1
|
Westhoff KM, Fetzer A, Schwan Z, Büttner K, Lang J, Lierz M. Refining animal welfare of wild boar (Sus scrofa) corral-style traps through behavioral and pathological investigations. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0303458. [PMID: 38771820 PMCID: PMC11108160 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Wild boar trapping has been used as a management tool to control wild boar populations. However, it is increasingly criticized due to animal welfare concerns. While cortisol levels have been used to assess trap-related stress in wild boar, data on trap-related injuries and behavioral data are scarce. We aimed to evaluate three different corral-style traps for wild boar according to available mammal trapping standards to investigate and refine animal welfare in wild boar trapping. We examined 138 wild boars captured and killed by head shot in 27 capture events. Traps were closed by remote control only if the complete group were trapped. The behavior of the animals in the trap and during culling was recorded on video. All wild boars were examined and a pathological and radiological examination of the heads for trap- and shot-related injuries followed. Trap-related injuries occurred in 33% of the animals with superficial mild skin defects to skull fractures. One out of three traps met all the set requirements. A wire-meshed trapping system failed all. After installing an incomplete barrier in the center of the trap to slow down trapped animals, the fracture rate in one trap type was significantly reduced by 29% (p < 0.05). Our data showed that the type of trap (p = 0.007) and the number of animals trapped at once (p = 0.002) had a significant influence on the number of escape attempts. Trapping larger groups reduced the escape attempts. We emphasize the importance of an accurate pathological examination to evaluate animal welfare in traps and call for adjusting the injury categories listed in the standards and make a proposal for wild boar live trapping.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katharina M. Westhoff
- Clinic for Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians and Fish, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Hesse, Germany
| | - André Fetzer
- Clinic for Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians and Fish, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Hesse, Germany
| | - Zarah Schwan
- Clinic for Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians and Fish, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Hesse, Germany
| | - Kathrin Büttner
- Unit for Biomathematics and Data Processing, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Hesse, Germany
| | - Johannes Lang
- Clinic for Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians and Fish, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Hesse, Germany
| | - Michael Lierz
- Clinic for Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians and Fish, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Hesse, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Okoh GR, Ariel E, Whitmore D, Horwood PF. Metagenomic and Molecular Detection of Novel Fecal Viruses in Free-Ranging Agile Wallabies. ECOHEALTH 2023; 20:427-440. [PMID: 38091182 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-023-01659-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
The agile wallaby (Notamacropus agilis) is one of the most abundant marsupial species in northern Queensland and a competent host for the zoonotic Ross River virus. Despite their increased proximity and interactions with humans, little is known about the viruses carried by these animals, and whether any are of conservation or zoonotic importance. Metagenomics and molecular techniques were used in a complementary manner to identify and characterize novel viruses in the fecal samples of free-ranging agile wallabies. We detected a variety of novel marsupial-related viral species including agile wallaby atadenovirus 1, agile wallaby chaphamaparvovirus 1-2, agile wallaby polyomavirus 1-2, agile wallaby associated picobirnavirus 1-9, and a known macropod gammaherpesvirus 3. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that most of these novel viruses would have co-evolved with their hosts (agile wallabies). Additionally, non-marsupial viruses that infect bacteria (phages), plants, insects, and other eukaryotes were identified. This study highlighted the utility of non-invasive sampling as well as the integration of broad-based molecular assays (consensus PCR and next generation sequencing) for monitoring the emergence of potential pathogenic viruses in wildlife species. Furthermore, the novel marsupial viruses identified in this study will enrich the diversity of knowledge about marsupial viruses, and may be useful for developing diagnostics and vaccines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- God'spower Richard Okoh
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia.
| | - Ellen Ariel
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia
| | - David Whitmore
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia
| | - Paul F Horwood
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Thiel A, Hertel AG, Giroud S, Friebe A, Fuchs B, Kindberg J, Græsli AR, Arnemo JM, Evans AL. The cost of research: Lasting effects of capture, surgery and muscle biopsy on brown bear ( Ursus arctos) movement and physiology. Anim Welf 2023; 32:e75. [PMID: 38510989 PMCID: PMC10951663 DOI: 10.1017/awf.2023.95] [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: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Animal models are a key component of translational medicine, helping transfer scientific findings into practical applications for human health. A fundamental principle of research ethics involves weighing the benefits of the research to society against the burden imposed on the animals used for scientific purposes. The utilisation of wild animals for research requires evaluation of the effects of capture and invasive sampling. Determining the severity and duration of these interventions on the animal's physiology and behaviour allows for refining study methodology and for excluding or accounting for biased data. In this study, 39 Scandinavian brown bears (Ursus arctos) captured either while hibernating in winter or via helicopter in summer and that underwent surgery as part of a human health project had their movement, body temperature and timing of onset of hibernation compared with those of 14 control bears that had not been captured during the same period. Bears captured in winter and summer showed decreased movement from den exit until late summer, compared to those in the control group. Bears captured in summer showed reduced movement and body temperature for at least, respectively, 14 and 3 days, with an 11% decrease in hourly distance, compared to pre-capture levels, but did not differ in the timing of hibernation onset. We reveal that brown bear behaviour and physiology can be altered in response to capture and surgery for days to months, post-capture. This has broad implications for the conclusions of wildlife studies that rely upon invasive sampling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Thiel
- Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Applied Ecology and Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Koppang, Norway
| | - Anne G Hertel
- Behavioural Ecology, Department of Biology, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Sylvain Giroud
- Research Institute of Wildlife Ecology, Department of Interdisciplinary Life Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
- Energetics Lab, Department of Biology, Northern Michigan University, Marquette, MI, USA
| | - Andrea Friebe
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Boris Fuchs
- Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Applied Ecology and Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Koppang, Norway
| | - Jonas Kindberg
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Anne Randi Græsli
- Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Applied Ecology and Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Koppang, Norway
| | - Jon M Arnemo
- Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Applied Ecology and Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Koppang, Norway
- Department of Wildlife, Fish and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Alina L Evans
- Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Applied Ecology and Biotechnology, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Koppang, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Schreiber LM, Lohr D, Baltes S, Vogel U, Elabyad IA, Bille M, Reiter T, Kosmala A, Gassenmaier T, Stefanescu MR, Kollmann A, Aures J, Schnitter F, Pali M, Ueda Y, Williams T, Christa M, Hofmann U, Bauer W, Gerull B, Zernecke A, Ergün S, Terekhov M. Ultra-high field cardiac MRI in large animals and humans for translational cardiovascular research. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1068390. [PMID: 37255709 PMCID: PMC10225557 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1068390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
A key step in translational cardiovascular research is the use of large animal models to better understand normal and abnormal physiology, to test drugs or interventions, or to perform studies which would be considered unethical in human subjects. Ultrahigh field magnetic resonance imaging (UHF-MRI) at 7 T field strength is becoming increasingly available for imaging of the heart and, when compared to clinically established field strengths, promises better image quality and image information content, more precise functional analysis, potentially new image contrasts, and as all in-vivo imaging techniques, a reduction of the number of animals per study because of the possibility to scan every animal repeatedly. We present here a solution to the dual use problem of whole-body UHF-MRI systems, which are typically installed in clinical environments, to both UHF-MRI in large animals and humans. Moreover, we provide evidence that in such a research infrastructure UHF-MRI, and ideally combined with a standard small-bore UHF-MRI system, can contribute to a variety of spatial scales in translational cardiovascular research: from cardiac organoids, Zebra fish and rodent hearts to large animal models such as pigs and humans. We present pilot data from serial CINE, late gadolinium enhancement, and susceptibility weighted UHF-MRI in a myocardial infarction model over eight weeks. In 14 pigs which were delivered from a breeding facility in a national SARS-CoV-2 hotspot, we found no infection in the incoming pigs. Human scanning using CINE and phase contrast flow measurements provided good image quality of the left and right ventricle. Agreement of functional analysis between CINE and phase contrast MRI was excellent. MRI in arrested hearts or excised vascular tissue for MRI-based histologic imaging, structural imaging of myofiber and vascular smooth muscle cell architecture using high-resolution diffusion tensor imaging, and UHF-MRI for monitoring free radicals as a surrogate for MRI of reactive oxygen species in studies of oxidative stress are demonstrated. We conclude that UHF-MRI has the potential to become an important precision imaging modality in translational cardiovascular research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura M. Schreiber
- Department of Cardiovascular Imaging and Chair of Molecular and Cellular Imaging, Comprehensive Heart Failure Center Wuerzburg (CHFC), University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - David Lohr
- Department of Cardiovascular Imaging and Chair of Molecular and Cellular Imaging, Comprehensive Heart Failure Center Wuerzburg (CHFC), University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Steffen Baltes
- Department of Cardiovascular Imaging and Chair of Molecular and Cellular Imaging, Comprehensive Heart Failure Center Wuerzburg (CHFC), University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Ulrich Vogel
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Ibrahim A. Elabyad
- Department of Cardiovascular Imaging and Chair of Molecular and Cellular Imaging, Comprehensive Heart Failure Center Wuerzburg (CHFC), University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Maya Bille
- Department of Cardiovascular Imaging and Chair of Molecular and Cellular Imaging, Comprehensive Heart Failure Center Wuerzburg (CHFC), University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Theresa Reiter
- Department of Cardiovascular Imaging and Chair of Molecular and Cellular Imaging, Comprehensive Heart Failure Center Wuerzburg (CHFC), University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine I/Cardiology, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Aleksander Kosmala
- Department of Cardiovascular Imaging and Chair of Molecular and Cellular Imaging, Comprehensive Heart Failure Center Wuerzburg (CHFC), University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Gassenmaier
- Department of Cardiovascular Imaging and Chair of Molecular and Cellular Imaging, Comprehensive Heart Failure Center Wuerzburg (CHFC), University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Maria R. Stefanescu
- Department of Cardiovascular Imaging and Chair of Molecular and Cellular Imaging, Comprehensive Heart Failure Center Wuerzburg (CHFC), University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Alena Kollmann
- Department of Cardiovascular Imaging and Chair of Molecular and Cellular Imaging, Comprehensive Heart Failure Center Wuerzburg (CHFC), University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Julia Aures
- Department of Cardiovascular Imaging and Chair of Molecular and Cellular Imaging, Comprehensive Heart Failure Center Wuerzburg (CHFC), University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Florian Schnitter
- Department of Internal Medicine I/Cardiology, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Mihaela Pali
- Department of Cardiovascular Imaging and Chair of Molecular and Cellular Imaging, Comprehensive Heart Failure Center Wuerzburg (CHFC), University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Yuichiro Ueda
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Julius-Maximilians-University, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Tatiana Williams
- Department of Cardiovascular Genetics, Comprehensive Heart Failure Center Wuerzburg, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Martin Christa
- Department of Internal Medicine I/Cardiology, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Ulrich Hofmann
- Department of Internal Medicine I/Cardiology, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Bauer
- Department of Internal Medicine I/Cardiology, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Brenda Gerull
- Department of Internal Medicine I/Cardiology, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
- Department of Cardiovascular Genetics, Comprehensive Heart Failure Center Wuerzburg, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Alma Zernecke
- Institute of Experimental Biomedicine, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Süleyman Ergün
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Julius-Maximilians-University, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Maxim Terekhov
- Department of Cardiovascular Imaging and Chair of Molecular and Cellular Imaging, Comprehensive Heart Failure Center Wuerzburg (CHFC), University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wang X, Ma Y, Xu Q, Shikov AN, Pozharitskaya ON, Flisyuk EV, Liu M, Li H, Vargas-Murga L, Duez P. Flavonoids and saponins: What have we got or missed? PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 109:154580. [PMID: 36610132 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Flavonoids and saponins are important bioactive compounds that have attracted wide research interests. This review aims to summarise the state of the art of the pharmacology, toxicology and clinical efficacy of these compounds. METHODS Data were retrieved from PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Proquest, CNKI, Chongqing VIP, Wanfang, NPASS and HIT 2.0 databases. Meta-analysis and systematic reviews were evaluated following the PRISMA guideline. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS23.0. RESULTS Rising research trends on flavonoids and saponins were observed since the 1990s and the 2000s, respectively. Studies on pharmacological targets and activities of flavonoids and saponins represent an important area of research advances over the past decade, and these important resources have been documented in open-access specialised databases and can be retrieved with ease. The rising research on flavonoids and saponins can be attributed, at least in part, to their links with some highly investigated fields of research, e.g., oxidative stress, inflammation and cancer; i.e., 6.88% and 3.03% of publications on oxidative stress cited by PubMed in 1990 - 2021 involved flavonoids and saponins, respectively, significantly higher than the percentage involving alkaloids (1.88%). The effects of flavonoids concern chronic venous insufficiency, cervical lesions, diabetes, rhinitis, dermatopathy, prostatitis, menopausal symptoms, angina pectoris, male pattern hair loss, lymphocytic leukaemia, gastrointestinal diseases and traumatic cerebral infarction, etc, while those of saponins may have impact on venous oedema in chronic deep vein incompetence, erectile dysfunction, acute impact injuries and systemic lupus erythematosus, etc. The volume of in vitro research appears way higher than in vivo and clinical studies, with only 10 meta-analyses and systematic reviews (involving 290 interventional and observational studies), and 36 clinical studies on flavonoids and saponins. Data are sorely needed on pharmacokinetics, in vitro pan-assay interferences, purity of tested compounds, interactions in complex herbal extracts, real impact of anti-oxidative strategies, and mid- and long-term toxicities. To fill these important gaps, further investigations are warranted. On the other hand, drug interactions may cause adverse effects but might also be useful for synergism, with the goals of enhancing effects or of detoxifying. Furthermore, the interactions between phytochemicals and the intestinal microbiota are worth investigating as the field may present a promising potential for novel drug development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuanbin Wang
- Laboratory of Chinese Herbal Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, Renmin Hospital; Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research; Biomedical Research Institute; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, South Renmin Road, Shiyan, 442000, China..
| | - Yan Ma
- Molecular Research in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Division of Comparative Immunology and Oncology, Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Vienna General Hospital, Medical University of Vienna
| | - Qihe Xu
- Renal Sciences and Integrative Chinese Medicine Laboratory, Department of Inflammation Biology, School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander N Shikov
- Saint-Petersburg State Chemical Pharmaceutical University, Prof. Popov, 14, Saint-Petersburg, 197376, Russia
| | - Olga N Pozharitskaya
- Murmansk Marine Biological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladimirskaya, 17, Murmansk, 183010, Russia
| | - Elena V Flisyuk
- Saint-Petersburg State Chemical Pharmaceutical University, Prof. Popov, 14, Saint-Petersburg, 197376, Russia
| | - Meifeng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Functional Molecular Engineering of Guangdong Province, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Hongliang Li
- Laboratory of Chinese Herbal Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, Renmin Hospital; Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research; Biomedical Research Institute; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Hubei Key Laboratory of Wudang Local Chinese Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, South Renmin Road, Shiyan, 442000, China
| | - Liliana Vargas-Murga
- BIOTHANI, Can Lleganya, 17451 Sant Feliu de Buixalleu, Catalonia, Spain; Department of Chemical and Agricultural Engineering and Agrifood Technology, University of Girona (UdG), 17003 Girona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Pierre Duez
- Unit of Therapeutic Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, University of Mons (UMONS), 7000 Mons, Belgium..
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
A Review of Non-Invasive Sampling in Wildlife Disease and Health Research: What’s New? Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12131719. [PMID: 35804619 PMCID: PMC9265025 DOI: 10.3390/ani12131719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The interest in wildlife research has increased in the last decades as more scientists work within a One Health framework that regards human, livestock and wildlife health as connected entities. To minimise the impact of research on wildlife, collecting samples with as little disturbance of the animals as possible is important. In our review, we assess the use of so-called non-invasive sampling and summarise which samples can be used successfully when carrying out research on wildlife diseases and health status. Our results show that interest in minimally invasive sampling has steadily increased since the 2010s. Topics able to employ these methods include disease research, but also stress and other hormone assessments, pollution studies, and dietary studies. At the moment, such methods are mainly used to collect samples from land mammals, however, they can also be used in a wide range of other animals. Ever more capable analytical methods will allow for an even wider use of such “animal-friendly” sampling methods. Abstract In the last decades, wildlife diseases and the health status of animal populations have gained increasing attention from the scientific community as part of a One Health framework. Furthermore, the need for non-invasive sampling methods with a minimal impact on wildlife has become paramount in complying with modern ethical standards and regulations, and to collect high-quality and unbiased data. We analysed the publication trends on non-invasive sampling in wildlife health and disease research and offer a comprehensive review on the different samples that can be collected non-invasively. We retrieved 272 articles spanning from 1998 to 2021, with a rapid increase in number from 2010. Thirty-nine percent of the papers were focussed on diseases, 58% on other health-related topics, and 3% on both. Stress and other physiological parameters were the most addressed research topics, followed by viruses, helminths, and bacterial infections. Terrestrial mammals accounted for 75% of all publications, and faeces were the most widely used sample. Our review of the sampling materials and collection methods highlights that, although the use of some types of samples for specific applications is now consolidated, others are perhaps still underutilised and new technologies may offer future opportunities for an even wider use of non-invasively collected samples.
Collapse
|
7
|
Johansson Ö, Kachel S, Weckworth B. Guidelines for Telemetry Studies on Snow Leopards. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12131663. [PMID: 35804562 PMCID: PMC9264895 DOI: 10.3390/ani12131663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal-borne tracking devices have generated a wealth of new knowledge, allowing us to better understand, manage and conserve species. Fitting such tracking devices requires that animals are captured and often chemically immobilized. Such procedures cause stress and involve the risk of injuries and loss of life even in healthy individuals. For telemetry studies to be justifiable, it is vital that capture operations are planned and executed in an efficient and ethical way. Project objectives must be clearly articulated to address well-defined knowledge gaps, and studies designed to maximize the probability of achieving those goals. We provide guidelines for how to plan, design, and implement telemetry studies with a special emphasis on snow leopards that are typically captured using foot snares. We also describe the necessary steps to ensure that captures are conducted safely, and with minimal stress to animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Örjan Johansson
- Grimsö Wildlife Research Station, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 73993 Riddarhyttan, Sweden
- Snow Leopard Trust, 4649 Sunnyside Avenue North, Seattle, WA 98103, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Shannon Kachel
- Panthera, 8 West 40th Street, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10018, USA; (S.K.); (B.W.)
| | - Byron Weckworth
- Panthera, 8 West 40th Street, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10018, USA; (S.K.); (B.W.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hair cortisol concentration reflects the life cycle and management of grey wolves across four European populations. Sci Rep 2022; 12:5697. [PMID: 35383239 PMCID: PMC8982655 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-09711-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The grey wolf (Canis lupus) persists in a variety of human-dominated landscapes and is subjected to various legal management regimes throughout Europe. Our aim was to assess the effects of intrinsic and methodological determinants on the hair cortisol concentration (HCC) of wolves from four European populations under different legal management. We determined HCC by an enzyme-linked immune assay in 259 hair samples of 133 wolves from the Iberian, Alpine, Dinaric-Balkan, and Scandinavian populations. The HCC showed significant differences between body regions. Mean HCC in lumbar guard hair was 11.6 ± 9.7 pg/mg (range 1.6–108.8 pg/mg). Wolves from the Dinaric-Balkan and Scandinavian populations showed significantly higher HCC than Iberian wolves, suggesting that harvest policies could reflected in the level of chronic stress. A significant negative relationship with body size was found. The seasonal, sex and age patterns are consistent with other studies, supporting HCC as a biomarker of chronic stress in wolves for a retrospective time frame of several weeks. Our results highlight the need for standardization of sampling and analytical techniques to ensure the value of HCC in informing management at a continental scale.
Collapse
|
9
|
Kaplan G. Casting the Net Widely for Change in Animal Welfare: The Plight of Birds in Zoos, Ex Situ Conservation, and Conservation Fieldwork. Animals (Basel) 2021; 12:ani12010031. [PMID: 35011137 PMCID: PMC8749551 DOI: 10.3390/ani12010031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Animal welfare measures have been designed to improve the health and environmental conditions of animals living under human control, for whatever reason. Welfare regulations have evolved also in line with new research insights into the cognitive, affective, and physiological domain of birds, as this paper discusses. This paper casts a critical eye on areas that Animal Welfare regulations have not reached at all, have not gone far enough, or are not regulated or supervised. It identifies the plight of birds living in captivity or being studied in the field, which either by neglect, ignorance, or design are subject to practices and procedures that may not meet basic welfare standards. The paper discusses some profound contradictions in the way we think about birds and their plight in today’s world: marked for extinction on one hand and highly admired as pets on the other; damaging fieldwork on one hand and the aims of conservation on the other. It highlights some common and distressing examples of poor welfare in birds. It also offers some solutions involving simple legislative changes and ways to eliminate some unacceptably low ethical standards in the handling and management of birds. Abstract This paper discusses paradoxes in our relationship to and treatment of birds in captive and conservation contexts. The paper identifies modern and new challenges that arise from declining bird numbers worldwide. Such challenges have partly changed zoos into providers of insurance populations specifically for species at risk of extinction. They have also accelerated fieldwork projects, but by using advanced technological tools and in increasing numbers, contradictorily, they may cause serious harm to the very birds studied for conservation purposes. In practice, very few avian species have any notable protection or guarantee of good treatment. The paper first deals with shortcomings of identifying problematic avian behavior in captive birds. It then brings together specific cases of field studies and captive breeding for conservation in which major welfare deficits are identified. Indeed, the paper argues that avian welfare is now an urgent task. This is not just because of declining bird numbers but because of investment in new technologies in field studies that may have introduced additional stressors and put at risk bird survival. While the paper documents a substantial number of peer-reviewed papers criticizing practices counter to modern welfare standards, they have by and large not led to changes in some practices. Some solutions are suggested that could be readily implemented and, to my knowledge, have never been considered under a welfare model before.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gisela Kaplan
- School of Science and Technology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Palmer A, Message R, Greenhough B. Edge cases in animal research law: Constituting the regulatory borderlands of the UK's Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act. STUDIES IN HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE 2021; 90:122-130. [PMID: 34624694 PMCID: PMC8667871 DOI: 10.1016/j.shpsa.2021.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This paper explores how the boundaries of the UK's Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act (A(SP)A) are constituted, as illustrative of the rising importance of legal procedures around animal research and how these are continuously being challenged and questioned. Drawing on empirical work in animal research communities, we consider how it is decided whether activities are undertaken for an "experimental or other scientific purpose". We do this by focusing on "edge cases", where debates occur about whether to include an activity within A(SP)A's remit. We demonstrate that the boundaries of animal research regulation in the UK are products of past and present decisions, dependencies, and social relationships. Boundaries are therefore not clear-cut and fixed, but rather flexible and changing borderlands. We particularly highlight the roles of: historical precedent; the management of risk, workload, and cost; institutional and professional identities; and research design in constituting A(SP)A's edges. In doing so, we demonstrate the importance of paying attention to how, in practice, animal law requires a careful balance between adhering to legal paragraphs and allowing for discretion. This in turn has real-world implications for what and how science is done, who does it, and how animals are used in its service.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Palmer
- School of Geography and the Environment, Oxford University Centre for the Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; School of Biological Sciences, The University of Auckland, 3a Symonds Street, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.
| | - Reuben Message
- School of Geography and the Environment, Oxford University Centre for the Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Beth Greenhough
- School of Geography and the Environment, Oxford University Centre for the Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Bergvall UA, Morellet N, Kjellander P, Rauset GR, Groeve JD, Borowik T, Brieger F, Gehr B, Heurich M, Hewison AM, Kröschel M, Pellerin M, Saïd S, Soennichsen L, Sunde P, Cagnacci F. Settle Down! Ranging Behaviour Responses of Roe Deer to Different Capture and Release Methods. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11113299. [PMID: 34828030 PMCID: PMC8614535 DOI: 10.3390/ani11113299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The fitting of tracking devices to wild animals requires capture and handling which causes stress and can potentially cause injury, behavioural modifications that can affect animal welfare and the output of research. We evaluated post capture and release ranging behaviour responses of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) for five different capture methods. We analysed the distance from the centre of gravity and between successive locations, using data from 14 different study sites within the EURODEER collaborative project. Independently of the capture method, we observed a shorter distance between successive locations and contextual shift away from the home range centre of gravity after the capture and release event. However, individuals converged towards the average behaviour within a relatively short space of time (between 10 days and one month). If researchers investigate questions based on the distance between successive locations of the home range, we recommend (1) initial investigation to establish when the animals start to behave normally again or (2) not using the first two to three weeks of data for their analysis. We also encourage researchers to continually adapt methods to minimize stress and prioritize animal welfare wherever possible, according to the Refinement of the Three R's.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ulrika A. Bergvall
- Grimsö Wildlife Research Station, Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 730 91 Riddarhyttan, Sweden;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +46-707-564845
| | - Nicolas Morellet
- Université de Toulouse, INRAE, CEFS, 31326 Castanet-Tolosan, France; (N.M.); (A.J.M.H.)
- LTSER ZA PYrénéesGARonne, 31320 Auzeville-Tolosane, France
| | - Petter Kjellander
- Grimsö Wildlife Research Station, Department of Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 730 91 Riddarhyttan, Sweden;
| | - Geir R. Rauset
- Terrestrial Ecology, Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), P.O. Box 5685 Torgarden, 7485 Trondheim, Norway;
| | - Johannes De Groeve
- Research and Innovation Centre, Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology Department, Fondazione Edmund Mach, Via Mach 1, 38010 San Michele all’Adige, Italy; (J.D.G.); (F.C.)
- Department of Geography, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, 94240 Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tomasz Borowik
- Mammal Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Stoczek, 17-230 Białowieża, Poland; (T.B.); (L.S.)
| | - Falko Brieger
- Forest Research Institute Baden-Wuerttemberg, 79100 Freiburg, Germany; (F.B.); (M.K.)
| | - Benedikt Gehr
- Department of Evolutionary Biology and Environmental Studies, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Marco Heurich
- Department of Visitor Management and National Park Monitoring, Bavarian Forest National Park, 94481 Grafenau, Germany;
- Wildlife Ecology and Wildlife Management, Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- Institute for Forest and Wildlife Management, Campus Evenstad, Innland Norway University of Applied Science, 2480 Koppang, Norway
| | - A.J. Mark Hewison
- Université de Toulouse, INRAE, CEFS, 31326 Castanet-Tolosan, France; (N.M.); (A.J.M.H.)
- LTSER ZA PYrénéesGARonne, 31320 Auzeville-Tolosane, France
| | - Max Kröschel
- Forest Research Institute Baden-Wuerttemberg, 79100 Freiburg, Germany; (F.B.); (M.K.)
| | - Maryline Pellerin
- Office Français de la Biodiversité, Direction de la Recherche et de l’Appui Scientifique, 01330 Birieux, France; (M.P.); (S.S.)
| | - Sonia Saïd
- Office Français de la Biodiversité, Direction de la Recherche et de l’Appui Scientifique, 01330 Birieux, France; (M.P.); (S.S.)
| | - Leif Soennichsen
- Mammal Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Stoczek, 17-230 Białowieża, Poland; (T.B.); (L.S.)
| | - Peter Sunde
- Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Grenåvej 14, 8410 Rønde, Denmark;
| | - Francesca Cagnacci
- Research and Innovation Centre, Biodiversity and Molecular Ecology Department, Fondazione Edmund Mach, Via Mach 1, 38010 San Michele all’Adige, Italy; (J.D.G.); (F.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Falendysz EA, Calhoun DM, Smith CA, Sleeman JM. Outside the Box: Working With Wildlife in Biocontainment. ILAR J 2021; 61:72-85. [PMID: 34428796 DOI: 10.1093/ilar/ilab025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Research with captive wildlife in Animal Biosafety Level 2 (ABSL2) and 3 (ABSL3) facilities is becoming increasingly necessary as emerging and re-emerging diseases involving wildlife have increasing impacts on human, animal, and environmental health. Utilizing wildlife species in a research facility often requires outside the box thinking with specialized knowledge, practices, facilities, and equipment. The USGS National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC) houses an ABSL3 facility dedicated to understanding wildlife diseases and developing tools to mitigate their impacts on animal and human health. This review presents considerations for utilizing captive wildlife for infectious disease studies, including, husbandry, animal welfare, veterinary care, and biosafety. Examples are drawn from primary literature review and collective 40-year experience of the NWHC. Working with wildlife in ABSL2 and ABSL3 facilities differs from laboratory animals in that typical laboratory housing systems, husbandry practices, and biosafety practices are not designed for work with wildlife. This requires thoughtful adaptation of standard equipment and practices, invention of customized solutions and development of appropriate enrichment plans using the natural history of the species and the microbiological characteristics of introduced and native pathogens. Ultimately, this task requires critical risk assessment, understanding of the physical and psychological needs of diverse species, creativity, innovation, and flexibility. Finally, continual reassessment and improvement are imperative in this constantly changing specialty area of infectious disease and environmental hazard research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Falendysz
- US Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center in Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Dana M Calhoun
- Department of EBIO, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Carrie A Smith
- US Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center in Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Jonathan M Sleeman
- US Geological Survey, National Wildlife Health Center in Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Williams HJ, Shipley JR, Rutz C, Wikelski M, Wilkes M, Hawkes LA. Future trends in measuring physiology in free-living animals. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2021; 376:20200230. [PMID: 34176330 PMCID: PMC8237165 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2020.0230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Thus far, ecophysiology research has predominantly been conducted within controlled laboratory-based environments, owing to a mismatch between the recording technologies available for physiological monitoring in wild animals and the suite of behaviours and environments they need to withstand, without unduly affecting subjects. While it is possible to record some physiological variables for free-living animals using animal-attached logging devices, including inertial-measurement, heart-rate and temperature loggers, the field is still in its infancy. In this opinion piece, we review the most important future research directions for advancing the field of 'physiologging' in wild animals, including the technological development that we anticipate will be required, and the fiscal and ethical challenges that must be overcome. Non-invasive, multi-sensor miniature devices are ubiquitous in the world of human health and fitness monitoring, creating invaluable opportunities for animal and human physiologging to drive synergistic advances. We argue that by capitalizing on the research efforts and advancements made in the development of human wearables, it will be possible to design the non-invasive loggers needed by ecophysiologists to collect accurate physiological data from free-ranging animals ethically and with an absolute minimum of impact. In turn, findings have the capacity to foster transformative advances in human health monitoring. Thus, we invite biomedical engineers and researchers to collaborate with the animal-tagging community to drive forward the advancements necessary to realize the full potential of both fields. This article is part of the theme issue 'Measuring physiology in free-living animals (Part II)'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H. J. Williams
- Department of Migration, Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, 78315 Radolfzell, Germany
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstraße 10, 78464, Konstanz, Germany
| | - J. Ryan Shipley
- Department of Migration, Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, 78315 Radolfzell, Germany
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstraße 10, 78464, Konstanz, Germany
| | - C. Rutz
- Centre for Biological Diversity, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, St Andrews KY16 9TH, UK
| | - M. Wikelski
- Department of Migration, Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, 78315 Radolfzell, Germany
- Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Universitätsstraße 10, 78464, Konstanz, Germany
- Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour, University of Konstanz, 78457 Konstanz, Germany
| | - M. Wilkes
- Extreme Environments Research Group, University of Portsmouth, Spinnaker Building, Cambridge Road, Portsmouth PO1 2EF, UK
| | - L. A. Hawkes
- Hatherly Laboratories, University of Exeter, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, Exeter EX4 4PS, UK
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Palmer A, Greenhough B. Out of the laboratory, into the field: perspectives on social, ethical and regulatory challenges in UK wildlife research. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2021; 376:20200226. [PMID: 34176324 PMCID: PMC8237164 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2020.0226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Drawing on insights from qualitative social science research, this paper aims to prompt reflection on social, ethical and regulatory challenges faced by scientists undertaking invasive animal research in the field and propose ways of addressing these challenges to promote good care for animals and environments. In particular, we explore challenges relating to the management of (i) relationships with publics and stakeholders, who may be present at field sites or crucial to research success; (ii) ethical considerations not present in the laboratory, such as the impacts of research on populations and ecosystems; (iii) working under an array of regulations, which may operate in accordance with competing ethical principles or objectives; and (iv) relationships with regulators (especially vets), which may involve disagreements over ethics and expertise, especially because regulators may be more accustomed to overseeing research in the laboratory than the field. We argue that flexibility-at a personal and policy level-and respect for others' expertise emerged as two key ways of negotiating ethical challenges, fostering positive working relationships and promoting good care for individual animals and broader ecosystems. While our analysis focuses on the UK, we propose that many of these lessons are broadly applicable to international contexts. This article is part of the theme issue 'Measuring physiology in free-living animals (Part II)'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Palmer
- School of Geography and the Environment, Oxford Centre for the Environment, University of Oxford, South Parks Rd, Oxford OX1 3QY, UK
| | - Beth Greenhough
- School of Geography and the Environment, Oxford Centre for the Environment, University of Oxford, South Parks Rd, Oxford OX1 3QY, UK
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
STANDING SEDATION WITH XYLAZINE AND REVERSAL WITH YOHIMBINE IN JUVENILE ASIAN ELEPHANTS ( ELEPHAS MAXIMUS). J Zoo Wildl Med 2021; 52:437-444. [PMID: 34130385 DOI: 10.1638/2020-0170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Evaluation and improvement of immobilization methods are important for wildlife welfare and biodiversity conservation. The sedative and physiological effects of xylazine (50-110 mg per elephant; 0.09-0.15 mg/kg IM) were evaluated in 15 juvenile Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in Sri Lanka. The time from xylazine injection until first sign of sedation, handling, and reversal with yohimbine (0.009-0.03 mg/kg IV) were recorded. Behavioral signs, level of sedation (no effect, light, moderate, or deep) and response to handling were assessed. Rectal temperature, pulse, and respiratory rates were recorded and arterial blood samples were analyzed 30 and 45 min after xylazine injection. The first sign of sedation occurred within 5-18 min. Standing sedation was induced in all elephants, but the level of sedation varied differently over time for each elephant. Twelve elephants remained standing throughout the sedation period, while 3 elephants became laterally recumbent. Sedative effects included lowered head and trunk, droopy ears, snoring, and penis protrusion. Pulse rate, respiratory rate, and rectal temperature ranged between 30-45 beats/min, 4-12 breaths/min, and 35.6-37.2°C, respectively, at 30 min after xylazine injection, and there were no changes over time. Pulmonary function and acid-base balance were adequate (range partial pressures of arterial oxygen 73-123 mmHg and carbon dioxide 33-52 mmHg, arterial hemoglobin oxygen saturation 96-99%, pH 7.34-7.54, lactate 0.9-2.5 mmol/L). Yohimbine was administered 46-110 min after the injection of xylazine, and the first sign of recovery occurred within 1-4 min. Resedation after reversal with yohimbine was observed in two elephants. In conclusion, xylazine at the doses used induced light to deep sedation with stable physiology and most elephants remained standing.
Collapse
|
16
|
Sex and Age-Specific Hematology and Biochemistry Reference Intervals of Live Iberian Hares (Lepus granatensis) and Comparison with Postmortem Sampling. J Wildl Dis 2021; 57:178-183. [PMID: 33635992 DOI: 10.7589/jwd-d-19-00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Hematology and serum biochemistry reference intervals were estimated for the Iberian hare (Lepus granatensis). Most parameters differed significantly between hunted and livetrapped Iberian hares. Significant differences were found for sex (red blood cell count, mean corpuscular volume, total protein, albumin, uric acid, triglycerides, cholesterol, chloride) and age classes (red blood cell count, hematocrit, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, glucose, calcium, and sodium). Sex- and age-specific reference intervals were estimated for these parameters. Red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, urea, and potassium show seasonal variations, with the lowest values in summer and the highest in winter. Creatinine, calcium, sodium, and phosphorus achieve their highest values in summer and stable baseline values throughout the rest of the year. These reference intervals can be used as baseline to monitor health, physiology, ecology, and nutrition of Iberian hare populations.
Collapse
|
17
|
Birnie-Gauvin K, Bordeleau X, Cooke SJ, Davidsen JG, Eldøy SH, Eliason EJ, Moore A, Aarestrup K. Life-history strategies in salmonids: the role of physiology and its consequences. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2021; 96:2304-2320. [PMID: 34043292 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Salmonids are some of the most widely studied species of fish worldwide. They span freshwater rivers and lakes to fjords and oceans; they include short- and long-distance anadromous migrants, as well as partially migratory and non-migratory populations; and exhibit both semelparous and iteroparous reproduction. Salmonid life-history strategies represent some of the most diverse on the planet. For this reason, salmonids provide an especially interesting model to study the drivers of these different life-history pathways. Over the past few decades, numerous studies and reviews have been published, although most have focused on ultimate considerations where expected reproductive success of different developmental or life-history strategies are compared. Those that considered proximate causes generally focused on genetics or the environment, with less consideration of physiology. Our objective was therefore to review the existing literature on the role of physiology as a proximate driver for life-history strategies in salmonids. This link is necessary to explore since physiology is at the core of biological processes influencing energy acquisition and allocation. Energy acquisition and allocation processes, in turn, can affect life histories. We find that life-history strategies are driven by a range of physiological processes, ranging from metabolism and nutritional status to endocrinology. Our review revealed that the role of these physiological processes can vary across species and individuals depending on the life-history decision(s) to be made. In addition, while findings sometimes vary by species, results appear to be consistent in species with similar life cycles. We conclude that despite much work having been conducted on the topic, the study of physiology and its role in determining life-history strategies in salmonids remains somewhat unexplored, particularly for char and trout (excluding brown trout) species. Understanding these mechanistic links is necessary if we are to understand adequately how changing environments will impact salmonid populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kim Birnie-Gauvin
- Section for Freshwater Fisheries and Ecology, National Institute of Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark, Vejlsøvej 39, Silkeborg, 8600, Denmark
| | - Xavier Bordeleau
- Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Maurice Lamontagne Institute, 850 route de la Mer, Mont-Joli, QC, G5H 3Z4, Canada
| | - Steven J Cooke
- Department of Biology & Institute of Environmental and Interdisciplinary Sciences, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Dr., Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada
| | - Jan G Davidsen
- NTNU University Museum, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Høgskoleringen 1, Trondheim, 7491, Norway
| | - Sindre H Eldøy
- NTNU University Museum, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Høgskoleringen 1, Trondheim, 7491, Norway
| | - Erika J Eliason
- Department of Ecology, Evolution and Marine Biology, University of California Santa Barbara, California, UCSB Marine Science Institute, Building 520, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106-6150, U.S.A
| | - Andy Moore
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk, NR33 0HT, U.K
| | - Kim Aarestrup
- Section for Freshwater Fisheries and Ecology, National Institute of Aquatic Resources, Technical University of Denmark, Vejlsøvej 39, Silkeborg, 8600, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Bao YL, Wang L, Pan HT, Zhang TR, Chen YH, Xu SJ, Mao XL, Li SW. Animal and Organoid Models of Liver Fibrosis. Front Physiol 2021; 12:666138. [PMID: 34122138 PMCID: PMC8187919 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.666138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis refers to the process underlying the development of chronic liver diseases, wherein liver cells are repeatedly destroyed and regenerated, which leads to an excessive deposition and abnormal distribution of the extracellular matrix such as collagen, glycoprotein and proteoglycan in the liver. Liver fibrosis thus constitutes the pathological repair response of the liver to chronic injury. Hepatic fibrosis is a key step in the progression of chronic liver disease to cirrhosis and an important factor affecting the prognosis of chronic liver disease. Further development of liver fibrosis may lead to structural disorders of the liver, nodular regeneration of hepatocytes and the formation of cirrhosis. Hepatic fibrosis is histologically reversible if treated aggressively during this period, but when fibrosis progresses to the stage of cirrhosis, reversal is very difficult, resulting in a poor prognosis. There are many causes of liver fibrosis, including liver injury caused by drugs, viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver, fatty liver and autoimmune disease. The mechanism underlying hepatic fibrosis differs among etiologies. The establishment of an appropriate animal model of liver fibrosis is not only an important basis for the in-depth study of the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis but also an important means for clinical experts to select drugs for the prevention and treatment of liver fibrosis. The present study focused on the modeling methods and fibrosis characteristics of different animal models of liver fibrosis, such as a chemical-induced liver fibrosis model, autoimmune liver fibrosis model, cholestatic liver fibrosis model, alcoholic liver fibrosis model and non-alcoholic liver fibrosis model. In addition, we also summarize the research and application prospects concerning new organoids in liver fibrosis models proposed in recent years. A suitable animal model of liver fibrosis and organoid fibrosis model that closely resemble the physiological state of the human body will provide bases for the in-depth study of the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis and the development of therapeutic drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Long Bao
- College of Basic Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Li Wang
- College of Basic Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Hai-Ting Pan
- College of Basic Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Tai-Ran Zhang
- College of Basic Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Ya-Hong Chen
- Health Management Center, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
| | - Shan-Jing Xu
- School of Medicine, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Chian
| | - Xin-Li Mao
- School of Medicine, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, Chian.,Key Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Techniques & Rapid Rehabilitation of Digestive System Tumor, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
| | - Shao-Wei Li
- Key Laboratory of Minimally Invasive Techniques & Rapid Rehabilitation of Digestive System Tumor, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai, China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
De Pelsmaeker N, Korslund L, Steifetten Ø. High-elevational occurrence of two tick species, Ixodes ricinus and I. trianguliceps, at their northern distribution range. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:161. [PMID: 33736666 PMCID: PMC7977262 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04604-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the last decades a northward and upward range shift has been observed among many organisms across different taxa. In the northern hemisphere, ticks have been observed to have increased their latitudinal and altitudinal range limit. However, the elevational expansion at its northern distribution range remains largely unstudied. In this study we investigated the altitudinal distribution of the exophilic Ixodes ricinus and endophilic I. trianguliceps on two mountain slopes in Norway by assessing larval infestation rates on bank voles (Myodes glareolus). METHODS During 2017 and 2018, 1325 bank voles were captured during the spring, summer and autumn at ten trapping stations ranging from 100 m to 1000 m.a.s.l. in two study areas in southern Norway. We used generalized logistic regression models to estimate the prevalence of infestation of both tick species along gradients of altitude, considering study area, collection year and season, temperature, humidity and altitude interactions as extrinsic variables, and host body mass and sex as intrinsic predictor variables. RESULTS We found that both I. ricinus and I. trianguliceps infested bank voles at altitudes up to 1000 m.a.s.l., which is a substantial increase in altitude compared to previous findings for I. ricinus in this region. The infestation rates declined more rapidly with increasing altitude for I. ricinus compared to I. trianguliceps, indicating that the endophilic ecology of I. trianguliceps may provide shelter from limiting factors tied to altitude. Seasonal effects limited the occurrence of I. ricinus during autumn, but I. trianguliceps was found to infest rodents at all altitudes during all seasons of both years. CONCLUSIONS This study provides new insights into the altitudinal distribution of two tick species at their northern distribution range, one with the potential to transmit zoonotic pathogens to both humans and livestock. With warming temperatures predicted to increase, and especially so in the northern regions, the risk of tick-borne infections is likely to become a concern at increasingly higher altitudes in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas De Pelsmaeker
- Department of Nature, Health and the Environment, University of South-Eastern Norway, Bø, Norway.
| | - Lars Korslund
- Department of Natural Sciences, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Øyvind Steifetten
- Department of Nature, Health and the Environment, University of South-Eastern Norway, Bø, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Jörgensen S, Lindsjö J, Weber EM, Röcklinsberg H. Reviewing the Review: A Pilot Study of the Ethical Review Process of Animal Research in Sweden. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:708. [PMID: 33807898 PMCID: PMC8002130 DOI: 10.3390/ani11030708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of animals in research entails a range of societal and ethical issues, and there is widespread consensus that animals are to be kept safe from unnecessary suffering. Therefore, harm done to animals in the name of research has to be carefully regulated and undergo ethical review for approval. Since 2013, this has been enforced within the European Union through Directive 2010/63/EU on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes. However, critics argue that the directive and its implementation by member states do not properly consider all aspects of animal welfare, which risks causing unnecessary animal suffering and decreased public trust in the system. In this pilot study, the ethical review process in Sweden was investigated to determine whether or not the system is in fact flawed, and if so, what may be the underlying cause of this. Through in-depth analysis of 18 applications and decisions of ethical reviews, we found that there are recurring problems within the ethical review process in Sweden. Discrepancies between demands set by legislation and the structure of the application form lead to submitted information being incomplete by design. In turn, this prevents the Animal Ethics Committees from being able to fulfill their task of performing a harm-benefit analysis and ensuring Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement (the 3Rs). Results further showed that a significant number of applications failed to meet legal requirements regarding content. Similarly, no Animal Ethics Committee decision contained any account of evaluation of the 3Rs and a majority failed to include harm-benefit analysis as required by law. Hence, the welfare may be at risk, as well as the fulfilling of the legal requirement of only approving "necessary suffering". We argue that the results show an unacceptably low level of compliance in the investigated applications with the legal requirement of performing both a harm-benefit analysis and applying the 3Rs within the decision-making process, and that by implication, public insight through transparency is not achieved in these cases. In order to improve the ethical review, the process needs to be restructured, and the legal demands put on both the applicants and the Animal Ethics Committees as such need to be made clear. We further propose a number of improvements, including a revision of the application form. We also encourage future research to further investigate and address issues unearthed by this pilot study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Svea Jörgensen
- Department of Animal Environment and Health (HMH), Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 7068, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden; (S.J.); (J.L.)
| | - Johan Lindsjö
- Department of Animal Environment and Health (HMH), Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 7068, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden; (S.J.); (J.L.)
| | - Elin M. Weber
- Department of Animal Environment and Health (HMH), Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 234, 532 23 Skara, Sweden;
| | - Helena Röcklinsberg
- Department of Animal Environment and Health (HMH), Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 7068, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden; (S.J.); (J.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Non-Invasive Molecular Survey of Sarcoptic Mange in Wildlife: Diagnostic Performance in Wolf Faecal Samples Evaluated by Multi-Event Capture-Recapture Models. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10020243. [PMID: 33672583 PMCID: PMC7924033 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10020243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Sarcoptic mange is globally enzootic, and non-invasive methods with high diagnostic specificity for its surveillance in wildlife are lacking. We describe the molecular detection of Sarcoptes scabiei in non-invasively collected faecal samples, targeting the 16S rDNA gene. We applied this method to 843 Iberian wolf Canis lupus signatus faecal samples collected in north-western Portugal (2006-2018). We further integrated this with serological data (61 samples from wolf and 20 from red fox Vulpes vulpes, 1997-2019) in multi-event capture-recapture models. The mean predicted prevalence by the molecular analysis of wolf faecal samples from 2006-2018 was 7.2% (CI95 5.0-9.4%; range: 2.6-11.7%), highest in 2009. The mean predicted seroprevalence in wolves was 24.5% (CI95 18.5-30.6%; range: 13.0-55.0%), peaking in 2006-2009. Multi-event capture-recapture models estimated 100% diagnostic specificity and moderate diagnostic sensitivity (30.0%, CI95 14.0-53.0%) for the molecular method. Mange-infected individually identified wolves showed a tendency for higher mortality versus uninfected wolves (ΔMortality 0.150, CI95 -0.165-0.458). Long-term serology data highlights the endemicity of sarcoptic mange in wild canids but uncovers multi-year epidemics. This study developed and evaluated a novel method for surveying sarcoptic mange in wildlife populations by the molecular detection of S. scabiei in faecal samples, which stands out for its high specificity and non-invasive character.
Collapse
|
22
|
Goessling JM, Mendonça MT. Physiological responses of gopher tortoises ( Gopherus polyphemus) to trapping. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2021; 9:coab003. [PMID: 33614037 PMCID: PMC7885857 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coab003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
With a growing number of species of conservation concern, understanding the physiological effects of routine sampling of vertebrate species remains a priority to maintain the welfare status of wildlife and ensure such activities are not counter to conservation goals. The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is a species of conservation concern throughout its range and is among the most frequently trapped turtles globally (for both research and conservation activities). Several studies have found equivocal results on the effects of trapping and handling on the glucocorticoid stress response. In this study, we tested how multiple physiological biomarkers (i.e. plasma lactate, corticosterone (cort), heterophil:lymphocyte ratio (HLR) and bactericidal ability (BA)) respond to four different combinations of trapping conditions in comparison to baseline reference sampling. We found that trapping and handling of gopher tortoises yielded a rapid rise in plasma lactate concentration followed by elevations of cort and stress-associated immune changes. In visibly distressed animals that were in traps for fewer than 2 hours, lactate, cort, HLR and BA were all elevated, and generally more so than animals that remained calm in traps for a similar amount of time. Animals that had been trapped and then held for a 3-hour restraint showed similar degrees of physiological alteration as those that showed outward signs of distress. This study demonstrates that trapping may yield physiological disturbances in gopher tortoises, although the intensity of this response is highly variable between individuals and the duration of such alterations remains unknown. This research emphasizes the need for continued work to refine trapping and handling processes in an effort to minimize impacts on individuals and populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey M Goessling
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, AL 36849 USA
- Natural Sciences Collegium, Eckerd College, 4200 54 Ave S, St Petersburg FL 33711 USA
| | - Mary T Mendonça
- Department of Biological Sciences, Auburn University, AL 36849 USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
de Mori B, Spiriti MM, Pollastri I, Normando S, Biasetti P, Florio D, Andreucci F, Colleoni S, Galli C, Göritz F, Hermes R, Holtze S, Lazzari G, Seet S, Zwilling J, Stejskal J, Mutisya S, Ndeereh D, Ngulu S, Vigne R, Hildebrandt TB. An Ethical Assessment Tool (ETHAS) to Evaluate the Application of Assisted Reproductive Technologies in Mammals' Conservation: The Case of the Northern White Rhinoceros ( Ceratotherium simum cottoni). Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:312. [PMID: 33530613 PMCID: PMC7911958 DOI: 10.3390/ani11020312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) can make a difference in biodiversity conservation. Their application, however, can create risks and raise ethical issues that need addressing. Unfortunately, there is a lack of attention to the topic in the scientific literature and, to our knowledge, there is no tool for the ethical assessment of ARTs in the context of conservation that has been described. This paper reports the first applications of the Ethical Assessment Tool (ETHAS) to trans-rectal ovum pick-up (OPU) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures used in a northern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum cottoni) conservation project. The ETHAS consists of two checklists, the Ethical Evaluation Sheet and the Ethical Risk Assessment, and is specifically customized for each ART procedure. It provides an integrated, multilevel and standardized self-assessment of the procedure under scrutiny, generating an ethical acceptability ranking (totally, partially, not acceptable) and a risk rank (low, medium, high), and, hence, allows for implementing measures to address or manage issues beforehand. The application of the ETHAS to the procedures performed on the northern white rhinoceros was effective in ensuring a high standard of procedures, contributing to the acceptability and improved communication among the project's partners. In turn, the tool itself was also refined through an iterative consultation process between experts and stakeholders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara de Mori
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, 35020 Padua, Italy; (M.M.S.); (I.P.)
- Ethics Laboratory for Veterinary Medicine, Conservation and Animal Welfare, University of Padua, 35020 Padua, Italy; (P.B.); (D.F.); (F.A.)
| | - Maria Michela Spiriti
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, 35020 Padua, Italy; (M.M.S.); (I.P.)
- Ethics Laboratory for Veterinary Medicine, Conservation and Animal Welfare, University of Padua, 35020 Padua, Italy; (P.B.); (D.F.); (F.A.)
| | - Ilaria Pollastri
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, 35020 Padua, Italy; (M.M.S.); (I.P.)
- Ethics Laboratory for Veterinary Medicine, Conservation and Animal Welfare, University of Padua, 35020 Padua, Italy; (P.B.); (D.F.); (F.A.)
| | - Simona Normando
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, 35020 Padua, Italy; (M.M.S.); (I.P.)
- Ethics Laboratory for Veterinary Medicine, Conservation and Animal Welfare, University of Padua, 35020 Padua, Italy; (P.B.); (D.F.); (F.A.)
| | - Pierfrancesco Biasetti
- Ethics Laboratory for Veterinary Medicine, Conservation and Animal Welfare, University of Padua, 35020 Padua, Italy; (P.B.); (D.F.); (F.A.)
- Department of Reproduction Management, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, D-10315 Berlin, Germany; (F.G.); (R.H.); (S.H.)
| | - Daniela Florio
- Ethics Laboratory for Veterinary Medicine, Conservation and Animal Welfare, University of Padua, 35020 Padua, Italy; (P.B.); (D.F.); (F.A.)
- Department of Veterinary Medical Science, University of Bologna, 40064 Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Andreucci
- Ethics Laboratory for Veterinary Medicine, Conservation and Animal Welfare, University of Padua, 35020 Padua, Italy; (P.B.); (D.F.); (F.A.)
| | - Silvia Colleoni
- Avantea, Laboratory of Reproductive Technologies, 26100 Cremona, Italy; (S.C.); (C.G.); (G.L.)
| | - Cesare Galli
- Avantea, Laboratory of Reproductive Technologies, 26100 Cremona, Italy; (S.C.); (C.G.); (G.L.)
- Avantea Foundation, 26100 Cremona, Italy
| | - Frank Göritz
- Department of Reproduction Management, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, D-10315 Berlin, Germany; (F.G.); (R.H.); (S.H.)
| | - Robert Hermes
- Department of Reproduction Management, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, D-10315 Berlin, Germany; (F.G.); (R.H.); (S.H.)
| | - Susanne Holtze
- Department of Reproduction Management, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, D-10315 Berlin, Germany; (F.G.); (R.H.); (S.H.)
| | - Giovanna Lazzari
- Avantea, Laboratory of Reproductive Technologies, 26100 Cremona, Italy; (S.C.); (C.G.); (G.L.)
- Avantea Foundation, 26100 Cremona, Italy
| | - Steven Seet
- Science Communication, Science Management, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, D-10315 Berlin, Germany; (S.S.); (J.Z.)
| | - Jan Zwilling
- Science Communication, Science Management, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, D-10315 Berlin, Germany; (S.S.); (J.Z.)
| | - Jan Stejskal
- ZOO Dvůr Králové, 54401 Dvůr Králové nad Labem, Czech Republic;
| | - Samuel Mutisya
- Ol Pejeta Wildlife Conservancy, Nanyuki 10400, Kenya; (S.M.); (S.N.); (R.V.)
| | | | - Stephen Ngulu
- Ol Pejeta Wildlife Conservancy, Nanyuki 10400, Kenya; (S.M.); (S.N.); (R.V.)
| | - Richard Vigne
- Ol Pejeta Wildlife Conservancy, Nanyuki 10400, Kenya; (S.M.); (S.N.); (R.V.)
| | - Thomas B. Hildebrandt
- Department of Reproduction Management, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, D-10315 Berlin, Germany; (F.G.); (R.H.); (S.H.)
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Free University of Berlin, D-14195 Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Wild boar behaviour during live-trap capture in a corral-style trap: implications for animal welfare. Acta Vet Scand 2020; 62:59. [PMID: 33168032 PMCID: PMC7654165 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-020-00557-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Wildlife traps are used in many countries without evaluation of their effect on animal welfare. Trap-capture of wild animals should minimise negative effects on animal welfare, irrespective of whether the animals are trapped for hunting, research, or management purposes. Live-trap capture of wild boar (Sus scrofa) followed by killing inside the trap by gunshot is a recently introduced but disputed hunting method in Sweden. Approval of trap constructions is based on gross necropsy findings of 20 trapped and shot wild boars. For improved animal welfare evaluation, our aim was to study wild boar behaviour during live-trapping in a 16 m2 square corral-style trap. Behavioural assessments were conducted after filming 12 capture events of in total 38 wild boars (five adults, 20 subadults, 13 piglets). Selected behavioural traits were compared with pathological changes (trap-related lesions) found at necropsy of the 20 subadults, to determine if these variables were useful proxies of capture-induced stress in wild boar. Results The wild boars spent less time resting in the evening than in the night and morning. Using Friedman’s ANOVA, there was an overall difference in the time spent foraging. However, we only found a difference between the evening and morning in the Wilcoxon matched pairs test after the Sequential Bonferroni correction, where the wild boars spent more time foraging in the evening than in the morning. Single captured individuals showed more escape behaviours and reacted more strongly to external stimuli than individuals captured in a group. It was more common for animals to charge against the mesh walls of the trap upon human approach compared to upon initial capture when the trap door closed. Trap-related pathological findings due to trauma were documented in 13 of the 20 subadults that were necropsied. Behavioural alterations indicative of capture-induced stress (e.g. charging into the trap walls) were documented in trapped wild boars with no or minor physical injuries (e.g. skin abrasions, subcutaneous haemorrhage). Conclusions Behavioural assessment provided valuable information for determination of capture-induced stress in wild boar when evaluating live-trapping in a corral-style trap, whereas pathological evaluation through necropsy did not fully reflect the animal welfare aspects of live-trapping. We emphasize the inclusion of species-specific behavioural data assessment for evaluation of capture-related stress during live-trapping and for testing of new trap constructions before approval.
Collapse
|
25
|
Protein metabolism and physical fitness are physiological determinants of body condition in Southern European carnivores. Sci Rep 2020; 10:15755. [PMID: 32978477 PMCID: PMC7519690 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72761-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The physiological significance of biometric body condition indices (bBCI) is poorly understood. We hypothesized that bBCI are composite metrics of nutritional physiology, physical fitness and health. To test this hypothesis, we first compared the performance of eight bBCI, using 434 Southern European carnivores from six species as a model system; and then identified, by non-destructive methods, the hematology and serum biochemistry correlates of three selected bBCI. Fulton’s K Index, Major Axis Regression Residuals and Scaled Mass Index were the only bBCI insensitive to the effect of sex and age. The most informative physiological parameters in explaining the variation of these bBCI were the albumin (Effect Size (ES) = − 1.66 to − 1.76), urea (ES = 1.61 to 1.85) and total bilirubin (ES = − 1.62 to − 1.79). Hemoglobin and globulins (positive) and cholesterol (negative) were moderately informative (0.9 <|ES|< 1.5). This study shows that most bBCI do not control for the effect of age and sex in Southern European carnivores. Our results support that bBCI are composite measures of physiologic processes, reflecting a positive gradient from protein-poor to protein-rich diets, accompanied by increased physical fitness. Biometric body condition indices allow the integration of ecologically relevant physiological aspects in an easily obtained metric.
Collapse
|
26
|
De Pelsmaeker N, Korslund L, Steifetten Ø. Do bank voles (Myodes glareolus) trapped in live and lethal traps show differences in tick burden? PLoS One 2020; 15:e0239029. [PMID: 32941509 PMCID: PMC7498064 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In studies assessing tick abundance, the use of live traps to capture and euthanize rodent hosts is a commonly used method to determine their burden. However, captive animals can experience debilitating or fatal capture stress as a result prior to collection. An alternative method is the use of lethal traps, but this can potentially lead to tick drop-off between the time of capture and collection. In this study, in order to determine whether subjecting animals to capture stress is inevitable, we tested the difference in sheep tick (Ixodes ricinus) larval burdens between bank voles (Myodes glareolus) captured alive and euthanized, and lethally trapped bank voles. During 2017 and 2018, 1318 bank voles were captured using live (Ugglan Special no. 2) and lethal (Rapp2 Mousetrap) traps during two consecutive years over three seasons in two locations in Norway. Voles captured alive would remain captive until euthanized, while lethally trapped voles were killed instantly upon capture. Log-linear models, accounting for overdispersion, were used to determine whether trap type was influencing observed tick burden. Bank voles captured in lethal traps carried 5.7% more larvae compared to euthanized voles captured in live traps, but this difference was not significant (p = 0.420). Males were overall captured 2.7 times more frequently than females, and the sex ratio was equal in both trap types. This study shows that the use of lethal traps to determine tick burden of rodents is sufficiently reliable, without having to subject animals to potentially lethal stress, hereby reducing some ethical concerns of animal suffering and the results thereof, without compromising accuracy. Lethal trapping is also often more economical and practical, further favoring this collection method.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas De Pelsmaeker
- Department of Nature, Health and Environment, University of Southeastern Norway, Bø, Norway
| | - Lars Korslund
- Department of Natural Sciences, University of Agder, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Øyvind Steifetten
- Department of Nature, Health and Environment, University of Southeastern Norway, Bø, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Soulsbury CD, Gray HE, Smith LM, Braithwaite V, Cotter SC, Elwood RW, Wilkinson A, Collins LM. The welfare and ethics of research involving wild animals: A primer. Methods Ecol Evol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/2041-210x.13435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Helen E. Gray
- Faculty of Biological Sciences University of Leeds Leeds UK
| | | | | | | | - Robert W. Elwood
- School of Biological Sciences Queen's University Belfast Belfast UK
| | - Anna Wilkinson
- School of Life Sciences University of Lincoln Lincoln UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Zemanova MA. Towards more compassionate wildlife research through the 3Rs principles: moving from invasive to non-invasive methods. WILDLIFE BIOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.2981/wlb.00607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Miriam A. Zemanova
- M. A. Zemanova (https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5002-3388) ✉ , Dept of Philosophy, Univ. of Basel, Steinengraben 5, CH-4051 Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Puncture versus capture: which stresses animals the most? J Comp Physiol B 2020; 190:341-347. [DOI: 10.1007/s00360-020-01269-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
|
30
|
Lydecker HW, Banks PB, Hochuli DF. Counting Ticks (Acari: Ixodida) on Hosts Is Complex: A Review and Comparison of Methods. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2019; 56:1527-1533. [PMID: 31237338 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjz094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Locating and counting parasites on a host is a fundamental aspect of ecological research and basic veterinary and clinical practice. Variability in the biology and behavior of both hosts and parasites creates many methodological, logistical, and ethical considerations that must be made to collect this deceptively simple measurement. We identified methods that are used to count ticks (Acari: Ixodida, Leach 1815) on hosts by reviewing the methods sections of relevant published studies. Unfortunately, there is no best method agreed upon by scientists to collect ticks from hosts. In general, we suggest that studies focusing purely on counting ticks on hosts should use more sensitive methods to determine patterns of tick distribution on the surfaces of unconscious or deceased hosts in order to provide host body regions to target in future studies to maximize tick detection ability and limit the costs of research for researchers and the host animals involved. As ticks are counted on hosts for many different reasons, researchers must be goal oriented and chose methods that are appropriate for addressing their specific aims.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henry W Lydecker
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, the University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead NSW, Australia
| | - Peter B Banks
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, the University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Dieter F Hochuli
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, the University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Sydney Policy Lab, the University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Durant SM, Groom R, Kuloba B, Samna A, Muzuma U, Gadimang P, Mandisodza-Chikerema R, Ipavec A, Mitchell N, Ikanda D, Msuha M. Bridging the divide between scientists and decision-makers: how behavioural ecologists can increase the conservation impact of their research? Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2019; 374:20190011. [PMID: 31352894 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2019.0011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Effective conservation management is underpinned by science. Yet, there are often barriers against the incorporation of up-to-date scientific research into decision-making and policy. Here, we draw on experience from a multi-nation approach to conserve cheetah and African wild dogs across Africa, using relationships between scientists and managers established over more than a decade, to better understand scientific information needs of managers. While our analysis focuses on Africa, many of our findings are likely to be relevant to other regions. Managers view science as critical to their decision-making processes and strongly support scientific research, particularly when research directly addresses their information needs. However, managers reported problems in accessing final results and highlighted the need to access raw ecological data from research undertaken within protected areas. Fundamental to improving the management relevance of scientific research is the need for scientists to engage with managers through all steps of the research process, from project design and implementation through to scientific publication and end-of-project agreements. Effective engagement requires open and clear communication; including agreed processes for access to biodiversity data and submission of final results. In order to foster future scientific endeavours and collaborations, systems should be established to better facilitate information exchange, while also safeguarding the rights of scientists to publish their data and protect their academic freedom. Our analysis also calls for a greater awareness of the geo-political context under which science is undertaken, and for increased scientific participation through an inclusive approach that recognizes, and gives credit to, a wider diversity of scientific contributions and expertise. This article is part of the theme issue 'Linking behaviour to dynamics of populations and communities: application of novel approaches in behavioural ecology to conservation'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Durant
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London, UK.,Wildlife Conservation Society, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rosemary Groom
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London, UK
| | | | | | | | - Phemelo Gadimang
- Republic of Botswana Department of Wildlife and National Parks, 439808 Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | - Audrey Ipavec
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London, UK
| | | | - Dennis Ikanda
- Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute, Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania
| | - Maurus Msuha
- Wildlife Division, Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, 119143 Dar es Salaam, Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Drinkwater E, Robinson EJH, Hart AG. Keeping invertebrate research ethical in a landscape of shifting public opinion. Methods Ecol Evol 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/2041-210x.13208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Adam G. Hart
- School of Natural and Social Science University of Gloucestershire Cheltenham UK
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
de Jong A. Less Is Better. Avoiding Redundant Measurements in Studies on Wild Birds in Accordance to the Principles of the 3Rs. Front Vet Sci 2019; 6:195. [PMID: 31275951 PMCID: PMC6593471 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The Principles of the 3Rs apply to animal use in research regardless where the research is conducted. In wildlife research, particularly research on wild birds, 3R implementation lags behind research using laboratory, farm, or pet animals. Raised 3R awareness and more field-adapted techniques and protocols are expected to improve the situation. Unpredictable access to animals entices the wildlife researcher to make the most of each caught animal, leading to potential over-use, and violation of the 3Rs. In this study, I statistically screened an existing set of Bean Goose biometric data for the presence of redundant measurements. The results show that it was possible to distinguish between the fabalis and rossicus subspecies (the original aim of the measurements) with fewer measurements (2 vs. 17). Avoidance of the redundant measurements was estimated to reduce both handling time and welfare impact with c. 80%. A robust scheme, supported by an R-script, is presented for continuously weeding out redundant measurements. This scheme is potentially applicable for measurement protocols in any wildlife study, and thus, contributes to the implementation of the principals of the 3Rs in wildlife research in general.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adriaan de Jong
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Lindsjö J, Cvek K, Spangenberg EMF, Olsson JNG, Stéen M. The Dividing Line Between Wildlife Research and Management-Implications for Animal Welfare. Front Vet Sci 2019; 6:13. [PMID: 30805350 PMCID: PMC6371958 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Wild animals are used for research and management purposes in Sweden and throughout the world. Animals are often subjected to similar procedures and risks of compromised welfare from capture, anesthesia, handling, sampling, marking, and sometimes selective removal. The interpretation of the protection of animals used for scientific purposes in Sweden is based on the EU Directive 2010/63/EU. The purpose of animal use, irrespective if the animal is suffering or not, decides the classification as a research animal, according to Swedish legislation. In Sweden, like in several other European countries, the legislation differs between research and management. Whereas, animal research is generally well-defined and covered in the legislation, wildlife management is not. The protection of wild animals differs depending on the procedure they are subjected to, and how they are classified. In contrast to wildlife management activities, research projects have to implement the 3Rs and must undergo ethical reviews and official animal welfare controls. It is often difficult to define the dividing line between the two categories, e.g., when marking for identification purposes. This gray area creates uncertainty and problems beyond animal welfare, e.g., in Sweden, information that has been collected during management without ethical approval should not be published. The legislation therefore needs to be harmonized. To ensure consistent ethical and welfare assessments for wild animals at the hands of humans, and for the benefit of science and management, we suggest that both research and management procedures are assessed by one single Animal Ethics Committee with expertise in the 3Rs, animal welfare, wildlife population health and One Health. We emphasize the need for increased and improved official animal welfare control, facilitated by compatible legislation and a similar ethical authorization process for all wild animal procedures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johan Lindsjö
- Swedish Centre for Animal Welfare, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Animal Environment and Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Katarina Cvek
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Elin M. F. Spangenberg
- Swedish Centre for Animal Welfare, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Animal Environment and Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Margareta Stéen
- Swedish Centre for Animal Welfare, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Imholt C, Abdulla T, Stevens A, Edwards P, Jacob J, Woods D, Rogers E, Aarons L, Segelcke D. Establishment and validation of microsampling techniques in wild rodents for ecotoxicological research. J Appl Toxicol 2018; 38:1244-1250. [DOI: 10.1002/jat.3635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Revised: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Imholt
- Federal Research Institute for Cultivated Plants; Julius Kühn-Institute; Toppheideweg 88 48161 Münster Germany
| | - Tariq Abdulla
- Manchester Pharmacy School; University of Manchester; Manchester UK
| | - Alexander Stevens
- Syngenta Ltd, Jealott's Hill International Research Centre; Bracknell UK
| | - Peter Edwards
- Syngenta Ltd, Jealott's Hill International Research Centre; Bracknell UK
| | - Jens Jacob
- Federal Research Institute for Cultivated Plants; Julius Kühn-Institute; Toppheideweg 88 48161 Münster Germany
| | | | | | - Leon Aarons
- Manchester Pharmacy School; University of Manchester; Manchester UK
| | - Daniel Segelcke
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine; University Hospital Muenster; Germany
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Bergvall UA, Jäderberg L, Kjellander P. The use of box-traps for wild roe deer: behaviour, injuries and recaptures. EUR J WILDLIFE RES 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s10344-017-1120-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
37
|
|