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The scaling relationship between digestive system and body mass shapes foraging strategies in herbivores. The Jarman–Bell principle and the forage maturation hypothesis (FMH), two of the most important predictions formulated in herbivore foraging ecology, have been used to explain this relationship.We aimed to test these predictions for the largest European herbivore—the European bison-which is highly sexually dimorphic and recognised as a refugee species in non-optimal forest habitats. We conducted our study in the Białowieża Primeval Forest, where the European bison has been recognized as a refugee species. We estimated vegetation quality and biomass along the foraging paths of male and female European bison, and the vegetation biomass at random points in different habitats and months. We found no support for the Jarmann-Bell principle at the intraspecific level in European bison, as males and females foraged on patches of similar crude protein and fibre content. However, females selected for higher biomass. The quality of vegetation on the bison foraging patches showed a significant spatio-temporal variation. It increased from May to July and then gradually decreased. It also increased with the fertility and wetness of the habitats being the highest in wet forests. Mean biomass on European bison foraging patches (131.5 g/m2), was significantly lower than on random plots (210.5 g/m2), which supported the FMH. Our study suggests that in rich forest habitats, the abundant food resources available in summer may not constrain the metabolic rate/gut capacity ratio of either sex, potentially leading to dietary segregation. In contrast to open habitats, where vegetation maturation is less temporally variable, European bison in rich forest habitats may optimise patch selection and energy intake by tracking a habitat- and species-specific changes in the plant phenology. Understanding the relationship between European bison forage selection and forage nutritional constraints in forest habitats may be critical for conservation programmes, as European bison are better adapted to more open habitats and are recognised as refugee species in suboptimal forest habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Dictyocaulosis is a parasitic disease caused by pulmonary nematodes from genus Dictyocaulus affecting various ungulate hosts. It can cause verminous bronchopneumonia and for heavily infected individuals, fatal outcomes can occur. Case presentation The study describes the case of a male European bison which died three months after relocation from Slovakia to one of the reintroduction areas in Nucșoara village, Făgăraș Mountains, Romania. Necropsy revealed the presence of pulmonary nematodes in the respiratory tract. Morphology and molecular diagnosis was performed and Dictyocaulus viviparus was identified. Conclusion Rigorous health monitoring is essential to assure the success of reintroduction programs, understanding and preventing infectious diseases and limiting their impact on population health.

Background: Dictyocaulosis is a parasitic disease caused by pulmonary nematodes from genus Dictyocaulus affecting various ungulate hosts. It can cause verminous bronchopneumonia and for heavily infected individuals, fatal outcomes can occur. Case presentation: The study describes the case of a male European bison which died three months after relocation from Slovakia to one of the reintroduction areas in Nucșoara village, Făgăraș Mountains, Romania. Necropsy revealed the presence of pulmonary nematodes in the respiratory tract. Morphology and molecular diagnosis was performed and Dictyocaulus viviparus was identified. Conclusion: Rigorous health monitoring is essential to assure the success of reintroduction programs, understanding and preventing infectious diseases and limiting their impact on population health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The variability of food resources considerably affects the habitat preferences of animals. In mast years, the availability of highly nutritive food increases significantly. We tested whether changes in the distribution of the areas of wisents, Bison bonasus L. concentration, in the Bieszczady Mountains, Poland, were connected with the availability of beechnuts. In the two beech masting years of 2013 and 2022, we considered the months with the highest availability of beechnuts, namely September and October. The beechnut crop varied significantly between as little as 2.4 g dry matter/m2, recorded within the Baligród herd's home range in 2013, and up to 238.8 g dry matter/m2 within the Tworylne herd's range, also in 2013. The analysis of the spatial distribution of beech stands within various parts of the wisents' home range showed that within the 95% kernel area, their share was mostly high, varying between 25.7% and 42.8%. Meanwhile, within the 50% kernel area, it was generally much lower, except for the year 2022 in the case of the Baligród herd. The densities of wisents varied significantly between the kernel areas of 95% and 50%, ranging between 0.04 and 0.08 animals/ha and 0.17 and 0.48 animals/ha, respectively. However, there was no statistical difference between the figures for all plots tested within the home range of the wisent population and plots dominated by beech. Based on the data obtained in this study, habitat selection patterns of wisents in the Bieszczady Mountains cannot be explained by the availability of beech stands and the phenomenon of mast years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Coronaviruses have been confirmed to infect a variety of species, but only one case of associated winter dysentery of European bison has been described. The study aimed to analyze the prevalence, and define the impact on the species conservation, the source of coronavirus infection, and the role of the European bison in the transmission of the pathogen in Poland. Molecular and serological screening was performed on 409 European bison from 6 free-ranging and 14 captive herds over the period of 6 years (2017–2023). Presence of coronavirus was confirmed in one nasal swab by pancoronavirus RT-PCR and in 3 nasal swab samples by bovine coronavirus (BCoV) specific real time RT-PCR. The detected virus showed high (> 98%) homology in both RdRp and Spike genes to BCoV strains characterised recently in Polish cattle and strains isolated from wild cervids in Italy. Antibodies specific to BCoV were found in 6.4% of tested samples, all originating from free-ranging animals. Seroprevalence was higher in adult animals over 5 years of age (p = 0.0015) and in females (p = 0.09). Our results suggest that European bison play only a limited role as reservoirs of bovine-like coronaviruses. Although the most probable source of infections in the European bison population in Poland is cattle, other wild ruminants could also be involved. In addition, the zoonotic potential of bovine coronaviruses is quite low.

In the age of the sixth extinction, human interventions to save endangered species have become bigger, bolder and costlier than ever. Yet, policies of species conservation have also favoured non-intervention, furthering the idea that humans have tampered too much with wildness and wilderness. This article examines a reintroduction of European Bison (Bison bonasus, also known as wisent) into the South-Western Carpathians of Romania in the 2010s. It compares it with longer-term recovery efforts in the Białowieża forest in Poland and reveals how interventions and non-interventions have been practised in the conservation history of this species. I trace the complexities of lived reintroduction processes, both contemporary and historical. I show that practices of recovering European bison have (slowly) shifted away from a controlling approach to reintroductions inspired by livestock breeding, and towards a hands-off rewilding approach. Yet, entangled human-wildlife histories, in which management has been paramount, challenge contemporary non-intervention rewilding paradigms that advocate for the autonomy and agency of wildlife. Reintroduction managers walk a fine line between intervention and relinquishment, care and containment, permanently recalibrating human-animal relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The European bison (Bison bonasus), a symbol of Polish nature, is a protected species that requires active health monitoring. However, conservation efforts are made difficult by the zoonotic diseases such as brucellosis and tuberculosis. Objective: The aim of this study was to screen the Polish European bison population for exposure to the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) and Brucella spp. Methods: A total of 323 free‐living and captive European bison from 13 localities were tested serologically for antibodies against the M. bovis P22 multi‐protein complex (in‐house ELISA) and against Brucella spp. (commercial ELISA). Results: Antibodies against the MTC (P22) were detected in 7% (22/323) of the tested European bison. Anti‐MTC antibody positivity was not significantly different by sex, age, and captive/free range status. Anti‐MTC antibodies were found in six of 13 populations sampled, always in populations with larger sample sizes including the four free‐living ones. Antibodies against Brucella spp. were detected in 36% (116/323) of the tested bison. While Brucella spp. antibody prevalence was not different by sex, it was significantly different by age (lower in adults) and captive/free‐living status. Brucella spp. seroprevalence decreased with sample size and seropositive bison were found in 12 of 13 sampling populations. Conclusions: Our findings identify potential emerging threats to the European bison population and confirm the first serological response to P22 in European bison. As Poland is currently officially free of brucellosis and bovine tuberculosis, our results require careful interpretation. Further studies are needed to establish the presence of cross‐reactions with atypical mycobacteria in the case of MTC and other bacteria (e.g. Yersinia enterocolitica O:9) in the case of Brucella spp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The European bison (Bison bonasus), a symbol of Polish nature, is a protected species that requires active health monitoring. However, conservation efforts are made difficult by the zoonotic diseases such as brucellosis and tuberculosis. Objective The aim of this study was to screen the Polish European bison population for exposure to the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) and Brucella spp. Methods A total of 323 free‐living and captive European bison from 13 localities were tested serologically for antibodies against the M. bovis P22 multi‐protein complex (in‐house ELISA) and against Brucella spp. (commercial ELISA). Results Antibodies against the MTC (P22) were detected in 7% (22/323) of the tested European bison. Anti‐MTC antibody positivity was not significantly different by sex, age, and captive/free range status. Anti‐MTC antibodies were found in six of 13 populations sampled, always in populations with larger sample sizes including the four free‐living ones. Antibodies against Brucella spp. were detected in 36% (116/323) of the tested bison. While Brucella spp. antibody prevalence was not different by sex, it was significantly different by age (lower in adults) and captive/free‐living status. Brucella spp. seroprevalence decreased with sample size and seropositive bison were found in 12 of 13 sampling populations. Conclusions Our findings identify potential emerging threats to the European bison population and confirm the first serological response to P22 in European bison. As Poland is currently officially free of brucellosis and bovine tuberculosis, our results require careful interpretation. Further studies are needed to establish the presence of cross‐reactions with atypical mycobacteria in the case of MTC and other bacteria (e.g. Yersinia enterocolitica O:9) in the case of Brucella spp.

An important feature of ruminal ciliates is their phenotypic plasticity, which makes their identification difficult. The common manifestation of the phenotypic plasticity in rumen ciliates is a change in their cell size and caudal spination. We analyzed various morphotypes of Epidinium with five caudal processes (spines) taken from the rumen of European bison (Bison bonasus). In the study, the cluster analysis and K-means analysis of morphometric data could not distinguish very similar morphotypes of Epidinium with five caudal processes. However, the morphotype of E. parvicaudatum prevailed (70%). The DNA of four individual E. parvicaudatum was isolated successfully from formaldehyde-preserved samples. The partial 18S rDNA gene sequences (about 350–400 bp) were identical to Epidinium sequences in GenBank (E. caudatum, a one-spine morphotype, and E. cattanei, a five-spine morphotype). It can be assumed that these short sequences cannot distinguish the differences between the Epidinium morphospecies. Complete gene sequences from various hosts and various molecular markers are necessary to reveal the validity of the Epidinium five-spine species. In conclusion, classical morphology should be supplemented with molecular data when more morphotypes of the rumen ciliate species are present in samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The European bison (Bison bonasus) is a near threatened species and requires health monitoring. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of antibodies to pathogens known to cause respiratory and digestive illness in ruminants. Results In the studied 328 European bison, the highest seroprevalence was observed for Bovine herpesvirus-1 (BoHV-1) (50.27%), Bovine Coronavirus (BCoV) (26.36%), and Bluetongue Virus (BTV) (12.83%). For Mycoplasma bovis strains and Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV), positive results were rare. Interestingly, a higher prevalence of BTV antibodies was noted in the northeastern populations and older animals. Conclusions Our findings indicate that the Polish European bison population appears to have considerable contact with BoHV-1; however, this does not appear to be of great significance, as clinical symptoms and post-mortem lesions are rarely noted in Polish European bison population. The high seroprevalence of BTV in the north-east of Poland is an ongoing trend, also noted in previous studies. It is possible that European bison may perpetuate the virus in this region. This is the first report of antibodies for BCoV in European bison.

Ludwig Henry Bojanus was born on 16 July 1776 in Buchsweiler, Alsace. After studying in Jena and Vienna, L. H. Bojanus enrolled at the University of Jena for his doctoral studies. Bojanus's scientific activities are closely associated with Vilnius, where he was a professor of veterinary medicine from 1806 (he was elected to this position in 1804). In 1815, he became a professor of comparative anatomy. These were the times of the greatest flourishing of Vilnius University, where the foundations of modern Polish science were being laid. At Vilnius University, he established a technical and anatomical-pathological office for the zoo, a veterinary clinic and a model forge for shoeing horses in 1823. Bojanus founded a veterinary school in Vilnius and drew up a plan for a veterinary institute, which was not opened until 1832, simultaneously with the opening of the medico-surgical academy. He became known as one of Europe's most prominent anatomists and zoologists. A lasting memorial to the scientist is the monograph "Anatomy of the Tortoise", which many scholars still point to today as a model of accurate and precise anatomical research. He was the first to identify the anatomical differences between the European bison (Bos bonasus) and the aurochs (Bos primigenius). In his lectures on comparative anatomy, Bojanus presented the principle of uninterrupted development. He can be described as one of the most decisive and consistent evolutionists before Darwin. He died in 1827. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The European bison (Bison bonasus) is a near threatened species and requires health monitoring. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of antibodies to pathogens known to cause respiratory and digestive illness in ruminants. Results: In the studied 328 European bison, the highest seroprevalence was observed for Bovine herpesvirus-1 (BoHV-1) (50.27%), Bovine Coronavirus (BCoV) (26.36%), and Bluetongue Virus (BTV) (12.83%). For Mycoplasma bovis strains and Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV), positive results were rare. Interestingly, a higher prevalence of BTV antibodies was noted in the northeastern populations and older animals. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that the Polish European bison population appears to have considerable contact with BoHV-1; however, this does not appear to be of great significance, as clinical symptoms and post-mortem lesions are rarely noted in Polish European bison population. The high seroprevalence of BTV in the north-east of Poland is an ongoing trend, also noted in previous studies. It is possible that European bison may perpetuate the virus in this region. This is the first report of antibodies for BCoV in European bison. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate the adaptability of ten recently introduced European bison (Bison bonasus) in Lille Vildmose. Populations from Bornholm, Denmark, and Białowieża Forest, Poland, were used as a reference. We investigated the adaptability of the European bison through analysis of their dietary diversity and parasitic load during twelve months after translocation. From March 2021 to February 2022, fecal samples were collected from the herds. In Lille Vildmose, a significant difference in egg per gram feces (EPG) was observed for June when compared to the months during autumn and winter (October–February). Metabarcoding of 63 bison dung samples collected during March–September in Lille Vildmose identified eight species of nematodes in the gastrointestinal tract of the European bison, with Haemonchus contortus being most frequently observed. Furthermore, 79 plant taxa were identified in the diet of the European bison. The broadest diet was observed in March suggesting that the bison quickly adapted to their new habitat. Additionally, the results suggested a seasonal shift in their diet, with this being most apparent from March to April. For the purpose of nature management and species conservation, European bison (Bison bonasus) are being increasingly reintroduced into nature reserves across Europe. The aim of this study was to investigate European bison's adaptability to new areas through the study of their parasite-EPG (eggs per gram feces) and dietary diversity during twelve months after translocation. We compared the parasite-EPG from introduced European bison in Lille Vildmose, Denmark, with the parasite-EPG from populations from Bornholm, Denmark, and Białowieża Forest, Poland. From March 2021 to February 2022, fecal samples were collected from three populations. Samples from Lille Vildmose were examined through flotation, sedimentation, the Baermann technique, and nanopore sequencing. Fecal samples from Bornholm and Białowieża were examined through flotation and sedimentation. Nanopore sequencing of DNA from 63 European bison's fecal samples collected during March–September in Lille Vildmose identified 8 species of nematodes within the digestive tract of the European bison, with Haemonchus contortus being the most frequently observed. In Lille Vildmose, a significantly higher excretion of nematode-EPG was observed during the summer period than in the spring, autumn, and winter. In addition, monthly differences in the excretion of nematode eggs were found, with this being significantly higher in June than in the months during autumn and winter (October–February). Significant differences in the nematode-EPG were only found between the excretion of nematode eggs in Białowieża Forest when compared to that of Lille Vildmose, with significantly higher excretion in Lille Vildmose (October–November). The results indicate that the development rates for nematodes may be affected by changes in temperature, with increasing temperatures speeding up their development time. Independent of this study design, wildlife vets together with the gamekeepers managing the herd found it necessary to treat the herd with antiparasitics for practical and animal welfare reasons in relation to translocation. Furthermore, 79 plant taxa were identified in the diet of the European bison. The broadest diet was observed in March suggesting that the European bison quickly adapted to their new habitat. The results suggest a seasonal shift in their diet, with this being most apparent from March to April. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Between 1996–2012, two outbreaks of animal tuberculosis were noted in the free-living European bison population in the Bieszczady Mountains, Poland. As the European bison is an endangered species and is particularly susceptible to tuberculosis, not to mention a national icon, the decision was made to test all deceased bison for TB in Poland. The screened bison were obtained by elimination due to poor health or natural death. A total of 159 animals have been examined over the last 10 years. Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium spp. hominisuis were identified in two different herds. The isolation of M. bovis from European bison is the first case described in Poland. Previously, the only causative agent of tuberculosis identified in European bison in Poland, both in the wild and in captive herds, was Mycobacterium caprae. In the period 1996–2012, two outbreaks of animal tuberculosis were noted in the population of free-living European bison (Bison bonasus caucasicus) in the Bieszczady Mountains, Southern Poland. As the European bison is an endangered species and particularly susceptible to tuberculosis, not to mention a national icon, the decision was made to test all deceased bison for TB in Poland. The screened bison were obtained by elimination due to poor health or natural death. A total of 159 European bison have been examined over the last 10 years. The individuals came from four regions of Poland (Białowieża Forest, Bieszczady Mountains, Borecka Forest, Knyszyńska Forest), not only from the area where tuberculosis is still endemic. Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium spp. hominisuis were identified in two different herds. The isolation of M. bovis from European bison was the first case described in Poland. So far, the only causative agent of tuberculosis identified in European bison in Poland, both in the wild and in captive herds, was Mycobacterium caprae. The isolated M. bovis spoligotype has not previously been registered in international spoligotype databases so far. The obtained results highlight the need to monitor TB in European bison in Poland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reintroduction of European bison into the natural environment is one of the most important conservation measures applied for this species. After creating a free herd of European bison, spatial monitoring is crucial. It allows for observation of the population, as well as the detection of potential threats and needs for intervention. In 2016, a new free herd of European bison was introduced to the Żednia District in Knyszyńska Forest. After a few months spent in the acclimation enclosure, the animals were released. The course of their acclimatisation was observed with GPS collars during the next 7 years. Thanks to telemetry monitoring, we could determine the moment when the herd stabilised its home range within available habitats. Monitoring performed for 7 years after the release of the herd confirmed the previously established home range. The fact that the animals remain close to the release site and that there is no damage to the winter crops confirms that the reintroduction site was well chosen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the population size of free-living European bison in Poland has increased significantly over the last few years, conservation and management should be reconsidered to face new challenges, which aim to protect the whole population, not just individuals. The aim of our study was to analyse prevalence and identify risk factors for infections with viruses affecting reproduction (BVDV, BoHV-1, and BoHV-4), causing respiratory diseases (BRV3, BAdV-3, and BRSV), and emerging vector-borne viruses (BTV and SBV). Over 600 serum samples used in serology and 270 lung tissue samples, and 284 nasal swabs used in virological tests were collected from 24 free-living and captive European bison herds between 2016 and 2023. The seroprevalences varied between low (0.3–6.1% for BVDV, BoHV-1, and BoHV-4), medium (15.9% for BRSV and 22.1% for BTV) and high (43.3% for BRV3, 59.5% for BAdV-3, and 69.5% for SBV). Interspecies' and intraspecies' risk of endemic viral infections was observed to be density-dependent, while the effect of anthropogenic factors on the spread of infections in free-living European bison has not been demonstrated. BTV is no longer circulating, while SBV has become endemic. The higher exposure to viruses in the European bison eliminated on the basis of a veterinary decision indicates the importance of an expert supervision for disease control and prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bovine tuberculosis is one of the most dangerous zoonotic diseases. Despite the near-complete elimination of the disease from cattle breeding in Poland achieved in 2009, its re-emergence is now observed. Globally, the number of human cases is underestimated and the importance of free-living animals as reservoirs of tuberculosis is growing. As a species highly susceptible to Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex infection, the European bison (Bison bonasus) has a role in the transmission of the disease in Poland. The purpose of the investigation was to assess the epidemiological situation of tuberculosis in Polish European bison serologically.

The shape and size of the skull are determined by various factors. These factors act not only on single individuals in their ontogenesis, but can affect entire populations in the long term, thus determining developmental trends. The aim of this study was to determine whether the craniometric features of the European bison skull and their proportions are constant or change over time. In total, 1097 European bison skulls from the Mammal Research Institute of the Polish Academy of Sciences and Warsaw University of Life Sciences were examined. It has been shown that almost all examined skull dimensions tend to decrease. The opposite phenomenon was observed for the height of the skull in males. The results of the work prove that European bison adapt to changing environmental conditions related to climate warming, food availability, and population density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pedigree data for European bison are published in the European Bison Pedigree Book, established one hundred years ago. The species passed a serious bottleneck and was kept in captivity for more than 30 years. After reintroduction, some individuals were captured and moved to enclosures, which caused gaps in pedigree data. To prevent the underestimation of inbreeding value, only animals with a fully known pedigree were used in the analysis. European bison were divided into two genetic lines, Lowland-Caucasian (LC) and Lowland (LB), with different numbers of founders (all 12 vs. 7 of them). The relation between inbreeding and survival up to one month of age, calculated using logistic regression, gave different results for every genetic line. In the LC line (N = 5441), the average inbreeding level was equal to 0.253 and the influence into survival was negative (exp(B) = 0.190), but in the LB line (N = 1227), the inbreeding level was much higher (0.410) but the influence into survival was positive (exp(B) = 6.596). It could be assumed that the difference between lines is a result of purging in the first period of species restitution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proper management and genetic monitoring of the modern European bison (Bison bonasus) population is one of the most important responsibilities for this species' conservation. Up-to-date, complex genetic analysis performed using a consistent molecular method is needed for population management as a tool to further validate and maintain the genetic diversity of the species. The identification of the genetic line when pedigree data are missing, as well as the identification of parentage and individuals, are crucial for this purpose. The aim of our research was to create a small but informative panel of SNP (single-nucleotide polymorphism) markers that can be used for routine genotyping of the European bison at low cost. In our study, we used a custom-designed microarray to genotype a large number of European bison, totaling 455 samples from two genetic lines. The results of this analysis allowed us to select highly informative markers. In this paper, we present an effective single nucleotide polymorphism set, divided into separate panels to perform genetic analyses of European bison, which is needed for population monitoring and management. We proposed a total of 20 SNPs to detect hybridization with Bos taurus and Bison bison, a panel of 50 SNPs for individuals and parentage identification, as well as a panel of 30 SNPs for assessing membership of the genetic line. These panels can be used together or independently depending on the research goal and can be applied using various methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of European Bison Conservation Newsletter/ Żubr i Jego Ochrona Biuletyn is the property of European Bison Friends Society / Stowarzyszenie Milosnikow Zubrow and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article presents the history of the European bison breeding center in Upper Silesia in 1865 and its protection and breeding until 2022. The results of European bison breeding in Pszczyna for this period are summarized on the basis of the available publications and the entries in the European Bison Pedigree Book for the years 1932-2021 and the data of the Kobiór Forest Inspectorate for 2022. The balance of European bison breeding in Pszczyna for the period 1865-2022 is 764 (380, 384) born and 54 (24, 30) imported animals on the income side and 398 (182, 216) dead and 367 (194, 173) exported animals on the expenditure side. Some guardians of the Pszczyna European bison were mentioned, including Prince Jan Henryk XI Hochberg. However, the history of the breeding organization in Pszczyna and the biography of the guardians of these animals require separate studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of European Bison Conservation Newsletter/ Żubr i Jego Ochrona Biuletyn is the property of European Bison Friends Society / Stowarzyszenie Milosnikow Zubrow and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of European Bison Conservation Newsletter/ Żubr i Jego Ochrona Biuletyn is the property of European Bison Friends Society / Stowarzyszenie Milosnikow Zubrow and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

It is important to monitor the level of parasitic loads in herds of European bison and to identify threats early enough to prevent their spread to other populations or species. The aim of the present study was to compare the detection sensitivity of two fecal flotation techniques, viz. the modified Willis method (WM) with centrifugation and modified McMaster flotation technique (MM), in the diagnostics of gastrointestinal parasites of European bison before the translocation of animals.Out of 166 feces samples, Eimeria spp. oocysts (84.3% in WM and 71.1% in MM) and Trichostrongylidae eggs (82.5% in WM and 53.6% in MM) predominated. These were accompanied by eggs from Capillaria spp. (prevalence: 13.9% in WM and 3.61% in MM), Nematodirus spp. (prevalence: 18.1% in WM and 4.8% in MM) and Trichuris spp. (prevalence: 12.7% in WM and MM) were identified. The lowest prevalence was noted for cestode eggs of Moniezia spp. (5.4% in WM and 3.0% in MM).The Willis method yielded a higher prevalence of eggs and oocysts than the modified McMaster method, and hence has a higher probability of detecting parasitic structures than the modified McMaster method, especially in cases of very low levels of invasion.As the two methods yield consistent results, it is recommended to use the Willis method for diagnosis of internal parasite infection in European bison. This test offers more sensitive method than McMaster technique of detecting the presence of low levels of a variety of parasite eggs and oocysts in feces, while also being inexpensive and adaptable to field work.

Sixteen species of parasitic mites of the family Demodecidae have been described in ungulates (Ungulatomorpha), particularly among domestic animals and livestock. Specific synhospital species have been found in seven host species. Demodex bisonianus, occurring in the Meibomian glands of the eyelids, was described in the European bison Bison bonasus. Together with Trypanosoma wrublewskii and Bisonicola sedecimdecembrii, it is one of the three known specific parasite species of European bison. The European bison is not only a rare and endangered mammal, but its biology has been shaped by its recent restitution from extinction from a small pool of individuals kept in breeding facilities. This could have been the reason for the extinction of the majority of specific parasites. The present study reports the finding of a new specific parasite species, Demodex bialoviensis sp. nov., associated with the nasal skin region, in European bison from the Białowieża Forest (Poland). It is the second species of Demodex reported in this host species, however occurring in a different location.

The European bison continues to be a conservation dependent species, as it inhabits small reserve areas that require strict management. To ensure the species' long-term viability, it is imperative to expand both its population size and geographical range. However, achieving this expansion within its historical range poses challenges due to intensive land use and dense human populations. The objective of this study was to model the potential distribution of the European bison beyond its historical range, specifically in the boreal zone of Europe. Utilizing the maximum entropy method alongside bioclimatic variables and land use analysis, the research revealed a significant expanse of suitable territory. This suggests the feasibility of establishing a contiguous habitat capable of supporting a substantial European bison population. Factors such as ongoing global warming, deforestation, and agricultural decline are further enhancing the creation of favorable habitats for the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An important feature of ruminal ciliates is their phenotypic plasticity, which makes their identification difficult. The common manifestation of the phenotypic plasticity in rumen ciliates is a change in their cell size and caudal spination. We analyzed various morphotypes of Epidinium with five caudal processes (spines) taken from the rumen of European bison (Bison bonasus). In the study, the cluster analysis and K-means analysis of morphometric data could not distinguish very similar morphotypes of Epidinium with five caudal processes. However, the morphotype of E. parvicaudatum prevailed (70%). The DNA of four individual E. parvicaudatum was isolated successfully from formaldehyde-preserved samples. The partial 18S rDNA gene sequences (about 350–400 bp) were identical to Epidinium sequences in GenBank (E. caudatum, a one-spine morphotype, and E. cattanei, a five-spine morphotype). It can be assumed that these short sequences cannot distinguish the differences between the Epidinium morphospecies. Complete gene sequences from various hosts and various molecular markers are necessary to reveal the validity of the Epidinium five-spine species. In conclusion, classical morphology should be supplemented with molecular data when more morphotypes of the rumen ciliate species are present in samples.

Abstract Background Our recent macro- and scanning electron microscopic study of tongue conducted on domesticated cattle, wild living European bison, and Bison bonasus hybrid revealed various spatial arrangement and number of gustatory and mechanical papillae between parental species and their hybrid. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy analysis of gustatory papillae indicated the variable distribution of fungiform papillae (Fu) over the surface of the tongue, which could be significant in differentiated taste perception during feeding in studied wild living and domesticated husbandry ruminants. To specify the detailed microstructure of Fu papillae with connective tissue cores (CTC) and intraepithelial taste buds system, the first time the three-dimensional computer-aided analysis of serial histoslides resulted in the rendering of 3D reconstructions of Fu papillae. Results The comparative analysis of 3D models Fu papillae conducted in six areas of lingual mucosa of each tongue revealed information about, microstructural diversity of Fu papillae in studied ruminants. The estimation of number and density of Fu papillae on tongues, rate of protrusion of papillae over mucosa, and a number of taste buds per papilla allowed to state the ventral surface of the lingual apex and posterolateral surfaces of the lingual torus as regions important in taste perception, as in the preselection of taken food, as well in the analysis of food during rumination, respectively. On the 3D models were observed three structural types of CTC of different distribution on the tongue in studied species. The quantitative data of the number of taste buds on Fu papillae have regional functional differences in the taste system important in feeding and veterinary practice. Moreover, our analysis determined specific features in examined hybrid and showed similarities of some studied features with cattle, i.e., maternal species. Conclusions The 3D reconstruction method used for the first time in the field of study of the lingual papillae and taste buds system can be considered as an innovative and effective tool in assessing of the microstructures of Fu papillae, and it could be suitable for further studies of taste system structures in normal and pathological condition.

Abstract Background This is the first report describing levels of APPs in European bison. Serum concentration of acute phase proteins (APPs) may be helpful to assess general health status in wildlife and potentially useful in selecting animals for elimination. Since there is a lack of literature data regarding concentration of APPs in European bisons, establishment of the reference values is also needed. Methods A total of 87 European bison from Polish populations were divided into two groups: (1) healthy: immobilized for transportation, placing a telemetry collar and routine diagnostic purposes; and (2) selectively culled due to the poor health condition. The serum concentration of haptoglobin, serum amyloid A and α1-acid-glycoprotein were determined using commercial quantitative ELISA assays. Since none of the variables met the normality assumptions, non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test was used for all comparisons. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Statistical analyses were performed using Statistica 13.3 (Tibco, USA). Results The concentration of haptoglobin and serum amyloid A was significantly higher in animals culled (euthanised) due to the poor condition in respect to the clinically healthy European bison. The levels of α1-acid-glycoprotein did not show statistical difference between healthy and sick animals. Conclusions Correlation between APPs concertation and health status was proven, therefore the determination of selected APPs may be considered in future as auxiliary predictive tool in assessing European bison health condition.

European bison are susceptible to a range of pathogens which may influence their health, and hence, to ensure their protection, it is essential to provide effective monitoring of potential exposure. This study presents the first molecular confirmation of Sarcocystis cruzi infection in European bison based on PCR amplification of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) gene. A sample of heart tissue taken from one fifteen-year-old European bison cow was examined by light microscopy for the presence of heart sarcocysts. The genomic DNA isolated from any identified sarcocysts was subjected to PCR to amplify cox1 gene sequences, and the obtained amplicons were sequenced by Sanger dideoxy sequencing. Two partial cox1 sequences were obtained; they were identified as S. cruzi and deposited in the GenBank™ database under the accession numbers MW490605 and MW490606. BLAST analysis found them to demonstrate the closest similarity to S. levinei (MH255771-MH255779 and KU247874-KU247884), sharing an identity of 93.14–93.8 %. This is the first report to identify sarcocysts isolated from heart tissue of infected European bison living in the Białowieża forest to species level using cox1 analysis. Our findings confirm that the European bison is a natural intermediate host for S. cruzi. As such, coordinators of future conservation programmes should consider the impact of these diseases on reintroduced animals.

Abstract Background The European bison is an endangered species, and as such it is extremely important to monitor herds for pathogens which can lead to reproductive failure. The aim of the present study was to determine the current prevalence of antibodies to pathogens known to potentially influence reproduction in European bison. Serum samples from 183 bison, originating from different parts of Poland, were tested using commercial ELISA tests for antibodies to Chlamydia spp., Coxiella burnetti, Leptospira interrogans, Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii; the findings were compared between captive and main free-ranging herds, and with regard to the influence of demographic factors such as age and sex. The prevalence of seropositivity was also checked with regard to location and the animal species sharing it. Results Chlamydia spp. antibodies were present in 48 out of 130 (36.9%) tested samples. Coxiella burnetii was found in one sample out of 178 (0.58%). N. caninum in 36 out of 172 (20.9%) and T. gondii in 23 out of 172 (13.4%). No sample was positive for leptospirosis. Neither sex nor age appeared to have a significant effect on the occurrence of antibodies to the identified species. The prevalence of Chlamydia spp. in the samples varied significantly according to location; however, similar frequency ranges were observed between free ranging and captive herds. In contrast, antibodies to N. caninum were more common in free-ranging herds than captive herds, with the highest frequency observed in the Bieszczady Mountains. Conclusions Chlamydia spp., N. caninum and T. gondii might have a similar impact on the reproductive potential of European bison as they have on cattle. The high occurrence of antibodies to N. caninum in bison from the Bieszczady Mountains may be associated with the relatively high density of the wolf population in the area.

In Poland, bovine tuberculosis (BTB) is most often detected in cattle, although some cases have also been reported in pigs and in other non-domestic species. BTB is believed to be mainly present in the Bieszczady region, in the south-eastern part of the country. The present study analyses the practical applications of the law regarding the eradication of tuberculosis among European bison in Poland, as well as the influence of legal rules in species conservation effects. Its aim is to present and evaluate the effectiveness of legal provisions in selected cases of BTB detected in European bison. The analysis highlights key "critical points" in the management of cases of BTB in European bison, which resulted from the problematic interpretation and application of the existing legal provisions. Findings indicate that before the Animal Health Law, the eradication of BTB in European bison in Poland was not regulated clearly enough by the applicable laws in force prior to 2021. This posed a threat to an effective reintroduction strategy for bison based on creating larger metapopulations and maintaining small, isolated reservoir herds (breading centers) for fallback in the case of infectious disease. It should be emphasized that in the current legal system, there is no doubt that a District Veterinary Officer has the competence to prevent and control tuberculosis in European bison. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In the European bison, Trueperella pyogenes is associated with different suppurative infections of mainly the urogenital tract or with abscesses in various tissues. Our research showed that in the studied population of European bison in Poland, the prevalence of T. pyogenes infections is relatively high. The significant genetic diversity of isolated strains was observed. However, in a few cases, the same RAPD profile was obtained for strains isolated from individuals living in the same area. Our study indicated that different virulence factors are related to the pathogenicity of this bacterium. The results obtained in this study provide valuable data about the prevalence, pathogenicity and genetic diversity of T. pyogenes in the European bison. Thus, it improves the knowledge on treatment for the European bison's health and proves the importance of continuous monitoring for the protection of these wild ruminants. Trueperella pyogenes is a Gram-positive bacterium causing purulent infections in many animal species, including the European bison. However, the data about the virulence and genetic relationships of T. pyogenes strains isolated from these wild ruminants are strongly limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of T. pyogenes infections in the European bison, and to evaluate the genetic diversity of isolates from these animals. In the time span of 10 years, 328 European bison from 16 different locations were examined. The standard bacteriological methods were used for T. pyogenes isolation and identification from clinical specimens obtained from urogenital tract infections and abscesses of different locations. The presence of genes encoding known virulence factors was investigated by PCR, and the genetic diversity of T. pyogenes strains was examined with the RAPD-PCR method. The prevalence of T. pyogenes infections was 14.6%, and the pathogen was isolated from both female (47.9% of isolates) and male (52.1% of isolates) European bison. It should be highlighted that a considerable number of strains were isolated from the prepuce and penis infections. Therefore, the role of T. pyogenes in the pathogenesis of balanoposthitis should be seriously perceived. A total of 39 T. pyogenes strains were subjected to genetic characterization. All studied strains carried the plo gene, while the nanH (25.6%), nanP (23.1%), cbpA (7.7%), fimA (97.4%), fimC (69.2%), fimE (92.3%) and fimG (15.4%) genes were present with a variable frequency among the tested strains. The virulence genotype plo/fimA/fimC/fimE was dominant. RAPD-PCR typing showed a high level of genetic diversity among European bison T. pyogenes strains, and a total of 31 different RAPD profiles were distinguished. In a few cases, the same RAPD profile was found in strains obtained from animals living in the same area. This study provided the first data about the prevalence and genetic relationships of T. pyogenes in the Polish population of European bison. However, further epidemiological investigations are needed to understand the routes of transmission and dissemination of the pathogen in these wild animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A survey of the birth and mortality of European Bison (Bison bonasus bonasus L1758) conducted from 2000 to 2018 in two nurseries showed that the females in the first study group had the first mating at an average age of 42.54 months, with an interval from 23 to 84.5 months. The average age of the first mated females in the second study group was 31.67 months, with an interval from 39.5 to 66.93 months. The average time between calving for the first group females was 9.95 months, with an interval from 0.5 to 28.5 months. The calving interval for the second group was 8.53 months with variation from 1 to 32 months. The first group had a maximum of seven calves, while the maximum in the second group was 13.A total of 33 calves were born in the first group during the study period, 16 males (48.48%) and 17 females (51.51%), while 40 calves were born in the second group,16 males (40.0%) and 24 females (60.0%).The mortality rate in the first group ranged between 14.3 and 30.0%, with a mortality rate of males of 20 to 60% and for females of 16.66 to 50%. In the second group, the mortality rate was from 9.09 to 23.08%, for males 33.33% and from 11.11 to 25.0% for females. The results indicate that future studies should address greater attention to birth and mortality rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Retracing complex population processes that precede extreme bottlenecks may be impossible using data from living individuals. The wisent (Bison bonasus), Europe's largest terrestrial mammal, exemplifies such a population history, having gone extinct in the wild but subsequently restored by captive breeding efforts. Using low coverage genomic data from modern and historical individuals, we investigate population processes occurring before and after this extinction. Analysis of aligned genomes supports the division of wisent into two previously recognized subspecies, but almost half of the genomic alignment contradicts this population history as a result of incomplete lineage sorting and admixture. Admixture between subspecies populations occurred prior to extinction and subsequently during the captive breeding program. Admixture with the Bos cattle lineage is also widespread but results from ancient events rather than recent hybridization with domestics. Our study demonstrates the huge potential of historical genomes for both studying evolutionary histories and for guiding conservation strategies.

Longevity-related genes have been found in humans, mice, dogs and in several other animal species. The goal of this study was to perform genetic analysis of long-lived European bisons with the aim to find genes that are associated with longevity using GWAS and further sequencing of a wider sample panel. European bison has a unique history of near extinction and the recovery of the species from just a few founder individuals. Together with the short medium lifespan, the expected genetic homogeneity makes bison a suitable model for studying longevity. Particular single nucleotide polymorphisms within three genes, BCKDHB, FER1L6 and SERPINI2, were found significantly overrepresented in long-lived European bisons. In SERPINI2, the longevity-associated single nucleotide polymorphism localizes to an exon. In the protein encoded by the SERPINI2 gene, amino acid leucine present in the reference European bisons is replaced by tryptophan in the long-lived animals. This study is the first to determine longevity-associated variants in genes in European bison. Association of the FER1L6 gene with longevity shows a possible sex dependency.

For the purpose of nature management and species conservation, European bison (Bison bonasus) are being increasingly reintroduced into nature reserves across Europe. The aim of this study was to investigate European bison’s adaptability to new areas through the study of their parasite-EPG (eggs per gram feces) and dietary diversity during twelve months after translocation. We compared the parasite-EPG from introduced European bison in Lille Vildmose, Denmark, with the parasite-EPG from populations from Bornholm, Denmark, and Białowieża Forest, Poland. From March 2021 to February 2022, fecal samples were collected from three populations. Samples from Lille Vildmose were examined through flotation, sedimentation, the Baermann technique, and nanopore sequencing. Fecal samples from Bornholm and Białowieża were examined through flotation and sedimentation. Nanopore sequencing of DNA from 63 European bison’s fecal samples collected during March–September in Lille Vildmose identified 8 species of nematodes within the digestive tract of the European bison, with Haemonchus contortus being the most frequently observed. In Lille Vildmose, a significantly higher excretion of nematode-EPG was observed during the summer period than in the spring, autumn, and winter. In addition, monthly differences in the excretion of nematode eggs were found, with this being significantly higher in June than in the months during autumn and winter (October–February). Significant differences in the nematode-EPG were only found between the excretion of nematode eggs in Białowieża Forest when compared to that of Lille Vildmose, with significantly higher excretion in Lille Vildmose (October–November). The results indicate that the development rates for nematodes may be affected by changes in temperature, with increasing temperatures speeding up their development time. Independent of this study design, wildlife vets together with the gamekeepers managing the herd found it necessary to treat the herd with antiparasitics for practical and animal welfare reasons in relation to translocation. Furthermore, 79 plant taxa were identified in the diet of the European bison. The broadest diet was observed in March suggesting that the European bison quickly adapted to their new habitat. The results suggest a seasonal shift in their diet, with this being most apparent from March to April.

As the population size of free-living European bison in Poland has increased significantly over the last few years, conservation and management should be reconsidered to face new challenges, which aim to protect the whole population, not just individuals. The aim of our study was to analyse prevalence and identify risk factors for infections with viruses affecting reproduction (BVDV, BoHV-1, and BoHV-4), causing respiratory diseases (BRV3, BAdV-3, and BRSV), and emerging vector-borne viruses (BTV and SBV). Over 600 serum samples used in serology and 270 lung tissue samples, and 284 nasal swabs used in virological tests were collected from 24 free-living and captive European bison herds between 2016 and 2023. The seroprevalences varied between low (0.3–6.1% for BVDV, BoHV-1, and BoHV-4), medium (15.9% for BRSV and 22.1% for BTV) and high (43.3% for BRV3, 59.5% for BAdV-3, and 69.5% for SBV). Interspecies’ and intraspecies’ risk of endemic viral infections was observed to be density-dependent, while the effect of anthropogenic factors on the spread of infections in free-living European bison has not been demonstrated. BTV is no longer circulating, while SBV has become endemic. The higher exposure to viruses in the European bison eliminated on the basis of a veterinary decision indicates the importance of an expert supervision for disease control and prevention.

Reintroduction of European bison into the natural environment is one of the most important conservation measures applied for this species. After creating a free herd of European bison, spatial monitoring is crucial. It allows for observation of the population, as well as the detection of potential threats and needs for intervention. In 2016, a new free herd of European bison was introduced to the Żednia District in Knyszyńska Forest. After a few months spent in the acclimation enclosure, the animals were released. The course of their acclimatisation was observed with GPS collars during the next 7 years. Thanks to telemetry monitoring, we could determine the moment when the herd stabilised its home range within available habitats. Monitoring performed for 7 years after the release of the herd confirmed the previously established home range. The fact that the animals remain close to the release site and that there is no damage to the winter crops confirms that the reintroduction site was well chosen.