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Akdesir E, Origgi FC, Wimmershoff J, Frey J, Frey CF, Ryser-Degiorgis MP. Causes of mortality and morbidity in free-ranging mustelids in Switzerland: necropsy data from over 50 years of general health surveillance. BMC Vet Res 2018; 14:195. [PMID: 29921290 PMCID: PMC6009050 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-018-1494-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although mustelids occur worldwide and include a wide range of species, little is known about the diseases affecting them. Mustelids have regularly been submitted for post mortem investigation in the framework of the program for general wildlife health surveillance in Switzerland, which has been in place for nearly 60 years. We performed a retrospective analysis of the necropsy reports on mustelids submitted to the diagnostic service of the University of Bern. The aims of this study were to present an overview of the causes of mortality and morbidity observed in these carnivores, to assess differences among species, to assess changes in disease detection over the study period, and to describe the pathology of selected diseases. RESULTS Five hundred and sixty-six reports from 1958 to 2015 were analyzed. Most animals were stone martens (Martes foina, 46%) and badgers (Meles meles, 44%); the remaining species were polecats (Mustela putorius, 4.7%), pine martens (Martes martes, 2%), stoats (Mustela erminea, 1.4%), weasels (Mustela nivalis, 0.8%) and otters (Lutra lutra, 0.3%). Infectious diseases (n = 262) were frequent and were mostly bacterial or viral; non-infectious conditions (n = 169) were less common and were mostly traumatic or due to metabolic disorders. The most frequent diagnoses included distemper (75% were badgers), amyloidosis (96% were martens), bacterial respiratory infections (all mustelids), biting lice (badgers only) and pulmonary and gastro-intestinal helminths (all species). Less frequent diseases included histoplasmosis (badgers only), aspergillosis, toxoplasmosis, hepatozoonosis, and sarcoptic mange. Lesions due to infection with distemper virus were primarily appreciated in the respiratory tract and central nervous system; they presented species-specific characteristics such as necrosis in the ependyma in badgers and absence of syncytia in stone martens. Amyloidosis in martens was multisystemic in most cases and included both AA and AL amyloidosis; the main macroscopic change was severe splenomegaly. CONCLUSION Infectious diseases were the most frequent causes of morbidity and mortality of mustelids, with marked species-specific differences. Lung and skin were the most commonly affected organs. Contagious diseases such as canine distemper, sarcoptic mange and rabies in mustelids showed a similar temporal pattern as in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), suggesting pathogen spillovers from foxes to mustelids.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Akdesir
- Centre for Fish and Wildlife Health (FIWI), Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, Postfach, 3001, Bern, Switzerland
| | - F C Origgi
- Centre for Fish and Wildlife Health (FIWI), Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, Postfach, 3001, Bern, Switzerland
| | - J Wimmershoff
- Centre for Fish and Wildlife Health (FIWI), Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, Postfach, 3001, Bern, Switzerland
| | - J Frey
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, Postfach, 3001, Bern, Switzerland
| | - C F Frey
- Institute of Parasitology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, Postfach, 3001, Bern, Switzerland
| | - M-P Ryser-Degiorgis
- Centre for Fish and Wildlife Health (FIWI), Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstrasse 122, Postfach, 3001, Bern, Switzerland.
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Luengos Vidal EM, Castillo DF, Caruso NC, Casanave EB, Lucherini M. Field capture, chemical immobilization, and morphometrics of a little-studied South American carnivore, the lesser grison. WILDLIFE SOC B 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/wsb.654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Estela M. Luengos Vidal
- Grupo de Ecología Comportamental de Mamíferos-Cátedra de Fisiología Animal, Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia; Universidad Nacional del Sur, INBIOSUR-CONICET (Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Biomédicas del Sur); San Juan 670 Bahía Blanca 8000 Argentina
| | - Diego F. Castillo
- Grupo de Ecología Comportamental de Mamíferos-Cátedra de Fisiología Animal, Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia; Universidad Nacional del Sur, INBIOSUR-CONICET (Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Biomédicas del Sur); San Juan 670 Bahía Blanca 8000 Argentina
| | - Nicolas C. Caruso
- Grupo de Ecología Comportamental de Mamíferos-Cátedra de Fisiología Animal, Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia; Universidad Nacional del Sur, CONICET; San Juan 670 Bahía Blanca 8000 Argentina
| | - Emma B. Casanave
- Grupo de Ecología Comportamental de Mamíferos-Cátedra de Fisiología Animal, Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia; Universidad Nacional del Sur, INBIOSUR-CONICET (Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas y Biomédicas del Sur); San Juan 670 Bahía Blanca 8000 Argentina
| | - Mauro Lucherini
- Grupo de Ecología Comportamental de Mamíferos-Cátedra de Fisiología Animal, Departamento de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia; Universidad Nacional del Sur, CONICET; San Juan 670 Bahía Blanca 8000 Argentina
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Tracking invasive animals with electronic tags to assess risks and develop management strategies. Biol Invasions 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-016-1071-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Coetsee A, Harley D, Lynch M, Coulson G, de Milliano J, Cooper M, Groenewegen R. Radio-transmitter attachment methods for monitoring the endangered eastern barred bandicoot (Perameles gunnii). AUSTRALIAN MAMMALOGY 2016. [DOI: 10.1071/am15029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Radio-tracking is a key technique for monitoring threatened species during ecological research and reintroduction programs. In the case of the endangered eastern barred bandicoot (Perameles gunnii), it has not been possible to radio-track for extended periods (≥3 months) due to difficulties in reliably and safely attaching radio-transmitters. In this study we compared eight attachment methods. Transmitters weighing 1.2–28 g were either mounted with adhesive, attached to a collar or implanted into the peritoneum. Intraperitoneal transmitters were superior in terms of attachment duration, but were considered inferior overall as they could not be fitted in the field and had a very short detection range once implanted (≤50 m). Retention times for external transmitters differed greatly between methods, ranging from 1 to 102 days. One tail-mount attachment technique caused minimal adverse effects but another caused tail amputation in one animal, and both had short retention times (3–33 days). Neither of the glue-on transmitter methods resulted in substantial periods of attachment (2–30 days) and flank-mounted transmitters also caused severe skin trauma. Radio-collars were generally retained for longer periods (42–102 days) but resulted in limb entanglement when they were fitted too loosely or subconjunctival haemorrhages when they were too tight. Cable tie collars are recommended as the most suitable attachment technique for bandicoots, as when fitted correctly they cause minimal impact to individuals and permit long retention times, but precise fitting is essential.
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Zschille J, Stier N, Roth M, Berger U. Dynamics in space use of American mink (Neovison vison) in a fishpond area in Northern Germany. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-012-0638-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Quaglietta L, Martins BH, de Jongh A, Mira A, Boitani L. A low-cost GPS GSM/GPRS telemetry system: performance in stationary field tests and preliminary data on wild otters (Lutra lutra). PLoS One 2012; 7:e29235. [PMID: 22242163 PMCID: PMC3252312 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0029235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2011] [Accepted: 11/22/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the increasing worldwide use of global positioning system (GPS) telemetry in wildlife research, it has never been tested on any freshwater diving animal or in the peculiar conditions of the riparian habitat, despite this latter being one of the most important habitat types for many animal taxa. Moreover, in most cases, the GPS devices used have been commercial and expensive, limiting their use in low-budget projects. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We have developed a low-cost, easily constructed GPS GSM/GPRS (Global System for Mobile Communications/General Packet Radio Service) and examined its performance in stationary tests, by assessing the influence of different habitat types, including the riparian, as well as water submersion and certain climatic and environmental variables on GPS fix-success rate and accuracy. We then tested the GPS on wild diving animals, applying it, for the first time, to an otter species (Lutra lutra). The rate of locations acquired during the stationary tests reached 63.2%, with an average location error of 8.94 m (SD = 8.55). GPS performance in riparian habitats was principally affected by water submersion and secondarily by GPS inclination and position within the riverbed. Temporal and spatial correlations of location estimates accounted for some variation in the data sets. GPS-tagged otters also provided accurate locations and an even higher GPS fix-success rate (68.2%). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Our results suggest that GPS telemetry is reliably applicable to riparian and even diving freshwater animals. They also highlight the need, in GPS wildlife studies, for performing site-specific pilot studies on GPS functioning as well as for taking into account eventual spatial and temporal correlation of location estimates. The limited price, small dimensions, and high performance of the device presented here make it a useful and cost-effective tool for studies on otters and other aquatic or terrestrial medium-to-large-sized animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Quaglietta
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Charles Darwin”, University of Roma ‘La Sapienza’, Roma, Italy
| | | | - Addy de Jongh
- Dutch Otterstation Foundation, Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
| | - António Mira
- ICAAM – Mediterranean Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Institute – University of Évora, Évora, Portugal
| | - Luigi Boitani
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Charles Darwin”, University of Roma ‘La Sapienza’, Roma, Italy
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Melero Y, Palazon S, Revilla E, Gosalbez J. Winter activity patterns in an invading Mediterranean population of American mink (Neovison vison). FOLIA ZOOLOGICA 2011. [DOI: 10.25225/fozo.v60.i1.a8.2011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yolanda Melero
- Department of Animal Biology (Vertebrates), University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 645, 08028 Barcelona, Spain;,
| | - Santiago Palazon
- Department of Environment and Housing, Catalonian Goverment, Doctor Roux 80, 08017 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eloy Revilla
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estación Biológica de Doñana, Spanish Council for Scientific Research-CSIC, C/ Americo Vespucio s/n, 41092 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Joaquim Gosalbez
- Department of Animal Biology (Vertebrates), University of Barcelona, Av. Diagonal 645, 08028 Barcelona, Spain;,
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Ahlers AA, Heske EJ, Schooley RL, Mitchell MA. Home ranges and space use of muskrats Ondatra zibethicus in restricted linear habitats. WILDLIFE BIOLOGY 2010. [DOI: 10.2981/10-044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
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Ahlers AA, Schooley RL, Heske EJ, Mitchell MA. Effects of flooding and riparian buffers on survival of muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus) across a flashiness gradient. CAN J ZOOL 2010. [DOI: 10.1139/z10-069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Increased agricultural production within the Grand Prairie region, USA, has resulted in drainage of most natural wetlands within the landscape. Muskrats ( Ondatra zibethicus (L., 1766)) in this region have shifted much of their distribution to riparian habitats that have unstable flow regimes and flood inundation times that could be related to position within watersheds. We investigated predation risk of radio-marked riparian muskrats during flooding events in relation to landscape position. We used known-fate models and an information–theoretic approach to examine effects of age, season, hydrology, and riparian width on weekly survival rates. During flooding events, muskrats positioned farther from headwaters were displaced for longer, as well as exposed to predation from terrestrial predators for longer, than those positioned closer to headwaters. However, this increased exposure during floods did not translate into lower survival because most mortalities were due to predation by American mink ( Neovison vison (Schreber, 1777)) along stream edges during nonflooding periods. Weekly survival of muskrats was lower in winter (mean = 0.9377, SE = 0.1793) than in nonwinter (mean = 0.9770, SE = 0.0116) and was positively related to riparian width. Larger riparian buffers can increase muskrat survival in small streams and agricultural ditches within highly altered, human-dominated agroecosystems. Our study provides a rare example of linking riparian buffers to fitness for a stream-associated organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. A. Ahlers
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois, 1102 South Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Illinois Natural History Survey, University of Illinois, 1816 South Oak Street, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, 2001 South Lincoln Avenue, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - R. L. Schooley
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois, 1102 South Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Illinois Natural History Survey, University of Illinois, 1816 South Oak Street, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, 2001 South Lincoln Avenue, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - E. J. Heske
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois, 1102 South Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Illinois Natural History Survey, University of Illinois, 1816 South Oak Street, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, 2001 South Lincoln Avenue, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - M. A. Mitchell
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois, 1102 South Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Illinois Natural History Survey, University of Illinois, 1816 South Oak Street, Champaign, IL 61820, USA
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, 2001 South Lincoln Avenue, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
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Zschille J, Stier N, Roth M. Gender differences in activity patterns of American mink Neovison vison in Germany. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2009. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-009-0303-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Field techniques for handling, anaesthetising and fitting radio-transmitters to Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra). EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2008. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-008-0196-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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