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The article discusses two films, "Slotherhouse" and "Monkey Shines," that explore the theme of animal antagonists reflecting human violence and exceeding human projections. In "Slotherhouse," a sloth named Alpha is poached and becomes a killer, while in "Monkey Shines," a service monkey named Ella becomes possessive and violent due to experimental injections. Both films highlight the consequences of the wild animal pet trade and biomedical research on animals, urging viewers to consider the ethical implications of human-animal relationships. The films challenge viewers to confront the violence of placing exotic animals in captive conditions and emphasize the need for ecological awareness and ethical treatment of animals. [Extracted from the article]

Simple Summary: For many diseases and infections, practitioners of veterinary medicine draw upon the established literature and anecdotal reports. In rabbits, infection with Encephalitozoon cuniculi, a microsporidian parasite, can result in severe disease. While several comprehensive reviews have been published on this infectious agent and resultant disease, there continue to be many challenges in antemortem diagnosis and treatment which has led to some variability in protocols. Using an international survey of veterinary clinicians, we found both differences and consistencies by geographic location which may reflect the influences of client/practice composition and the education/training level of respondents. The results should aid in generating guidelines and education initiatives involving this infectious disease. In 2022–2023, the first survey of clinicians regarding Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection of rabbits was undertaken. The purpose was to assess the current worldwide knowledge of clinicians regarding influence of breed and age, clinical presentations, use of various diagnostic tools, and treatment regimens and to explore how responses may differ by geographic location. Identifying mostly as exotic animal clinicians, 339 respondents participated, with nearly half from the United States and the remainder from 35 other countries. Neurological signs were most consistently reported as associated with Encephalitozoon cuniculi and the most recurrent clinical case presentation. Other responses showed differences by geographic location. For example, age predilection for disease varied, with 71.1% of international respondents indicating that infection was more common in young rabbits versus 28.9% who suggested it was more frequent in older rabbits. This was significantly different (p = 0.001) from the information from respondents from the United States, where 48.0% indicated that younger rabbits had an increased incidence versus 52.0% who indicated that older age increased occurrence. While some differences may be related to the practice composition and the training level of respondents, many responses were in alignment with the existing literature. Future inquiries should focus more on these discrepancies to aid in generating guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of this infectious disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exotic animals have become popular pets, but there is little information about abandonment. Records of a network of foster homes for abandoned rabbits and rodents in Madrid (Spain) between 2008 and 2021 were analyzed. Data of 1024 animals were included, 46.4% were rabbits, 19.7% hamsters, 15.3% guinea pigs, 5.8% rats, 5.4% gerbils, 4.8% mice, and 2.6% chinchillas. Half of the animals (51.2%) were admitted with health issues, 41.3% had been abandoned, mostly in urban areas, 46.8% came from a local shelter, and 8.1% were relinquished by the owner. Only 12 animals were neutered and 8 were microchipped. The network of foster homes took care of 1009 animals (98.5%), 686 of them were adopted in an average time of 9.2 months, regardless of their health status, 15 animals died before fostering, and 323 died before adoption. Numerous rabbits and rodents are abandoned in urban areas in Madrid (Spain), very few of them are microchipped or neutered. Associations based on networks of foster homes for the adoption of abandoned rabbits and rodents can be effective, preserving animal welfare as effectively as shelters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Understanding the path to becoming a veterinarian who works with exotic and wild animals may not be easy, so using a questionnaire, we aimed to describe and characterise these professionals. We found that most veterinarians felt their undergraduate formation was inadequate in preparing them for their work. Thus, the results showed where the needed changes would be made so that these professionals feel well-prepared for their work. The role of veterinary doctors, particularly those dedicated to Zoological Medicine, is becoming increasingly relevant and essential within the One Health framework. Educational and employment opportunities in this field vary widely across Europe, prompting us to characterise the sector in Portugal and Spain. A survey was conducted, resulting in 169 valid responses from veterinarians. Respondents were characterised based on gender, age, work environment, the highest level of education, additional training, whether they attended zoological medicine classes at university and their perception of the adequacy of that training. Further factors included years of experience, the percentage of their work involving zoological medicine, sectors they work in, the types of animals they treat, their confidence in treating these animals, sources of information they use, and membership in relevant professional associations. Relationships between these variables were examined. The results describe Iberian professionals working with non-traditional pets, wildlife, and zoo animals. Notably, only half of these professionals had taken zoological medicine classes at university; among those, the majority felt they inadequately prepared them for their work. Given the findings, enhancing the training and resources available to these professionals is crucial to prepare them for their roles better. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article from the Journal of Raptor Research examines orthopedic injuries in Andean Condors and their impact on their ability to walk and fly. The study presents four cases of leg injuries in condors from Chile, Bolivia, and Ecuador. Despite their injuries, the condors were able to survive and adapt, although they may face difficulties in finding food and defending themselves. The article emphasizes the resilience of condors and the need for further research on the causes and effects of these injuries. Additionally, the article addresses the issue of injuries and lead poisoning in Andean Condors in Ecuador. Shooting is a significant cause of injury for these endangered birds, and those that survive being shot may also suffer from lead poisoning. Given the declining population of Andean Condors, it is crucial to address these factors contributing to mortality. The article suggests promoting the systematic study of injuries in condors, including medical and surgical approaches, rescue and rehabilitation processes, and the management of injury sources. Establishing a comprehensive and standardized system for the care and monitoring of condor health could benefit not only the condors but also other wildlife. [Extracted from the article]

Simple Summary: Aspergillosis is an important fungal disease occurring in avian fauna, especially in birds kept in captivity. In Psittaciformes, severe disease occurs in the lungs and air sacs, with the development of white-to-yellow caseous nodules and plaques in the organs, in addition to greenish-grey fungal growth in the air sacs. Herein, we report the presence of disseminated infection with Aspergillus fumigatus in a 3-year-old male scarlet macaw parrot (Ara macao) that was presented to the Exotic Animal Clinic at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Iași University of Life Sciences (Iași, Romania) for its postmortem examination. The confirmation of the fungal infection was achieved using histopathological, microbiological, and molecular methods. Since birds suffering from Aspergillus spp. do not always show respiratory issues, or their clinical signs are non-specific, this may create diagnostic difficulty for clinicians unfamiliar with the parrots' pathology. Therefore, for a definitive diagnosis, the demonstration of fungal presence by cytology or histopathology and its identification using culturing and molecular techniques is required. A 3-year-old male scarlet macaw parrot (Ara macao) was presented to the Exotic Animal Clinic at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Iași University of Life Sciences (Iași, Romania) for its postmortem examination. According to the owner, the parrot had been raised only in captivity and after 5 days of inappetence, lethargy, and mild respiratory clinical signs, the parrot died. The post mortem examination revealed various-sized granulomas and caseous plaques in the lungs, air sacs, spleen, intestinal serosa, and liver. Microscopically, the granulomas were characterized by a necrotic center and the infiltration of numerous multinucleated giant cells and epithelioid-like cells and by the presence of hyphae typical of Aspergillus spp. Moreover, in the liver tissue, a diffuse inflammation, with numerous fungal hyphae, was noted. The fungal culture and the PCR assay allowed for the isolation and identification of Aspergillus fumigatus from the lung and liver samples. The macroscopical lesions and the histopathological findings, with the fungal isolation and molecular confirmation of Aspergillus fumigatus by nested PCR, provided the basis for the diagnosis of disseminated aspergillosis. To the authors' best knowledge, this is the first report of disseminated infection caused by Aspergillus fumigatus in a scarlet macaw parrot (Ara macao). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Free-ranging wild boars are considered exotic animals and cause various ecological, economic and health-related damages in Brazil. With the increasing trend of outdoor pig farming, the chances of domestic animals coming into contact with wildlife have risen, leading to a greater risk of disease transmission. Studies on gastrointestinal parasites in wild boars in Brazil are scarce, so we investigated the occurrence of parasitic helminths in these animals. In our study, a total of 10 animals—5 males and 5 females of different ages—were examined. After these animals were culled by control and hunting teams, their digestive systems were collected and examined. A total of 2750 helminths were collected from the small intestine of all animals, and after evaluating their morphologies, we identified them as Globocephalus urosubulatus. The morphological characteristics observed in the nematodes correspond to those previously described; however, we found that the copulatory bursa was asymmetrical, a characteristic that has not yet been recorded in the literature. Although previous studies have characterized the helminth fauna of wild boars kept in captivity in Brazil, records on these helminths in free-ranging animals are still scarce. In view of this, we aimed in our work to investigate the occurrence and morphological and morphometric characteristics of gastrointestinal helminths in wild Sus scrofa from the northwest region of the State of São Paulo, Brazil. The digestive systems of 10 animals (5 males and 5 females of different ages) were used in this study. Each anatomical segment was washed and sieved under running water, and the helminths were separated and identified using light and scanning electron microscopy, according to their morphological characteristics. A total of 2750 (1152 males and 1598 females) nematode specimens were collected from the small intestine of these wild boars, and all of them presented the morphological characteristics of Globocephalus urosubulatus. However, one characteristic is of particular interest because it has not yet been reported in the literature: a marked asymmetry between the lobes and their respective rays of the copulatory bursa, with the left one being larger than the right one. In this research, we identified the presence of G. urosubulatus in all the examined free-ranging wild boars and reported for the first time in the literature the asymmetry in the copulatory bursa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the increasing spread of zoonotic diseases from animals to humans due to human pressures on natural environments and wildlife populations. Factors such as habitat degradation, pollution, climate change, and international animal trade contribute to the loss of ecological function and ecosystem resilience. The presence of wildlife in urban areas poses a significant risk of zoonotic disease transmission, highlighting the need for proactive measures to reduce health risks and conflicts between humans and wildlife in urban settings. The study emphasizes the importance of educating urban residents about wildlife interactions and ecosystem functions to mitigate the spread of zoonoses. [Extracted from the article]

Simple Summary: Exotic animals can carry pathogens that may spread to humans and other animals. When traded and kept as pets, the risk of disease transmission increases as there is a higher potential of close contact and stress involved that can weaken the animals' immune system, making them more likely to shed pathogens. This becomes especially important for households with children younger than five years, elderly and pregnant people or immunocompromised individuals. Thus, this survey investigated how exotic pets are kept, the advice given by veterinarians and how well veterinarians communicate the risks of zoonoses and antimicrobial resistance. The results showed that owning exotic pets comes with several health risks. However, pet owners generally felt satisfied with their veterinarians' communication, especially when they had consulted a veterinarian for a longer time. Despite this, pet owners expressed a desire for more frequent information on these topics. Therefore, it is important to provide more educational resources. Enhancing education and training for veterinarians, particularly in universities, could improve their communication with pet owners about the risks associated with exotic pets. This study highlights the important role of veterinarians in the prevention of pathogen transmission from animals to humans through targeted risk communication. Exotic animals traded and kept as pets can transmit a variety of diseases to humans and other animals, and vice versa. Therefore, it is essential for pet owners, particularly vulnerable groups, to be informed about associated risks. Veterinarians play a crucial role in informing pet owners about health risks associated with zoonotic pathogens and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and should, therefore, have good communication skills to effectively transfer information to pet owners. Thus, exotic pet owners in Germany were surveyed on animal husbandry, veterinary consultation and risk communication. To evaluate the perception of communication, a self-developed questionnaire was used to derive a communication score. The perception of veterinarian communication received a high average score showing a high level of satisfaction. The duration of the veterinarian–client relationship was associated with better communication perception, and the frequency of communication on zoonoses and AMR was associated with the presence of a permanent veterinarian. However, the results indicated that the frequency of disseminated information on zoonoses and/or AMR from veterinarians was lower than desired by the pet owners. Therefore, more educational material on zoonoses and AMR should be made available, and the awareness concerning risk communication should be increased by further education and training at universities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crossbreeding aims to increase the productivity of local or indigenous animals by introducing exotic breeds. This study aims to assess the effects of crossbreeding using 50% Boer bucks crossed with Ethiopian indigenous Woyto‐Guji goats and to evaluate farmers' perceptions towards crossbred kids. Data were collected from five purposively selected districts in southern Ethiopia. Personal interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), and field observations were employed to gather information on the goat production systems and farmers' perceptions. The mean ± SD of goat flock size in the study area were 7.31 ± 5.89 heads per household (HH) with larger flock sizes observed in the Alaba zone (10.32 ± 6.56). Goats in the studied areas were primarily kept for income generation. The average age at first kidding was 11.3 ± 1.3 months. Relatively better management practices were observed for crossbred goats in the Alaba, Loko Abaya, and Gurage zones. Respondent farmers highly appreciated Boer crossbred goats due to their superior perception of attractive coat color (4.39 times greater, P < 0.001), docile behavior (3.59 times greater, P < 0.001), fast growth rate (1.64 times greater, P < 0.05), and market preference (5.81 times greater, P < 0.001). However, susceptibility to disease and drought was considered as drawbacks of crossbred kids in the studied areas. It was also reported that crossbreed goats fetched better prices than indigenous goats of a similar age group and under the same management system. All visited farmers expressed a strong interest in crossbreeding. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that Boer crossbred goats perform well in southern Ethiopia. Therefore, the continued production of crossbred kids can be disseminated to these areas. Additionally, it is suggested to consider the interests of goat producers in the remaining areas. Integrated improved management systems need to be implemented to enhance the survival of crossbred kids. Sustainable training programs should be organized for goat keepers, focusing on aspects such as crossbreeding, minimizing inbreeding, buck rotation, and improved feeding and management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The given text is a program for the Forty-Fifth Meeting of The American Society of Primatologists, held from June 20-23, 2023. It includes information about the board of directors, chairs of committees, local arrangements, meeting sponsors, and exhibitors. The program outlines the schedule of events, including meetings, sessions, and social gatherings. The document provides a schedule of presentations and sessions at a primate research conference, covering topics such as welfare assessment, neuroscience, conservation, and primate self-medication. The document also includes information about breaks and social events during the conference. Additionally, the text includes a collection of abstracts on various topics related to primate behavior, health, and welfare. The abstracts provide valuable insights into the relationships between different factors and their impact on primate well-being. [Extracted from the article]

The study of the brain by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows to obtain detailed anatomical images, useful to describe specific encephalic structures and to analyze possible variabilities. It is widely used in clinical practice and is becoming increasingly used in veterinary medicine, even in exotic animals; however, despite its potential, its use in comparative neuroanatomy studies is still incipient. It is a technology that in recent years has significantly improved anatomical resolution, together with the fact that it is non-invasive and allows for systematic comparative analysis. All this makes it particularly interesting and useful in evolutionary neuroscience studies, since it allows for the analysis and comparison of brains of rare or otherwise inaccessible species. In the present study, we have analyzed the prosencephalon of three representative sauropsid species, the turtle Trachemys scripta (order Testudine), the lizard Pogona vitticeps (order Squamata) and the snake Python regius (order Squamata) by MRI. In addition, we used MRI sections to analyze the total brain volume and ventricular system of these species, employing volumetric and chemometric analyses together. The raw MRI data of the sauropsida models analyzed in the present study are available for viewing and downloading and have allowed us to produce an atlas of the forebrain of each of the species analyzed, with the main brain regions. In addition, our volumetric data showed that the three groups presented clear differences in terms of total and ventricular brain volumes, particularly the turtles, which in all cases presented distinctive characteristics compared to the lizards and snakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to summarize the frequency and the antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of the Salmonella serotypes identified from the specimens of companion animals, livestock, avian, wildlife and exotic species within Atlantic Canada. Materials and Methods: The retrospective electronic laboratory data of microbiological analyses of a selected subset of samples from 03 January 2012 to 29 December 2021 submitted from various animal species were retrieved. The frequency of Salmonella serotypes identified, and their antimicrobial susceptibility results obtained using the disk diffusion or broth method were analysed. The test results were interpreted according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute standard. The Salmonella serotypes were identified by slide agglutination (Kauffman–White‐Le‐Minor Scheme) and/or the Whole Genome Sequencing for the Salmonella in silico Serovar Typing Resource–based identification. Results: Of the cases included in this study, 4.6% (n = 154) had at least one Salmonella isolate, corresponding to 55 different serovars. Salmonella isolation was highest from exotic animal species (n = 40, 1.20%), followed by porcine (n = 26, 0.78%), and canine (n = 23, 0.69%). Salmonella subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium was predominant among exotic mammals, porcine and caprine samples, whereas S. Enteritidis was mostly identified in bovine and canine samples. S. Typhimurium of porcine origin was frequently resistant (>70.0%) to ampicillin. In contrast, S. Typhimurium isolates from porcine and caprine samples were susceptible (>70.0%) to florfenicol. S. Oranienburg from equine samples was susceptible to chloramphenicol, but frequently resistant (>90.0%) to azithromycin. In avian samples, S. Copenhagen was susceptible (>90.0%) to florfenicol, whereas Muenchen was frequently resistant (>90.0%) to florfenicol. S. subsp. diarizonae serovar IIIb:61:k:1,5 of ovine origin was resistant (50.0% isolates) to sulfadimethoxine. No significant changes were observed in the antibiotic resistance profiles across the study years. Conclusions: This report provides data for surveillance studies, distribution of Salmonella serotypes and their antimicrobial resistance among veterinary specimens of Atlantic Canada. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article endeavours to explore the names of spiders and reptiles; these exotic animals are often considered atypical and may evoke various (and sometimes strong) responses and emotions in people. The research material was gathered through a survey. The corpus of zoonyms comprises 341 names of spiders and reptiles, of which 177 are Czech and 164 are Polish. The aim of the article is to pinpoint the core trends in naming of these species, present the sources of motivation thereof, and discuss the word formation mechanisms involved. Emphasis is placed on the socalled “second, supplementary names” and the most common names of spiders and reptiles. The text does also highlight the core factors that, according to the survey, made the study participants commit to owning an exotic pet instead of, for instance, a cat or a dog. The analysis has shown that the most common naming motivations amongst the surveyed were: the colour of the body or its part (16,4%) and the generic/specific name of the animal (10%). The majority of the spider and reptile names (ca. 87%) were created through metaphorical transfer; most of the remaining cases (ca. 13%) involve wordforming modification. Naming of spiders and reptiles uses the sources analogous to the processes involved in the naming of other animals, and predominantly those involved in the naming of cats and dogs. Notably, the corpus does also contain a high quantity of personal names, both masculine and feminine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mpox virus (MPXV) is known to cause zoonotic disease in humans. The virus belongs to the genus Orthopoxvirus, of the family Poxviridae, and was first reported in monkeys in 1959 in Denmark and in humans in 1970 in the Congo. MPXV first appeared in the U.S. in 2003, re-emerged in 2017, and spread globally within a few years. Wild African rodents are thought to be the reservoir of MPXV. The exotic trade of animals and international travel can contribute to the spread of the Mpox virus. A phylogenetic analysis of MPXV revealed two distinct clades (Central African clade and West African clade). The smallpox vaccine shows cross-protection against MPXV infections in humans. Those who have not previously been exposed to Orthopoxvirus infections are more vulnerable to MPXV infections. Clinical manifestations in humans include fever, muscle pain, headache, and vesicle formation on the skin of infected individuals. Pathognomonic lesions include ballooning degenerations with Guarnieri-like inclusions in vesicular epithelial cells. Alterations in viral genome through genetic mutations might favor the re-emergence of a version of MPXV with enhanced virulence. As of November 2023, 92,783 cases and 171 deaths have been reported in 116 countries, representing a global public health concern. Here, we provide insights on the re-emergence of MPXV in humans. This review covers the origin, emergence, re-emergence, transmission, pathology, diagnosis, control measures, and immunomodulation of the virus, as well as clinical manifestations. Concerted efforts of health professionals and scientists are needed to prevent the disease and stop its transmission in vulnerable populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Reptiles usually carry Salmonella without showing any signs of infection. In this case, an adult male corn snake died 48 h after eating a feeder mouse bought online. The snake and mouse livers tested positive for Salmonella, specifically Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Midway. A genome analysis revealed that the two samples were from the same bacterial strain, and both had genes responsible for the bacteria's virulence. This report is about a pet snake that acquired Salmonella from a feeder mouse and then died from septic shock. It shows how feeder mice can be a source of clinical salmonellosis in pet snakes, which can pose a risk to humans too. Reptiles are usually asymptomatic carriers of Salmonella, with the manifestation of typical clinical signs of acute forms in adult and non-immunocompromised animals being considered exceptions. In the present case, an adult male corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus) was found dead due to septic shock 48 h after consuming a feeder mouse purchased online. The snake's tissue samples and faeces were cultured for bacteria isolation. Microbiological examinations of the snake and mouse livers revealed the presence of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Midway. A whole-genome analysis of these two isolates showed a high correlation between them: they belonged to the strain type ST-357 for the classic MLST scheme and to the strain type ST 171322 for the cgMLST scheme. Also, a virulence gene analysis revealed the presence of stdB and STM3026 genes. This report conveys a case of food-borne salmonellosis in a pet snake, transmitted from a feeder mouse, likely responsible for the snake's death due to septic shock. It highlights the relevance of feeder mice as a source of Salmonella infections in snakes and the associated risks to human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The discovery that a population of cells derived from adult tissues had regenerative properties and could be expandedand utilizedtherapeutically led toan abundance of research intothesafetyand efficacy of these cells fora variety of disease processes. Derived from tissuesof mesenchymal origin, these cells were called mesenchymal stem cells or mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). MSCs were subsequently found to have a variety of anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and regenerative properties both in vitro and in vivo. These cells have been extensively studied and demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases, infectious diseases, and other pathologic conditions. Multiple veterinary clinical trials have been performed for diseases such as osteoarthritis, soft tissue, and tendon injuries in addition to other inflammatory and infectious conditions. Exotic animal species can poseadditional challengestothe treatment of common medical conditions such asosteoarthritis dueto varying metabolism and tolerance to medications as well as potential difficulty to medicate or utilize other common forms of therapy such as physical therapy, laser, massage, and acupuncture. Current knowledge of MSC use in exotic species is limited, but there is a large potential for benefit to a variety of species utilizing this novel therapeutic tool. This review includes a brief overview of mechanisms and known applications of this therapy as well as current and potential applications of MSCs in exotic animal species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was aimed at the identification of population stratifying markers from the commercial porcine SNP 60K array and elucidate the genome-wide selective sweeps in the crossbred Landlly pig population. Original genotyping data, generated on Landlly pigs, was merged in various combinations with global suid breeds that were grouped as exotic (global pig breeds excluding Indian and Chinese), Chinese (Chinese pig breeds only), and outgroup pig populations. Post quality control, the genome-wide SNPs were ranked for their stratifying power within each dataset in TRES (using three different criteria) and FIFS programs and top-ranked SNPs (0.5K, 1K, 2K, 3K, and 4K densities) were selected. PCA plots were used to assess the stratification power of low-density panels. Selective sweeps were elucidated in the Landlly population using intra- and inter-population haplotype statistics. Additionally, Tajima's D-statistics were calculated to determine the status of balancing selection in the Landlly population. PCA plots showed 0.5K marker density to effectively stratify Landlly from other pig populations. The A-score in DAPC program revealed the Delta statistic of marker selection to outperform other methods (informativeness and FST methods) and that 3000-marker density was suitable for stratification of Landlly animals from exotic pig populations. The results from selective sweep analysis revealed the Landlly population to be under selection for mammary (NAV2), reproductive efficiency (JMY, SERGEF, and MAP3K20), body conformation (FHIT, WNT2, ASRB, DMGDH, and BHMT), feed efficiency (CSRNP1 and ADRA1A), and immunity (U6, MYO3B, RBMS3, and FAM78B) traits. More than two methods suggested sweeps for immunity and feed efficiency traits, thus giving a strong indication for selection in this direction. The study is the first of its kind in Indian pig breeds with a comparison against global breeds. In conclusion, 500 markers were able to effectively stratify the breeds. Different traits under selective sweeps (natural or artificial selection) can be exploited for further improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Identifying consciousness in other creatures, be they animals or exotic creatures that have yet to be discovered, remains a great scientific challenge. We delineate the first three steps that we think are necessary for identifying consciousness in other creatures. Step 1 is to define the particular kind of consciousness in which one is interested. Step 2 is to identify, in humans, the key differences between the brain processes that are associated with consciousness and the brain processes that are not associated with consciousness. For Step 2, to identify these differences, we focus on passive frame theory. Step 3 concerns how the insights derived from consciousness research on humans (e.g., concerning these differences) can be generalized to other creatures. We discuss the significance of examining how consciousness was fashioned by the process of evolution, a process that could be happenstance and replete with incessant tinkering, yielding adaptations that can be suboptimal and counterintuitive, far different in nature from our efficiently designed robotic systems. We conclude that the more that is understood about the differences between conscious processing and unconscious processing in humans, the easier it will be to identify consciousness in other creatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Companion animal ownership has evolved to new exotic animals, including small mammals, posing a new public health challenge, especially due to the ability of some of these new species to harbour zoonotic bacteria, such as Salmonella, and spread their antimicrobial resistances (AMR) to other bacteria through the environment they share. Therefore, the objective of the present pilot study was to evaluate the current epidemiological AMR situation in commensal Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp., in non-traditional companion animal small mammals in the Valencia region. For this purpose, 72 rectal swabs of nine different species of small mammals were taken to assess the antimicrobial susceptibility against 28 antibiotics. A total of one Salmonella enterica serovar Telelkebir 13,23:d:e,n,z15 and twenty commensal E. coli strains were isolated. For E. coli strains, a high prevalence of AMR (85%) and MDR (82.6%) was observed, although neither of them had access outside the household. The highest AMR were observed in quinolones, one of the highest priority critically important antimicrobials (HPCIAs) in human medicine. However, no AMR were found for Salmonella. In conclusion, the results showed that small mammals' commensal E. coli poses a public health risk due to the high AMR found, and the ability of this bacterium to transmit its resistance genes to other bacteria. For this reason, this pilot study highlighted the need to establish programmes to control AMR trends in the growing population of new companion animals, as they could disseminate AMR to humans and animals through their shared environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Aim This study aimed to summarize the frequency and the antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of the Salmonella serotypes identified from the specimens of companion animals, livestock, avian, wildlife and exotic species within Atlantic Canada. Materials and Methods The retrospective electronic laboratory data of microbiological analyses of a selected subset of samples from 03 January 2012 to 29 December 2021 submitted from various animal species were retrieved. The frequency of Salmonella serotypes identified, and their antimicrobial susceptibility results obtained using the disk diffusion or broth method were analysed. The test results were interpreted according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute standard. The Salmonella serotypes were identified by slide agglutination (Kauffman–White‐Le‐Minor Scheme) and/or the Whole Genome Sequencing for the Salmonella in silico Serovar Typing Resource–based identification. Results Of the cases included in this study, 4.6% (n = 154) had at least one Salmonella isolate, corresponding to 55 different serovars. Salmonella isolation was highest from exotic animal species (n = 40, 1.20%), followed by porcine (n = 26, 0.78%), and canine (n = 23, 0.69%). Salmonella subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium was predominant among exotic mammals, porcine and caprine samples, whereas S. Enteritidis was mostly identified in bovine and canine samples. S. Typhimurium of porcine origin was frequently resistant (>70.0%) to ampicillin. In contrast, S. Typhimurium isolates from porcine and caprine samples were susceptible (>70.0%) to florfenicol. S. Oranienburg from equine samples was susceptible to chloramphenicol, but frequently resistant (>90.0%) to azithromycin. In avian samples, S. Copenhagen was susceptible (>90.0%) to florfenicol, whereas Muenchen was frequently resistant (>90.0%) to florfenicol. S. subsp. diarizonae serovar IIIb:61:k:1,5 of ovine origin was resistant (50.0% isolates) to sulfadimethoxine. No significant changes were observed in the antibiotic resistance profiles across the study years. Conclusions This report provides data for surveillance studies, distribution of Salmonella serotypes and their antimicrobial resistance among veterinary specimens of Atlantic Canada.

ABSTRACT The island of Fernando de Noronha, belonging to the state of Pernambuco, Brazil, has several animal species introduced by man, such as the black rat (Rattus rattus) and the domestic cat (Felis catus), representing a risk to the ecological balance of the island and to the public health. This study aimed to report the occurrence of Strobilocercus fasciolaris in black rats (R. rattus) in this insular environment and to contribute with epidemiological data on this parasitosis. Rodents were captured using Tomahawk traps and sedated with an association of Ketamine Hydrochloride (40mg/kg/IM) and Xylazine Hydrochloride (2mg/kg/IM) for subsequent euthanasia and necroscopic evaluation. Of the 154 captured black rats, 54 (35.06%) had single or multiple cysts in the liver. The cysts were morphologically evaluated and the metacestodes were identified as Strobilocercus fasciolaris, the larval form of Hydatigera taeniformis. This is the first report of the occurrence of Strobilocercus fasciolaris in black rats (Rattus rattus) in an island environment in Brazil. The occurrence of this metacestode in rodents on the Island demonstrates the high environmental contamination, fast reproduction, and dispersion of this parasite, being a potential risk for the conservation of susceptible species and for public health.

The role of veterinary doctors, particularly those dedicated to Zoological Medicine, is becoming increasingly relevant and essential within the One Health framework. Educational and employment opportunities in this field vary widely across Europe, prompting us to characterise the sector in Portugal and Spain. A survey was conducted, resulting in 169 valid responses from veterinarians. Respondents were characterised based on gender, age, work environment, the highest level of education, additional training, whether they attended zoological medicine classes at university and their perception of the adequacy of that training. Further factors included years of experience, the percentage of their work involving zoological medicine, sectors they work in, the types of animals they treat, their confidence in treating these animals, sources of information they use, and membership in relevant professional associations. Relationships between these variables were examined. The results describe Iberian professionals working with non-traditional pets, wildlife, and zoo animals. Notably, only half of these professionals had taken zoological medicine classes at university; among those, the majority felt they inadequately prepared them for their work. Given the findings, enhancing the training and resources available to these professionals is crucial to prepare them for their roles better.

Exotic companion animals have had an important role in our society since ancient times. Preserving animal health is necessary to do a responsible use of veterinary medicines. This study aimed to describe the prescription patterns of drugs in exotic pets and wildlife animals attending the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the University of León (HVULE). A retrospective study was carried out between 2018 and 2022. Birds were the largest group of exotic animals attending the HVULE. Visits were related to emergency reasons and for musculoskeletal disorders. One-third of the animals were eventually euthanised. Regarding pharmacological treatments, the most frequently active ingredients used were pentobarbital, isoflurane, meloxicam, and within antibiotics, marbofloxacin (category B in the classification of European Medicines Agency). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The multidisciplinary nature of human-(nonhuman) animal interactions (HAI), and global interest in HAI development, has led to an explosion of research in recent years justifying the need to update previous reviews in the subject area. This paper reports the results of a systematic literature review focusing on measures of HAI created in the ten-year period since previous reviews ended (2008). Thirty new HAI questionnaires were identified using two sets of search terms. Results indicated that reliability and validity testing were still not standard within tool creation. Companion animal HAI remained dominant in the instrument field; however, there was continued research into exotic animal HAI and the initiation of research into therapy and assistance animal HAI. Refinement of terminology and consistent use of definitions could facilitate researchers from various disciplines being able to locate relevant research in future. Similar review updates are recommended for attitudes to animal tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The term parasite is a word originating from Greek language and it means someone who feeds from others' table. Humans are hosts to nearly 300 species of parasitic worms and over 70 species of protozoa. Tasks and goals - to make a retrospective analysis of rare cases of eye parasitoses in our practice. Materials and methods - patients were investigated for the period of 15 years in Eye Clinic „St. Nikolay"-Varna. The clinical cases noted concern eye diseases caused by Dirofilaria, Thelazia and Demodex. Results - for 15 years time, from 2008 to 2023 these has been one case of Dirofilaria of the eyelid, one case of Thelazia of the conjunctiva and Demodex-blepharitis in 6 patients. All of them had no reported travel abroad or contact with exotic animals. In Bulgaria, apart from our case with Thelasia, no similar case has been described, especially for such a small baby. In the case of demodex-blepharitis, we consider it a disadvantage that we have not referred our patients for parasitological examination more often. Conclusion - Cases in humans with parasites with ocular localization are relatively rare, but aren't casuistry. We should search for them actively and think of differential diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE To investigate the prevalence and seropositivity of SARS-CoV-2 in companion and exotic animals in a veterinary healthcare system. SAMPLE A total of 341 animals were sampled by a combination of oral and nasal swabs. Serum from whole blood was collected from a subset of animals (86 canines, 25 felines, and 6 exotic animals). METHODS After informed owner consent, convenience samples from client-owned animals and the pets of students and staff members associated with Colorado State University's Veterinary Health System were collected between May 2021 and September 2022. Study samples were collected by trained veterinarians, Veterinary Health System staff, and veterinary students. RESULTS SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected by reverse transcription PCR in 1.6% (95% Cl, 0.5% to 4.6%) of domestic canines and 1.1% (95% Cl, 0.2% to 6.1%) of domestic felines. No RNA was detected in any of the exotic animal species tested (n = 66). Plague reduction neutralization tests indicated that 12.8% (95% Cl, 7.3% to 21.5%) of canines and 12.0% (95% Cl, 4.2% to 30.0%) of felines had neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. CLINICAL RELEVANCE This study provides insight regarding SARS-CoV-2 spillover in domestic companion and exotic animals and contributes to our understanding of transmission risk in the veterinary setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe gross pathology, histopathology, ultrastructure, and molecular characterization of skunk adenovirus 1 (SkAdV-1) in 3 ferrets (Mustela putorius) submitted to the Infectious Diseases Laboratory, Zoo and Exotic Animal Pathology Service at the University of Georgia. Case 1 came from a cohort with a 6-week history of multiple ferrets with respiratory disease and mortality. Cases 2 and 3 were submitted 19 days later; they died 3 days after arrival at the vendor's facility. Histopathological evaluation found evidence of suppurative bronchopneumonia, with intralesional gram-positive cocci in case 1. The others had evidence of subacute multifocal histiocytic and lymphoplasmacytic interstitial pneumonia. Viral isolation, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and DNA sequencing identified SkAdV-1 in lung tissue. In situ hybridization confirmed adenovirus within the lung lesion, and adenovirus particles were visible under an electron microscope. This is the seventh species in which SkAdV-1 has been identified. Cross-species transmission events have important implications for wildlife management and multispecies facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The veterinary medical field is constantly growing and evolving. Embracing the growth of readily available video conferencing, and potentially spurred by events such as the COVID-19 pandemic causing the public to seek alternatives to physical contact for medical advice at their local veterinary clinic, the use of long-distance advice or telehealth is a rapidly developing field in its own right. Here we present case studies using a teletriage service, VetTriage, to provide health care advice to clients with underserved species including presenting complications, actions taken during the session, medical advice given, and follow-up of the case when possible. In addition to the everyday difficulty of accessing rapid medical care in recent years, there are households with underserved animal groups such as exotics (small mammals, reptiles, birds, fish, etc.), found wildlife, and in some areas of the country, large animals (horses, cows, etc.). Teletriage services have the potential to reach these underserved animal groups providing a vital service where otherwise no help may be available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An injured young individual of the Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca; Accipitridae) from the Protected Bird Area „Medzibodrožie" in the south-eastern Slovakia was subjected to the complete clinical examination at the Clinic for Birds and Exotic Animals of the University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy. Adult trematodes were isolated from the pharynx of the eagle after oesophagoscopy. The morphological and molecular identification of the flukes confirmed a trematode Cathaemasia hians (Cathaemasiidae), the obligate parasite of black storks (Ciconia nigra) and white storks (Ciconia ciconia). This finding represents the first documented case of C. hians in new bird host species and indicates broader spectrum of definitive hosts of the fluke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Covering literature to December 2022 This review provides a comprehensive account of all natural products (500 compounds, including 17 semi-synthetic derivatives) described in the primary literature up to December 2022, reported to be capable of inhibiting the egg hatching, motility, larval development and/or the survival of helminths (i.e., nematodes, flukes and tapeworms). These parasitic worms infect and compromise the health and welfare, productivity and lives of commercial livestock (i.e., sheep, cattle, horses, pigs, poultry and fish), companion animals (i.e., dogs and cats) and other high value, endangered and/or exotic animals. Attention is given to chemical structures, as well as source organisms and anthelmintic properties, including the nature of bioassay target species, in vivo animal hosts, and measures of potency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reptiles are usually asymptomatic carriers of Salmonella, with the manifestation of typical clinical signs of acute forms in adult and non-immunocompromised animals being considered exceptions. In the present case, an adult male corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus) was found dead due to septic shock 48 h after consuming a feeder mouse purchased online. The snake’s tissue samples and faeces were cultured for bacteria isolation. Microbiological examinations of the snake and mouse livers revealed the presence of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Midway. A whole-genome analysis of these two isolates showed a high correlation between them: they belonged to the strain type ST-357 for the classic MLST scheme and to the strain type ST 171322 for the cgMLST scheme. Also, a virulence gene analysis revealed the presence of stdB and STM3026 genes. This report conveys a case of food-borne salmonellosis in a pet snake, transmitted from a feeder mouse, likely responsible for the snake’s death due to septic shock. It highlights the relevance of feeder mice as a source of Salmonella infections in snakes and the associated risks to human health.

This article explores the cultural significance of rodents in India. It highlights various instances where rodents have played important roles in Indian mythology and history. For example, Mushakraj, a rat, is revered as the mount of Lord Ganesha, and rats are worshipped in the Karni Mata temple in Rajasthan. The article also discusses how rodents are part of the cultural traditions of the Adi tribe in Arunachal Pradesh, where they are included in marriage rituals. Additionally, the article examines the role of rats in the revolution that led to the creation of the state of Mizoram. Overall, the article emphasizes the mythological and historical importance of rodents in shaping Indian culture and history. [Extracted from the article]