[sp1] oocyte collection from superstimulated disease-free ...

60th%Annual%International%Conference%of%the%Wildlife%Disease%Association%Québec%City,%Québec,%Canada%2011%

[SP1] OOCYTE COLLECTION FROM SUPERSTIMULATED DISEASE-FREE WOOD BISON (BISON BISON ATHABASCAE) DURING THE ANOVULATORY SEASON

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Jesus M. Palomino,1 Robert McCorkell,2 Murray Woodbury,3 Miriam Cervantes,1 and Gregg Adams1

1Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada; 2Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada; 3Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.

Presenting author: Palomino, Jesus M. ([email protected])

Reclamation of Canada's threatened wood bison herd is complicated by tuberculosis and brucellosis. Eradication of affected herds and repopulation with healthy bison obtained through biotechnologies was recommended. The goal of the bison project is to produce disease-free gametes and embryos using reproductive technology. The specific objective of this study was to compare equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) versus follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) superstimulatory treatments, with or without a follow-up dose of luteinizing hormone (LH), on oocyte collection. Disease-free bison were synchronized by follicular ablation and then assigned into 4 groups: eCG, eCG+LH, FSH, and FSH+LH. The eCG (2500 IU) was given intramuscularly on Day 0 (1 day after ablation), FSH (200 mg) was given subcutaneously on Day 0 and Day 2, and LH (25 mg) was given intramuscularly on Day 4. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) were collected by transvaginal ultrasound-guided follicle aspiration on Day 5. COCs were classified as compact, expanded, and denuded according to morphological attributes of the surrounding cumulus cells. The number (mean±SE) of COC collected was higher (p<0.05) in FSH- (6.7±1.03) than eCG-treated groups (3.8±0.68). The proportion of expanded COC was greater (p<0.05) in LH-treated groups than in those without LH. In conclusion, FSH treatment was more effective than eCG to collect a greater number of disease-free oocytes. LH treatment increased the collection of expanded COC. Overall, oocyte collection by transvaginal ultrasound-guided follicle aspiration and the collection of expanded oocytes are feasible and practical giving new alternatives for the development of in vitro embryo production in healthy wood bison.


[SP2] POTENTIAL FACTOR INTERFERING IN THE ABILITY OF SPERM TO SURVIVE CRYOPRESERVATION

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G. Gratton,1,2 M.F. Lusignan,3 P. Manjunath,3 M. Anzar,1,2 and C. Lessard1,2

1Agriculture and Agri-food Canada, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada; 2Department of Veterinary Biomedical Science, WCVM, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada; 3Research Center, Maisonneuve- Rosemont Hospital and Department of Medicine University of Montreal, Montreal, Québec, Canada.

Presenting author: Gratton, Gillian ([email protected])

Regional bison ranchers have limited access to reproductive technologies due to difficulties cryopreserving bison semen. A factor present in the seminal plasma affects ability of bison sperm to survive freezing- thawing procedures. Evidence suggests that this unknown factor is partially trapped by the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) fraction of an egg-yolk based extender used to cryopreserve semen. The goal of this study is to identify the factor in bison seminal plasma interfering with the integrity of sperm by evaluating the protein profile of the LDL fraction of an egg-yolk based extender mixed with bison seminal plasma. Semen was collected from captive wood and plains bison by electroejaculation and spermatozoa were removed from seminal plasma by a series of centrifugations. Purified seminal plasma was then mixed with an egg- yolk based or a synthetic extender (negative control). The LDL fractions from both groups were isolated by ultracentrifugation. Proteins were separated with 2-dimensional electrophoresis gels and protein profiles from both groups were compared to identify unique proteins captured by the egg yolk extender. Using MALDI-TOF, twelve proteins of interest were identified and the function of these proteins varies from capacitation of sperm to a mediator of many leukocyte functions. Strategies to neutralize the functions of one of these potential candidates will need to be developed to identify the interfering factor. This study can be beneficial for the industry and wildlife animal resources in order to preserve bison genetic diversity.


[SP3] HELMINTH INFECTIONS ACROSS THE ANNUAL BREEDING CYCLE OF NORTHERN BOBWHITES IN THE ROLLING PLAINS OF TEXAS

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Stacie M. Villarreal,1 Alan M. Fedynich,1 Leonard A. Brennan,1 and Dale Rollins2

1Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, Texas, USA and 2Texas AgriLIFE Research, Texas A&M University, San Angelo, Texas, USA.

Presenting author: Villarreal, Stacie M. ([email protected])

Northern bobwhites (Colinus virginianus) are found throughout the various regions of Texas and are also an important game species. Given that the Rolling Plains of Texas is one of the last remaining ecoregions that still has sizable populations, the ongoing long-term continental decline of northern bobwhite populations has generated a growing concern about possible causes such as parasites and associated diseases. Assessment of parasites infecting northern bobwhites in Texas has not been examined since the 1950s, and never across a complete breeding cycle of bobwhites. Most studies have been conducted only during the hunting season (November–February) and, as such, have sampled only "survivors.” The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and abundance of helminth parasites in northern bobwhites from the Rolling Plains Ecoregion of Texas during an annual cycle and determine whether infections are related to season (spring 2010 [n=37], summer 2010 [n=51], winter 2010–2011 [n=54]), age (juvenile [n=74], adult [n=68]), and sex (male [n=81], female [n=60]) of the host. The helminth community was dominated by nematodes in which Aulonocephalus pennula was most commonly found, followed by Oxyspirura petrowi, Tetrameres pattersoni, cestodes (Rhabdometra odiosa and Rallietina spp.), and cystacanths. Findings from this study provide a better understanding about helminth infections within bobwhites in relation to this host's breeding cycle.


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[SP4] THE PARASITIC EYEWORM OXYSPIRURA PETROWI IN NORTHERN BOBWHITES FROM TEXAS

Stacie M. Villarreal,1 Alan M. Fedynich,1 Leonard A. Brennan,1 Fidel Hernández,1 Dale F. Kane,1 and Dale Rollins2

1Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Kingsville, Texas, USA; 2Texas AgriLIFE Research, Texas A&M University, San Angelo, Texas, USA.

Presenting author: Villarreal, Stacie M. ([email protected])

Oxyspirura petrowi is an indirect lifecycle nematode that occurs under the nictitating membrane on the eye surface of certain bird species. Previous studies from western or northwestern regions of Texas have found that O. petrowi occurs in northern bobwhites (Colinus virginianus), scaled quail (Callipepla squamata), and Montezuma quail (Cyrtonyx montezumae). The present study was initiated to learn more about the occurrence of O. petrowi in bobwhites from Texas. Our objective was to determine prevalence, intensity, and abundance of O. petrowi in northern bobwhites from the Rolling Plains and Rio Grande Plains ecoregions. We examined 314 bobwhites (236 from the Rolling Plains and 78 from Rio Grande Plains of Texas) collected during 2007–2011. Overall, 40% of bobwhites were infected with 705 O. petrowi. None of the bobwhites from South Texas were infected, whereas 125 (53%) bobwhites from the Rolling Plains were infected. Mean intensity of O. petrowi was 5.6 + 6.0 (SD) (range: 1–40) and mean abundance of O. petrowi from the Rolling Plains host sample was 3.0 + 5.2 (SD). Based on these findings, it appears that O. petrowi in Rio Grande Plains is absent or occurs at extremely low levels, suggesting the lack of a suitable intermediate host. Studies are needed to survey bobwhites from a larger area of southern Texas and determine the occurrence of potential intermediate hosts before definitive conclusions can be made about the presence or absence of O. petrowi in Rio Grande Plains.


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[SP5] ABSENCE OF BLOOD PARASITES IN PENGUINS (PYGOSCELIS ADELIAE, PYGOSCELIS ANTARCTICA, PYGOSCELIS PAPUA) AT KING GEORGE ISLAND, SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS (ANTARCTIC PENINSULA)

Ralph Eric Thijl Vanstreels,1 Flavia Miranda,2 Roberta da Cruz Piuco,3 Vitor Valiati,3 Maria Virgínia Petry,3 and José Luiz Catão-Dias1

1Laboratório de Patologia Comparada de Animais Selvagens, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo São Paulo, SP, Brasil; 2Wildlife Conservation Society, São Paulo, SP, Brasil; 3Laboratório de Ornitologia e Animais Marinhos, Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos; Vitor Valiati, Laboratório de Ornitologia e Animais Marinhos, Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos, Itajaí, RS, Brasil.

Presenting author: Vanstreels, Ralph Eric Thijl ([email protected])

Penguin blood parasites include Babesia peircei, Borrelia sp., Haemoproteus sp., Leucocytozoon tawaki, Plasmodium spp., Trypanosoma sp. and nematode microfilaria. From January to February 2011, blood samples from 40 penguins (2 Pygoscelis adeliae; 18 P. antarctica; 20 P. papua) were collected at Admiralty Bay, King George Island, South Shetland Island (62°5'S 58°24'W). Blood was collected from the metatarsal and jugular veins, two thin blood smears were freshly prepared, then fixed in methanol and stained according to Wright-Rosenfeld and Diff-Quick methods. A minimum 3 x 104 erythrocytes per animal were examined under 1000x magnification light microscopy. No blood parasites were observed. The absence of avian blood parasites in the Antarctic is thought to result from the absence of competent insect hosts in the harsh climatic conditions. However, climate change may redefine the geographic distribution of insect species throughout the world, and the Antarctic Peninsula is projected to be one of the regions most affected by warming trends. Considering the exceptional susceptibility of penguins to avian malaria (Plasmodium spp.), as has been extensively documented whenever these birds are exposed to the plasmodial infections in captivity, the possibility of redistribution of insect hosts associated with climate change is a worrisome possible threat to the conservation of penguins in the Antarctic Peninsula. It is therefore advised that the occurrence of blood parasites and their insect hosts should be monitored regularly in Antarctic birds, particularly in the Antarctic Peninsula, in order to detect their emergence as early as possible should it occur.


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[SP6] NOVEL ASSESSMENT OF EXPOSURE AND EFFECTS OF PETROLEUM- RELATED EMISSIONS ON BIRDS

Luis Cruz and Judit Smits

Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Presenting author: Cruz, Luis ([email protected])

The oil and gas industries are central economies in Western Canada. However, the extraction and processing produces toxic emissions such as sulfur dioxide (SO2), hydrogen sulfide and volatile organic compounds (VOC), benzene and toluene being the major ones. Studies on cattle naturally exposed to these emission show that increasing exposure has an effect on the immune, respiratory and nervous systems. This suggests that wildlife exposed to these emissions are also at risk, but studies are very limited. Our ultimate goal is to understand the effects of such emissions on wild birds in part, by developing a non-lethal method to assess exposure using feather tissue. Here we describe an experimental exposure of captive quail (Coturnix c. japonica) to environmentally relevant levels of petroleum-related air contaminants (mixtures of benzene, toluene, SO2 and nitrogen dioxide). We assess the birds’ physiological response (hematology and biochemistry), stress response (corticosterone concentration in feather tissue), and antibody-mediated immune response. In addition, we measure classic detoxification enzyme (CYP1A1) induction through ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity in feather pulp and liver tissue. We hypothesize that: 1. biotransformation enzymes, specifically CYP1A1, are detectable in the pulp of growing feathers, 2. levels of CYP1A1 in feather pulp correlates with levels in liver, and 3. exposure will result in measurable changes in the birds' physiological, stress and immune responses. Results will provide baseline information and an approach to study toxicity associated with emissions on wild birds at risk, a topic that remains poorly understood.


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[SP7] SURVEILLANCE OF PARAMYXOVIRUS TYPE 1, AVIAN INFLUENZA VIRUS AND MYCOPLASMA GALLISEPTICUM IN FREE-RANGING BIRDS CAUGHT NEAR COMMERCIAL POULTRY FARMS IN SÃO PAULO STATE, BRAZIL

Renata Ferreira Hurtado,1 Marta Brito Guimarães,2 Camila Peloso Bello,2 and Antônio José Piantino Ferreira2

1Department of Preventive Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Zootecnie, São Paulo University, São Paulo city, São Paulo, Brasil; 2Department of Ornitopathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Zootecnie, São Paulo University, São Paulo city, São Paulo, Brasil.

Presenting author: Ferreira Hurtado, Renata ([email protected])

Newcastle disease (paramyxovirus type 1), avian influenza and mycoplasmosis are very important diseases of wild and domestic birds, due to their potential public health risk and large economic effects. The objective of this study is the surveillance of these three pathogens in wild birds that have free access to commercial poultry farms. From January to December 2010 tracheal and cloacal swabs were collected from free- ranging birds in poultry farms (breeders, broilers and laying hens) at Mogi das Cruzes and Louveira municipalities, São Paulo State, Brazil. Swabs were immediately placed in transport media (glycerol 5% in phosphate buffered saline with penicillin and fungizone) in liquid nitrogen, and processed within 3-5 hours. The RNA were extracted using TRIZOL™ (Invitrogen®) and DNA were extracted by the boiling method. Agarose gel electrophoresis was used to detect amplified DNA products. Samples were obtained from 137 birds belonging to the orders Passeriformes (110), Columbiformes (25) and Apodiformes (2). Reverse Transcriptase – PCR revealed no positive samples for paramyxovirus type 1, avian influenza virus or Mycoplasma gallisepticum. Many of the studied poultry farms did not have appropriate biosecurity measures, allowing intense contact between caged and wild birds and facilitating the spread of pathogens. Thus, the surveillance of these pathogens in regions where commercial poultry are considered an activity of great economic importance is important in order to permit early detection of possible outbreaks.


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[SP8] REAL TIME RT-PCR DETECTION OF AVIAN INFLUENZA VIRUS AND NEWCASTLE DISEASE VIRUS IN PELAGIC BIRDS FROM FERNANDO DE NORONHA ARCHIPELAGO, BRAZIL

Renata Ferreira Hurtado,1 Patricia Pereira Serafini,2 Tatiana Lopes Ometto,3 Luciano M. Thomazelli,3

Erika Donizetti de Oliveira Candido,3 Marina Maria Moraes Seixas,3 Jansen de Araujo,3 Isaac Simão Neto,2 Andrei Langeloh Roos,2, Leandro Bugoni,4 and Edison Luiz Durigon3

1Department of Preventive Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Zootecnie, São Paulo University, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; 2National Center for Bird Conservation Research – CEMAVE/ICMBio, Ministry of Environment, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil; 3Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedical Science, São Paulo University, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; 4Laboratory of Aquatic Birds, Federal University of Rio Grande –FURG, Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

Presenting author: Ferreira Hurtado, Renata ([email protected])

The Fernando de Noronha archipelago (3054’S 32025’W), 340 km off the Northeastern Brazilian coast, hosts the largest seabird breeding colonies of the tropical South Atlantic. Among these, a small number of Audubon’s Shearwaters (Puffinus iherminieri), Red-billed Tropicbird (Phaeton aethereus) and White-tailed tropic birds (Phaeton lepturus) nest in rock and cliff cavities. Due to the difficulty in capturing pelagic birds (some of which are endangered in Brazil), particularly in protected areas, little is known on the circulation of viruses in these animals. Although these birds do not have migratory habits, they are frequently in contact with others that do migrate over large distances, such as the Cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) which migrates between the African and South American continents. The direct contact amongst these birds may introduce pathogens of economic, public health or conservation importance, such as the influenza and Newcastle disease viruses. The objective of this study was to investigate the occurrence of influenza virus type A and paramyxovirus type 1 (Newcastle Disease Virus) in pelagic birds at the Fernando de Noronha archipelago, Pernambuco, Brazil. Oral and tracheal swabs were collected from 52 birds (47 Phaeton lepturus, 3 Puffinus iherminieri, 2 Phaeton aethereus) in August and November 2010. Real-time reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) revealed no positive samples for the examined viruses. The surveillance and early detection of these pathogens in Brazil is important to assure the rapid implementation of control and prevention measures, as well as appropriate conservation actions.


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[SP9] TESTING FOR AVIAN PARAMYXOVIRUS-1 (NEWCASTLE DISEASE) IN RESIDENT PASSERINES WITHIN THE MISSISSIPPI VALLEY LOESS PLAIN

Andrea J. Ayala,1 Tiffany N. Tabor,2 Alejandro Banda,2 and Daniel J. Twedt1

1U. S. Geological Survey, Vicksburg, Minnesota, USA; 2Poultry Research & Diagnostic Laboratory, Mississippi State University, Pearl, Minnesota, USA.

Presenting author: Ayala, Andrea J. ([email protected])

Prevailing agricultural interest in the avian Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV), Paramyxovirus-1 (APMV-1), wildlife-poultry interface involves evaluating wild galliform and pelecaniform bird species as potential reservoir hosts. Recent investigation into alternative transmission routes carries conservation implications, as unvaccinated free-ranging chickens (Gallus gallus) may serve as APMV-1 reservoirs and a source of infection of migratory and resident songbirds, many of which are in decline. The presence of free-ranging G. gallus adjacent to Vicksburg National Military Park, in west-central Mississippi, prompted serological examination of two abundant, peri-urban, non-migrant passerines for the presence of APMV-1 antibodies during summer 2010. Northern Cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis) and Carolina Wrens (Thryothorus ludovicianus) were captured during constant effort mist-netting under the auspices of the nationwide Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survival Program. Upon capture, we collected ~ 0.1 ml of blood (equaling 1.4 ml serum) from the brachial vein on WhatmanTM filter paper strips. Samples were dried at 37°C, stored in open ZiplocTM bags, placed in standard 96-well plates and eluted using a microplate vibrator. Newcastle disease virus (NDV) antibody levels were tested using a beta hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay and healthy avian erythrocytes; positive and negative controls were included. Of 29 total samples, two were unusable. Two sampled birds were recaptured at later dates; one was resampled, one was not, equaling a 7.1% sampling recapture rate. We assayed 26 total birds, 14 Northern Cardinals and 12 Carolina Wrens of both sexes including juveniles and adults. All assays were negative for NDV (APMV-1) antibodies. We discuss limitations of this study and propose further research opportunities.


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[SP10] INVESTIGATING WATERBORNE TRANSMISSION OF TOXOPLASMA GONDII BETWEEN FERAL CATS AND ENDEMIC AVIFAUNA IN THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS, ECUADOR

Michelle Verant,1 Noemi d'Ozouville,2 Patricia Parker,3 Karen Shapiro,4 Elizabeth VanWormer,5 and Sharon Deem6

1University of Minnesota, School of Public Health, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; 2Galapagos Islands Integrated Water Studies, Puerto Ayora, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador; 3University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, USA; 4University of California-Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, California, USA; 5University of California-Davis, Wildlife Health Center, Davis, California, USA; 6St. Louis Zoo, St. Louis, Missouri, USA.

Presenting author: Verant, Michelle ([email protected])

The Galapagos archipelago is a World Heritage Site with no recorded extinctions of endemic avifauna. However, many bird species are now threatened due to an increase in tourism and the introduction of invasive species. Domestic cats are ubiquitous on the human populated islands, and the potential for Toxoplasma gondii transmission to avifauna has been recognized as a conservation concern. In previous studies, a 63% T. gondii seroprevalence was found in cats on Isabella Island, and exposure to T. gondii in Galapagos penguins and flightless cormorants was determined on Isabella and Fernandina Islands, the latter of which has no cats. We hypothesize that marine avifauna are exposed to waterborne T. gondii oocysts from contaminated freshwater runoff. Water samples were collected from freshwater and estuarine sites on populated islands, and analyzed for T. gondii oocysts by epifluorescent microscopy. From 20 sample sites, 3 structures resembling oocysts were seen. PCR and sequencing of the samples were negative for Toxoplasma, but indicated potentially related micro-organisms. This study presents the first attempt to apply a novel approach for environmental T. gondii oocyst detection. Due to the low sensitivity, we cannot rule out waterborne transmission of oocysts to marine avifauna in the Galapagos. Considering the evidence for environmental oocyst contamination in areas with cats, and infections in animals and humans elsewhere, the risk of waterborne toxoplasmosis remains a health concern in the Galapagos. Further development of environmental testing methods and research on the epidemiology and health effects of this waterborne zoonosis is warranted.


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[SP11] MORTALITIES DUE TO CONSTIPATION AND DYSTOCIA CAUSED BY INTRA- PERITONEAL TRANSMITTERS IN EURASIAN LYNX (LYNX LYNX)

Monique Léchenne,1 Caroline Bröjer,2 Jon Arnemo,3,4 H. Andrén,5 and Erik O. Ågren2

1Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zürich, Clinical laboratory, Zürich, Switzerland; 2Department of Pathology and Wildlife Disease, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), Uppsala, Sweden; 3Section of Arctic Veterinary Medicine, Department of Food Safety and Infection Biology, Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, Tromsø, Norway; 4Faculty of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Hedmark University college, Koppang, Norway; 5Department of ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Grimsö wildlife research station, Riddarhyttan, Sweden.

Presenting author: Léchenne, Monique ([email protected])

Three lynx were found dead when a surgically implanted free floating intra-peritoneal radio transmitter lodged within the pelvic canal. The implant type used in all three cases was the cylindrical shaped Telonics®, IMP/150/L, weight 20 g, length 5.3 cm and diameter 2.3 cm. A total of 31 lynx had been implanted with the same type of intra-peritoneal transmitter in the study area in central Sweden between 1997 and 2007. Two of the three cases were yearling lynx that died of constipation as the transmitter compressed the colon in the pelvic canal. Both were emaciated at necropsy, without intra-pelvic fat, which allowed the transmitter implant to narrowly fit into the pelvic canal. An adult female lynx died of dystocia when the pelvic birth canal was blocked by the transmitter at the time of parturition. There was no encapsulation of the implants. The size and shape of the implant are considered as the primary underlying cause of the mortalities. Since these mortalities were identified, the transmitter type involved in these cases has been replaced with a slightly larger model for use in lynx, and no further mortalities attributed to transmitters have occurred since.


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[SP12] DISTRIBUTION AND GENETIC DIVERSITY OF ECHINOCOCCUS MULTILOCULARIS IN CANADA

Karen Gesy,1 Christopher Somers,2 Janet Hill,1 Andrew Peregine,3 Stacey Elmore,1 and Emily Jenkins1

1University of Saskatchewan, Veterinary Microbiology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada; 2University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada; 3University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.

Presenting author: Gesy, Karen ([email protected])

Recently, the tapeworm, Echinococcus multilocularis has re-emerged as a global health concern with an increased prevalence in humans and wildlife and a broadening geographic distribution in Europe and the central United States. In Canada, however, very little is known about the current distribution, genetic diversity or zoonotic potential of endemic strains of E. multilocularis; only one autochthonous human case has been reported in Canada. The life cycle of E. multilocularis involves definitive carnivore hosts (i.e. fox, coyote, wolf, dogs, cats) and intermediate rodent hosts (i.e. voles, mice). Genetic diversity has only recently been identified within E. multilocularis across its circumpolar distribution, resulting in identification of two North American strains, the N1 strain in Alaska and the N2 strain in the US prairies. We have detected the N2 strain of E. multilocularis in ~10% of 160 deer mice trapped in southern Saskatchewan in 2009, and are exploring fine scale differences in genetic diversity at mitochondrial and microsatellite loci. To date our research has also identified two new geographic records for E. multilocularis, at Karrak Lake, Nunavut and Quesnel, British Columbia. In central British Columbia, we are continuing investigations to determine if a European strain detected in a domestic dog has established in native wildlife in this newly-endemic area. Eurasian strains may well have a higher zoonotic potential than North American strains. This project will provide a baseline for determining the effects of climate change, global translocation of pathogens, and fine scale landscape changes on an emerging zoonotic parasite with a wildlife reservoir.


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[SP13] PATHOGEN SURVEILLANCE IN ARCTIC FOXES AT KARRAK LAKE, NUNAVUT

Stacey A. Elmore,1 Gustaf Samelius,2 Alvin A. Gajadhar,3 Ray Alisauskas,4 and Emily J. Jenkins1

1Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan, Canada; 2Grimsö Wildlife Research Station, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Riddarhyttan, Sweden; 3Centre for Food-borne and Animal Parasitology Canadian Food Inspection Agency Saskatoon, SK. Canada; 4Prairie and Northern Wildlife Research Centre, Environment Canada, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.

Presenting author: Elmore, Stacey A. ([email protected])

Arctic foxes (Vulpes lagopus) are circumpolar canids that are endemic throughout northern Canada. Fox diets primarily consist of rodents in the subfamily Arvicolinae (Lemmus sp., Dicrostonyx groenlandicus, and Myodes rutilis), although foxes can increase their diet breadth when rodents are not abundant. At Karrak Lake in the Queen Maud Gulf Migratory Bird Sanctuary (Nunavut, Canada), arctic foxes include in their diets the eggs and goslings of nesting lesser snow geese and Ross’s geese, and to a lesser extent, scavenge carcasses of caribou, muskoxen and other northern wildlife species. Due to their position in the Karrak Lake food web, these foxes are potentially exposed to many zoonotic pathogens through trophic transmission, particularly Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, Brucella sp., and gastrointestinal helminths such as Echinococcus multilocularis. Other pathogens of interest include Leptospira sp., rabies virus, Giardia sp., and Cryptosporidium sp. This study provides baseline pathogen surveillance for arctic foxes in Nunavut, and results will be used to guide future research of parasitic zoonoses in wildlife from Canada’s Arctic.


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[SP14] POPULATION DENSITY AND PHENOTYPIC ATTRIBUTES INFLUENCE THE LEVEL OF NEMATODE PARASITISM IN ROE DEER

Guillaume Body,1 Hubert Ferté,2 Jean-Michel Gaillard,3 Daniel Delorme,4 François Klein,4 and Emmanuelle Gilot-Fromont5

1Concordia University, Montréal, Québec, Canada; 2Université de Reims Champagne-Ardennes, Reims, France; 3Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France; 4Office National de la Chasse et de la Faune Sauvage, Bar-le-Duc, France; 5Université de Lyon Vetagrosup, Marcy l'Etoile, France.

Presenting author: Body, Guillaume ([email protected])

The effect of parasites on population dynamics is well documented, but less is known on how host population density affects parasite transmission. This relationship is difficult to assess because of confounding effects of social structure, population density, and environmental conditions that lead to bias among population comparisons. Here we analyzed infection by two groups of nematodes (gastro-intestinal (GI) strongyles and Trichuris) in the roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) population of Trois Fontaines (France) between 1997 and 2007. During this period, we experimentally manipulated population density through changes in removals. Using measures collected on 297 individuals, we quantified the effect of density on parasite transmission after taking into account possible influence of date, age, sex, body mass, and weather conditions. The prevalence and abundance of eggs of both parasites in females were positively related to roe deer density, except Trichuris in adult females. We also found a negative relationship between parasitism and body mass and strong age and sex dependent patterns of parasitism. Prime-age adults were less often parasitized and had lower fecal egg counts than fawns or old individuals, and males were more heavily and more often infected than females. Trichuris parasites were not affected by weather, whereas GI strongyles were less present after dry and hot summers. In the range of observed densities, the observed effect of density likely involves a variation of the exposure rate, as opposed to variation in host susceptibility.


[SP15] DIVERSITY OF BAT SPECIES ON ST. KITTS AND IDENTIFICATION USING MOLECULAR METHODS

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Jennifer Daly,1 Jason Beck,2 Monica Devilbiss,1 Haeyon Anna Lee,1 Thomas Hester,1 and Amanda Loftis1

1Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, St. Kitts, St. Kitts and Nevis; 2Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Pocatello, Idaho, USA.

Presenting author: Daly, Jennifer ([email protected])

Bats are vital to the pollination of tropical plants and to insect control in Caribbean locations. Previous studies done on the island of St. Kitts identified seven bat species; the most recent study was performed in 2001. We undertook a study to characterize the current bat population and identify any changes since the last data set. Between November 2010 and February 2011, 167 bats were mist-netted, measured, and phenotypically identified. A small sample of blood was also collected, from the brachial vein, to perform genetic studies. Five different species of bats were captured, and preliminary phenotypic identifications performed in the field were confirmed with molecular methods. Fifty-one blood samples were selected for PCR analysis. PCR was performed on the cytochrome B gene with newly created primers, one pair for frugivores and another for insectivores. PCR and RFLP putatively identified four out of the five species but were unable to differentiate between Ardops nichollsi and Stenoderma rufum. DNA sequencing was then performed on representative specimens of each species to confirm identification. The five species of bats were identified via sequencing as: Molossus molossus, Brachyphylla cavernarum, Artibeus jamaicensis, Ardops nichollsi, and a Chiroderma species. The Chiroderma sequence was 98% similar to C. improvisum, and further taxonomic work is underway. This is the first record of the genus Chiroderma from St. Kitts. Three previously reported species (Noctilio leporinus, Tadarida brasiliensis, and Monophyllus plethodon) were not captured. Further collections will be needed to evaluate their status or possible seasonal residence on St. Kitts.


[SP16] DETECTION OF FERTILE ANGUILLICOLOIDES CRASSUS IN CAPTIVE RAISED AMERICAN EELS (ANGUILLA ROSTRATA)

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Sylvain Larrat,1 Stéphane Lair,1 André D. Dallaire,1 Iga Stasiak,2 and Jill Marvin3

1Centre québécois sur la santé des animaux sauvages / Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, St. Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada; 2Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph / Toronto Zoo, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; 3Aquarium du Québec, Société des établissements de plein air du Québec, Québec City, Québec, Canada.

Presenting author: Larrat, Sylvain ([email protected])

Several populations of American eels (Anguilla rostrata) have faced declines over the past decades. In 2005, the Aquarium du Québec (AQ) acquired American eel elvers, collected from the Atlantic coast, to become part of an educational display pertaining to the conservation of this species. These eels originated from areas that were then believed to be free of the swim bladder nematode, Anguillicoloides crassus. In 2010, ten of these eels were transferred to the Toronto Zoo. An infection of the swim bladder by nematode larvae was later reported as an incidental finding in one of the transferred eels. Subsequent postmortem examinations of eels from the 2005 cohort housed at the AQ confirmed asymptomatic infections with adult A. crassus. Despite having evaluated the risk of contamination of the wild as being minimal, it was decided, following discussions with provincial wildlife management authorities, to cull the eels of this cohort. The fact that this parasite has yet to be documented in the St. Lawrence River system governed this decision. Postmortem examination of the culled eels (n=54) revealed a prevalence of 37% and a mean intensity of 1.4 mature parasites, including fertile females. The absence of an underlying source of infection at the AQ suggests that these eels were already infected when collected. The capture and translocation of live eels for public display, restocking and the food trade should take into account the risk of geographic expansion and the associated potential consequences for the species following the spread of this exotic parasite.


[SP17] RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HABITAT CHARACTERISTICS AND DISEASE OCCURRENCE IN ANURAN POPULATIONS OF PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

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Marianne Parent,1,2 María Forzán,2 Natacha Hogan,1 and Raphaël Vanderstichel3

1Department of Biology, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada; 2Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre, Dept. of Pathology and Microbiology, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada; 3Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada.

Presenting author: Parent, Marianne ([email protected])

The complex relationship between environmental factors, host and pathogens emphasizes the importance of considering habitat characteristics when assessing disease prevalence in wild populations. The presence of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), the fungus responsible for chytridiomycosis, a disease of amphibians of concern worldwide, was recently documented on Prince Edward Island, Canada. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether habitat characteristics influence the prevalence of infection with Bd. Thirty-five water bodies across Prince Edward Island with known green frog (Lithobates (Rana) clamitans) and Northern leopard frog (Lithobates (Rana) pipiens) populations were visited between May and August 2010. Populations were estimated using call surveys. Land use around the site was characterized as agriculture (crop or pasture), forest, wetland, ocean and other, based on in situ observations and provincial land use maps. Water quality measures (temperature, conductivity, salinity, dissolved oxygen) were recorded on site and pH and nutrient levels (total nitrogen, nitrate and phosphate) were determined in the laboratory. Weather data was collected from the Environment Canada website. In 31 of the sites, frogs were captured and skin swabs collected and stored in 70% ethanol to test for the presence of Bd through PCR. Sex, age, length and weight were recorded for each individual. A multivariate analysis will be performed comparing Bd infection, pond and individual level variables. Results will be presented at the conference.


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[SP18] MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY IN THE HARBOUR PORPOISE (PHOCOENA PHOCOENA) IN CANADA

Heather Fenton,1 Pierre-Yves Daoust,1 Maria Forzan,1 and Stephen Raverty2

1Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada; 2Animal Health Branch, British Columbia Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada.

Presenting author: Fenton, Heather ([email protected])

Causes of cetacean morbidity and mortality are multifactorial and include anthropogenic factors, infectious diseases, non-infectious diseases, predation, emaciation, environmental factors and idiopathic or undetermined causes. Harbour porpoises have a wide geographic distribution and act as a sentinel species for assessment of possible environmental or anthropogenic factors that may have contributed to morbidity and strandings. The goal of this retrospective analysis is to further investigate causes of morbidity and mortality of harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) on the east and west coasts of Canada. Two similar datasets are compared, one from the Pacific coast (n = 81) and one from the Atlantic coast (n=87). In both regions, an over-representation of immature animals compared to adults is observed (Pacific: p = 0.000; Atlantic p=0.004) but males and females are equally represented (Pacific: p = 0.904; Atlantic: p = 0.744). The causes of death were classified as unknown (Pacific n = 50 (61.73%), Atlantic n = 42 (48.28%)), infectious disease including severe parasitic, bacterial, viral or fungal infections sufficient to cause death (Pacific n = 12 (14.81 %), Atlantic n = 15 (17.24%)), non-infectious disease such as congenital heart defect and meconium aspiration (Pacific n = 3 (3.7%), Atlantic n = 2 (2.3%)), emaciation (Pacific n = 1 (1.23%), Atlantic n = 15 (17.24%)), predation (Pacific n = 2 (2.47%), Atlantic n =0) and anthropogenic causes such as entanglement in fishing nets and trauma from boat collision (Pacific n= 13 (16.05%), Atlantic n=13 (14.94%)). Further analysis is underway to characterize trends in mortality.


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[SP19] SEROLOGICAL SURVEY OF SELECTED INFECTIOUS DISEASES IN FREE- RANGING CEBUS FLAVIUS (SCHREBER, 1774), FROM BRAZIL

Marina Galvão Bueno,1 José Luiz Catão-Dias,1 Plautino de Oliveira Laroque,2 Silvio de Arruda Vasconcellos,3 José Soares Ferreira Neto,3 Solange Maria Gennari,3 Fernando Ferreira,3 Marcia Dalastra Laurenti,4 Eufrosina Setsu Umezawa,5 Norival Kesper Junior,5 and Mônica Mafra Valença Montenegro2

1Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária/Departamento de Patologia, Brasil; 2Centro Nacional de Pesquisa e Conservação de Primatas Brasileiros, CPB/ICMBIO, Brasil; 3Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária/Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal, Brasil; 4Universidade de São Paulo /Faculdade de Medicina/LIM50, Brasil; 5Instituto de Medicina Tropical/USP, Brasil.

Presenting author: Bueno, Marina Galvão ([email protected])

Blonde Capuchin Monkey (Cebus flavius) is a critically endangered non-human primate endemic in a few fragmented areas of some Brazilian northeastern states, such as Alagoas, Paraíba, Rio Grande do Norte and Pernambuco. The total wild population is estimated around 1,000 individuals. Deforestation and hunting are the main threats, but infectious diseases may play a role in species conservation. The objective of this study was to investigate the occurrence of selected infectious diseases in a free-ranging group of C. flavius. Sera from 18 animals were examined. The detection of antibodies against Leishmania spp., Trypanosoma cruzi, Toxoplasma gondii, Leptospira spp. (24 strains) and Brucella abortus was performed with non commercial serological tests (ELISA, TESA-blot, modified agglutination test, microscopic agglutination test, buffered acidified antigen test, respectively). All animals showed negative results for Leptospira spp. and B. abortus, however, 27.7% (5/18) presented antibodies against Leishmania spp., 22.2% (4/18) against T. cruzi and 11.1% (2/18) against T. gondii. Four animals were truly infected by T. cruzi, since TESA-blot is a reference test for Chagas disease detection, but among the 5 monkeys that tested positive for Leishmania, we cannot reject the possibility of a cross-reaction with anti-T. cruzi antibodies in 4 animals, or concurrent infections. Considering the low number of free-ranging specimens, the occurrence of infectious diseases may pose a threat for the remaining C. flavius wild population. Knowledge of the effects of zoonoses is a valuable issue for future management actions, such as translocations and reintroductions, which can help in conservation of C. flavius.


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[SP20] A FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF A NATIONAL WILDLIFE HEALTH CENTRE IN SRI LANKA

Sophie Valeix,1 L.G.S. Lokugalappatti,2 P. Abeyanake,2 T. Prasad,3 A.D.N. Chandrasiri, Department of Animal Production and Health, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka; S.L.A. Daniel,4 C. Stephen,5 and F.A. Leighton6

1VetAgro Sup - Campus Vétérinaire de Lyon, Marcy L'Etoile, France; 2Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka; 3Department of Wildlife Conservation, Colombo, Sri Lanka; 4Ministry of Livestock Development, Colombo, Sri Lanka (retired); 5Centre for Coastal Health, Nanaimo, BC Canada; 6Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.

Presenting author: Valeix, Sophie ([email protected])

Biodiverse tropical countries such as Sri Lanka are at high risk for emergence of new diseases, and wild animals are important sources of emerging pathogens. In summer 2010, the Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre (CCWHC) coordinated a study to determine if it would be feasible and of value to Sri Lanka to establish a similar wildlife health centre to manage wildlife disease issues. Interviews were conducted in Sri Lanka with government, university officials and field veterinarians to assess perceived interests, needs and values, policies, and current human resources and facilities relevant to wildlife disease management. Officials in Sri Lanka considered wildlife disease management to be of high economic, social and environmental value. Responsibility for wildlife disease is divided among government departments and the national veterinary college. Central veterinary facilities in the City of Peradeniya, and livestock and wildlife veterinary centres distributed around the country form a network of facilities available to participate in a wildlife disease surveillance program. Strategic enhancements needed to create such a program include substantial education and training, additional personnel, improvements in transportation and diagnostic facilities, central coordination and collaborative governance. Officials were optimistic regarding the feasibility of developing wildlife disease management capacity in Sri Lanka, but cautioned that it should be developed stepwise, build on existing components, and be sustainable by Sri Lanka itself. Based on this study and recent literature on best practices to develop scientific capacity in low- and middle-income countries, Sri Lanka appears well-positioned to establish a sustainable wildlife health centre and program.


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[SP21] WILDLIFE – HUMAN INTERFACE IN THE COMMUNITIES SURROUNDING OLD OYO NATIONAL PARK, NIGERIA

Fayemi, Opeyemi O. and Akinyemia A.F.

Dept of Wildlife and Fisheries Management, Faculty of Agric and Forestry, University of Ibadan.

Presenting author: Fayemi Opeyemi O. ([email protected])

Wildlife species invade human settlements and raid crops, cause damage to personal belongings, injure or kill livestock and in some regrettable instances even injure and kill people. In this study, we present an overview of our current knowledge about wild animal attacks on people in the study area and how fruit abundance and diversity within the forest influences crop-raiding incidents. Two methods were used to gather data for this study: compilations of government records on wild animal attacks, and surveys in affected areas to gather data on the context of attacks. Records show a striking increase in attacks. Attacks on humans are highly seasonal, with most cases occurring in the harvest season of March, April, and May. There was no statistical relationship between the number of wild animal attacks in each district and human population density, cattle density, or percentage of land cover devoted to agriculture. The few raids that occur beyond the threshold fruit density may be the activities of habitual raiders that crave food crops and venture outside the reserve to forage on crops even when there is an abundant wild fruit supply. Factors that are responsible for wild animal attacks on humans can be controlled based on the current situation to design effective mitigation strategies which will focus on the specific factors responsible for attacks at a finer scale.


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[SP22] TULAREMIA IN ALASKA: 1938-2010

Cristina M. Hansen,1 Louisa Castrodale,2 Amy J. Vogler,3 David M. Wagner,3 and Karsten Hueffer1

1Department of Biology and Wildlife, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Fairbanks, Alaska, USA; 2Section of Epidemiolgy, Division of Public Health, Department of Health and Social Services, State of Alaska, Anchorage, Alaska, USA; 3Center for Microbial Genetics and Genomics, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA.

Presenting author: Hansen, Cristina M. ([email protected])

Tularemia is a serious, potentially life threatening zoonotic disease. There are currently four recognized subspecies of the causative agent, Francisella tularensis, with varying virulence. F. tularensis is ubiquitous in the Northern hemisphere, including Alaska, where it was first isolated from a rabbit tick (Haemophysalis leporis-palustris) in 1938. Since then F. tularensis has been isolated from numerous wildlife species throughout the state. Serology has been performed as well and prevalence of titers ranges from <1% to 50% for certain wildlife species. Despite the prevalence of titers, outbreaks of clinical disease in wildlife and people are rare, suggesting that two subspecies (F. t. holarctica and F. t. tularensis) may exist in Alaska. We reviewed and summarized known literature on tularemia surveillance in wildlife in Alaska and summarized the epidemiological information of human cases reported to public health officials. Additionally, Francisella isolates from interior Alaska were analyzed using a multi-locus variant analysis (MLVA). The results show that F. t. tularensis (type A) and F. t. holarctica (type B) do indeed exist side by side in Alaska and that subtype A1, the most virulent type, is responsible for most clinical cases in the state.


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[SP23] ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE IN GENERIC ESCHERICHIA COLI ISOLATED FROM WILD SMALL MAMMALS IN SOUTHERN ONTARIO

Samantha Allen,1 Patrick Boerlin,1 Nicol Janecko,2 John S. Lumsden,1 Ian K. Barker,1 David L. Pearl,2

Richard J. Reid-Smith,2,3 and Claire Jardine1

1Department of Pathobiology Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada; 2Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada; 3Laboratory for Foodborne Zoonoses, Public Health Agency of Canada, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.

Presenting author: Allen, Samantha ([email protected])

To assess the effect of different types of human activities on the development of resistant bacteria in the gut of wild small mammals, we compared the prevalence and patterns of antimicrobial resistance and resistance genes in generic Escherichia coli isolated from fecal samples collected from wild small mammals living in four environments: swine farms, residential areas, landfills, and natural habitats. Resistance to antimicrobials was observed in E. coli from animals in all environments: 25/52 (48%) animals trapped at swine farms, 6/69 (9%) animals trapped in residential areas, 3/20 (15%) animals trapped at landfills and 1/22 (5%) animals trapped in natural habitats. Animals trapped on farms were significantly more likely to carry E. coli isolates with resistance to tetracycline, ampicillin, sulfisoxazole, and streptomycin than animals trapped in residential areas. The resistance genes sul2, aadA, and tet(A) were significantly more likely to be detected in E. coli from animals trapped on farms than in residential areas. Our results show that swine farm origin is significantly associated with the presence of resistant bacteria and resistance genes in wild small mammals in Southern Ontario. However, resistant fecal bacteria were found in small mammals living in all environments studied, indicating that environmental exposure to antimicrobials, antimicrobial residues, resistant bacteria or resistance genes is widespread.


[P1] CASEOUS LYMPHADENITIS BY CORYNEBACTERIUM PSEUDOTUBERCULOSIS IN CHAMOIS (RUPICAPRA R. RUPICAPRA) FROM NORTH-WESTERN ITALY

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Lorenzo Domenis, Raffaella Spedicato, Erika Pepe, Fabio Zuccon, Riccardo Orusa and Serena Robetto

Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta – Sezione di Aosta/Centro di Referenza Nazionale per le Malattie degli Animali Selvatici, Quart, Italy.

Presenting author: Robetto, Serena ([email protected])

Chamois (Rupicapra r. rupicapra) can be affected by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis. This microorganism causes abscesses with grey-green pus but there is a considerable variability in the distribution of lesions in the body. This study describes the patterns of lesions, observed in chamois living in north-westernItaly based on isolation of C. pseudotuberculosis.Classical bacteriological isolation on Blood Agar and McConkey Agar (includinghistopathological examination in some cases) was performed on caseous lesions. The suspected colonies of Corynebacterium spp. were tested with API CORYNE (Biomerieux). Strains for which the biochemical identification as C. pseudotuberculosis was doubtful were confirmed by DNA sequencing. Sampling was conducted during 2001-2011. A total of 90 positive cases of pseudotuberculosis in chamois were found with typical caseous lesions in different parts of the body. These lesions required differentiation from those due to Mycobacterium spp. The distribution of C. pseudotuberculosis lesions was very different, from finding only one cutaneous lymph node affected to a severe, generalyzed process with involvement of various internal organs. Caseous lymphadenitis by C. pseudotuberculosis is one of the most frequent and fatal infectious diseases in chamois of the mountains of north-western Italy. Further research is needed to determine the relationship between the strains isolated from chamois and those affecting sheep and goats living in the same area.


[P2] MYCOBACTERIA MONITORING IN WILD BOARS HUNTED IN AOSTA VALLEY REGION DURING THE PERIOD 2008-2009

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Domenis Lorenzo,1 Zoppi Simona,2 Dondo Alessandro,2 Goria Maria,2 Orusa Riccardo,1 and Robetto Serena1

1Centro di Referenza Nazionale per le Malattie degli Animali selvatici (CeRMAS), Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Quart (AO), Italy; 2Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Turin, Italy.


Due to an increase of bovine tuberculosis prevalence in Valle d'Aosta, a monitoring program to detect potential reservoirs of Mycobacterium bovis was started in wildlife (chamois, roe deer, red deer and wild boar). This paper summarizes investigations on the sub-mandibular lymph nodes of wild boars hunted in the years 2008 and 2009. The lymph nodes of 47 (2008) and 43 (2009) wild boars were submitted for the following tests: classical bacteriological exam (on Blood Agar and McConkey Agar), histopathology, mycobacteria detection using PCR and culture. In 2008, 11 strains of MOTT (Mycobacteria Other Than Tuberculosis) not further differentiated were isolated; in 2009, 5 strains of MOTT were identified: M. intermedium (N=1), M. nonchromogenicum (N=2) and M. hiberniae (N=2). Histopathology, when conducted, did not exhibit the typical microscopic features suggestive of tuberculosis, but only fibrotic and calcified lesions of uncertain origin were observed (when M. hiberniae was identified) or, in most cases, pyogranulomatous lesions, due to common bacteria (Staphylococcus spp., Streptococccus spp.). As found by other authors, also in Valle d'Aosta the wild boar does not seem to play an important role in the maintenance of infection of M. bovis. Saprophytic mycobacteria, as in other animals, was not pathogenic in the wild boar, being observed as lesions without tubercular features (these were generally produced by other bacteria) or withoutt lesions in lymph nodes. Some attention should be given to M. hiberniae, for which we cannot exclude evolution from a typical tuberculous granuloma.


[P3] LEPTOSPIROSIS IN FERAL HOGS (SUS SCROFA DOMESTICUS) IN THE BRAZILIAN PANTANAL

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Isabella Fontana,1 Aiesca Oliveira Pellegrin,2 Ubiratan Piovezan,2 Sílvio Arruda Vasconcellos,3

Zenaide Morais,3 Aline de Oliveira Figueiredo,4 Rosielle Campozano Viana,5 Raquel Soares Juliano,2

Letícia Almeida Retumba Carneiro Monteiro,4 Márcio Botelho de Castro,1 Cristiane Gracindo,1 and Vítor Salvador Picão Gonçalves1

1Universidade de Brasília, Brasília/DF, Brazil; 2Embrapa Pantanal, Corumbá/Minnesota, Brazil; 3Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo/SP, Brazil; 4Agência Estadual de Defesa Sanitária Animal e Vegetal do Mato Grosso do Sul (IAGRO), Campo Grande/Minnesota, Brazil; 5Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.

Presenting author: Fontana, Isabella ([email protected])

Domestic swine (Sus scrofa domesticus) were introduced in the Brazilian Pantanal approximately two centuries ago and currently they are widespread in the region. Due to escape or abandonment, individuals became wild and established free-ranging populations. Feral hogs are usually perceived as a pest that cause crop damage, car accidents, present a risk to public health and transmit diseases to domestic animals. These problems threaten constantly the progress of disease eradication programs (ARTOIS et al., 2002). A total of 151 feral hogs were captured in the sub-regions of Nhecolândia and Abobral, in the Pantanal of Mato Grosso do Sul, for collection of blood samples. Of those, 30 individuals were randomly selected for euthanasia and necropsy in order to collect samples of liver, spleen, lymph nodes, reproductive organs and kidneys. Of 151 samples tested for leptospirosis 108 (71.5%) were positive usingserological tests; the serovars Icterohaemorrhagiae, Pomona and Autumnalis were the most frequent. All results using PCR of blood were negative. Bacteria with morphology similar to Leptospira sp. were observed in Warthin Starry coloration of kidney tubules. In addition, 204 of 266 bovines (76.7%) from the same region tested positive to leptospirosis. The most frequent serovars were Hardjo, Tarassovi, and Grippotyphosa. These findings, coupled with current knowledge of the epidemiology of leptospirosis in cattle from Pantanal, suggest that feral hogs do not represent an epidemiological risk to bovines. However, this introduced species may play an important role in the leptospirosis cycle in native wild species.


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[P4] DESCRIPTION OF A CLUSTER OF DEMODICOSIS IN WILD BOARS (SUS SCROFA) IN FRANCE

Marie Moinet,1 Didier Breton,2 Evelyne Robitaille,3 Véronique Grosmaire,3 Stéphanie Colin,4 and Anouk Decors5

1Agence Nationale de Sécurité Sanitaire de l’alimentation, de l’environnement et du travail, laboratoire de la Rage et de la Faune Sauvage de Nancy, Malzéville, France; 2Fédération départementale des chasseurs de la Haute-Marne, Chaumont, France; 3Laboratoire départemental d’analyse de la Haute-Marne, Chaumont, France; 4Laboratoire Vétérinaire Départemental SEGILAB, Bar-le-Duc, France; 5Office National de la Chasse et de la Faune Sauvage, Unité Sanitaire de la Faune, Saint Benoist, France.

Presenting author: Moinet, Marie ([email protected])

Demodex are very specialized hair follicle mites of mammals. Most of the time infestations are symptomless. Demodex phylloides is the only species described on Suidae (Sus scrofa), and while domestic pigs are considered to be relatively susceptible (Santarem et al, 2005), wild boars are considered to be healthy carriers (Fryderyk, 2000; Fryderyk & Izdebska, 2001). We describe a cluster of cases of clinical demodicosis discovered within the SAGIR network in wild boars. The SAGIR network investigates and records the causes of mortality amongst wild animals in France since 1986. When wild animals are found dead or sick by hunters, hunting federations or public technicians of the ONCFS they are collected and sent to the local veterinary diagnostic laboratory. Post-mortem examination and subsequent laboratory analyses are then carried out. All the data are summarized at a national level (Anses LRFS Nancy) for epidemiological statistics. Four wild boars were shot in November 2009 in the same massif in Haute-Marne. They all presented a thickened grayish greasy and malodorous skin and were submitted for diagnosis. Histological examination showed a marked multifocal folliculitis and furunculosis associated with Demodex. These cases could be due to an immunodepression linked either to the high densities reported in this area, to nutritional factors or genetic susceptibility (the 4 animals being probably the sow and her 3 piglets). Such an event should be regarded seriously in terms of population management.


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[P5] IDENTIFICATION OF GASTROINTESTINAL PARASITES IN HIGH MOUNTAIN CARNIVORES AND DOMESTIC RUMINANTS IN THE NATURAL NATIONAL PARK COCUY

Juliana Pérez,1,2 Luz Dary Acevedo,3 and Claudia Brieva1,2

1Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia; 2Asociacion de Veterinarios de Vida Silvestre Bogotá, Colombia; 3Unidad Administrativa Especial del Sistema de Parques Nacionales Naturales de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia.

Presenting author: Pérez, Juliana ([email protected])

Fifteen samples of feces were collected from puma (Puma concolor), Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus) and domestic ruminants in the National Park Cocuy in order to identify gastrointestinal parasites: 1 sample from puma, 1 from Andean Bear, 7 from sheep, 4 from goats and 2 from cattle.We used three methods of preservation for each sample (cooling, 10% formalin and MIF) and analyzed using a flotation technique (McMaster) and sedimentation (Ritchie). We couldn´t detect gastrointestinal parasites in Andean bear or cougar, but we identified the major parasites of domestic ruminants of the catchment areas of the park, animals preyed upon by these carnivores. TOf the samples processed by the McMaster and Ritchie techniques, 47% and 53%, respectively, were positive for gastrointestinal parasites. All these samples had at least one species of parasite and 4 taxa could be identified: Coccidia spp, Strongylidae, Trichiuridae and Trematodidae.


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[P6] REPORT ON RENAL LESION IN WILD RED DEER (CERVUS ELAPHUS) FOUND DEAD IN THE LOMBARDIA AREA OF STELVIO NATIONAL PARK

Alessandro Bianchi,1 Irene Bertoletti,1 Luca Pedrotti,2 Lucia Rita Gibelli,1 and Daniela Gelmetti1

1Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna, Brescia, Italy; 2Parco Nazionale dello Stelvio, Settore Lombardo, Bormio, Italy.

Presenting author: Bianchi, Alessandro ([email protected])

During a survey started in 2008 focused on the causes of death in red deer (Cervus elaphus) resident in the province of Sondrio of Stelvio National Park (Italy) we examined by necropsy 125 deer by age and sex. Eighty died from trauma, 13 were preyed upon by dogs and 9 were killed by poachers. In the remaining 23 the death was due to other causes including infectious disease and inanition. At necropsy, the most interesting lesions were observed in the kidney. In 16 kidney samples cysts and lithiasis were scored. Several black aggregates, stone-like in shape, approximately 2-50 mm in diameter, occupied the renal pelvis, and in one case led to hydronephrosis. The other kidney samples had mild or no macroscopic lesions. To verify the degree and the distribution of microscopic lesions in kidneys we fixed 68 well- preserved samples in 10% buffered formalin. We stained 3 micron thick serial sections with hematoxilin- eosin and periodic acid Schiff. The results showed that chronic nephritis and fibrosis more frequently affected animals than acute glomerulonephritis. Moreover, we suspect that diet, the characteristics of each ecosystem, and seasonal variability may influence the onset of renal pathology in this species.


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[P7] ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH DEER HAIR LOSS SYNDROME IN COLUMBIAN BLACK-TAILED DEER: IMPLICATIONS FOR SURVEILLANCE AND MONITORING IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST

Ryan S. Miller,1 and Jack A. Mortenson2

1Animal Plant Health Inspection Service, Centers for Epidemiology and Animal Health, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA; 2Animal Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services, Salem, Oregon, USA.

Presenting author: Miller, Ryan S. ([email protected])

Hair-loss syndrome (HLS) has affected Columbian black-tailed deer in western Oregon and Washington since 1996. The presence of exotic lice Damalinia (Cervicola) has been implicated as a contributing factor. The degree to which HLS causes mortality has been debated, however, it is reported to affect population densities. The potential impact on deer populations presents the need for detection if present in a population. The goals of this analysis were to identify environmental and ecological variables that might be associated with the presence of lice and use these variables to identify areas important for surveillance. The geographic location of ectoparasite collections from deer (N = 199) were combined with environmental and climatic data to look for associations between the presence of the lice and HLS sightings. These data were used as spatial constraints to identify areas important for risk-based surveillance. The area resulting from application of the spatial constraints was compared with reported sightings of HLS by biologists (N = 1,973). The presence of lice increased significantly in areas with an average minimum temperature above 5.0 C (odds ratio=2.5; P<0.000). Elevations below 300 meters were also significantly associated with presence of lice (odds ratio=2.7; P<0.000). Sixty-four percent of reported HLS sightings by biologists occurred within the constrained area. This analysis indicates that a correlation may exist between the presence of lice, elevation, and temperature. Elevation and temperature demonstrated strong gradients which are likely related to unobserved processes. However, these analyses serve as a foundation for identifying areas important for surveillance.


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[P8] MASS MORTALITY EVENT OF MOOSE FROM CONSUMPTION OF TOXIC ORNAMENTALS

Kimberlee Beckmen,1 Stephanie Sell,2 Jessy Coltrane,2 Kathy Burek Huntington,3 and Merl Raisbeck4

1Alaska Dept. of Fish & Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation, Fairbanks Alaska, USA; 2Alaska Dept. of Fish & Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation, Anchorage, Alaska, USA; 3Alaska Veterinary Pathology Services, Eagle River, Alaska, USA; 4Wyoming State Veterinary Laboratory, Laramie, Wyoming, USA.

Presenting author: Beckmen, Kimberlee ([email protected])

From January 2 to Feb 7 2011, three moose calves were found dead in a residential neighborhood of Anchorage. Just prior to death, apparently healthy moose were observed browsing on ornamental shrubs, staggered away and fell over dead. A carcass that was examined at necropsy within a few hours of death had an overpowering odor of bitter almond classically associated with cyanide. Toxicologic analysis of liver, muscle, rumen content and plants that had been browsed determined that all three calves had died from cyanide toxicosis from the consumption of Prunus spp. (European bird cherry, Mayday or chokecherry). In addition, the third calf had consumed an extremely toxic Taxus sp. (Yew) with fatal concentrations of taxine B in the rumen. These three plus an single case in 2006 in the same area are the only documented cases of cyanide toxicosis from chokecherry consumption in moose. The only other documented yew poisoning in moose is reported from Norway in 2008. Typically, freezing causes cyanogenic glycosides to accumulate in the buds of chokecherry trees. The toxin builds up immediately after a freeze, but then dissipates within days. When the buds are chewed and swallowed, they react with chemicals in the rumen to release cyanide gas which can kill in minutes. A midwinter poisoning at this latitude is extremely unexpected. Yew, an evergreen, are toxic year round do both ruminants and monogastrics. Urban sprawl, invasive Prunus sp., climate change and increased awareness are expected to increase the number of cases detected.


[P9] SUSCEPTIBILITY OF CULICOIDES SONORENSIS TO INFECTION WITH EHDV-6 (INDIANA) AND COMPARISON TO EHDV-1 AND -2

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Mark G. Ruder,1 Deborah L. Carter,2 Andrew B. Allison,1 Barbara S. Drolet,3 David E. Stallknecht,1

Elizabeth W. Howerth,2 and Daniel G. Mead1

1Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA; 2Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA; 3United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Arthropod-Borne Animal Disease Research Unit, Manhattan, Kansas, USA.

Presenting author: Ruder, Mark ([email protected])

Epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV) serotypes 1 and 2 are endemic to North America. Although Culicoides sonorensis is considered the primary vector, outbreaks have occurred in regions where C. sonorensis are not typically found. In 2006, EHDV-6, a serotype not previously documented in North America was isolated from a dead white-tailed deer (WTD) in Indiana. Although additional isolations from multiple states in subsequent years suggest EHDV-6 may be endemic, the vector remains unknown. To evaluate C. sonorensis as a potential vector of EHDV-6 and compare its susceptibility to infection with EHDV-1 and -2, we conducted experimental infections of C. sonorensis with all three serotypes. Midges were fed WTD blood spiked with EHDV-1, -2, or -6 through a parafilm membrane and were then incubated at 25°C. Beginning day 0-14 of incubation, ≥ 10 midges were processed for virus isolation and titration every 48 hours. Midges with a virus titer of ≥102.7 TCID50/midge were considered potentially competent vectors. From day 4 through 14 of incubation, the percent of virus-positive midges was 11% (17/156), 85% (70/82), and 75% (87/116) for EHDV-6, -1, and -2, respectively. The percent of midges with a virus titer of ≥102.7 TCID50 was 4% (6/156), 60% (49/82), and 36% (42/116) for EHDV-6, -1, and -2, respectively. These results indicate that while C. sonorensis is susceptible to infection with EHDV-6, the rate of infection and replication to high titer is low compared to EHDV-1 and -2. The possibility that other Culicoides species are involved in EHDV-6 transmission should be explored.


[P10] AN INVESTIGATION OF INDIRECT TRANSMISSION OF MYCOBACTERIUM BOVIS BCG FROM ORALLY VACCINATED WHITE-TAILED DEER TO CATTLE

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Pauline Nol,1 Jack Rhyan,1 Suelee Robbe-Austerman,2 Matt McCollum,1 Nadia Saklou,1 and Mo Salman3

1United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services, National Wildlife Research Center, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA; 2United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services, National Veterinary Services Laboratory, Ames, Iowa, USA; 3Animal Population Health Institute, Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA.

Presenting author: Nol, Pauline ([email protected])

White-tailed deer experimentally infected with a field strain of Mycobacterium. bovis have been shown to transmit the bacillus to deer and cattle, through sharing of pen waste and feed. However, there is currently little knowledge regarding the ability of white-tailed deer that are orally vaccinated with M. bovis BCG, to transmit the vaccine to other deer and cattle. In this study, we investigated whether orally-vaccinated white- tailed deer will transmit BCG Danish 1331 directly to other deer and whether white-tailed deer will transmit BCG indirectly to cattle. We orally vaccinated 12 deer with 1 x 109 colony forming units BCG in lipid- formulated baits and housed them with 9 unvaccinated deer to allow for direct transmission from deer to deer. Each day we exposed 7 naïve cattle to pen space utilized by vaccinated deer to look for indirect transmission between the two species. Before vaccination and every 60 days until the end of the study, we skin tested deer and cattle to look for detectable cellular immune responses to BCG exposure. At 27 weeks all cattle and unvaccinated deer were euthanised and necropsied. Ten of 12 vaccinated deer and 4 of 9 nonvaccinates were skin test positive at some time during the study. None of the cattle converted on either caudal fold or comparative cervical tests. None of the cattle were culture positive for BCG. These data suggest that indirect transmission of BCG from orally vaccinated deer to cattle is of minimal concern to managers considering field vaccination of free-ranging white-tailed deer.


[P11] FATAL YERSINIOSIS IN WILD ROE DEER (CAPREOLUS CAPREOLUS) BY PATHOGENIC STRAIN OF YERSINIA PSEUDOTUBERCULOSIS IN SONDRIO, ITALY

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Alessandro Bianchi,1 Nadia Vicari,2 Massimo Fabbi,2 and Irene Bertoletti1

1Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna, Sezione Diagnostica di Sondrio, Sondrio, Italy; 2Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell'Emilia Romagna, Sezione Diagnostica di Pavia, Pavia, Italy.

Presenting author: Bianchi, Alessandro ([email protected])

In order to allow the commercialization of meat derived from hunted animals sanitary controls are required on wildlife. Controls are compulsory due to the Italian National Law 1996/607 transposing the EC Directive 92/45/CE. Under these controls wild animals found dead are monitored for infectious diseases. A roe deer (age about seven months) was found dead in the central Alps of Sondrio province, Italy. Necropsy showed: draining purulent mucus from the nose, congestion of the liver and spleen with numerous microabscesses, severe bilateral interstitial nephritis and edema with diffuse purulent pleuropneumonia. A fatal yersiniosis was suspected. Histopathological analysis of liver, kidney, lung and brain showed: multifocal suppurative hepatitis with microabscessation and focal erosion, marked diffuse cholangiohepatitis, severe disseminated purulent nephritis, suppurative pleuropneumonia, brain spongiosis and leukocyte margination in the meningeal vessels. Yersinia spp. was isolated from lung, liver, kidney and spleen, no other bacterial species was isolated. Yersinia isolates were biochemically identified by API® 20E and by motility assay as Y. pseudotuberculosis. All the isolates were positive (PCR assays) for the virulence factors (inv, virF and YadA genes) which are involved in invasion and colonization of host intestine and lung. Results using histopathology and microbiology suggested that the death was attributable to Y. pseudotuberculosis infection. As Y. pseudotuberculosis is a zoonotic agent, it is important to monitor wild animals that may serve as a natural reservoir. In addition hey may also be a biological indicator of the presence and circulation of Y. pseudotuberculosis in the area of the central Alps.


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[P12] PHYLOGENETIC ANALYSIS OF THE HAEMAGGLUTININ GENE OF CANINE DISTEMPER VIRUS IN WILD RACCOON DOGS FROM SOUTH KOREA

Eunju Kim,2 Haebeom Lee,1 Min Kang,3 Hye-Suk Seo,3 and Hyung-Kwan Jang3

1Department of Veterinary Surgery and Wild Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, Korea; 2Department of Exotic and Wild Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, Korea; 3Department of Infectious Diseases & Avian Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine and Korea Zoonosis Research Institute, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, Korea.

Presenting author: Kim, Eunju ([email protected])

Canine distemper virus (CDV) is a highly contagious infectious disease in a variety of carnivores, including wild and domestic animals. Based on sequence analysis of the Haemagglutinin (H) gene, wild-type CDV strains cluster into distinct geographic lineages, irrespective of the species of isolation. In South Korea, CDV was recently identified as a cause of death in wild raccoon dogs and domestic animals. In this study, we describe the genetic characterization of wild-type CDV strains, detected from wild raccoon dogs in different geographical areas of South Korea between 2009 and 2011. The ocular/nasal, rectal swabs and organ specimens of 50 raccoon dogs from wild animal rescue centers in South Korea were collected for virus isolation. Virus was isolated by first passage in Vero cell culture from specimens from animals. The RNA extraction was performed with the easy-BLUETM Total RNA Extraction Kit (iNtRON) according to the manufacturer’s instruction. The nucleotide sequence of H gene of each CDV strains has been determined by direct sequence analysis of the DNA and phylogenetic analysis was carried out by the UPGMA method in Genetyx program. The sequences of the H genes of most raccoon strains were included in Asia/H2 groups on the phylogenetic tree. The prevalence of Asia/H2 CDV genotypes in raccoon dogs could be a potential and consistent risk factor for transmission of disease to wildlife and domestic animals. This study will provide the basis for improvement of current CDV vaccines in South Korea.


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[P13] TRICHINELLA IN THE BLACK BEAR (URSUS AMERICANUS) SOUTH OF THE 50TH PARALLEL IN QUEBEC, CANADA: DISTRIBUTION, PREVALENCE, INTENSITY OF INFECTION AND GENOTYPES

Nathalie Côté,1 Denise Bélanger,2 and Alain Villeneuve2

1Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation du Québec, Québec, Canada; 2Faculté de médecine vétérinaire de l'Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada.

Presenting author: Côté, Nathalie ([email protected])

The black bear (Ursus americanus) was the source of the last episode of human trichinellosis in Quebec. In 2004, 659 tongues of black bears were collected in Quebec, south of the 50th parallel, to determine the distribution, prevalence, intensity of infection and genotypes of Trichinella. Tongues were analyzed by peptic digestion: six black bears were infected. The positive bears were distributed north of the St. Lawrence River, from west to east in Quebec. We estimate, that the prevalence of Trichinella in black bears in Quebec, south of the 50th parallel, is 0,91% (LC: 95%, CI: 0,33 to 1,97%). The intensity of infection varied between 0,01 and 4,2 larvae per gram. Identification by multiplex PCR revealed that the six bears were infected by Trichinella nativa. Even if the prevalence and the intensity of infection of Trichinella in black bear in this area of the province are relatively low, all hunters and trappers should be informed of the precautions to take to avoid being infected by consuming black bear meat containing a genotype resistant to freezing and highly pathogenic to humans.


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[P14] ACUTE LEAD TOXICOSIS AND PARTIAL INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION IN A FREE-RANGING OREGON COUGAR

Julia Burco,1, AnneMary Myers,1, Krysten Schuler,2,3, and Colin Gillin1

1Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, South Willamette Watershed District Office, Corvallis, Oregon, USA; 2US Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center, 6006 Schroeder Road, Madison, Wisconsin, USA, 3Current address: Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, New York, USA.

Presenting author: Burco, Julia ([email protected])

Lead toxicity has long been documented and acknowledged as a significant health issue of water birds and avian scavengers. However, few instances of toxic effects in higher mammalian carnivores have been documented. Here we present a case of a cougar (Puma concolor) found dead on timberland in Linn County, Oregon in June of 2010. Necropsy and toxicology reports confirmed acute lead toxicosis and partial intestinal obstruction from ingestion of a large quantity of lead shot pellets. Scavenging of a lead-ridden carcass(es) potentially used for target practice is our hypothesized source. This case demonstrates the need for continued education about the impacts of lead on wildlife, including sources made available to mammalian scavengers.


[P15] AN ECOSYSTEMIC APPROACH TO RABIES IN NUNAVIK: THE ROLE OF ARCTIC FOXES AND DOGS

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Audrey Simon,1 Cécile Aenishaenslin,1 Jean-François Proulx,2 Isabelle Picard,3 Taya Forde,4

Christine Fehlner-Gardiner,5 and Denise Bélanger1

1Groupe de recherche en épidémiologie des zoonoses et santé publique, Faculté de médecine vétérinaire de l'Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada; 2Nunavik regional board of health and social services, Kuujjuaq, Quebec, Canada; 3Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l'Alimentation du Québec, Québec, Québec, Canada; 4University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; 5Centre of Expertise for Rabies, Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Presenting author: Simon, Audrey ([email protected])

Rabies persists throughout most arctic regions and while the arctic fox (Alopex lagopus) is considered the reservoir species, spillover infections in other wildlife and domestic dogs do occur. Each year in Nunavik (Northern Quebec, Canada), dog aggression causes injuries to the residents of Inuit communities, resulting in expensive interventions to prevent rabies. With significant change in the Inuit way of life, the economic role of dogs has decreased, probably leading to a less strict control of the canine population that could potentially result in increased risk of exposure to rabies from wildlife. However the socio-cultural role of dogs may be conserved in Inuit culture, if the importance of the relationship between Inuit and their dogs in public health interventions is considered. In this study, we reviewed the current knowledge of fox variant rabies epidemiology and we examined the role of dogs in the transmission of rabies at the interface between wildlife and humans in the changing North. There is a clear need for further data on rabies in Nunavik and on effectiveness and acceptability of existing and possible future rabies control interventions to support the self-determination and empowerment of communities by taking control of their dog population and its health. Our aim is to build a framework to study the transmission dynamics of rabies in Nunavik for the purpose of planning sustainable, effective, and culturally appropriate preventive programs in Inuit communities.


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[P16] SAMPLING SNOW LEOPARDS (UNCIA UNCIA) IN THE WILD – A NON- ELECTRIFYING EXPERIENCE

Jonas Malmsten,1 Örjan Johansson,2,3 Charudutt Mishra,3 and Tom McCarthy4

1Dept. of Pathology and Wildlife Diseases, National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, Sweden; 2Dept. of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden; 3Snow Leopard Trust, Seattle, Washington, USA; 4Panthera, New York, New York, USA.

Presenting author: Malmsten, Jonas ([email protected])

In 2008, the Snow Leopard Trust, in collaboration with the conservation foundation “Panthera”, launched a long-term study in Mongolia’s Gobi desert. The aim is to collect ecological data and improve conservation actions for snow leopards – a species rarely studied in the past. To assess leopard health, a field sampling protocol has been developed to obtain samples for microbiological analyses. Pathogens to be studied include felid and canid viruses and pathogenic bacteria including. Yersinia pestis and Bacillus anthracis. Due to absence of laboratory facilities, the range of samples is held to a minimum. No electricity is present in the field camp, which makes spinning, cooling, freezing, or storage of “wet” samples impossible. Leopards are captured in foothold snares and immobilized with medetomidine, tiletamine, and zolazepam. The animals are equipped with GPS/satellite radio collars and sampled. Blood is drawn from V. cephalica, and dried on 10 filter papers. Ear swabs are preserved in alcohol and saved for parasitological investigation. Hair is collected for molecular analyses. To date, samples from 20 captures have been collected and are stored in the camp. Sampling and disease analyses of free-ranging snow leopards have, to our knowledge, never been performed previously. Remaining issues to deal with are transportation of samples to Sweden (National Veterinary Institute), preparation of samples, and analyses. Because the filter paper method of analyzing blood is not well established for veterinary medicine in Sweden, it is our goal to discuss various analytical methods and possible future collaboration with members of this conference.


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[P17] PREVALENCE OF DIROFILARIA IMMITIS, THE CAUSATIVE AGENT IN CANINE HEARTWORM DISEASE, IN ARIZONA FROM 2008 TO 2010 USING FERAL CANINES AS A SENTINEL SPECIES

Victoria Olsen-Mikitowicz, Noble Jackson, Michael Lepley

Department of Veterinary Science and Microbiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA.

Presenting author: Olsen-Mikitowicz, Victoria ([email protected])

Dirofilaria immitis is a vector borne parasite known to cause heartworm disease in multiple mammalian species, and it is considered a zoonotic disease. Through the use of ELISA IDEXX SNAP TM test kits for Heartworm TM and the 4DX TM test kits, the prevalence of heartworm was determined in feral (dogs) and wild (coyote) canine populations in Arizona from 2008 to 2010. Some 159 samples were collected from a variety of sources. A prevalence of 14.4% positive heartworm samples was found in the feral and wild canine populations. Multiple counties throughout Arizona were sampled, with Pinal County having the highest overall percent positive samples at 34.0%. The results suggest that Arizona is becoming a potentially endemic area for D. immitis. More research is needed to fully determine the effects of human migration to Arizona (with their infected canine companions) on disease frequency and distribution into previously uninfected areas. Understanding the prevalence of D. immitis in Arizona through the use of a canine sentinel species, both the coyote and feral dog, can lead to better preventative measures for veterinarians and pet owners. Moreover, knowledge of the distribution of D. immitis can lead to an understanding of the mode of emergence and potential spread of this filarial nematode parasite in Arizona.


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[P18] SEROLOGIC SURVEY FOR LEPTOSPIRA INTERROGANS IN RACCOONS AND STRIPED SKUNKS FROM SOUTHERN QUÉBEC, CANADA

Nathalie Côté,1 Luc Bergeron,1 Chantal Vincent,1 Isabelle Côté,1 and Julien Mainguy2

1Ministère de l'Agriculture, des Pêcherires et de l'Alimentation du Québec, Quebec City, Québec, Canada; 2Ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune du Québec, Quebec City, Québec, Canada.

Presenting author: Côté, Nathalie ([email protected])

Leptospirosis, a zoonosis caused by Leptospira interrogans, is regarded as being a re-emergent disease in northeastern North America. One possible cause of this re-emergence is increased contacts between domestic animals such as dogs, and wild animals considered reservoir hosts of Leptospira, primarily raccoons (Procyon lotor) and striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis). The purpose of this survey was to describe the current status of Leptospira infection in raccoons and striped skunks in the Montérégie region and increase our understanding of the possible transmission of Leptospira by these populations through contact with humans and domestic animals. More specifically, we determined the seroprevalence of Leptospira in animals sampled during a rabies control program to identify the serovars circulating in both targeted species. Blood samples were collected from 107 raccoons and 112 striped skunks and sent to the Laboratoire d’expertise en pathologie animale du Québec for serological analysis by the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) for the 6 following serovars: grippotyphosa, pomona, icterohaemorragiae, bratislava, canicola and autumnalis. The seroprevalence of Leptospira in the Montérégie region was estimated to be 56.1 % in raccoons and 25.0 % in striped skunks. In both species, a statistically significant difference was found between the seroprevalence in adults and juveniles, while no differences were observed between sexes. These results suggest that in the Montérégie region, raccoons and striped skunks act as Leptospira reservoirs and thus represent a potential source of infection for animals and humans.


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[P19] HEALTH EVALUATION OF FREE-LIVING CAPYBARAS (HYDROCHOERUS HYDROCHAERIS) IN SÃO PAULO STATE – BRAZIL

Rosely Gioia-Di Chiacchio,1,2 Mario Antonio Ferraro Rego,3 Fábio Futema,1 Ana Carla Aparicio,1

Milton Kolber,1 Fabrizia Aparecida Tavolari,1 Monika Scheibel,1 Aldo Francisco Alves Neto,1 Enio Eduardo Bovino,1 Elisa San Martin Mouriz Savani, 4 Rosane Correa de Oliveira,5 Henri Donnarumma Levy Bentubo,6 and Eliana Reiko Matushima2

1Veterinary Medicine School of Universidade Paulista UNIP, São Paulo, Brazil; 2Departament of Patology – FMVZ- USP, São Paulo, Brazil; 3Alberto Löfgren State Park – Horto Florestal, São Paulo, Brazil; 4Laboratory of Zoonosis and Vector-borne Diseases – CCZ, São Paulo, Brazil; 5Laboratory of Identification and Research of Synanthropic Fauna – CCZ, São Paulo, Brazil; 6Nucleus of Pathogenic Fungi – Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine – UnicSul, São Paulo, Brazil.

Presenting author: Gioia-Di Chiacchio, Rosely ([email protected])

Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), Caviidae family, is the largest living rodent in the world, widely distributed in Brazil and responsible for the transmission of macular fever (Rickettsia rickettsii) by the vector Amblyomma cajennense. In 1991, a couple of capybaras were found at Park Alberto Löfgren (PEAL). The population of these animals has risen to 63 in 2006. Our objective was to assess the health of capybaras as well as the prevention of zoonotic and environmental effects. Twenty-three capybaras under physical and chemical restraint, studied using biometrics and physiological parameters were sampled (stool, rectal swab, hair, ectoparasites and peripheral blood) for: blood count, biochemical tests and serology for leishmaniosis, rabies, leptospirosis, Chagas disease and macular feve) and also given a de-worming treatment. Parasitological test results were positive for Protozoophaga sp. (11/23), Strongyloides spp. (2/23) and Vionella spp. (6/23), considered normal microbiota. Amblyomma cajennense and Amblyomma dubitatum free of Rickettsia rickettsii were identified. Blood count showed anemia, leukopenia and marked eosinophilia in 100% of animals. Serological tests were negative. Dermatophyte fungi were not isolated but, only opportunistic fungi (Cladosporidium sp. (25%), Penicillium sp. (30%), Acremonium sp. (22%)) and yeasts (Candida spp. (20%) and Rodothorula sp. (4%)). The animals proved to be free of zoonotic infections, but preventive measures should be adopted to prevent the proliferation of these animals, avoiding the emergence of diseases and devastation of the park flora.


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[P20] UNDERSTANDING THE INTRODUCTION OF ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE THROUGH THE PET TRADE: USING THE TOKAY GECKO (GEKKO GECKO) AS A MODEL

Christine Casey,1 Sonia Hernandez,1,2 Michael Yabsley,1,2 and Susan Sanchez1,3

1University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, Athens, Georgia, USA; 2Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Athens, USA; 3Athens Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Athens, Georgia, USA.

Presenting author: Casey, Christine ([email protected])

Wildlife traded for the pet market has the potential to contribute to the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance. We propose the pet trade, particularly the conditions under which wildlife are captured and transported, has the potential to influence the rate of antimicrobial resistance development. Through experimental manipulations using the Tokay gecko (Gekko gecko) as a model for the pet trade, we described 1) the culturable lactose fermenting Enterobacteriaceae, 2) the antimicrobial resistance of Enterobacteriaceae, and 3) how the conditions in which reptiles are imported for the pet trade, affect the composition and antimicrobial resistance of their fecal flora. Wild Tokay geckos were imported from their native range and housed individually after collection and during export. Fecal samples were collected prior to experimental manipulation and from treatment groups of varying densities. There was a negative relationship between density and diversity of culturable genera. The shift in commensal flora shed by reptiles is important to monitor because it provides insight into how stressful, overcrowded situations influence Enterobacteriaceae composition and promotes pathogen colonization. Individually housed geckos and those from different densities possessed isolates resistant to multiple antibiotics. Citrobacter was the most common isolate cultured and expressed different levels of resistance to different antibiotics. Enterobacter was less prevalent, however, several isolates were resistant to multiple antibiotics. It is important to monitor antimicrobial resistance profiles of fecal flora of imported pet reptiles because: 1) in their native range, the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance is increasing; 2) new resistance determinants can be introduced and maintained in commensal flora.


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[P21] OCCURRENCE AND MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF GIARDIA DUODENALIS FROM CAPTIVE WILD MAMMALS

Renata Carolina Fernandes Santos,1 Rodrigo Martins Soares,1 Zalmir Silvino Cubas,2 Wanderlei de Moraes,2 Leonilda Correia dos Santos,2 Silvio Luis Pereira de Souza,3 Fabiola Prioste,1 and Eliana Reiko Matushima1

1Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; 2Itaipu Binacional, Foz do Iguaçu, Paraná, Brazil; 3Universidade Anhembi Morumbi, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.

Presenting author: Prioste, Fabíola E.S. ([email protected])

Giardia duodenalis is an enteric protozoan parasite that has cosmopolitan distribution and for which epidemiology is especially important owing to its significant zoonotic potential. Wild mammals are often reported as reservoirs of human giardiasis, but there is little evidence of the actual role of wildlife in the maintenance and dissemination of this zoonosis. In order to evaluate the occurrence and determine the genotypes responsible for wild mammal infection, 121 fecal samples of 25 different species of animals kept in captivity at the Refúgio Biológico Bela Vista, Itaipu Binacional, Brazil, were collected in November 2010. Microscopic diagnosis was performed using flotation in a sucrose supersaturated solution technique using a centrifuge. For positive samples, a subsequent molecular diagnosis by polymerase chain reaction (nested- PCR) and sequencing was conducted. The amplified gene was glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh). Giardia duodenalis was observed in 6,6% of the sampled population. The mammal species infected were coypu (Myocastor coypus) (4/5), black howler monkey (Alouatta caraya) (1/2), crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) (1/2), ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) (1/11) and tapir (Tapirus terrestris) (1/3), all asymptomatic. Except in the sample from Cerdocyon thous, whose isolated genotype was from group D (commonly found in domestic dogs), all animals were infected by Giardia duodenalis genotype AI, considered zoonotic. These findings demonstrated that wild mammals can be infected by zoonotic and specific genotypes of this parasite. This study also shows the importance of using this approach to determine possible relationships between the protozoan, human hosts, wildlife and domestic animals in a captive environment.


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[P22] ESTIMATE OF THE PREVALENCE OF VECTOR BORNE ZOONOTIC BACTERIAL INFECTIONS IN THE RIPARIAN BRUSH RABBIT (SYLVILAGUS BACHMANI RIPARIUS) AND THEIR ECTOPARASITES

Kelly M. Schmitz,1 R. Scott Larsen,2 and Janet E. Foley3

1School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, California, USA; 2Wildlife Health Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, California, USA; 3Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA.

Presenting author: Schmitz, Kelly ([email protected])

Over a four month period (June-October 2010), 48 federally endangered riparian brush rabbits (Sylvilagus bachmani riparius) were trapped at a captive propagation site in central California with the intention of release into re-established habitats. During pre-release examinations, ectoparasites and blood samples were collected for surveillance of Rickettsia rickettsii, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Borrelia burgdorferi. Ticks were identified and DNA was extracted for PCR analysis of these pathogens. Serology was performed for the presence of Rickettsia spp., B. burgdorferi, and A. phagocytophilum antibodies. DNA was extracted from blood samples and analyzed for A. phagocytophilum using PCR assays. Ticks were detected on all rabbits except one; all ticks collected were Haemaphysalis leporispalustris. A total of 375 ticks were collected, with 47.9% (23 rabbits) having a detected tick burden ranging from 0-5 ticks, 14.6% (7 rabbits) from 6-10 ticks, 25% (12 rabbits) from 11-16 ticks and 12.5% (6 rabbits) had >16 ticks. There was no evidence of B. burgdorferi or R. rickettsii in tick or rabbit samples. Four tick samples and 14 rabbits were PCR positive for A. phagocytophilum. Additionally, six rabbits were seropositive for A. phagocytophilum. These results are surprising because a previous investigation determined that H. leporispalustris is unable to maintain A. phagocytophilum infection through molt. Therefore, further characterization by DNA sequencing of Anaplasma specific genes is being completed to confirm results. Haemaphysalis leporispalustris does not typically parasitize humans, but A. phagocytophilum is a serious zoonotic pathogen and its presence in ticks and rabbit demonstrates its presence in the environment.


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[P23] DETECTION OF A NOVEL CHLAMYDIACEAE IN WILD BIRDS IN NORTH WESTERN ITALY

Francesca Rizzo,1 Nadia Vicari,2 Serena Robetto,3 Iris Labalestra,2 Mauro Giammarino,4 Riccardo Orusa,3 and Maria Lucia Mandola1

1Virology Dept., Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Turin, Italy; 2National Reference Laboratory for Animal Chlamydioses, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia e dell’Emilia Romagna, Pavia, Italy; 3National Reference Lab of Wildlife Diseases (Ce.RMAS), IZS PLV, Aosta, Italy; 4ASL CN1 – Savigliano (CN), Italy.

Presenting author: Rizzo, Francesca ([email protected])

Chlamydophila psittaci is the agent of avian chlamydiosis in birds and psittacosis-ornithosis in humans. Molecular diagnosis has recently improved and is widely used in many laboratories, while routine chlamydiae isolation is conducted only in specialized laboratories. We present preliminary findings on the circulation of Chlamydiaceae in North Italian avifauna. Since 2010 during diagnostic routine analysis, molecular investigation for chlamydiae has been carried out on 170 wild birds. A Chlamydiaceae -specific real-time PCR targeting 23S rRNA gene was performed on DNA extracted from tissues. Positive samples were subsequently tested by specific real-time PCR targeting ompA gene, for C. psittaci. Furthermore two conventional PCR-RFLP assays targeting 16S rDNA and omp2 genes were also performed, amplicons were digested with MseI and AluI, respectively, for species identification. For chlamydial isolation positive samples were inoculated onto McCoy cells. One black grouse, four magpie, one herring gull, one eurasian woodcock and one pigeon yielded positive results for Chlamydiaceae, but no amplification was detected for C. psittaci. The same results were obtained at the National Reference Laboratory for Animal Chlamydioses. Results from PCR–RFLP assays do not match with any known chlamydial species. Isolation of the bacterium has been successful for only two samples from magpies. Unexpectedly we didn’t detect any C. psittaci. Our findings are similar to those that we reported previously in other studies, confirming that a new, so far unclassified member of the Chlamydiaceae family is circulating among birds. Further work is ongoing to better characterize these strains.


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[P24] RESULTS OF A MONITORING PROGRAM FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF ORTHOMYXOVIRUS, PARAMYXOVIRUS, SALMONELLA AND CHLAMYDIA INFECTIONS IN WILD BIRDS CIRCULATING IN NORTHWESTERN ITALY

Riccardo Orusa,1 Serena Robetto,1 Walter Mignone,2 Velca Botti,1 Francine Navillod,1 Cristina Guidetti,1 Salvatore Antoci,1 Rizzo Francesca,3 and Mandola Maria Lucia3

1Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta (IZS PLV)– S.C. Valle d’Aosta con annesso CeRMAS (Centro di Referenza Nazionale per le Malattie degli Animali Selvatici), Quart (AO), Italy; 2Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta (IZS PLV)– S.S. Imperia, Italy; 3Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta (IZS PLV)– Virology Dept., Turin, Italy.


Wild birds are reservoirs and vectors of a great number of infectious diseases and zoonoses. The aim of this study was to monitor the health of live, clinically injured or found dead wild birds. The sampling was carried out during the Avian Influenza National Monitoring Plan and Recovery Animal Centre Surveillance Program in Piedmont, Liguria and Aosta Valley (2007-2010). Diagnostic tests for Orthomyxovirus, Paramyxovirus, Salmonella and Chlamydia infections were performed. Over 1,500 specimens of wild birds were sampled. Sera were tested for Orthomyxovirus and Paramyxovirus by haemoagglutination inhibition. Swabs and organ pools were inoculated in embryonated S.P.F. chicken eggs and tested with PCR for Influenza A virus, avian Paramixovirus type 1 and Chlamydiaceae. Gut, liver, feces and cloacal swabs were analyzed for the identification of Salmonella spp. The isolation was performed with classical methods. Positives were found in 12 samples for Paramyxovirus, 17 samples for low pathogenicity Influenza A virus (subtypes H5N7, H10N1, H3N8, H4N6, H5N2, H6N2) and 5 samples for Chlamydiaceae, 7 samples for Salmonella spp. (1 case of S. suberu; 4 cases of S. typhimurium; 1 case of S. farsta and 1 case of S. typhimurium phagotype DT 193). A scheduled wild bird health surveillance program is crucial to recognize asymptomatic animals, to understand pathogen transmission routes and circulation in a specific area. In a future of adverse conditions a monitoring disease program is meaningful for biological conservation, for public health and to estimate the risk of future outbreaks.


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[P25] HIGHLY VIRULENT “EXTRA-INTESTINAL PATHOGENIC ESCHERICHIA COLI” (EXPEC) STRAINS ARE PRESENT IN FREE-LIVING FRIGATES (FREGATA MAGNIFICENS) FROM THE BRAZILIAN COAST

Marcos Paulo Vieira Cunha,1 Juliana Yuri Saviolli,2 Maria Flávia Lopes Guerra,1 Lika Osugui,1 José Luiz Catão-Dias,2 and Vania Maria de Carvalho1

1Laboratório de Biologia Molecular e Celular, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Paulista – UNIP, São Paulo – SP, Brazil; 2Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo – USP, São Paulo - SP, Brazil.

Presenting author: Carvalho, Vania Maria ([email protected])

Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC), belonging to the ExPEC (Extra-intestinal Pathogenic E. coli) group, is a major cause of mortality for poultry and an important zoonotic agent. It is believed that wild birds may carry and disseminate pathogens. While available information on APEC virulence and virulence factors (VF) in wild birds are scarce, our objective was to investigate the pathogenic potential of strains isolated from free-living birds from the Brazilian coast. Forty-one E. coli strains isolated from the cloacae and choana of apparently healthy frigates (Fregata magnificens) were analyzed. Genes encoding ExPEC VF (papC, fyuA, iuD, ibeA, fimH, malX, tratT and cvaC) were investigated by PCR. In order to identify traits predicting virulence for birds, five genes carried by plasmids (iutA, hlyF, iss, ompT and iroN) were searched. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests were performed using internationally standardized techniques. Twenty- seven percent (11/41) of the strains showed at least one predictor of the virulence gene (PVG); 12% (5/41), a combination of four PVGs (hlyF, iss, ompT and iroN) and 10% (4/41), all five PVGs. There was a close association between the PVG and the marker (malX) for the PAI-CFT073 from human urosepticemic E. coli. Five of nine strains (55%) with more than four PVGs also showed resistance to antibiotics. The data demonstrate the presence of potentially pathogenic bacteria in apparently healthy frigates, representing a risk to the health of seabirds and the public , and may contribute to perpetuating and dissemining pathogenic E. coli in the environment.


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[P26] CHLORDECONE CONTAMINATION OF THE FRENCH ISLAND OF MARTINIQUE: LANDBIRDS ARE NOT SPARED

Olivier Mastain,1 Cyril Eraud,1 and Philippe Berny2

1Office national de la chasse et de la faune sauvage, Direction des études et de la recherche, Auffargis, France ; 2VetAgro Sup, Laboratoire de toxicologie, Lyon, France.

Presenting author: Mastain, Olivier ([email protected])

Chlordecone is an organochlorine insecticide used until 1993 in the banana plantations of the French Antilles. Like other organochlorine pesticides, Chlordecone is extremely persistent in soils, accumulates in the fatty tissue of living organisms and is toxic to humans and wildlife. Even though the use of Chlordecone was banned in 1993, surveys conducted by the French Department of Environment and the French Department of Health in 2001 revealed its wide spread presence in soils and rivers in Martinique. With respect to the short-term and long-term toxic effects of chlordécone in animals, a study was performed to measure the level of contamination of wildlife in Martinique. Some sedentary species were selected to compare the levels of contamination in soils and water with the levels in animals. Zenaida Dove (Zenaida aurita) and Snowy Egret (Egretta thula) were the two bird species selected based on their ecology. The first one is granivorous and is hunted in Martinique. Results will be important in risk assessment for consumers. The second species is piscivorous and will provide information about biomagnification of chlordecone in an aquatic ecosystem. Biological samples (liver, blood and eggs) were submitted to the toxicology laboratory at the Veterinary College (Lyon, France). They were analysed according to a published technique for the analysis of chlordecone in animal tissues. Until now 120 samples have been analysed. Results showed a high level of contamination in Zenaida Dove caught in contaminated fields. Sampling in Snowy Egret is currently in progress.


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[P27] DETECTION OF E. COLI AND EVALUATION OF ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE FROM CLOACAL SWABS OF GOLDEN CONURE (GUARUBA GUAROUBA) KEPT IN CAPTIVITY IN SAO PAULO STATE -BRAZIL

Fabíola E. S. Prioste,1 Ticiana S. Zwargg,1 Rodrigo H. F. Teixeira.2, and Eliana R. Matushima3

1Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia da Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil; 2Parque Zoológico Municipal Quinzinho de Barros – Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brazil; 3Depto. de Patologia Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia da Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil.

Presenting author: Prioste, Fabíola E.S. ([email protected])

Golden conure (Guaruba guarouba) is a endemic parrot from the Brazilian Amazon Forest, considered endangered since 1981 by the IUCN. In this study, we performed cloacal swabs on 86 parrots, male and female, performed microbial culture for Escherichia coli and samples with bacterial growth were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility to: Amikacin, Ampicillin, Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid, Aztreonam, Cephalexin, Cephalothin, Cefotaxime, Cefoxitin, Chloramphenicol, Enrofloxacin, Gentamicin, Neomycin, Norfloxacin; Trimethoprim + Sulfa, Tetracycline and Tobramycin. Fifty percent of the total sample (46/86) showed growth of E. coli. Results on susceptibility tests showed a high resistance to Ampicillin, Amoxicillin + Clavulanic Acid and Penicillins (100%), a medium resistance for Cephalexin (67%), a low resistance for Enrofloxacin (7%), and non-resistance for Chloramphenicol.. The latter showed the highest susceptibility result (86%). Although Tetracycline showed one of the lowest resistances (9%), it was intermediate in 60% of the samples, thus not a good drug of choice for treatment ofcolibacillosis in these birds. Presently, there are approximately 600 golden conures kept in captivity and they provide an excellent database on this species, which helps in understanding wild birds. Moreover, these captive birds provide a genetic database which may help in future reintroductions and provide knowledge necessary in health assessment to improve survival in captivity.


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[P28] SEABIRD POPULATION HEALTH MONITORING IN A BRAZILIAN OCEANIC ISLAND: CHLAMYDOPHILA PSITTACI SURVEYS ON BREEDING PROCELLARIIFORMES AND PHAETHONTIFORMES

Patricia Pereira Serafini,1 Tânia de Freitas Raso,2 Vivian Lindmayer Ferreira,2 Isaac Simão Neto,1

Andrei Langeloh Roos,1 Wolgrand de Melo Falcão,3 and Leandro Bugoni4

1National Center for Bird Conservation Research – CEMAVE, ICMBio, Ministry of Environment, Santa Catarina, Brazil; 2Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; 3Associação Paraibana de Escaladores Profissionais, Paraíba, Brazil; 4Laboratório de Aves Aquáticas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande –FURG, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

Presenting author: Serafini, Patricia P. ([email protected])

The health status of seabirds in Brazilian oceanic islands is poorly known, especially in breeding Procellariiformes and Phaethontiformes. Several diseases can potentially affect these seabirds, among them chlamydiosis, a zoonosis caused by the infective obligate intracellular bacterium Chlamydophila psittaci. In general, infected birds, even without showing clinical signs of chlamydiosis, eliminate the microorganism in the excreta, intermittently, for long time periods. In order to investigate this disease on national threatened seabird populations, swabs were collected from White-tailed Tropicbird (Phaethon lepturus), Red-billed tropicbird (Phaethon aethereus) and Audubon's shearwater (Puffinus lherminieri) at Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, a group of 17 oceanic islands and islets about 354 km from the Brazilian mainland. Field studies were conducted during the breeding season of 2010. After manual restraint, cloacal and oral swab samples were collected from 41 apparently healthy birds and stored in transport medium microtubes and frozen. Subsequently, the samples were submitted to DNA extraction and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect the genome of C. psittaci. All samples evaluated showed negative results. In Brazil these seabirds are considered threatened due to the fact that they breed only in two archipelagos and are particularly vulnerable to invasive exotic species, disease introduction and habitat destruction. Disease research as part of a continuous monitoring of population health are necessary for understanding new ecological or disease disturbances, to predict population trends, and to evaluate the overall status of the marine ecosystem.


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[P29] INTRACELLULAR YEASTS IN ENDOTHELIAL CELLS OF A GREAT BLUE HERON (ARDEA HERODIAS)

Caroline Millins,1 Janet Hill,2 and Gary Wobeser3

1Glasgow University, Scotland; 2Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan, Canada; 3Department of Veterinary Pathology and Canadian Cooperative of Wildlife Health Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.

Presenting author: Millins, Caroline ([email protected])

Intracellular organisms in the endothelial cells of several organs of an adult great blue heron (Ardea herodias) were identified as a yeast in the family Saccharomycetales based on ultrastructural morphology and sequence data from the ribosomal RNA operon. Morphologically similar organisms of unknown identity have been described previously in outbreaks of disease in Muscovy (Cairina moschata) and domestic (Anas platyrhynchos domestica) ducks in Canada and the United Kingdom. Clinical signs included respiratory distress, lameness, weakness and ataxia. Lesions observed grossly included pulmonary odema and effusions into body cavities. Disease outbreaks were associated with access to a pond or spring which was also accessed by wild birds. A waterborne mycelial stage in the life cycle of this pathogen seems likely. These organisms have also been observed in a number of wild waterbird species from Saskatchewan. While severe disease and high mortality rates are observed in some domestic flocks, disease in wild species appears to be incidental or as an opportunistic infection.


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[P30] NECROTIC ENTERITIS ASSOCIATED WITH CLOSTRIDIUM PERFRINGENS IN A CAPTIVE MUTE SWAN

Hae Rim Lee,1 Jung Ho Kim,2 and In Pil Mo1

1Avian Disease Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Heungduk-gu, Cheongju, Chungbuk, South Korea; 2Cheong-ju zoo, Sangdang-gu, Cheongju, Chungbuk, South Korea.

Presenting author: Lee, Hae Rim ([email protected])

In Cheong-ju zoo, a brooding female Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) which had been kept in an outdoor environment with various waterfowl was found dead. The bird was in a good body condition without any signs of trauma. Also, there was no report of any clinical signs before death. At necropsy, gross abnormalities were found mainly in the intestine and the liver. The mucosa of the entire digestive tract from the duodenum through to the rectum was covered extensively by a loosely adherent pseudomembrane, namely ‘turkish towel’, and the intestinal content was watery and yellow to brown in color. The liver was enlarged and tan-colored with the presence of multifocal necrotic foci on the surface. The intestinal contents including the mucosa of the affected intestine were anaerobically cultured on sheep blood agar plates at 37oC overnight and colonies had target hemolysis specific for Clostridium perfringens. The PCR for detecting toxins of C. perfringens was conducted on the intestine and test results were positive only for α- toxin, which meant C. perfringens type A infection. Histologic lesions also indicated C. perfringens infection. The occurence of C. perfringens infection in a zoo is significant in that; 1) there is potential for horizontal infection to other birds kept in the same location including to newly hatched chicks and 2) in addition, C. perfringens type A has public health significance because it produces necrotic enteritis in humans.


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[P31] INFESTATION OF BROWN-HEADED COWBIRDS (MOLOTHRUS ATER) WITH HARPIRHYNCHID MITES (HARPIRHYNCHUS QUASIMODO): THREE CASES FROM THE SOUTHEASTERN UNITED STATES

Nicole M. Nemeth,1 Justin D. Brown,1 Brandon A. Munk,1 Marilyn G. Spalding,2 and M. Kevin Keel1

1Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA; 2Department of Infectious Diseases and Pathology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA.

Presenting author: Nemeth, Nicole ([email protected])

Mites within the diverse Harpirhynchidae family feed on the skin of birds and snakes. A newly described species of North American mite, Harpirhynchus quasimodo, was found in the skin of three, free-ranging, brown-headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater) in Florida, Tennessee, and Arkansas from 2004-11. The mites formed single or multiple, 0.3- to 1.5-cm diameter, cutaneous, raised masses that varied in location (e.g., cervical, pectoral, axillary, inguinal, and interscapular). Grossly, the masses consisted of yellow-orange, homogenous, friable material and were comprised of countless mites. Histologically, the feather follicles were markedly expanded by multi-loculated cysts filled with mites, free keratin fragments, and sporadic eggs. The cysts were lined by disorganized and hyperkeratotic epithelium and compressed the adjacent fibrous connective tissue. Lymphocytes and plasma cells were scattered in the underlying dermis. Harpirhynchus quasimodo are distinguished from congeneric mite species by a tripartite, hump-like formation on the anterior propodonotum in males, and setae number, length and location. Mite-associated lesions in cowbirds were confined to the skin with no invasion into underlying tissue and no apparent health effects. However, lesions were numerous and extensive in one of the three cowbirds, and likely affected some natural behaviors and activities. The prevalence and severity of H. quasimodo infestations among cowbirds and other passerine species, and the potential effects on the general health status and productivity of these birds, is unknown. Behavioral, physiological, or immunological factors may predispose birds to severe mite infestations. Bird-to-bird transmission likely occurs through close contact following rupture of mite-containing masses.


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[P32] PHYLOGENETIC CHARACTERIZATION OF AVIPOXVIRUS STRAINS FROM PIGEONS AND HOODED CROWS IN NORTHERN ITALY

Francesca Rizzo,1 Dania Ameri,1 Serena Robetto,2 Simone Peletto,3, Walter Mignone,4 Riccardo Orusa,2 and Maria Lucia Mandola1

1Virology Dept., Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta, Turin, Italy; 2National reference centre for diseases of wild animals (Ce.RMAS), IZS PLV, Aosta, Italy; 3Neurosciences Dept. – Italian reference center for TSEs, IZS PLV, Turin, Italy. 4IZS PLV, Imperia, Italy.

Presenting author: Rizzo, Francesca ([email protected])

Avian poxvirus disease is an emerging infection reported in a wide range of different domestic and wild avian species, causing great economic losses to the poultry industry. Phylogenetic evidence suggests the spreading of the disease is mainly achieved by interspecies transmission. By now, ten species are known in the Avipoxvirus genus and complete sequence data are available only for one Fowlpox virus and one Canarypox virus genome. Genetic characterization of Avipoxvirus strains isolated from three wild pigeons and three hooded crows in Northwest Italy from 2007 to 2010, has been achieved in this study. PCR and subsequent partial sequencing of the Avipoxvirus P4b core protein gene has been performed on DNA extracted from skin homogenates or chorioallantoic membranes of SPF embryonated chicken eggs. A Jukes Cantor model was used to construct a phylogenetic tree based on a neighbor-joining method with 1000 bootstrap replicates. The nucleotide sequences of PCR products were virtually identical (100% similarity rate) to Fowlpox and Pigeonpox sequences published in GenBank. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that hooded crow sequences cluster together in subclade A1, whereas all the three pigeon strains belong to subclade A2. In order to define the epidemiologic panorama of a specific area, genetic characterization of historical isolates is useful, nevertheless the P4b gene, widely used as phylogenetic marker, is not sufficient anymore to explain the great genomic variety demonstrated by these large DNA viruses. The search for other pan-genus markers is ongoing in order to better define Avipoxvirus taxonomy.


[P33] HEART PATHOLOGY: PRELIMINARY REPORT ON CARDIAC LESIONS IN WILD BIRDS IN NORTHWESTERN ITALY

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Robetto Serena,1 Bollo Enrico,2 Orusa Riccardo,1 Scaglione Frine Eleonora,2 and Guarda Franco3

1Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta – S.C. Valle d’Aosta con annesso CeRMAS (Centro di Referenza Nazionale per le Malattie degli Animali Selvatici), Quart (AO), Italy; 2Facoltà di Medicina Veterinaria-Dipartimento di Patologia Animale dell'Università degli Studi di Torino, Turin, Italy; 3Centro di Referenza di Patologia Comparata “Bruno Maria Zaini”, Facoltà di Medicina Veterinaria-Dipartimento di Patologia Animale. Turin, Italy.


The study of cardiovascular diseases is of great interest in comparative pathology. Atherosclerosis and other cardiac lesions (pericarditis, endocarditis and myocarditis) have been reported in several species of mammals and wild birds, revealing interesting similarities as well as differences, although more accurate descriptions and etiological investigations are still lacking. A total of 100 individuals of 12 different species of wild birds were examined. Out of these, 5 species belonged to the Order Falconiformes, 3 to the Order Strigiformes, 2 to the Order Passeriformes, 1 to the Order Piciformes, and one to the Order Gruiformes. All animals were submitted to a complete post-mortem examination, the heart was removed, and examined by routine histopathological investigations. A total of 27 (27%) animals showed cardiac lesions, represented by fibrinous pericarditis (8 cases, 29.6%), myocarditis (7 cases, 25.9%), mitral valve endocardiosis (6 cases, 22.2%), aspergillosis (5 cases, 18.5%), focal arteritis (2 cases, 7.4%), and one case each of sarcosporidiosis associated with myocarditis, fibrosis of the left ventricle (presumably post-infarctual), calcification of the coronary arteries, steatitis, perineuritis, and fibrosis of the left atrial wall. Some of the findings obtained in the present study represent the first report of such conditions in wild birds, i.e. sarcosporidiosis associated with myocarditis, fibrosis of the left ventricle, and mitral valve endocardiosis. A complete investigation on their causes, evolution and outcome may help to understand better the etiology and pathogenesis and these conditions.


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[P34] INVESTIGATION ON A HIGH MORTALITY EPISODE IN EURASIAN COLLARED- DOVES (STREPTOPELIA DECAOCTO) IN ITALY

Roberta Taddei,1 Calogero Terregino,2 Francesco Bonfante,2 Gianluca Rugna,1 Luca Gelmini,1 Lucia Gibelli,1 Giorgio Fedrizzi,1 Roberto Piro,1 Paolo Bonilauri,1 Elisabetta Raffini,1 and Matteo Frasnelli1

1Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale della Lombardia ed Emilia Romagna, Brescia, Italy; 2Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Legnaro (PD), Italy.

Presenting author: Taddei, Roberta ([email protected])

During the first two weeks of January 2011, about 3,000 Eurasian collared-doves (Streptopelia decaocto) were found dead in a restricted area in Ravenna province of the Emilia-Romagna region in northern Italy. This area was close to a food industry site where spillage and stored products from processing factories were readily available. Anatomopathological analysis of 276 birds highlighted massive renal damage and hepatomegaly, while the main histological findings were severe tubular nephrosis and hemosiderosis in the liver. Tissue samples from brain, intestine, kidneys, liver and spleen were collected for parasitological and bacteriological analyses giving negative results. Tissue samples and crop content were negative ina panel of chemical and toxicological analyses. Viral RNA of Avian Paramyxovirus type 1 (APMV-1) was detected using RT-PCR in 168 of 185 tested birds. Usutu virus, West-Nile virus and Avian Influenza virus were not identified. Further virological analyses led to the isolation of APMV-1 viruses; 26 isolates were characterized as virulent strains based on the amino-acid sequence of the F protein cleavage site. Partial F gene sequence analysis, carried out on 24 isolates, identified two co-circulating genotypes. Six strains belonged to lineage 4b, the typical genetic sublineage for Pigeon Paramyxovirus type 1 (PPMV-1), and 18 strains fell into a distinct genetic cluster of lineage 4. Further studies are needed to exclude the presence of a possible cause of immunosuppression, that could have influenced the clinical course of APMV-1 infection in the birds, and to evaluate the pathogenicity of the predominant genotype of APMV-1 detected in collared- doves.


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[P35] LOW DENSITY OF SEABIRD TICKS (IXODES URIAE) IN PENGUINS (PYGOSCELIS ADELIAE, PYGOSCELIS ANTARCTICA, PYGOSCELIS PAPUA) AT KING GEORGE ISLAND, SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS (ANTARCTIC PENINSULA)

Flávia Miranda,1 Erli Schneider Costa,2,3,4 Ralph Eric Thijl Vanstreels,5 Adriana Rodriguez de Lira Pessoa,2 Ana Olivia de Almeida Reis,3,6 João Paulo Machado Torres,2 Larissa Schmauder Teixeira da Cunha,2,7 Maria Virgínia Petry,8 and Marcelo Bahia Labruna9

1Wildlife Conservation Society, Sao Paulo, Brasil; 2Laboratório de Radioisótopos Eduardo Penna Franca, Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; 3Laboratório de Ecologia de Aves, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcântara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; 4Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil; 5Laboratório de Patologia Comparada de Animais Selvagens, Departamento de Patologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Brazil; 6Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ecologia e Evolução, UERJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil; 7Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas (Biofísica), UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil; 8Laboratório de Ornitologia e Animais Marinhos, Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos, Porto Alegre, Brasil; 9Laboratório de Parasitologia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, USP, Sao Paulo, Brasil.

Presenting author: Miranda, Flávia ([email protected])

The seabird tick (Ixodes uriae) is known to be a generalist parasite of seabirds, widespread throughout the world. Among penguins, it has been reported in virtually all species and in numerous different locations ranging from South Africa down to the Antarctic continent. In some cases, very high densities have been reported to affect breeding success and chick survival in colonial birds and, more rarely, intense infestations may even lead to the death of adult individuals. The seabird tick is also thought to vector a variety of viruses and Borrelia spirochetes. From December to March 2011, 161 penguins (3 Pygoscelis adeliae; 98 P. antarctica; 60 P. papua) were subjected to thorough physical examination at King George Island, South Shetland Islands (62°5’S 58°24’W). No ticks were recorded on the birds. On the other hand, one adult female seabird tick was found at Chabrier Rock (December 17th 2010) a small island with a breeding colony of P. antarctica (62°11’S 58°18’W). Despite careful examination, no other ticks were found in the guano or rocks surrounding the birds’ nests. On this day we also examined 31 P. antarctica adults on the island and no ticks were recorded. These preliminary findings suggest that although being present among penguins at King George Island, this parasite apparently did not occur at high enough densities to cause relevant health issues in the examined penguin colonies in austral summer 2010-2011.


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[P36] GENETIC CHARACTERIZATION OF AVIAN INFLUENZA VIRUSES ISOLATED FROM WILD BIRDS IN KOREA DURING 2006-2009

Jeong Hwa Shin,1,2 Jung Hyun Kim,1 Jong Min Kim,1 Chan Jin Woo,1 Su Kil Lee,1 Seong Hwan Byun,2 and In Pil Mo2

1Environmental Health Research department, National Institute of Environmental Research, Incheon, Korea; 2College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea.

Presenting author: Jeong Hwa Shin ([email protected])

Korea had experienced several outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), H5N1 in 2003, 2006, 2008 and 2010. To understand the potential role of wild birds in the epidemiology of HPAI, avian influenza (AI) infection has been monitored from October 2006 to December 2009. A total of 1,512 wild birds were captured and a total of 7,198 fecal samples and 550 dead birds were collected from wild bird habitats and the area near poultry farms. In this surveillance HPAI was not isolated but low pathogenic AI with nine different HA subtypes were isolated. Out of LPAI isolates, H4N6 viruses appeared to be the most predominant subtype and all H5 subtype viruses isolated were found as low pathogenic using cleavage site sequencing of HA. Genetic comparison of H9 and N2 genes from the poultry industry with those from wild bird isolates revealed that H9 genes of wild birds were different from those of poultry isolates but certain N2 genes were related to those of H9N2 viruses isolated from poultry. Sequence analysis of the HA, NA and PB2 showed that the viral genome did not contain any amino acid substitutions related to drug resistance, and did not have an E627K substitution in PB2 which are considered to be associated with adaptation to growing in mammalian hosts. Phylogenetically, most genes of the AI isolates from wild birds clustered with viruses isolated from Eurasian countries, but uncommonly, the N1 and N8 genes were clustered with the LPAI viruses isolated from North America.


[P37] SUSCEPTIBILITY OF GULLS TO WILD BIRD-ORIGIN LOW PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA VIRUSES

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Justin Brown,1 Rebecca Poulson,1 Deborah Carter,1 Camille Lebarbenchon,1 David Stallknecht,1

Monique Franca,2 Taiana Costa,2 and Elizabeth Howerth2

1Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA; 2Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA.

Presenting author: Brown, Justin ([email protected])

Although gulls are recognized reservoirs for low pathogenic avian influenza viruses (LPAIVs), basic questions related to specific subtypes potentially maintained in these populations and the potential transmission mechanisms within this reservoir system are poorly understood. Many subtypes have been isolated from gulls; however, two hemagglutinin subtypes (H13 and H16) are rarely detected in other avian groups and are thought to be maintained within gull populations. To address this dearth of information on avian influenza (AI) in gulls, we conducted a series of experiments to characterize wild bird-origin LPAIV infection in gulls. Our results suggest that laughing gulls (Leucophaeus atricilla) are competent hosts for multiple subtypes (H5N2, H7N3, H3N8) of duck-origin LPAIV. Susceptibility and/or extent of viral shedding varied between subtypes, but all viruses tested were isolated more frequently from oropharyngeal than cloacal swabs in laughing gulls. Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) inoculated with the same viruses exhibited a similar level of susceptibility, but viral shedding was detected more frequently in cloacal swabs. In contrast to the duck-origin viruses, H13 LPAIVs appear to exhibit a strong degree of host adaptation. Seven of eight ring-billed gulls (Larus delawarensis) inoculated with 104 EID50/ml of a H13N9 LPAIV were infected and excreted virus via the respiratory and intestinal tracts. Alternatively, mallards inoculated with 106 EID50/ml of the same virus were not infected. These experimental results are consistent with existing AI surveillance data on gulls. In addition to providing insight into this LPAIV reservoir system, these data can guide future surveillance efforts for influenza virus in gulls.


[P38] WILD BIRDS IN SOUTH CHINA AGRO-ECOSYSTEMS AND LONG-DISTANCE SPREAD OF H5N1

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Julien Cappelle,1,2 Delong Zhao,2 John Takekawa,3 Scott Newman,4 and Xiangming Xiao2

1CIRAD-ES, UR AGIRs, F34398 Montpellier, France; 2Oklahoma University, Center for Spatial Analysis, Norman Oklahoma, USA; 3US Geological Survey, Western Ecological Research Center, Vallejo California, USA; 4FAO, EMPRES Wildlife Unit, Infectious Disease Group Animal Health Service, Animal Production and Health Division, Rome, Italy.

Presenting author: Cappelle, Julien ([email protected])

Agricultural intensification in South China has increased densities of domestic ducks raised on intensively irrigated paddy fields, an important factor in the persistence of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV). Some major wild bird congregating wetlands in South China have been partly turned into paddy fields where millions of free-grazing domestic ducks are raised. This may facilitate the contact and the circulation of avian influenza virus (AIV) between domestic and wild waterfowl, the latter a reservoir of AIV. In this study we combined epidemiological, ecological, agricultural and virological data to investigate the potential role of wild birds in the long-distance spread of H5N1 HPAIV virus from South China. We used new technologies such as satellite-tracking of wild birds, GPS tracking of domestic ducks, remote sensing of irrigated paddy fields, and phylogenetic analysis of H5N1 strains isolated in wild and domestic birds. Our results show that: (i) wild birds share paddy fields, wetlands and AIV strains with free-grazing domestic ducks when wintering in South China, (ii) spring migration of wild birds from South China match spatially and temporally with the long-distance spread of HPAIV H5N1, (iii) epidemiological and virological data support the role of wild birds in this long-distance spread. This study provides evidence of the role of wild birds in the long distance spread of H5N1 AIV from South China agro-ecosystems. It also raises the question of the role of wild birds in the evolution of low and highly pathogenic strains as they introduce new AIV strains in these agro-ecosystems.


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[P39] ABIOTIC FACTORS AFFECTING PERSISTENCE OF AVIAN INFLUENZA VIRUS IN WATER

Shamus P. Keeler,1 Melinda Dalton,2 Roy D. Berghaus,3 and Dave Stallknecht1

1Southeast Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study, Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA; 2U.S. Geological Survey, Atlanta, Georgia, USA; 3Department of Population Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA.

Presenting author: Keeler, Shamus P. ([email protected])

Avian influenza virus (AIV) remains infectious in water for several months and virus contaminated surface water is considered to be a potential route of transmission within wild waterfowl populations. Previous work has characterized the affect of pH, salinity, and temperature on viral persistence in water. The objective of this project was to identify other abiotic factors that influence the duration of AIV persistence. Water samples were collected from 38 waterfowl habitats distributed across the United Sates. Samples were submitted to the USGS Georgia Water Science Center for chemical analysis and the University of Georgia (UGA) for viral persistence trials. Samples were filtered using 0.22µm filters and the duration of persistence within each water sample was determined for three wild-bird origin influenza A viruses at 10ºC, 17°C, and 28°C. The effects of the abiotic constituents on the duration of viral persistence were evaluated using multivariable linear regression with robust standard errors. The ammonia level of the water samples was determined to have a significant effect (p<0.01) on the duration of viral persistence with an inverse relationship between ammonia levels and viral persistence. Additionally, each of the constitutive dissolved salts determining the salinity of the water had a significant effect (p<0.01) on the duration of viral persistence but the effect of the concentration of the individual dissolved salts could not be determined. A multivariable linear regression model (R2>80%) was developed, which could be used to estimate the duration of AIV persistence in surface water based on measurements of specific abiotic constituents.


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[P40] ENVIRONMENTAL DETECTION OF THE FUNGAL PATHOGEN GEOMYCES DESTRUCTANS IS COMPLICATED BY THE PRESENCE OF SIMILAR GEOMYCES SPP. IN BAT HIBERNACULA

Jeffrey M. Lorch,1,2 Daniel L. Lindner,3 Andrea Gargas,4 Mark T. Banik, Jessie Glaeser,3 Thomas H. Kunz,5 Laura K. Muller2 and David S. Blehert2

1Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Center, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA; 2National Wildlife Health Center, Madison, Wisconsin, USA; 3US Forest Service, Northern Research Station, Center for Forest Mycology Research, Madison, Wisconsin, USA; 4Symbiology LLC, Middleton, Wisconsin, USA; 5Center for Ecology and Conservation Biology, Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

Presenting author: Lorch, Jeffrey M. ([email protected])

White-nose syndrome (WNS) is a recently discovered wildlife disease that has contributed to the loss of over one million cave-dwelling bats in the eastern USA since 2006. The disease continues to spread and is characterized by high mortality and cutaneous infection by the fungal pathogen Geomyces destructans. However, little is known about the ecology and persistence of G. destructans and related fungal species in cave environments. For this study, we screened soil samples from 19 caves within the known range of WNS and 5 caves outside of the known range of the disease using a G. destructans-specific PCR test that was originally developed for bat WNS diagnostics. Clone libraries were generated for all 24 soil samples, and sequence analysis of the cloned inserts demonstrated that the primers cross-reacted with a variety of closely related Geomyces spp. present in cave soil. Additionally, clones that were genetically identical to G. destructans were identified in three samples, all of which were collected within the known range of WNS. Follow-up culture analysis of the soil samples confirmed the presence of viable G. destructans only in the samples where the fungus was previously identified by DNA analysis. These results demonstrate for the first time that G. destructans is capable of surviving in cave soil. The results also caution against the use of the PCR primers used in this study as the sole method of screening for G. destructans because a diversity of other, similar Geomyces spp. found in cave ecosystems could yield false positive results.


[P41] SPATIAL VARIABILITY OF BIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL CONTAMINANTS IN

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NURSERIES OF LESSER HORSESHOE BAT: PRELIMINARY RESULTS IN FRANCHE- COMTÉ (EASTERN FRANCE)

Eve Afonso,1 Pierline Tournant,1,2 Renaud Scheifler,1 Sébastien Roué,3 Francis Raoul,1 and Patrick Giraudoux1

1UMR 6249 CNRS Chrono-environnement, Université de Franche-Comté, Besançon, France; 2UMR 6049 CNRS THEMA, Université de Franche-Comté, Besançon, France; 3CPEPESC Franche-Comté, Besançon, France.

Presenting author: Afonso, Eve ([email protected])

The lesser horseshoe bat, Rhinolophus hipposideros, was formerly widespread in north-western Europe, but has undergone a dramatic decline from the 1960s. Ecological disturbances, largely due to human intervention, have been related to this decline. Habitat loss and environmental contamination by chemical substances are regularly cited as being the main causes of bat decline. Environmental changes can also affect disease transmission; however, few studies focus on parasites in the lesser horseshoe bat. The present study assessed the exposure of lesser horseshoe bats frequenting maternity roosts in Franche- Comté (Eastern France) to environmental contaminants, and to relate the variability of biological and chemical contaminations to landscape characteristics. Bat droppings were collected in nurseries located in the region of Franche-Comté (16 202 km²) during July 2010. Coccidia were detected using DNA amplification. Trace metals (lead, cadmium, and zinc) were quantified by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Here, we present the preliminary results obtained on 440 droppings collected in 11 nurseries. Protozoa of the genus Eimeria and trace metals were found in all the nurseries, with a high variability between sites: Eimeria spp. prevalence ranged from 5 to 67%, while concentrations ranged from 0.08 to 25.2 µg/g for lead, 0.03 to 4.2 µg/g for cadmium, and 43.0 to 895.5 mg/g for zinc. The highest prevalences for Eimeria and the highest concentrations of trace metals were located in the same area (4 nurseries). These results suggest that the spatial aggregation of contaminants in bats may be related to bat movements between nurseries, influenced by landscape characteristics.


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[P42] COMPARISON OF POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION (PCR) ANALYSIS OF SKIN SWABS AND TISSUE SAMPLES FROM BATS FOR THE DETECTION OF GEOMYCES DESTRUCTANS

Michelle L. Verant,1,2 Laura K. Muller,2 David Blehert,2 Katie Haman,3 and Kevin M. Keel3

1Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA; 2USGS- National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC), Madison, Wisconsin, USA; 3Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study (SCWDS), College of Veterinary Medicine, The University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA.

Presenting author: Verant, Michelle ([email protected])

White-nose syndrome (WNS) is an emerging disease of bats caused by infection of the skin with a fungus, Geomyces destructans. Infection is diagnosed using a combination of techniques including polymerase chain reaction (PCR), culture, and histopathology of wing and muzzle skin. Established PCR protocols are sensitive but specify the extraction of DNA from tissues. Collection of skin swabs for PCR provides a non- lethal sampling alternative that reduces sample handling, processing time, and risks of contamination. Currently, the sensitivity and specificity of swabbing techniques compared to direct analysis of skin tissue is unknown. This study was designed to assess whether PCR analysis of skin swabs provides an effective technique for detecting DNA from G. destructans on bats. Study objectives included standardization of methods for sample collection, storage, and processing; and comparison of PCR analysis results of skin swabs and skin tissues from bats submitted to the USGS-NWHC and SCWDS. PCR analysis of skin swabs and skin tissues were in agreement 89% of the time when swabbing was limited to a 1-cm-margin of skin along the forearm. Swabbing the entire wing resulted in 96% sensitivity but could result in trauma to the delicate patagial surfaces. PCR performed on muzzle swabs from heavily infected bats resulted in 100% sensitivity. DNA extraction of the swab eluates prior to PCR analysis produced a higher correlation than using the eluates directly as PCR template (89% and 69% respectively; n=18). Results from additional testing will be presented along with potential applications for WNS research.


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[P43] THE SCREENING OF BRUCELLA CETI IN HARBOUR PORPOISES (PHOCOENA PHOCOENA) STRANDED ON THE DUTCH COAST

P.W. van Tulden,1 L. Wiersma,2 Y.J.W.M. Bisselink,1 R.C. Ruuls,1 A. Gröne,2 and H.I.J. Roest1

1Central Veterinary Institute (CVI), Wageningen University and Research Centre, Lelystad, The Netherlands; 2Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.

Presenting author: van Tulden, Peter ([email protected])

Brucella ceti is detected in harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) in countries around the North Sea, but not yet in animals along the Dutch coast. Stranded harbour porpoises along the Dutch coast were submitted for necropsy at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (Utrecht University). Selected organs and lungworms were sent to the Central Veterinary Institute (CVI) for analysis for Brucella spp. In total 50 different animals from different locations along the Dutch coast were screened. In total 111 samples were analysed. All samples were cultured using methods described for isolation of Brucella species by the OIE (Manual of Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines for Terrestrial Animals 2010). The cultured samples were then screened by a PCR, based on the IS711 element. The positive isolates were typed using a published Brucella Multi Locus Variable Tandem Repeat Assay (MLVirginia, Le Fleché et al, 2010). Reference strains of Brucella ceti and Brucella pinnipedis were included. In two of the 50 animals (4%) Brucella spp. were found. In one animal Brucella was detected in the lungs and in the other animal in the bronchus. The Brucella species was typed as B. ceti. In conclusion, B.ceti is present in animals stranded on the Dutch coast. These findings extend the range as B. ceti was previously detected along the coast of England, Scotland and Belgium.


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[P44] REMOTELY-DELIVERED CHEMICAL IMMOBILIZATION OF ADULT FEMALE STELLER SEA LIONS (EUMETOPIAS JUBATUS) FOR PHYSIOLOGICAL SAMPLING AND SATELLITE TELEMETRY ATTACHMENT

Martin Haulena,1 Kimberlee Beckmen,2 Brian S. Fadely,3 Michelle Lander,3 Dennis McAllister,2

Sharon Melin,3 Lorrie D. Rea,2 Michael J. Rehberg,2 Greg Snedgen,2 William Van Bonn,4 and Tom Gelatt3

1Vancouver Aquarium, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; 2Alaska Department of Fish & Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation, Fairbanks, Alaska, USA; 3National Marine Mammal Laboratory Alaska Fisheries Science Center, Seattle, Washington, USA; 4The Marine Mammal Center, Sausalito, California, USA.

Presenting author: Beckmen, Kimberlee ([email protected])

Understanding foraging behavior and body condition of adult female Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) is a critical data need, but also the most difficult to obtain due to the high risk of capture mortality. A previous study using zolazepam-tiletamine resulted in high mortality rates from drowning. During November 2010 we immobilized six adult females in Alaska using a combination of medetomidine-butorphanol- midazolam (dosage range approximately 0.038-0.044, 0.13-0.15, and 0.19-0.22 mg/kg respectively) via remotely delivered dart (DaninjectTM) at ~12-20 meters. Three animals (206–238 kg) were approached ~12 minutes after darting and were found on the haul-out at a deep plane of anesthesia. After intubation animals were supplemented with isoflurane (range 0.5-1.5%) to maintain anesthesia for ≤130 minutes. Heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature, oxygen saturation and blood gases were monitored. Sedation was reversed with naltrexone (30 mg) and atipamezole (45 mg) IM. Full recovered occurred in 9-12 minutes. Behavior continued to be monitored using Mk10 Argos Fast-GPS transmitters. Three additional darted animals entered the water after darting. One hauled-out again and was monitored for 85 minutes until recovered. Two other animals were found deeply sedated but spontaneously breathing while floating in the water. The first was followed for 145 minutes. She was deeply sedated but alert enough to avoid capture. The second was darted with the reversal agent at ~63 minutes. This study resulted in successful reversible immobilization of adult animals on haul-outs. Equally important, we demonstrated that animals entering the water after darting survived with the use of this combination.


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[P45] SEVERE CHOLANGIOHEPATITIS IN GREY SEALS (HALICHOERUS GRYPUS) IN THE BALTIC SEA CAUSED BY THE ZOONOTIC TREMATODE PSEUDAMPHISTOMUM TRUNCATUM

Aleksija Neimanis,1 Britt-Marie Bäcklin,2 Charlotta Moraeus,2 Erik Ågren,1 Annie Engström,3 and Johan Höglund3

1Department of Pathology and Wildlife Diseases, National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, Sweden; 2Department of Contaminant Research, Swedish Museum of Natural History, Stockholm, Sweden; 3Section of Parasitology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.

Presenting author: Neimanis, Aleksija ([email protected])

To monitor health and environmental contaminant levels, 100-150 grey seals (Halichoerus grypus) from the Swedish Baltic coast are examined annually at the Swedish Museum of Natural History. Parasitic infections are common incidental findings but occasionally may be associated with severe pathology. One example is the biliary trematode Pseudamphistomum truncatum. To our knowledge, cholangiohepatitis induced by this parasite has not been reported for grey seals in the scientific literature. Between 2005 and 2010, three examined seals were emaciated or in poor condition. Seal 1 was found dead and seals 2 and 3 were euthanised because of severe debilitation. All had significant hepatobiliary lesions in conjunction with severe trematode infection (hundreds to thousands of parasites per animal). Seal 3 was icteric and had ascites. Trematodes from seal 3 were identified using PCR and subsequent sequencing of the ITS2 region. The sequence shared 99% identity with P. truncatum, which parasitizes a wide range of fish-eating mammals, including humans in Eastern Europe. It can be pathogenic to Caspian seals (Phoca caspica), otters (Lutra lutra) and mink (Mustela vison), and as seen here, it also has the potential to cause severe debilitation and death in grey seals. According to recent reports, P. truncatum is an emerging parasite in mustelids both in England and Denmark, and prevalence is increasing in Baltic grey seals. Investigation into the cause of this increase and the significance for grey seals and other mammals in the Baltic region, as well as the opportunities for human transmission, is highly warranted.


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[P46] MAIN HISTOLOGIC FINDINGS IN SOUTHERN RIGHT WHALES BEACHED AT PENINSULA VALDES, ARGENTINA

Denise McAloose,1 Marcela Uhart,1,2 Andrea Chirife,2 Nadia Mohamed,2 Luciana Pozzi,2,3,4 Luciana Musmeci,2,3,4 Luciano La Sala,2,3 Marcelo Franco,5 Mariano Sironi,2,6 and Victoria Rowntree2,7

1Wildlife Conservation Society, New York, USA; 2Southern Right Whale Health Monitoring Program, Argentina; 3CONICET, Argentina; 4Fundación Patagonia Natural, Chubut Argentina; 5Subsecretaría de Turismo y Áreas Protegidas, Chubut, Argentina; 6Instituto de Conservación de Ballenas, Buenos Aires, Argentina; 7Department of Biology, University of Utah, Utah, USA.

Presenting author: McAloose, Denise ([email protected])

Between June 2003 and December 2009 a total of 368 southern right whale (Eubalaena australis) deaths were recorded at Península Valdés, Argentina, with peaks in 2007 (n=83), 2008 (n=96), and 2009 (n=79). Most (90%) of the dead whales were first-year calves. During this time, gross necropsy examinations provided information on the cause of death for only seven animals. Histopathology was performed on tissue samples from 53 (14%) right whale calf carcasses in good condition (fresh) (n=13), fair condition (decomposed) (n=23) or poor condition (advanced decomposition) (n=17) including individuals of both sexes. Post-mortem autolysis was present in all cases and varied from mild to severe, consistent with condition code. Histologic assessment and interpretation were dependent on the ability to identify recognizable tissue and cellular architecture; establishing a cause of death was limited and complicated by tissue preservation and availability. A variety of histologic lesions (typically mild) were identified in examined tissues; however, common significant lesions or pathologic processes (e.g. infectious disease) to explain the yearly or persistent mortalities were not identified. Ongoing monitoring for independent, multifactorial, or interrelated/concurrent disease processes, including infectious, toxic or nutritional disease, genetic or environmental factors such as food availability or maternal and calf fitness, are critical for establishing the cause(s) of the recent recurrent and significant mortality of young right whales at Península Valdés.


[P47] OROANAL PAPILLOMA IN A ROUGH-TOOTHED DOLPHIN (STENO BREDANENSIS) EXPOSED TO HIGH LEVELS OF PCB´S AND DDT´S

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Omar Gonzales-Viera,1 Valeria Ruoppolo,2,3 Juliana Marigo,3 Carolina Bertozzi,3 Duarte Maria Irma Seixa,4 Cleusa Takakura,4 Ralph Vanstreels,1 and Jose L. Catão-Dias1

1Laboratório de Patologia Comparada de Animais Selvagens (LAPCOM), Faculdade de Medicine Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil; 2Emergency Relief Team, International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW); 3Projeto BioPesca; 4Laboratório de Patologia das Moléstias Transmissíveis, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, Brazil.

Presenting author: Catão-Dias, Jose L. ([email protected])

Papilloma is a benign proliferative epithelial disorder of viral origin, which has been detected in a wide range of captive and free-ranging cetaceans worldwide. In August 2010, an adult male Rough-Toothed dolphin was found dead adrift in the central coast of São Paulo, Brazil and showed during external assessment, focally extensive raised, firm, whitish and coalescing nodules of 3 to 12 mm diameter in the right labial commissure and a focal raised, whitish, well-defined nodule of 6 mm diameter in the anal slit. Tissues samples were collected in 10% formalin and blubber samples were frozen at -20°C. Microscopic examination revealed epithelial hyperplasia with elongation of the dermal papillae, koilocytosis, some bizarre mitoses in the basal epithelium and mild dermatitis. Inclusions bodies were not observed. Formalin fixed tissues were utilized for transmission electron microscopic examination. Ultrastructurally, round to hexagonal intra-nuclear viral particles of approximately 40 nm diameter were observed in the epithelial cells. The concentrations of PCB´s and DDT´s were ∑ 26.7 and ∑ 118.4 respectively. Toxicological immunosuppression is considered a predisposing condition for the occurrence of some viral diseases in cetaceans. The level of contaminants in this animal was similar to cetaceans from industrialized countries; therefore it is suggested that high levels of contaminants may contribute significantly to the appearance of oroanal papilloma in this dolphin. This is the first report of papillomavirus-like particles in a Rough-Toothed dolphin. Future studies should be performed to determine the effect of this disease in Brazilian cetaceans.


[P48] SKELETAL SYSTEM PATHOLOGY IN A SOUTHERN RIGHT WHALE (EUBALAENA AUSTRALIS) FROM PENÍNSULA VALDÉS, ARGENTINA

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Luciano La Sala,1,2, Luciana Pozzi,1,2,3 Denise McAloose,4 Luciana Musmeci,1,2,3 Erwin Kompanje,5

Inga Sidor,6and Marcela Uhart1,4

1Southern Right Whale Health Monitoring Program, Chubut, Argentina; 2CONICET, Argentina; 3Fundacion Patagonia Natural, Chubut, Argentina; 4Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx, New York, USA; 5Natural History Museum Rotterdam, The Netherlands; 6University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire, USA.

Presenting author: Uhart, Marcela ([email protected])

This study was conducted on a dead adult male Southern Right Whale (SRW) found beached on the coast of Península Valdés, Argentina. The carcass was in an advanced state of decomposition. Cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and most of caudal vertebrae and chevrons were covered and fused by massive amounts of bone. Variable degrees of ankylosis and bony bridging were present between vertebral bodies resulting in solid fusion between most vertebrae. Additionally, large osteophytes were present along the edges of many of the vertebral bodies. Thoracic and lumbar areas were most severely affected, where asymmetric circumferential proliferative bone surrounded the vertebrae. Excessive ossification also affected the pedicles of the vertebral arch, the transverse processes, and zygapophyseal joints, and osteophyte formation was seen in both humeri and ulnae. This is the first report of skeletal system disease in a SRW. Differential diagnoses include similar conditions described in humans and other cetaceans such as infectious spondylitis, spondyloarthrosis, spondyloarthritis or fibrodysplasia ossificans progressive. Polymerase chain reaction testing was negative for Brucella spp. A clear cause for the significant bony lesions in this whale was not determined.


[P49] A COMPARISON OF BREVETOXIN TISSUE LEVELS IN SELECT MARINE MAMMALS OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

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Saachi Sadchatheeswaran,1 Michael Belanger,1 and Carin Wittnich1,2

1Oceanographic Environmental Research Society, Barrie, Ontario, Canada; 2Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Presenting author: Sadchatheeswaran, Saachi ([email protected])

In Southwest Florida, Karina brevis blooms of ≤105 cells/L are associated with mortality/morbidity events of several marine species including fish, birds, dolphins, and manatees. However, species differences in the concentration of brevetoxin found in stranded animals has not been compared. This review looked at previously analyzed tissues of Trichechus manatus latriostris (West Indian Manatee), Tursiops truncatus (Bottlenose Dolphin), and Phalacrocorax auritus (Double Crested Cormorant) and used Mann-Whitney tests to determine if significant differences in brevetoxin levels exist between these species found in either bloom-abundant or bloom-free areas. Not unexpectedly, manatees that died of brevetoxin versus those that died in bloom-free environments had significantly different levels of brevetoxin in all tissues tested, particularly liver (158.38 ng/g, 13.25 ng/g respectively) and kidney (34.68 ng/g, 4 ng/g respectively). Unlike manatees and cormorants, dolphins do not exhibit lung pathology and thus were thought to not inhale brevetoxin. However, concentration analysis of dolphins found in bloom-abundant environments showed that their lungs had brevetoxin concentrations at amounts (13.15 ng/g lung), comparable to manatees and cormorants (15.27, 12.13 ng/g lung respectively) and at levels again significantly higher than concentrations found in dolphins from bloom-free environments. When comparing species from bloom-abundant environments, dolphins - who had never been observed with neurological symptoms of brevetoxicosis - had significantly lower brevetoxin concentrations in brain samples (7.08 ng/g) when compared to manatees (13.92 ng/g) and cormorants (10.67 ng/g). There are clearly species differences in tissue levels of brevetoxin which may predict clinical signs..


[P50] PRESENCE OF HUMAN HERPES VIRUS IN CAPTIVE NEW WORLD PRIMATES IN PERU

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Bruno Ghersi,1 Patricia Mendoza,2 Ada Romero,1 Silvia Montano,1 Joe Zunt,3 and Joel Montgomery1

1Naval Medical Research Unit -6, Lima, Peru; 2Wildlife Conservation Society, Lima, Peru; 3University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.

Presenting author: Ghersi, Bruno M. ([email protected])

There are an abundant number of species of new world primates (NWP) in Peru, of which many are illegally captured and traded for either the pet trade, traditional medicinal purposes or for consumption. As a result, zoos, rescue centers and sanctuaries for these species tend to be overpopulated and several programs of rehabilitation for reintroduction are ongoing. The interaction among these captive primates and humans provides an ideal setting for pathogen transmission between humans and animals. Herpesviruses are ubiquitous agents which infect a variety of animals, including numerous species of non-human primates. A close co-evolution between herpesviruses and their reservoir host exists, whereby a unique viral strain exists for each reservoir species. The virus is easily transmitted among reservoir hosts and to accidental hosts, often resulting in a fatal outcome, through direct contact, aerosols and fomites. Herpes virus hominis has shown to be fatal in Owl monkeys (Aotus spp.). As part of an ongoing project to identify infectious agents in captive NWP in zoos and rescue centers of Peru, we have collected, to-date, 117 blood and serum samples. Of these, 20 have been tested for herpesvirus by PCR, and three (15%) were positive to human herpes virus. The discovery of this pathogen in rehabilitation centers highlights the need for increased surveillance within these populations as reintroduction of infected animals could pose a threat to wild populations.


[P51] HISTOPATHOLOGY AND PARASITES OF A POPULATION OF BLACK CAIMAN (MELANOSHUCUS NIGER) IN BRAZIL

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Catia Dejuste De Paula,1,2 Robson Botero Arias,3 Kathleen Grego,4 Renata Carolina Fernades Santos,2 Pedro Henrique de Oliveira Viadanna,2 Miriam Marmontel,3 and José Luiz Catão-Dias2

1Wildlife Conservation Society, São Paulo, Brazil; 2Laboratory of Camparative Pathology, Pathology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; 3Mamiraua Sustainable Development Institute, Tefé, Amazonas, Brazil; 4Herpetology Laboratoty, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil.

Presenting author: De Paula, Catia ([email protected])

Managed harvest of caiman in the Amazon has been considered an alternative source of income for the local population. In this context, an experimental slaughter of 37 black caiman (Melanoshucus niger) was conducted in January of 2010 at the Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve, Brazil, with the authorization of the Brazilian Environmental agency. Complete necropsies were performed and samples collected for histopathology and parasitology. All animals presented in good body condition and no ectoparasites were found. A prevalence of 81% of Hemogregarina was identified in blood smears. All animals had endoparasites with a prevalence of 100% in the stomach (Dujardinascaris sp. and Amplicaecum sp.), 13,5% in the trachea (Sebekia oxycephala), 94,6% in the esophagus (Sebekia oxycephala and Odhneriotrema microcephala), 8,1% in the small intestine (Brevimulticaecum sp.) and 94,6% of in the lungs (Sebekia oxycephala). The major histopathological lesions were pneumonia, gastritis and esophagitis due to parasitic infections. Fecal exams were performed on 25 animals and coccidian oocystis were seen in all samples, with Eimeria sp. showing a prevalence of 68%. Nematode eggs were found in 64% of the samples, with a prevalence of 93,7% for Ascaridoidea and 18,7% for Strongyloidea. The parasites and lesions were very homogenous among the specimens, which is expected as the animals were from the same population. Complementary studies are necessary to investigate the zoonotic potential of the observed parasites, as well as their eventual effects on the conservation of this typical Amazon caiman.


[P52] HISTOPATHOLOGY OF BRAZILIAN ANURAN AMPHIBIANS POSITIVE FOR BATRACHOCHYTRIUM DENDROBATIDIS: PRELIMINARY DATA

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Catia Dejuste De Paula,1,2 Julieta Catarina Burke,3 Selene Dall´Acqua Coutinho,3 Lika Osugui,3 and José Luiz Catão-Dias2

1Wildlife Conservation Society, São Paulo, Brazil; 2Comparative Pathology Laboratory, Pathology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicne, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; 3UNIP - Universidade Paulista, Laboratory of Celular and Molecular Biology, São Paulo, Brazil.

Presenting author: De Paula, Catia ([email protected])

Amphibian populations are declining globally, and one of the causes is chytridiomycosis, a disease caused by the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). In Brazil, amphibian declines have been reported and Bd has been reported but not confirmed as the cause of these declines. In order to better understand the health status of selected Brazilian anuran populations, a multidisciplinary project was established in 2010. This study presents preliminary histopathologic lesions observed in Bd-positive animals. Two hundred and eighty nine anurans were collected from different Brazilian biomes for museum collections. All animals were examined at necropsy and major organs and tissues were sampled for histopathology. In addition, skin swabs were collected from 219 specimens for Bd molecular survey by conventional PCR. Macroscopically, no animals presented any signs compatible with chytridiomycosis. To date, 89 PCR exams have been performed and 19 (21,3%) have been positive for Bd. Histopathology has been concluded for 16 (84%) positive individuals. Major microscopic findings included presence of epidermal Bd zoospores (2/16, 12,4%); hyperkeratosis (3/16, 18,7%); nephritis (5/16, 31,2%); enteritis (3/16, 18,7%); pneumonia (2/16, 12,4%); pyodermitis, hepatitis and pericarditis (1/16, 6,2% each); and metazoan parasites in small and large intestines (3/16, 18,7% for each segment), kidney, stomach, gallbladder and lung (1/16, 6,2% each). Although Bd prevalence was considered high (21,3%), zoospores were only seen in 2 animals, and the single histopathologic finding consistent with Bd infection was hyperqueratosis. The final data in this multidisciplinary study will give us an idea of the health status of these populations and implication for conservation.


[P53] WALLEYE ARE RESISTANT TO VIRAL HEMORRHAGIC SEPTICEMIA VIRUS REINFECTION AFTER PREVIOUS EXPOSURE

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Alexandra Reid,1 Jessica Grice,1 Liisa Kadlec,2 Steve Kuntz,2 Julia Copeland,2 Brian Dixon,2 Niels Bols,2 and John S. Lumsden1

1)Fish Pathology Laboratory, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada; 2)Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.

Presenting author: Reid, Alexandra ([email protected])

Walleye (Sander vitreus) are a valuable freshwater fish species in commercial and recreational fisheries in the Great Lakes ecosystem. Viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus strain IVb (VHSV) was first detected in the Great Lakes in 2005; since then walleye have been involved in several VHSV mortality events. Other researchers have shown that previous exposure to VHSV is not protective for fish such as muskellunge. We exposed 360 juvenile Ontario walleye to 1x107 pfu of VHSV in water for two hours, with 180 control walleye sham exposed to diluted cell culture media. Mortality in VHSV exposed walleye was low at 3% over 30 days post-infection. By indirect ELISA, a virus-binding circulating pattern recognition receptor (PRR) was observed to increase with infection similarly in both groups (p<0.05). Samples for antibody response were also collected. Viral shedding as detected by virus isolation from tank water no longer occurred by 7 weeks post exposure. All remaining walleye were reinfected 5 months later by intraperitoneal injection of 1x108 pfu of VHSV. Mortality was 50% in previously sham-exposed walleye while fish that were previously infected with VHSV had significantly reduced (p<0.05) mortality (4.1%). Overall, the plasma concentration of the virus binding PRR was significantly different between reinfected groups of walleye (p<0.05). Antibody results are pending. Our results show that walleye are resistant to high-titre intraperitoneal challenge up to 5 months after waterborne VHSV infection. This protective effect may play a role in reduced morbidity/mortality in wild and stocked fish after first exposure to the virus.


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[P54] EXPERIMENTAL INFECTION OF WALLEYE (SANDER VITREUS) WITH VHSV IVB AND THE EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE AND WALLEYE STRAIN

Jessica Grice,1 Alex Reid,1 Andrew Peterson,1 Brian Dixon,2 Niels Bols,2 and John S. Lumsden1

1Fish Pathology Laboratory, Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada; 2University of Waterloo, Department of Biology, Waterloo Ontario, Canada.

Presenting author: Grice, Jessica ([email protected])

Within the Great Lakes, walleye (Sander vitreus) play a dominant role in maintaining a productive and sustainable ecosystem and also contribute greatly to the sport and commercial fishing industry. Viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) IVb was first isolated in the Great Lakes in 2005 and has since been found in at least 28 host species, including walleye. The importance of walleye within these water systems and their susceptibility to VHSV IVb gives reason to examine the effect of experimental infection. A series of experiments were conducted using both intraperitoneal (ip) injection and waterborne infection (wi), showing dose-dependent mortality in the highest ip dose groups (107 pfu/0.1 mL: 13-20%; 108 pfu/0.2 mL: 67-93%), with no mortality in medium-low ip or wi dose groups (ip: 102-6 pfu/0.1 mL; wi: 1.7 x 107 virions mL-1). We then examined the variation in susceptibility of four strains of walleye (White Lake, Sault, Escanaba and Manitou; ip: 108 pfu/0.2 mL) to experimental infection with VHSV IVb. There were significant differences in mortality between the Sault-White Lake, Sault-Escanaba and White Lake-Escanaba strains (p<0.05). The effect of water temperature on VHSV IVb pathogenicity was also examined, using both ip (108 pfu/0.2 mL) and wi (1.7 x 107 virions mL-1), exposed to one of three groups: A. 12°C, B. 18°C, or C. 18-12°C over time (2° decrease/4-5 days). Group A ip injected fish experienced 24% cumulative mortality. Results indicate that walleye are susceptible to VHSV IVb, with significant differences in mortality between walleye strains as well as infection temperature.


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[P55] CHLAMYDIA-LIKE ORGANISM IN LAKE TROUT (SALVELINUS NAMAYCUSH)

Elena Contador,1 Spencer Russell,1 Karrie Youn,1 Lowia Al-Hussinee,1 Alex Reid,1 Elizabeth Wright,2

Paul Methner,3 and John Lumsden1

1Fish Pathology Laboratory, Department of Pathobiology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada; 2Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Biodiversity Branch, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada; 3Blue Jay Creek Fish Culture Station, Tehkummah, Ontario, Canada.

Presenting author: Contador, Elena ([email protected])

Chlamydia-like organisms (CLO) associated with epitheliocystis, have been described in many fish species around the world and was first described in Ontario in cultured Arctic charr. This condition clinically affects Arctic charr only to a minor degree. In Lake trout however, CLO has become perhaps the single biggest impediment to enhancement of this species at some OMNR facilities. Diagnosis is a challenge as these organisms cannot be cultured and bacterial inclusions are present before clinical signs appear, but have largely disappeared by the time fish are submitted for examination by light microscopy. The histological lesions are fairly consistent including prominent single-cell necrosis of leukocytes, epithelial cells, thickening and blunting of lamellae. Antimicrobials used to date (tribrissen and oxytetracycline) have not proven effective in limiting the impact of outbreaks. Development of a PCR for detection of affected fresh and formalin-fixed gill tissue is necessary to improve diagnosis and to study the pathogenesis and epidemiology of disease. Primers described for detection of the 16S rRNA gene of Chlamydiales have generated a 1500bp product from affected Lake trout gills. The sequence was similar to Genbank submissions for ‘Candidatus Piscichlamydia salmonis’ (95% similar) and ‘Candidatus Clavochlamydia salmonicola’ (87%); both of them novel bacteria associated with epitheliocystis.


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[P56] WILDLIFE HEALTH PROGRAM: WILD UNGULATE DISEASE MONITORING IN AOSTA VALLEY REGION (NORTHWESTERN ITALY)

Orusa Riccardo, Botti Velca, Antoci Salvatore, Demurtas Giulia, Domenis Lorenzo, Frosini Federico, Guidetti Cristina, Marchisio Francesco, Navillod Francine, Pepe Erika, Russo Antonietta, Spedicato Raffaella and Robetto Serena

Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta – S.C. Valle d’Aosta con annesso CeRMAS (Centro di Referenza Nazionale per le Malattie degli Animali Selvatici), Quart(AO), Italy.


Surveillance and monitoring programmes are the first steps towards providing an appropriate level of understanding of the health status of wildlife populations. Wildlife disease surveillance in the Aosta Valley region in Northern Italy is based on collaborative efforts among the Health and Agriculture Departments of the local hunters association and the National Reference Centre for Wild Animalss Diseases (CeRMAS).: Wild ungulate samples (passive surveillance) were collected from animals killed in the hunting season (2010-2011). Seroepidemiological surveillance (Aujeszky's disease, Bluetongue, Brucellosis, CSFV, Leptospirosis, Paratuberculosis, SVDV and Visna-Maedi/CAEV), culture isolation (Brucella spp., Mycobacterium spp.) and PCR analysis for detection of Mycobacterium tb Complex (MtbC) and Mycoplasma conjunctivae that cause infectious Keratoconjunctivitis are performed. A total of 673 wild ungulates (chamois, wild boar, roe deer and deer) were examined and tested in the CeRMAS lab. All samples were negative for Aujeszky's disease, Bluetongue, CSFV, Leptospirosis, Paratuberculosis and SVDV and Visna-Maedi/CAEV. Antibodies to Brucella spp. were detected in wild boar. Concerning Mycobacterium infections, except for one case of Mycobacterium avium (deer), all detected mycobacteria were saprophytes (M. non-chromogenicum, M. smegmatis, M. termoresistibile, M. aichiense) and not included in the MtbC. Finally, frequency of Mycoplasma conjunctivae in chamois was 5%. Infectious diseases in wildlife can interfere with the health of domestic animals, of humans and also damage wild populations. It is therefore of great importance to have a good knowledge of diseases of wild animal and their effect on wildlife.


[P57] EMBRACING EMERGENT INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TO ENHANCE WILDLIFE DISEASE INVESTIGATION, RESEARCH AND EDUCATION OUTCOMES

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Karrie Rose,1 Jane Hall,1 David Miron,2 Stephen Thompson,2 Mohammad Bhuyan,3 and Jason Lohrey3

1Australian Registry of Wildlife Health, Taronga Conservation Society, Australia; 2Australian Biosecurity Intelligence Network; Australia; 3Arcitecta Pty Ltd.

Presenting author: Rose, Karrie ([email protected])

The Australian Registry of Wildlife Health has a 27 year history of operating a diagnostic and resource centre regarding the health and disease of free ranging wildlife. More recently the Registry’s information management and communications systems have migrated to a web-based environment to improve services and increase connectivity among stakeholders. Through partnership with the Australian Biosecurity Intelligence Network (ABIN), a program funded through the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy, the Registry has been brought into a secure online environment, to be more readily available to the research and biosecurity communities. The ABIN project epitomises One Health philosophy, providing biosecurity infrastructure to support defined activities across the animal, plant, human and environmental health sectors. Wildlife and biosecurity professionals now have access to a unique collaborative environment to support disease diagnosis, surveillance, research and education. Newly developed tools available to wildlife health stakeholders in Australia and New Zealand include the Registry’s spatial database and eResearch environment, expertise directory, virtual tissue bank, monthly webinars (National Wildlife Health Rounds), web-conferencing and remote microscopy. Specific examples will be provided regarding how the emerging infrastructure and capabilities are being applied to unite disparate wildlife health professionals, to improve disease detection and diagnosis, to better understand the factors leading to disease emergence, and to better communicate risks posed to biodiversity, primary industries and public health.


[P58] WILDLIFE NETWORKS: USEFUL TOOLS FOR MONITORING SIDE EFFECTS OF PESTICIDES ON WILDLIFE. EXAMPLE OF SAGIR (FRANCE)

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Olivier Mastain,1 Anouk Decors,1 and Philippe Berny2

1Office national de la chasse et de la faune sauvage, Direction des études et de la recherche, Auffargis, France; 2VetAgro Sup, Laboratoire de toxicologie, Lyon, France.

Presenting author: Mastain, Olivier ([email protected])

Existing wildlife networks such as SAGIR can provide important and useful information on effects of PPP (pesticides) on birds and mammals. As a warning system, SAGIR showed, for instance, the side effects on wild birds and mammals through approved use of PPP. Some examples of mortality outbreaks are described to show that SAGIR is helpful in : i) showing that PPPs have a significant effect on wildlife health; ii) describing the major risk factors (climate, agricultural practice, illicit use); iii) describing preventive measures to be implemented (training, information, color of seed coating, etc.). In this way SAGIR results can connect the outcome of the risk assessment performed in a regulatory context for PPP, providing feedback of field monitoring. However, some limiting factors are still preventing the SAGIR network from describing the real acute effect of PPP on non-target species. Wildlife networks such as SAGIR is a competitive system for detecting wildlife mortality due to high acute toxicity compounds in France. In addition to limiting existing factors such as detection of dead animals in the field and the potential sublethal effects of PPP, protocols must be improved to increase monitoring of the side effects of PPP in agricultural areas in France. In this way, the information collected from networks can feed the current risk assessment in two respects: i) a better interpretation of the conclusions of the risk assessment performed for PPP, particularly for substances that have been used for years; ii) post-registration studies using strong, operational protocols.


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[P59] WILDLIFE PARASITE DIAGNOSTIC ACTIVITY AT THE ALBERTA NODE OF CANADIAN COOPERATIVE WILDLIFE HEALTH CENTRE

Manigandan Lejeune,1 Susan Kutz,1,2 Guilherme Verocai,2 Mathieu Pruvot,2 Eric Hoberg,3 and Padraig Duignan2

1CCWHC Alberta, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; 2Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; 3US National Parasite Collection, ARS, USDA, Beltsville, Maryland, USA.

Presenting author: Lejeune, Manigandan ([email protected])

National wildlife disease surveillance and information services are key goals of the Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre (CCWHC). To complement the national wildlife pathology expertise in regional CCWHC offices across the country and to fill a gap with respect to wildlife parasitology diagnostics, in November 2010 the Alberta node of CCWHC at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary (UCVM), established a position for a wildlife parasitologist. The goal of this position is to provide expertise in morphological and molecular parasitology diagnostics, test development, and targeted and passive surveillance of parasitic diseases in wild animals. This is done in partnership with UCVM faculty and parks and wildlife organizations in the province and elsewhere. Key findings from November 2010 to May 2011 include discovery of Baylisascaris procyonis in raccoons in Alberta for the first time and a new morphological variant of Uncinaria from American black bear. Parasite fauna in numerous other necropsy submissions was also identified and catalogued. The Alberta CCWHC is unique in providing expertise in wildlife parasite identification and diagnostic test development. In a very short time we have documented previously unknown parasites in wildlife in Alberta and have established a specimen and DNA archive. Targeted surveillance programs in 2011 focus on (i) defining the abundance and distribution of Baylisascaris in raccoons (a recent immigrant to Alberta) and (ii) determining the prevalence and strain types of Trichomonas in wild birds from rehabilitation facilities. Wildlife parasitology diagnostic services are also offered.


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[P60] INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AIDS IN EMERGING DISEASE PREDICTION

Tammie O’Rourke,1 Damien O. Joly,1 Jonathan Palmer,2, Melissa Manhas,1, Megan Mitchell,1, John Brownstein,3, Amy Sonricker,3 Larry Madoff,4 Peter Rabinowitz,5 James Wilson,6 Lucky Gunasekara,7 Tracey Goldstein,8 Christine Kreuder Johnson,8 Nathan Wolfe,7 Peter Daszak,9 William Karesh,9 Joseph Fair,7 Stephen S. Morse,10,8 and Jonna Mazet8

1Wildlife Conservation Society, Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada; 2Wildlife Conservation Society, New York, New York, USA; 3Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA; 4International Society for Infectious Diseases, Bookline, Massachusetts, USA; 5Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CN, USA; 6Praecipio International, Seattle, Washington, USA; 7Global Viral Forecasting Initiative, San Fransicso, California, USA; 8University of California at Davis, Davis, California, USA; 9EcoHealth Alliance, New York, New York, USA; 10Columbia University, New York, New York, USA.

Presenting author: O'Rourke, Tammie ([email protected])

Access to accurate, comprehensive, and timely surveillance data is critical for effective prediction and response to emerging infectious diseases of wildlife origin. The rapid development of information and communication technologies, as well as increases in computing capacity have allowed the USAID funded PREDICT project to utilize cutting edge technology to integrate field and digital surveillance data to improve disease emergence surveillance strategies. By combining desktop, server and cloud based computing, standardized data from wildlife surveillance and public information sources are collected, analyzed and stored in a large open-access database creating the first standardized global disease data warehouse. The aggregated data is provided to the PREDICT modeling team for use in computational models and to epidemiologists and field staff, allowing global access to real-time surveillance data and advanced visualizations. Publication of data to the general public is provided through freely available Internet visualizations (www.healthmap.org/predict) and secure tiered access to detailed information is provided through standardized XML feeds and Web Services. Disease alerts are published as needed through digital mapping and other cloud based reporting tools. The combined technologies will enable human and animal health professionals to access real-time surveillance data that is crucial for the prediction and response to emerging zoonotic disease. It will additionally allow the general public access to real-time disease alerts and user-friendly visualizations.


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[P61] NEW STRATEGIES AND TOOLS FOR MONITORING WILDLIFE HEALTH

Dave L. McRuer,1 Michelle Willette,2 Julia B. Ponder,2 and Edward Clark Jr.1

1Wildlife Center of Virginia, Waynesboro, Virginia, USA; 2The Raptor Center, University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine , St.Paul, Minnesota, USA.

Presenting author: McRuer, David ([email protected])

There is currently no comprehensive system for monitoring wildlife health in North America. Challenges to creating an effective system for such monitoring include case acquisition and sampling strategies. Wildlife care centers represent an untapped source of health data on a diverse array of wild animals, providing a unique "window" into wildlife health. In the United States, wildlife rehabilitation generally requires state and/or federal permits in addition to annual reports documenting the inventory of species and health issues encountered. However, since the several federal agencies and 44 state agencies that require such reports do not use standardized data sets or terminology, or an electronic format, it is nearly impossible to access, let alone compile and analyze the wildlife health information collected by wildlife care facilities. Two new initiatives are addressing the need for establishing the validity of data originating from wildlife care facilities. WILD-ONe (Wildlife Incident Log/Database Online network) is a system designed to capture admission and health data from wild animals entering rehabilitation facilities. This database provides incentives to encourage timely, standardized data entry making it a novel source of wildlife health information. The Clinical Wildlife Health Initiative (CWHI) is an interdisciplinary collaboration of organizations which share the view that wild animals presented to rehabilitation centers can be a source of valuable data for monitoring the health of free-ranging wildlife. CWHI's goal is to facilitate the development of analytical infrastructure and tools for surveillance and risk assessment efforts based on this data.


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[P62] PRESENT REHABILITATION AND RELEASE LEGISLATION - ARE WE BEING REASONABLE?

Michael Belanger, Nesime Askin and Luke Tan

Oceanographic Environmental Research Society, Barrie, Ontario, Canada.

Presenting author: Wittnich, Carin ([email protected])

Present Canadian federal and provincial legislation call for most birds to be euthanised if they are unable to be released due to wing injuries (fractures, blunt force trauma, sprains, etc). The usual accepted veterinary medical norm for such injuries with questionable prognosis is to quickly euthanise the animal. Most wildlife rehabilitation centers will also refuse to treat or invest the time or money into treating species considered to be ‘common’ or ‘nuisance’ animals. Attempts to treat the injuries will totally be dependent on the importance of the animal. For instance, if the species is endangered or threatened or might be a source of funds if it attracts the public’s attention, intervention might be considered. Sporatic veterinary or research papers report various methods to fix wing fractures on common birds such as pigeons, however, not much research has been done to see if wild waterfowl species can ultimately fully recover and be released back into their natural environment using non surgical methods such as immobilization. Case studies will be presented where seemingly non-releaseable cases (gulls, geese) were treated with common stabilization techniques which required shorter immobilization times with constant long term care and daily support being required. This protocol often conflicts with current government rehabilitation legislation where immediate euthanasia is demanded in almost all cases of fractures or sprains where the animal is unable to fly in a short period of time.


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[P63] PRIORITISATION OF WILDLIFE PATHOGENS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES FOR SURVEILLANCE IN EUROPE

D. Gavier-Widén,1 Eva Warns-Petit,2 Michael Hutchings,3 Charalambos Billinis,4 Lisa Yon,5 and Marc Artois,2

1National Veterinary Institute (SVA), Uppsala, Sweden; 2VetAgro Sup Campus vétérinaire de Lyon, France; 3Scottish Agricultural College, UK; 4Center for Research and Technology, Thessaly, Greece; 5University of Nottingham, UK.

Presenting author: Gavier-Widén, Dolores ([email protected])

The WildTech project is developing new technologies using serological and nucleic acid microarrays, which enable testing for multiple pathogens from a single sample. A critical step was the prioritization of pathogens to be included. Priority pathogens were identified by analyzing relevant factors which determine, in the view of the consulted experts, the importance of a wildlife disease at the pan-European level: occurrence (frequency and distribution in Europe/EU), effect (zoonotic, economic, conservation and management), OIE listed, EU listed/regulated. A score of total importance was calculated for each pathogen. Additional factors considered were: results of consultation with associated and collaborative partners, availability of samples, technical issues, emerging infectious diseases of concern in wildlife and/or domestic animals with an unknown role for wildlife in the epidemiology, and diseases of importance in hunted species. All together, the priority diseases identified were: bovine tuberculosis, brucellosis, salmonellosis, alveolar echinococcosis, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), rabies, classical swine fever (CSF), tularemia, paratuberculosis, anthrax, campylobacteriosis, Q-fever, leptospirosis, listeriosis, chytridomycosis, trichinellosis, toxoplasmosis, bluetongue fever, West Nile fever (WNF), hepatitis-E, pasteurellosis, tick-borne encephalitis, anaplasmosis, neosporosis, encephalomyocarditis, E. coli infections, hantavirus infections, lymphocytic choriomeningitis and hare calicivirus-hepatitis. It is the hope of WildTech to ultimately expand the list of pathogens that may be used on a broad scale for screening and surveillance of infectious diseases in wildlife. The purpose of WildTech is to develop the tools for such work and to demonstrate proof of principle.


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[P64] ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE IN GENERIC ESCHERICHIA COLI FROM LIVESTOCK, SOIL, AND WILDLIFE ON SWINE, BEEF, AND DAIRY FARMS IN ONTARIO

Sarah Totton,1 Jessica McCann,1 Nicol Janecko,2,3 Jane Parmley,2 Richard Reid-Smith,2 and Claire Jardine1

1Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada; 2Laboratory for Foodborne Zoonoses, Public Health Agency of Canada, Guelph, Ontario, Canada; 3Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.

Presenting author: Jardine, Claire ([email protected])

To investigate the epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the farm environment we compared the prevalence and patterns of AMR in generic E. coli isolated from livestock feces, wildlife (rodents, shrews, raccoons, skunks), and soil collected on eight swine, eight beef, and nine dairy farms in Ontario in 2010. E. coli was isolated using standard techniques and isolates were tested for resistance to 15 antimicrobials. Resistance to >1 antimicrobial occurred more frequently (p<0.05) in E. coli from pigs (22/24 pigs) than beef (7/18) or dairy cattle (1/31). The proportion of E. coli recovered from wildlife that was resistant to >1 antimicrobial was not different (p>0.05) between farm types (19%, 4/21 on beef farms; 33%, 3/9 on dairy farms; 25%, 11/44 on swine farms). Similarly, the proportion of resistant E. coli from soil did not differ (p>0.05) between farm types (27%; 22/83 on beef farms; 18%, 15/82 on dairy farms; 25%, 15/59 on swine farms). On swine farms, E. coli recovered from pigs was more likely (p<0.01) to demonstrate resistance than E. coli from soil or wildlife. Resistance to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, an antimicrobial of highest public health importance, occurred in soil on all farm types and in wildlife on dairy farms. Resistance to antimicrobials of high public health importance (ampicillin, gentamicin and kanamycin) occurred in wildlife on dairy and swine farms. More research is required to understand the epidemiology of AMR on farms and to determine the potential for the transfer of resistant bacteria between livestock, soil, and wildlife.


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[P65] THE NORTHEAST WILDLIFE DISEASE COOPERATIVE

Julie C. Ellis,1 Sarah Courchesne,1 Barbara J. Davis,1 Maureen Murray,1 Richard French,2 Inga Sidor,2 Michelle Fleetwood,2 Alice Roudabush,2 Salvatore Frasca Jr.,3 Joan A. Smyth,3 Bruce Akey,4

and Elizabeth M. Bunting4

1Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts, USA; 2NH Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire, USA; 3Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA; 4Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, New York, USA.

Presenting author: French, Richard ([email protected])

The Northeast U.S. is a hotspot for emerging infectious diseases that affect both animals and humans because of its dense human populations and the presence of major ports like Boston and New York, where human and animal travellers enter the country. West Nile Virus and Lyme Disease were detected here before anywhere else in the country. Eastern Equine Encephalitis and Tularemia persist in wildlife here, claiming both animal and human lives. In spite of our vulnerability, the Northeast does not have a designated wildlife disease laboratory capable of investigating potential disease outbreaks, nor for conducting surveillance to anticipate the emergence of new diseases before they become widespread. To address this gap, we are establishing the Northeast Wildlife Disease Cooperative (NEWDC), a state, federal, and private sector cooperative structure that will provide wildlife health and disease expertise in the Northeast U.S. NEWDC will complement and enhance federal and state wildlife diagnostic efforts already in place by bringing together regional stakeholders and facilitating communications. Wildlife health assessments and diagnostics for live and dead specimens will be conducted by several regional laboratories with expertise in (but, not limited to): terrestrial, freshwater, and marine wildlife pathology; zoonotic diseases; environmental toxicology and immunology; ultrastructural and molecular characterization of pathogens; bioterrorism and informatics. Membership in the NEWDC provides professional training in wildlife diseases, full-service diagnostics, disease fact sheets and other related literature, ready access to professionals and diagnosticians, inclusion in communications regarding regional wildlife disease issues, and assistance in development of research studies.


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[P66] THE SAGIR NETWORK : USEFUL TOOL FOR OUTBREAK-BASED SURVEILLANCE

Anouk Decors,1 Marie Moinet,2 and Olivier Mastain1

1National hunting and wildlife agency, Studies and research department, Le Perray en Yvelines, France; 2French agency for food, environmental and occupational health safety, Nancy Laboratory for rabies and wildlife, Wildlife pathology unit Malzeville, France.

Presenting author: Decors, Anouk ([email protected])

SAGIR is a national, general and participatory network of wildlife surveillance. SAGIR aims to do outbreak- based surveillance but also implement targeted surveillance. Investigations are decided according to predefined and standardised criteria. Hunters, hunting federations and public technicians are responsible for the collection of wild animals and for their transport to the local veterinary diagnostic laboratory. Post- mortem examination is carried out for every wild animal and when necessary further examinations are performed to determine the aetiology of the death. SAGIR uses convenience sampling. In other words, it relies on fortuitous discovery of dying or dead animals. Currently, the main species collected are hunted species but 10 per cent of samples are protected species. Thirty per cent of samples are alive at the time of discovery. This sampling process is not uniform from one department to another. Indeed, the selection of individuals is subject to non-standardized filters, which are sources of selective forces for the constitution of the sample. SAGIR is currently engaged in quality control analysis through the development of procedures to improve the quality of the sample. For example, an alert procedure allows standardizing the declaration of abnormal events. The surveillance is both aetiological and syndromic. The surveillance concerns pathogens in a broad sense, infectious, parasitic or chemical. The syndromic surveillance uses cases without conclusive diagnoses to detect new diseases through an original input method but also concerns common diseases to detect changes grossly with perhaps changes in pathogen virulence.


[P67] ROLE OF WILDLIFE TRADE IN THE ECOLOGY OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES: RISK ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS

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Aubrey Tauer,1,2 Rowena Watson,3 and Dominic Travis1,4

1Davee Center for Epidemiology and Endocrinology, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, Illinois, USA; 2School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; 3Watson Consulting, Arlington, Virginia, USA; 4Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA.

Presenting author: Tauer, Aubrey ([email protected])

Discussions on diseases of wildlife have generally focused on two basic models: the effect of disease on wildlife, and the role that wildlife plays in diseases affecting people or domestic animal health, welfare, economics and trade. Traditionally, wildlife professionals and conservationists have focused on the former, while most human/animal health specialists have been concerned largely with the latter. Lately the (re- )emergence of many high-profile infectious diseases in a world with ever-increasing globalisation has led to a more holistic approach in the assessment and mitigation of health risks involving wildlife (with a concurrent expansion of literature). An exhaustive review of emerging and zoonotic pathogens of concern was completed, encompassing peer-reviewed research as well as white and grey literature. A detailed review and assessment was conducted regarding the scope of wildlife trade today, the documented transmission or movement of wildlife diseases, and the quality of risk analysis in this field. Finally, existing recommendations and potential solutions are offered.


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[P68] CREATION OF AN INTERAGENCY "MARYLAND ONE HEALTH BULLETIN" FOR VETERINARIANS AND HEALTH CARE WORKERS

Cindy P. Driscoll,1 N. Jo Chapman,2 and Katherine A. Feldman3

1Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Oxford, Maryland, USA; 2Maryland Department of Agriculture, Annapolis, Maryland, USA; 3Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.

Presenting author: Driscoll, Cindy P. ([email protected])

The Maryland Departments of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources have recently developed a new biweekly Maryland One Health Bulletin. “One Health”, as defined by the American Veterinary Medical Association, is the collaborative effort of multiple disciplines – working locally, nationally, and globally – to attain optimal health for people, animals and our environment. This Bulletin is intended to provide up to date, near real time reports of zoonotic and other animal diseases of concern in Maryland, whether in domestic livestock, poultry, companion or exotic animals, native wildlife, or humans, for the purpose of promoting rapid detection, evaluation and control of these diseases state and world-wide. We depend on the vigilance and information sharing of veterinarians, health care workers and those working with animals to achieve the goal of animal, human and environmental health protection. These reports are intentionally brief, with links and references to more detailed discussions for further information. Rabies updates are provided in each edition of the Bulletin, as this is of interest to all providers and users of animal and human health data. On occasion, Health Alerts may be sent outside of the set schedule. The Maryland One Health Bulletin is a biweekly effort sent to all Maryland veterinarians with available email addresses, as well as to the interested public and animal health colleagues. This Bulletin will hopefully serve as a template for other states to reach out to more One Health partners.


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Presenting Author Index Afonso, Eve ....................................... 170 Ågren, Erik .......................................... 82 Allen, Samantha ................................ 129 Artois, Marc ......................................... 84 Ayala, Andrea J. ................................ 115 Baeten, Laurie A ................................. 85 Ballmann, Anne ................................... 90 Bapodra, Priya .................................... 43 Barbieri, Michelle ................................ 34 Beckmen, Kimberlee...........83, 137, 173 Berny, Philippe .................................. 106 Bianchi, Alessandro ..................135, 140 Blanchong, Julie .................................. 76 Body, Guillaume ................................ 120 Bollinger, Trent .................................... 74 Botzler, Richard .................................. 67 Bouchard, Catherine ........................... 31 Brown, Justin ..............................72, 166 Bueno, Marina Galvão ................47, 125 Burco, Julia ....................................... 143 Butler, Erika ........................................ 11 Callait-Cardinal, Marie-Pierre .............. 73 Cameron, Kenneth ............................ 100 Cappelle, Julien ..........................55, 167 Carleton, Renee .................................. 44 Carlsson, Anja ..................................... 23 Carvalho, Vania Maria ...................... 154 Casey, Christine ................................ 149 Catalano, Stefano ............................... 57 Catão-Dias, Jose L. .......................... 176 Charles-Smith, Lauren ........................ 87 Contador, Elena ................................ 184 Côté, Nathalie ...........................142, 147 Cranfield, Michael ............................... 96 Cruz, Luis .......................................... 112 Daly, Jennifer .................................... 121 Das Neves, Carlos G. ......................... 80 De Paula, Catia.........................180, 181 Decors, Anouk .................................. 195 Dein, Joshua ........................................ 89 Derocher, Andrew E. ............................. 5 Dewailly, Eric ........................................ 1 Dobson, Andy ..................................... 42 Driscoll, Cindy P. ............................... 197 Elkin, Brett ............................................. 9 Elmore, Stacey A. ............................. 119 Fayemi Opeyemi O ........................... 127

Fenton, Heather ............................... 124 Fernández-González Adriana ............. 95 Ferreira Hurtado, Renata.......... 113, 114 Fontana, Isabella ............................... 132 Forzán, María ..................................... 60 Fox, Karen .......................................... 46 French, Richard ................................ 194 García-Suárez, Omar ......................... 62 Garde, Elena .................................... 105 Gavier-Widén, Dolores ..................... 192 Gaydos, Joseph K. ............................. 48 Gesy, Karen ..................................... 118 Ghersi, Bruno M. .............................. 179 Gilardi, Kirsten ..................................... 97 Gilot-Fromont, Emmanuelle ................ 63 Gioia-Di Chiacchio, Rosely ............... 148 Godfroid, Jacques .............................. 51 Gratton, Gillian ................................. 108 Grice, Jessica ................................... 183 Hansen, Cristina M. .......................... 128 Harms, N. Jane ................................... 19 Hassell, James .................................... 98 Hénaux, Viviane ................................. 53 Hogan, Jennifer .................................. 35 Isomursu, Marja .................................. 81 Jardine, Claire ............................ 41, 193 Jenkins, Emily ..................................... 58 Jennelle, Christopher ........................... 75 Jeong Hwa Shin ............................... 165 Joly, Damien ....................................... 36 Jones, Krista ........................................ 37 Keel, Kevin ......................................... 92 Keeler, Shamus P ............................ 168 Kelly-Clark, Whitney ........................... 15 Kim, Eunju ........................................ 141 Kim, Sun-A ......................................... 65 Klein, Patrice ...................................... 78 Kuiken, Thijs ....................................... 49 Larrat, Sylvain............................. 29, 122 Lawson, Becki .................................... 10 Léchenne, Monique .......................... 117 Lee, Hae Rim .................................... 159 Leighton, Patrick ................................. 38 Lejeune, Manigandan ....................... 188 Ley, David H ....................................... 71 Loftis, Amanda .................................... 94 Lorch, Jeffrey M. ............................... 169


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Lynch, Michael .................................... 50 Mainguy, Julien ................................. 104 Malmsten, Jonas.........................22, 145 Mastain, Olivier .........................155, 187 McAloose, Denise ............................. 175 McGraw, Sabrina N. ............................ 27 McRuer, David .................................. 190 Measures, Lena .................................... 3 Mejía Salazar, María Fernanda ........... 24 Ménard, Nadia ...................................... 4 Mendoza, A. Patricia ......................... 103 Meteyer, Carol .................................... 91 Middleton, Danielle ............................. 33 Miller, Ryan S............................102, 136 Millins, Caroline ................................. 158 Miranda, Flávia ................................. 164 Mitchell, Jessicca ................................ 13 Moinet, Marie .................................... 133 Moriarty, Megan .................................. 20 Müller, Inge ......................................... 54 Nallar, Rodolfo .................................... 17 Neimanis, Aleksija ............................. 174 Nemeth, Nicole ...........................52, 160 Nol, Pauline ....................................... 139 O'Brien, Dan ........................................ 86 Ogden, Nick H. ...................................... 6 Olsen-Mikitowicz, Victoria ................. 146 Olson, Sarah H ................................. 101 O'Rourke, Tammie ............................ 189 Palomino, Jesus M ............................ 107 Paré, Jean A ....................................... 66 Parent, Marianne .............................. 123 Perera, Asha ....................................... 25 Pérez, Juliana .................................... 134 Pesapane, Risa ................................... 30 Portier, Julien ....................................... 26 Prioste, Fabíola E. S. ................150, 156 Pybus, Margo ...................................... 77 Randall, Natalie ................................... 70 Raphael, Bonnie L. ............................. 69 Reed, Patricia ..................................... 99 Reid, Alexandra ................................ 182 Rijks, Jolianne ...................................... 45 Rizzo, Francesca ......................152, 161 Robbins, Alison ................................... 93 Robetto, Serena 130, 131, 153, 162, 185 Robinson, Stacie J. ............................. 12 Rose, Karrie ................................68, 186 Rosenbaum, Marieke H. ..................... 39 Rostal, Melinda ................................... 40 Ruder, Mark ................................21, 138 Sadchatheeswaran, Saachi .............. 178

Schmitz, Kelly ................................... 151 Schoch, Nina ....................................... 88 Séguin, Guylaine ................................ 18 Serafini, Patricia P. ........................... 157 Shury, Todd .......................................... 8 Simard, Manon ..................................... 2 Simon, Audrey .................................. 144 Smits, Judit ......................................... 56 Taddei, Roberta ................................ 163 Tauer, Aubrey ................................... 196 Telfer, Sandra ....................................... 7 Tryland, Morten .................................. 79 Turner, Wendy C ................................ 64 Uhart, Marcela .................................. 177 Valeix, Sophie ................................... 126 van Beurden, Steven .......................... 28 Van Hemert, Caroline ......................... 14 van Tulden, Peter ............................. 172 Vanstreels, Ralph Eric Thijl ........ 16, 111 Verant, Michelle........................ 116, 171 Villarreal, Stacie M.................... 109, 110 Werden, Lisa ...................................... 32 Wittnich, Carin ................................... 191 Woodbury, Murray .............................. 59 Woods, Leslie W. ................................ 61


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Keywords Index

abdominal implants ................................. 117 abortion .............................................. 43, 50 abundance ................................................ 42 abuse ...................................................... 106 acaricide .................................................... 20 African wild dog ......................................... 37 Alaria alata ................................................ 26 alopecia ................................................... 133 Amphibians ............................................. 181 Anaplasma .............................................. 151 anesthesia ............................................... 173 Anguillicoloides crassus ......................... 122 animal density ......................................... 104 Anisakis simplex ....................................... 29 Anthrax ........................................................ 9 antibody response ..................................... 20 antimicrobial resistance .. 30, 103, 129, 149,

193 Anurans ................................................... 181 Aulonocephalus pennula ........................ 109 Avian chlamydiosis ................................. 152 Avian cholera ..................................... 18, 19 Avian influenza..... 17, 53, 54, 165, 166, 168 Avian keratin disorder ............................... 14 Avian malaria ............................................ 16 Avian Paramyxovirus type 1 .................. 163 Avipoxvirus .............................................. 161 bait vaccine ...................................... 65, 104 Bartonella sp. ..................................... 37, 94 Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis67, 123, 181 Bats.. 44, 90, 91, 92, 94, 121, 169, 170, 171 beak deformity .......................................... 14 Bear, Black .............................................. 142 Bear, polar .................................................. 5 beta hemagglutination inhibition assay .. 115 biodiversity .............................................. 121 biomass ..................................................... 42 Bison, wood ......................................... 9, 59 blood parasite ......................................... 111 bone pathology ....................................... 177 Borrelia burgdorferi ............................ 31, 32 bovid .................................................. 9, 132 Bovine tuberculosis.......................... 86, 102 Brucella ceti ............................................ 172 Brucella sp. ............................................... 51 B- irus ....................................................... 40 Caiman, black ......................................... 180

Campylobacter ............................................. 41 Canine ......................................................... 72 Canine distemper virus ................... 105, 141 Capacity development ............................ 126 Caseous lymphadenitis ........................... 130 Cervid ..................... 8, 11, 22, 23, 24, 27, 78 Cervid adenovirus ..................................... 61 Chaffinch ...................................................... 10 Chamois ..................................................... 130 chemical immobilization .......................... 173 Chiroderma ................................................ 121 Chlamydia .................................................. 184 Chlordecone .............................................. 155 cholangiohepatitis ....................................... 174 Chronic wasting disease.. 12, 24, 25, 74, 75,

76, 77, 78 climate change .......................................... 38 Clinical trial ............................................... 93 Clostridium perfringens ........................... 159 conservation ................................................. 96 contaminants .................................. 155, 178 Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis ..... 130 Cougar ....................................................... 143 Cowbird, brown-headed .......................... 160 Coyote ......................................................... 57 Cryptosporidium parvum ........................... 62 Culicoides sonorensis....................... 21, 138 Cyanide ...................................................... 137 cystacanths ................................................ 109 Damalinia sp. .......................................... 136 database .................................................... 190 DDT´s ......................................................... 176 Deer, black-tailed ..................................... 136 Deer, mule .................................... 24, 25, 77 Deer, Pere David's .................................... 43 Deer, roe..................................... 45, 63, 140 Deer, white-tail..... 12, 21, 27, 38, 75, 76, 86,

138 Demodectic mange ................................. 133 Demodex sp. .......................................... 133 Density dependence ............................... 120 Dermatomycosis .......................................... 66 Dirofilaria immitis .................................... 146 disaster ecology ....................................... 105 disease control .......................................... 82 disease emergence ................................... 97 disease investigation ................................. 68


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disease modeling ....................................... 87 disease prevalence .................................. 146 Dog, domestic ......................................... 105 Dolphin, rough-toothed ........................... 176 Doves ...................................................... 155 Ear mites ................................................... 20 Ebola virus ............................... 99, 100, 101 Echinococcus............................... 57, 81, 82 ecology ........................................................ 7 Ecosystemic approach ............................ 144 ectoparasite ............................................ 164 Eel, American .......................................... 122 Eel, European ........................................... 28 Eider, common................................... 18, 19 Eimeria sp. ....................................... 64, 170 electron microscopy .................................. 92 Elk ............................................................... 8 embryonic mortality ................................... 22 emerging disease ...................................... 14 emerging infectious disease . 10, 30, 36, 99,

194 endangered species .................................. 56 Enterobacteriaceae ................................. 149 environmental persistence ...................... 168 epidemiology.............. 8, 9, 12, 53, 132, 167 epifluorescent microscopy ....................... 116 Epitheliocystis ......................................... 184 Epizootic hemorrhagic disease .. 21, 27, 138 EROD ...................................................... 112 Escherichia coli .............................. 129, 193 Eurasian collared-doves ......................... 163 ExPEC .................................................... 154 experimental infection .................... 138, 183 exposure ................................................. 112 farm ........................................................... 41 Feline ........................................................ 72 field prevalence of infection ....................... 53 filter paper ............................................... 145 Finch trichomonosis ................................... 10 food crops ............................................... 127 foodweb .................................................... 42 force of infection ........................................ 53 Fox, Arctic ...................................... 119, 144 Fox, Catalina Island .................................. 20 Fox, red ..................................................... 82 fragmented landscapes ............................. 62 Fregate bird ............................................. 154 Frog ......................................................... 123 Frog, green ............................................... 60 fungal infection................................. 66, 169 gastrointestinal parasites ......... 39, 120, 134 Geese, bar-headed ................................... 52

genetics ............................................ 27, 121 Geomyces destructans . 90, 91, 92, 169, 171 gestational failure ....................................... 50 Giardia sp. .................................. 35, 62, 150 global warming ............................................ 5 Gorilla ........................................................... 35 Gorilla, Grauer's ........................................ 97 Gorilla, mountain .......................... 35, 96, 97 Great apes .............................................. 100 Greater sage grouse ................................. 56 Greenfinch ................................................... 10 Gull, lesser black-backed ........................... 54 Gulls ........................................................... 166 H13 ............................................................ 166 habitat ........................................................ 123 Hair-loss syndrome .................................. 136 Harpirhynchid mite .................................. 160 health assessment ..................................... 69 heart ........................................................... 162 heartworm .................................................. 146 hemorrhagic disease ........................ 21, 138 Heron, great blue .................................... 158 heterozygosity .............................................. 73 hierarchical partitioning ............................. 64 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus ..... 52 histopathology ................................ 175, 181 HPAI ........................................................... 167 Human Herpes virus ............................... 179 Hyena ........................................................... 37 immune function ....................................... 88 immunocompetence ..................................... 63 immunodepression ..................................... 133 infectious diseases ............. 78, 80, 125, 153 information technology ................... 186, 189 innate immunity ....................................... 182 intracellular yeast .................................... 158 Inuit ................................................................ 2 ivermectin ..................................................... 83 Ixodes scapularis .......................... 31, 32, 38 Ixodes uriae ............................................ 164 Jackal ........................................................... 37 Killer whale ............................................... 34 lambs ........................................................... 61 lead toxicity ............................................. 143 Leishmania sp. .......................................... 47 Leptospirosis .................................. 132, 147 Lion .............................................................. 37 livestock ..................................................... 193 long-term monitoring ................................. 49 Loon, common .......................................... 88 Lyme disease ............................... 31, 32, 38 Lynx ........................................................... 117


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Macaques ................................................. 40 marine mammals ............................. 2, 5, 34 matrix models ............................................ 75 mercury contamination .............................. 88 MLVA ...................................................... 128 molecular diagnosis ............................... 152 monitoring device ...................................... 87 monitoring program ................................. 153 Moose .............................................. 11, 137 morbidity ................................................. 124 mortality ............. 44, 49, 117, 124, 137, 175 Mule deer lymphotropic virus ................... 78 Mycobacterium bovis ........... 8, 86, 102, 131 Mycoplasma gallisepticum ........................ 71 Mycoplasma sp. ........................................ 50 mycosis ..................................................... 92 Nannizziopsis vriesii .................................. 66 natural disasters ...................................... 105 nematodes ................................................ 23 Neospora caninum .................................... 43 new technologies .................................... 192 non-consumptive use .................................. 4 Odocoileus adenovirus ............................. 61 One Health....................................... 96, 197 oral rabies vaccination ............................ 104 Otodectes cynotis ..................................... 20 outbreak management ................................ 9 outbreak-based ........................................ 195 ovarian ...................................................... 59 Oxyspirura petrowi ......................... 109, 110 Papilloma ................................................ 176 parakeratosis ........................................... 14 paranasal .................................................. 46 parasite ..... 7, 58, 63, 73, 94, 119, 170, 174,

180, 188 parentage .................................................. 76 Parvovirus ................................................. 72 Passerines .............................................. 115 Pasteurella multocida......................... 18, 19 pathology ........................... 14, 45, 162, 180 PCB´s ...................................................... 176 Penguin.................................... 16, 111, 164 peridomestic birds ..................................... 70 pesticides ....................................... 106, 187 pet trade .................................................. 149 petroleum ................................................ 112 phylogenesis ........................................... 161 pinniped .................................................... 50 Plasmodium sp. ............................... 16, 111 poisoning ................................................. 106 population augmentation ........................... 56 Porpoise, harbour .......................... 124, 172

Poxvirus .................................................... 79 Primate, non-human ..... 35, 39, 47, 125, 179 prioritisation ............................................. 192 protected area .................................... 4, 127 protected species .................................... 106 PRR ........................................................... 182 Prunus spp. ............................................ 137 Pseudamphistomum truncatum .............. 174 public health ................................... 1, 38, 58 Pygoscelis ...................................... 111, 164 Rabbit ........................................................ 151 Rabies ........................................ 65, 95, 144 Raccoon ........................................... 72, 147 Raccoon dog .................................... 65, 141 Radio transmitters ................................... 117 Ranavirus ..................................................... 60 recruitment ................................................... 76 red tide .................................................... 178 Red vent syndrome ................................... 29 rehabilitation ..................................... 48, 190 Reindeer ....................................... 23, 79, 80 reintroduction programs .......................... 179 relative risk of transmission ...................... 24 remote darting ........................................ 173 remote monitoring ..................................... 99 remote sensing ......................................... 55 reproduction ................................................. 59 reptile.................................................. 33, 66 restoration .................................................... 28 risk assessment ...................................... 196 risk management .................................... 102 Ruminants, domestic .............................. 134 Saccharomycetales ................................... 158 salinity ........................................................ 168 Salmon, Atlantic ........................................ 29 Salmonella sp. .................................... 33, 41 salt marsh ................................................. 42 sapatio-temporal .......................................... 17 satellite telemetry........................ 54, 55, 167 Sea lion, Steller ...................................... 173 Seal, grey ............................................... 174 Seal, harbor .............................................. 48 Seal, harp ................................................... 3 serotyping .................................................... 18 shedding ...................................................... 40 Sheep, bighorn ......................................... 46 Shelducks, ruddy ....................................... 52 simulation modelling ................................. 86 sinuses ......................................................... 46 skeletal disease ....................................... 177 Skunk, striped .......................................... 147 spatial database ...................................... 186


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species decline ......................................... 68 spillover ..................................................... 30 strandings ........................................ 34, 124 Strongyloides ............................................ 64 surveillance ..... 36, 57, 74, 82, 89, 101, 122,

126, 128, 190, 192, 194, 195 survival ...................................................... 25 swabbing ................................................. 171 Swan, mute ............................................. 159 Swine, feral .................... 100, 102, 131, 132 Syndromic surveillance ............................. 84 Taxus sp. ................................................ 137 telemetry ................................................. 117 temperature ............................................. 168 terbinafine ................................................. 93 Tetrameres pattersoni ............................. 109 Tick-borne fever ......................................... 22 ticks............................................ 31, 32, 151 toe-clips ..................................................... 60 Tortoise radiated ....................................... 69 toxicology .................................................... 1 Toxoplasma gondii .................................. 116 trace metals ............................................ 170 tracking pathogen ...................................... 30 translocation..................................... 56, 122 treatment ................................................... 83 Tremarctos ornatus ................................. 134 Trematode ................................................. 26 Trichinella nativa .......................................... 2 Trichinella sp. .......................................... 142 Trichinellosis ...................................... 2, 142 Trichodectes canis .................................... 83 Trichomonas gallinae ................................ 15 Trichomonosis.................................... 10, 15 Trichuris sp. ............................................ 120 Trout, lake ............................................... 184 Tuatara ...................................................... 33 Tularemia ................................................ 128 tumor ......................................................... 46 ultrasonography ......................................... 59 Ungulates ................................................ 120 UV fluorescence ........................................ 91 Viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus 182, 183 virology................................... 28, 79, 80, 97 Walleye .......................................... 182, 183 Walrus ......................................................... 2 West Nile virus .......................................... 70 wetmarkets .............................................. 103 Whale, beluga .............................................. 4 Whale, Southern right .................... 175, 177 White nose syndrome .. 90, 92, 93, 169, 171 wildlife trade ................................... 103, 196

wildlife-domestic interface ......................... 51 wind energy .............................................. 44 winter-transmission .................................. 23 Wolf .................................................... 81, 83 Yersinia pestis ........................................ 145 Yersinia pseudotuberculosis ................... 140 zoonosis ......... 1, 6, 36, 39, 58, 97, 145, 151

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% ROOM Sunday 8:30-12:00 Editorial Board meeting Grande Allée - A August 14 8:30-5:00PM

1:00PM-5:00PM

Workshop-Surveillance sur la maladie de la faune sauvage dans le monde francophone WDA Council meeting

Abraham-Martin

Grande Allée - A % 2:30PM-4:00PM Workshop-The Wildlife Society: A primer de la Colline % 2:00PM-4:00PM Student Career Workshop du Jardin % 7:00PM-10:00PM Quebec Welcome and Reception Chapelle des Amériques Monday 8:00-8:30 Conference Welcome des Plaines August 15 8:30-12:30

11:10-11:55 Wildlife Resources in a Changing World Symposium WDA 60th Anniversary Lecture - A. Derocher

des Plaines des Plaines

% 1:40PM-2:25PM Al Franzmann Memorial Lecturer - Nick Ogden des Plaines % 2:25PM -3:10PM Carleton Herman Lecture - Sandra Telfer des Plaines % 3:50PM-4:50PM Effect of Diseases on Wildlife Resources des Plaines % 7:00PM-10:00PM WDA Auction des Plaines Tuesday 8:15-8:45 Graduate Research Award winner des Plaines August 16 8:45-5:25PM Terry Amundsen Student Oral Competition des Plaines % 2:40PM-3:55PM STUDENT POSTER SESSION Abraham-Martin % 5:30PM-6:30PM AAWV business meeting Abraham-Martin % 5:30PM-6:30PM CAZWV business meeting De La Colline % 6:30PM-8:00PM Student Mentor evening Le Jardin Wednesday 8:15-9:45 Zoonoses des Plaines A August 17 8:15-9:45 Surveys and New Reports des Plaines B-C % 10:15-11:15 Health of Marine Mammals des Plaines A % 10:15-11:15 Avian Influenza des Plaines B-C Thursday 8:15-9:30 Canadian Wildlife des Plaines A August 18 8:15-9:30 Ecology of Disease in Mammals des Plaines B-C % 10:00-11:00 Host - Pathogen Interaction des Plaines A % 10:00-11:00 Health of Herpetofauna des Plaines B-C % 11:05-12:05 WDA business meeting des Plaines % 1:05PM-2:20PM Chronic Wasting Disease des Plaines A % 1:05PM-2:20PM Arctic and Subarctic Wildlife Diseases des Plaines B-C % 2:20PM-3:50PM POSTER GENERAL SESSION Abraham-Martin % 3:50PM-5:20PM White Nose Syndrome and other Diseases of Bats des Plaines A % 3:50PM-5:20PM New Methodology and Tools des Plaines B-C Friday 8:30-10:00 Health and Conservation of Great Apes des Plaines August 19 10:40-11:55 Management of Disease and Socio-political Challenges des Plaines

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