Commercial Breeding Facilities Research Articles

”You don’t have the right to steal my life”: Exploring the harms of puppy farming on ex-breeding dogs

The last decade or so has witnessed a growing body of work within green criminology exploring forms of non-human animal abuse and harms involving companion animals. To date, however, comparably less attention has been paid to the puppy trade and the phenomena of commercial dog breeding facilities (or puppy mills/puppy farms). The aim of this article is to add to this literature by exploring the multiple harms of puppy farming, focusing on its impact on the breeding dogs themselves; specifically breeding bitches. Adopting a green criminological perspective and drawing on interviews with animal rescue staff, foster carers and those who have adopted ex-breeding dogs within the UK, the article explores the harms of puppy farming on their bodies and behaviours. Interviewees describe how ex-breeding dogs are physically worn out after a life of constant breeding and often suffer from a range of often serious medical issues. In addition, they were invariably emotionally shut down, exhibiting anxiety and phobic responses when confronted with new situations, people and sounds, as well as ones that recalled the conditions in which they were kept while in the puppy farm.

Harnessing Big Data in the Animal Welfare Industry: Utilizing Data Science to Improve Regulatory Oversight of Commercial Dog Breeding

Introduction: In the age of Big Data, the animal welfare industry stands to benefit from data-driven decision making, particularly in commercial dog breeding. Despite its potential, many organizations and regulatory bodies, such as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), face significant challenges in organizing and using it effectively. The existing challenges limit the extent to which the vast amount of data collected by the USDA can be used to improve regulatory oversight and promote animal welfare. This study explored the potential of leveraging publicly-available inspection report data to inform animal welfare standards and identify areas of improvement. Methods: We formulated an innovative approach for extracting, cleaning, and structuring data from the Public Search Tool (PST) database. Our approach involved the use of customized web-scraping tools and data manipulation techniques, including automatic data retrieval, transformation of inspection reports into a text-friendly format, and pattern recognition for collating pertinent data elements. We conducted descriptive statistical analyses on the assembled dataset to set the stage for a comprehensive exploration of inspection reports from Class ‘A’ commercial dog breeding facilities. Results: Our study produced an extensive dataset detailing compliance with animal welfare standards at Class ‘A’ commercial dog breeding facilities across the United States from 2014 to 2023. Preliminary analysis revealed prevalent areas of non-compliance, such as inadequate veterinary care and substandard housing conditions. The dataset facilitated a deep analysis of animal welfare practices within the commercial dog breeding industry, providing insights across geographical locations and facility sizes. Conclusion: Our study underscores the potential of harnessing Big Data to inform regulatory decisions and improve animal welfare within commercial dog breeding. It introduces a method to transform publicly available data into an accessible format. This allows us to go beyond anecdotal evidence into comprehensive assessments, facilitating constructive dialogue and effective policy-making. Further research leveraging advancements is recommended to deepen insights and encourage collaborative efforts to elevate animal welfare standards.

The Cortisol Levels, Histology, and Fine Structure of Various Tissues of Fish Gambusia affinis (Baird and Girard, 1853) after Exposure to Lead.

Aquatic organisms demonstrate a high vulnerability to mortality when exposed to Pb, even at low concentrations. The objective of this investigation is to ascertain the histopathological alterations and cortisol concentrations in diverse tissues of Gambusia affinis, with a specific focus on the eggs and larvae, following exposure to varying concentrations of PbCl2. Adult specimens of G. affinis measuring 5-6 cm in length were obtained from a commercial fish breeding facility. A total of 8 fish with a 1 : 1 ratio of 4 pairs of broodstock were placed in an 8-liter aquarium. Following the adaptation phase, the broodstock underwent a spawning process that lasted for a duration of 7 days. Throughout the spawning process, assessments were conducted on the progression of the abdominal growth of the broodstock. Eggs ready to hatch and Gambusia larvae were taken and exposed to 0.1 mg/L PbCl2, 1 mg/L PbCl2, and control (without PbCl2) for 24 hours, with three replications. At the end of the experiment, histopathological analysis was conducted using the hematoxylin Ehrlich-eosin staining method and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) observation. The levels of Pb in gills were determined by employing atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The cortisol concentration in organ samples of fish was determined through the utilization of a cortisol ELISA Kit. The findings of this investigation demonstrated an important bioaccumulation occurrence of Pb within the gills of Gambusia fish that were specifically subjected to 0.1 and 1 mg/L PbCl2. The histological structures of eggs and larvae that were subjected to PbCl2 exhibited impairment in comparison to the control group. The present study observed a significant elevation in cortisol levels among fish specimens that were subjected to PbCl2 exposure. The findings of this investigation suggest that the occurrence of Pb is linked to a rise in cortisol concentrations in various organs of G. affinis larvae. Furthermore, the research indicates that the exposure to Pb has a notable impact on the histological alterations in the eggs and larvae of Gambusia fish, implying that they are undergoing stress as a result of the Pb exposure.

Hematologic parameters of captive Bothrops atrox (Squamata: viperidae)

The breeding of venomous snakes in captivity for research purposes and mainly as a source of pharmaceutical products highlights the need to determine hematological parameters for monitoring and ensuring a healthy breeding populationThe complete blood count is used to help diagnose alterations such as anemia, inflammatory diseases, parasitemia, hematopoietic disorders, hemostatic and toxicological changes, as well as bacterial and viral inclusions. Thus, the objective of this study was to define reference parameters for complete blood count in Bothrops atrox snakes. Blood samples were collected from 20 specimens of B. atrox from the Pentapharm do Brasil commercial breeding facility for laboratory examination. Mean values and standard deviation were: hematocrit 33.6 ± 5.47%, hemoglobin 10.81 ± 2.07g/dL, total number of erythrocytes 0.59 ± 0.1 x 106/mm3, leukocytes 11387.5 ± 3279.2/mm3 and thrombocytes 28175 ± 6320/mm3. No significant difference was observed between males and females and heterophils were the predominant leukocyte cell type.

Extreme life histories are associated with altered social behavior and cortisol levels in shelter dogs

High-volume breeders often produce purebred or “designer breeds” to supply the pet industry. Some high-volume commercial breeding facilities (CBEs) include extreme conditions such as overcrowding, little human contact, exposure to harsh weather conditions, inadequate food and water, and untreated medical conditions. Previous research with puppies born in these extreme conditions reports that this early life history of deprivation is associated with multiple behavioral and psychological abnormalities once adopted. Still, few studies to date have examined whether impoverished conditions affect the physiological systems of domestic dogs. The following study examined hormonal and behavioral differences in dogs from adverse early-life environments (i.e., puppy mills, unlicensed commercial breeders, hoarding situations) and a control group of dogs during social interactions with an unfamiliar human while in the shelter environment. Dogs from known early adverse backgrounds displayed significantly higher salivary cortisol levels than other dogs found at the shelter, F(1, 23) = 4.51, p = 0.045. Neither time spent in adverse living conditions nor time spent in the shelter correlated with cortisol output. During social interactions with an unfamiliar human, dogs from adverse backgrounds exhibited more fear behavior (p = 0.022) and displayed lower levels of affiliative behavior (p = 0.039). Dogs from adverse backgrounds spent more time in stationary positions (i.e., sitting, standing, freezing) than other shelter dogs (p = 0.043), and we were unable to complete a food-based social-cognitive task because of this. Using a moderated multiple regression model, we found dogs’ background was a significant moderator of the relationship between total cortisol output and panting during interactions with an unfamiliar human, R2 = 0.39, F(1, 11) = 6.94, p = 0.023. In contrast, no relationship between these variables was seen in other shelter dogs. The findings of this study demonstrate that even when residing in the same shelter environment, a history of living in extreme conditions may lead to higher cortisol levels and altered behavior in a novel social context. While studies have examined dogs while still in the CBEs or once they have been adopted, this study examines their behavior and cortisol levels once removed and placed in a shelter environment where the public might interact with them and consider them for adoption. Gaining a better understanding of the behavioral and hormonal outcomes of dogs that have experienced extreme early life deficiencies may assist in the development of effective interventions that will facilitate rehabilitation and enhance the welfare of these dogs as pets.

Welfare concerns associated with captive lions (Panthera leo) and the implications for commercial lion farms in South Africa

AbstractBreeding and housing wild animals in captive environments can pose challenges for their welfare. In South Africa, thousands of lions (Panthera leo) are bred and raised at commercial captive breeding facilities, so called ‘lion farms’, for use in tourism, trophy hunting and traditional medicine. To gain a better understanding of the potential welfare challenges faced by lions on farms we reviewed 91 peer-reviewed articles relating to lion welfare, identified via a systematic review of the scientific literature. Across these studies, we identified 170 different terms relating to negative behaviours and physical health afflictions. The majority of these terms were associated with disease and injury (124; 73%), followed by negative behaviours (19; 11%), negative mental experiences (15; 9%), nutritional concerns (7; 4%), and environmental challenges or discomfort arising from the animal's surroundings (5; 3%). Of the 91 articles, 32 (35%) focused on data concerning captive lions. Only two studies focused specifically on data obtained from lion farms in South Africa, whilst the remainder reported on data collected from zoos, wildlife parks, sanctuaries, game reserves and private ownership. Our preliminary review of the scientific literature draws attention to some of the challenges associated with caring for lions in captivity, and outlines the potential significance of these welfare challenges for commercial lion farms. Our data highlight the apparent lack of scientific research involving captive lion welfare generally, particularly data collected at commercial breeding facilities in South Africa and the consequences this could have for the welfare of thousands of lions within the industry.

Molecular Epidemiology of Microsporum canis Isolated from Japanese Cats and Dogs, and from Pet Owners by Multilocus Microsatellite Typing Fragment Analysis.

Multilocus microsatellite typing (MLMT) was performed on 93 strains of Microsporum canis (M. canis) isolated between 2012 and 2017 from 75 cats, 8 dogs, and 10 pet owners. These strains were derived from 2 major reservoirs: commercial breeding facilities and pet shops (PS), and stray cats and pet cats that went outdoors and came in contact with stray cats (Outdoor). Six microsatellite markers were used for genotyping. These 93 strains included 22 genotypes; 11 had been previously detected in Japan while the other 11 were new. Strains belonging to the previously reported genotypes, P and A, were distributed widely throughout Japan. Genotype P was the most frequent, accounting for 37 (39.8%) of the 93 strains. Most were derived from Outdoor sources. Genotype A was the second most frequent (11 of 93 strains, 11.8%). Most of the genotype A strains were derived from the PS reservoir. All new genotypes were detected in isolates from cats. Many of these were derived from the Outdoor reservoir. Consistency of infection was observed in 18 of the 19 familial cases. These findings indicate that genotypes differ in strains derived from PS and Outdoor reservoirs. MLMT genotyping is useful for tracking the routes of spread and transmission of M. canis in Japan.

Experimental ethology of intensively reared lowland pacas (Cuniculus paca).

The objective of this study was to evaluate and to describe the main behaviors of family groups of lowland pacas (Cuniculus paca) raised in a commercial breeding facility. We used 24 adult pacas, 16 females and 8 males, with a mean live weight of 8.2kg and age ranging from 2 to 4years. The animals were kept in groups of two females and one male per enclosure. Cameras were used to monitor the animals. The behaviors identified were divided into five categories (maintenance, exploratory, social interaction, reproductive, and environmental interaction). A completely randomized design in a split-split plot arrangement with three treatment factors was used: sex, period of the day, and season. The frequencies of the maintenance and environmental interaction behavioral categories were significantly higher during the day compared to the nocturnal period (P < 0.05). The duration of each behavioral category differed significantly (P < 0.05) between day and night. The frequencies of the maintenance and reproductive behavioral categories were significantly higher during the dry season compared to the rainy season (P < 0.05) and the relative duration of behaviors of the environmental interaction category was shorter during the dry season (P < 0.05). Females exhibited a significantly higher frequency of maintenance and environmental interaction than males (P < 0.05) and the duration of environmental interaction was shorter (P < 0.05) in females. The present results add to the existing knowledge on the behavior of lowland pacas raised in captivity for production of this wild species which is in the stage of domestication.

Improving canine welfare in commercial breeding (CB) operations: Evaluating rehoming candidates

Disposal of dogs retired from commercial breeding facilities presents a scientific and ethical problem. This pilot study aimed to develop criteria for identifying commercial breeding (CB) dogs likely to be at risk for problems during transitioning to rehoming, and to identify breeder practices associated with higher and lower risk. Dogs (n = 283) over 18 months of age from 17 CB kennels located in Indiana and Illinois, USA were assessed. The Field Instantaneous Dog Observation (FIDO) tool was used to assess behavior during a 4-step stranger approach test. At each step, the dog was given a RYG score; R, red (fearful), Y, yellow (ambivalent), or G, green (affiliative or neutral). After behavior assessment, 50 mg of hair was shaved from each dog’s lower back for analysis of hair cortisol concentration (HCC). A FitBark monitor collected 24 -hs of activity data. Additionally, a questionnaire was developed to interview each facility owner about their management practices. Overall mean HCC (n = 266) was 8.92 pg/mg (2.01–108.99 +/−14.24 pg/mg) while mean HCC at each facility ranged from 5.65 to 38.48 pg/mg. Mean activity score (n = 250) was 9.04 ± 4.3 and ranged from 2.8 to 32.8. Eight components from a principal component analysis (PCA) were retained as predictors in two mixed effects linear regression models. In Model 1, the component Socialization was significantly associated with HCC (p = 0.01). In Model 2 the components Late RYG (p < 0.001) and Activity (p = 0.002) were positively associated with Early RYG while Dog:Care (dog to caretaker ratio) (p = 0.03) and PD (periodontal disease) (p < 0.001) were negatively associated. Over half the dogs assessed using the stranger approach test exhibited fearful responses, suggesting that they might be at greater risk for problems if selected to transition to a new home. Additionally, the breeders’ management practices varied widely, with the number of socialization practices employed inversely associated with HCC. Further research is needed to assess the predictive value of the risk assessment and the generalizability of these results in a larger population of dogs and kennels.

Does Flooring Substrate Impact Kennel and Dog Cleanliness in Commercial Breeding Facilities?

Simple SummaryIt is important to understand how the flooring substrate used in dog housing impacts dog health and well-being. Aspects to consider include paw, elbow, and hock health, the cleanliness of the dog, and the ability of the floors to be cleaned easily and thoroughly. This pilot study assessed the health and cleanliness of 118 dogs housed on three different types of flooring commonly found in commercial breeding kennels. No serious paw, elbow, or hock problems were identified. Thirty-one percent or fewer kennels at each facility were found to have fecal contamination after routine cleaning and the majority of dogs were clean. These findings indicate that a well-managed kennel can maintain clean, healthy dogs on different types of flooring substrates.Evaluation of kennel flooring surfaces is needed to understand their impacts on dog health and well-being. This pilot study aimed to characterize aspects of physical health, kennel cleanliness, and dog body cleanliness on flooring types common in US breeding kennels. Subjects were 118 adult dogs housed on diamond-coated expanded metal (DCEM), polypropylene (POLY), or concrete (CON) flooring at five commercial breeding facilities in Indiana, U.S. Body condition, paw, elbow, and hock health scores were recorded. Each indoor kennel and dog was visually assessed for cleanliness. Kennels were swabbed immediately after cleaning with electrostatic dry cloths and cultured for Escherichia coli. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis. Mean body condition score (BCS), kennel and dog cleanliness scores were all near ideal (3, 1.15, and 1.04, respectively). Thirty-one percent or fewer kennels at each facility were culture-positive for E. coli after cleaning. No serious paw, elbow, or hock problems were identified. Overall, the findings indicate that with appropriate management and regular access to additional surfaces, dog foot health, cleanliness, and kennel cleanliness can be maintained on the flooring types investigated.

Pathological and molecular characterization of systemic isosporosis (atoxoplasmosis) in captive green-winged saltator (Saltator similis)

Systemic isosporosis, also called atoxoplasmosis or visceral coccidiosis, is a disease that affects birds in general. Pathogenesis of systemic isosporosis and its etiologic agent have not been well characterized, but taxonomically Atoxoplasma is currently considered a junior objective synonym of Isospora. The present report aimed to describe pathological and molecular findings of systemic isosporosis in captive green-winged saltators (Saltator similis) from the State of Espírito Santo, Brazil. In a commercial breeding facility eleven birds with two to nine months of age died from 2015 to 2016. These birds developed nonspecific clinical signs, including bristly feathers, hyporexia, loss of weight, and apathy. Two birds were necropsied, and grossly there were hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, necrosis of lymphoid follicles, hepatic necrosis, and severe enteritis. Merozoites were observed in the heart, small intestine, proventriculus, brain, liver, spleen, and kidneys. 23 S RNA PCR amplicons from DNA extracted from the liver and the intestinal contents had 99% identity with Atoxoplasma sp., whereas amplicons of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 ha d 97% identity with Isospora greineri. In conclusion, this report indicates that systemic isosporosis in green-winged saltator is a disease that affects the spleen, liver, and small intestine, with high mortality for young birds, resulting in significant loses to commercial breeding facilities.

A cross-sectional study to estimate prevalence of periodontal disease in a population of dogs (Canis familiaris) in commercial breeding facilities in Indiana and Illinois.

The objectives of this cross-sectional study were: 1) to estimate the prevalence and characterize the severity of periodontal disease in a population of dogs housed in commercial breeding facilities; 2) to characterize PD preventive care utilized by facility owners; and 3) to assess inter-rater reliability of a visual scoring assessment tool. Adult dogs (N = 445) representing 42 breeds at 24 CB facilities in Indiana and Illinois were assessed. Periodontal disease was scored visually using the American Veterinary Dental Collage 0-IV scale. Inter-rater reliability was assessed on 198 dogs and facility owners were asked to provide information about the preventive care utilized. The overall prevalence of periodontal disease (Grades I-IV) was 86.3% (95% CI: 82.9, 89.3). An ordered logistic regression analysis found age (OR = 1.4; 95% CI 1.24, 1.54; P<0.0001), facility (OR = 1.13; 95% CI 1.09, 1.18; P<0.0001), sex (OR = 1.7; 95% CI 1.12, 2.65; P = 0.013), and non-professional dental scaling (OR = 2.82; 95% CI 1.34, 5.91; P = 0.006) to be statistically significant. Inter-rater reliability analysis found agreement to be 86.2%, with a weighted kappa of 0.4731 (95% CI 0.3847, 0.5615) indicating moderate agreement. Risk of periodontal disease increased with increasing age. Additionally, a trend toward decreasing risk with increasing weight was also found, although it was not statistically significant. The trends identified agree with studies that have evaluated periodontal disease in the companion dog population and do not support the assumption that the dental health of dogs in commercial breeding facilities is worse than that of the population as a whole. Although there were few cases of severe periodontal disease and all facilities employed some type of preventive care in this sample, the large number of dogs with some degree of disease (Grades I-IV) suggests that further investigation of preventive care is warranted.

Evaluating FIDO: Developing and pilot testing the Field Instantaneous Dog Observation tool

Field assessments of the health and welfare of kenneled dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) must be both accurate and rapid. In order to facilitate such evaluations, especially by individuals with limited training in canine behavior and welfare, a non-invasive tool was developed and pilot-tested utilizing dogs housed in commercial breeding facilities. Behavioral responses to approach were organized into three categories: red, indicating a fearful response to approach, green, indicating an affiliative or neutral response to approach, and yellow, indicating an ambivalent response to approach. The inter-rater reliability (IRR) of the tool when used by both behavioral experts and novice raters was evaluated with and without the presence of the dog’s familiar caretaker. Utilizing Cohen’s kappa, the experts had almost perfect levels of agreement (kappa=0.87). The novice raters had substantial levels of agreement (kappa=0.74). Overall, the dogs assessed by the novice raters had high proportions of green responses to approach and there was no statistically significant effect of caretaker presence on the proportion of green responses to approach. The assessment tool evaluated herein appears to have a high degree of IRR whether used by experts in canine behavior or by novice raters and may be a useful screening tool to determine the need for more in-depth welfare assessments.

A Survey of Enterobacteriaceae and Resistance of Greater Rhea (Rhea Americana) Eggs to Experimental Contamination by Salmonella Enteritidis

Eggs have protective structures against possible contamination by bacteria and fungi. Pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella spp. are therefore rarely found in adequate sanitary conditions. Few studies about the contamination of ratite eggs have been reported, and although some studies have focused on ostrich eggs, there is no information about Greater Rhea ( Rhea americana) eggs. The microorganisms that contaminate ratite eggs do not differ from those that affect other bird species. The purpose of this study was to characterise contamination in 16 eggs, supplied by a commercial breeding facility, by Enterobacteriaceae contamination and to assess the in vitro resistance to experimental contamination by Salmonella Enteritidis using analytical tests following the guidelines of the Georgia Poultry Laboratory. These elements are critical to the storage period, quality and physicochemical parameters. The results revealed the presence of the genera Proteus, Klebsiella, Citrobacter and Enterobacter related to the location of nests. Greater Rhea eggs were also found to be highly resistant to experimental infection by Salmonella Enteritidis.

Parasitization by Sauroplasma sp. (Apicomplexa: Haemohormidiidae) in Chelonian Podocnemis expansa (Testudines: Podocnemididae) in the Brazilian Amazon.

The prevalence and parasitemia of the piroplasm Sauroplasma sp. were evaluated in the Amazon chelonian Podocnemis expansa in Brazil. Samples were collected from 75 chelonians from 3 locations, including a commercial breeding facility, an indigenous subsistence breeding facility, and a wild population. Sauroplasma were found in 72% (54/75) of the chelonians, and the prevalence varied among the sampling sites. No significant correlations were found between the prevalence and the sex and body condition index of the chelonians. The mean parasitemia rate was 44.14/2,000 erythrocytes (2.2%), and no significant correlation was found between the parasitemia and sex and body condition index of the chelonians. These results suggest that the parasite is not pathogenic to P. expansa. No ectoparasites were found in the animals evaluated in the present study; however, due to the aquatic habit of the chelonian, it is likely that the piroplasm is transmitted by leeches and not by ticks, as would be expected for piroplasms.

Prevalence and parasitemia of Haemogregarina sp. in Podocnemis expansa (Testudines: Podocnemididae) from the Brazilian Amazon.

Seventy-five turtles Podocnemis expansa in the Brazilian Amazon were examined for the presence of ectoparasites and hemoparasites. Samplings were performed in three study areas in the state of Tocantins, Brazil. Twenty-five specimens were sampled per study area (a commercial breeding facility, an indigenous subsistence breeding facility and a wild population of the Javaés River). Hemoparasites of the genus Haemogregarina were found in 66% (50/75) of the turtle specimens, and the infections were restricted to the commercial breeding facility and to the wild population of the Javaés River. The mean level of parasitemia was 54/2,000 erythrocytes (2%). There was no correlation between the body condition index of the chelonians and the level of parasitemia, with no significant difference between genders. No leeches were observed during the physical exams in any of the study areas, but the specimens from the commercial breeding facility were in poor physical condition with shell deformities and the presence of a relatively high amount of skin ulcerations, most likely caused by fungi and bacteria. This was the first study to record the occurrence of hemogregarines on a population scale in P. expansa and helps to increase knowledge about hemoparasites in chelonians in Brazil.

Intraerythrocytic iridovirus in central bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps).

Three adult central bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) originating from a commercial breeding facility presented with clinical signs, including anorexia, dehydration, white multifocal lesions on the dorsal aspect of the tongue, blepharospasm, and weight loss. In 1 of 3 lizards, a marked regenerative anemia was noted, and all 3 bearded dragons had erythrocytic intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies. Nine bearded dragons housed in contact also had identical, but fewer intraerythrocytic inclusions. Inclusion bodies examined by electron microscopy had particles consistent with iridoviruses. Attempts to culture the virus were unsuccessful; however, amplification and sequencing of regions of the viral DNA polymerase by polymerase chain reaction confirmed the presence of an iridovirus. One of the bearded dragons died, while the 2 others showing clinical signs were euthanized. The remaining 9 infected bearded dragons of the teaching colony were also euthanized. Postmortem examination revealed a moderate, multifocal, lymphoplasmacytic or mononuclear adenitis of the tongue in the 3 bearded dragons, and a lymphohistiocytic hepatitis with bacterial granulomas in 2 lizards.

Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus in Employees and Mice at Multipremises Feeder-Rodent Operation, United States, 2012

We investigated the extent of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection in employees and rodents at 3 commercial breeding facilities. Of 97 employees tested, 31 (32%) had IgM and/or IgG to LCMV, and aseptic meningitis was diagnosed in 4 employees. Of 1,820 rodents tested in 1 facility, 382 (21%) mice (Mus musculus) had detectable IgG, and 13 (0.7%) were positive by reverse transcription PCR; LCMV was isolated from 8. Rats (Rattus norvegicus) were not found to be infected. S-segment RNA sequence was similar to strains previously isolated in North America. Contact by wild mice with colony mice was the likely source for LCMV, and shipments of infected mice among facilities spread the infection. The breeding colonies were depopulated to prevent further human infections. Future outbreaks can be prevented with monitoring and management, and employees should be made aware of LCMV risks and prevention.

Parasitic helminths of the digestive system of wild boars bred in captivity

This study aimed to identify the parasites that inhabit the digestive system of Sus scrofa scrofa from a commercial breeding facility in southern Brazil, and reports the first occurrence of Trichostrongylus colubriformis in wild boars. The gastrointestinal tracts of 40 wild boars from a commercial breeding facility were collected and individualized during slaughter in a cold-storage slaughterhouse. Out of this total, 87.5% were parasitized by the helminths Ascaris suum, Trichostrongylus colubriformis, Oesophagostomum dentatum and Trichuris suis. T. colubriformis presented a prevalence of 45%, mean intensity of 28.4 and mean abundance of 12.8. The data from this study showed that T. colubriformis not only has a capacity to develop in the small intestines of wild boars, but also adapts well to animals raised in captivity, thus representing a possible cause of economic loss in commercial wild boar farming.

Mitochondrial and microsatellite DNA analyses showed comparative genetic diversity between parent and offspring populations of Korean black rockfish in a hatchery facility

The black rockfish, Sebastes inermis (Sebastidae), is an important commercial fishery resource in Korea. As a preliminary investigation into the effect of artificial reproduction in a hatchery facility, the genetic divergence between parent and offspring populations of black rockfish was accessed using 10 polymorphic nuclear microsatellite DNA loci and a mitochondrial (mt) control gene. All loci that were screened showed marked polymorphisms. mtDNA control region sequences were also highly variable. Of approximately 350 base pairs (bp) sequenced, 52 variable sites, comprising 56 base substitutions, were found among 233 individuals. Offspring populations showed less genetic variability than the parent population in terms of numbers of microsatellite alleles and mtDNA haplotypes, as well as mtDNA haplotype diversity. Statistical analysis of the fixation index (ΦST and F(ST)) and analysis of molecular variance using both DNA markers showed significant genetic differences between the parent and offspring populations. These results suggest that random genetic drift and/or inbreeding events, as well as artificial selection and founder effects, occurred when the offspring strain was reproduced in a hatchery facility despite thousands of males and females from different hatcheries being maintained for artificial reproduction. Therefore, it is necessary to improve current hatchery programs by monitoring genetic variation in both the broodstock and progeny and controlling inbreeding within stocks in commercial breeding facilities to maintain the production of high-quality black rockfish. This information will be useful for determining suitable guidelines for establishing and maintaining cultured stocks and the aquaculture industry of S. inermis.