Rabbit Feces Research Articles

Hepatitis E virus was not detected in feces and milk of cows in Hebei province of China: No evidence for HEV prevalence in cows

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an important human pathogen, with pigs and other species serving as natural animal reservoirs. Recently, the report of detection of genotype 4 HEV in dairy milk with high positive rate in Yunnan province of China has attracted extensive attention. To assess the zoonotic risk of cows as HEV reservoir and transmission of HEV through dairy milk, 467 fecal samples of cows, 276 fresh milk samples, and 140 retail milk samples were collected across Hebei Province, China, from March 2017 to May 2018, and detected for HEV RNA. Fecal samples of rabbit or pig were also collected for HEV detection from farms of mixed farming with cows or farms neighboring cow farms. HEV RNA was not detected in any cow feces or in any milk samples, but 9.3% feces of pigs and 18.9% feces of rabbits were positive for HEV RNA. In addition, all of the dairy milk samples undergone HEV antigen and anti-HEV antibody detections, but none was positive. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all of the HEV isolates from pigs belonged to genotype 4 and those from rabbits were genotype 3-rabbit HEV. The results indicate that, currently in Hebei province of China, HEV is not apparently prevalent in cows and hence there is no zoonotic transmission risk through dairy milk towards humans, albeit the genotype 4 and 3 (rabbit) HEV are prevalent in pigs and rabbits respectively.

Removal of ciprofloxacin from aqueous solution by rabbit manure biochar

ABSTRACT Biochar was prepared from rabbit faeces at 400°C, 500°C, 600°C, and 700°C, respectively (labelled RFB400, RFB500, RFB600, and RFB700, respectively), and was characterized by elemental analysis, BET, SEM and FTIR. The adsorption factors, kinetics, isothermal adsorption and thermodynamics of the adsorption properties were investigated in batch experiments. The results showed that RFB possessed a large specific surface area and was rich in pore structure, and the aromaticity and stability increased with the pyrolysis temperature of the biochar. When the solution pH was 11, adsorption achieved equilibrium at approximately 180 min. The kinetic data were well-represented by the pseudo-second-order model, indicating that the adsorption rate was jointly controlled by liquid film diffusion, surface adsorption and intra-particle diffusion. The results of isothermal adsorption and thermodynamics showed that the adsorption behaviour of CIP (ciprofloxacin) onto RFB was better fitted with the Langmuir model, and the adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic. FTIR studies showed that RFB was rich in oxygen-containing functional groups and that hydrogen bonds and π-π bonds were closely related to the adsorption process. This work showed that the rabbit faeces-derived biochar has promise as an effective adsorbent to remove ciprofloxacin from wastewater.

The effect of different dietary zinc sources on mineral deposition and antioxidant indices in rabbit tissues

<p>The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of dietary zinc from inorganic and organic sources on the concentration of Zn, Cu, Mn and Fe in plasma, tissues and faeces of rabbits. Simultaneously, the activities of total superoxide dismutase (SOD), specific Cu/Zn SOD, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), lipid peroxidation and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in liver and kidney were also determined. Ninety-six 49-day-old broiler rabbits were allocated to 4 dietary treatments, each replicated 6 times with 4 animals per replicate. For the subsequent 6 wk, the rabbits were fed an identical basal diet (BD) supplemented with an equivalent dose of Zn (100 mg/kg) from different sources. Group 1 (control) received the unsupplemented BD, while the BD for groups 2, 3 and 4 was supplemented with Zn from Zn sulphate, Zn chelate of glycine hydrate (Zn-Gly) and Zn chelate of protein hydrolysate (Zn-Pro), respectively. The intake of dietary Zn sulphate resulted in an increase in Zn plasma concentration (1.85 vs. 1.48 mg/L; <em>P</em><0.05) compared to the control group. Feeding the diets enriched with Zn increased the deposition of Zn in the liver (<em>P</em><0.05), irrespective of the Zn source. The addition of Zn-Pro resulted in significantly higher Cu uptake in liver (<em>P</em><0.05) than in the control and Zn sulphate group (56.0 vs. 35.0 and 36.7 mg/kg dry matter (DM), respectively). Neither Mn nor Fe concentration in plasma and tissues were affected by dietary Zn supplementation, with the exception of Fe deposition in muscle, which was significantly decreased (<em>P</em><0.05) in rabbits supplemented with inorganic Zn sulphate compared to control and Zn-Gly group (9.8 vs. 13.3 and 12.2 mg/kg DM, respectively). Intake of organic Zn-Gly significantly increased the activities of total SOD (43.9 vs. 35.9 U/mg protein; <em>P</em><0.05) and Cu/Zn SOD (31.1 vs. 23.8 U/mg protein; <em>P</em><0.01) as well as TAC (37.8 vs. 31.2 μmol/g protein; <em>P</em><0.05) in the kidney when compared to that of the control group. The presented results did not indicate any differences between dietary Zn sources in Zn deposition and measured antioxidant indices in rabbit tissues. Higher dietary Zn intake did not cause any interactions with respect to Mn, Cu and Fe deposition in liver and kidney tissues, but did increase the faecal mineral concentrations. Dietary organic Zn-Gly improved the antioxidant status in rabbit kidney.</p>

EFFICIENCY OF USING RICE HUSKS IN FEEDING GROWING RABBITS AS ANTI-AFLATOXINS

This experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of using rice husks (RH) like anti- aflatoxins and source of fibers at 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 % as replaced clover hay in the rations of growing rabbits. Seventy-five unsexed, weaned New Zealand White rabbits of 5 weeks old were randomly divided into five experimental groups (15 rabbits / group). The trial continued for 8 weeks. The results obtained showed that using rice husks in growing rabbits diets: low content significant of total aflatoxins in growing rabbit diets and faeces. No significant effect on productive performance (live body weight, daily body weight gains and feed conversion ratio), expect 3% RH was highly significant in feed consumption compared with control group. The control group numerically highest but not significant (P>.05) for TDN value and digestibility coefficients of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, crude fiber and nitrogen free extract compared to RH groups. Rabbits fed 12% RH had the lowest values (P>.05) for digestibility coefficients of organic matter, crude protein, crude fiber and nitrogen free extract compared to the other groups, however, it showed significantly (P<.05) higher digestibility of ether extract than other groups. Higher dressing and weight of hot carcass percentages were recorded for rabbits fed 3% RH. Plasma total protein, albumin, globulin, A/G ratio, total lipids, cholesterol or alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentration were not significantly affected due to including RH into rabbit diets. However aspartate aminotransferase (AST) was significantly decreased by different levels of RH. Rabbits had 6% RH in their diet showed higher economic efficiency percentage compared with other group. The results revealed that 6% RH can be used in growing rabbit diets as anti–total aflatoxins and source of fiber without any adverse effect on productive performance and carcass characteristics with high obtained economic efficiency value.

Rabbit health practices of 202 rabbit owners

Aim: Owners often underestimate the management needs of pet rabbits. Determining rabbit owners' health management practices, and where they gain healthcare information, will facilitate veterinary professionals in providing advice to rabbit owners. Method: Rabbit owners in the UK (n=202) completed an online questionnaire providing information on health checking, vaccination and parasite control practices. Where owners gain information on rabbit health care was also determined. Results: The majority of owners performed daily health checks of their rabbit's appetite, posterior, skin, faeces, face and behaviour; weekly checks of their coat; monthly checks of teeth and occasional checks of bodyweight and gums. Most owners had vaccinated their rabbits against myxomatosis and rabbit haemorrhagic disease but were not using parasite prevention methods. The majority of owners stated that they would respond promptly to seek veterinary assistance in response to inappetance. Owners preferred to obtain health information from veterinary professionals, though suggested more information on digestive problems and dental disease would be useful. Conclusion: Greater education of owners on the appropriate frequency of health checking is warranted. Veterinary practices could play an integral role in improving owner knowledge of rabbit health practices via providing leaflets in centres, information on veterinary centre websites, and dedicated rabbit clinics.

Effect of a lytic bacteriophage on rabbits experimentally infected with pathogenic Escherichia coli

Pathogenic &lt;em&gt;Escherichia coli&lt;/em&gt; (&lt;em&gt;E. coli&lt;/em&gt;) is severely threatening the rabbit industry in China, and the concern over antibiotic-resistant bacteria has given rise to an urgent need for antibiotic alternatives. In this study, a member (ZRP1) of the &lt;em&gt;Myoviridae&lt;/em&gt; family was isolated from rabbit faeces using a strain of rabbit atypical enteropathogenic &lt;em&gt;E. coli&lt;/em&gt; (ZR1) as host. The one-step growth curve indicated that the latent period was around 25 to 30 min and the burst size was 144±31 plaque-forming unit/cell. The rate of phage-resistant mutation was 7×10&lt;sup&gt;–5&lt;/sup&gt;±4×10&lt;sup&gt;–5&lt;/sup&gt;. When the bacteriophage input at the multiplicity of infection (MOI) was 0.1, 1 or 10, the growth of host &lt;em&gt;E. coli&lt;/em&gt; in broth was inhibited for 5 h. A single intravenous injection of ZRP1 at MOI 0.1, 1 or 10 significantly prolonged the survival time of rabbits which simultaneously received a lethal dose of ZR1.

Minimizing Onsite Organic Household Left-Over Waste: The Emission Benefits of Keeping Pet Rabbits.

As waste management is becoming all the more crucial, this study investigates the way in which house left-over organic waste can be better managed on site, in order to minimize the off-site treatment cost and maximize environmental performance. For the implementation of this research, a full year measurement was recorded, showing the organic leftover waste food intake of two rabbits in a household of four. The organic food, collected in two separate baskets suitable for composting—though one for rabbit intake—was 168.5 kg in total, plus 68.8 kg, which was delivered directly to the composting bin, along with food remains and rabbit feces. The results show that, over the examined year, a total of up to 0.417 metric tons of CO2 equivalent per year emissions was avoided, suggesting that if 30 houses were to apply this methodology, one garbage truck journey per year would be saved. Overall, this study suggests that better information and environmental awareness can result in on-site, low cost, individual management of recyclable organic material, which would assist with the decrease in the cost of management, along with increased environmental performance.

Determination of the Parasites in the Faeces of Laboratory Animals by Using Flotation Technique in Istanbul, Turkey

The aim of this study was to determine the parasites of laboratory and pet animals in Istanbul, Turkey. A total of 128 cages including 279 animals as 115 rabbits from 82 cages, 75 mice from 5 cages, 28 rats from 7 cages, 26 guinea pigs from 23 cages and 35 hamsters from 11 cages were used. Faecal samples were obtained from 8 commercial pet shops in 6 different districts of Istanbul and 2 laboratory animal suppliers. All samples were examined by flotation technique using saturated salt solution. Eimeria spp. oocysts were found in the faeces of rabbits, hamsters and mice, and the prevalence of the infections were 29.6%, 28.6% and 20%, respectively. Two of 115 rabbits were infected with Passalurus ambiguus (1.7%). Trichurid eggs were determined in 2 of 35 hamsters (5.7%). Mice were infected with Syphacia spp., Aspiculuris spp. and the infection ratios were 20% and 40% respectively. Out of 28 rats, 20 were infected with only Syphacia spp. (71.4%). No parasites were observed in guinea pigs’ faeces. Laboratory animals were used not only as experimental animals but also as pets. Therefore coprological examinations for parasite eggs and oocysts are important for treatment and control of the infections in these animals and for protecting the human health because of zoonotic potential of some species.

The influence of invasive mongoose on the genetic structure of the endangered Amami rabbit populations

AbstractInvasive carnivores often cause heavy damage to native species on small islands. Endangered Amami rabbit (Pentalagus furnessi) populations have been fragmented into a north‐isolated population (NI) and a south‐large population (SL) caused by predation pressure from the invasive small Indian mongoose (Herpestes auropunctatus) on Amami Oshima Island in southern Japan. We investigated the genetic structure of these rabbit populations to determine the effects of fragmentation. We collected rabbit feces from most of the Amami Oshima Island habitat and sequenced the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region along with its 5′‐flanking region (312 bp) and genotyped eight microsatellite DNA loci. Genetic diversity was lower in the NI than that in the SL population, and FST values between the two populations were significantly higher than zero in both the mtDNA and microsatellite DNA. Bayesian clustering analyses suggested four ancestral clusters of Amami rabbit, but clear genetic structure was not observed. A partial Mantel test supported isolation‐by‐distance but not habitat fragmentation. These results suggest that the low genetic diversity in the NI population was caused by the small population size after fragmentation; however, the difference in genetic structure between the two populations was caused by isolation‐by‐distance and the structure has been maintained.

Prevalence and genetic features of rabbit hepatitis E virus in Korea.

Hepatitis caused by hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a public health concern worldwide. HEV strains have been isolated from several animal species, some of which induce zoonosis. Recently, the isolation of HEV from rabbits was reported. Here, the partial capsid gene (320 bp) of HEV was detected in rabbit feces via reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Rabbit HEV was found in two of six rabbit farms and 17 of 264 rabbit fecal samples (6.4%). A phylogenetic analysis of the partial capsid gene classified the 17 HEV isolates into the putative rabbit HEV clade. A full genomic sequence, KOR-Rb-1, was obtained from one rabbit HEV isolate by 5' and 3' rapid amplification of cDNA ends-PCR and RT-PCR, and comprised 7275 bp excluding the 3' poly(A) tail. It shared 77.5-86.8%, 86.6%, and 80.2-84.3% nucleotide identities with rabbit HEV isolates from China, the US, and France, respectively. It also shared 72.3-73.0%, 71.4%, 76.7-78.3%, 72.8-73.3%, and 47.1-47.2% nucleotide identities with representative strains of HEV-1, HEV-2, HEV-3, HEV-4, and avian HEV, respectively. A full-genome phylogenetic analysis classified KOR-Rb-1 into the provisional rabbit HEV clade. This isolate could be used to study the pathogenesis and zoonotic potential of rabbit HEV.

IbM Kelompok Ternak Kelinci dan Kelompok Tani Cabai di Desa Mekarsari dan Sidorejo, Kecamatan Kabawetan, Kabupaten Kepahiang, Provinsi Bengkulu

IbM program for farmer group partners rabbits Tani Mulya village Mekarsari aims to provide knowledge and business skills make Bokashi fertilizer and liquid organic fertilizer by utilizing waste rabbits are widely available in the village Mekarsari as one of the productive economic activities. Program for partners Rational Kepahiang chili farmer groups is to give knowledge and skills in chili cultivation by utilizing Bokashi rabbit droppings and urine POC rabbits to substitute the use of inorganic fertilizers and pesticides, as well as increase production of chili plants. Methods of execution include: (1) Extension and technical guidance of making modifications to the enclosure; (2) Training and technical guidance manufacture Bokashi rabbit feces and urine POC (3) Extension and technical guidance packaging and manufacture of trademarks Bokashi rabbit feces and urine POC; and (4) Extension and demonstration plot curly chilli cultivation. The conclusion of this program are members of the group partner 1 (Tani Mulya) already know and understand in modifying enclosures so that the urine of rabbits can be disposed of easily, leftover food and feces collected well, where food is specially concentrate that is easily accessible rabbits and easy to clean, the food in the form of special herbs are easy to reach and a special drink that rabbit feels comfortable, environmental sanitation is better and easier to collect waste enclosure to be used as organic fertilizer. In addition, farmers' groups have been able to make fertilizer bokashi of solid waste and liquid waste rabbits, making the brand and market Bokashi manure they produce. Members of farmers group partner 2 (Rational Kepahiang) already know and understand the chilli cultivation by utilizing Bokashi rabbit droppings and urine POC rabbit in order to substitute the use of inorganic fertilizers and pesticides.

Isolation and determination of antimicrobial resistance of Arcobacter species isolated from animal faeces in the Diyarbakir region of Turkey using the 16S rDNA-RFLP method

In this study, the presence of Arcobacter spp. was investigated in the faeces of cattle, sheep, goats, dogs and cloacal swab samples of chickens using the 16S rDNA-RFLP method. The prevalence of Arcobacter in these species was found to be 13%, 12%, 16%, 4% and 33%, respectively. On the other hand, Arcobacter spp. could not be isolated from rabbit faeces. A total of 78 (13%) Arcobacter spp. isolates were obtained from the 500 faecal samples and 100 cloacal swab samples examined in this study. From these 78 Arcobacter isolates, 24 (30.8%), 20 (25.6%), 11 (14.1%), 8 (10.7%), 4 (5.1%), 3 (3.9%) and 2 (2.6%) were identified by 16S rDNA-RLFP as A. cryaerophilus, A. butz- leri, A. skirrowii, A. cloacae, A. cibarius, A. halophilus, and A. nitrofigilis, respectively. All A. cryaerophilus (n = 24) isolates were found to be resistant to cloxacillin; all A. butzleri (n = 20) and A. skirrowii isolates were found to be resistant to penicillin/novobiocin, cefoperazone, tetracycline and cloxacillin. It was determined in this study that clinically healthy cattle, sheep, goats, dogs and chickens are reservoirs of Arcobacter spp.

Escherichia coli transfer from simulated wildlife feces to lettuce during foliar irrigation: A field study in the Northeastern United States

Wildlife intrusion has been associated with pathogen contamination of produce. However, few studies have examined pathogen transfer from wildlife feces to pre-harvest produce. This study was performed to calculate transfer coefficients for Escherichia coli from simulated wildlife feces to field-grown lettuce during irrigation. Rabbit feces inoculated with a 3-strain cocktail of non-pathogenic E. coli were placed in a lettuce field 2.5–72 h before irrigation. Following irrigation, the E. coli concentration on the lettuce was determined. After exclusion of an outlier with high E. coli levels (Most Probable Number = 5.94*108), the average percent of E. coli in the feces that transferred to intact lettuce heads was 0.0267% (Standard Error [SE] = 0.0172). Log-linear regression showed that significantly more E. coli transferred to outer leaves compared to inner leaves (Effect = 1.3; 95% Confidence Interval = 0.4, 2.1). Additionally, the percent of E. coli that transferred from the feces to the lettuce decreased significantly with time after fecal placement, and as the distance between the lettuce and the feces, and the lettuce and the sprinklers increased. These findings provide key data that may be used in future quantitative risk assessments to identify potential intervention strategies for reducing food safety risks associated with fresh produce.

Chromatogram profiles of andrographolide in A23187-induced New Zealand rabbit's urine and faeces

In-vivo antimalarial and toxicological evaluation of Chrozophora senegalensis A. Juss (euphorbiaceae) extractsAli A. Jigam, Usman. T Abdulrazaq, Martins N. Egbuta

Metabolism and excretion of novel pulmonary-targeting docetaxel liposome in rabbits.

Our study aims to determine the metabolism and excretion of novel pulmonary-targeting docetaxel liposome (DTX-LP) using the in vitro and in vivo animal experimental models. The metabolism and excretion of DTX-LP and intravenous DTX (DTX-IN) in New Zealand rabbits were determined with ultraperformance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. We found DTX-LP and DTX-IN were similarly degraded in vitro by liver homogenates and microsomes, but not metabolized by lung homogenates. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry identified two shared DTX metabolites. The unconfirmed metabolite Mun differed structurally from all DTX metabolites identified to date. DTX-LP likewise had a similar in vivo metabolism to DTX-IN. Conversely, DTX-LP showed significantly diminished excretion in rabbit feces or urine, approximately halving the cumulative excretion rates compared to DTX-IN. Liposomal delivery of DTX did not alter the in vitro or in vivo drug metabolism. Delayed excretion of pulmonary-targeting DTX-LP may greatly enhance the therapeutic efficacy and reduce the systemic toxicity in the chemotherapy of non-small cell lung cancer. The identification of Mun may further suggest an alternative species-specific metabolic pathway.

In vitro and in vivo studies of the native isolates of nematophagous fungi from China against the larvae of trichostrongylides.

To screen potential nematophagous fungi candidates for the biological control of parasitic nematodes in livestock, in vitro and in vivo studies of the native isolates of nematophagous fungi against the larvae of trichostrongylides were conducted. The in vitro predatory activity of 16 native nematophagous fungal isolates on the larvae of trichostrongylides in sheep feces was assessed. In the ten isolates of Duddingtonia flagrans, the reduction percentage for the infective larvae (L3) of Trichostrongylus colubriformis ranged from 57.21 to 99.83%, and that of Haemonchus contortus ranged from 62.12 to 99.88%. The analysis of the same assay on five isolates of Arthrobotrys superba and one isolate of A. cookedickinson (Monacrosporium cystosporum) showed comparable results with those for D. flagrans. To determine the excretion time of fungal isolates in feces after oral administration, D. flagrans (SDH035) were studied in vivo in sheep and rabbits. Results showed that the tested fungal isolates existed in sheep feces from 12 to 72 h after fungal treatment, and the fungal excretion in rabbit feces occurred at 4 h, reached a peak at 10 h, and declined gradually 18 h after oral administration. All the native fungal isolates were assessed after passing through the gastrointestinal tract of sheep. Treatment with isolates of D. flagrans significantly reduced the number of developing larvae in the feces, and the efficacies ranged from 55.15 to 98.82%. One out of the five isolates of A. superba and A. cookedickinson (BS002) survived after passing through the gastrointestinal tract, and the L3 reduction rates were 83.79 and 81.33%, respectively. Results of the present study provide information about the in vitro predatory activity of nematophagous fungi from China on the L3 of trichostrongylides and their ability to pass through the gastrointestinal tract before administering them for biocontrol.

Source tracking of Enterococcus moraviensis and E. haemoperoxidus.

Enterococci were detected occasionally in 100 L samples of water abstracted from a shallow aquifer in a natural dune infiltration area for drinking water production. Enterococcus moraviensis was the species most frequently identified in these samples. Because there are no existing reports of faecal sources of E. moraviensis and the closely related E. hemoperoxidus, this study aimed to find such sources of these two species in the dunes. Faecal samples from various animal species living in the vicinity of abstraction wells, were analysed for enterococci on Slanetz and Bartley Agar. From these samples, enterococci isolates (1,386 in total) were subsequently identified using matrix assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry. E. moraviensis was found in the faeces of geese, foxes and rabbits. Also, E. haemoperoxidus was isolated from goose faeces. Using hierarchical clustering, the species composition of Enterococcus spp. isolated from abstracted water formed one cluster with the species composition found in geese droppings. A sanitary survey supported the indication that feral geese may provide a substantial faecal load in particular parts of this dune infiltration area, close to the water abstraction system. This study confirms the faecal origin of E. moraviensis and E. haemoperoxidus from specific animals, which strengthens their significance as faecal indicators.

Serological survey of hepatitis E virus infection in farmed and pet rabbits in Italy.

The recent identification in rabbits of hepatitis E viruses (HEV) related to viruses infecting humans raises the question of the role of this species as possible HEV reservoir. A serological survey on rabbit HEV infection was conducted in Italy during 2013-2014, including both farmed and pet rabbits. We found an anti-HEV antibody seroprevalence of 3.40 % in 206 farmed rabbits (collected on 7 farms) and 6.56 % in 122 pets. RNA was extracted from IgG-positive sera and analyzed by HEV-specific real-time RT-PCR. None of the samples were positive, confirming that no viremia was present in the presence of IgG. Only one serum sample from a farmed rabbit was positive for IgM, but no HEV RNA was detected in it. Pet rabbit feces were also tested for HEV RNA, with negative results. This finding suggests that HEV is circulating in rabbits in Italy.

Attraction and oviposition preferences of Phlebotomus papatasi (Diptera: Psychodidae), vector of Old-World cutaneous leishmaniasis, to larval rearing media.

BackgroundAs part of a project aimed at developing oviposition attractants for the control and surveillance of Phlebotomus papatasi (a vector of Old-World cutaneous leishmaniasis), we tested the hypothesis that gravid sand flies are attracted to chemical cues emanating from the growth medium of conspecific larvae - predominantly larvae-conditioned host feces that represents a suitable oviposition site. We report the results of a systematic assessment of media from various developmental stages of the sand fly using oviposition and olfactometer behavioral assays.MethodsWe conducted multiple-choice oviposition assays in 500 mL Nalgene jars. Six treatments were placed on separate filter paper discs at the bottom of the jar: 2nd/3rd larval instar medium, 4th larval instar/pupae medium, frass from expired colonies, larval food (aged rabbit chow and rabbit feces mix), rabbit feces, and a solvent (water) control. Fifty gravid females were introduced into each jar. Cumulative number of eggs laid on each filter paper per jar was counted at different time intervals from digital images. Attraction of gravid sand flies to these six treatments was assayed with a 3-chamber linear olfactometer. Twenty gravid females were transferred to the middle chamber of the olfactometer and their distribution in treatment and control chambers was recorded after 3 h.ResultsAlmost no eggs were oviposited during the first 72 h following a blood-meal. Cumulative egg deposition increased drastically in the next 24 h (hours 73–96), with a slight non-significant increasing trend thereafter. Comparing mean cumulative egg deposition among the six treatments, we found that significantly more eggs were oviposited on 2nd/3rd larval rearing medium followed by 4th instar/pupae rearing medium. Oviposition preference did not vary over time. The olfactometer results were consistent with the oviposition assays, with 2nd/3rd larval rearing medium being the most attractive, followed by 4th instar/pupae rearing medium.ConclusionThe key finding of this study is that gravid, laboratory reared, Ph. papatasi sand flies are significantly more attracted to rearing medium of the most biologically active larval stages (2nd/3rd instar and 4th instar/pupae). This finding indicates that sand fly-digested host food and feces is attractive to gravid females and suggests that the larvae and larval gut microbiome may be involved in conditioning the oviposition substrate and possibly the production of oviposition attractants and stimulants.

Cyniclomyces guttulatus Infection in Dogs: 19 Cases (2006-2013).

Cyniclomyces guttulatus, a gastrointestinal yeast of rabbits, is considered an uncommon, nonpathogenic, "pass through" organism and possible opportunistic pathogen in dogs that consume rabbit feces. This retrospective study aimed to characterize the presenting complaint, clinical findings, location of organisms, and final diagnosis of dogs in which yeast morphologically consistent with C. guttulatus were identified at a veterinary teaching hospital from 2006-2013. The prevalence of C. guttulatus infection in a general population of dogs from a regional animal shelter was also determined. Nineteen dogs were retrospectively identified as diagnosed with C. guttulatus infection. Among these, 79% presented with a chief complaint and/or clinical signs consistent with gastrointestinal tract disease. The most common clinical sign was chronic diarrhea. The majority of dogs had C. guttulatus identified cytologically within samples obtained from the gastrointestinal tract; however, four dogs had C. guttulatus identified in non-gastrointestinal tract samples, including a nasal biopsy (one dog) and urine (three dogs). C. guttulatus was not identified in any of 105 shelter dogs evaluated, suggesting low prevalence of C. guttulatus in our region. These findings suggest that additional studies to determine if C. guttulatus is a potential cause or consequence of gastrointestinal illness in dogs may be warranted.