to healthy individuals. This case demonstrates the clinical feasibility of an FHO in managing hip luxation in water deer and underscores the critical role of post-release monitoring in evaluating functional rehabilitation success in wildlife medicine. This study underscores the importance of integrating surgical intervention, structured rehabilitation, and post-release monitoring to ensure the successful reintroduction of injured wildlife. GPS tracking provides valuable insights into long-term adaptation and mobility, contributing to evidence-based conservation medicine. Full article

Lead is among the most toxic heavy metals, posing significant risks to all living organisms. It is a pervasive and persistent contaminant in the environment. Ingested lead in birds and wildlife induces a range of sublethal effects that disrupt physiological functions and behavior, ultimately resulting in mortality at higher doses or with prolonged exposure. To investigate the relation of lead to accidents and injuries in wild birds, we analyzed lead concentration in 43 wild birds that were admitted as patients to the Wildlife Rehabilitation and Breeding Center (WRBC). The findings reveal a significant dependency between the detected levels of lead in the birds’ bone samples and the reported etiology of their injuries, with variances in the age groups of the patients received at the WRBC in Bulgaria. Full article

Avian influenza (AI), caused by Alphainfluenzavirus (family Orthomyxoviridae), poses significant threats to poultry, biodiversity, and public health. AI outbreaks in poultry lead to severe economic losses, while highly pathogenic strains (HPAIVs) severely impact wild bird populations, with implications for biodiversity and potential zoonotic risks. Similarly, arboviruses such as West Nile virus (WNV) and Usutu virus (USUV) are emerging zoonoses. WNV can cause severe neurological diseases in birds, humans, and other animals, while USUV significantly affects blackbird populations and has zoonotic potential, though human cases remain rare. This study investigated avian viruses in 1654 wild birds from 75 species that died at the Wildlife Rescue Center in Vanzago, Lombardy, during 2023–2024. Necropsies were conducted, and virological analyses were performed to detect avian influenza viruses, WNV, and USUV. Among the tested birds, 15 were positive for H5N1 HPAIV clade 2.3.4.4b, all in 2023, including 13 Chroicocephalus ridibundus, one Coturnix coturnix, and one Columba palumbus. Additionally, 16 tested positive for WNV (15 for lineage 2 and one for lineage 1), one for USUV, and 11 co-infections WNV/USUV were recorded in 2023–2024. These findings underscore the importance of avian viral passive surveillance in identifying epidemiological trends and preventing transmission to other species, including mammals and humans. Full article

European hedgehogs are an important reservoir for many pathogens of health interest. Since hedgehogs live in close contact with humans, potential zoonotic fungi raise significant public health concerns, especially in areas with a high hedgehog density. From 2020 to 2023, 134 hedgehogs were surveyed for potential zoonotic fungi. Non-invasive methods were used, such as brushing live animals with a sterile toothbrush and taking oral and rectal swabs from deceased ones (86 animals). Dermatophytes were cultured on Dermasel agar and identified using molecular tools, while yeasts were isolated on Sabouraud agar with chloramphenicol and determined using Candida Chromogenic agar (MicroBiolDiagnostici^®, Cagliari, Italy) and MALDI-TOF (Microflex LT Smart Biotyper with FlexControlBiotyper 3.4 software, Bruker Daltonics, Bremen, Germany). Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined for Candida albicans isolates. Dermatophytes were found in just one hedgehog (0.8%, 95% C.I.: 0–0.04), identified as Paraphyton mirabile. Yeasts were detected in 22 of 86 hedgehogs (25.6%, 95% C.I.: 16.4–34.8), with 25 isolates obtained, including 21 Candida albicans, 2 Yarrowia lipolytica, 1 Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, and 1 Meyerozyma guilliermondii. All C. albicans isolates showed a high susceptibility to the antimycotic panel tested. Monitoring zoonotic fungi harbored by European hedgehogs, as well as raising public awareness on the topic, is of great importance for public health. Full article

In 2022, a novel parvovirus was identified from an outbreak of fatal enteritis in weaned European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) at a wildlife rescue center in Southern Italy. During sequence analysis, the strain was found to be closely related (90.4% nucleotide identity) to a chaphamaparvovirus (ChPV) discovered in Amur hedgehogs (Erinaceus amurensis) during a large metaviromic investigation in game animals in China. In this study, we investigated the presence of this novel ChPV in necropsied European hedgehogs from different areas of North-Western Italy. Duodenal and liver samples collected from 194 necropsied hedgehogs were screened by using a specific quantitative PCR. A total of 38/194 animals (19.6%) tested positive, with ChPV DNA being detected in the duodenum (9.3%, 18/194), liver (7.2%, 14/194) or in both (3.1%, 6/194) tissue samples, with comparable rates and mean viral loads. The nearly full-length genome of four hedgehog ChPV strains was reconstructed. During phylogenetic analysis based on the NS1 and partial VP aa sequences, the four strains detected in this study tightly clustered with the prototype ChPVs previously identified in Amur and European hedgehogs within a potential novel candidate species of the genus Chaphamaparvovirus. Full article

Studies are being conducted on the anatomical structures of various wild animals. Despite the ecological importance of the Korean raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides koreensis), limited research has been conducted on its anatomical structure. This study is the first to establish a reference range for joint orientation angles in the limbs of the Korean raccoon dog. Joint orientation angles are an unexplored concept not only in Korean raccoon dogs but also in other wildlife. However, they are important in the examination of the skeletal anatomy of humans and companion animals, such as dogs and cats. Because this type of measurement is still emerging in wildlife research, we applied the methodology used in the domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris). Angles were measured between the mechanical or anatomical axis and the joint orientation lines in the thoracic and pelvic limbs of Korean raccoon dogs. No significant differences were observed between the sexes or between the left and right sides. These findings are consistent with those observed in domestic dogs. Based on this study, a reference range of joint orientation angles could be established for Korean raccoon dogs. Full article

Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens) is an important veterinary pathogen and a noteworthy threat to human and animal health. Recently, there has been a significant rise in the number of moose fatalities caused by this rare, endemic species in China. Currently, there is an increasing trend in conducting whole-genome analysis of C. perfringens strains originating from pigs and chickens, whereas fewer studies have been undertaken on Elaphurus davidianus-originating strains at the whole-genome level. Our laboratory has identified and isolated five C. perfringens type A from affected Elaphurus davidianus. The current study identified the most potent strain of C. perfringens, which originated from Elaphurus davidianus, and sequenced its genome to reveal virulence genes and pathogenicity. Our findings show that strain CX1-4 exhibits the highest levels of phospholipase activity, hemolytic activity, and mouse toxicity compared to the other four isolated C. perfringens type A strains. The chromosome sequence length of the CX1-4 strain was found to be 3,355,389 bp by complete genome sequencing. The current study unveils the genomic characteristics of C. perfringens type A originating from Elaphurus davidianus. It provides a core foundation for further investigation regarding the prevention and treatment of such infectious diseases in Elaphurus davidianus. Full article