1
|
Kastelic M, Gregurić Gračner G, Tomažič I, Kvapil P, Harej M, Dovč A. Comparison of Cortisol Concentrations in Different Matrices in Alpine Ibex ( Capra ibex) at the Zoo. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2491. [PMID: 37570299 PMCID: PMC10417618 DOI: 10.3390/ani13152491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The usefulness of blood collection using venipuncture versus kissing bugs or medicinal leeches and the collection of saliva, faeces, hair, urine, and tears for measuring "immunoreactive" C (iC) concentration in Alpine ibexes was verified using commercial enzyme immunoassays. The mean value of serum C was highest in serum collected using venipuncture and lowest in serums collected using kissing bugs. Statistically significant differences were observed between venipuncture and kissing bugs and between leeches and kissing bugs. However, no statistically significant difference was found in C concentrations between samples collected with venipuncture and those collected with leeches. The highest mean value of C concentration was measured in serum (all three methods), followed by that in hair and faeces, and the lowest mean value was found in saliva. Statistically significant differences were found between saliva and faeces samples and between saliva and hair samples. The difference between the concentrations for faeces and hair was not statistically significant. A significant difference in C concentration between males and females was found in saliva. A significant difference in C concentration among different ages was measured in serum obtained using venipuncture in all three groups and in faeces between the groups older than ten years and younger than 10 months. Highly significant differences in C concentrations were also found between hair sampled in summer and hair sampled in autumn. Collecting tear and urine samples is a laborious procedure and is therefore less acceptable for C determination. Due to the small number of samples, statistical values are not given for these two matrices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marjan Kastelic
- Zoo Ljubljana, Večna Pot 70, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.K.); (P.K.); (M.H.)
- Institute for Poultry, Birds, Small Mammals and Reptiles, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Gordana Gregurić Gračner
- Department of Animal Hygiene, Behaviour and Animal Welfare, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Iztok Tomažič
- The Group for Biological Education, Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Večna Pot 111, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Pavel Kvapil
- Zoo Ljubljana, Večna Pot 70, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.K.); (P.K.); (M.H.)
| | - Mojca Harej
- Zoo Ljubljana, Večna Pot 70, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (M.K.); (P.K.); (M.H.)
| | - Alenka Dovč
- Institute for Poultry, Birds, Small Mammals and Reptiles, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Gerbičeva 60, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Valldeperes M, Yerro PP, López-Olvera JR, Fandos P, Lavín S, Escofet RCS, Mentaberre G, León FJCM, Espinosa J, Ráez-Bravo A, Pérez JM, Tampach S, Estruch J, Velarde R, Granados JE. Diseases of Iberian ibex ( Capra pyrenaica). EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2023; 69:63. [PMID: 37274486 PMCID: PMC10233571 DOI: 10.1007/s10344-023-01684-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica) is an ecologically and economically relevant medium-sized emblematic mountain ungulate. Diseases participate in the population dynamics of the species as a regulating agent, but can also threaten the conservation and viability of vulnerable population units. Moreover, Iberian ibex can also be a carrier or even a reservoir of pathogens shared with domestic animals and/or humans, being therefore a concern for livestock and public health. The objective of this review is to compile the currently available knowledge on (1) diseases of Iberian ibex, presented according to their relevance on the health and demography of free-ranging populations; (2) diseases subjected to heath surveillance plans; (3) other diseases reported in the species; and (4) diseases with particular relevance in captive Iberian ibex populations. The systematic review of all the information on diseases affecting the species unveils unpublished reports, scientific communications in meetings, and scientific articles, allowing the first comprehensive compilation of Iberian ibex diseases. This review identifies the gaps in knowledge regarding pathogenesis, immune response, diagnostic methods, treatment, and management of diseases in Iberian ibex, providing a base for future research. Moreover, this challenges wildlife and livestock disease and wildlife population managers to assess the priorities and policies currently implemented in Iberian ibex health surveillance and monitoring and disease management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Valldeperes
- Servei d’Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge (SEFaS), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Bellaterra Spain
- Wildlife Ecology & Health Group (WE&H), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paloma Prieto Yerro
- Parque Natural de las Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas, C/ Martínez Falero 11, 23470 Cazorla Jaén, Spain
- Grupo de Investigación RNM 118. Biología de Especies Cinegéticas y Plagas, Jaén, Spain
| | - Jorge Ramón López-Olvera
- Servei d’Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge (SEFaS), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Bellaterra Spain
- Wildlife Ecology & Health Group (WE&H), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Santiago Lavín
- Servei d’Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge (SEFaS), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Bellaterra Spain
- Wildlife Ecology & Health Group (WE&H), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Gregorio Mentaberre
- Wildlife Ecology & Health Group (WE&H), Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Ciència Animal, Universitat de Lleida, 25198 Lleida, Spain
| | | | - José Espinosa
- Departamento de Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria and Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (CSIC-ULE), Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Arián Ráez-Bravo
- Servei d’Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge (SEFaS), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Bellaterra Spain
- Wildlife Ecology & Health Group (WE&H), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jesús M. Pérez
- Wildlife Ecology & Health Group (WE&H), Barcelona, Spain
- Grupo de Investigación RNM 118. Biología de Especies Cinegéticas y Plagas, Jaén, Spain
- Department of Animal and Plant Biology, and Ecology, Jaén University, Campus Las Lagunillas, 23071 Jaén, Spain
| | - Stefania Tampach
- Servei d’Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge (SEFaS), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Bellaterra Spain
- Wildlife Ecology & Health Group (WE&H), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Estruch
- Servei d’Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge (SEFaS), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Bellaterra Spain
- Wildlife Ecology & Health Group (WE&H), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Roser Velarde
- Servei d’Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge (SEFaS), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Bellaterra Spain
- Wildlife Ecology & Health Group (WE&H), Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Enrique Granados
- Wildlife Ecology & Health Group (WE&H), Barcelona, Spain
- Grupo de Investigación RNM 118. Biología de Especies Cinegéticas y Plagas, Jaén, Spain
- Parque Nacional y Parque Natural de Sierra Nevada. Ctra., Antigua de Sierra Nevada Km 7, Pinos Genil, 18191 Granada, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Fernández-Muñoz MJ, Castillo-Contreras R, Pérez JM, Granados JE, Márquez FJ, López-Montoya AJ. Co-infection patterns in the ectoparasitic community affecting the Iberian ibex Capra pyrenaica. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:172. [PMID: 37254132 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-05797-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sarcoptic mange is one of the main parasitic diseases affecting the Iberian ibex Capra pyrenaica. Scabietic animals suffer a decline in body condition and reproductive fitness and in severe cases may die. Although several previous studies of the pathology of this disease and the physiological changes it produces in ibex have been carried out in recent years, our knowledge of the relationship between Sarcoptes scabiei and other ectoparasites of this host is still limited. METHODS We analysed 430 Iberian ibex skin samples. Ectoparasites were removed, counted and identified. Mite (S. scabiei) numbers were obtained after digesting the skin samples in a 5% KOH solution. We modelled mite numbers in terms of host sex and age, site, year, season and the presence of other ectoparasites such as ticks and lice using generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) and ectoparasite co-occurrence patterns using two different models: the probabilistic model species co-occurrence and the generalized linear latent variable model (GLLVM). RESULTS The ectoparasite community was mainly composed of S. scabiei, six ticks (Haemaphysalis sulcata, Haemaphysalis punctata, Rhipicephalus bursa, Rhipicephalus turanicus, Dermacentor marginatus and Ixodes ricinus) and two lice (Bovicola crassipes and Linognathus stenopsis). Adult male ibex harboured more mites than females. Mite numbers varied greatly spatially and seasonally and increased with the presence of other parasites. Some positive co-occurrence relationships between pairs of different ectoparasites were observed, particularly between ticks. The presence of S. scabiei negatively affected lice and H. sulcata numbers. CONCLUSIONS Sarcoptic mange has spread above all in ibex populations in and around the Mediterranean Basin, where it is now found in almost a third of its host's range. Mite numbers varied seasonally and spatially and were higher in male hosts. The presence of S. scabiei had a negative effect on lice numbers but favoured the presence of ticks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María J Fernández-Muñoz
- Department of Animal and Plant Biology and Ecology, Universidad de Jaén, Campus Las Lagunillas, s.n., 23071, Jaén, Spain.
| | | | - Jesús M Pérez
- Department of Animal and Plant Biology and Ecology, Universidad de Jaén, Campus Las Lagunillas, s.n., 23071, Jaén, Spain
- Wildlife Ecology & Health Group (WE&H), Granada, Spain
| | - José E Granados
- Wildlife Ecology & Health Group (WE&H), Granada, Spain
- Sierra Nevada Natural Space, Carretera Antigua de Sierra Nevada, Km 7, 18071, Pinos Genil, Granada, Spain
| | - Francisco J Márquez
- Department of Animal and Plant Biology and Ecology, Universidad de Jaén, Campus Las Lagunillas, s.n., 23071, Jaén, Spain
| | - Antonio J López-Montoya
- Department of Statistics and Operational Research, Universidad de Jaén, Campus Las Lagunillas, s.n., 23071, Jaén, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
The Effect of European Bison (Bison bonasus) Translocations on the Persistence and Genetic Diversity of Ex Situ Herds—A Modelling Study. DIVERSITY 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/d15020129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The conservation of the genetic diversity of the European bison population is carried out mainly in ex situ herds, constituting a functional metapopulation. The breeders have to balance between the available capacity of the reserves and the need to enrich the free and semi-free herds with appropriate individuals. If there are limitations (e.g., financial) in the transfer of individuals, breeders report a problem of surplus individuals. The aim of this study was to estimate the migration parameters in the wisent metapopulation ex situ to maintain genetic diversity in hypothetical herds. The analysis was a two-step process. The first part of this study was carried out between the years 1998 and 2017, based on information from the European Bison Pedigree Book about eight selected herds. The average annual share of exported and imported individuals in the chosen metapopulation were calculated (8.81% (SD: 11.51) and 0.75% (SD: 2.15), respectively). The proportion of males to females among the exported animals was close to 1:1. The sex ratio of imported animals was close to 2:1 (M:F). The majority of transports were exports of animals (92.1%). The share of individuals exported from different age–sex groups was calculated. On this basis, in the second part of the study, the proportion of exported surplus individuals in the smallest hypothetical herd was established as 5.89% of the adult females, or 8.98% of adult males, or 32.70% of females aged 1–3 years. In order to maintain the genetic sustainability of hypothetical herds it is crucial to import individuals (M/F: 1/1; interval: 10 years). The results of this study will provide necessary information to determine the tools of wisent population management in the enclosure.
Collapse
|
5
|
Park DS, Choi J, Kim HJ, Kim JY, Kim MH, Lee JY, Moon JC, Park HB, Park K, Yun JH, Oh Y, Choe S, Na KJ, Yoon J. Two Cases of Mange Mite (Sarcoptes scabiei) Infestation in Long-Tailed Goral (Naemorhedus caudatus) in Republic of Korea. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PARASITOLOGY 2022; 60:423-427. [PMID: 36588420 PMCID: PMC9806499 DOI: 10.3347/kjp.2022.60.6.423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The long-tailed goral, Naemorhedus caudatus (Mammalia: Bovidae), is one of the endangered animals in the Republic of Korea (Korea). Sarcoptic mange mites infested in diverse species of mammals, including humans, but no case has been reported in long-tailed gorals. We report 2 cases of mange mite, Sarcoptes scabiei, infestation in long-tailed gorals. Mange mites were sampled in the skin legions of the 2 long-tailed gorals, which were rescued in 2 different regions, Uljin-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do and Cheorwon-gun, Gangwon-do, Korea. Our results showed that the ectoparasite was the itch mite that burrowed into skin and caused scabies on the morphological inspection and placed within the phylogenetic relations of the species. The present study confirmed for the first time in Korea that mange mites are pathogenic scabies of long-tailed goral. Closer surveillance of this pathogenic ectoparasite in zoonotic and infectious ecosystems is warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Da Som Park
- Research Center for Endangered Species, National Institute of Ecology, Yeongyang 36531,
Korea
| | - Jin Choi
- Research Center for Endangered Species, National Institute of Ecology, Yeongyang 36531,
Korea
| | - Hee-Jong Kim
- Research Center for Endangered Species, National Institute of Ecology, Yeongyang 36531,
Korea
| | - Jin-Yong Kim
- Research Center for Endangered Species, National Institute of Ecology, Yeongyang 36531,
Korea
| | - Min-Han Kim
- Research Center for Endangered Species, National Institute of Ecology, Yeongyang 36531,
Korea
| | - Jin-Young Lee
- Research Center for Endangered Species, National Institute of Ecology, Yeongyang 36531,
Korea
| | - Jeong Chan Moon
- Research Center for Endangered Species, National Institute of Ecology, Yeongyang 36531,
Korea
| | - Hee-Bok Park
- Research Center for Endangered Species, National Institute of Ecology, Yeongyang 36531,
Korea
| | - KyungMin Park
- Research Center for Endangered Species, National Institute of Ecology, Yeongyang 36531,
Korea
| | - Jun Hee Yun
- Research Center for Endangered Species, National Institute of Ecology, Yeongyang 36531,
Korea
| | - Yeonsu Oh
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341,
Korea
| | - Seongjun Choe
- Department of Parasitology, School of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644,
Korea
| | - Ki-Jeong Na
- Veterinary Laboratory Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644,
Korea
| | - Jongmin Yoon
- Research Center for Endangered Species, National Institute of Ecology, Yeongyang 36531,
Korea,Corresponding author ()
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Pérez JM, López‐Montoya AJ, Cano‐Manuel FJ, Soriguer RC, Fandos P, Granados JE. Development of resistance to sarcoptic mange in ibex. J Wildl Manage 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/jwmg.22224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jesús M. Pérez
- Department of Animal and Plant Biology, and Ecology Jaén University, Campus Las Lagunillas, s.n. E‐23071 Jaén Spain
- Wildlife Ecology and Health (WE&H) group
| | - Antonio J. López‐Montoya
- Departament of Statistics and Operational Research Jaén University, Campus Las Lagunillas, s.n., E‐23071 Jaén Spain
| | - Francisco J. Cano‐Manuel
- Junta de Andalucía, Departamento de Actuaciones en el Medio Natural, Av. Joaquina Eguaras 2 Granada E‐18013 Spain
| | - Ramón C. Soriguer
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC), Avda. Américo Vespucio, s.n. Sevilla E‐41092 Spain
- CIBERESP, ISCIII Madrid Spain
| | | | - José E. Granados
- Wildlife Ecology and Health (WE&H) group
- Espacio Natural Sierra Nevada, Carretera Antigua de Sierra Nevada, Km 7, E‐18071, Pinos Genil Granada Spain
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Pérez JM, Granados JE, Espinosa J, Ráez‐Bravo A, López‐Olvera JR, ROSSI L, Meneguz PG, Angelone S, Fandos P, Soriguer RC. Biology and management of sarcoptic mange in wild Caprinae populations. Mamm Rev 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/mam.12213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jesús M. Pérez
- Department of Animal and Plant Biology, and Ecology Jaén University Campus Las Lagunillas, s.n.; E‐23071 Jaén Spain
| | - José E. Granados
- Carretera Antigua de Sierra Nevada Espacio Natural de Sierra Nevada Km 7, E‐18071 Pinos Genil, Granada Spain
| | - José Espinosa
- Department of Animal Health‐Instituto de Ganadería de Montaña (IGM) ULe‐CSIC León Spain
- Faculty of Veterinary Science University of León Campus de Vegazana, s.n.; E 24071 León Spain
| | - Arián Ráez‐Bravo
- Servei d’Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona E‐08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona Spain
| | - Jorge R. López‐Olvera
- Servei d’Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona E‐08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona Spain
| | - Luca ROSSI
- Dipartimento di Science Veterinarie Università di Torino Largo Paolo Braccini 2 10095 Grugliasco Italy
| | - Pier Giuseppe Meneguz
- Dipartimento di Science Veterinarie Università di Torino Largo Paolo Braccini 2 10095 Grugliasco Italy
| | - Samer Angelone
- Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies (IEU) University of Zürich Winterthurerstrasse 190 Zürich Switzerland
| | - Paulino Fandos
- Agencia de Medio Ambiente y Agua Isla de la Cartuja E‐41092 Sevilla Spain
| | - Ramón C Soriguer
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC) Av. Américo Vespucio, s.n E‐41092 Sevilla Spain
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Skotarczak E, Szwaczkowski T, Ćwiertnia P. Effects of inbreeding, sex and geographical region on survival in an American bison ( Bison bison) population under a captive breeding program. THE EUROPEAN ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/24750263.2020.1797194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- E. Skotarczak
- Department of Mathematical and Statistical Methods, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Poland
| | - T. Szwaczkowski
- Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Poland
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Khattak RH, Liu Z, Teng L. Development and Implementation of Baseline Welfare Assessment Protocol for Captive Breeding of Wild Ungulate-Punjab Urial ( Ovis vignei punjabiensis, Lydekker 1913). Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:E1102. [PMID: 31835388 PMCID: PMC6941064 DOI: 10.3390/ani9121102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
To ensure that captive breeding and other associated programs are more robust and sustainable, it is of utmost importance to ensure optimum welfare. Although it is well known that standard welfare is crucial for successful captive breeding, there is still a lack of welfare assessment protocols for wild species. The current study aimed to develop a leading baseline welfare assessment protocol for assessing welfare in captive Punjab urial. This protocol is based on the welfare protocol for domestic sheep from the Welfare Quality® project, coupled with all the information obtained from the published literature on the species' biology and ecology. This protocol consists of 4 principles, 12 criteria, and 31 animal- and resource-based indicators. The protocol was tested and applied to three different herds of Punjab urial at two different facilities. Initial results showed that some areas need to be improved for better captive breeding and management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Zhensheng Liu
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China; (R.H.K.); (L.T.)
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Castro I, Espinosa J, Granados JE, Cano-Manuel FJ, Fandos P, Ráez-Bravo A, López-Olvera JR, Soriguer RC, Pérez JM. Characterizing the growth of Sarcoptes scabiei infrapopulations. EXPERIMENTAL & APPLIED ACAROLOGY 2018; 76:41-52. [PMID: 30155594 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-018-0287-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
During the course of parasitic disease infestations, parasite population sizes change at both individual host (infrapopulation) and host population (metapopulation) levels. However, most studies only report epidemiological values for specific locations and times. In this study we analysed the dynamics of several Sarcoptes scabiei infrapopulations from experimentally infested Iberian ibex, Capra pyrenaica. We obtained mite counts by digesting small skin biopsies, which we compared with indices obtained from histopathological analyses performed on adjacent skin biopsies. We obtained the finite growth rate and the daily growth rate for the mite infrapopulations: mean ± SE = 11.53 ± 10.17 and 0.10 ± 0.08 mites/day, respectively. Mite counts derived from skin sample digestion did not correlate with the histological mite indices obtained from adjacent skin biopsies. At a metapopulational level, both indices of mite abundance were modelled using GLMMs and the factors influencing their variation are analysed and discussed. Our results suggest that mites are not distributed uniformly over the whole area of the skin lesion. Therefore, direct diagnoses of mange and mite counts could be inaccurate if only small skin samples are used.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Inmaculada Castro
- Department of Animal and Plant Biology, and Ecology, Jaén University, Campus Las Lagunillas, s.n.; 23071, Jaén, Spain.
| | - José Espinosa
- Department of Animal and Plant Biology, and Ecology, Jaén University, Campus Las Lagunillas, s.n.; 23071, Jaén, Spain
| | - José E Granados
- Espacio Natural de Sierra Nevada, Carretera Antigua de Sierra Nevada, Km 7, 18071, Pinos Genil, Granada, Spain
| | - Francisco J Cano-Manuel
- Espacio Natural de Sierra Nevada, Carretera Antigua de Sierra Nevada, Km 7, 18071, Pinos Genil, Granada, Spain
| | - Paulino Fandos
- Agencia de Medio Ambiente y Agua, Isla de la Cartuja, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Arián Ráez-Bravo
- Servei d'Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge, Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jorge R López-Olvera
- Servei d'Ecopatologia de Fauna Salvatge, Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia Animals, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ramón C Soriguer
- Estación Biológica de Doñana (CSIC), Av. Américo Vespucio, s.n, 41092, Seville, Spain
| | - Jesús M Pérez
- Department of Animal and Plant Biology, and Ecology, Jaén University, Campus Las Lagunillas, s.n.; 23071, Jaén, Spain
| |
Collapse
|