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Background: Vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) are increasing in significance in veterinary medicine and public health settings, with wildlife playing a potentially crucial role in their transmission. Eurasian badgers (Meles meles) are widely distributed across Europe. However, information currently available on the prevalence of VBPs in badgers is limited. The objective of the current study was to investigate the occurrence of Anaplasmataceae, Bartonella spp., Mycoplasma spp., Rickettsia spp., Piroplasmida, Trypanosomatida and Filarioidea in badgers and subsequently, based on the results, assess the potential risk to domestic animals, other wildlife and humans. Methods: Between 2017 and 2021, blood or spleen samples from 220 badgers were collected in nine continental European countries: Austria (n = 7), Bosnia and Herzegovina (n = 2), Croatia (n = 22), France (n = 44), Germany (n = 16), Hungary (n = 7), Italy (n = 16), Romania (n = 80) and Serbia (n = 26). VBPs were identified by performing PCR analysis on the samples, followed by Sanger sequencing. Additionally, to distinguish between different Babesia lineages we performed restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis on piroplasm-positive samples, using HinfI as restriction enzyme. A phylogenetic analysis was performed on Mycoplasma spp. Results: The pathogens identified were Babesia sp. badger type A (54%), B (23%), and C (37%); Trypanosoma pestanai (56%); Mycoplasma sp. (34%); Candidatus Mycoplasma haematomelis (8%); Candidatus Mycoplasma haematominutum (0.5%); and Ehrlichia spp. (2%). Rickettsia spp., Bartonella spp. and filarioid nematodes were not detected among the tested samples. Conclusions: The large sample size and diverse study populations in this study provide valuable insights into the distribution and epidemiology of the analyzed pathogens. Some of the VBPs identified in our study show high similarity to those found in domestic animals, such as dogs. This finding suggests that badgers, as potential reservoirs for these pathogens, may pose a threat not only to other wildlife but also to domestic animals in close vicinity. Continuous surveillance is essential to monitor VBPs in wildlife as a means to enable the assessment of their impact on other wildlife species, domestic animals and human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the United Kingdom, the management of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) challenges the coexistence of people and wildlife. Control of this cattle disease is hindered by transmission of its causative agent, Mycobacterium bovis, between cattle and badgers Meles meles.Badger culling has formed an element of bTB control policy for decades, but current government policy envisions expanding badger vaccination. Farming leaders are sceptical, citing concerns that badger vaccination would be impractical and potentially ineffective.We report on a 4‐year badger vaccination initiative in an 11 km2 area which, atypically, was initiated by local farmers, delivered by scientists and conservationists, and co‐funded by all three. Participating landholders cited controversies around culling and a desire to support neighbours as their primary reasons for adopting vaccination.The number of badgers vaccinated per km2 (5.6 km−2 in 2019) exceeded the number culled on nearby land (2.9 km−2 in 2019), and the estimated proportion vaccinated (74%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 40%–137%) exceeded the 30% threshold predicted by models to be necessary to control M. bovis. Farmers were content with how vaccination was delivered, and felt that it built trust with wildlife professionals.The percentage of badgers testing positive for M. bovis declined from 16.0% (95% CI 4.5%–36.1%) at the start of vaccination to 0% (95% CI 0%–9.7%) in the final year. With neither replication nor unvaccinated controls, this small‐scale case study does not demonstrate a causal link between badger vaccination and bTB epidemiology, but it does suggest that larger‐scale evaluation of badger vaccination would be warranted.Farmers reported that their enthusiasm for badger vaccination had increased after participating for 4 years. They considered vaccination to have been effective, and good value for money, and wished to continue with it.Synthesis and applications: Although small‐scale, this case study suggests that badger vaccination can be a technically effective and socially acceptable component of bTB control. A wider rollout of badger vaccination is more likely if it is led by the farming community, rather than by conservationists or government, and is combined with scientific monitoring. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) are increasing in significance in veterinary medicine and public health settings, with wildlife playing a potentially crucial role in their transmission. Eurasian badgers (Meles meles) are widely distributed across Europe. However, information currently available on the prevalence of VBPs in badgers is limited. The objective of the current study was to investigate the occurrence of Anaplasmataceae, Bartonella spp., Mycoplasma spp., Rickettsia spp., Piroplasmida, Trypanosomatida and Filarioidea in badgers and subsequently, based on the results, assess the potential risk to domestic animals, other wildlife and humans. Methods Between 2017 and 2021, blood or spleen samples from 220 badgers were collected in nine continental European countries: Austria (n = 7), Bosnia and Herzegovina (n = 2), Croatia (n = 22), France (n = 44), Germany (n = 16), Hungary (n = 7), Italy (n = 16), Romania (n = 80) and Serbia (n = 26). VBPs were identified by performing PCR analysis on the samples, followed by Sanger sequencing. Additionally, to distinguish between different Babesia lineages we performed restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis on piroplasm-positive samples, using HinfI as restriction enzyme. A phylogenetic analysis was performed on Mycoplasma spp. Results The pathogens identified were Babesia sp. badger type A (54%), B (23%), and C (37%); Trypanosoma pestanai (56%); Mycoplasma sp. (34%); Candidatus Mycoplasma haematomelis (8%); Candidatus Mycoplasma haematominutum (0.5%); and Ehrlichia spp. (2%). Rickettsia spp., Bartonella spp. and filarioid nematodes were not detected among the tested samples. Conclusions The large sample size and diverse study populations in this study provide valuable insights into the distribution and epidemiology of the analyzed pathogens. Some of the VBPs identified in our study show high similarity to those found in domestic animals, such as dogs. This finding suggests that badgers, as potential reservoirs for these pathogens, may pose a threat not only to other wildlife but also to domestic animals in close vicinity. Continuous surveillance is essential to monitor VBPs in wildlife as a means to enable the assessment of their impact on other wildlife species, domestic animals and human health. Graphical Abstract

Abstract In the United Kingdom, the management of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) challenges the coexistence of people and wildlife. Control of this cattle disease is hindered by transmission of its causative agent, Mycobacterium bovis, between cattle and badgers Meles meles. Badger culling has formed an element of bTB control policy for decades, but current government policy envisions expanding badger vaccination. Farming leaders are sceptical, citing concerns that badger vaccination would be impractical and potentially ineffective. We report on a 4‐year badger vaccination initiative in an 11 km2 area which, atypically, was initiated by local farmers, delivered by scientists and conservationists, and co‐funded by all three. Participating landholders cited controversies around culling and a desire to support neighbours as their primary reasons for adopting vaccination. The number of badgers vaccinated per km2 (5.6 km−2 in 2019) exceeded the number culled on nearby land (2.9 km−2 in 2019), and the estimated proportion vaccinated (74%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 40%–137%) exceeded the 30% threshold predicted by models to be necessary to control M. bovis. Farmers were content with how vaccination was delivered, and felt that it built trust with wildlife professionals. The percentage of badgers testing positive for M. bovis declined from 16.0% (95% CI 4.5%–36.1%) at the start of vaccination to 0% (95% CI 0%–9.7%) in the final year. With neither replication nor unvaccinated controls, this small‐scale case study does not demonstrate a causal link between badger vaccination and bTB epidemiology, but it does suggest that larger‐scale evaluation of badger vaccination would be warranted. Farmers reported that their enthusiasm for badger vaccination had increased after participating for 4 years. They considered vaccination to have been effective, and good value for money, and wished to continue with it. Synthesis and applications: Although small‐scale, this case study suggests that badger vaccination can be a technically effective and socially acceptable component of bTB control. A wider rollout of badger vaccination is more likely if it is led by the farming community, rather than by conservationists or government, and is combined with scientific monitoring. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.

Abstract Accurate and precise assessment of population density plays a critical role in effective wildlife management, but reliable estimates are often difficult to obtain. Camera traps have emerged as valuable noninvasive tools for studying elusive species, offering cost‐effective solutions for both marked and unmarked populations. We evaluated the consistency of badger (Meles meles) density estimates obtained from the random encounter model (REM) and camera trap distance sampling (CT‐DS) with independent estimates from spatial mark‐resight (SMR) models and quantified the bias in CT‐DS arising from animals reacting to camera traps. Six camera trap surveys were conducted in Cornwall, UK, in 2019 and 2021, and data were used to estimate badger density using the REM and CT‐DS. Four sites were included in a badger vaccination research project, providing an opportunity to mark badgers with uniquely identifiable fur clips to facilitate resighting within a SMR framework. We found consistency in the density estimates across all methods, but results had wide confidence intervals. Density estimates derived from CT‐DS tended to be higher than those from the REM and were sensitive to the exclusion of reactive sequences, resulting in a twofold decrease in the estimated density in one case. The REM tended to be the most precise method; however, where badger density was low, precision was low using all methods. Practical implication: our findings suggest animal density can be assessed from camera traps in the absence of individual identification; however, it is important to account for reactive behaviours, especially where such behaviour is prevalent. In these circumstances, we recommend utilising the REM which offers a clear methodology for addressing bias arising from reactive sequences. In addition, we emphasise the need for improved precision to ensure the effectiveness of these methods in the context of wildlife management. We offer practical considerations to facilitate the broader application of these methods, drawing upon the example of disease control through badger vaccination.

The aim of the present study was to quantify the amino acid and fatty acid composition of European badger (Meles meles). Biological material consisted of 12 individuals of both sexes, harvested from hunting grounds in Slovakia. An automatic analyzer, AAA 400, was used to determine the amino acid profile, and for the measurement of the fatty acid profile, the gas chromatography FAME synthesis was used. In our study, we observed that the most prevalent amino acids in badger meat were Lys (2.17±0.26 g.100 g-1), Leu (1.93±0.23 g.100 g-1), and Arg (1.61±0.19 g.100 g-1). Unsaturated fatty acids dominated the fatty acids profile of badger meat. The most prevalent group was MUFA (46.57±1.47 g.100 g-1). Our results conclude that badger meat could be an interesting addition to a human diet because of its favorable fatty acid composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The Eurasian badger (Meles meles) is a wild carnivore well adapted to the Abruzzo and Molise regions. During the 2013–2021 period, badger carcasses found dead or road-killed were systematically subjected to an anatomopathological examination and search for mycobacteria with the aim of ascertaining their presence in this species, given the absence of data in Italy. This study provides evidence of infection with the Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium (MAA) and M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) in a small number of badgers. M. bovis does not seem to circulate within badger populations. This study suggests that in Central Italy, Meles meles should not play a role in the epidemiology of these mycobacteria under current epidemiological conditions. A survey to determine the presence of Mycobacterium spp. in the Abruzzo and Molise regions was conducted by testing samples from 124 badgers found dead or road-killed during the 2013–2021 period. Head lymph nodes were collected from all carcasses, as well as mediastinal lymph nodes from 20 of them, for bacteriological and molecular tests; tissues were inoculated onto a set of solid egg-based Lowenstein–Jensen media and in a liquid culture system (BACTEC) and were analyzed by polymerase chain reactions (PCRs). Organs and lymph nodes from 31 carcasses were collected for histological tests. During post-mortem examinations, macroscopic lesions consistent with a Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) and with nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections were not detected. Mycobacteria were isolated from four animals (3.22%). M. avium subsp. avium was isolated by head lymph nodes from two badgers (1.61%), M. avium subsp. paratuberculosis (0.80%) from one, and Mycobacterium spp. from another (0.80%). The significance of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) in wildlife hosts in the absence of clinical signs and gross pathology has yet to be assessed. The most critical aspect came from isolates belonging to the Mycobacterium avium complex infection in wildlife due to the possible interference with tuberculin skin tests in cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The family Mycobacteriaceae contains over 188 species, most of which are saprophytic non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). In wildlife, a variety of different NTM can be found, with different reports about their pathogenic potential. A pathogenic member of NTM is Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis (MAP), which can infect farmed and wild ruminants. It causes paratuberculosis which is an economically important chronic disease. Infected farm animals are considered to be the source of infection in wild animals. Wildlife, on the other hand, is thought to be a reservoir for certain members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC), such as M. caprae, which causes tuberculosis in cattle and red deer. Methods: Switzerland implemented a surveillance program for tuberculosis in wild animals in 2014. Here, we describe the results from the mycobacterial culture of lymph node samples collected from red deer, roe deer, chamois, ibex, and badgers collected within this surveillance program from 2020 to 2022. Overall, samples from 548 animals were checked macroscopically for tuberculosis-like lesions. Results: In total, 88 animals (16.1%), which either had lesions in their lymph nodes or were male and aged older than 5 years, were investigated using mycobacterial culture. In total, 25 animals (28.4%) were positive for NTM, while no MTBC was detected. The most often identified NTM was M. vaccae, followed by M. avium. Most animals positive for NTM did not show any macroscopic lesions. Furthermore, MAP was isolated from the head lymph nodes of two male red deer. Neither of the two MAP-positive animals had any macroscopic lesions in their head lymph nodes or any other signs of disease. Discussion: The shooting sites of the two MAP-positive animals were located in Alpine pastures used for grazing of cattle during summer, which confirms that species transmission can occur when contaminated pastures are used by different species. In agreement with other studies, the occurrence of MAP in red deer was quite low. However, so far, MAP was mostly isolated from feces and intestinal lymph nodes of wild animals. This is the first detection of MAP in the head lymph nodes of red deer in Switzerland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The branches originating from the arcus aortae formed by the aortae after exiting the heart differs between animals. In this study, it was aimed to examine the morphology of the arcus aortae in the badger (Meles meles). Two adult badgers, which died as a result of a traffic accident at different times and were brought to the anatomy laboratory. Thorax was dissected and the heart and aortae were exposed. It was observed the heart was located between 3rd-7th costae and was connected to the diaphragma with the ligamentum sternophericardiacum. It was determined that truncus brachiocephalicus and arteria subclavia sinistra was originated from the arcus aortae at the level of 4th costae. It was determined that the first branch of truncus brachiocephalicus was arteria carotis communis sinistra and then divided into arteria subclavia dextra and arteria carotis communis dextra, respectively. It was seen that arteria vertebralis, truncus costocervicalis, arteria cervicalis superficialis and arteria thoracica interna originated from arteria subclavia sinistra. Branches of arteria subclavia dextra were found to be similar to arteria subclavia sinistra. It was determined that the branches originating from the arcus aortae were similar to those in cats and dogs. It is thought that this study will contribute to the anatomical knowledge of the endangered badger, which is under protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A new Irish bovine tuberculosis (bTB) eradication strategy was launched in 2021. The strategy was formulated following extensive discussions with stakeholders, formal reviews of several aspects of the existing bTB policy and relevant inputs from the latest scientific research projects. A stakeholder discussion body, the TB Forum, had been established in 2018 and this continues under the new strategy, supported by three working groups (scientific, financial and implementation). The strategy sets out actions to address cattle-to-cattle and badger-to-cattle bTB transmission, along with actions to improve farm biosecurity and empower farmers to make their own choices to reduce bTB risk. Large scale vaccination of badgers has been rolled out under the new strategy, with over 20,000 km2 covered by the vaccination programme and 6,586 badgers captured in vaccination areas in 2021. Vaccination efforts have been complemented by intensive communications campaigns, including a web enabled software application (“app”) enabling farmers to report the location of badger setts. Cattle which test inconclusive to the tuberculin skin test have been re-tested using a gamma interferon blood test since April 2021, enabling truly infected cattle to be identified more effectively due to the higher sensitivity of this test. An enhanced oversight process has been put in place for herds experiencing extended or repeat bTB breakdowns. Whole genome sequencing is being used to investigate links between breakdowns, with the results supporting operational decision making in case management. Communications, including biosecurity advice, are co-designed with stakeholders, in order to improve their effectiveness. A programme involving veterinary practitioners providing tailored biosecurity bTB advice to their clients was established in 2021 and was rolled out nationally during 2022. A core element of the new strategy is the continual improvement of policies in response to changing bTB risks, informed by scientific research and then implemented with stakeholder consultation.

Abstract Background Ligilactobacillus salivarius has been frequently isolated from the gut microbiota of humans and domesticated animals and has been studied as a candidate probiotic. Badger (Meles meles) is known as a “generalist” species that consumes complex foods and exhibits tolerance and resistance to certain pathogens, which can be partly attributed to the beneficial microbes such as L. salivarius in the gut microbiota. However, our understanding of the beneficial traits and genomic features of badger-originated L. salivarius remains elusive. Results In this study, nine L. salivarius strains were isolated from wild badgers' feces, one of which exhibited good probiotic properties. Complete genomes of the nine L. salivarius strains were generated, and comparative genomic analysis was performed with the publicly available complete genomes of L. salivarius obtained from humans and domesticated animals. The strains originating from badgers harbored a larger genome, a higher number of protein-coding sequences, and functionally annotated genes than those originating from humans and chickens. The pan-genome phylogenetic tree demonstrated that the strains originating from badgers formed a separate clade, and totally 412 gene families (12.6% of the total gene families in the pan-genome) were identified as genes gained by the last common ancestor of the badger group. The badger group harbored significantly more gene families responsible for the degradation of complex carbohydrate substrates and production of polysaccharides than strains from other hosts; many of these were acquired by gene gain events. Conclusions A candidate probiotic and nine L. salivarius complete genomes were obtained from the badgers’ gut microbiome, and several beneficial genes were identified to be specifically present in the badger-originated strains that were gained in the evolution. Our study provides novel insights into the adaptation of L. salivarius to the intestinal habitat of wild badgers and provides valuable strain and genome resources for the development of L. salivarius as a probiotic.

IntroductionThe family Mycobacteriaceae contains over 188 species, most of which are saprophytic non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). In wildlife, a variety of different NTM can be found, with different reports about their pathogenic potential. A pathogenic member of NTM is Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis (MAP), which can infect farmed and wild ruminants. It causes paratuberculosis which is an economically important chronic disease. Infected farm animals are considered to be the source of infection in wild animals. Wildlife, on the other hand, is thought to be a reservoir for certain members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC), such as M. caprae, which causes tuberculosis in cattle and red deer.MethodsSwitzerland implemented a surveillance program for tuberculosis in wild animals in 2014. Here, we describe the results from the mycobacterial culture of lymph node samples collected from red deer, roe deer, chamois, ibex, and badgers collected within this surveillance program from 2020 to 2022. Overall, samples from 548 animals were checked macroscopically for tuberculosis-like lesions.ResultsIn total, 88 animals (16.1%), which either had lesions in their lymph nodes or were male and aged older than 5 years, were investigated using mycobacterial culture. In total, 25 animals (28.4%) were positive for NTM, while no MTBC was detected. The most often identified NTM was M. vaccae, followed by M. avium. Most animals positive for NTM did not show any macroscopic lesions. Furthermore, MAP was isolated from the head lymph nodes of two male red deer. Neither of the two MAP-positive animals had any macroscopic lesions in their head lymph nodes or any other signs of disease.DiscussionThe shooting sites of the two MAP-positive animals were located in Alpine pastures used for grazing of cattle during summer, which confirms that species transmission can occur when contaminated pastures are used by different species. In agreement with other studies, the occurrence of MAP in red deer was quite low. However, so far, MAP was mostly isolated from feces and intestinal lymph nodes of wild animals. This is the first detection of MAP in the head lymph nodes of red deer in Switzerland.

Background: Ligilactobacillus salivarius has been frequently isolated from the gut microbiota of humans and domesticated animals and has been studied as a candidate probiotic. Badger (Meles meles) is known as a "generalist" species that consumes complex foods and exhibits tolerance and resistance to certain pathogens, which can be partly attributed to the beneficial microbes such as L. salivarius in the gut microbiota. However, our understanding of the beneficial traits and genomic features of badger-originated L. salivarius remains elusive. Results: In this study, nine L. salivarius strains were isolated from wild badgers' feces, one of which exhibited good probiotic properties. Complete genomes of the nine L. salivarius strains were generated, and comparative genomic analysis was performed with the publicly available complete genomes of L. salivarius obtained from humans and domesticated animals. The strains originating from badgers harbored a larger genome, a higher number of protein-coding sequences, and functionally annotated genes than those originating from humans and chickens. The pan-genome phylogenetic tree demonstrated that the strains originating from badgers formed a separate clade, and totally 412 gene families (12.6% of the total gene families in the pan-genome) were identified as genes gained by the last common ancestor of the badger group. The badger group harbored significantly more gene families responsible for the degradation of complex carbohydrate substrates and production of polysaccharides than strains from other hosts; many of these were acquired by gene gain events. Conclusions: A candidate probiotic and nine L. salivarius complete genomes were obtained from the badgers' gut microbiome, and several beneficial genes were identified to be specifically present in the badger-originated strains that were gained in the evolution. Our study provides novel insights into the adaptation of L. salivarius to the intestinal habitat of wild badgers and provides valuable strain and genome resources for the development of L. salivarius as a probiotic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the work was to evaluate the colour and basic chemical composition (% of water, protein, fat and cholesterol) of the muscles: back (m. longissimus dorsi - MLD), shoulder (m. deltoideus - MD) and thigh (m. semimembranosus - MSM) (n=12) of the European badger. The L* values of the European badger ranged from 31.02 (MLD) to 36.81 (MSM) and significant differences (P=0.05) were observed between the MSM and MD, respectively MLD. The a* value ranged from 12.60 (MD) to 13.80 (MSM). By evaluating the b* parameter, we observed a similar tendency as with the L* value. The highest values were measured in the MSM (11.17) and lower in the MD (8.58), respectively MLD (8.10). The water content varied from 73.13% (MLD) to 74.11% (MD) with no significant differences between the monitored muscles of the European badger (P=0.05). The average protein content of MD, MLD and MSM was 22.67 g.100 g-1, whereas the highest content of protein was recorded in MLD (22.77 g.100 g-1) (P=0.05). The highest fat content was measured in MSM (2.06 g.100 g-1) and the lowest (0.95 g.100 g-1) in MD. We observed significant differences (P=0.05) in fat content of MLD and MD compared to MSM. The cholesterol content in meat from wild European badgers hunted in Slovakia ranged from 0.52 g.100 g-1 (MD) to 0.61 g.100 g-1 (MSM). The significant differences (P=0.05) were between the MSM and MD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Badgers (Meles meles) are a major tuberculosis (TB) reservoir in Europe, with the potential to transmit infection to cattle. Here we assessed whether a recently described oral tuberculosis vaccine based on heat-inactivated Mycobacterium bovis (HIMB), delivered as edible baits, can protect badgers from infection. Eight badgers were given individually five baits, each one consisting of a ball of peanut butter, natural peanut and oat flakes including a dose of the vaccine containing 5 × 107 colony-forming units. In parallel, a control group of seven badgers did not receive the vaccine. One month and a half later a second dose of the vaccine was offered to the vaccinated group. Ninety-four days after the second dose, all badgers were challenged with M. bovis (103 colony-forming units per animal) delivered endobronchially to the right middle lung lobe. Clinical, immunological, pathological and bacteriological variables were measured throughout the whole study to assess the efficacy of the vaccine. Two vaccinated animals showed high bacterial load of M. bovis and worsening of pathological lesions of TB. Conversely, the other six vaccinated animals showed slight improvement in bacterial load and pathology with respect to the control group. These results suggest that delivering the TB vaccine via food bait can partially protect wild badger populations, although vaccination can lead to either protection or tolerization, likely depending on the animal's immune status and general condition at the time of vaccination. Further optimization of the vaccination trial/strategy is needed to reduce the rate of tolerization, such as altering vaccine dose, number of doses, type of bait, use of adjuvants or route of administration.

The Japanese badger (Meles anakuma) and the Japanese raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides viverrinus) are common wild animals in Japan. They are opportunistic omnivores that share similar foods and environments. Previous study has reported a difference in the isolation rates of a specific genus of bacteria from fecal samples of these animals inhabiting the same areas in Japan. This study hypothesized that badgers and raccoon dogs have different gut microbiota, which leads to different metabolisms of nutrients despite their similar ecological niches. This study aimed to verify this hypothesis by comparatively analyzing the gut microbiota of these species. Bacterial 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing analysis was performed using colonic contents collected from 12 badgers and 12 raccoon dogs. As a result, the gut microbiota in badgers and raccoon dogs were completely distinct. Phylum Firmicutes was the most abundant, followed by Proteobacteria, almost without Bacteroidota in badgers. In contrast, Firmicutes and Bacteroidota were abundant in raccoon dogs. Many species-characteristic bacterial taxonomic features were identified in each animal's gut microbiota. Moreover, raccoon dogs exhibited richer and more diverse species in their gut microbiota than badgers. This study revealed that badgers and raccoon dogs have distinct gut microbiota, which possibly drives different metabolism, though they share similar foods and environments. Considering anatomical feature that badger lacks a cecum which raccoon dog has, the distinct structure of gut microbiota in badger and raccoon dog could be attributed to the differences in the physical structure of the gastrointestinal tract, even though diet and inhabiting environments are quite similar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Nest predation is a leading cause of nest failure for most ground-nesting birds. Methods that allow for accurate classification of fate and identification of predators are important for understanding productivity and conservation strategies. Past studies have used a visual inspection of nest remains to determine nest fate and predict predator identity. Most formal assessments of these methods have addressed small-bodied birds nesting in trees or shrubs, and have revealed that use of evidence at nests can be relatively accurate for determining nest fate but may lead to incorrect conclusions regarding predator identity. However, few have tested the latter hypothesis for larger ground-nesting birds with precocial young. Aim: We aimed to evaluate a classification system developed for determining nest fate and identifying predators of waterfowl nests, at both the scale of individual nests and across the study area. Methods: From 2016 to 2020, we located 989 blue-winged teal (Spatula discors), mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) and gadwall (Mareca strepera) nests in central North Dakota. We placed cameras at a subset of 249 nests and recorded evidence of nest remains at depredated nests. Key results: The most common predators were American badgers (Taxidea taxus), followed by striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis), raccoons (Procyon lotor) and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes). Using evidence of nest remains, we determined nest fates with high accuracy (98.0%). However, evidence of nest remains was only sufficient for identifying predators at 50% of nests, and the classification system was correct only 69.7% of the time. The predicted proportion of predators across the study area differed between the classification system and our video evidence as well. Conclusions: The accuracy of predator identifications based upon the classification system that we evaluated was not supported at any scale. Implications: Our results suggest that evidence of nest remains can be used to determine nest fate for large-bodied precocial, ground-nesting birds, but accurate identification of nest predators will require alternative methods such as nest cameras. Accurately determining nest fate and the identity of nest predators can help scientists make better management recommendations. This study determined that although a visual inspection of nest remains was sufficient to determine the nest fate (e.g., hatched, abandoned, depredated) of precocial ground-nesting waterfowl, in most cases it failed to identify nest predators. We recommend the continued use of alternative methods, such as nest cameras, for scientists hoping to identify nest predators in the field. Photograph by Dr. Susan Ellis-Felege. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

The monitoring of medium-sized carnivores is essential because of their role in disease transmission and as predators. We focused on red foxes, badgers, raccoon dogs, and domestic dogs, and considered 9441 ha of field–forest mosaic in Central Poland. We compared current (2011–2018) abundance (i.e., number of natal dens recorded annually) and breeding parameters (assessed with the aid of camera traps) with published past data (1980s–1990s). The red fox population increased after rabies vaccinations were introduced and has increased further in the last few years. The population is now stable, which suggests that other factors, possibly mange, limit the population instead. Contrary to historical data, one-fourth of red fox females now breed outside of forests areas, indicating the high plasticity of the species. The number of natal dens of badgers and recruitment rates have also increased. The mean litter sizes of these two species are positively affected by small rodent availability. The raccoon dog, which is an alien and invasive species, used to be recorded sporadically but now breeds regularly (1.8 breeding cases yearly). Nowadays, free-ranging/feral domestic dogs are not controlled by culling, so they have started to breed in the wild (1.6 cases per year), which is a new occurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Records of 108 species of rove beetles in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (MV) from 2005 to 2022 are documented. The findings focus on the south-eastern part of the state, the Löcknitz-Pekun district, which has only been marginally studied so far. Myrmecophilous species as well as Phyllodrepa melis Hansen, 1940, which is bound to badger's burrows, are described in more detail. Furthermore, the following species are reported for the first time to occur in MV and are treated in more detail: Tychus normandi Jeanell, 1950, Bledius spectabilis Kraatz, 1857, Paederus balcanicus Koch, 1938 and Erichsonius subopacus (Hochhuth, 1851). Especially nutrient-poor sandy pioneer sites in MV need to be comprehensively protected. Regardless of whether the sites are dry (heath, gravel pit, steep banks) or moist to wet (lakeshore, gravel pit, seashore), they harbour a number of rare species or species worthy of protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The existing methods for determining the species identity of shelter hosts and taking censuses of the natural hosts of the rabies virus (foxes, corsacs, two badger species, raccoon dogs, and wolves) have been improved during a spring–summer inspection of burrows of these predators. The field work was carried out in the years 1976–2011 at 42 census sites with a total area of 3582 km2 in natural foci of rabies within 14 administrative territories of the Russian Federation: Amur, Astrakhan, Bryansk, Volgograd, Voronezh, Novosibirsk, Omsk, Saratov, and Tula oblasts, Altai krai, Transbaikal region, and Khabarovsk krai, and the republics of Tyva and Altai. In total, 111 censuses were conducted and 3920 burrows of these animals were inspected. Burrows built by individuals of the same species could later be used or reconstructed and used by other species. Therefore, it was impossible to compile a dichotomous key to differences in the characters of the actual use of a specific shelter by a certain species in a given year during the research. The exception is the size of side holes of the fox and corsac that were dug by these predators in the first year of their settlement. Clear differences were observed only between the burrows of foxes, corsacs, and wolves in the presence of excrement and food debris near their shelters, in contrast to the unpolluted burrows of badgers and raccoon dogs. Burrows of foxes, corsacs, and wolves could alternately be occupied by different host species in subsequent years. It was possible to identify reliably the carnivorous species that occupied the shelter only in May to early June by the size of excrement of young and adult individuals. Shelters of badgers and raccoon dogs significantly differed only in paw prints and the color of fallen hair during the replacement of one species by the other in a burrow. It is necessary to use a set of key characters for the species identification of shelter hosts in each particular case. During primary censuses, it is extremely laborious to identify and map the territorial distribution of burrows. However, a high-quality registration of burrow hosts in the first year of the study made it possible to reproduce registrations in many subsequent years with low material and time costs. It is recommended to use this corrected methodology both for the real-time counting of the relative and absolute numbers of the main natural distributors of the rabies virus and for analysis of their intra- and interspecific biotic relationships. In the natural foci of rabies, this technique makes it possible to record not only the abundance of predators but also their territorial distribution and concentrations near burrow shelters, which is important during oral vaccinations of predators against rabies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Salmonellae are enteric bacteria capable of infecting humans and both domestic and wild animals. Even if salmonellosis in humans is generally transmitted through food, the role of wildlife in the ecology of this bacteria is of increasing interest because of their potential role as reservoirs. In Italy, and in particular in the Apennines area, the interactions between wildlife and humans, pets and livestock are rising due to a growing wildlife population and this poses the problem of accidental Salmonella infections. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of Salmonella subspecies and serotypes in wild carnivores (namely red fox, European badger and wolf) from the Emilia-Romagna Region between 2016 and 2022. Samples of the large intestine were cultured, and both serogroup and serotype identification were performed. A total of 67 strains were isolated, belonging to S. enterica subsp. enterica, S. salamae, S. diarizonae and S. houtenae. The most frequently isolated serotypes were S. veneziana and S. typhimurium. These findings highlight a prevalence of Salmonella spp. in line with other studies, showing once again the value of monitoring different possible sources of Salmonella infection. Salmonella is a pathogen of considerable health concern, given its zoonotic potential, and, in Italy, is the most frequently reported causative agent for foodborne outbreaks. Wild animals and in particular wild carnivores may be carriers of different Salmonella enterica subspecies and serotypes. Given their potential role as reservoirs, surveillance activities are necessary. This study aims to investigate the presence of different Salmonella subspecies and serotypes in wild carnivores in the Emilia-Romagna Region. A total of 718 fox (Vulpes vulpes), 182 badger (Meles meles) and 27 wolf (Canis lupus) carcasses, submitted between 2016–2022, were included for the present work. Gender and age data were collected along with geographical coordinates of carcass' discovery site. Contents of the large intestine were sampled and cultured according to ISO 6579-1 and both serogroup and serotype identification were performed according to ISO/TR 6579-3:2014. Salmonella was retrieved from 42 foxes (6%), 21 badgers (12%) and 3 wolves (12%), respectively. Isolated Salmonella enterica strains belonged to 4 different subspecies and 25 different serotypes. S. veneziana and S. typhimurium were the most frequent serotypes found (11/67 and 10/67, respectively). In conclusion, zoonotic serotypes were found in all these species of wildlife, thus confirming their potential role in the ecology of Salmonella spp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Recent developments in both hardware and software of animal-borne data loggers now enable large amounts of data to be collected on both animal movement and behaviour. In particular, the combined use of tri-axial accelerometers, tri-axial magnetometers and GPS loggers enables animal tracks to be elucidated using a procedure of ‘dead-reckoning’. Although this approach was first suggested 30 years ago by Wilson et al. (1991), surprisingly few measurements have been made in free-ranging terrestrial animals. The current study examines movements, interactions with habitat features, and home-ranges calculated from just GPS data and also from dead-reckoned data in a model terrestrial mammal, the European badger (Meles meles). Methods Research was undertaken in farmland in Northern Ireland. Two badgers (one male, one female) were live-trapped and fitted with a GPS logger, a tri-axial accelerometer, and a tri-axial magnetometer. Thereafter, the badgers’ movement paths over 2 weeks were elucidated using just GPS data and GPS-enabled dead-reckoned data, respectively. Results Badgers travelled further using data from dead-reckoned calculations than using the data from only GPS data. Whilst once-hourly GPS data could only be represented by straight-line movements between sequential points, the sub-second resolution dead-reckoned tracks were more tortuous. Although there were no differences in Minimum Convex Polygon determinations between GPS- and dead-reckoned data, Kernel Utilisation Distribution determinations of home-range size were larger using the former method. This was because dead-reckoned data more accurately described the particular parts of landscape constituting most-visited core areas, effectively narrowing the calculation of habitat use. Finally, the dead-reckoned data showed badgers spent more time near to field margins and hedges than simple GPS data would suggest. Conclusion Significant differences emerge when analyses of habitat use and movements are compared between calculations made using just GPS data or GPS-enabled dead-reckoned data. In particular, use of dead-reckoned data showed that animals moved 2.2 times farther, had better-defined use of the habitat (revealing clear core areas), and made more use of certain habitats (field margins, hedges). Use of dead-reckoning to provide detailed accounts of animal movement and highlight the minutiae of interactions with the environment should be considered an important technique in the ecologist’s toolkit.

The purpose of the research is study of morphological and functional characteristics of Trichinella sp. larvae in bears and badgers in the Kirov Region.Materials and methods. The compressor trichinelloscopy (CT) method was used to study 72 sections of muscle tissue samples (in accordance with the Guidelines "Prevention of helminthiasis transmitted through meat and meat products" dated September 23, 1996) from animals obtained during scientific culling. The sections were prepared from the diaphragmatic peduncle muscles and the diaphragm of bears and badgers along the muscle fibers, and placed in the compressorium. The sections were then transferred to glass slides, and provisional slides were prepared and examined using various magnifications (× 8, × 20, × 40). Morphometric measurements were performed using a microscope at × 40 magnification, then the capsule index was calculated. Digestion (peptolysis) in artificial gastric juice was performed according to the P. A. Vladimirova’s method modified by A. V. Uspensky and F. Skvortsova after the test samples were placed in various temperature conditions from 5 to -18 °C, and the parameters of both animal species were compared. The viability of Trichinella sp. larvae was evaluated in a Petri dish in saline at a room temperature. Morphological changes were recorded in the larvae structure (coiled larvae against the total number of isolated, coiled and stretched larvae) and their mobility.Results and discussion. We studied badgers and bears infected by Trichinella spiralis larvae in the Kirov Region. The Trichinella sp. larvae were found in all examined sections of the infected animals. The infection intensity was higher in the badger than the bear and amounted to 218±79.5 larvae per 1 g of muscle, while it was 115±28.5 in the bear. The stated above is explained by the fact that the badger eats carrion more often, and typically visits spontaneous dumps. For postmortem diagnosis of trichinellosis in the obtained bears and badgers, we can use trichinelloscopy and peptolysis methods which are aimed at detecting infection sources and preventing zoonosis in humans.

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

Abstract In 2010 the BadgerBCG vaccine was licenced for use in badgers in the United Kingdom to reduce the severity of Mycobacterium bovis infection, and hence the risks of onward transmission to cattle. To date badger vaccination in the United Kingdom has been deployed at a relatively limited spatial scale (compared to the large‐scale badger culls) and almost exclusively in high‐density badger populations which have not been recently culled. UK Government policy direction has moved towards the wider rollout of badger vaccination as an exit strategy following culling. Field resources required to carry out vaccination in undisturbed badger populations are well documented, but levels of effort are unlikely to be directly transferable to previously culled populations where badger density and social behaviour may be markedly different. We present an evidence‐based assessment of the likely effort required to vaccinate badger populations that have recently been culled, drawing on data from past culling operations, vaccination operations in a previously culled area and the practical field experiences of expert badger trappers. Trapping efficiency declined over successive years of industry‐led culling, however, this effect was not consistently noted in the government‐run randomized badger culling trial (RBCT). Fewer badgers were removed using cage trapping (compared to ‘controlled shooting’) in the latter years of intensive industry‐led culls. When trapping badgers for vaccination in areas that had previously been culled, highly experienced government field staff adapted their practices in response to the lower density and likely more mobile residual population. A longer and more variable pre‐baiting period was expected and there was a greater reliance on higher levels of skill and experience in interpreting field signs and trapping effectively in such populations.

[Display omitted] • Leishmania infantum is the only Leishmania species circulating in Italy. • In the Emilia-Romagna region, humans and dogs are infected by two distinct L. infantum strains. • For the first known time L. infantum infection was recorded in ruminants (roe deer). • Over 90% of L. infantum infections in deer are associated with the "human" strain. • This result suggests that these animals are a novel reservoir for human visceral leishmaniasis. Leishmaniasis is a complex human disease caused by intracellular parasites of the genus Leishmania, predominantly transmitted by the bite of sand flies. In Italy, leishmaniasis is caused exclusively by Leishmania infantum , responsible for the human and canine visceral leishmaniases (HVL and CVL, respectively). Within the Emilia-Romagna region, two different foci are active in the municipalities of Pianoro and Valsamoggia (both in the province of Bologna). Recent molecular studies indicated that L. infantum strains circulating in dogs and humans are different, suggesting that there is an animal reservoir other than dogs for human visceral leishmaniasis in the Emilia-Romagna region. In this work, we analyzed specimens from wild animals collected during hunts or surveillance of regional parks near active foci of human visceral leishmaniasis for L. infantum infection in the province of Bologna. Out of 70 individuals analyzed, 17 (24%) were positive for L. infantum. The infection prevalence in hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), badgers (Meles meles), and bank voles (Myodes glareolus) was 80, 33, 25, and 11%, respectively. To distinguish the two strains of L. infantum we have developed a nested PCR protocol optimized for animal tissues. Our results demonstrated that most (over 90%) of L. infantum infections in roe deer were due to the strain circulating in humans in the Emilia-Romagna region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Community detection in online social media networks is to identify the connections of nodes within the network. The community can be determined as clusters, modules, or groups in different networks. Community detection is performed to find out the hidden relationships among the nodes in the network. Several works have been conducted till now to detect the community of nodes in the network however the performance is often affected due to the imprecise detection, time complexity, and so on. To detect the community of the nodes in the network effectively we have proposed a novel hybrid honey badger optimization‐based African vulture algorithm (HHBAVO). Prior to the application of HHBAVO, the networks are compressed to reduce the time complexity and effective identification of the community of nodes. The proposed honey badger optimization (HBO) and African vulture optimization (AVO) can be used to achieve global optimization. The algorithms are mainly hybridized to offer optimized global search. This is effectively used to search the nodes globally and to detect the relationship among the nodes. Experimental analyzes depict that the proposed approach can be used to detect the community of the nodes in the online social media networks effectively than the other approaches. For comparative purposes, we have taken state‐of‐art works such as GA, LSMD, DPCD, and ICLA approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The morphological features of fossorial animals have continuously evolved in response to the demands of survival. However, existing methods for animal burrowing mechanics are not capable of addressing the large deformation of substrate. The discrete element method (DEM) is able to overcome this limitation. In this study, we used DEM to develop a general model to simulate the motion of an animal body part and its interaction with the substrate. The DEM also allowed us to easily change the forms of animal body parts to examine how those different forms affected the biomechanical functions. These capabilities of the DEM were presented through a case study of modeling the burrowing process of North American Badger. In the case study, the dynamics (forces, work, and soil displacements) of burrowing were predicted for different forms of badger claw and manus, using the model. Results showed that when extra digits are added to a manus, the work required for a badger to dig increases considerably, while the mass of soil dug only increases gradually. According to the proposed efficiency index (ratio of the amount of soil dug to the work required), the modern manus with 5 digits has indeed biomechanical advantage for their fossorial lifestyle, and the current claw curvature (25.3 mm in radius) is indeed optimal. The DEM is able to predict biomechanical relationships between functions and forms for any fossorial animals. Results can provide biomechanical evidences for explaining how the selective pressures for functions influence the morphological evolution in fossorial animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The little-described morphology of the ear ossicles in the badger provides some interesting morphological features alongside some metrical data. For the malleus, we notice the standard framing into the known shape, with the mentioned presence at the level of the column of all three processes (lateral, rostral and medial), from which the rostral one is the most developed. The malleal manubrium is long and triangularly shaped on a cross-section. For the incus we notice the overall shape of a biradicular molar with the existence of the two crura in acute angulation, while the long crus is continuing with the lenticular process. The presence of a bony blade that links to the lenticular process is also noted. For the stapes, the almost equal two crura and the quite round intercrural foramen is described. Given the scarce morphological data regarding the middle ear anatomy of this species, the paper attempts to describe the morphological and morphometrical data of the auditory ossicles in the badger. The study was performed using the standard morphological investigations and provides a complete morphological description of the ossicular assembly (malleus, incus and stapes) with some comparative features and attempts to provide a complete set of standardized metrical data for each ossicle. A more-detailed attempt to compare some functional aspects in the light of combined metrical ratios is also implied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Outbreaks of disease at the wildlife–livestock interface may require management interventions. Where they involve exotic/non‐endemic pathogens in wildlife, then such plans may need to be rapidly conceived and implemented to prevent further disease spread. However, detailed information on the distribution of infection is likely to be absent, whilst limited resources and tools, and ethical considerations impose constraints on what is possible and proportionate. We describe four considerations to inform decision‐making on whether to intervene. With reference to two recent examples (bovine tuberculosis in badgers in an otherwise disease‐free area, and African swine fever in wild boar in central Europe), we outline six steps to guide implementation. In both examples, a Disease Control Area was defined by determining a minimum infected area (MIA) and a buffer zone based on wildlife ecology and the potential for unrecorded spread of infection. The total area was the subject of management intervention, with the level of infection used to inform adaptive management. The MIA is defined as the minimum area that could contain all infected wildlife, given our current level of information, with a surrounding buffer zone to account for the possibility of further onward spread. In our examples, the zones were defined using a combination of field data and existing knowledge of host spatial organization and movement. The MIA (plus buffer zone) approach provides a framework for optimizing the targeting of resources in a proportionate response to a disease outbreak. Where infected animals occur outside the MIA, our examples show how wildlife management has been adapted. In principle, this approach is suitable for the delivery of disease outbreak control in wildlife, whether through culling, vaccination or other forms of control.

Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) is a potential tool in the control of Mycobacterium bovis in European badgers (Meles meles). A five year Test and Vaccinate or Remove (TVR) research intervention project commenced in 2014 using two BCG strains (BCG Copenhagen 1331 (Years 1–3/ BadgerBCG) and BCG Sofia SL2222 (Years 4–5). Badgers were recaptured around 9 weeks after the Year 5 vaccination and then again a year later. The Dual-Path Platform (DPP) Vet TB assay was used to detect serological evidence of M. bovis infection. Of the 48 badgers, 47 had increased Line 1 readings (MPB83 antigen) between the Year 5 vaccination and subsequent recapture. The number of BCG Sofia vaccinations influenced whether a badger tested positive to the recapture DPP VetTB assay Line 1 (p < 0.001) while the number of BadgerBCG vaccinations did not significantly affect recapture Line 1 results (p = 0.59). Line 1 relative light units (RLU) were more pronounced in tests run with sera than whole blood. The results from an in_house MPB83 ELISA results indicated that the WB DPP VetTB assay may not detect lower MPB83 IgG levels as well as the serum DPP VetTB assay. Changes in interferon gamma assay (IFN-γ) results were seen in 2019 with significantly increased CFP-10 and PPDB readings. Unlike BadgerBCG, BCG Sofia induces an immune response to MPB83 (the immune dominant antigen in M. bovis badger infection) that then affects the use of immunodiagnostic tests. The use of the DPP VetTB assay in recaptured BCG Sofia vaccinated badgers within the same trapping season is precluded and caution should be used in badgers vaccinated with BCG Sofia in previous years. The results suggest that the DPP VetTB assay can be used with confidence in badgers vaccinated with BadgerBCG as a single or repeated doses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Mycobacterium bovis, the causative agent of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in cattle, represents a major disease burden to UK cattle farming, with considerable costs associated with its control. The European badger (Meles meles) is a known wildlife reservoir for bTB and better knowledge of the epidemiology of bTB through testing wildlife is required for disease control. Current tests available for the diagnosis of bTB in badgers are limited by cost, processing time or sensitivities. Materials and Methods: We assessed the ability of flow infusion electrospray—high-resolution mass spectrometry (FIE-HRMS) to determine potential differences between infected and non-infected badgers based on thoracic blood samples obtained from badgers found dead in Wales. Thoracic blood samples were autoclaved for handling in a containment level 2 (CL2) hazard laboratory. Results: Here we show the major differences associated with with M. bovis infection were changes to folate, pyrimidine, histidine, glycerophospholipid and phosphonate metabolism. Conclusions: Our studies have indicated differences in the metabolomic signature of badgers found dead in relation to their infection status, suggesting metabolomics could hold potential for developing novel diagnostics for bTB in badgers. As well as highlighting a potential way to handle samples containing a highly pathogenic agent at CL2 for metabolomics studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the canine distemper virus is mainly spread by infected domestic dogs, that in turn trigger the onset in wild animals, the CDV transmission from wildlife to domestic canids is also possible [[4]]. Results Canine distemper virus prevalence (Pr) was computed according to the available ground dataset, by Equation (1) after detecting the presence of the CDV in the wild animals, collected by Corpo Forestale della Valle d'Aosta, by means of real-time PCR. Below we report the tentative remote-sensing approach based on NDVI entropy to try to model canine distemper virus (CDV) in the Aosta Valley territory. [Extracted from the article]

Background: This study aimed to reveal the morphological aspects of the tongue and investigate the histologic and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) findings of the papillae on the tongue of the European badger.Materials and Methods: Two adult European badgers were used as material. The tongues of the European badgers were removed via the dissection method, and morphometric measurements were taken. The tongues were fixed in 10% buffered formalin solution for histological examination, and the SEM procedure was applied to the tongues.Results: Three types of papillae were observed on the tongues: filiform, fungiform, vallate papillae. The different shapes (hook or conical structures) of filiform papillae were observed on the whole tongue. Fungiform papillae were found scattered in filiform papillae. Six vallate papillae were found on the dorsal face of the middle and root of the tongues. In the root of the tongue, the lingual tonsil was observed in the lentiform shape.Conclusions: The authors believe that this research will provide contributions to morphological knowledge about the tongue of the badger, which is a poorly known species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How population size is related to genetic diversity is a long-standing debate in evolutionary ecology and conservation biology. Despite being theoretically expected, the positive relationships between these demographic and genetic components of the species' ecology are not always found at both the inter- and the intra-specific levels. Numerous factors have been proposed to explain such a discrepancy including demographic, genetic, ecological, and methodological processes. Here, we investigated the link between the genetic diversity and the population size at the intra-specific level within nine badger (Meles meles) populations of similar area size, using both robust estimates of population size and genetic diversity indices obtained from neutral microsatellite loci. This allowed us to circumvent the main confounding factors likely hiding the positive relationship between population size and genetic diversity. As expected, we found that the larger the population size, the higher the genetic diversity, independent of the genetic diversity index used. The main implication of this result resides in the fact that low population size is associated with lowered genetic diversity, likely decreasing the adaptive potential of small populations and putting them at risk of an extinction vortex. It calls also for a joint demo-genetic study of badger populations, and more largely in carnivore populations, especially in a situation of rising over-exploitation such as the one suffered by the badger in the context of the bovine tuberculosis outbreak in Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent developments in both hardware and software of animal-borne data loggers now enable large amounts of data to be collected on both animal movement and behaviour. In particular, the combined use of tri-axial accelerometers, tri-axial magnetometers and GPS loggers enables animal tracks to be elucidated using a procedure of 'dead-reckoning'. Although this approach was first suggested 30 years ago by Wilson et al. (1991), surprisingly few measurements have been made in free-ranging terrestrial animals. The current study examines movements, interactions with habitat features, and home-ranges calculated from just GPS data and also from dead-reckoned data in a model terrestrial mammal, the European badger (Meles meles). Methods: Research was undertaken in farmland in Northern Ireland. Two badgers (one male, one female) were live-trapped and fitted with a GPS logger, a tri-axial accelerometer, and a tri-axial magnetometer. Thereafter, the badgers' movement paths over 2 weeks were elucidated using just GPS data and GPS-enabled dead-reckoned data, respectively. Results: Badgers travelled further using data from dead-reckoned calculations than using the data from only GPS data. Whilst once-hourly GPS data could only be represented by straight-line movements between sequential points, the sub-second resolution dead-reckoned tracks were more tortuous. Although there were no differences in Minimum Convex Polygon determinations between GPS- and dead-reckoned data, Kernel Utilisation Distribution determinations of home-range size were larger using the former method. This was because dead-reckoned data more accurately described the particular parts of landscape constituting most-visited core areas, effectively narrowing the calculation of habitat use. Finally, the dead-reckoned data showed badgers spent more time near to field margins and hedges than simple GPS data would suggest. Conclusion: Significant differences emerge when analyses of habitat use and movements are compared between calculations made using just GPS data or GPS-enabled dead-reckoned data. In particular, use of dead-reckoned data showed that animals moved 2.2 times farther, had better-defined use of the habitat (revealing clear core areas), and made more use of certain habitats (field margins, hedges). Use of dead-reckoning to provide detailed accounts of animal movement and highlight the minutiae of interactions with the environment should be considered an important technique in the ecologist's toolkit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The majority of animal tuberculosis (TB) cases reported in wildlife in Poland over the past 20 years have concerned the European bison inhabiting the Bieszczady Mountains in Southeast Poland: an area running along the border of Southeast Poland. As no TB cases have been reported in domestic animals in this region since 2005, any occurrence of TB in the free-living animals inhabiting this area might pose a real threat to local livestock and result in the loss of disease-free status. The aim of the study was to describe the occurrence of tuberculosis in the wildlife of the Bieszczady Mountains and determine the microbiological and molecular characteristics of any cultured strains. Lymph node samples were collected for analysis from 274 free-living animals, including European bison, red foxes, badgers, red deer, wild boar and roe deer between 2011 and 2017. Löwenstein–Jensen and Stonebrink media were used for culture. Molecular identification of strains was performed based on hsp65 sequence analysis, the GenoType®MTBC (Hain Lifescience, Germany) test, spoligotyping and MIRU-VNTR analysis. Results Mycobacterium caprae was isolated from the lymph nodes of 21 out of 55 wild boar (38.2%; CI 95%: 26.5%, 51.4%) and one roe deer. Since 2014, no new TB cases have been reported in the Bieszczady European bison population. Conclusions The identification of TB in wild boar in the Bieszczady is an alarming phenomenon, which requires further investigation. The Bieszczady mountains are a precious, unique area, home to many protected species. However, it is also the only area in Poland where TB cases have been reported in free-living animals. The occurrence of TB in wild boar inhabiting this area might pose a real threat to local livestock and many of the protected species (for example European bison that can share feeding places with wild boar). Given this situation, ongoing monitoring of the prevalence of TB should be conducted, and protective measures should be considered.

Abstract In 2010 a vaccine was licensed for use in badgers in the United Kingdom to reduce the severity of Mycobacterium bovis infection, and hence the risks of onward transmission to cattle. National legislation was enacted to allow its deployment by lay persons, but the efficiency and feasibility of badger vaccination has been the subject of ongoing debate. We conducted quantitative analysis on badger vaccination records and undertook interviews and participant observation on a sample of vaccination project participants in order to investigate (a) progress in the deployment of badger vaccination in England, (b) the trapping efficiency and coverage achieved by non‐government groups, (c) motivations of participants involved in vaccination projects and (d) barriers to wider implementation. Between 2010 and 2015 the number and distribution of vaccine deployment projects increased substantially, spreading from two to 17 English counties. Estimates of badger trapping efficiency for non‐government groups did not differ from those achieved by highly experienced government operatives. Our estimate of vaccine coverage (i.e. the average proportion of the target badger population vaccinated during an operation) was 57% (range 48%–63%). Interviews and participant observation revealed a range of motivations among individuals involved in badger vaccination including disease control, demonstration of an alternative to badger culling and personal or professional development. Barriers to wider adoption of badger vaccination expressed by interviewees related primarily to a perceived lack of confidence among farmers and landowners in the effectiveness of badger vaccination for bTB control, but also to the limited availability of funding. Our study suggests that badger vaccination led by non‐governmental groups is practically feasible, and may achieve levels of coverage consistent with disease control benefits. Wider uptake of badger vaccination across England might potentially be achieved by addressing the knowledge gap of the effect of badger vaccination on cattle TB, working closely with farmers and vets to better communicate the evidence base (in order to increase confidence in badger vaccination as a viable disease management approach), and by increased financial support for new initiatives and the scaling up of existing projects. A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.

In this study, the hairs of the badger Meles meles in the collection and various museums were examined and was tried to determine whether there were variations. For the morphological analysis of the guard hair samples taken from the middle part of the ridge, the guard hairs were examined by both light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy SEM . The root of the guard hairs on the back and sides was dirty white, the body was brownish black and the tip was white. The length of the hairs on the back and sides was determined to be about 75 mm. It was determined that 21 of the samples had summer fur, the dorsal part had brown and transition tones had dark brown hairs, and 4 had winter fur, the dorsal part had grayish brown hairs and the ventral part had blackish light brown hairs. In addition, winter fur was found to be covered more frequently and with long guard hairs.

Abstract Bumblebee populations are declining. Factors that impact the size and success of colonies act by either limiting resource availability (bottom‐up regulation) or causing mortality, for example, pesticides, disease, and possibly predation (top‐down regulation). The impact of predation has not been quantified, and so, the current study used novel artificial nests as a proxy for wild bumblebee nests to quantify the relative predation pressure from badgers in two habitats: woodland and grassland, and at two nesting depths: surface and underground. Badgers occur across most parts of the UK and are known to predate on bumblebee nests. We found that significantly more artificial nests (pots containing bumblebee nest material) were dug up compared with control pots (pots without bumblebee nest material). This shows that artificial nests have the potential to be used as a method to study the predation of bumblebee nests by badgers. In a location of high badger density, predation pressure was greater in woodland than grassland, whereas no difference was observed in relation to nest depth. Woodland and grassland are shared habitats between bumblebees and badgers, and we suggest that higher predation may relate to activity and foraging behavior of badgers in woodland compared with grassland. We discuss how badger predation in different habitats could impact different bumblebee species according to their nesting behaviors. Understanding the relative impact of badger predation on bumblebee colonies provides key information on how such top‐down regulation affects bumblebee populations.

Abstract Background Rodents constitute an important part of the diet of many carnivore species. This predator-prey food chain is exploited by helminth parasites, such as cestodes, whose larval stages develop in rodents and then mature to the adult stage in predators. The main aim of our study was to use molecular techniques for identification of cestode species recovered from both intermediate and definitive hosts, with a particular focus on the genus Mesocestoides. Methods Larval cestodes were obtained during our long-term studies on rodent helminth communities in the Mazury Lake District in the north-east Poland in 2000–2018. Cestode larvae/cysts were collected from body cavities or internal organs (e.g. liver) during autopsies. Adult tapeworms were derived from nine red foxes, three Eurasian badgers and one Eurasian lynx. PCR amplification, sequencing and phylogenetic analyses were conducted employing three genetic markers: 18S rDNA, mitochondrial (mt) 12S rDNA and the mt cytochrome c oxydase subunit 1 (cox1) gene fragment. Results Altogether 19 Mesocestoides samples were analyzed, including 13 adult tapeworms from definitive hosts and six larval samples from 4 bank voles and 2 yellow-necked mice. Phylogenetic analyses revealed three well-supported trees of similar topology. In each case the Mesocestoides samples formed two separate clades. All isolates from foxes, the lynx isolate and two isolates from rodents grouped with Mesocestoides litteratus. Four isolates from rodents and all three isolates from Eurasian badgers were resolved in a separate clade, most similar to North American M. vogae (syn. M. corti). Examination of fixed, stained adult specimens from Eurasian badgers revealed consistency with the morphology of Mesocestoides melesi. Therefore, this clade is likely to represent M. melesi, a species first described in 1985 from the Eurasian badger Meles meles. Molecular analysis allowed also the identification of Taenia crassiceps, Hydatigera kamiyai and Cladotaenia globifera among larvae derived from rodents. Conclusions Molecular and phylogenetic analyses support the recognition of M. melesi as a valid species. Our data represent the first record of the larvae of this species in rodents. This is the first report on the occurrence of H. kamiyai in rodents from Poland.

Abstract Background Oral vaccination with Mycobacterium bovis Bacille of Calmette and Guerin (BCG) has provided protection against M. bovis to badgers both experimentally and in the field. There is also evidence suggesting that the persistence of live BCG within the host is important for maintaining protection against TB. Here we investigated the capacity of badger inductive mucosal sites to absorb and maintain live BCG. The targeted mucosae were the oropharyngeal cavity (tonsils and sublingual area) and the small intestine (ileum). Results We showed that significant quantities of live BCG persisted within badger in tissues of vaccinated badgers for at least 8 weeks following oral vaccination with only very mild pathological features and induced the circulation of IFNγ-producing mononuclear cells. The uptake of live BCG by tonsils and drainage to retro-pharyngeal lymph nodes was repeatable in the animal group vaccinated by oropharyngeal instillation whereas those vaccinated directly in the ileum displayed a lower frequency of BCG detection in the enteric wall or draining mesenteric lymph nodes. No faecal excretion of live BCG was observed, including when BCG was delivered directly in the ileum. Conclusions The apparent local loss of BCG viability suggests an unfavorable gastro-enteric environment for BCG in badgers, which should be taken in consideration when developing an oral vaccine for use in this species.

Abstract European badgers (Meles meles) are group‐living mustelids implicated in the spread of bovine tuberculosis (TB) to cattle and act as a wildlife reservoir for the disease. In badgers, only a minority of individuals disperse from their natal social group. However, dispersal may be extremely important for the spread of TB, as dispersers could act as hubs for disease transmission. We monitored a population of 139 wild badgers over 7 years in a medium‐density population (1.8 individuals/km2). GPS tracking collars were applied to 80 different individuals. Of these, we identified 25 dispersers, 14 of which were wearing collars as they dispersed. This allowed us to record the process of dispersal in much greater detail than ever before. We show that dispersal is an extremely complex process, and measurements of straight‐line distance between old and new social groups can severely underestimate how far dispersers travel. Assumptions of straight‐line travel can also underestimate direct and indirect interactions and the potential for disease transmission. For example, one female disperser which eventually settled 1.5 km from her natal territory traveled 308 km and passed through 22 different territories during dispersal. Knowledge of badgers' ranging behavior during dispersal is crucial to understanding the dynamics of TB transmission, and for designing appropriate interventions, such as vaccination.

The monitoring of medium-sized carnivores is essential because of their role in disease transmission and as predators. We focused on red foxes, badgers, raccoon dogs, and domestic dogs, and considered 9441 ha of field–forest mosaic in Central Poland. We compared current (2011–2018) abundance (i.e., number of natal dens recorded annually) and breeding parameters (assessed with the aid of camera traps) with published past data (1980s–1990s). The red fox population increased after rabies vaccinations were introduced and has increased further in the last few years. The population is now stable, which suggests that other factors, possibly mange, limit the population instead. Contrary to historical data, one-fourth of red fox females now breed outside of forests areas, indicating the high plasticity of the species. The number of natal dens of badgers and recruitment rates have also increased. The mean litter sizes of these two species are positively affected by small rodent availability. The raccoon dog, which is an alien and invasive species, used to be recorded sporadically but now breeds regularly (1.8 breeding cases yearly). Nowadays, free-ranging/feral domestic dogs are not controlled by culling, so they have started to breed in the wild (1.6 cases per year), which is a new occurrence.

The aim of this work was to study the quality (oxidative stability), fatty acids (FAs) profile and their distribution in triacylglycerol (TAG) molecules of hunted game wild fat (HGWF) obtained from wild boar, badger, and wild goose. Health lipid indices were calculated. The determination of FAs composition was carried out by gas chromatographic analysis of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME). Enzymatic hydrolysis and thin layer chromatography were used to determine the positional distribution of FAs in the internal and external positions of triacylglycerols (the regiospecific structure of triacylglycerols) of the obtained HGWF. A pressure differential scanning calorimeter (PDSC) was used to determine the oxidative stability of tested HGWF. The lipid fraction isolated from subcutaneous adipose tissues was dominated by MUFA, on average 46–50% of total FAs, and by SFA, on average 32–36% of total FAs. Palmitic acid was located mainly in the internal position of TAGs of the analyzed HGWF, whereas external positions were occupied by unsaturated oleic acid. Such a structure is responsible for normal fat absorption from food and it prevents the formation of insoluble calcium salts. Considering FAs profile, quality and the oxidation stability among all tested fat samples, the boar fat seems to be the most favorable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Burrows are specific structures created by animals, characterised by specific conditions different from those in the surrounding environment. Therefore, burrows may play a role for many other animals than their owners. To test this view, we have chosen the burrows of red foxes Vulpes vulpes and badgers Meles meles, two main burrow dwellers from among medium‐sized carnivores in Europe. 2. The main aim of the study was to show the importance of carnivore mammals' burrows for invertebrates. However, in contrast to previously published results concerning invertebrate burrow fauna, which were based mainly on analysis of nesting material, we used a new method based on pipe traps with optimised sampling time. 3. The investigated burrows were either visited only occasionally or abandoned. We chose typical, commonly accessible burrows from the environment, located in forest patches around the city of Poznań in western Poland. 4. During the research, we sampled 4440 invertebrate individuals. In total, we identified at least 91 species. The most numerous were mosquitoes, which, however, were represented only by one species, Culex pipiens. Among other groups, we recorded Coleoptera, Diptera, Arachnida, Heteroptera, Hymenoptera, and Lepidoptera. In total it confirms that burrows are important wintering place for many invertebrates. 5. The novelty of the study is underlining the fact that burrows created by medium‐sized carnivores are commonly used as invertebrate overwintering shelters especially by mosquitoes. Number of mosquitoes varied between burrows in high range and is a significant predictor of the other species abundance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]