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This study explores the potential application of extracellular vesicles (EVs) or exosomes derived from human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in ophthalmology. Exosomes were isolated from MSCs’ culture supernatant, and applied as eye drops to rabbits’ eyes. Samples of aqueous (AH) and vitreous humour (VH) were collected at different time points for exosomes marker analysis. Our results showed that CD63 was detected in all AH and VH samples. Whereas, for CD9 and CD81, despite minimally expressed in control samples, showed varying expression in VH samples at different time points, indicating penetration and retention of exosomes in the eyes’ structure.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a globally important reemerging disease that is chronic, multi host infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC), which causes disease in livestock, wildlife and zoonotic TB in humans. Twelve (n=12) different species of NHPs were screened for MTBC and MAC in Zoo Melaka, Malaysia. The surveillance of MTBC and MAC was through the application of skin test, serology and PCR. The results showed two orangutan Pongo spp. (16.7%) were reactive to skin test with orangutan A showing obvious swelling of eyelids with drooping and varying degrees of erythema and orangutan B with moderate swelling of the eyelids with drooping and without erythema. For the antibody detection against MTBC, these two orangutans were positive by serology (16.7%), all other NHPs were antibody negative. Polymerase chain reaction from the blood of all NHPs was negative for the MTBC, however, all samples from blood and pharyngeal swab were PCR positive for MAC. In conclusion MAC was detected in captive NHPs population probably due to exposure to the environment without completely discriminating MTBC.

Respiratory tract disease (RTD) is one of the most common syndromes affecting pythons worldwide. Treatments may appear inefficient due to improper knowledge of the anatomy of the system, itself. Moreover, to date, there is no functional histology of reticulated python (RP) reported. Thus, our aim was to provide the histomorphology of the RP lower respiratory system (LRS) in relation to its function. Six (6) RP carcasses were obtained opportunistically for this experiment. The gross anatomy of the LRS organs was measured and recorded before samples were processed accordingly for routine histology. It was observed that the LRS comprised the trachea, lungs, and air sacs with the diaphragm abstinent. The lungs observed were elongated spongy cylindrical structures connected with the diaphanous and hollow air sacs, which interestingly appeared longer on the right side. The lumen was found to be lined by honeycomb appearances of trabeculae. Histologically, the lungs parenchyma comprised the ediculae and faveolae. The air sacs were lined by the pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium. The possible functional significance of these structures was also discussed. Thus, this study provides information about the histomorphology of the LRS of RP that could be useful for veterinarians and for future reference.

There is a scarcity of information for a reliable and safe protocol for semen collection in R. timorensis. The induction of general anesthesia by Ketamine-Xylazine in both intravenous and intramuscular routes provides valuable information for the practicality of the procedure. Five healthy and matured Rusa timorensisstags, aged more than 3 years, weighing an average of 68.5 ± 2.4 kg were selected for this experiment. General anaesthesia was conducted by using a combination of Ketamine and Xylazine at the dosage of 2mg/kg, and 1mg/kg respectively in both intramuscular and intravenous routes. The procedure was performed from April to November 2012 resulting in 30 collections. The physiological parameters included were respiratory rate, heart rate and temperature before, during and post-procedure. The onset, recovery and total time are significantly different between IV and IM route at 5.13 ± 0.88 min, 7.47 ± 1.61 min, 18.67 ± 1.47 min, and 11.67 ± 1.44 min, 11.73 ± 1.03 min and, 29.07 ± 4.01 min respectively. Meanwhile, there is no significant difference in the duration time of anesthesia between IV and IM route at 15.27 ± 3.03 min and 17.40 ± 3.55 min respectively. Both routes provide the same success rate and yield the same semen quality, however, the intravenous route is desirable due to fast induction and recovery time. General anaesthesia is integral for the restraining of wild cervidae, intravenous route of drug administration should be considered for semen collection in Rusa deer.

Wild animals are considered reservoirs, contributing to the transmission of emerging zoonotic diseases such as tuberculosis (TB). A cross-sectional study was conducted by opportunistic sampling from fresh carcasses of free-ranging wild boar (n = 30), and free-ranging wild macaques (n = 42). Stained smears from these tissues were tested for acid fast bacilli (AFB) with Ziehl–Neelsen staining. Mycobacterial culture was conducted using Lowenstein–Jensen media and Middlebrook 7H11 agar media. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed through the detection of the 16S rRNA gene, with multiple sets of primers for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) and Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC). In wild boars, 30% (9/30; 95% Confidence Interval: 16.7–47.9%) of examined samples showed gross tuberculosis like lesions (TBLLs). Multiple nodular lesions that were necrotic/miliary with cavitation were found in the submandibular lymph nodes, tonsils, lungs, kidney and liver, while single nodular lesions were found in the mediastinal lymph nodes, spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes. Conventional PCR on the submandibular lymphoid tissues of wild boar (nine samples with TBLLs and three non TBLL samples) showed that 75% (9/12) were positive for Mycobacterium bovis (95% CI: 46.8–91.1), and 91% (CI: 64.6–98.5) were positive for Mycobacterium avium. For macaques, 33.3% (10/30) were positive for M. avium (95% CI: 19.2–51.2) but negative for MTBC.

Exploitation of marine turtles is getting more severe as their population is starting to decline by years. The consumption of their eggs by the public is one of the factors that lead to this matter. However, there is not much research done so far on its nutritional composition and how it affects public health. A comparative study between turtle egg and chicken egg was done to evaluate the egg’s nutrient content and pathogenic microorganism. A total of 30 turtle eggs were purchased from the wet market located in Terengganu to determine the percentage of fatty acid and crude protein within the eggs. There was no significant difference between the crude protein percentage in chicken and turtle eggs; 11.99% and 11.58%. In this study, the composition of fatty acids, Omega-3 (N3PUFA) and Omega-6 polyunsaturated (N6PUFA), monounsaturated (MUFA), and saturated fatty acids (SFA) were determined. From the findings, there was a significant difference in saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids where the composition was higher in turtle eggs (35.27% and 48.79%, respectively) as compared to chicken eggs (31.99% and 45.3%, respectively). On the other hand, turtle eggs were higher in Omega-3 but lower in Omega-6 FAs (13.35%, 2.58%), which contrary to the chicken eggs (6.44%, 16.27%). In bacterial isolation, none of the isolates were positive for Salmonella sp. and the majority of the isolates were positive with Proteus mirabilis in both chicken and turtle eggs. The presence of this bacteria in turtle eggs might pose certain health risks as they are commonly consumed raw by the public. In conclusion, these findings related to the composition of fatty acid, protein and the existence of bacteria in the turtle egg would allow us to increase the conservation effort to keep the population from extinction.

Caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus (CAEV) is a member of the genus lentivirus causing caprine arthritis-encephalitis (CAE), a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the lungs, joints, udder and central nervous system of small ruminants such as sheep and goats. CAE is distributed worldwide and is recognised as a significant cause of morbidity and decreased milk production in dairy goats. Earlier studies highlighted the clinicopathological features and supplied preliminary serological evidence for the existence of CAE among selected goat herds in Malaysia. Therefore, this study aims to provide further insights into the seroprevalence and contributing factors of CAE among sheep and goat herds in two states of Peninsular Malaysia. The blood samples and biodata were randomly collected from a total of 262 individual sheep (40) and goat (222) in seven smallholder farms. Blood sera were tested for specific anti-CAEV antibodies using Qayee-Bio CAEV sandwich-ELISA test kits according to standard procedures. Our results of the study revealed 21.4% (95% CI: 15.8–28.6) apparent and 20.6% (95% CI: 14.5–27.8) true seroprevalence with significant differences (p < 0.05) in seroconversion rates between the states, farms, production systems and breeds of small ruminants. The prevalence of CAE in the Malaysian Peninsular is a potential threat to the small ruminant industry and developing agricultural economy. Further studies are required to determine the genetic characteristics, distribution and risk factors of CAEV for effective prevention and control in Malaysia.

This case reports detail the clinical management of an elbow hygroma in a Malayan Tigress (Panthera tigris jacksoni). A twelve (12) years old Malayan Tigress weighing 112 kg with body condition score of 3/5 kept in captivity was reported by rangers in the National Wildlife Rescue Centre, Sungkai, Perak, Malaysia with a primary complaint of a lump at the right elbow of the forelimb. Physical and clinical examinations showed normal pulse and respiratory rates, additionally, an 8 cm x 9 cm well demarcated, soft lump caudal to the right forelimb elbow joint was palpated. Based on the physical examination and clinical signs, a diagnosis of elbow hygroma was made on that point of time. The tigress was managed by surgical lancing and wound cleaning. During the intra-operative session, the tigress was premedicated with an anti-cholinergic agent, an antibiotic, an anti-inflammatory agent and a supplement of vitamin D. During the post-operative medical management, antibiotic was administered to prevent secondary bacterial infection, papase as anti-inflammatory and iodine spray for wound care management. In conclusion, hygroma on the elbow was managed non-invasive surgical procedure and proper management by avoiding the overwhelming effects of possible risk factors can be a preventive measure for this case.

Tigers in a natural life are nocturnal and preys during the dark. This study was performed to observe the effect of illumination on predatory behaviour of captive tigers. Furthermore, it was also to compare the agility of different individual, gender and age in catching their prey. The subjects were four captive tigers (N=4) in National Wildlife Rescue Centre (NWRC), Sungkai, Perak comprising of two males and two females Malayan tiger (Panthera tigris jacksoni and Panthera tigris ssp.) of different ages. This study was conducted at night for a dark setting while spotlights were used to provide illumination in each animal enclosure. Average time to reach for prey was faster without spotlight compared to with spotlight at 21.44 ± 4.70 minutes and 41.75 ± 5.23 minutes respectively (P<0.05). Individual variability in time response was obviously faster in dark setting, however it was only statistically significant in one wild-caught adult female tiger compared to all the other three tigers. Time response among gender and genetic trait (purebred or hybrid) of Malayan tigers were not significant, while age factor showed old-aged tiger has a significantly slower response in dark settings as compared to an average adult aged tiger at 41.75 ± 13.98 minutes and 14.67 ± 2.39 minutes respectively. In conclusion, research in captive settings showed the agility of the tiger approaching the preys were more rapid in dark settings, simulating a better night vision. Individual variability in the time response needs further investigation and these findings should be considered in designing feeding management in a captive setting to enrich and stimulate normal predatory behaviour.

It is important to provide a baseline of fungal composition in the captive wildlife environment to better understand their role in overall wildlife health. The objectives were to identify species of fungi existing within wildlife animal enclosures and their environment at the National Wildlife Rescue Centre (NWRC) and the National Zoo, Malaysia and to describe their medical and veterinary importance. Samples of air, wall or floor swab, enrichment swab and soil were taken from the animal enclosures, exercise yard and enrichments at NWRC and National Zoo respectively. All samples including those pre-treated samples were plated onto Sabouraud's Dextrose Agar (SDA). Numerous fungi were grown on all sampling SDA plates regardless by either single or multiple growth. Samples of air in both NWRC and National Zoo had the highest growth of Penicillium spp. with a prevalence of 31.2% and 83.7% respectively. Samples of swab from the wall, floor and enrichments were predominantly by Candida spp. (42.6%) in NWRC and Penicillium spp. (41.6%) in the National Zoo. Prevalence of multiple fungi isolated from the soil samples in NWRC were 57.9% and yeast species was the most common in National Zoo with a prevalence of 88.9%. Overall, 29 and 8 isolates were found in both samples from the NWRC and National Zoo with a predominant species of potential zoonotic fungi have been identified in both premises. The expected fungus Aspergillus spp. was not isolated in all samples in NWRC. Prevalent fungal species found in this study are known to cause disease in animals and humans as primary pathogen and also as opportunistic pathogens that may also cause infection. Thus, health safety precautions should be considered particularly in dealing with conservation of endangered wildlife species, along with personnel and public involvements.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic inflammatory and zoonotic disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) members, which affects various domestic animals, wildlife, and humans. Some wild animals serve as reservoir hosts in the transmission and epidemiology of the disease. Therefore, the monitoring and surveillance of both wild and domestic hosts are critical for prevention and control strategies. For TB diagnosis, the single intradermal tuberculin test or the single comparative intradermal tuberculin test, and the gamma-interferon test, which is regarded as an ancillary test, are used. Postmortem examination can identify granulomatous lesions compatible with a diagnosis of TB . In contrast, smears of the lesions can be stained for acid-fast bacilli, and samples of the affected organs can be subjected to histopathological analyses. Culture is the gold standard test for isolating mycobacterial bacilli because it has high sensitivity and specificity compared with other methods. Serology for antibody detection allows the testing of many samples simply, rapidly, and inexpensively, and the protocol can be standardized in different laboratories. Molecular biological analyses are also applicable to trace the epidemiology of the disease. In conclusion, reviewing the various techniques used in MTBC diagnosis can help establish guidelines for researchers when choosing a particular diagnostic method depending on the situation at hand, be it disease outbreaks in wildlife or for epidemiological studies. This is because a good understanding of various diagnostic techniques will aid in monitoring and managing emerging pandemic threats of infectious diseases from wildlife and also preventing the potential spread of zoonotic TB to livestock and humans. This review aimed to provide up-to-date information on different techniques used for diagnosing TB at the interfaces between wildlife, livestock, and humans.

In nature, wild animals live in an enormous space and usually have very low genetic resistance against parasitic infection mainly due to low exposure towards the parasites themselves. However, when herds of these wild animals are kept in captivity, or in zoological gardens, parasitic infections might be worse and pose a serious threat to endangered species. The present study was conducted to observe the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in large felines in a Malaysian zoo. Ten faecal samples were collected from pumas (Puma concolor, n = 5), African lions (Panthera leo, n = 3), a spotted leopard (Panthera pardus, n = 1), and a black panther (Panthera onca, n = 1). All faecal samples were examined for parasite eggs, larvae, and oocysts by simple faecal floatation and formalin – ether sedimentation technique. All large felines in the zoo were infected with gastrointestinal parasites. A total of six species of gastrointestinal parasites were recovered including four nematodes (Toxocara cati, Ancylostoma spp., Toxascaris leonina, and Oxyuris sp.), a cestode (Spirometra sp.), and a protozoan (Isospora sp.). Half (n=5/10) of the large felines had mixed infections with Toxocara cati and Ancylostoma spp.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is frequently seen as an invasive cutaneous tumour that can be fatal in animals. In this case series, the clinical management of histopathologically diagnosis of SCC in three different individuals of African pygmy hedgehogs is described. In two of the cases presented, the tumours were presented as an oral mass on the gingiva, which were ulcerative and septic. Lumpectomy was performed in both cases and histopathology revealed encapsulated mass composed of neoplastic cells showing squamous differentiation arranged in islands with presence of keratin pearls, intercellular bridges and frequent mitotic figures which are typical features of squamous cell carcinoma. Following lumpectomy, the two hedgehogs were discharged but were later found to developed ocular lesion and anorexia before they were found dead. In the third case, SCC was diagnosed on the phalanges of the 3rd and 4th digits and surgical resection was successfully performed in this case and post-surgical complications were not recorded. Squamous cell carcinoma is one of the most common malignant tumours in African pygmy hedgehogs. In this case series, three cases of SCC were diagnosed using histopathology which two of the cases had predilections in the oral cavity while the third one only involved the digits.

Assessing Eurasian wild boar (Sus scrofa) mortality is a key for understanding population dynamics and adjusting hunting harvest and population management. We used radio-tagging and video-trapping to quantify piglet summer mortality in a managed (i.e. fenced and year-round fed) wild boar population from southern Spain. We used two independent tools to assess wild boar mortality, i.e. radio-tracking and video footage. A total of 32 wild boar piglets were captured at selective feeders acting as cage-traps, and all the piglets were equipped with ear-tag transmitters including a mortality sensor. Additionally, 20 camera traps were set up in video mode at wild boar feeders. Videos were visualized calculating the proportion of piglets seen per adult as a second indicator of piglet mortality. The survival analysis of radio-tagged individuals indicated an average survival of 48% after 180 days of capturing. Mortality was particularly pronounced in the first 2 months, i.e. during summer. Video footage evidenced a progressive decline in the piglet-to-adult ratio throughout summer. Between June and September, this ratio declined by 80.5%. Dead piglets were in poor body condition, and respiratory lesions compatible with the porcine respiratory disease complex (PRDC) were observed in 86% of them. Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) was the most prevalent pathogen (61%) in this study, and its prevalence showed an increasing trend depending on the lung lesion score. We postulate that high piglet mortality at early age might represent a disease-mediated density-dependent mechanism limiting wild boar population growth in semi-intensive management regimes, characterized by year-round feeding and fencing.

This case report describes the clinical and surgical management of submandibular tumour in a 7 years old female Green Iguana weighing 1.55kg and intensively raised. Physical examination revealed that the iguana had a mass on the ventro-lateral aspect of the head measuring 4 cm x 3 cm in diameter with 7% dehydration. The iguana was placed on lactated ringer solution to correct for dehydration and to stabilize it prior to surgery. Blood samples were collected for complete blood count and serum biochemistry. Impression smear was made from the mass for cytology in addition to radiology diagnosis. Clinical findings based on complete blood count and cytology revealed leucocytosis, lymphocytosis, monocytosis with eosinopenia and presence of clusters of round to spindle shape cells with coarse chromatin embedded in pink cellular matrix. Based on the physical and clinical examination findings, the case was tentatively diagnosed as mesenchymal cell tumour and surgical removal of the tumour was recommended with adequate post-operative care.

Wildlife tuberculosis is a threat to the domestic livestock, other wildlife species and human, which may cause an impact to economy, wildlife conservation and serious public health issues. Increasing trend in detection of wildlife tuberculosis reservoir has hindered the progress of controlling this disease. South East Asia is known for her biodiversity hot spots in the world, with high species richness including abundance potential wildlife tuberculosis reservoirs such as wild boar and multi species of deer. Furthermore, one-third of the world’s human tuberculosis is found in the South East Asia. With very little information of livestock and wildlife tuberculosis and potential hot-spot region, attention should be given by the researcher, policy makers and various stakeholders to assess the disease threat and the impact on tuberculosis control in livestock in South East Asia. South East Asia countries also face issues and limitation in conducting tuberculosis surveillance and detection. Such limitations may be overcome by collaboration and networking with expertises under One Health alliance by outsourcing the capabilities of funding, human and laboratory resources and knowledge. This paper gives an overview of potential wildlife tuberculosis occurrence in South East Asia due to her wildlife biodiversity which could potentially act as a reservoir for domestic livestock at the wildlife interface, and discuss the challenges and benefits that could arise from the global experience and resources.

The objective of the study was to establish the baseline values for blood and coagulation parameters in normaland healthy rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) of different ages and sexes. The sample population consists of 40 rusa deer, divided into four groups of (i) juvenile males (ii) juvenile females (iii) adult males and (iv) adult females. The findings showed significant (p<0.05) higher values in erythrocyte count, calcium concentration and prothrombin time in the adult males compared to adult female rusa deer. On the other hand, the total protein concentration was significantly higher in adult females than adult male deer. No significant differences in blood or coagulation parameters were observed between sexes in the juvenile deer. Between age group, the adult deer had significantly higher mean cell volume, plasma protein and globulin concentration than juvenile rusa deer. Thus, it is necessary to take into account the age and sex of the rusa deer when using blood reference values for the diagnosis of diseases or health assessment .

This case report describes the management of an outbreak of brucellosis in a mixed ruminant farm in Selangor, central region of Peninsular Malaysia. Two cows with a history of abortion and endometritis were presented to the University Veterinary Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia. Based on the history, physical examination and results of Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT), brucellosis was highly suspected. This led to the screening of all the animals (n = 384) in the affected farm. The Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) revealed that 23 cattle were positive, while no agglutination was observed in goats and deer. A confirmatory test was performed on all the (n = 384) animals using the complement fixation test (CFT) and the results showed that two (2) cows and five (5) deer tested positive. The CFT positive animals were culled. Preventive steps were then taken where the remaining cattle in the herd were vaccinated once using the RB51 vaccine, while the deer and goats were not vaccinated. All animals in the herd were also recommended to be subjected for blood sampling every 4 months and the serum samples to be tested using competitive ELISA to distinguish between serological responses due to vaccination from infection. To overcome outbreak scenario of brucellosis in a farm, a prompt action and a concerted team work among relevant stakeholders are crucial to curb the situation.

A case report of pneumonia and egg retention in a river terrapin was presented in this paper. A 20 year-old river terrapin (Batagur baska) was presented with complaint of coughing with blood discharge, wheezing breathing and inappetance. Plain radiograph showed both right and left lung lobes were consolidated due to pneumonia 90% and 70%, respectively. Tentative diagnosis of pneumonia due to opportunistic bacterial infection of Chromobacterium sp. and Plesiomonas shigelloides was made in this case based on bacterial isolation and response to antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drugs. Enrofloxacin and flunixin meglumine were administered from Day-1 to -5. Enrofloxacin was then changed to gentamicin since it showed resistance in those bacteria. No clinical changes were observed. Gentamicin was given at rate 2.5 mg/kg once a week intramuscularly and prednisolone 2 mg/kg once on Day-6 given intramuscularly, showed a response on Day-10 of hospitalisation with the evidence of reduction in lung consolidation by almost 90% clear of lung lobes from pneumonia. Sixteen thin-shelled eggs were also observed in the coelomic cavity on radiographic images. Active laying season, prolonged laying period and the history of laying only two eggs a week before presenting to hospital gives a highly suggestive diagnosis of egg retention syndrome. To encourage laying, the terrapin was given a daily parenteral calcium supplement, oxytocin 5 IU/kg intramuscularly (Day-10 hospitalisation) and was released for sunbath and to sand twice daily. The eggs were completely laid on Day-11 and the overall terrapin condition was greatly improved 2 weeks post-hospitalisation.

Breeding seasonality in mammals is influenced by the environmental changes and the endocrine response of the animals to that changes. Comprehension in breeding seasonality enables better reproductive management consequently maximizing the reproductive potential of the stags. Despite that, the study in breeding seasonality in Rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) is still scarce. Five healthy and matured stags were selected for this experiment. Semen were collected using electroejaculator at a monthly interval from April to September 2012. Semen motility is determined using a percentage. Meteorological data were obtained from the nearest weather station located in Petaling Jaya. Serum was utilized for the radioimmunoassay determination of serum testosterone profile. The warmest condition was in June and it’s coolest in November of 2012. There was a strong, positive correlation between testosterone concentration and general motility (p<0.05) with a correlation coefficient, rs = 0.943. Meteorological data alone; temperature, relative humidity and rainfall are insufficient to determine the breeding seasonality in Rusa deer, bearing no significant correlation with serum testosterone concentration and sperm motility. Rusa deer stags is reproductively active from April to July, low in August and starts to rise again in September. Therefore, this study demonstrates that breeding seasonality in Rusa deer stags can be determined via serum testosterone profiling.

Aim: The objective of this research is to report parameters for breeding soundness evaluation, semen extension, and cryopreservation in Rusa timorensis. Materials and Methods: Seven healthy stags were chosen for semen collection using an electroejaculator. The collections were performed twice in a breeding season between February and June 2016. Samples were collected between 2 and 3 weeks interval, collected twice for each animal. Semen was evaluated, extended, and cryopreserved using four different extenders; Andromed®, BioXcell®, Triladyl®, and a modified Tris-egg yolk combined with Eurycoma longifolia Jack. Results: R. timorensis semen characteristics according to volume (ml), color, sperm concentration (106/ml), general motility (%), progressive motility (%), and % morphology of normal spermatozoa are 0.86±0.18 ml, thin milky to milky, 1194.2±346.1 106/ml, 82.9±2.8%, 76.1±4.8%, and 83.9±4.8%, respectively. Conclusion: Semen characteristics of R. timorensis collected by electroejaculation is good allowing for cryopreservation and future artificial insemination work. The most suitable extender for Rusa deer semen is Andromed®.

Animal tuberculosis (TB) is one of the infectious diseases of livestock and wildlife of more concern, worldwide. This is due to its huge impact on aspects such as public health, economy, wildlife management and conservation. The purpose of the thesis is to provide information on the implementation of practical and accessible TB diagnostic tests in two wild ungulates, wild boar and red deer, using these tools as control strategies for TB in wild animals. In addition, we aimed to study the role played by other infections in wild boar piglet mortality. The thesis is composed of an introductory main overview section and four research chapters, each of them dealing with specific studies on different ante-mortem tests, a field TB control trial based on targeted culling, and a disease investigation in wild boar under intensive management. Chapter one is a general overview of TB and defines basic terminology. It also details the information and knowledge related to the research of the thesis. Chapter one is subdivided into two parts. Part one describes the state of the art regarding TB diagnosis in wildlife, TB hazard related issues among animals and humans, economy and conservation. It also comprehensively describes the current diagnostic tests for MTC that have been studied or used in wildlife species globally. Part two deals with specific reviews on the current knowledge on global TB distribution and the significance of wildlife hosts; recognizes insufficiently known aspects of host pathology, ecology and epidemiology; presents selected time series in wildlife TB; and summarizes ongoing research on TB control, providing additional insight on vaccination. Chapter two assesses the performance of several antibody detection tests for M. bovis infection in free-living, naturally-exposed 2–6 month-old piglets during summer. This cross sectional study included necropsies with macroscopic identification of TB-like lesions, Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) bacterial cultu, programme without the fear for progressive sensitization or de-sensitization. Chapter four focuses on one specific control strategy to reduce TB transmission between wildlife and livestock, namely targeted culling of infected wildlife. The main aim of the research reported in this chapter was to reduce the TB prevalence in the control site by implementing a targeted removal strategy, i.e. by selectively removing seropositive wild boar (using immunochromatographic DPP rapid tests) from one hunting estate and harvesting them by hunting on the release site. This capture-test-release trial was conducted in summer 2012-2014. The annual summer seroprevalence of antibodies to the MTC declined significantly by 39% in live-captured wild boar piglets from the treatment site, from 2012 to 2013 with no further reduction during the third capture season. Adversely, the MTC prevalence in the release site increased significantly by 60% in the hunter-harvested population. Targeted removal attempted in this TB control strategy within a high infection pressure area failed to reduce the prevalence, nevertheless generating valuable knowledge on this specific TB control tool and on TB epidemiology at very high force of infection. Finally, in the site with high force of infection, we led a cross sectional investigation to elucidate the causes for a marked mortality among wild boar piglets during summer. The findings were, that the expected piglet mortality during summer 2015 was extremely high (71%) as measured by the decrease of the piglet-to-adult ratio at the feeders through video-trapping analysis, as well as by interviewing the game rangers. In addition to that, dead piglets aged less than 4-month-old have indicated poor body condition, 88.9% had PRDC-compatible respiratory lesions predominantly characterized by pneumonia, and Porcine Circovirus Type 2 (PCV2) was the most prevalent single pathogen at 39%. However, no clear relationship between prevalence and lung lesions was observed

Clinically healthy pets may carry zoonotic pathogens and shed them, thus act as potential public health threat. Small, exotic animals are gaining popularity as pets which include iguanas, turtles and sugar gliders. Salmonellosis is an important disease affecting human and animal populations worldwide. It is reported that sugar gliders are becoming popular pets among young Malaysians, not only are they cute and adorable but are easily carried around. Of 35 pet sugar gliders and 17 from a breeder, 15% were positive for salmonellae and the serovars identified were Salmonella enterica serovar Albany (62.5%) and Salmonella enterica serovar London (37.5%). Staphylococcus spp. (41.0%) were most frequently identified from oral mucosae, followed by Enterococcus faecalis (17%), Streptococcus viridians (15.0%), Acinetobacter calcoaceticus (13.0%) and Enterococcus faecium, Pasteurella spp., Staphylococcus delphini and Escherichia coli (2.0–4.0%). The close interaction between infected pet sugar gliders and their owners poses public health risk. Breeders with infected animals present direct risk to pet shops and pet owners.

Leptospirosis is recognised as one of the leading zoonotic diseases and rodents have been implicated as one of the natural reservoirs of the disease. The Malayan porcupines (Hystrix brachyura) which are also a rodent could possibly be a carrier of leptospiral organisms. This study was conducted to determine the serological prevalence of leptospiral infection among captive Malayan porcupines and to disclose the possibility of porcupines as a reservoir for leptospiral infection. Fifty serum samples were obtained from the Malayan porcupines kept in captivity at the Wildlife Conservation Centre, Sungai Dusun, Malaysia. The microscopic agglutination test (MAT) was performed on the serum samples to detect the presence of agglutinating antibodies to a panel of 16 Leptospira serovars (Australis, Autumnalis, Ballum, Bataviae, Canicola, Celledoni, Djasiman, Hardjobovis, Hardjopratjino, Hebdomadis, Hurstbridge, Icterohaemorrhagiae, Javanica, Pomona, Pyrogenes and Sejroe). From the serological test, 18% (n=9/50) of the Malayan porcupines tested had leptospiral antibodies to serovars Javanica (8%), Hurstbridge (4%), Ballum (2%), Celledoni (2%) and Hardjoprajitno (2%). It is seen that this study disclosed a high prevalence of leptospiral infection in the Malayan porcupines tested and indicated that the Malayan porcupines could possibly be a source of leptospirosis to other animals including humans and that they might play an important role in the epidemiology of leptospiral infection in the country.