20 results on '"MOUFLON"'
Search Results
2. Ovariectomy in mouflons under field conditions: a comparative assessment of midventral and flank laparotomy approaches.
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Frattina, Lorenza, Carbonari, Alice, Burgio, Matteo, Giannini, Francesca, Locantore, Francesco, Rizzo, Annalisa, and Cicirelli, Vincenzo
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OVARIECTOMY ,ABDOMINAL surgery ,SURGICAL complications ,POSTOPERATIVE period ,POSTOPERATIVE pain - Abstract
Ovariectomy is the best method to control the density of wild ungulate populations. The present study aimed to compare two surgical approaches of ovariectomy, via the flank and midventral, in mouflons under field conditions. A total of 20 female mouflons were enrolled in the study. The animals were divided randomly into two equal groups; group F animals were gonadectomized via the flank approach, while group L animals were sterilized via the linea alba access. The parameters evaluated were duration of surgery, duration of anesthesia, recovery time, intraoperative and postoperative complications, intraoperative nociception, and pain during the postoperative period. There were no intraoperative and postoperative complications. The evaluated parameters showed a very similar trend in both groups. Both techniques were found to be effiective and safe in execution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
3. Seroprevalence of infectious pathogens of zoonotic and veterinary importance in wild ruminants from Slovenia.
- Author
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Vengušt, Diana Žele, Krt, Brane, Blagus, Rok, Vengušt, Gorazd, and Bandelj, Petra
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MYCOBACTERIUM avium paratuberculosis ,RUMINANTS ,MOUFLON ,SEROPREVALENCE ,ROE deer - Abstract
Introduction: Wildlife represents an increasingly important source of pathogens of medical and veterinary importance. Surveillance in wildlife offers an insight on current epidemiological status of selected pathogens and help to prevent spillovers to humans and livestock. Material and methods: Our study included 312 wild ruminants belonging to five species: Roe deer (n = 134), red deer (n = 113), Alpine chamois (n = 53), European mouflon (n = 10) and Alpine ibex (n = 2). Seven pathogens that may have profound effect on human/livestock health and economic viability of the farms were tested using serological methods. Results: Antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, Coxiella burnetii, Brucella spp., Chlamydophila abortus, Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) and Mycobacterium bovis were detected in 34.62% (108/312), 0.96% (3/312), 2.24% (7/312), 0, 0.96% (3/312), 0, 0.64% (2/312) of animals tested, respectively. Because of low prevalences, risk factors were assessed only for T. gondii. Sex (female>male) and species (roe deer>red deer, roe deer>Alpine chamois) were significantly associated with the T. gondii positive outcome, while age was not. Discussion: Adult males had the lowest T. gondii prevalence which offers future research opportunities. The lower seroprevalence of most investigated pathogens suggests game meat, if properly cooked, as being relatively safe for human consumption. This is the first study investigating the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of selected pathogens in wild ruminants in Slovenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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4. Preliminary Study of Scent Rolling in Captive Wolves (Canis lupus L. 1758) in Response to Olfactory Enrichment.
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Boić, Nikolina, Jukić, Nikica, Mikuška, Alma, Bjedov, Dora, Kovačić, Mislav, Šalika-Todorović, Tatjana, and Sudarić Bogojević, Mirta
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WOLVES , *ODORS , *MOUFLON , *GUINEA pigs , *FECES , *DEER , *ZOOS - Abstract
Simple Summary: Scent rolling, a behaviour observed in large carnivores like wolves, involves lowering the chin and neck towards a scent, then rubbing the head, neck, shoulders, and back into it. Despite its prevalence, the exact reason for this behaviour remains unknown. In this study, captive wolves at Osijek Zoo responded differently to various odours presented during olfactory enrichment. In the first year, odours like curry, rosemary, and deer/mouflon and rat faeces garnered the highest interest in scented objects and scent-rolling behaviour. In the second year, llama faeces and deer/mouflon faeces elicited longer interest, while others, like guinea pig faeces and oregano, prompted less interest. During the second part of this study, it was observed that only females exhibited scent-rolling behaviour, indicating their higher level of engagement with the scents. Scent rolling did not occur in response to certain odours, suggesting the existence of selective preferences. Sheep's wool prompted the longest scent-rolling sessions. Differences in behaviour between enrichment sessions were not significant; however, mornings generally elicited greater interest in odours. Despite various theories proposing alternative explanations for scent rolling in wolves, it seems to be triggered by novel odours. Scent rolling, a behaviour observed in various large carnivores like wolves, entails the animal lowering its chin and neck towards a scent, followed by rubbing the head, neck, shoulders, and back into it. This behaviour is prevalent among wolves exposed to diverse scents, though its exact purpose remains uncertain. In this study, captive wolves at Osijek Zoo responded differently to odours during olfactory enrichment sessions. In the initial year of this study, the highest level of interest, evidenced by both the frequency of responses and scent-rolling behaviour, was noted when the wolves encountered odours such as curry and rosemary, along with deer/mouflon and rat faeces. While certain odours, such as llama faeces and deer/mouflon faeces, garnered longer durations of interest in the second year of study, others, like guinea pig faeces and oregano, elicited shorter responses. Female wolves demonstrated a higher level of engagement with scents compared with males, particularly through scent rolling behaviour, which was exclusively observed in females during the second year of this study. Interestingly, certain odours did not trigger scent rolling, suggesting selective preferences. On the other hand, sheep's wool induced the longest duration of scent rolling, and a lack of significant differences in behaviour was observed between morning and afternoon sessions. Despite the existence of multiple hypotheses put forward to explain the causation of scent rolling in wolves, it seems to be elicited by unfamiliar odours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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5. How we look: European wild mouflon and feral domestic sheep hybrids.
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Šprem, Nikica, Buzan, Elena, and Safner, Toni
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SHEEP , *CROSSBREEDING , *SPECIES hybridization , *SPECIES , *INTROGRESSION (Genetics) , *GENOTYPES , *MOUFLON - Abstract
Hybridization between wild animals and feral individuals from closely related domestic species can occur when they share the same habitat. Such events are generally regarded as a threat to the genetic integrity and survival of established wild populations. The aim of this study is to confirm a hybridization between European mouflon and feral sheep on the Adriatic island Dugi Otok, where a group of individuals phenotypically indicative of a possible introgression was photographed. Using an ovine medium-density SNP array genotypes, we provided genetic evidence of recent gene admixture between the two species. The ADMIXTURE analysis suggests that two hybrid individuals had 82.2% and 94.1% of their ancestry attributable to feral sheep, respectively, with the rest of the mouflon in origin. NEWHYBRIDS analysis estimated the combined probabilities for the putative hybrid individuals belonging to one of the hybrid classes at 87.0% and 90.1%, respectively. The main phenotypic differences in the hybrids were observed in the shape of the horns, a stronger horn circumference than in the mouflon and weaker than for the sheep, pronounced horn rings, a shorter tail, and intermediate color. We therefore recommend constant monitoring of the purity of the mouflon population to maintain its genetic integrity. In addition, all feral sheep should be removed from the wild, and released sheep raised in semi-wild conditions should be better controlled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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6. A Cross-sectional Study of Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Captive Wild Animals in Pakistan Zoological Gardens.
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Ahmad, Kaleem, Ullah, Wahid, Ali, Qasim, Adeel, Muhammad, and Fahad, Shah
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CAPTIVE wild animals ,ZOOS ,EIMERIA ,PARASITES ,MOUFLON ,CERCOPITHECUS aethiops - Abstract
The animals held captive in zoos often face health and well-being issues. Parasitic infections can lead to health problems in wildlife animals by affecting their gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify and evaluate the population of the various Gastrointestinal (GIT) parasites of wild animals enclosed in different zoological gardens in Pakistan. The fresh fecal samples (n = 960) of 20 captive wildlife animals were collected from Marghzar Zoo, Islamabad (n = 340), Ayub National Park, Rawalpindi (n = 221), Lohi Bher Wildlife Park, Rawalpindi (n = 296), and Bansra Galli Wildlife Park, Rawalpindi (n = 103). The samples were obtained from wildlife mammals, including urial (n = 95), blue bull (n = 106), chinkara gazelle (n = 77), zebra (n = 77), hog deer (n = 75), spotted deer (n = 43), blackbuck (n = 58), barking deer (n = 52), red deer (n = 104), yak (n = 44), grey goral (n = 40), lion (n = 37), mouflon sheep (n = 46), red fox (n = 12), bear (n = 37), grey wolf (n = 12), jackal (n = 12), vervet monkey (n = 12), rhesus monkey (n = 12), and langoor (n = 12). Various methods, such as direct smear examination, standard sedimentation, and floatation techniques were applied to detect and identify the endoparasites in the fecal sample. The detailed routine parasitological analysis identified approximately 52 endoparasites in the fecal samples, including Haemonchus contortus, Eimeria bovis, Ostertagia curcumcincta, Strongyloides papillosus, Strogylus equinus, Oxyuris equi, Chabertia ovina, Protostrongylus, and Trichostrongylus vitrines. The obtained results indicated that Lohi Bher Wildlife Park (46.35%) had a higher prevalence of GIT parasites, compared to Marghzar Zoo (33.23%), Bansra Galli Wildlife Park (33.02%), and Ayub National Park (19.45%). The study reports mild to moderate parasitic infection in captive wild animals and that could affect the survivability of the animals in captivity. The findings of the study can be used to formulate a proper health protocol and sanitation management in captive wild animals to control parasitic infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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7. Population Genomic History of the Endangered Anatolian and Cyprian Mouflons in Relation to Worldwide Wild, Feral, and Domestic Sheep Lineages.
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Atağ, Gözde, Kaptan, Damla, Yüncü, Eren, Vural, Kıvılcım Başak, Mereu, Paolo, Pirastru, Monica, Barbato, Mario, Leoni, Giovanni Giuseppe, Güler, Merve Nur, Er, Tuğçe, Eker, Elifnaz, Yazıcı, Tunca Deniz, Kılıç, Muhammed Sıddık, Altınışık, Nefize Ezgi, Çelik, Ecem Ayşe, Miranda, Pedro Morell, Dehasque, Marianne, Floridia, Viviana, Götherström, Anders, and Bilgin, Cemal Can
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MOUFLON , *SHEEP , *CYPRIOTS , *WHOLE genome sequencing , *NATURE conservation , *POPULATION dynamics - Abstract
Once widespread in their homelands, the Anatolian mouflon (Ovis gmelini anatolica) and the Cyprian mouflon (Ovis gmelini ophion) were driven to near extinction during the 20th century and are currently listed as endangered populations by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. While the exact origins of these lineages remain unclear, they have been suggested to be close relatives of domestic sheep or remnants of proto-domestic sheep. Here, we study whole genome sequences of n = 5 Anatolian mouflons and n = 10 Cyprian mouflons in terms of population history and diversity, comparing them with eight other extant sheep lineages. We find reciprocal genetic affinity between Anatolian and Cyprian mouflons and domestic sheep, higher than all other studied wild sheep genomes, including the Iranian mouflon (O. gmelini). Studying diversity indices, we detect a considerable load of short runs of homozygosity blocks (<2 Mb) in both Anatolian and Cyprian mouflons, reflecting small effective population size (N e). Meanwhile, N e and mutation load estimates are lower in Cyprian compared with Anatolian mouflons, suggesting the purging of recessive deleterious variants in Cyprian sheep under a small long-term N e, possibly attributable to founder effects, island isolation, introgression from domestic lineages, or differences in their bottleneck dynamics. Expanding our analyses to worldwide wild and feral Ovis genomes, we observe varying viability metrics among different lineages and a limited consistency between viability metrics and International Union for Conservation of Nature conservation status. Factors such as recent inbreeding, introgression, and unique population dynamics may have contributed to the observed disparities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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8. Genotyping, bionomics and host-feeding behavior of Phlebotomus spp. (Diptera: Psychodidae) in Iran.
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Shahhosseini, Nariman, Sedaghat, Mohammad Mehdi, Paquette, Sarah-Jo, Abai, Mohammad Reza, and Kayedi, Mohammad Hassan
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PHLEBOTOMUS ,PSYCHODIDAE ,MOUFLON ,DIPTERA ,CYTOCHROME b ,SAND flies - Abstract
The main goal of the current study was to investigate the molecular systematics and host–vector interactions of sandfly species (Phlebotomus spp.) in Iran. Sandflies were collected using CDC light traps, sticky traps, and BG-Sentinel traps at seven trapping sites in Iran during 2019 and 2020. The source of blood meals was identified using primer pairs specific to either the 16S rRNA or the mitochondrial cytochrome b (cytb) genes. A total of 736 blood-fed female sandflies were collected. Six species of the genus Phlebotomus (Ph.) and four species of the genus Sergentomyia (Se.) were identified using molecular identification techniques. The most abundant sandfly species were Ph. papatasi (38.45 %) and Se. sintoni (36.28 %). Blood meal analysis identified 19 different host species, specifically, 15 mammalian and four bird species. The most common blood meal sources were Rattus norvegicus , followed by Homo sapiens , Bos primigenius f. taurus , Ovis orientalis f. aries , Meriones persicus , Gallus gallus f. domestica , Rhombomys opimus , and Canis lupus; other host species had incidences of less than 5 %. We observed that Ph. major complex and Se. sintoni had mostly mammalophilic blood-feeding behavior, while Ph. papatasi and Ph. sergenti had mostly anthropophilic and ornithophilic blood-feeding preferences, respectively. The current results confirmed cytb is a suitable gene for regular species level identification, and that phylogenetic analyses of cytb allowed for clear demarcation of sandfly species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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9. Short- and Long-Term Storage of Non-Domesticated European Mouflon (Ovis aries musimon) Cumulus–Oocyte Complexes Recovered in Field Conditions.
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Temerario, Letizia, Cicirelli, Vincenzo, Martino, Nicola Antonio, Carbonari, Alice, Burgio, Matteo, Frattina, Lorenza, Lacalandra, Giovanni Michele, Rizzo, Annalisa, and Dell'Aquila, Maria Elena
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SHEEP , *MOUFLON , *ENDANGERED species , *ANIMAL species , *GERMPLASM , *OVUM - Abstract
Simple Summary: The European mouflon (Ovis aries musimon) is a non-domesticated and highly adaptable species. It is a descendant of the primitive domestic sheep (Ovis aries), with native populations inhabiting Sardinia and Corsica since the Neolithic age. In the 1950s, as a consequence of intense hunting and poaching, some animals were relocated to nearby islands (Giglio Island and others) as a conservation strategy to avoid extinction risks. Since then, this isolated way of life has served as a "time capsule" in which the Ovis aries musimon has maintained ancestral genetic traits no longer detectable in the current native Sardinian population. Our study findings report the application, in field conditions, of short- and long-term storage techniques of immature cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) which were then transported to the laboratory for in vitro maturation (IVM) and assessment of nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation. Both techniques mentioned above can be used for oocyte storage and in vitro culture. However, it is still necessary to optimize them, particularly when used in taxonomically related and endangered wild species for the preservation of ancestral genetic traits and to address the risk of extinction of native populations. Reproductive biotechnologies can be used as a supporting tool, through gamete conservation and in vitro embryo production, in the preservation of invaluable and irreplaceable animal genetic resources. In the present study, immature mouflon cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) collected from ovariectomized female ovaries underwent short- or long-term conservation (24 h maintained in Earle's/Hank's (EH) medium or vitrification) under field conditions and afterwards transported to the laboratory where they were cultured for in vitro maturation (IVM) and assessed for oocyte meiotic competence and bioenergetic–oxidative status. Utilization of both storage techniques led to COC morphology preservation, as well as cumulus expansion and oocyte meiotic resumption after the IVM procedure. Quantitative bioenergetic–oxidative parameters were reduced in vitrified oocytes compared with EH ones. Immature COC storage needs to be optimized in both domesticated and non-domesticated sheep as a part of the strategy to avoid the loss of valuable genotypes of these animal species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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10. First Detection of Cryptosporidium parvum in the Endemic Cyprus Mouflon (Ovis gmelini ophion).
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Hasapis, Kyriacos A., Charalambidou, Iris, Schou, Chad, O'Dowd Phanis, Catherine, Kazamia, Stefanie, Kassinis, Nicolaos, Hadjisterkotis, Eleftherios, and Karanis, Panagiotis
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CRYPTOSPORIDIUM ,CRYPTOSPORIDIUM parvum ,GOATS ,DOMESTIC animals ,MOUFLON ,FOREST reserves ,PROTOZOA - Abstract
Purpose: Cryptosporidium is an intestinal zoonotic protozoan parasite that infects domesticated and wild animals. There are no reports on the prevalence and molecular characterisation of Cryptosporidium in the endemic Cyprus mouflon. The mouflon is strictly protected by national and international legislation. Its main distribution is Paphos State Forest and surrounding areas, where it may share the same water sources as free-ranging domestic goats. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. and genotypes in mouflon and free-ranging goats within the mouflon range. Methods: Faecal samples of 70 mouflons and 34 free-ranging goats were screened for Cryptosporidium by PCR amplification and sequencing. Results: Only one sample (1/70) belonging to a mouflon was PCR positive for Cryptosporidium. Based on sequencing of the 18S rRNA locus, this species was identified as Cryptosporidium parvum (C. parvum). No positive sample was detected in the free-ranging goats (0/34). Conclusion: This is the first report on the molecular identification of this Cryptosporidium species in a Cyprus mouflon. The results indicate that the prevalence of Cryptosporidium in Cyprus mouflon is low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
- Full Text
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11. Ovariectomy in mouflons under field conditions: a comparative assessment of midventral and flank laparotomy approaches
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Lorenza Frattina, Alice Carbonari, Matteo Burgio, Francesca Giannini, Francesco Locantore, Annalisa Rizzo, and Vincenzo Cicirelli
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mouflon ,ovariectomy ,laparotomy ,midventral approach ,flank approach ,Veterinary medicine ,SF600-1100 - Abstract
Ovariectomy is the best method to control the density of wild ungulate populations. The present study aimed to compare two surgical approaches of ovariectomy, via the flank and midventral, in mouflons under field conditions. A total of 20 female mouflons were enrolled in the study. The animals were divided randomly into two equal groups; group F animals were gonadectomized via the flank approach, while group L animals were sterilized via the linea alba access. The parameters evaluated were duration of surgery, duration of anesthesia, recovery time, intraoperative and postoperative complications, intraoperative nociception, and pain during the postoperative period. There were no intraoperative and postoperative complications. The evaluated parameters showed a very similar trend in both groups. Both techniques were found to be effective and safe in execution.
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- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
12. Detection of Brucella in Dermacentor Ticks of Wild Boar with Brucellosis.
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Rebollada-Merino, Agustín, Martínez, Irene, Duque, Clara, García-Seco, Teresa, Escacena, Cristina, Domínguez, Lucas, Rodríguez-Bertos, Antonio, and García, Nerea
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WILD boar , *DERMACENTOR , *MOUFLON , *BRUCELLA , *BRUCELLOSIS , *TICK infestations , *TICKS - Abstract
Brucellosis is a sanitary and economically relevant disease affecting humans, livestock, and wildlife. Ticks have been suggested as vectors, long-term carriers, and amplifiers of Brucella. In this study, ticks from wildlife ungulate hosts living in hunting reserves of a central region of Spain were collected during a 6-year period, pooled, and screened for Brucella spp. by PCR. Aiming to correlate Brucella spp. DNA presence in ticks with Brucella spp. infections in wildlife ungulate hosts, liver samples from deceased wildlife ungulates coming from the hunting reserves showing a positive result for Brucella in ticks were tested using a commercial ELISA. In total, 229 tick pools from wild boar (Sus scrofa, n = 176; 76.8%, 95% CI 70.9%–81.8%), red deer (Cervus elaphus, n = 40; 17.4%, 95% CI 13.1%–22.9%), mouflon (Ovis orientalis musimon, n = 7; 3.06%, 95% CI 1.49%–6.17%), and fallow deer (Dama dama, n = 6; 2.62%, 95% CI 1.21%–5.60%) were analyzed. PCR results showed that 3.93% (95% CI 2.08%–7.30%) tick pools (9/229) from 16.6% hunting reserves (7/41) screened yielded a positive PCR result for Brucella. All positive ticks were Dermacentor (Dermacentor marginatus or Dermacentor reticulatus) collected from wild boar. Ticks collected from wild boars were positive to Brucella in a relative percentage of 5.10% (95% CI = 1.61–11.4) in 2018 and of 7.59% (95% CI = 2.79–15.6) in 2021 (6-year prevalence of 5.17%, 9/176). ELISA showed positive results in three wild boars coming from two out of seven hunting reserves (28.5%) with a positive PCR for Brucella in ticks. To conclude, Brucella spp. DNA can be detected in Dermacentor ticks parasitizing wild boars living in hunting reserves harboring Brucella spp.-seropositive wild boars. This study provides evidence that the contribution of arthropod vectors should be considered in the epidemiology of brucellosis in wildlife. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
- Full Text
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13. Phenotype transition from wild mouflon to domestic sheep.
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Mereu, Paolo, Pirastru, Monica, Sanna, Daria, Bassu, Giovanni, Naitana, Salvatore, and Leoni, Giovanni Giuseppe
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SHEEP ,PHENOTYPIC plasticity ,DOMESTICATION of animals ,ANIMAL coloration ,NEURAL crest ,MOUFLON ,PHENOTYPES ,SHEEP breeds - Abstract
The domestication of animals started around 12,000 years ago in the Near East region. This "endless process" is characterized by the gradual accumulation of changes that progressively marked the genetic, phenotypic and physiological differences between wild and domesticated species. The main distinctive phenotypic characteristics are not all directly attributable to the human-mediated selection of more productive traits. In the last decades, two main hypotheses have been proposed to clarify the emergence of such a set of phenotypic traits across a variety of domestic species. The first hypothesis relates the phenotype of the domesticated species to an altered thyroid hormone-based signaling, whereas the second one relates it to changes in the neural crest cells induced by selection of animals for tameness. These two hypotheses are not necessarily mutually exclusive since they may have contributed differently to the process over time and space. The adaptation model induced by domestication can be adopted to clarify some aspects (that are still controversial and debated) of the long-term evolutionary process leading from the wild Neolithic mouflon to the current domestic sheep. Indeed, sheep are among the earliest animals to have been domesticated by humans, around 12,000 years ago, and since then, they have represented a crucial resource in human history. The aim of this review is to shed light on the molecular mechanisms and the specific genomic variants that underlie the phenotypic variability between sheep and mouflon. In this regard, we carried out a critical review of the most recent studies on the molecular mechanisms that are most accredited to be responsible for coat color and phenotype, tail size and presence of horns. We also highlight that, in such a complicate context, sheep/mouflon hybrids represent a powerful and innovative model for studying the mechanism by which the phenotypic traits related to the phenotypic responses to domestication are inherited. Knowledge of these mechanisms could have a significant impact on the selection of more productive breeds. In fact, as in a journey back in time of animal domestication, the genetic traits of today's domestic species are being progressively and deliberately shaped according to human needs, in a direction opposite to that followed during domestication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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14. تنوع و ساختار ژنتیکی گوسفند وحشی در پارک ملی بمو در استان فارس با استفاده از نشانگرهای ریز ماهواره.
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دل آرا محمودی, رسول خسروی, محمد کابلی, and رویا آداودی
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MOUFLON , *GENETIC variation , *CONSERVATION genetics , *INBREEDING , *CLIMATE change - Abstract
Non-invasive sampling methods, such as scat sampling, have facilitated genetic studies for conservation genetics researchers, however, the quality and quantity of extracted DNA have always been the main issues with these methods. In the current study, the genetic variation and population structure of wild sheep (Ovis gmelini) in Bamou National Park (Fars, Iran) were evaluated using the swabbing technique and eight microsatellites. The sampling method used showed high efficiency in genotyping individuals and can be considered for use with other species. Expected and observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.502 to 0.943 and 0.950 to 1.00, respectively, and the mean allele richness was 8.87, indicating considerable genetic variation in the population. In addition, inbreeding coefficient across all loci was 0.052. There was no evidence of a bottleneck in the population in the recent past. Despite the high level of genetic variation, the lack of gene flow between populations, and global threats such as climate change, highlight the necessity of implementing reintroduction programs to maintain the evolutionary potential of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
15. The Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Behaviour of Mites.
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Skoracki, Maciej and Fajfer-Jakubek, Monika
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MITES , *ACARIFORMES , *MOUFLON , *BIOTIC communities , *HOST specificity (Biology) , *BIRD nests - Abstract
This document, titled "The Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Behaviour of Mites," explores the often overlooked role of mites in ecosystems worldwide. The special issue includes studies on the coevolutionary relationships, taxonomic diversity, molecular biology, and ecological interactions of mites. The research sheds light on the host-parasite relationships, phylogeny, and host specificity of mites, as well as their evolutionary history and ecological interactions. Additionally, the document discusses the taxonomic revision of mite groups, the incorporation of molecular techniques into mite research, and ecological studies on mite behavior and adaptation. Overall, the research emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in understanding the complexity of mites and their crucial roles within ecosystems. [Extracted from the article]
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- 2024
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16. Prevalence of tick-borne pathogens in ticks collected from the wild mountain ungulates mouflon and chamois in 4 regions of France
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Habib Jad, Zenner Lionel, Garel Mathieu, Mercier Antoine, Poirel Marie-Thérèse, Itty Christian, Appolinaire Joël, Amblard Thibaut, Benedetti Pierre, Sanchis Frédéric, Benabed Slimania, Abi Rizk Georges, Gibert Philippe, and Bourgoin Gilles
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borrelia ,anaplasma ,rickettsia hoogstraalii ,babesia venatorum ,theileria ovis ,mouflon ,chamois ,Infectious and parasitic diseases ,RC109-216 - Abstract
Ticks are major vectors of various pathogens of health importance, such as bacteria, viruses and parasites. The problems associated with ticks and vector-borne pathogens are increasing in mountain areas, particularly in connection with global climate change. We collected ticks (n = 2,081) from chamois and mouflon in 4 mountainous areas of France. We identified 6 tick species: Ixodes ricinus, Rhipicephalus bursa, Rh. sanguineus s.l., Haemaphysalis sulcata, H. punctata and Dermacentor marginatus. We observed a strong variation in tick species composition among the study sites, linked in particular to the climate of the sites. We then analysed 791 ticks for DNA of vector-borne pathogens: Babesia/Theileria spp., Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., Anaplasma phagocytophilum, A. marginale, A. ovis, and Rickettsia of the spotted fever group (SFG). Theileria ovis was detected only in Corsica in Rh. bursa. Babesia venatorum (2 sites), Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. (B. afzelii and B. garinii; 2 sites) and Anaplasma phagocytophilum (3 sites) were detected in I. ricinus. Anaplasma ovis was detected at one site in I. ricinus and Rh. sanguineus s.l. SFG Rickettsia were detected at all the study sites: R. monacensis and R. helvetica in I. ricinus at the 3 sites where this tick is present; R. massiliae in Rh. sanguineus s.l. (1 site); and R. hoogstraalii and Candidatus R. barbariae in Rh. bursa in Corsica. These results show that there is a risk of tick-borne diseases for humans and domestic and wild animals frequenting these mountain areas.
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- 2024
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17. Should I stay or move? Quantifying landscape of fear to enhance environmental management of road networks in a highly transformed landscape.
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Rezvani, Azita, Lorestani, Niloufar, Nematollahi, Shekoufeh, Hemami, Mahmoud-Reza, and Ahmadi, Mohsen
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ROAD maintenance , *FRAGMENTED landscapes , *ECOLOGICAL disturbances , *HABITATS , *ROAD construction , *CORRIDORS (Ecology) , *MOUFLON - Abstract
The development and expansion of road networks pose considerable threats to natural habitats and wildlife, fostering a landscape of fear. In addition to direct mortality caused by road collisions, road construction and maintenance often result in habitat fragmentation and loss, impeding animal movement and gene flow between populations. Mountain ungulates are already confined to fragmented habitat patches and roads can cause substantial disturbances to their critical ecological processes, such as dispersal and migration. In this study, we employed two key mountain ungulates, the wild goat (Capra aegagrus) and mouflon (Ovis gmelini), as functional models to examine how road networks impact the quantity and connectivity of natural habitats in southwestern Iran, where extensive road construction has led to significant landscape changes. We used the MaxEnt method to predict species distribution, the circuit theory to evaluate habitat connectivity, and the Spatial Road Disturbance Index (SPROADI) to assess road impacts. During the modeling process, we selected eleven important variables and employed a model parametrization strategy to identify the optimal configuration for the MaxEnt model. For SPROADI index we used three sub-indices, including traffic intensity, vicinity impact, and fragmentation grade. We then integrated the results of these analyses to identify areas with the most significant environmental impacts of roads on the coherency of the natural habitats. The findings indicate that suitable habitats for wild goats are widely distributed across the study area, while suitable habitats for mouflon are primarily concentrated in the northeastern region. Conservation gap analysis revealed that only 8% of wild goat habitats and 7% of mouflon habitats are covered by protected areas (PAs). The SPROADI map highlighted that 23% of the study area is negatively influenced by road networks. Moreover, 30.4% of highest-probability corridors for mouflon, and 25.7% for wild goat, were highly vulnerable to the impacts of roads. Our combined approach enabled us to quantitatively assess species-specific vulnerability to the impacts of heavy road networks. This study emphasizes the urgent need to address the negative effects of road networks on wildlife habitats and connectivity corridors. Our approach effectively identifies sensitive areas, which can help inform mitigation strategies and support more effective conservation planning in significantly transformed landscapes. • Roadscape can create a landscape of fear, which hinders landscape connectivity between fragmented populations. • Mountain ungulates are important to investigate the consequences of road networks. • Our integrated approach allowed to assess the impacts of roads in a highly transformed landscape. • Mouflon is more vulnerable to the impacts of heavy road networks compared to wild goat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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18. Expression of Aquaglyceroporins in Spermatozoa from Wild Ruminants Is Influenced by Photoperiod and Thyroxine Concentrations
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Caballero, Beatriz, Santiago-Moreno, Julián, Pequeño, Belén, Martínez Madrid, Carmen Belén, Castaño, Cristina, Bóveda, Paula, Velázquez, Rosario, Toledano-Díaz, Adolfo, Álvarez-Rodríguez, Manuel, Rodríguez-Martínez, Heriberto, Caballero, Beatriz, Santiago-Moreno, Julián, Pequeño, Belén, Martínez Madrid, Carmen Belén, Castaño, Cristina, Bóveda, Paula, Velázquez, Rosario, Toledano-Díaz, Adolfo, Álvarez-Rodríguez, Manuel, and Rodríguez-Martínez, Heriberto
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J. Santiago-Moreno recibió una beca del Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades para visita de investigadores seniors a centros extranjeros (PRX19/00149). El Consejo Sueco de Investigación FORMAS (2017-00946 y 2019-00288), Estocolmo, Suecia, proporcionó apoyo analítico., This work identified the presence of AQPs in frozen-thawed sperm of wild ruminants and assessed the influence of the interaction between photoperiod and thyroxine on AQP expression, and on testosterone secretion. Thyroxine and melatonin were administered to ibexes. In a second experiment, performed in mouflons, circulating thyroxine was reduced via treatment with propylthiouracil (PTU), and an artificial long day (LD) photoperiod established. In the ibexes, the melatonin treatment increased the blood plasma testosterone concentration, reduced the cryoresistance ratio (CR) for sperm viability and the presence of an intact acrosome, and increased the percentage of sperm with AQP7 in the acrosome and of AQP3 and AQP10 in the midpiece. In the mouflons, neither the PTU treatment, the LD, nor the combination of both affected the CR of any sperm variable. The percentage of sperm with AQP3 increased in the post-acrosome region but decreased in the tail in the LD+PTU group. The percentage of sperm with AQP10 in the principal piece and endpiece was lower in the PTU+LD group than in the control and LD groups. The influence of photoperiod/melatonin on AQP expression might be indirectly exerted through changes in the testosterone concentration, and thus ultimately affect sperm cryoresistance., Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI) (AGL2017-85753-R y PID2020-113288RB-I00/AEI/10.13039/501100011033), MCINN (AGL2017-85753-R y PID2020-113288RB-I00/AEI/10.13039/501100011033), FEDER/EU, Depto. de Medicina y Cirugía Animal, Fac. de Veterinaria, TRUE, pub
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- 2024
19. Immunolocalisation of aquaporins 3, 7, 9 and 10 in the epididymis of three wild ruminant species (Iberian ibex, mouflon and chamois) and sperm cryoresistance.
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Yeste, Marc, Martínez Madrid, Carmen Belén, Martínez-Cáceres, Carlos, Pequeño, Belén, Castaño, Cristina, Toledano-Díaz, Adolfo, Bóveda, Paula, Prieto, Pilar, Alvarez-Rodriguez, Manuel, Rodriguez-Martinez, Heriberto, Santiago-Moreno, Julián, Yeste, Marc, Martínez Madrid, Carmen Belén, Martínez-Cáceres, Carlos, Pequeño, Belén, Castaño, Cristina, Toledano-Díaz, Adolfo, Bóveda, Paula, Prieto, Pilar, Alvarez-Rodriguez, Manuel, Rodriguez-Martinez, Heriberto, and Santiago-Moreno, Julián
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Beca predoctoral de Pequeño financiada por la AEI (PRE2018-085637), Context: In the epididymis, epithelial cells manage changes in the luminal environment for proper sperm maturation. Moreover, aquaglyceroporins, a subgroup of aquaporins (AQP), modulate the transport of water, glycerol and other small molecules in epithelial cells. Aims: We aim to characterise the lining epithelium, quantify its cell composition and immunolocalise the aquaglyceroporins AQP3, AQP7, AQP9 and AQP10 alongside the epididymal ductus of three wild ruminant species, and to determine if species-specific differences could be associated with cauda sperm cryoresistance variations. Methods: Epididymides from Iberian ibex (n =5), mouflon (n =5) and chamois (n =6) were obtained. Cauda spermatozoa were collected and sperm parameters were analysed before and after freezing. Histology and immunohistochemistry of AQP3, 7, 9, 10 and T-CD3 were performed in the caput, corpus and cauda epididymal regions. Key results: This work first describes the lining epithelium in Iberian ibex, mouflon and chamois epididymis along the three anatomical regions, consisting of principal, basal, apical, clear and halo cells. However, the percentage of each cell type differed in ibex compared to mouflon and chamois. The positive T-CD3 immunolabeling of all the halo cells confirmed their T-lymphocyte nature. Aquaglyceroporin expression patterns were similar among species, except for differences in AQP7 and AQP10 immunolocalisation in ibex. Species-specific differences in epididymal sperm cryoresistance were confirmed. Conclusions: The epididymal epithelium of the three wild ruminants differ in their relative number of cell types and AQP immunolocalisation, which ultimately appears to affect cauda epidydimal spermatozoa cryoresistance. Implications: Our study provides information on the relevance of the quantitative composition and AQP pattern expression in epididymal lining epithelium on sperm cryoresistance., Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI), Depto. de Medicina y Cirugía Animal, Fac. de Veterinaria, TRUE, pub
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- 2024
20. TOP 10 PLACES TO SHOOT WILDLIFE.
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MOUFLON ,JAPANESE macaque ,RED deer ,LYNX ,OTTERS - Abstract
This article provides a list of the top 10 places to shoot wildlife. The locations include the Alps in Switzerland, Fákasel in Iceland, the West Highland Peninsulas in Scotland, Ladakh in India, Svalbard and Hallingdal in Norway, the Isle of Mull in the United Kingdom, Wapusk National Park in Canada, Jigokudani Yaen-Koen in Japan, Białowieża National Park in Poland, and Gigrin Farm in Wales. Each location offers unique opportunities to capture diverse wildlife, such as wolves, lynx, Icelandic horses, red squirrels, snow leopards, Arctic foxes, otters, polar bears, snow monkeys, European bison, and various bird species. [Extracted from the article]
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- 2024
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