Raccoon Dogs Research Articles

Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Pathogens in Raccoon Dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) and Raccoons (Procyon lotor) from Schleswig-Holstein, Germany.

Raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) and raccoons (Procyon lotor) are invasive alien species originating from East Asia and North America, respectively. They are discussed as vectors and reservoirs for various infectious diseases, including vector-borne and zoonotic pathogens, and are therefore a potential threat to human and domestic animal health, as well as to biodiversity and conservation. In the years 2021 and 2022, 110 raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) and 30 raccoons (Procyon lotor) were screened via qPCR for the presence of Leptospira spp., Rickettsia spp. and Borreliella spp. in the German federal state of Schleswig-Holstein as part of a health and risk assessment study. Borreliella spp. were confirmed in one raccoon dog and one raccoon, identified as Borreliella afzelii in the raccoon. Leptospira spp. were found in 21 (19.44%) raccoon dogs and 2 (6.90%) raccoons. In five raccoon dogs, Leptospira spp. were identified as Leptospira borgpetersenii, Leptospira kirschneri and Leptospira interrogans.

Wild boar (Sus scrofa) carcasses as an attraction for scavengers and a potential source for soil contamination with the African swine fever virus.

The wild boar (Sus scrofa) is a social animal species native to Eurasia. During the last decade, the wild boar population in Estonia has been severely affected by the African swine fever virus (ASFV), which has also affected domestic pig farming. The potential transmission routes of ASFV remain unclear and are currently under intensive investigation. This pilot study aimed to clarify the frequency and characteristics of contacts between living wild boars and the carcasses of their conspecifics, which could play a role in the transmission of ASFV. Wild animals' contact and scavenging behavior on wild boar carcasses were studied using trail cameras in an experimental setting on Hiiumaa, Western Estonia. Four legally hunted carcasses were used in the present study. This study aimed to determine whether intraspecies scavenging occurs in wild boars. The persistence of ASFV DNA in soil contaminated with infected wild boar carcasses was investigated separately. Among the 17 identified wildlife species that visited wild boar carcasses, the common raven (Corvus corax) was the most frequent one (37.26%), followed by raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides; 4.25%), carcass conspecific/wild boars (3.16%), and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes; 2.14%). Regarding the direct contact with the carcass, the same species ranking was detected: common raven (74.95%), raccoon dogs (9.94%), wild boars (4.21%), and red foxes (4.21%). No clear signs of cannibalism were noted among the wild boars, although brief physical contact with the carcasses was evident. The persistence of ASFV DNA in soil contaminated by infected wild boar carcasses was investigated separately. This study revealed that ASFV DNA from infected carcasses could be detected in forest soil for prolonged periods, even after removing the carcasses. Hence, the carcasses of infected wild boars may play an important role in spreading the African swine fever virus in wild boar populations; thus, prompt removal and disinfection of the soil could be considered necessary to limit the spread of the infection.

Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii Antibodies and Risk Factors in Two Sympatric Invasive Carnivores (Procyon lotor and Nyctereutes procyonoides) from Zgorzelec County, Poland.

The intracellular protozoan Toxoplasma gondii is distributed worldwide and infects many species of warm-blooded animals. Most mammals, including humans, can serve as intermediate hosts. This pathogen, with its zoonotic potential, causes toxoplasmosis, a condition that can range from subclinical to fatal in humans. It is therefore important to assess the occurrence of the pathogen, even if only indirectly through the detection of antibodies. Epidemiological data on the seroprevalence in wild animals, including invasive species, are rare in Poland. Therefore, we tested 197 wild raccoons (Procyon lotor) and 89 raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) from Zgorzelec County, southwestern Poland, for the presence of antibodies. Samples were collected between January 2019 and December 2020 and analysed using a commercial indirect modified agglutination test (MAT, cut-off 1:25). The statistical analysis revealed significant differences in seroprevalence between the two predatory species. Of the 197 surveyed raccoons, 96 (48.73%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 41.73-55.73%) tested positive, while 25 of the 89 raccoon dogs (28.09%; 95% CI: 18.70-37.48%) were positive. Regarding risk factors, body weight and sex influenced the presence of T. gondii antibodies in both the species, with a higher likelihood of seropositivity among heavier animals and females, respectively. For raccoon dogs, juveniles were more likely to be seropositive than adults at a given weight. Our results suggest that T. gondii infection is widespread in the regional raccoon and raccoon dog populations, indicating a high level of parasite circulation in the environment.

High-fat diet disrupts the gut microbiome, leading to inflammation, damage to tight junctions, and apoptosis and necrosis in Nyctereutes procyonoides intestines.

Given the burgeoning Nyctereutes procyonoides breeding industry and its growing scale, it is imperative to investigate the impact of high-fat diets on the health of these animals. This study involved 30 male Nyctereutes procyonoides of comparable weights (3 kg ±0.5), randomly assigned to either a control group or a high-fat diet group (n = 15 each). The latter group was fed a mixture of lard and basal diet in a 2:5 ratio, establishing a high-fat diet model in Nyctereutes procyonoides. This diet induced diarrhea and histopathological changes in the Nyctereutes procyonoides. Analysis of the small intestine contents using 16S rRNA sequencing revealed a high-fat diet-induced disruption in the gut microbiota. Specifically, Escherichia-Shigella emerged as the biomarker in the high-fat diet group (P = 0.049), while Vagococcus was prevalent in the control group (P = 0.049), indicating a significant increase in harmful bacteria in the high-fat diet group. Furthermore, this disrupted gut flora correlated with inflammation and oxidative stress, as evidenced by marked increases in TNF-α (P < 0.01), IL-1β (P < 0.05), and IL-6 (P < 0.05) levels, measured via q-PCR, Western blot, and oxidative stress assays. In addition, q-PCR analysis revealed significant upregulation of apoptosis and necrosis markers, including Bax, Caspase3, Caspase9, Caspase12, RIPK3, and RIPK1 (P < 0.01 to P < 0.001), and a concurrent downregulation of the anti-apoptotic gene Bcl-2 (P < 0.01) in the high-fat diet group, consistent with protein expression trends. These findings suggest that a high-fat diet alters the gut microbiome toward a more harmful bacterial composition, escalating inflammatory responses and intestinal tissue permeability, culminating in intestinal cell apoptosis and necrosis.IMPORTANCEThis study examines the impact of high-fat diets on Nyctereutes procyonoides. Our research established a Nyctereutes procyonoides model on a high-fat diet, revealing significant health impacts, such as diarrhea, histological anomalies, and alterations in the gut microbiota. These findings emphasize the importance of preventing health issues and promoting sustainable industry growth. They highlight the significant impact of diet on gut microbiota and overall animal health.

Effects of Dietary Alfalfa Meal Supplementation on the Growth Performance, Nutrient Apparent Digestibility, Serum Parameters, and Intestinal Microbiota of Raccoon Dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides).

The raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) is a typical omnivore possessing wide dietary adaptability and tolerance to rough feeding, which may be attributed to its intestinal microbiota. The study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary alfalfa meal levels on the growth performance, nutrient apparent digestibility, serum parameters, and intestinal microbiota of raccoon dogs. Sixty raccoon dogs were randomly divided into four dietary treatments containing 0% (AM0), 5% (AM5), 10% (AM10), and 15% (AM15) alfalfa meal for a 60-day experiment. The results showed that compared to raccoon dogs fed the AM0 diet, those fed the AM5 and AM10 diets had no significant difference in growth performance, while those fed the AM15 diet experienced a significant decrease. Raccoon dogs fed the AM5 diet had no significant effect on the nutrient apparent digestibility. Dietary supplementation with alfalfa meal significantly decreased serum urea levels and increased the antioxidant capacity of raccoon dogs. The intestinal microbiome analysis showed that the richness and diversity of colonic microbiota significantly increased in the AM15 group. With the increase in dietary alfalfa meal levels, the relative abundance of fiber-degrading bacteria in the colon of raccoon dogs, such as Treponema, Phascolarctobacterium, and Christensenellaceae R-7 group, increased. However, the relative abundance of pathogenic bacteria, including Anaerobiospirillum, decreased. In conclusion, the inclusion of 5% alfalfa meal in the raccoon dogs' diet had no effect on growth performance, but it exhibited the potential to improve serum antioxidant capacity and intestinal microbiota. This indicates that raccoon dogs have a certain tolerance to the addition of alfalfa meal in their diet.

Molecular epidemiology of Enterocytozoon bieneusi from foxes and raccoon dogs in the Henan and Hebei provinces in China

BackgroundEnterocytozoon bieneusi is a zoonotic pathogen widely distributed in animals and humans. It can cause diarrhea and even death in immunocompromised hosts. Approximately 800 internal transcribed spacer (ITS) genotypes have been identified in E. bieneusi. Farmed foxes and raccoon dogs are closely associated to humans and might be the reservoir of E. bieneusi which is known to have zoonotic potential. However, there are only a few studies about E. bieneusi genotype identification and epidemiological survey in foxes and raccoon dogs in Henan and Hebei province. Thus, the present study investigated the infection rates and genotypes of E. bieneusi in farmed foxes and raccoon dogs in the Henan and Hebei provinces.ResultA total of 704 and 884 fecal specimens were collected from foxes and raccoon dogs, respectively. Nested PCR was conducted based on ITS of ribosomal RNA (rRNA), and then multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was conducted to analyze the genotypes. The result showed that infection rates of E. bieneusi in foxes and raccoon dogs were 18.32% and 5.54%, respectively. Ten E. bieneusi genotypes with zoonotic potential (NCF2, NCF3, D, EbpC, CHN-DC1, SCF2, CHN-F1, Type IV, BEB4, and BEB6) were identified in foxes and raccoon dogs. Totally 178 ITS-positive DNA specimens were identified from foxes and raccoon dogs and these specimens were then subjected to MLST analysis. In the MLST analysis, 12, 2, 7 and 8 genotypes were identified in at the mini-/ micro-satellite loci MS1, MS3, MS4 and MS7, respectively. A total of 14 multilocus genotypes were generated using ClustalX 2.1 software. Overall, the present study evaluated the infection of E. bieneusi in foxes and raccoon dogs in the Henan and Hebei province, and investigated the zoonotic potential of the E. bieneusi in foxes and raccoon dogs.ConclusionsThese findings expand the geographic distribution information of E. bieneusi’ host in China and was helpful in preventing against the infection of E. bieneusi with zoonotic potential in foxes and raccoon dogs.

Dietary change influences the composition of the fecal microbiota in two rescued wild raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides).

The gut microbiota of wild animals, influenced by various factors including diet, nutrition, gender, and age, plays a critical role in their health and disease status. This study focuses on raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides), a commonly found wild animal, and its gut microbiota composition in response to dietary shifts. The study aimed to compare the fecal bacterial communities and diversity of rescued raccoon dogs fed three different diet types (fish and amphibians, mixed protein with maize, and solely maize) using high-throughput sequencing. Results indicated that the dietary composition significantly influenced the gut microbiota, with notable differences in the abundance of several key phyla and genera. The study identified Firmicutes as the dominant phylum in all diet groups, with notable variations in the relative abundances of Bacteroidota, Proteobacteria, and Verrucomicrobiota. Notably, the group solely fed maize exhibited a significant increase in Proteobacteria, potentially linked to dietary fiber and lignin degradation. The genus-level analysis highlighted significant differences, with Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium responding to dietary shifts. The genus Akkermansia in Verrucomicrobiota can be identified as a marker for assessing the health of the gut and deserves further investigation. Gender-specific differences in the gut microbiota were observed, highlighting the influence of individual variation. Furthermore, the analysis of bacterial functions suggested a connection between diet and host metabolism, emphasizing the need for further research to understand the complex mechanisms underlying the relationship between dietary composition and gut microbiota in wild animals. These findings provide crucial insights into conservation and rescue efforts for wild animals.

Evaluation of intrapulmonary arteriovenous anastomoses before and after oxygen supplementation, using transthoracic agitated saline contrast echocardiography in rescued Korean raccoon dogs.

Intrapulmonary arteriovenous anastomoses (IPAVAs) are defined as relatively large, dynamic shunt vessels that connect the pulmonary arterial and venous systems, thereby bypassing the pulmonary capillary system. IPAVAs lower elevated pulmonary arterial pressure; however, the presence of the shunt can result in impaired pulmonary gas exchange and paradoxical embolism. Furthermore, the prevalence and effects of IPAVAs in raccoon dogs remain unknown. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of IPAVA among rescued Korean raccoon dogs and evaluate the changes in IPAVA following oxygen supplementation. Nineteen raccoon dogs rescued by the Jeonbuk Wildlife Centre between August 2022 and December 2023 were subjected to echocardiography. Sixteen healthy and three abnormal raccoon dogs were subjected to transthoracic agitated saline contrast echocardiography (bubble study) based on the echocardiography results. IPAVA was considered to be present if the left heart contrast was visualised after four cardiac cycles following the visualisation of the first right heart contrast. Bubble scores (BS0-5) were assigned based on the maximum number of microbubbles observed in the left ventricular lumen per frame of the ultrasound image. BS was assigned before and after supplementation with 100% oxygen for 5 min. IPAVA was detected in 12 of the 16 healthy raccoon dogs at rest (75%). The BS of the 15 IPAVA-positive raccoon dogs ranged from 1 to 4 points (BS1, 1; BS2, 4; BS3, 8; and BS4, 2). Blood flow through the IPAVA (QIPAVA) was reduced or absent in the 15 IPAVA-positive raccoon dogs after supplementation with 100% oxygen (BS0, 11; BS2, 4). Moreover, BS of the IPAVA showed a significant correlation with the cardiac output per body weight (BW). The prevalence of IPAVA in healthy raccoon dogs at rest was 75%. Adequate oxygen supplementation was found to be effective in reducing QIPAVA, which may help prevent potential negative factors such as pulmonary gas exchange impairments and paradoxical embolism that can occur with IPAVA.

Prevalence of canine distemper in minks, foxes and raccoon dogs from 1983 to 2023 in Asia, North America, South America and Europe.

Canine distemper (CD) is a virulent disease caused by the canine distemper virus (CDV) in canines and mustelidaes with high mortality. The incidence of CDV is worldwide distribution and it has caused huge economic losses to multiple industries around the world. There are many studies investigating the prevalence of CD infection, but no comprehensive analysis of CDV infection in minks, foxes and raccoon dogs worldwide has therefore been carried out. The aim of this meta is to provide a comprehensive assessment of the prevalence of CDV infection in minks, foxes and raccoon dogs dogs through a meta-analysis of articles published from around the world. Data from 8,582 small carnivores in 12 countries were used to calculate the combined prevalence of CD. A total of 22.6% (1,937/8,582) of minks, foxes and raccoon dogs tested positive for CD. The prevalence was higher in Asia (13.8, 95% CI: 22.2-45.6), especially in South Korea (65.8, 95% CI: 83.3-95.8). Our study found that the incidence of CD was also associated with geographic climate, population size, health status, and breeding patterns. CD is more commonly transmitted in minks, foxes and raccoon dogs. However, the concentrated breeding as an economic animal has led to an increase in the prevalence rate. The difference analysis study recommended that countries develop appropriate preventive and control measures based on the prevalence in the minks, foxes, and raccoon dogs industries, and that reducing stocking density is important to reduce the incidence of CDV. In addition, CDV is more common in winter, so vaccination in winter should be strengthened and expanded to reduce the incidence of CD in minks, foxes and raccoon dogs.

Morphology of the aortic arch branching pattern in raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides, Gray, 1834).

Aortic arch (AA) branching patterns vary among different mammalian species. Most previous studies have focused on dogs, whereas those on raccoon dogs remain unexplored. The objective of this study was to describe the AA branching pattern in raccoon dogs and compare their morphological features with those of other carnivores. We prepared silicone cast specimens from a total of 36 raccoon dog carcasses via retrograde injection through the abdominal aorta. The brachiocephalic trunk (BCT) branching patterns were classified based on the relationship between the left and right common carotid arteries. The subclavian artery (SB) branching pattern was examined based on the order of the four major branches: the vertebral artery (VT), costocervical trunk (CCT), superficial cervical artery (SC), and internal thoracic artery (IT). In most cases (88.6%), the BCT branched off from the left common carotid artery and terminated in the right common carotid and right subclavian arteries. In the remaining cases (11.4%), the BCT formed a bicarotid trunk. The SB exhibited various branching patterns, with 26 observed types. Based on the branching order of the four major branches, we identified the main branching pattern, in which the VT branched first (98.6%), the CCT branched second (81.9%), the SC branched third (62.5%), and the IT branched fourth (52.8%). The AA branching pattern in raccoon dogs exhibited various branching patterns with both similarities and differences compared to other carnivores.

МОДЕЛЬНЫЙ АНАЛИЗ ДЕМОГРАФИЧЕСКИХ ПРОЦЕССОВ В ПОПУЛЯЦИЯХ ПУШНЫХ ОХОТНИЧЬИХ ЖИВОТНЫХ (НА ПРИМЕРЕ ЕВРЕЙСКОЙ АВТОНОМНОЙ ОБЛАСТИ)

Among biological resources, hunting animals, including fur-bearing species, take a special place. The study of such populations dynamics is a crucial stage in fur harvesting planning and organizing. This work aims to describe and analyze by mathematical modeling methods the dynamics of fur-bearing animal populations inhabiting the Jewish Autonomous region. We consider the populations whose newborn individuals reach maturity by the next breeding season, for example, squirrel, white hare, Manchurian hare, raccoon dog, and weasel. The study is based on the discrete-time model of population dynamics with a simple stage structure. To take into account density-dependent regulation of population growth in the model, birth or survival rates of the immature class are represented by exponential functions of the total population size. To estimate the model parameters, we propose the use of data corresponding to the total population size. The obtained point estimates, based on this approach, are demonstrated to be within the range of biologically meaningful parameter values and exhibit the population dynamics similar to those observed in nature. Specifically, according to the model estimates, squirrel and hare populations are characterized by unstable dynamics with sharp annual fluctuations. In general, the proposed approach for parameter estimation allows for analyzing and modeling the age composition of the animal population, as well as determining demographic parameters that characterize the animal population dynamics based on the total population size data.

Radiographic and echocardiographic evaluation in rescued Korean raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides koreensis).

Nyctereutes procyonoides koreensis (Korean raccoon dog), a member of the Canidae family, is anatomically similar to dogs. Previous studies have used vertebral heart scale measurements to measure the cardiac size of Korean raccoon dogs on thoracic radiographs; however, the use of additional cardiac size indices, such as vertebral left arial score, intercostal space, cardiothoracic ratio, and echocardiographic indices, has not been reported. Therefore, this study aimed to establish normal reference ranges for various thoracic radiographic and echocardiographic indices in normal Korean raccoon dogs. Twenty-six Korean raccoon dogs (11 males and 15 females) were included in this study. The thoracic radiographic indices, vertebral heart scale score, and vertebral left atrial score were measured in the right lateral view. The intercostal space and cardiothoracic ratio were measured in the ventrodorsal view. The echocardiograms were evaluated in the right parasternal long and short axis view and left parasternal apical view. The mean values for the thoracic radiographic and echocardiographic indices were as follows: vertebral heart scale, 9.12 ± 0.74; vertebral left atrial score, 1.5 ± 0.31; intercostal spaces, 3.17 ± 0.34; cardiothoracic ratio, 0.69 ± 0.07; left atrial to aortic root ratio, 1.22 ± 0.14; main pulmonary artery to aorta ratio, 1.22 ± 0.14; left ventricular end-diastolic internal diameter normalized for body weight, 1.36 ± 0.19; end-diastolic volume index, 51.07 ± 19.6; end-systolic volume index, 16.54 ± 7.45; the peak velocity of early diastolic transmitral flow, 73.13 ± 15.46 cm/s; and the ratio between the transmitral flow velocities and the peak early diastolic velocity, 1.77 ± 0.47. Only percent increase in the left ventricular end-systolic internal diameter was negatively correlated with body weight. The remaining indices showed no correlations with body weight. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report covering both thoracic radiographic and endocardiographic indices for Korean raccoon dogs. Thus, the thoracic radiographic and echocardiographic indices established in this study may be used to evaluate the cardiac condition of Korean raccoon dogs.

Importance of quantifying the number of viral reads in metagenomic sequencing of environmental samples from the Huanan Seafood Market.

In March 2023, the Chinese CDC publicly released raw metagenomic sequencing data for environmental samples collected in early 2020 from the Huanan Seafood Market. Prior to that data release, some scientists had suggested that these samples could be informative for establishing if animals such as raccoon dogs had been infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, no one had analyzed how much SARS-CoV-2 was actually present in the metagenomic sequencing data. After the raw data became available, I fully analyzed the abundance of both viral and animal genetic material in the samples. That analysis, which was published in Virus Evolution, found that the SARS-CoV-2 content of most samples was very low and that the abundance of SARS-CoV-2 was most strongly associated with animals such as largemouth bass that are not plausible candidates for having been infected. Based on these results, I concluded that the metagenomic content of the samples was not informative for determining if any non-human animals in the market had been infected with SARS-CoV-2. One of the authors of an earlier study of these samples, Florence Débarre, recently submitted a response to my paper. Here, I reply in turn to explain why it is important to quantify the abundance of viral material before drawing conclusions from metagenomic sequencing. I also report new analyses of other animal coronaviruses in the samples and show that material from some other animal coronaviruses is much more abundant than SARS-CoV-2 in samples collected on the date when most wildlife stall sampling was performed. I further show that material from some of these animal coronaviruses is associated with the animals they probably infect but that no such association exists for SARS-CoV-2. Overall, these new analyses further emphasize the importance of quantifying the actual amount of viral material in metagenomic samples and underscore why the environmental samples from the Huanan Seafood Market are not informative for determining if any non-human animals were infected with SARS-CoV-2.

Чужорідні види ссавців району природного заповідника «Дніпровсько-Орільський»

The paper provides information on alien mammal species occurring in the territory of the Dnipro–Oril Nature Reserve. The data were collected during annual mammal surveys and by compiling the data provided in the Chronicles of Nature of previous years (1991–2022) within the framework of the scientific topic ‘Study of biodiver-sity, structure and dynamics of natural complexes of the Dnipro–Oril Nature Re-serve.’ Since the creation of the reserve, 44 species of mammals belonging to six orders (Leporiformes, Muriformes, Soriciformes, Vespertilioniformes, Caniformes, and Cerviformes) have been recorded in its territory. The species diversity of mammals of the reserve corresponds to 71% of the mammal fauna of Dniprope-trovsk Oblast and 34% of the mammal fauna of Ukraine. Most of the mammal species found in the reserve are indigenous but the raccoon dog Nyctereutes procy-onoides, muskrat Ondatra zibethicus, and sika deer Cervus nippon, which are arti-ficially introduced species. In addition, the brown rat Rattus norvegicus and the house mouse Mus musculus are distant invaders. The beech marten Martes foina, Blyth’s pipistrelle Pipistrellus lepidus, and serotine bat Eptesicus serotinus are close invaders. Alien species make up 18% of the mammal fauna of the reserve, being represented by a total of eight species. However, there are also species with fluctuating ranges in the studied area: European roe deer Capreolus capreolus, elk Alces alces, Eurasian otter Lutra lutra, Eurasian badger Meles meles, and wild boar Sus scrofa. The periodic contraction and expansion of their ranges within the region makes them similar to introduced species. The presence of the majority of adventive species was registered during the first inventory of the fauna of the described territory during the establishment of the reserve in 1991. However, the first sighting of serotine bat occurred in March 2013 in the floodplain part of the reserve, and the sighting of Blyth’s pipistrelle in the reserve was recorded in the spring of 2016. The article describes the specifics of the existence of alien mammal species in the reserve. The dynamics of abundance, population structure, diet, and environmental impact are presented. Other adventive species that could possibly be found in this territory in the near future are the American mink Neogale vison and golden jackal Canis aureus. A case of visual observation of the coypu Myocastor coypus in the vicinity of the reserve is also presented.

Prevalence of Pentatrichomonas hominis in foxes and raccoon dogs and changes in the gut microbiota of infected female foxes in the Hebei and Henan Provinces in China.

Pentatrichomonas hominis (P. hominis) is a zoonotic parasite that affects a wide range of hosts, causing gastrointestinal diseases. The present study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of P. hominis among caged foxes and raccoon dogs and the effect of P. hominis on the gut microbiota in female foxes. A total of 893 fresh fecal samples were collected from the Hebei and Henan Provinces in China. P. hominis was screened based on 18S rRNA gene expression via nested PCR. The difference in the gut microbiota between nine P. hominis-positive and nine P. hominis-negative samples was investigated by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The total prevalence of P. hominis infection in foxes and raccoon dogs was 31.7% (283/893). The prevalence rates of P. hominis infection were 28.2% (88/312) and 33.6% (195/581) in foxes and raccoon dogs, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all P. hominis strains detected in foxes and raccoon dogs in the present study were the zoonotic genotype CC1. Moreover, compared with those in the P. hominis-negative group, the diversity of the gut microbiota in the P. hominis-positive group was lower, and the abundance of Firmicutes and the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) in the P. hominis-positive group were lower than those in the P. hominis-negative group. We speculate that these differences may be due to indigestion and diarrhea in infected female foxes. Overall, the present study evaluated the prevalence of P. hominis in foxes and raccoon dogs in the Henan and Hebei Provinces and revealed that P. hominis infection interrupted the diversity of the gut microbiota in female foxes.

Чужорідні види ссавців у колекції зоологічного музею Луганського національного університету імені Тараса Шевченка

This paper presents a review of information on the specimens of the theriological part of the stock and exhibition collections of the Zoological Museum of Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University in Luhansk as of 2014. Specimens of species and subspecies belonging to the group of alien mammals were taken into account. The review included both introductions, invaders, and animals belonging to the group of regional invaders (expanded their range within the region), reintroductions and alien species that occur naturally but do not form stable natural populations. Information on specimens of such invasive alien species as Lutra lutra, Nyctereutes procyonoides, Neogale vison, Ondatra zibethicus provide useful data for analysing the distribution and abundance of alien species in certain regions of the Siverskyi Donets basin. The majority of these species occurred in the main channel of the Donets and its immediate tributaries, which once again underlines the important role of river basins in the distribution of mammalian amphibians. The collections of a number of other alien species and subspecies are small, represented only by single specimens of rodents (Sciurus vulgaris exalbidus, Myocastor coypus) and ungulates (Cervus nippon, Dama dama, Bison bonasus, Saiga tatarica) originating from other regions of Ukraine or without information on the place of occurrence. The collections of such species as Castor fiber and Rattus norvegicus, which comprise 4 and 5 specimens respectively, contain specimens from Luhansk region, but information on their distribution is incomplete or insufficient for analysis or comparison. All the specimens listed in the text are valuable for the study of geographical distribution, craniological and morphological studies of alien species from the territory of Luhansk region and other regions of Ukraine, in particular from Poltava (Lutra lutra), Crimea (Sciurus vulgaris exalbidus) and Kherson (Dama dama).

Mannan oligosaccharides improve the fur quality of raccoon dogs by regulating the gut microbiota.

Adding antibiotics to animal basal diets can improve growth and production performance. However, the use of antibiotics poses a potential threat to public health safety. The study was conducted to investigate the effects of different levels of mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) on the fur quality, nutrient apparent digestibility, serum immunity, antioxidant status, intestinal morphology, and gut microbiota of fur-growing raccoon dogs. Divide 24 male raccoon dogs (120 ± 5 d) of similar weight (5.01 ± 0.52 kg) into 4 groups randomly. Add 0, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2% MOS to the basal diets of groups C, L, M, and H, respectively. Compared to the C group, the addition of 0.05% and 0.1% MOS in the diet increased the apparent digestibility of crude protein (CP), Underfur length (UL), Guard hair length (GL), immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), and immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels in the serum (p < 0.05); Under the dosage of 0.05 % MOS, the activities of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) increased (p < 0.05). Compared to the C group, adding 0.05% MOS significantly increased the VH/CD of the duodenum and ileum, while also increasing the VH and CD of the jejunum (p < 0.05). Through Spearman correlation analysis of the gut microbiota, it was found that MOS can improve fur quality by reducing the abundance of Dorea while improving the immune response of raccoon dogs by reducing the abundance of Blautia and Gemmiger. In conclusion, MOS can improve the fur quality, serum immunity, antioxidant capacity, and gut microbiota of raccoon dogs. Therefore, MOS has the potential to replace antibiotics.

Establishment and Application of Multiplex PCR Scheme for Simultaneously Distinguishing Muscle Tissues of Mink, Fox, and Raccoon Dog from Conventional Livestock and Poultry

Establishment and Application of Multiplex PCR Scheme for Simultaneously Distinguishing Muscle Tissues of Mink, Fox, and Raccoon Dog from Conventional Livestock and Poultry

Food Habits of Raccoon Dogs at An Agricultural Area in Shikoku, Western Japan.

The diet of raccoon dogs, which live in close proximity to agricultural fields in Matsuyama, western Japan, was studied throughout the year by the fecal analysis method (n = 114). Fruits were most important, accounting for 30-40% of the diet except in winter. Crops were next in importance, accounting for 10-30%. It was characteristic that the proportion of crops was greater and more stable than in other "satoyama" or rural areas in Japan. Crops included rice (Oryza sativa), wheat, sesame (Sesamum indicum), strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa), kiwi fruit (Actinidia chinensis var. deliciosa), ginkgo nuts (Ginkgo biloba), and persimmon (Diospyros kaki). Crops were important as the food for the raccoon dogs, but the use was not regarded as causing serious damage. Although wild boars (Sus scrofa), sika deer (Cervus nippon), and Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) were culled for pest control in the area, raccoon dogs were not culled. This may be a reason why the raccoon dog has coexisted with people in Japan.

Invasive Raccoons (Procyon lotor) have Little Effect on the Food Habits of Native Raccoon Dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) in a Satoyama Area of Tokyo

Invasive Raccoons (Procyon lotor) have Little Effect on the Food Habits of Native Raccoon Dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) in a Satoyama Area of Tokyo