Red Deer Research Articles

Seroepidemiology of Coxiella burnetii in Domestic and Wild Ruminant Species in Southern Spain

The European Food Safety Authority has recently listed Q fever as a priority for setting up a coordinated surveillance system. Although Spain is the country with the highest human incidence of the disease in the European Union, updated data on Coxiella burnetii in ruminants are still limited. A total of 780 serum samples from small ruminants and 605 sera from wild ruminants were collected in the Mediterranean ecosystems of southern Spain during the period 2015–2023. Anti-C. burnetii antibodies were detected using a commercial indirect ELISA. The overall individual seroprevalence in the small ruminants was 49.1% (383/780; 95% CI: 45.6–52.6). Antibodies against C. burnetii were identified in 40.0% (156/390) of sheep and in 58.2% (227/390) of goats. At least one seropositive animal was observed in all sheep (100%) and in 92.3% of goat flocks. The species (goat) and the existence of reproductive disorders in primiparous females were potential risk factors for C. burnetii exposure in small ruminant farms. In the wild ruminants, the overall seroprevalence against C. burnetii was 1.5% (9/605; 95% CI: 0.8–2.8). Anti-C. burnetii antibodies were found in 1.8% (2/110) of mouflon, 1.5% (6/390) of red deer, and 1.0% (1/105) of Iberian ibex. The high exposure of the small ruminants to C. burnetii, particularly in goats, detected in the present study is of animal and public health concern. Our results denote that wild ruminants only play a minor role in the epidemiology of this bacterium in southern Spain and suggest an independent epidemiological cycle of C. burnetii in domestic and wild ruminant species in the study area.

Controls on regional sulphate distribution in shallow groundwater in the western Canadian Interior Plains

Sulphate (SO4), predominantly derived from sulphur (S)-bearing glacial sediments distributed widely across the Canadian Interior Plains, contributes to high groundwater salinity and can be detrimental to riparian and dry-land ecosystems, agricultural production, and water use. While previous researchers investigated SO4 distribution and dynamics in shallow groundwater at local scales (<1500 km2), we examine SO4 occurrence in groundwater at larger scales, and to depths of ~150 m, considering variations in geology, glacial history, climate, and geochemical and hydrogeological settings in the Canadian province of Alberta. Sulphate concentrations in groundwater vary considerably, with 15 % of 139,130 samples above the 500 mg/L Canadian drinking water aesthetic objective. Analysis of δ34SSO4 and δ18OSO4 from 179 wells throughout Alberta shows SO4 is dominantly derived from oxidation of S-bearing material. At this large scale, marine shale bedrock subcrops, glacial ice flow directions, and climate control SO4 distribution. Groundwater contains less SO4 (<200 mg/L) in western Alberta compared to the east due to a lack of S-bearing bedrock, higher groundwater recharge rates, thinner glacial sediments, and increased groundwater circulation. Focusing on a region in south-central Alberta (Red Deer area), hydrogeological characteristics relating to SO4 formation, recharge, permeability, hydraulic gradient, and travel time are included in a principal component analysis to identify six groundwater groups at varying stages of evolution and SO4 concentrations depending on their hydrogeological setting. Low SO4 concentrations are associated with areas of high recharge, where SO4 has been leached from the sediments, or with more evolved bedrock groundwater where SO4 has been reduced or was recharged in pre-glacial times. High SO4 concentrations are found in areas of lower recharge and permeability, where flushing occurs more slowly. Combining the Red Deer area and province-wide analyses, we identify seven regions across Alberta with characteristic distribution and controls on SO4 occurrence in shallow groundwater.

Response of the gut microbiota to changes in the nutritional status of red deer during winter

Unravelling abrupt alterations in the gut microbiota of wild species associated with nutritional stress is imperative but challenging for wildlife conservation. This study assessed the nutritional status of wild red deer during winter on the basis of changes in faecal nitrogen (FN) and urea nitrogen/creatinine (UN: C) levels and identified gut microbes associated with nutritional status via nutritional control experiments and metagenomic sequencing. The FN of wild red deer in winter 2022 was significantly lower than that in winter 2021 (p < 0.05, winter 2021: 1.37 ± 0.16% and winter 2022: 1.26 ± 0.22%), and the UN: C ratio increased (winter 2021: 2.19 ± 1.65 and winter 2022: 3.05 ± 3.50). Similar trends were found in late winter, which indicated greater nutritional pressure in winter (2022) and late winter. Compared with winter 2021, abundances of Ructibacterium and Butyrivibrio significantly increased, and Acetatifactor and Cuneatibacter significantly decreased during winter 2022 (p < 0.05). Compared with early winter, the cell growth and death pathways increased and lipid metabolism and its subpathway of secondary bile acid synthesis (ko00121) significantly decreased during late winter (p < 0.05), which was similar to the changes in malnourished experimental red deer. Abrupt alterations in the gut microbiota should receive increased attention when monitoring the nutritional health of wild ungulates. This study provides new insights and critical implications for the conservation of wild ungulate populations.

Climatic and environmental changes of ~100 thousand years: The mammals from the early Middle Pleistocene sequence of Notarchirico (southern Italy).

Here we revise all the paleontological sample of Notarchirico, including historical collections and new findings collected during 2016-2023 excavations. Notarchirico is one of the most significant sites for the study of human evolution and terrestrial ecosystem dynamics during the Early-Middle Pleistocene Transition, preserving nearly 100.000 years of environmental and climatic changes constrained between 695 ± 6 ka and 614 ± 12 ka. The deposit yielded the oldest human fossil of the Italian Peninsula, and one of the oldest European evidence of Homo heidelbergensis, as well as one of the earliest evidence of bifacial tools in western Europe, commonly associated with the Acheulean techno-complex. Our paleontological results revealed the presence of three different mammal complexes, documenting faunal dynamics in response of climatic driven-changes recognized during the early Middle Pleistocene. The lower complex (levels I2-G) indicates the dominance of wooded spaces, sparse steppes, and the existence of water bodies (lakes or ponds), indicating a deterioration of the fully interglacial conditions recorded during the end of MIS 17; the middle complex (levels G-C) with a low number of mammal remains can be attributed to the glacial conditions of MIS 16; the upper complex (levels B-above α) indicates an improvement in climate, transitioning towards the full interglacial conditions of the of MIS 15. The faunal sample of Notarchirico, based on its firm chronological setting, offers important data for the Biochronological Scheme of European Land Mammals, including one of the oldest records of Palaeoloxodon antiquus and Cervus elaphus in Europe, Panthera spelaea in southwestern Europe, Dama cf. roberti in Italian Peninsula, and one of the latest occurrences of Bison schoetensacki in Europe.

A Comprehensive Multi-Omics Study of Serum Alterations in Red Deer Infected by the Liver Fluke Fascioloides magna

Liver fluke infections are acknowledged as diseases with global prevalence and significant implications for both veterinary and public health. The large American liver fluke, Fascioloides magna, is a significant non-native parasite introduced to Europe, threatening the survival of local wildlife populations. The aim of this study was to analyze differences in the serum proteome and metabolome between F. magna-infected and control red deer. Serum samples from red deer were collected immediately following regular hunting operations, including 10 samples with confirmed F. magna infection and 10 samples from healthy red deer. A proteomics analysis of the serum samples was performed using a tandem mass tag (TMT)-based quantitative approach, and a metabolomics analysis of the serum was performed using an untargeted mass spectrometry-based metabolomics approach. A knowledge-driven approach was applied to integrate omics data. Our findings demonstrated that infection with liver fluke was associated with changes in amino acid metabolism, energy metabolism, lipid metabolism, inflammatory host response, and related biochemical pathways. This study offers a comprehensive overview of the serum proteome and metabolome in response to F. magna infection in red deer, unveiling new potential targets for future research. The identification of proteins, metabolites, and related biological pathways enhances our understanding of host–parasite interactions and may improve current tools for more effective liver fluke control.

Efficient Fault Warning Model Using Improved Red Deer Algorithm and Attention-Enhanced Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory Network

The rapid advancement of industrial processes makes ensuring the stability of industrial equipment a critical factor in improving production efficiency and safeguarding operational safety. Fault warning systems, as a key technological means to enhance equipment stability, are increasingly gaining attention across industries. However, as equipment structures and functions become increasingly complex, traditional fault warning methods face challenges such as limited prediction accuracy and difficulties in meeting real-time requirements. To address these challenges, this paper proposes an innovative hybrid fault warning method. The proposed approach integrates a multi-strategy improved red deer optimization algorithm (MIRDA), attention mechanism, and bidirectional long short-term memory network (BiLSTM). Firstly, the red deer optimization algorithm (RDA) is enhanced through improvements in population initialization strategy, adaptive optimal guidance strategy, chaos regulation factor, and double-sided mirror reflection theory, thereby enhancing its optimization performance. Subsequently, the MIRDA is employed to optimize the hyperparameters of the BiLSTM model incorporating an attention mechanism. A predictive model is then constructed based on the optimized Attention-BiLSTM, which, combined with a sliding window approach, provides robust support for fault threshold identification. The proposed algorithm’s efficacy is demonstrated through its application to real-world gas-fired power plant equipment fault cases. Comparative analyses with other advanced algorithms reveal its superior robustness and accuracy in efficiently issuing fault warnings. This research not only provides a more reliable safeguard for the stable operation of industrial equipment but also pioneers a new avenue for the application of metaheuristic algorithms.

Red Deer Antler Artefacts from Gordineşti II- ”Stînca goală” and Vynnyky-”Zhupan”: Shape-and-Trace Formation Processes in Natural, Functional and Depositional Contexts

The paper scrutinizes the red deer hard tissues from the contexts attributed to the Trypillia Culture’s final phases. Having once been reported elsewhere, the objects under study are this time conceptualized in terms of shape-and trace formation processes, with an eye to incorporating them into research advances under the topic of the late Trypillia transformation, including typological affiliation, radiocarbon dating, archaeoecology, subsistence studies, etc. Particular attention is paid to artefacts that lack the overwhelming power of the tiniest wear marks, but do display extensive topographic features of manufacture and use. The formalized shape-and-trace aspects for the antler artefacts are proposed, which are considered to be suitable rather for a morphological than for a morphographicsystematization of a prehistoric antler assemblage. An interpretative application of the shape-and-trace approach for the sake of clarification of both past currents in morphogenesis of artefacts and praxis of their use is only possible in a systemic context of knowledge about habitats and lifestyles of the past.

Recent enrichment of megafauna in the north of Eurasia supports the concept of Pleistocene rewilding

‘Pleistocene rewilding' refers to the concept of restoring ecosystems to their state during the Pleistocene epoch, by (re‐)introducing species or their close relatives that were present during that time, in an effort to revive ecological processes that existed before human‐driven extinctions. This concept is highly controversial for both ethical and ecological reasons. Here I review evidence of recent northward range expansions of various large land mammals in boreal Eurasia, and discuss whether this provides evidence that rewilding projects might be justified and feasible. Around 100 years ago, the native boreal fauna of Eurasia included five species of large land mammals: moose Alces alces, brown bear Ursus arctos, wolf Canis lupus, reindeer Rangifer tarandus, and snow sheep Ovis nivicola, but since then the list has expanded. This is due to the introduction of bison Bison bonasus, Bison bison, muskox Ovibos moschatus, non‐native deer, and feral horses, as well as the northward expansion of wild boar Sus scrofa, roe deer Capreolus capreolus, Capreolus pygargus, and red deer Cervus canadensis. In addition, several southern species temporarily occurred in the north, including tiger Panthera tigris, sika deer Cervus nippon, and yak Bos grunniens. This ongoing enrichment of the boreal fauna is reminiscent to Pleistocene rewilding. However, so far, the abundance of expanding large mammals species remains low. Large‐scale projects on Pleistocene rewilding are labor‐intensive, expensive, and not popular enough to receive support, and therefore their realization is problematic

Purification and characterisation of a homogenised protein from Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) abomasum as a potential hyaluronidase inhibitor

SummaryTo improve the utilisation of abomasum and explore the material basis of its antioxidant and hyaluronidase inhibitory activities, a homogeneous protein RDA4‐1 was isolated from the abomasum of cultured red deer by two‐step chromatography process for the first time in this study. It has a molecular weight of 15 kDa and comprises 43.56% essential amino acids. RDA4‐1 scavenged 50.97% of DPPH• and 88.37% of ABTS+· at 1.5 mg mL−1, and inhibited hyaluronidase by 79.23% at 1 mg mL−1. The CD and fluorescence spectroscopy was used to initiate explore the hyaluronidase inhibition reaction process. With an increase in the concentration of RDA4‐1 in the inhibition reaction, the wavelength of the negative peak of CD shifted from 208 to 218 nm, and the absorption of the positive peak of CD increased from 0.5 to 8.3 mdeg. Furthermore, fluorescence absorption at a wavelength of 340 nm rose from 248 to 762 au. These findings suggest that the interaction of RDA4‐1 with hyaluronidase induces alterations in the secondary structure of the protein complex, and RDA4‐1 binds reversibly to the enzyme in a non‐covalent manner. The results of this study indicate that RDA4‐1 could serve as a potential hyaluronidase inhibitor in the development of nutraceuticals.

Wolf and wild boar in the Alps: Trophic, temporal and spatial interactions in an Alpine protected area

In predator-prey systems, interspecific interactions at the spatial and temporal scale may affect different components of the ecosystem. Despite a growing interest in the topic, little is known about these interactions in many regions, particularly in areas recently recolonized by apex predators, such as the Alps. Using a multidimensional approach, we assessed wolf-wild boar interactions in a recently recolonized protected area of the Western Alps (Gran Paradiso National Park, Italy) by combining camera trapping and wolf scat analyses. First, we quantified the importance of wild boar in the wolf diet by comparing two different periods (October 2018–September 2020 vs. October 2021–September 2022). Second, we evaluated prey selection in 2021–2022, when data on prey availability were collected. Then, we assessed spatiotemporal interactions between the wild boar and the wolf. Finally, we calculated combined spatiotemporal associations between the wolf and the wild boar in comparison to other ungulate prey. We found a remarkable increase in wild boar consumption between the two periods; roe deer and wild boar were consumed in proportion to their availability, while the chamois was positively selected and the red deer and the ibex were less consumed in relation to their availability. Although we found no negative association between wolf and wild boar detection rates, in winter the wild boar limited its temporal overlap with the predator by being less active in sites more frequently used by the wolf, suggesting some spatial modulation of a temporal antipredator response. Among ungulate species, the wild boar had the highest combined spatiotemporal association with the wolf, particularly in autumn-winter. Our results suggest complex interspecific interactions in alpine areas recently recolonized by the wolf.

Identification of Cervi cornu pantotrichum and its mixed varieties by UHPLC-QTOF-MS and UHPLC-TQS-MS/MS

Sika deer (Cervus nippon Temminck) and red deer (Cervus elaphus Linnaeus) are the two creatural sources of velvet antlers, which are recorded in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020 edition). However, the counterfeits-moose (Alces alces Linnaeus) antlers are selling as genuine products in the market. In order to strengthen antler quality control and market supervision, a UHPLC-QTOF-MS coupled with chemometrics analysis and UHPLC-TQS-MS were developed and applied to distinguish the Velvet Antler of moose from that of sika deer and red deer. Firstly, the QTOF-MS quantized data obtained from samples treated with trypsin were subjected to principal component analysis (PCA) to classify these three kinds of antlers. Then, the potential differential marker peptides were found with orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). Finally, validation of these differential marker peptides was assessed using UHPLC-QTOF-MS, and the results showed that the specific ion pairs (m/z 724.8 → 518.1, m/z 724.8 → 938.3, m/z 732.8 → 526.3, m/z 732.8 → 784.3) were detected in moose deer antler, not in velvet antler of sika deer (Cervus nippon Temminck) and red deer (Cervus elaphus Linnaeus). The methods in the paper and specific ion pairs could be successfully applied to distinguish moose antlers from sika deer antlers and red deer antlers.

Post-release dispersal and home range of translocated red deer in the Vojvodina province (Serbia)

Monitoring of 38 (12 male and 26 female) red deer translocated from Ivo Wildlife Park (Romania) to hunting ground "Bosutske Forest" (Vojvodina, Serbia) was conducted from 2017 to 2021. The red deer were translocated in lieu of the managing authority's efforts to counteract the effects of red deer losses due to catastrophic flooding in the region. All animals were ear-tagged, while 7 males and 10 females were fitted with GPS collars. A total of 2,288 valid signals were analyzed (565 from males and 1,723 from females). In addition, 1,333 sighting records were collected from eight observation posts (480 in 2019, 670 in 2020 and 183 in 2021). We determined the movements and spatial distribution of translocated animals in the new habitat and estimated their home range sizes. Home range was calculated using the minimum convex polygon method, while the core area was calculated using the kernel density estimator method. The greatest straight-line distance from the acclimatisation enclosure was essentially the same for both sexes (average 6.0 km for males and 6.4 km for females). A non-significant relationship existed between the number of days in captivity and the greatest straight-line distance, as well as between days in captivity and the core area of the home range. The estimated home range of males was 12.8 km2 (range 0.2‒36.1), smaller than that of females (20.6 km2, range 0.4‒68.7), but this difference was not statistically significant. Observations made independently showed mostly herds of 4 to 6 individuals (52.3%), while large herds (≥ 10 individuals) were rare. Participation of translocated and resident animals in mixed herds was common during the monitoring period (62.3%). Our results showed that a high level of acceptance of the new habitat and social cohesion between translocated and resident animals was achieved. We believe that this is due to two main reasons: firstly, the long-term stay in a large acclimatisation enclosure prior to release and secondly, year-round supplemental feeding coupled with an abundant natural food supply in this unique forest area also contributed to successful acclimatisation. Keywords: Cervus elaphus; population; habitat; home range size; red deer; management

Intelligence analysis of membrane distillation via machine learning models for pharmaceutical separation

This study investigates simulation of pharmaceutical separation via membrane distillation process by computational simulation and machine learning modeling strategy. The efficacy of three regression models, i.e., Multi-layer Perceptron (MLP), Gamma Regression, and Support Vector Regression (SVR) in predicting the solute concentration, C(mol/m³), was evaluated. The hyper-parameters were optimized by fine-tuning the models using the Red Deer Algorithm (RDA). Computational analyses were carried out for removal of pharmaceuticals from solution by membrane distillation in continuous mode. Mass transfer and machine learning models were implemented focusing on concentration of solute in the feed section of membrane. Results indicate that the Multi-layer Perceptron model achieved great accuracy with an R2 of 0.9955, an MAE of 0.0084, and an RMSE of 0.0148, effectively capturing complex nonlinear relationships in the data. Gamma Regression also performed acceptably, with fitting R2 of 0.9214, showing its suitability for positively skewed data. The Support Vector Regression model, while capturing the general trend, showed the lowest performance with an R2 of 0.8710. These findings suggest that the Multi-layer Perceptron is the most accurate model for this dataset, followed by Gamma Regression and Support Vector Regression. This underscores the importance of careful model selection and optimization in regression analysis in combination with computational simulation of membrane processes.

Comparison of Foraging Strategies and Effects of the Wapiti and Siberian Roe Deer on Japanese Yew.

The foraging strategies of sympatric ungulates with similar ecological niches are important for understanding ecological niche differentiation, resource utilization, competition, and coexistence and for understanding the ecological impacts on plant communities in the ecosystem. The behavior of the wapiti (Cervus elaphus) and Siberian roe deer (Capreolus pygargus) foraging on Japanese yew (Taxus cuspidata) has affected its succession and renewal in the northeastern forests of China, which has become an urgent problem for the relevant departments. This study analyzed the foraging strategies of the wapiti and Siberian roe deer on Japanese yew from July 2021 to January 2024 using field investigations and infrared camera monitoring in the Muling National Nature Reserve, Heilongjiang Province, China. It was found that the wapiti and Siberian roe deer have different foraging strategies in terms of time, space, and behavior. Temporally, they both preferred to forage for the saplings of the Japanese yew during the winter season, the degree of overlap in foraging rhythms was medium (Dhat1 = 0.67), and the diurnal foraging activity index (D RAI) of the wapiti was larger than that of the Siberian roe deer. Spatially, the suitable foraging habitat of the Siberian roe deer was twice that of the wapiti, and their overlap was low in the location and direction of saplings and the distance of the seed tree. Behaviorally, the foraging intensity of the wapiti was high, and that of Siberian roe deer was low. Foraging reduced the average primary branch height, number of new branches, and length of lateral branches of saplings, and the influence of the wapiti was significantly greater than that of the Siberian roe deer. This study provides a scientific basis for solving the conservation and management problems of the deer animals foraging on Japanese yew and contributes to further understanding of the competition-coexistence mechanism of sympatric species.

Exploring animal enclosures and parasite interactions in Germany

In order to gain an initial impression of the current parasite situation in wildlife enclosures across Germany, 17 enclosures of six animal species were examined for parasites in soil and fecal samples in seven facilities. Of particular interest in this context are helminths and protists. Despite the potential risks, however, there are only a few studies on parasites in animal enclosures due to the taboo subject. The study examined 661 fecal samples from fallow deer (Dama dama, N = 247), wild boar (Sus scrofa, N = 207), red deer (Cervus elaphus, N = 111), mouflon (Ovis orientalis musimon N = 76), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus, N = 12) and bison (Bison bonasus, N = 8) as well as 136 soil samples from 12 single-species enclosures and 5 mixed-species enclosures. Three hundred and sixty fecal samples (54.46 %) tested positive for parasites using flotation and sedimentation methods. In addition, parasites were detected in 62.5 % (N = 85) of the soil samples. Examination of the faecal samples revealed that the most common parasite species were Strongyloides sp., Trichostrongylus sp. and Trichuris sp. With the help of a Geographic Information System (GIS), the findings could be displayed on an enclosure map and initial hypotheses on environmental relationships could be made. Particularly high parasite samples were mostly located near feeding and resting areas. The results underline the need for more regular monitoring and targeted parasite management to protect the health of the animals. GIS can be used as an additional tool to help identify hotspots and to specifically incorporate the environment into management in order to take animal-friendly measures. This will play a greater role in the future in the context of anthelmintic resistance.

Biochemical composition of biological substances extracted from red deer antlers

We aim to study biologically active agents in biological substances obtained from different parts of red deer antlers. Frozen red deer antlers were separated into skin and antler base, crushed, and subjected to ultrasonic enzymatic hydrolysis. The press cake from the extraction of antler base was dried in a vacuum unit. The content of protein, fat, ash, and moisture in the obtained biological substances was studied. In addition, the amino acid, fatty acid, and mineral compositions were analyzed, as well as the molecular weight distribution of peptide fractions. The concentrates from the skin and base of red deer antlers were found to contain the maximum of proteins (73.68–74.41%). The mineral biological substances comprise the maximum of macroand microelements (84.17%), in particular, a high level of 136,000 mg /kg of phosphorus, 29,230 mg /kg of sodium, and 5,140 mg /kg of calcium. All biological substances are characterized by a low-fat content in the range from 0.3 to 1.76%. Similar to the protein content, the total amount of amino acids prevails in concentrates from the skin and base of red deer antlers, equaling 40.90 and 43.66 g /100 g, respectively. Moreover, in both samples, the amount of essential amino acids is higher than that of non-essential ones. The amount of vitamins is low, being represented by B1, B2, B6 water-soluble vitamins. The fatty acid composition is most balanced in the concentrate from the red deer antler base, containing omega-3 and omega-6. The ratio of unsaturated to saturated fatty acids is equal to 0.96. In the concentrate from antler skin, the maximum content (54.7%) of peptides with a low molecular weight of less than 2.9 kDa and up to 6.4 kDa was found using the molecular-weight distribution of peptide fractions.

The Potential of Thymus serpyllum Essential Oil as an Antibacterial Agent against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the Preservation of Sous Vide Red Deer Meat.

Foodborne infections caused by microbes are a serious health risk. Regarding this, customer preferences for "ready-to-eat" or minimally processed (MP) deer meat are one of the main risk factors. Given the health dangers associated with food, essential oil (EO) is a practical substitute used to decrease pathogenic germs and extend the shelf-life of MP meals. Nonetheless, further data regarding EO use in MP meals are required. In order to evaluate new, safer alternatives to chemicals for disease control and food preservation, this research was carried out in the following areas to assess the antibacterial and antibiofilm characteristics of Thymus serpyllum (TSEO) essential oil, which is extracted from dried flowering stalks. Furthermore, this study applied an essential oil of wild thyme and inoculated the sous vide deer meat with Pseudomonas aeruginosa for seven days at 4 °C in an effort to prolong its shelf-life. Against P. aeruginosa, the essential oil exhibited potent antibacterial action. The findings of the minimal biofilm inhibition concentration (MBIC) crystal violet test demonstrated the substantial antibiofilm activity of the TSEO. The TSEO modified the protein profiles of bacteria on glass and plastic surfaces, according to data from MALDI-TOF MS analysis. Moreover, it was discovered that P. aeruginosa was positively affected by the antibacterial properties of TSEO. The anti-Pseudomonas activity of the TSEO was marginally higher in vacuum-packed sous vide red deer meat samples than in control samples. The most frequently isolated species from sous vide deer meat, if we do not consider the applied bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, were P. fragi, P. lundensis, and P. taetrolens. These results highlight the antibacterial and antibiofilm qualities of TSEO, demonstrating its potential for food preservation and extending the shelf-life of deer meat.

Early antibody responses to lipid antigens in red deer infected with Mycobacterium bovis

The problem: Early and rapid diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis remains an issue of great interest. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of synthetic lipid antigens for diagnosis of tuberculosis in red deer (Cervus elaphus). The proposition: Synthetic mycolic acid derivatives, identical to components of mycobacterial cells, bind to antibodies to lipids produced in active human tuberculosis. Experimental infection studies in red deer (Cervus elaphus) allow the evaluation of such antigens for the serodiagnosis of bovine tuberculosis. Results: Antibody levels in plasma from deer experimentally infected with Mycobacterium bovis were evaluated in ELISA using synthetic antigens based on several classes of mycolic acid, using protein G as conjugate. All antigens gave significantly increased responses 60 days post-infection, when all animals had active disease. A significantly increased response was also observed with four antigens 15 days after infection. Conclusion: ELISA using synthetic lipid antigens not only detects antibodies in the plasma of deer experimentally infected with M. bovis, but a strong response occurs early in the infection. With a full analysis of responses with naturally infected animals, this may offer a useful supplement to current diagnostic methods.

Vegetation Type Preferences in Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) Determined by Object Detection Models

Vegetation Type Preferences in Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) Determined by Object Detection Models

Performance of post-mortem diagnostic tests for tuberculosis in wild ungulates at low and high prevalence assessed using Bayesian latent class models.

Animal tuberculosis (TB) is often maintained by multi-host communities, including livestock and wildlife. Quantitative studies of such communities require estimating the true prevalence of TB, correcting the apparent prevalence by the diagnostic sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of the test. The goal of this study was to lay the foundations for estimating the true prevalence of TB in wild ungulate populations (wild boar and two cervids: red deer and fallow deer). We used Bayesian latent class models to assess the Se and Sp of gross pathology, IS6110 real-time PCR in tissues, bacteriological culture, and P22 indirect ELISA. We analyzed 308 harvested wild ungulates (211 wild boar and 97 cervids: 92 red deer and 5 fallow deer). The Se of bacteriological culture (80.4%, CI95 61.0-96.3%) and gross pathology (87.9%, CI95 69.5-99.9%) was reasonably good in wild boar. These tests showed lower Se in cervids: 60.2% (CI95 38.3-82.3%) for bacteriological culture and 81.5% (CI95 63.6-96.2%) for gross pathology. The Se of the real-time PCR was low (50.7% in wild boar and 53.0% in cervids). These tests showed Sp between 95.2 and 99.1% in both taxa. The P22 ELISA performed reasonably well in wild boar (Se = 71.9%, CI95 59.2-83.4%; Sp = 98.8%, CI95 96.9-99.9%) but lacked Sp in cervids (Se = 77.1%, CI95 62.9-89.7%; Sp = 74.5%, CI95 65.7-83.3%). The real-time PCR in wild boar and cervids and bacteriological culture in cervids tended to show higher Se in low-prevalence populations, possibly due to a higher proportion of early-stage TB lesions. In cervids, the parallel interpretation of gross pathology and bacteriological culture significantly improved the diagnostic performance (Se = 93.1%, CI95 84.7-98.9%; Sp = 92.9%, CI95 86.0-98.3%). Our results allow the estimation of true prevalence from the results of a single diagnostic test applied to harvested wild boar, red deer, and fallow deer, paving the way for more precise quantitative ecological studies of the multi-host TB maintenance community.