Maremma Sheepdog Research Articles

Incidence and risk factors of heat-related illness in dogs from New South Wales, Australia (1997-2017).

Heat Related Illness (HRI) in dogs is expected to increase as heatwaves surge due to global warming. The most severe form of HRI, heat stroke, is potentially fatal in dogs. The current study investigated the incidence and risk factors for HRI in dogs in NSW, Australia, from 1997 to 2017. We identified 119 HRI cases during this period, with a fatality rate of 23%. Dog breeds at elevated risk of HRI were Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog, British Bulldog, French Bulldog, Maremma Sheepdog, Italian Greyhound, Chow Chow, Airedale Terrier, Pug, Samoyed, English Springer Spaniel, Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Border Collie, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and pooled non-Australian National Kennel Council breeds (which included the American and Australian Bulldog) when compared with cross breeds (i.e., the reference variable). As expected, HRI cases were more likely in December and January, during the Australian summer and during hotter years (e.g., 2016). There were no differences in the risk of HRI between males and females nor between desexed or un-desexed dogs; but older dogs were at increased risk of HRI. These findings underscore the need for data collection that will enable the incidence of HRI in dogs to be monitored and to better understand canine risk factors particularly as temperatures will continue to rise due to global warming. The risk of mortality from HRI underpins the need for education programs focussed on prevention and early identification of HRI so that owners present affected dogs to their veterinarian as promptly as possible.

Modeling animal movement with directional persistence and attractive points

GPS technology is currently easily accessible to researchers, and many animal movement data sets are available. Two of the main features that a model which describes an animal’s path can possess are directional persistence and attraction to a point in space. In this work, we propose a new approach that can have both characteristics. Our proposal is a hidden Markov model with a new emission distribution. The emission distribution models the two aforementioned characteristics, while the latent state of the hidden Markov model is needed to account for the behavioral modes. We show that the model is easy to implement in a Bayesian framework. We estimate our proposal on the motivating data that represent GPS locations of a Maremma Sheepdog recorded in Australia. The obtained results are easily interpretable and we show that our proposal outperforms the main competitive model.

The Modelling of Movement of Multiple Animals that Share Behavioural Features

AbstractIn this work, we propose a model that can be used to infer the behaviour of multiple animals. Our proposal is defined as a set of hidden Markov models that are based on the sticky hierarchical Dirichlet process, with a shared base-measure, and a step and turn with an attractive point (STAP) emission distribution. The latent classifications are representative of the behaviour assumed by the animals, which is described by the STAP parameters. Given the latent classifications, the animals are independent. As a result of the way we formalize the distribution over the STAP parameters, the animals may share, in different behaviours, the set or a subset of the parameters, thereby allowing us to investigate the similarities between them. The hidden Markov models, based on the Dirichlet process, allow us to estimate the number of latent behaviours for each animal, as a model parameter. This proposal is motivated by a real data problem, where the global positioning system (GPS) coordinates of six Maremma Sheepdogs have been observed. Among the other results, we show that four dogs share most of the behaviour characteristics, while two have specific behaviours.

Seroprevalence and risk factors associated with exposure to Leishmania infantum in dogs, in an endemic Mediterranean region.

Canine leishmaniasis (CanL) is a zoonotic parasitic disease caused by Leishmania infantum in the Mediterranean area and transmitted by phlebotomine sand fly vectors. The domestic dog is the main reservoir host. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of different individual, environmental and spatial risk factors on the dog exposure to L. infantum and to estimate the seroprevalence among owned and kennel dogs, in the Lazio region (central Italy), where canine leishmaniasis is endemic. In the period 2010-2014, 13,292 sera from kennel and owned dogs were collected by official and private veterinarians. The presence of anti-Leishmania IgG was analysed by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT), using a 1:80 titre cut-off. At the univariable analysis, CanL seropositivity was associated with sex, size, breed, coat length, living with other dogs and forest/semi-natural land cover. At the multivariable analysis, age, ownership and attitude were confirmed as risk factors, being more than 2 years old, owned, and hunting dogs at higher risk. Being a Maremma sheepdog was a protective factor. A true overall seroprevalence of 6.7% (95% CI: 6.2-7.2) was estimated in the whole population while 7.3% (95% CI: 6.8-7.8) was estimated in kennel dogs and 74.3% (95% CI: 70.8-77.6) in owned dogs. The role of kennels as a key component for CanL active and passive surveillance was also highlighted. This study confirmed the endemicity of CanL in the Lazio region and focused some factors that can influence the seropositivity of dogs in a Mediterranean region.

From phenotypical to genomic characterisation of the mannara dog: an italian shepherd canine resource

Mannara dogs have long been bred in Sicily (Italy) to work alongside shepherds as flock guardians. This study provides a morphologic, genealogic, and genomic characterisation of the Mannara dog, useful in light of its recognition process and to improve the breed standard. Morphologic measurements of body, head, and chest were taken on 111 adult Mannara dogs. The whole population pedigree was used to calculate the inbreeding coefficient (F) and five effective population size (Ne) parameters. Twelve Mannara dogs were genotyped using the Canine 230 K SNP BeadChips and compared with Maremma sheepdog, Caucasian shepherd dog, Cane Corso Italiano, and Neapolitan mastiff for population structure, heterozygosity, and runs of homozygosity. The morphometric evaluation showed that Mannara dogs generally accords with the provisional standard and can be classified as a large/giant, meso-dolicomorphic, and mesocephalic breed. The population consists of 375 individuals, one third of which are founders and the remaining belong to 58 litters; presenting low inbreeding (F = 0.7%) and balanced sires and dams. The Ne estimates range widely: two (NeN=159 and NeFi=50) exceed the FCI limit for breed recognition and one (NeCi=25) did not. Genetically, all the included populations are well distinct, with the Maremma sheepdog being the nearest to the Mannara dog. Five Mannara have a single ancestral component, while the others show higher admixed proportions. The genomic inbreeding and heterozygosity confirm the good management of the breed. Our analyses suggest that the Mannara breed should continue the recognition process, pivotal to preserving an invaluable canine resource for the Sicilian agriculture. Highlights The morphometric measurements of Mannara dogs generally accords with the provisional standard. The pedigree analysis reveals that the population is well managed and meets the criteria for FCI recognition. The Mannara dog presents a unique genomic background.

Livestock vocalisation classification in farm soundscapes

Livestock vocalisations have been shown to contain information related to animal welfare and behaviour. Automated sound detection has the potential to facilitate a continuous acoustic monitoring system, for use in a range Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) applications. There are few examples of automated livestock vocalisation classification algorithms, and we have found none capable of being easily adapted and applied to different species’ vocalisations. In this work, a multi-purpose livestock vocalisation classification algorithm is presented, utilising audio-specific feature extraction techniques, and machine learning models. To test the multi-purpose nature of the algorithm, three separate data sets were created targeting livestock-related vocalisations, namely sheep, cattle, and Maremma sheepdogs. Audio data was extracted from continuous recordings conducted on-site at three different operational farming enterprises, reflecting the conditions of real deployment. A comparison of Mel-Frequency Cepstral Coefficients (MFCCs) and Discrete Wavelet Transform-based (DWT) features was conducted. Classification was determined using a Support Vector Machine (SVM) model. High accuracy was achieved for all data sets (sheep: 99.29%, cattle: 95.78%, dogs: 99.67%). Classification performance alone was insufficient to determine the most suitable feature extraction method for each data set. Computational timing results revealed the DWT-based features to be markedly faster to produce (14.81 – 15.38% decrease in execution time). The results indicate the development of a highly accurate livestock vocalisation classification algorithm, which forms the foundation for an automated livestock vocalisation detection system.

An Australian dog diagnosed with an exotic tick-borne infection: should Australia still be considered free from Hepatozoon canis?

Recent molecular and sero-surveillance studies of the tick-borne pathogen Hepatozoon canis have identified new hosts, potential vector species, and have revealed that H. canis is more widespread than previously thought. We report the first diagnosed case of canine hepatozoonosis in Australia from a Maremma Sheepdog in Sarina, Queensland. Hepatozoon canis was detected with blood smear examination and 18S rRNA sequencing. It is unknown when or how the organism was introduced into Australia, which raises questions about border biosecurity policies and the H. canis infection status of its potential vectors and hosts in Australia. Surveillance for this pathogen is required to determine whether H. canis has established in Australia.

Olfactory communication to protect livestock: dingo response to urine marks of livestock guardian dogs

The behavioural mechanisms by which livestock guardian dogs (LGDs) protect livestock from wild predators are not yet fully understood. LGD urine could play a part, as scent-marking the boundaries of a territory could signal occupation of the area to predators. Past selection for dogs that were most effective in deterring predators could have resulted in LGDs that produce urine with predator-deterrent properties. In this research, 28 captive dingoes (14 male and 14 female) were tested for their response to urine marks of LGDs (Maremma sheepdogs), herding dogs (Border Collies) and other dingoes, with distilled water used as a control. The response of the dingoes to the scents was measured using eight variables. For most variables, the response to the test scents was not statistically different from the response to the control. Test minus control was calculated for each test scent category, and used to compare responses between different test scents. The response to Maremma urine was similar to the response to Border Collie urine, and resembled a reaction to a conspecific. We found no evidence of predator-repellent properties of LGD urine. Our results suggest that dingoes readily engage in olfactory communication with Maremmas. It therefore seems likely that they would recognise territorial boundaries created by working Maremmas.

Symmetrical brachydactyly in a dog

Congenital malformations of the canine manus and pes are infrequently reported in the veterinary literature. This includes brachydactyly which is a general term used to indicate the shortening of digits due to abnormal development of the phalanges, metacarpals, or metatarsals. This case report describes isolated brachydactyly in a one-year-old male Maremma Sheepdog affecting all of the phalanges, metacarpals, and metatarsals of digits two through five. This condition was confirmed by determining the length of each phalanx, metacarpal, and metatarsal of the affected dog as well as an unaffected littermate. The affected dog's metacarpal, metatarsal, and phalanx lengths ranged from 50% to 77% of that of the unaffected sibling. Other abnormalities found on physical examination as well as on radiographic imaging are discussed.

Epidemiology of ocular disorders presumed to be inherited in three large Italian dog breeds in Italy

To describe the epidemiology and the types of eye disorders that are presumed to be inherited (PIED) in three large Italian dog breeds. Three large Italian dog breeds: Neapolitan Mastiff (FCI code: 197), Maremma Sheepdog (FCI code: 201), and Italian Corso dog (FCI code: 343). All dogs that underwent a complete ophthalmic examination between 1992 and 2012 were included in this prospective observational study. The prevalence of eye disorders with 95% confidence intervals was reported for presumed healthy dogs and for dogs referred to a veterinary center for an ophthalmic consultation. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression techniques were used to generate odds ratios. Of 605 dogs examined during the study period, 351 dogs were affected by at least one PIED (58%; 95% CI: 54-62%). The prevalence of PIED was significantly lower in dogs presented for ophthalmic examination (53.8%) as compared to presumed healthy dogs (62.2%)(OR: 1.4; 95% CI: 1.02-1.9; P = 0.037). Also after multivariate adjustment for the period of observation, the odds of Neapolitan Mastiff (92.1%; OR: 21.4; 95% CI: 11.1-41.4) and of Cane Corso (57.7%; OR: 2.5; 95% CI: 1.7-3.6) suffering a PIED were greater than the Maremma Sheepdog (35.4%). The most common PIED in each breed were entropion (24.3% of all the PIED) in the Neapolitan Mastiff, ectropion (36.6%) in the Corso dog, and cataract (27.9%) in the Maremma Sheepdog. Clinicians should be aware that three large Italian dog breeds frequently suffer PIED. Breed standards should be reconsidered, and breeding programs should be directed at limiting such disorders.

Livestock guardian dogs as surrogate top predators? How Maremma sheepdogs affect a wildlife community.

Use of livestock guardian dogs (LGDs) to reduce predation on livestock is increasing. However, how these dogs influence the activity of wildlife, including predators, is not well understood. We used pellet counts and remote cameras to investigate the effects of free ranging LGDs on four large herbivores (eastern gray kangaroo, common wombat, swamp wallaby, and sambar deer) and one mesopredator (red fox) in Victoria, Australia. Generalized mixed models and one‐ and two‐species detection models were used to assess the influence of the presence of LGDs on detection of the other species. We found avoidance of LGDs in four species. Swamp wallabies and sambar deer were excluded from areas occupied by LGDs; gray kangaroos showed strong spatial and temporal avoidance of LGD areas; foxes showed moderately strong spatial and temporal avoidance of LGD areas. The effect of LGDs on wombats was unclear. Avoidance of areas with LGDs by large herbivores can benefit livestock production by reducing competition for pasture and disease transmission from wildlife to livestock, and providing managers with better control over grazing pressure. Suppression of mesopredators could benefit the small prey of those species. Synthesis and applications: In pastoral areas, LGDs can function as a surrogate top‐order predator, controlling the local distribution and affecting behavior of large herbivores and mesopredators. LGDs may provide similar ecological functions to those that in many areas have been lost with the extirpation of native large carnivores.

Blue-green endoscopy in a dog presenting chronic vomiting-regurgitation

A 2-year-old male Maremma sheepdog presenting with chronic vomiting-regurgitation was examined at the University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Camerino University. An oesophagogastroscopy with a single blue + green (BG) filter restricting wavelengths from 400 to 550 nm was carried out. A conventional white light endoscopy showed a dilated oesophagus with mildly diffuse erythematous mucosa (more accentuated proximal to the cardia); some portions of the gastric mucosa were covered with fluids and appeared only slightly erythematous. A blue green endoscopy highlighted the oesophageal lesions in dark blue, which made them appear more clearly defined from the remaining mucosa. In the gastric antrum, a small, slightly darker blue roundish area was visible. This area did not show up under the white light endoscopy. A histopathological assessment of biopsy specimens from the distal oesophagus, antrum (including the area highlighted only by BG endoscopy) and gastric body showed chronic-active hyperplastic esophagitis and superficial squamous epithelial dysplasia, while gastric samples showed severe diffuse hyperaemic gastritis of the antrum and superficial diffuse atrophy of the gastric body. The authors believe that the use of a BG endoscopy could be useful in veterinary medicine to increase the diagnostic potential of endoscopic assessment in animals.

Where do livestock guardian dogs go? Movement patterns of free-ranging Maremma sheepdogs.

In many parts of the world, livestock guardian dogs (LGDs) are a relatively new and increasingly popular method for controlling the impact of wild predators on livestock. On large grazing properties in Australia, LGDs are often allowed to range freely over large areas, with minimal supervision by their owners. How they behave in this situation is mostly unknown. We fitted free-ranging Maremma sheepdogs with GPS tracking collars on three properties in Victoria, Australia; on two properties, four sheep were also fitted with GPS collars. We investigated how much time the Maremmas spent with their livestock, how far they moved outside the ranges of their stock, and tested whether they use their ranges sequentially, which is an effective way of maintaining a presence over a large area. The 95% kernel isopleth of the Maremmas ranged between 31 and 1161 ha, the 50% kernel isopleth ranged between 4 and 252 ha. Maremmas spent on average 90% of their time in sheep paddocks. Movements away from sheep occurred mostly at night, and were characterised by high-speed travel on relatively straight paths, similar to the change in activity at the edge of their range. Maremmas used different parts of their range sequentially, similar to sheep, and had a distinct early morning and late afternoon peak in activity. Our results show that while free-ranging LGDs spend the majority of their time with livestock, movements away from stock do occur. These movements could be important in allowing the dogs to maintain large territories, and could increase the effectiveness of livestock protection. Allowing LGDs to range freely can therefore be a useful management decision, but property size has to be large enough to accommodate the large areas that the dogs use.

How guardian dogs protect livestock from predators: territorial enforcement by Maremma sheepdogs

Context Livestock guardian dogs (LGDs, Canis familiaris) can be highly effective in protecting livestock from predators; however, how they accomplish this, is poorly understood. Whereas it is clear that these dogs spend a high proportion of their time accompanying livestock, and confront predators that approach closely, it is unknown whether they also maintain territories around the areas used by their livestock and exclude predators from those territories. Aims We aimed to determine whether LGD behaviour towards predators is consistent with defence of a larger territory that encompasses the stock, or is based on repelling predators that closely approach livestock. Methods We used audio playbacks and scent placements to simulate incursions by dingoes (Canis dingo) at different locations with the LGD ranges, and used GPS tracking and automatic cameras to monitor responses to these incursions. Key results The LGD responses depended on location of the incursion. When simulated incursions were a significant distance inside the range (about the 50th kernel isopleth), they responded by vocalising, leaving their livestock, and travelling up to 570 m away from the stock to approach the incursion point and display challenging behaviour; when incursions were at the boundary of the range (at or beyond the 90th kernel isopleth), they vocalised but did not approach the incursion point, regardless of the location of the sheep. The LGDs in this study worked in groups. Group members responded differently to simulated incursions, some moving to challenge, whereas others remained close to the sheep. Conclusions Our results showed that protection by LGDs extends beyond the immediate vicinity of livestock, and is consistent with the defence of a larger territory. Implications If predators are excluded from this territory, LGDs enforce a spatial separation of predators and livestock. This would reduce risk of attack, but also prevents the disturbance and stress to livestock that would be caused by frequent approaches of predators. Where possible, training and management of LGDs should allow them to range freely over large areas so that they can develop and exhibit territorial behaviour, and they should be deployed in groups so that group members can assume complementary roles.

Protothecal granulomatous meningoencephalitis in a dog

A case of central nervous system protothecosis in a dog is reported. A three-year-old male Maremma sheepdog was referred with a two month history of diarrhoea associated with progressive tetraparesis, depression and right circling. Stupor, severe proprioceptive deficits, bilateral decreased thoracic limb flexor reflexes and bilateral deficit of the menace reaction were detected on neurological examination and a multi-focal neurological localisation was suspected. Histopathological evaluation revealed multi-focal granulomatous foci in the thalamus, hippocampus and caudal brainstem containing numerous oval-rounded organisms with a thick, periodic acid-Schiff-positive and Gomori's methenamine silver-positive cell wall, a basophilic cytoplasm and one nucleus. Scattered sporangia containing two to four endospores were also observed. Morphological features were consistent with Prototheca species. Ultrastructurally, numerous degenerated algae were present within macrophages mainly lacking nuclei and cytoplasmic organelles. Generally, protothecosis in dogs is characterised by systemic signs because of a multi-organ involvement, and haemorrhagic colitis or ophthalmologic signs are the most frequent presenting signs. However, protothecosis should be added, also in Europe, to the list of the differential diagnoses in adult dogs with a multi-focal neurological localisation even in absence of other clinical signs.