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The raccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis), a gastrointestinal nematode parasite of the raccoon (Procyon lotor), is the causative agent of a zoonotic disease that can cause severe neurological sequelae and even fatal cases. The parasite is now established in Europe and, while not present in all raccoon populations, it is currently expanding its range. Understanding the geographic distribution of the roundworm is a necessity for public health. Here, we report the first detections of the raccoon roundworm from Luxembourg. We used genetic techniques to test whether the roundworm originated from a distinct introduction event or entered the country by natural dispersal. We detected two roundworms in a raccoon that was road-killed in Echternach, northeastern Luxembourg. Furthermore, in a wildlife rescue centre, roundworms were detected in the latrine of an enclosure containing seven raccoons. Using different genetic techniques, we showed the Echternach roundworms to originate from the nearest German population, while the rescue centre roundworms were genetically distinct. By genotyping the host from a roundworm DNA extract, we identified a raccoon originating from southwest Luxembourg as the host of at least one roundworm. Roundworms are thus colonising Luxembourg both by natural dispersal and from an introduced population. The (potential) hosts all originated from the local population, suggesting that imported/introduced roundworms have already spread to the local raccoon population. Authorities should act as though the parasite is already widespread in the country, raising awareness among the public and individuals with occupational contact with raccoons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: One male adult crested porcupine was found moribund in the province of Siena (Tuscany, Central Italy), and died soon after being recovered by a wildlife rescue service. At necropsy, a rounded nodule was noted on the surface of the heart. Differential diagnoses included abscess, systemic tuberculosis, parasitic cyst, and neoplasia. Histology was performed on the lesion, revealing a cystic formation in the epicardium. The cyst was lined by stratified squamous epithelium and was filled with lamellar keratin without hair shafts. The lesion was diagnosed as an epicardial epidermoid cyst (EC). EC are most commonly found in the skin, both in human and animal patients, although rarely they can occur in various internal organs. However, cardiac EC has not been reported before in animals. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of EC in a wild animal species. The crested porcupine (Hystrix cristata) is present in central Italy with an estimated population of 1800 individuals. Despite the local abundance, little data are available on the diseases affecting free-ranging individuals. We describe a case of an epidermoid cyst (EC) in a male adult porcupine found in the municipality of Sovicille, province of Siena (Tuscany). At necropsy, a firm rounded nodule was noted on the left ventricle wall. Histological examination revealed a cystic formation lined by stratified squamous epithelium. The cyst was filled with lamellar keratin, while hair shafts were not present. The adjacent epicardium was infiltrated by lymphoplasmacytic cells in reaction to the rupture of the cyst with the spilling of keratinaceous debris. The lesion was diagnosed as a ruptured epicardial epidermoid cyst. EC are most commonly found in the skin, both in human and animal patients, though infrequently, they can occur in any internal organ. Cardiac EC has not been reported in domestic animals, and this is the first report of EC in a wild animal species. Clinical veterinarians should consider the possibility of similar cardiac lesions in captive subjects since the long lifespan of these rodents could allow the growth of the cyst with the compression of the adjacent tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hedgehogs, Erinaceus spp., are commonly admitted to rescue centres in European countries. However, there are still few studies on parasitological fauna and treatment possibilities, including for E. roumanicus. This study aimed to evaluate parasitism in 34 hedgehogs directly after their admission to the Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden Wildlife Rescue Centre, as well as the efficacy of fenbendazole treatment. The Mini-Flotac method was used to quantitatively evaluate and assess the efficacy of treatment with fenbendazole (100 mg/kg PO. BID for 7 days) in five selected individuals. Faecal samples were analysed at D0 and D14 after the beginning of the treatment. Globally, the prevalence of positive animals was 76%. Capillaria spp. were the most prevalent (68%), while coccidia showed a prevalence of 32%. Considering the range of action of this benzimidazole, the treatment provided an efficacy of 100%, eliminating all forms of Capillaria spp. Considering the high number of hedgehogs admitted to rescue centres and the potential effects of parasitism in morbidity and mortality during recovery, it is essential to improve our knowledge with regard to the parasitological fauna of these species and to attain effective treatment protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Eurasian Eagle-Owl (Bubo bubo) shows reversed sexual size dimorphism. We aimed to evaluate morphological size differences between the sexes of the smallest eagle-owl subspecies (B. b. kiautschensis), for which little morphometric information is available, and to develop a discriminant function for sex using a minimum number of morphometric parameters. We compared nine morphological measurements of 41 genetically or anatomically sexed eagle-owls admitted to a Korean wildlife rescue center and used discriminant function analysis of 29 birds (17 female, 12 male) with complete measurement data of nine biometrics. We developed four equations using three measurements (total length, head length, and weight) that had 86–96% accuracy for sexing Korean Eagle-Owls. The subspecies-specific morphometric data and discriminant functions we developed can help fill the current knowledge gap regarding the morphological characteristics of this little-known subspecies, benefiting researchers, wildlife managers, and veterinarians who work with or study this apex predator in the Korean forest ecosystem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At wintering sites of the migratory Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus) in subtropical Asia, behavioral interactions between males and females are limited, and the body mass and plumage features between the sexes overlap significantly. Thus, sexing the species morphometrically for research and conservation activities is difficult. We aimed to develop a quantitative method for sexing Short-eared Owls, and we here present a new formula to do so using plumage features. We used a total of 198 Short-eared Owls (163 from bird rescue efforts at 15 airports and 35 preserved specimens from a museum in Taiwan) and carefully examined their morphological data and plumage images, then determined their sex using polymerase chain reactions of chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein genes on sex chromosomes or gonad inspection. Eight of the ten traits we evaluated differed significantly between males and females. Females had a greater number of cross bars on primaries, secondaries, and outermost tail feathers; a higher proportion of yellowish-brown underwing coverage; and larger measurements in head length, bill length, tarsus length, and body mass. The best-fit model suggested simplifying the formula to just the proportion of the yellowish-brown underwing coverage, which provided sexing accuracy exceeding 95.9% for the 49 live individuals in the test data set and 94.3% for the 35 preserved specimens. This formula addresses the challenges posed by ambiguous individuals in the wintering region and offers an efficient and accurate means for sexing Short-eared Owls when DNA or gonad inspection is unavailable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Importance: Recent developments in genetic analytical techniques have enabled the comprehensive analysis of gastrointestinal symbiotic bacteria as a screening tool for animal health conditions, especially the endangered gibbons at the National Wildlife Rescue Centre (NWRC). Objective: High-throughput sequencing based on 16S ribosomal RNA genes was used to determine the baseline gut bacterial composition and identify potential pathogenic bacteria among three endangered gibbons housed in the NWRC. Methods: Feces were collected from 14 individuals (Hylobates lar, n = 9; Hylobates agilis, n = 4; and Symphalangus syndactylus, n = 1) from March to November 2022. Amplicon sequencing were conducted by targeting V3-V4 region. Results: The fecal microbial community of the study gibbons was dominated by Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes (phylum level), Prevotellaceae and Lachnospiraceae/Muribaculaceae (family level), and Prevotella (and its subgroups) (genera level). This trend suggests that the microbial community composition of the study gibbons differed insignificantly from previously reported conspecific or closely related gibbon species. Conclusions and Relevance: This study showed no serious health problems that require immediate attention. However, relatively low alpha diversity and few potential bacteria related to gastrointestinal diseases and streptococcal infections were detected. Information on microbial composition is essential as a guideline to sustain a healthy gut condition of captive gibbons in NWRC, especially before releasing this primate back into the wild or semiwild environment. Further enhanced husbandry environments in the NWRC are expected through continuous health monitoring and increase diversity of the gut microbiota through diet diversification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Wild birds are at risk of death owing to human activities, including indirect human threats, such as environmental pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change. This study was conducted to analyze the records of birds rescued by the Jeonbuk Wildlife Center in the Republic of Korea to identify the problems and trends in terms of injury and disease that most affect free-living wild birds. From January 2019 to February 2021, medical records, including species, date, and location of rescue, cause of hospitalization, diagnosis, and treatment records, were obtained for all admitted birds. The analysis included 1464 birds belonging to 106 species. The main admitted causes were being orphaned, window collisions, and trauma from unknown reasons. Inflammatory conditions were predominant in diagnoses mainly caused by trauma and infection. The most frequent diagnoses were dehydration, integumentary injuries, and neurological injuries. The inflammation-related diagnosis accounted for 82% of all diagnoses. Insufficient reports are available on what clinical and pathological conditions are observed in rescued free-living wild birds. This study investigated recent diagnoses of admitted wild birds based on admission causes in a southwestern area of South Korea over the past 2 years. A retrospective study was conducted on 1464 birds rescued from 2019 to February 2021. Overall, 12 admission subcategories were classified, and the diagnoses identified for each cause were analyzed. The three most frequently observed categories, general, integumentary, and musculoskeletal, each accounted for 20% of the total diagnoses. Trauma accounted for 71.4% of all diagnoses, and 81.5% featured inflammatory conditions, primarily due to trauma or infection. The proportion of birds that presented inflammatory conditions was much greater than the proportion of birds that were admitted due to trauma-related causes. This was because inflammatory diseases were identified at a high frequency, even from nontraumatic admission causes, and inflammatory conditions were not easily revealed. Suspecting an inflammatory condition in most rescued birds is advisable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phalaris aquatica is pasture species introduced into Australia during early European settlement. Consumption of the plant can cause the neurological condition chronic phalaris toxicity (CPT) in sheep and cattle. In recent years, there has been an increase in reports of CPT in macropods, which has raised concerns regarding its impacts on their welfare. Currently, little is known about the distribution or seasonal patterns of this disease in wildlife, information pivotal in assessing its potential risks. Between 2021 and 2022, we conducted a survey targeting government bodies, veterinary businesses and wildlife organisations to investigate the locations and time of occurrence of CPT in macropods in the state of Victoria, Australia. We received 13 survey responses, 12 verbal reports, a full record of investigated cases from a university veterinary school and cases from a wildlife rescue organisation. Over the period of 11 years, Victoria had 918 cases of CPT recorded in macropods from 36 local government areas, with cases concentrated centrally just north of the state capital of Melbourne and July (midwinter) being the month with the highest case count (n = 220). There was a significant positive correlation between case count and both the abundance of kangaroos (Macropus giganteus and Macropus fuliginosus) (P < 0.01) and the abundance of P. aquatica (P = 0.009), and a significant negative correlation between annual case count and average rainfall of March (P = 0.016) and April (P = 0.02). Understanding these relationships will assist land and wildlife managers in predicting the risk and magnitude of disease outbreaks of CPT each in Victoria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: A decline in European hedgehog populations has been reported in several European countries over the past years. Human activities, along with global warming and infectious diseases, appear to be the main drivers of this phenomenon. The present study aimed to determine the major causes of mortality and the main pathological findings in European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) submitted to postmortem examination at two institutes of veterinary pathology, one located in Italy (Piedmont region) and one in Switzerland (Canton of Zurich). Hedgehogs were found in affected health status in the wild, mostly due to traumatic injury, poor overall condition and respiratory, gastrointestinal or neurological signs. The primary causes of death identified were infectious diseases and traumatic insults. The lungs were the most commonly affected organ, mainly displaying pneumonia, which was significantly associated with the presence of nematodes. These findings should be held in mind when treating the species presented to wildlife rescue centers and highlight the importance of proper education of the public on how to coexist and interact with hedgehog populations inhabiting urban areas. European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) are nocturnal insectivores frequently found in urban areas. In the last decades, their population has declined in various European countries and human activities have emerged as significant contributors to this trend. While the literature has mainly focused on trauma as the major cause of mortality, few authors have considered pathological findings. The present study is based on the results of full post-mortem examinations performed on 162 European hedgehogs in Italy and 109 in Switzerland. Unlike in previous studies, the main cause of mortality was infectious diseases (60.5%), followed by traumatic insults (27.7%). The lungs were the main organ affected, showing mostly lymphoplasmacytic (45.9%), granulomatous (18.1%) or suppurative (8.2%) pneumonia. Nematodes were detected in 57.2% of all lungs and were significantly associated with pneumonia (p-value < 0.001). To our knowledge, this is the first study to report infectious diseases as the main cause of hedgehog death, emphasizing the need for wildlife rescue centers to adopt appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic measures. Further research is necessary to determine the broad range of infectious agents that affect this species and elucidate their interplay with the host. Finally, citizen sensitization should be implemented to promote responsible behaviors that could reduce human-related traumatic events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: West Nile virus (WNV) is a flavivirus that circulates among birds and mosquitoes and can cause outbreaks in people and horses, sometimes leading to serious brain-related illness and death. This study aimed to investigate WNV circulation in birds and horses in Madrid, Spain. Through serological testing (cELISA), a proportion of birds were positive for WNV antibodies, indicating potential exposure. Four birds and one horse were confirmed positive for WNV antibodies with a second test, while four other birds showed antibodies to an undetermined flavivirus. Because birds positive for WNV antibodies were adults, they might have been exposed elsewhere. The horse had previously lived in a WNV endemic zone. The birds positive for flavivirus included two young birds that had not traveled outside Madrid. The presence of antibodies in two juvenile birds that could hardly fly suggests local circulation of flavivirus in birds in Madrid. The study addresses the potential circulation of WNV or related flaviviruses in birds in Madrid, emphasizing the need for increased surveillance to understand transmission dynamics and the principal species involved. Given the growing incidence and spread of WNV in Spain, continued research is vital for risk assessment and implementing effective control measures. West Nile virus (WNV) is a re-emerging flavivirus, primarily circulating among avian hosts and mosquito vectors, causing periodic outbreaks in humans and horses, often leading to neuroinvasive disease and mortality. Spain has reported several outbreaks, most notably in 2020 with seventy-seven human cases and eight fatalities. WNV has been serologically detected in horses in the Community of Madrid, but to our knowledge, it has never been reported from wild birds in this region. To estimate the seroprevalence of WNV in wild birds and horses in the Community of Madrid, 159 wild birds at a wildlife rescue center and 25 privately owned equines were sampled. Serum from thirteen birds (8.2%) and one equine (4.0%) tested positive with a WNV competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) designed for WNV antibody detection but sensitive to cross-reacting antibodies to other flaviviruses. Virus-neutralization test (VNT) confirmed WNV antibodies in four bird samples (2.5%), and antibodies to undetermined flavivirus in four additional samples. One equine sample (4.0%) tested positive for WNV by VNT, although this horse previously resided in a WN-endemic area. ELISA-positive birds included both migratory and resident species, juveniles and adults. Two seropositive juvenile birds suggest local flavivirus transmission within the Community of Madrid, while WNV seropositive adult birds may have been infected outside Madrid. The potential circulation of flaviviruses, including WNV, in birds in the Madrid Community raises concerns, although further surveillance of mosquitoes, wild birds, and horses in Madrid is necessary to establish the extent of transmission and the principal species involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of infectious diseases on host populations is often not quantified because it is difficult to observe the host population and infectious disease dynamics. To address this problem, we developed a state-space model to simultaneously estimate host population and disease dynamics using wildlife rescue data. Using this model, we aimed to quantify the impact of sarcoptic mange on a Japanese raccoon dog population by estimating the change in their relative population size. We classified the status of rescued raccoon dogs into four categories: i) rescued due to infection with mange, ii) rescued due to traffic accidents without mange, iii) rescued due to traffic accidents with mange, and iv) rescued due to causes other than traffic accidents or mange. We modelled the observation process for each category and fitted the model to the reported number of raccoon dogs rescued between 1990 and 2010 at three wildlife rescue facilities in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. The mortality rate induced by mange was estimated to be 1.09 (95% credible interval (CI): 0.47–1.72) per year. The estimated prevalence of sarcoptic mange ranged between 4 and 80% in the study period. When a substantial prevalence of mange was observed (1995–2002), the host population size decreased by 91.2% (95% credible intervals: 86.3–94.7). We show that the impact of infectious disease outbreak on the wildlife population can be estimated from the time-series data of wildlife rescue events due to multiple causes. Our estimates suggest that sarcoptic mange triggered a substantial decrease in the Japanese wild raccoon dog populations.

Simple Summary: Wildlife has been described as a sylvatic reservoir for a multitude of pathogens. The interactions between wild birds, domestic animals, and humans in urban areas are high, so monitoring urban birds is key for the surveillance of zoonosis such as campylobacteriosis. This infection is mainly caused by thermophilic Campylobacter spp., and it is the most reported foodborne zoonosis in the European Union. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of thermophilic Campylobacter isolates and their antimicrobial resistance pattern in urban wild birds. Results showed that 16.8% of birds were positive for Campylobacter, with 82.4% of the isolates resistant to at least one antimicrobial. The taxonomic order of individuals, main diet, age, and season of sampling were significant factors associated with Campylobacter spp. carriage. Although the prevalence of Campylobacter was low, the rate of antimicrobial-resistant isolates is worrying, so similar studies should be included in the antimicrobial resistance surveillance programs. The increasing urbanization of ecosystems has had a significant impact on wildlife over the last few years. Species that find an unlimited supply of food and shelter in urban areas have thrived under human presence. Wild birds have been identified as amplifying hosts and reservoirs of Campylobacter worldwide, but the information about its transmission and epidemiology is still limited. This study assessed the prevalence of Campylobacter in 137 urban birds admitted at a wildlife rescue center, with 18.8% of individuals showing positive. C. jejuni was the most frequent species (82.6%), followed by C. coli and C. lari (4.3% each). The order Passeriformes (33.3%) showed significant higher presence of Campylobacter when compared to orders Columbiformes (0%) and Ciconiiformes (17.6%), as well as in samples collected during the summer season (31.9%), from omnivorous species (36.8%) and young individuals (26.8%). Globally, Campylobacter displayed a remarkable resistance to ciprofloxacin (70.6%), tetracycline (64.7%), and nalidixic acid (52.9%). In contrast, resistance to streptomycin was low (5.8%), and all the isolates showed susceptibility to erythromycin and gentamycin. The results underline the importance of urban birds as reservoirs of thermophilic antimicrobial-resistant Campylobacter and contribute to enhancing the knowledge of its distribution in urban and peri-urban ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unprecedented 2019/20 Australian bushfires prompted this paper to conduct a transitivity analysis on the top three processes (material, relational, and verbal) in selected BBC news reports. Guided by the ecological philosophical view of "harmony with diversity, interaction, and coexistence," the research aims to interpret ecological meanings in the text and enhance people's awareness of environment conservation. The findings reveal that these news reports predominantly utilized material and relational processes to depict the devastating impact of the Australian bushfires on wildlife, the efforts of firefighters, volunteer rescue missions for wildlife, and the roles of individuals involved. These reports also conveyed extensive ecological information, highlighting the ecological crisis arising from the fires, the threat to species diversity, and the active social responsibility of various stakeholders. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the ecological implications of the Australian bushfires and encourages proactive ecological protection measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Wildlife rescue centers frequently admit animals with injuries and bone fractures. Open fractures are common in birds due to their anatomy, and this can lead to complications like osteomyelitis, which implies a serious bone infection and often necrosis, or death of the affected bone tissue. Antibiotic therapy is crucial, but the rise in antimicrobial-resistant isolates in wildlife raises concerns about treatment efficacy. A study focused on isolating, identifying, and assessing antimicrobial resistance in bacteria from wounds and fractures in wild birds. Among 36 isolates, Staphylococcus spp. dominated (63.8%), with 82.6% exhibiting antimicrobial resistance, particularly to clindamycin, an antimicrobial key in the treatment of infected bone fractures. This escalating resistance poses a dual threat to wildlife—therapeutic failure and the spread of resistant bacteria in ecosystems. Injuries and bone fractures are the most frequent causes of admission at wildlife rescue centers. Wild birds are more susceptible to open fractures due to their anatomical structure, which can lead to osteomyelitis and necrosis. Antibiotic therapy in these cases is indispensable, but the increase of antimicrobial-resistant isolates in wildlife has become a significant concern in recent years. In this context, the likelihood of antibiotic failure and death of animals with infectious issues is high. This study aimed to isolate, identify, and assess the antimicrobial resistance pattern of bacteria in wounds and open fractures in wild birds. To this end, injured birds admitted to a wildlife rescue center were sampled, and bacterial isolation and identification were performed. Then, antimicrobial susceptibility testing was assessed according to the disk diffusion method. In total, 36 isolates were obtained from 26 different birds. The genera detected were Staphylococcus spp. (63.8%), Escherichia (13.9%), Bacillus (11.1%), Streptococcus (8.3%), and Micrococcus (2.8%). Among Staphylococcus isolates, S. lentus and S. aureus were the most frequent species. Antimicrobial resistance was detected in 82.6% of the isolates, among which clindamycin resistance stood out, and 31.6% of resistant isolates were considered multidrug-resistant. Results from this study highlight the escalating scope of antimicrobial resistance in wildlife. This level of resistance poses a dual concern for wildlife: firstly, the risk of therapeutic failure in species of significant environmental value, and, secondly, the circulation of resistant bacteria in ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gut microbiota of wild animals, influenced by various factors including diet, nutrition, gender, and age, plays a critical role in their health and disease status. This study focuses on raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides), a commonly found wild animal, and its gut microbiota composition in response to dietary shifts. The study aimed to compare the fecal bacterial communities and diversity of rescued raccoon dogs fed three different diet types (fish and amphibians, mixed protein with maize, and solely maize) using high-throughput sequencing. Results indicated that the dietary composition significantly influenced the gut microbiota, with notable differences in the abundance of several key phyla and genera. The study identified Firmicutes as the dominant phylum in all diet groups, with notable variations in the relative abundances of Bacteroidota, Proteobacteria, and Verrucomicrobiota. Notably, the group solely fed maize exhibited a significant increase in Proteobacteria, potentially linked to dietary fiber and lignin degradation. The genus-level analysis highlighted significant differences, with Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium responding to dietary shifts. The genus Akkermansia in Verrucomicrobiota can be identified as a marker for assessing the health of the gut and deserves further investigation. Genderspecific differences in the gut microbiota were observed, highlighting the influence of individual variation. Furthermore, the analysis of bacterial functions suggested a connection between diet and host metabolism, emphasizing the need for further research to understand the complex mechanisms underlying the relationship between dietary composition and gut microbiota in wild animals. These findings provide crucial insights into conservation and rescue efforts for wild animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In September 2014, there was sudden upsurge in the number of Eurasian red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) found dead in the Netherlands. High infection levels with the parasite Toxoplasma gondii were demonstrated, but it was unclear what had caused this increase in cases of fatal toxoplasmosis. In the present study, we aimed to gain more knowledge on the pathology and prevalence of T. gondii infections in Eurasian red squirrels in the Netherlands, on the T. gondii genotypes present, and on the determinants of the spatiotemporal variability in these T. gondii infections. The presence of the closely related parasite Hammondia hammondi was also determined. Methods: Eurasian red squirrels that were found dead in the wild or that had died in wildlife rescue centres in the Netherlands over a period of seven years (2014–2020) were examined. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was conducted to analyse tissue samples for the presence of T. gondii and H. hammondi DNA. Toxoplasma gondii-positive samples were subjected to microsatellite typing and cluster analysis. A mixed logistic regression was used to identify climatic and other environmental predictors of T. gondii infection in the squirrels. Results: A total of 178 squirrels were examined (49/178 T. gondii positive, 5/178 H. hammondi positive). Inflammation of multiple organs was the cause of death in 29 squirrels, of which 24 were also T. gondii polymerase chain reaction positive. Toxoplasma gondii infection was positively associated with pneumonia and hepatitis. Microsatellite typing revealed only T. gondii type II alleles. Toxoplasma gondii infection rates showed a positive correlation with the number of days of heavy rainfall in the previous 12 months. Conversely, they showed a negative association with the number of hot days within the 2-week period preceding the sampling date, as well as with the percentage of deciduous forest cover at the sampling site. Conclusions: Toxoplasma gondii infection in the squirrels appeared to pose a significant risk of acute mortality. The T. gondii genotype detected in this study is commonly found across Europe. The reasons for the unusually high infection rates and severe symptoms of these squirrels from the Netherlands remain unclear. The prevalence of T. gondii in the deceased squirrels was linked to specific environmental factors. However, whether the increase in the number of dead squirrels indicated a higher environmental contamination with T. gondii oocysts has yet to be established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: We reviewed the database of a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center in Costa Rica and described the main causes of admission, the admission factors that influenced release and mortality, and the predictive factors of survival and mortality of wildlife to determine general patterns and relevant factors currently affecting wildlife in Costa Rica. The results of the study demonstrate the value of maintaining, improving, and studying databases from wildlife rehabilitation centers to lead to a better understanding of threats to wildlife and subsequent implementation of conservation actions. The evaluation of data regarding rehabilitation practices provides reference values for comparison purposes among different rehabilitation centers to critically review protocols and efficiently improve each center. The aim of the present work was to present the main causes of admission to Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center for each taxonomic group, to determine the admission factors that influenced the release and mortality, and to determine the predictive factors of release and mortality of wildlife. To this end, a retrospective study was carried out based on 5785 admissions registered in the database of Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center in Costa Rica in 2020 and 2021. Statistical analysis consisted of sample characterization via the analysis of several categorical variables: species, order, class, age group, cause of admission, outcome, clinical classification and days in the hospital, and respective association with the mortality or release rate. Most of the rescue animals were birds (59.3%), then mammals (20.7%), reptiles (17.4%), and finally 'others' (2.6%). The main causes of admission were 'captivity' (34.9%), 'found' (23.3%), and 'trauma' (19.3%). Animals rescued due to 'captivity' and the classes 'birds' and 'reptiles' had the highest release rates. The causes of admission 'trauma' and 'orphanhood' and the class 'birds' had the highest mortality rates. In general, a greater number of days spent in the hospital and membership in the classes 'reptiles', 'juveniles', in need of 'basic care', or 'clinically healthy' were predictors of survival. In contrast, the age groups 'infant' and 'nestling' were predictors of mortality. These results demonstrate the value of maintaining, improving, and studying databases from wildlife rehabilitation centers, as they can provide useful information that can be used to enhance the allocation of economic resources, treatment methods, disease surveillance, public education, and regulatory decision-making, leading to a better understanding of threats to wildlife and subsequent implementation of conservation actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of bocaparvoviruses (BoVs) and bufaviruses (BuVs) in the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) was investigated by screening duodenal and liver samples collected from 183 carcasses, delivered to wildlife rescue centers located in northwestern Italy. BoV DNA was detected in 15 animals (8.2%), with prevalences of 7.1% (13/183) and 2.7% (5/183) in intestine and liver samples, respectively. Upon the sequence analyses of the NS1 gene, two highly divergent BoVs (65.5–67.8% nt identities) were identified. Fourteen strains showed the highest identity (98.3–99.4% nt) to the hedgehog BoV strains recently detected in China in Amur hedgehogs (Erinaceus amurensis), whilst four strains were genetically related (98.9–99.4% nt identities) to the porcine BoVs identified in pigs and classified in the species Bocaparvovirus ungulate 4, which included related viruses also found in rats, minks, shrews, and mice. BuV DNA was detected in the duodenal samples of two hedgehogs, with a prevalence rate of 1.1%. The nearly full-length genome of two BuV strains, Hedgehog/331DU-2022/ITA and Hedgehog/1278DU/2019/ITA, was reconstructed. Upon phylogenetic analysis based on the NS and VP aa sequences, the Italian hedgehog BuVs tightly clustered with the BuVs recently identified in the Chinese Amur hedgehogs, within a potential novel candidate species of the genus Protoparvovirus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surveillance and control of dogs and cats (D&C) have become increasingly important for the conservation of biodiversity in protected areas. However, despite the increase in densities of free-roaming D&C in urban areas, especially in developing countries, the impact on wildlife is poorly documented. The Metropolitan District of Quito (MDQ) in Ecuador, contains a high biodiversity of native fauna, but free-roaming dog populations have tripled in recent years, with no published information about possible consequences on wildlife. We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients admitted to a Veterinary Hospital in Quito between July 2017 and June 2022 to determine the incidence of D&C attacks on wildlife from the MDQ. A total of 429 wild specimens (79.5% birds, 17.2% mammals and 3.3% reptiles), including 59 species (4 vulnerable, 1 endangered and 1 critically endangered), were treated for injuries inflicted by D&C. Attacks increased every year on record, and 79% of specimens did not survive. Given that current governmental regulations for the control of domestic animals have not been effective, we propose to address the global issue from a multidisciplinary perspective, considering predation by D&C, biodiversity conservation, animal welfare, human health, and public policies as intertwined phenomena. The goal of this approach is to achieve greater awareness and increase the effectiveness of management programs, while improving the health of animals, humans, and the environment in which they live. Additionally, we recommend government support to replicate this research in other wildlife rehabilitation and rescue centers to understand the scope of the issue nationally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study presents the Speaker Method as a novel approach for wildlife offspring release to facilitate their reunion with their mothers in their natural habitats, thereby avoiding the need for captive rearing. This method uses call records of the offspring to attract their mothers effectively. In this context, we aimed to prove the Speaker Method's efficacy in releasing the offspring of three mammal species that arrived at a wildlife rescue center. The study showed promising results, successfully releasing 45.8% of Hoffmann's two-toed sloths, 91.9% of brown-throated sloths, and 50% of mantled howler monkeys. These results provide empirical effectiveness for the Speaker Method as a release technique for offspring, underscoring its superiority over conventional nursery care by humans facing inherent challenges in rearing young animals separated from their maternal sources. Nowadays, wild animals are threatened by humans, with the number of species and individuals decreasing during recent years. Wildlife rescue centers play a vital role in the conservation of wildlife populations. This study aims to describe a new release technique, the Speaker Method, to rescue and facilitate the reunion of different baby mammals that arrived at a wildlife rescue center with their mothers within their natural habitat, avoiding the need for captivity. This method is based on a recorded baby's cry played on a speaker to make a "call effect" in the mother. The efficacy of the Speaker Method for babies' reunion with their mothers was 45.8% in Hoffmann's two-toed sloths (Choloepus hoffmanni) and 91.9% in brown-throated sloths (Bradypus variegatus). Among the mantled howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata), 50% of the babies could be released using this new technique. The findings suggest that the method could be helpful in the early release of young individuals, highlighting higher release outcomes in these three species compared to traditional nursery care provided by human caretakers, who face inherent difficulties in raising young animals without their mothers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical features, treatment, and outcomes of wild freshwater turtles with fishing hook injuries. ANIMALS: 126 wild turtles residing in central North Carolina that were presented to a wildlife rescue clinic. METHODS: Medical records from July 1997 to July 2022 were reviewed, and data were collected and analyzed. RESULTS:The most common species presenting for a fishhook injury was the yellow -bellied slider (Trachemys scripta scripta) (n = 69/126 [54.8%]; 95% Cl, 45.7 to 63.6). The most common location identified was the oral cavity (n = 77/140 [55%]; 95% CL 46.4 to 63.4) and the most common removal method was retrograde removal after cutting the barb off of the hook (76/120 [63.3%]; 95% Cl, 54.1 to 71.9). Fishhooks embedded in the esophagus had a significantly higher chance of complications affecting recovery (OR estimate, 3.49; 95% Cl, 1.07 to 11.38). There was no significant increase in mortality associated with the location of the injury; however, there was a significant increase in mortality in patients that experienced complications (P < 0.001). The time in care ranged from 1 to 150 days (median, 16 days). Of the turtles evaluated, 10.8% (n = 12/111; 95% Cl, 5.7 to 18.1) were euthanized or died after treatment and 89.2% (99/111; 95% Cl, 81.9 to 94.3) were released. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These findings describe varioussuccessful techniquesto remove fishhooks from turtles. While no superiortreatment was identified, considerations should be taken to provide patient comfort, decrease injury-associated complications, and shorten recovery time by using minimally invasive techniques. Overall, freshwater turtles with fishhook injuries have a high release rate even when the injuries are severe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present report describes a case of chaunocephalosis due to Chaunocephalus ferox in a white stork (Ciconia ciconia) in Bulgaria. On July 2017, a malnourished and debilitated adult white stork was found in a field near Stara Zagora city. The bird was caught and transported to the Wildlife Rescue Center of Green Balkans organisation, with history of weakness, severe watery diarrhoea, loss of appetite, and cachexia. The stork died several hours after admission. The corpse was referred to the Department of General and Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University where post-mortem examination was performed. The necropsy revealed the presence of multifocal to coalescing mural intestinal nodular circumscribed lesions affecting all portions of the intestinal tract, most prominent and numerous in the jejuno-ileal segment. When sectioned, the nodules contained either single, or 2 to 3 small flattened tadpole-like trematodes which were identified as Ch. ferox. Histologically, a total traumatic destruction with ulceration and necroses of intestinal tissue layers were found at the site of fluke penetration. The trematodes also formed a marked granulomatous inflammatory reaction with inflammatory cellular infiltrate, consisting mainly of heterophilic and pseudoeosinophilic leukocytes, lymphocytes and histiocytes. In the area of infection, the intestinal villi and mucosa were totally eroded, and the surrounding mucosal crypts were distended by necrotic detritus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]