Rescue Center Research Articles

Effects of pharmacological castration on endocrinological and chemical profiles in captive red and fallow deer

In wildlife captive management, contraception is highly desirable due to inbreeding risk and needed control of intra- and inter-specific aggressions. Deer, for which surgical castration can cause abnormal growth of the antlers, are suitable candidates for pharmacological castration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pharmacological castration on the physiological patterns and volatile chemical profiles of two deer species. We placed a subcutaneous implant of deslorelin acetate (4.7 mg) on four male red deer (Cervus elaphus) and two male fallow deer (Dama dama) (N = 6) living together in a mixed-sex and -species group housed at a wildlife rescue centre in Tuscany, Italy. We combined hormone measurements and chemical investigation of metatarsal scent-gland odour secretions to test whether pharmacological castration will influence the volatile chemical profile, potentially modifying the olfactory communication during the rutting season. We used radioimmunoassay technique to determine faecal and plasma testosterone as well as faecal cortisol levels, and solid-phase microextraction coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to analyse the scent-gland odour secretions. We found that deer testosterone levels decreased after the subcutaneous deposition of the implant. However, castrated red deer exhibited more variability in testosterone concentrations throughout the study period compared to fallow deer, whose testosterone levels remained low after the implant. We detected a total of 124 (red deer) and 88 (fallow deer) volatile compounds in male scent-gland odour secretions, including naturally occurring ketones, alcohols, aldehydes, terpenes, carboxylic acids, esters, volatile fatty acids, and hydrocarbons. Odour richness, but not total abundance or ratios of compounds, changed with testosterone levels in red deer. In conclusion, our preliminary findings suggest that deslorelin acetate, causing a decrease of testosterone level and impacting the chemical profile of odour secretions, could work as a non-invasive contraception approach in human-managed populations of deer.

Blood Cells Morphometry and Descriptive Morphology of Captive Changeable Hawk Eagles (Nisaetus chirratus) at Wildlife Rescue Centre Jogja

Providing qualitative and quantitative haematologic references of neglected captive wild animals is pivotal for the sanctuary health management and improvement. Changeable hawk eagles (Nisaetus chirratus) are abundantly kept in sanctuary in which no haematologic reference is ever reported. This study aimed to present the visual keys and morphometric references of changeable hawk eagles’ blood cells as the standard for further haematologic count. The peripheral blood smears were prepared and collected from eight changeable hawk eagles kept at Wildlife Rescue Centre Jogja then stained with 10-fold diluted Giemsa stain following the standard manners. All slides were inspected and captured under camera-equipped microscope which then were morphologically and morphometrically evaluated using ImageJ version 1.52a. As the changeable hawk eagles are naturally present in dark and bright morph, we statistically compared the blood cells morphometric parameters between morph-based groups. Changeable hawk eagles’ erythrocytes were oval shaped with occasional morphologic variation. Leukocyte consisted of polymorphonucleated granulocytes - with exception of basophils which lacked nuclear lobulation - and mononucleated agranulocytes. There were significant differences (P<0.05) of all erythrocyte morphometric parameters, heterophils diameter, and lymphocytes diameter between dark and bright morph group. Overall, the morphologic properties of changeable hawk eagles’ blood cells were visually identical to other avian species though the blood cells morphometry might be comparatively different.

Перетворення життя: християнський підхід до наркотичної залежності в сучасному В’єтнамі

Narcotic drug addiction is one of the social problems faced by the Vietnamese since Renovation (Đổi mới) which is understood as the Party-state’s economic reform accompanied by changes in politico-social policies. Drug addiction is reported to be associated with crimes such as family and community violence, robbery, murder, social disorder, and human trafficking. Many drug addicts die at a young age due to abuse of narcotic substances. Despite the state authorities’ intensifying legal actions, anti-narcotic social campaigns and NGOs’ initiatives, the number of narcotic addicts increases annually. Compulsory medical treatments applied at state-funded rehabilitation centers only achieve limited outcomes and the percentage of patients’ relapse is always high. Meanwhile, in recent two decades, alternative methods to treat narcotic addiction have been provided by a number of Buddhist or Christian-based communities. Prominently, Protestant churches through what is called “Restoration ministry” have actively helped people to recover from addiction without using medicine. Despite being under controversial debate, their method has yielded undeniable results. This article examines how narcotic addicts have been enabled to rehabilitate, recover their health and remake their life at a community-based, voluntary rehabilitation center known as the Vietnam Full Gospel Church’s Aquila Rescue Center. Based on analysis of gathered data, the authors illustrate that drug addiction treatment based on religious faith can provide long-lasting effects on the narcotic addicts.

B-esterase measurements and other blood related biomarkers in loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) as indicators of health status

The loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) has been selected as sentinel species by the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) descriptor 10 in relation to marine litter. In this, and other protected species, there is a need to develop conservative pollution biomarkers equally informative of chemical exposures to those traditionally carried out in metabolic organs, such as the liver. With this aim, plasma from turtles undergoing rehabilitation at the Fundació Oceanogràfic rescue centre (Arca del Mar) were selected and tested for B-esterase measurements. Hydrolysis rates of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and carboxylesterases (CEs) using four commercial substrates were undertaken on 191 plasma samples. Results indicated that acetylthiocholine was the most adequate substrate of cholinesterases and butyrate esters for CE measures. The correlation of these parameters with well-established blood biochemistry measurements was analysed. B-esterase measures in wild specimens were discussed in relation to age group, pathology on admission to the rescue centre and season; moreover, contrasts with long-term resident turtles were also made. Although this study provides baseline data on B-esterase measures in a large sample size for this species, more complementary information is still needed in terms of population genetics, chemical exposures, and in relation to other biochemical parameters before they can be confidently applied in wild specimens within the regulatory MSFD.

Trace and macro elements concentrations in the blood and muscle of loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) from the Canary Islands, Spain

Sea turtles can bioaccumulate heavy metals and trace elements over the years, therefore they can be used as bioindicators of pollution in the marine environment. The aim of this study was to analyze seventeen elements in blood and muscle of Caretta caretta from the Canary Islands and compare these concentrations in the two tissues. Thirteen blood samples and six muscle samples were collected from loggerhead turtles admitted to the Rescue Center of La Tahonilla. The samples were processed through microwave digestion and incineration. For the study of the data, a descriptive statistical analysis and a PERMANOVA were performed. All individuals in this study were juveniles (size <70 cm). The results of this study differ from previous studies on loggerhead sea turtles. All the elements analyzed were detected, with Na having the highest concentration in blood (75,379 ± 30,066 mg/kg) and muscle (222,626 ± 156,049 mg/kg). Statistically significant differences were found between the concentration of Al, B, Ba, Ca, Fe, K, Na, Sr, V and Zn in each tissue analyzed. Compared to other studies, a higher Cu concentration was found both in blood (252.9 ± 114.4 mg/kg) and in muscle (416 ± 247.8 mg/kg). This study has provided new data on pollutants in loggerhead sea turtles and increased the information available for different geographic areas, although more studies are needed to understand the effects and impact of these pollutants on sea turtles.

Exploration of Social Proximity and Behavior in Captive Malayan Tigers and Their Cubs.

The survival of endangered felids is becoming increasingly dependent on the successful management and breeding of reserve populations in captivity. While most felid species are reported to be solitary in the wild, increasing evidence suggests that some big cats have greater social plasticity than is currently acknowledged. This social plasticity allows felids to be sometimes socially housed in environments such as zoos and rescue centers. While the effects of such shared enclosures remain in question, many reports provide evidence of several welfare benefits of maintaining these large carnivores in pairs or even groups. Since 2019, Le Parc des Félins has housed a breeding pair of Malaysian tigers (Panthera tigris jacksoni) alongside their offspring. The purpose of this study was to quantify the social affiliation between the male tiger and his cubs and to investigate the female's tolerance toward him. The data were collected using video recordings in the outdoor enclosure when social interactions were observed. The data were coded and categorized in the open-source software BORIS, from which behavioral activity budgets were calculated. Data were analyzed using the chi-squared test for association to determine differences in affiliative frequency, with directed and undirected sociograms created to visualize individual relationships. Overall, the male regularly engaged in affiliative behaviors with the cubs, with no significant difference found in the frequency of interactions with them compared to the female. No physical aggression was directed by the male toward the cubs. Although the female maintained a stronger bond with the cubs compared to the male, he displayed a greater range of affiliative behaviors toward them than male tigers are thought to exhibit. Both adults showed a high degree of tolerance toward their conspecifics, suggesting that maintaining breeding pairs with their offspring is a viable management strategy in zoological collections. This study could therefore improve husbandry and conservation practices by developing our understanding of felid sociality and the potential welfare benefits of social housing, allowing for evidence-based captive management decisions.

Анализ проблемы поиска морских судов небольшого водоизмещения в районе ответственности арктических спасательных центров

Проведенные до сих пор эксперименты по исследованию параметров дрейфа морских судов небольшого водоизмещения на мелководье наводят на некоторые выводы, меняющие логику их поиска и спасения, заложенную в международных правилах и руководствах. Экспериментальное исследование проводилось поэтапно. На основе проделанной работы можно заключить, что Международное руководство по поиску и спасению судов на море (IAMSAR) может использоваться для поиска судов небольшого водоизмещения, терпящих бедствия на моретолько в ситуациях с небольшим опозданием сигнала об аварии. Предлагаемые в руководстве способы и критерии не учитывают специфику поведения судов небольшого водоизмещения при продолжительном дрейфе и не соответствуют всем возможным ситуациям по их поиску. Существуют и другие проблемы, усложняющие организацию поиска, как например: точность данных о ветре и волнении, предоставляемых метеослужбой, недостаточная для поиска морских судов небольшого водоизмещения; сигнал бедствия поступает со значительным опозданием; сведения о течениях в мелководных районах зоны проведения поисковой операции, полученные путем численного моделирования и годового среднестатистического характера, могут не удовлетворять требуемой точности для выполнения расчетов и другие. В связи с этим, необходимо проводить систематические замеры, обработку и хранение этих параметров в единой базе данных. На основе анализа ситуаций с морскими судами небольшого водоизмещения, терпящих бедствие и проведенных экспериментов, может быть обоснован и предложен условный дифференцированный подход к планированию их поиска, учитывающий особенности их поведения при дрейфе. The experiments conducted so far to study the parameters of the drift of small displacement vessels in shallow water suggest some conclusions that change the logic of their search and rescue, laid down in international rules and guidelines. The experimental study was conducted in stages. Based on the work done, it can be concluded that the International Guidelines for the Search and Rescue of Ships at Sea (IAMSAR) can be used to search for vessels of small displacement that are in distress at sea only in situations with a slight delay in the signal of an accident. The methods and criteria proposed in the manual do not take into account the specifics of the behavior of small displacement vessels during prolonged drift and do not correspond to all possible situations for their search. There are other problems that complicate the organization of the search, such as: the accuracy of wind and wave data provided by the weather service is insufficient to search for small displacement vessels; the distress signal arrives with a significant delay; information about currents in shallow areas of the search operation zone obtained by numerical modeling and annual average may not meet the required accuracy for performing calculations and others. In this regard, it is necessary to carry out systematic measurements, processing and storage of these parameters in a single database. Based on the analysis of situations with small displacement vessels in distress and conducted experiments, a conditional differentiated approach to planning their search can be justified and proposed, taking into account the peculiarities of their behavior during drift.

Molecular investigation of Feline Panleukopenia in an endangered leopard (Panthera pardus) – a case report

BackgroundFeline Panleukopenia is an important disease of cats and has been reported worldwide. The disease is caused by a non-enveloped, single-stranded DNA virus; Feline Panleukopenia Virus (FPLV), belonging to the Parvoviridae family. The disease causes significant mortality in unvaccinated kittens. The disease has been well documented in companion animals. However, only a few reports have surfaced from the wild.Case presentationAn orphan leopard cub was presented to Wildlife Rescue Centre, Nagpur, for further care; the leopard was kept under quarantine. On day 22 of the quarantine, the leopard showed inappetence, lethargy and depression and did not consume the offered carabeef (Day 0 of treatment). The leopard was examined clinically and was found to have a temperature of 102°F; blood was collected and analysed. On day one, the leopard exhibited bloody diarrhoea, inappetence, fever and depression. The leopard was rationally treated with fluids, antibiotics, multi-vitamins, haemostatics and haematinics. To gain qualitative insights into the epidemiological aspect of the disease, molecular investigation, including Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and qPCR (Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction), were utilized to confirm the infection. The amplicon was sequenced and was found to be similar to sequences of FPLV reported domestic cats and other wild felids from India and abroad. Phylogenetic analysis was performed to understand the evolutionary relationship of the virus with previously reported sequences of FPLV. Sequences were submitted to National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) and were allotted accession numbers.ConclusionThe infection in endangered leopard cubs could be managed with prompt fluid therapy, antibiotics and support treatment, ensuring an uneventful recovery. Molecular investigation and sequencing efforts can provide valuable data on epidemiology and the evolutionary relationship of the virus with the circulating strains in the field. The study has implications in the preventive management of FPLV in captivity and the selection of strains for inclusion in vaccines meant for the wild felids.

Tackling the Triad of Trouble: Addressing the Complexity of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting and Associated Factors in Maasai Communities of Southern Kenya

Kenya lies in the FGM/C belt stretching across Africa, and the Maasai are frequent practitioners. FGM/C has been declining in Kenya over time but not among the Maasai. The Kenyan government, many outside agencies, and the Maasai council of elders are all working to eradicate this practice, yet it persists among the Maasai. Eradication efforts tend to be either idealist or materialist but not both. We studied three primary schools surrounding Maasai Mara National Reserve to investigate what is being done at the school level to fight this practice. We discovered that FGM/C among the Maasai is always associated with girls’ early school dropouts and early marriage (the “triad of trouble”), so the measurement of one is a proxy for the measurement of the others. We also verified that school dropout rates (and associated factors in the triad) are sharply lower in these schools than in the general Maasai population and still declining. This is being accomplished through a complex interplay of eradication efforts—both idealist and materialist—such as education, persuasion, coordination of enforcement, legal prosecution, and rescue centers for sheltering girls at risk of FGM/C. Community attitudes are shifting against FGM/C as a result of these Maasai-led initiatives.

Plasma hormone levels in the green turtle Chelonia mydas reared under captivity as a tool to predict mating and oviposition

Circulating estradiol (E2), testosterone (T) and progesterone (P4) concentrations, and blood chemistry were monitored in the female green turtle Chelonia mydas over continuous seasons at the Israel sea turtle breeding facility. The tested factors were analyzed with regard to the female`s nesting activity in the subsequent nesting season: Future nesters (FN) and Non-nesters (NN). Our analysis showed significant changes in all three sex steroids, E2, T, P4, and in 13 blood biochemical parameters between the two females` groups. All females presented consistent E2 profiles from year to year, with a single elevation in September in FN females. P4 concentrations in nesting females were high in April (mating) and higher towards the beginning of June due to oviposition, females that presented concentrations above 1ng/ml had successful oviposition (8 females: 1 female in 2018, 5 in 2019 and 2 in 2020). T profiles were high at the onset of vitellogenesis towards November and again high during April. We were able to predict which females would undergo oviposition with a specific profile seen only in FN females - elevated P4 concentrations from February to June and the elevation of metabolites electrolytes and Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) concentrations toward November. This will facilitate selectively choice mating pairs to ensure that the Mediterranean population genetic variability is maintained. Clutches per female were between 2 and 6, with 25 in total. Females laid an average of 91 ± 7 eggs (range 39-139 eggs) per nest with emergence rate of ~10% (0-58%). Overall, the same trend in circulating steroid concentrations was revealed over the years in the females reaching oviposition only when a certain threshold was achieved. In this study all the factors mentioned above can indicate an upcoming oviposition at least 6 months prior to nesting as seen in the PCA analysis. This information can contribute to the success of green sea turtle breeding programs in captivity and will hopefully help the Israeli Rescue Center predict and prepare for nesting activities in the years ahead.

Flight Type and Seasonal Movements Are Important Predictors for Avian Collisions in Wind Farms

Wind farms are an alternative energy source mitigating environmental pollution. However, they can have adverse effects, causing an increase in mortality for wildlife through collision with wind turbines. The aim of this study was to investigate the risks of bird collisions with wind turbines linked to species-specific variables. For this purpose, we have analysed the dead birds involved in wind farm collisions that were admitted to two rescue centres in Spain over a period of 16 years (2001–2016; full dataset: n = 3130). All the birds analysed in this study were killed by turbines in wind farms. We performed two linear models using all species and a reduced dataset (bird of prey and passerine having more than four collisions) that included group, seasonal movements, flight type, length, and the number of pairs for the Spanish and European populations. The coefficients and the percent of variance explained by each relevant variable were determined in the models and the real values were compared with predicted values to visualise the goodness of fit. We found that the flight type was the most important variable explaining 35% of the total variability for the model including all species and 29% for the reduced dataset respectively, followed by seasonal movement type (4%/17% respectively) and the Spanish population (4%/6%). Subsequent analyses suggested that species with hovering, song-flights and active soaring flights are more susceptible to collisions with wind farms, and that species showing partial migration have a significant peak of collisions across spring and autumn. The estimated species-specific collision index can help in modelling the theoretical risk of collision with wind turbines, depending on the species existing in the area and their predicted values of vulnerability, which is linked to flight types and seasonal movements.

Plasma T3 and T4 Hormone Levels as Reference Values in Rehabilitated Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo), Long-Legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus) and Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)

Applying appropriate criteria for raptors at rehabilitation stages including release and post release determines how healthy the animal can survive in its natural habitat for any length of time. In determining release criteria, clinical examinations of animals as well as clinical data should be evaluated. In this study, plasma T3 and T4 levels of 16 Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo), 7 Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus) and 7 Golden Eagles (Aquila chrysaetos) were determined at Kafkas University/ Kafkas Wildlife Conservation, Rescue, Rehabilitation Practice and Research Center between 2016-2018. All raptors were kept at the rehabilitation center for 1-3 months in bird care rooms and flight tunnels specially arranged for each species. Rehabilitated birds blood were collected before released to wild. Plasma T3 and T4 hormone levels were analysed and determined in raptors that considered suitable for release. Although small differences were detected between T3 and T4 values as a result of the analysis, no statistical difference was found. These small differences in values may be due to the metabolic responses and environmental conditions of each raptor. As a result, these plasma thyroid hormone levels in rehabilitated raptors can be accepted as reference values.

RADIOGRAPHIC MEASUREMENT OF VERTEBRAL HEART SCALE IN KOREAN WILD RACCOON DOGS (NYCTEREUTES PROCYONOIDES KOREENSIS).

Raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides koreensis), which belong to the Canidae family, are the second most injured wildlife animals rescued by the Gangwon Wildlife Medical Rescue Center. Various imaging evaluation methods including echocardiography have been developed, but thoracic radiography remains essential for the diagnosis and management of heart disease in dogs. In particular, vertebral heart scale (VHS) measurement is usually used to evaluate the dimensions of the heart silhouette on thoracic radiographs and can measure cardiomegaly more objectively. The VHS of 50 raccoon dogs without cardiac diseases were measured using thoracic radiography in right lateral (RL) and ventrodorsal (VD) recumbent positions. The VHS in the RL view of 50 raccoon dogs was 9.03 ± 0.52 vertebrae (v), which was slightly smaller than the VHS measured in the VD view of 46 raccoon dogs (9.79 ± 0.84 v). In addition, the thoracic morphology of raccoon dogs was determined to be intermediate (thoracic depth-to-width ratio, 0.75-1.25), and thoracic morphology, gender, and weight were not significantly correlated with VHS. The VHS of raccoon dogs in this study will help veterinarians diagnose potential cardiac diseases in raccoon dogs.

A Model for the Network of Relief Centers during an Earthquake in the Central Zone of Tehran, Iran

INTRODUCTION: The network of relief centers, which is a connected set of relief centers, rescue points, and rescue routes, is of utmost importance during an earthquake. This study aimed to model this network to identify the aid-receiving points and rescue routes, followed by the development of plans to improve the aid-giving process during an earthquake. METHODS: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted based on an applied research method and a quantitative approach. The required data were obtained through the library method (documents). The data used in this study included location information of relief centers (hospitals, crisis management centers, Red Crescent centers) and the transportation routes among them. These pieces of information were collected from related plans and documents. The obtained data related to the location of relief centers were analyzed using Spatial Analysis, and Network Analysis tools were utilized to analyze the transportation routes among the relief centers. FINDINGS: The findings in this study revealed the right places for receiving aid and the rescue routes that deliver aid from the aid-giving to the aid-receiving centers in the central zone of Tehran in the shortest time. Moreover, the relief centers were ranked based on their importance during a crisis. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show the number of required aid-receiving points in the central zone of Tehran through which the aid needed during a crisis can be delivered from rescue centers. The findings revealed which relief centers played a more significant role during an earthquake. The identification of these points and routes makes the provision of special planning possible during an earthquake.

Antibiotic resistant Escherichia coli in wild birds hospitalised in a wildlife rescue centre

The aim of this work was to evaluate the consequence of a hospitalisation period on antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli isolated from wild bird species admitted in the wildlife rescue centre of the Department of Veterinary Sciences (Turin University, Italy). Samples were collected from 121 raptors and 51 synanthropic animals, at the time of arrival as well as 5 and 10 days afterwards for a total of 372 faecal samples, and the susceptibility of E. coli strains was tested to a panel of seven antibacterials. Of the total, 109 animals (63.37 %) presented at least one sample positive for E. coli, 36 strains (39.6 %) were multi-drug resistant (MDR) and 12 (13.2 %) were extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing E. coli. During the first 10 days of hospitalisation E. coli strains increased the number of resistances towards each antimicrobial principle, the number of ESBL E. coli and the therapy with fluoroquinolones developed resistance towards ceftriaxone, marbofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim and tetracycline. Our results suggest that wild birds act as reservoirs of MDR bacteria, being potential sources for their spreading in the environment and to other species

Contextualizing High Teenage Pregnancies and Its Effects on Education in Mt. Elgon Area, Kenya

The obstacles to the developmental milestones of young girls in Mount Elgon Sub-County can be seen from the rate at which the girls are dropping out of school due to early pregnancies, early marriages, sexually transmitted diseases, and the stigma associated with them. This study sought to understand the status of, causes, and effects of teenage pregnancy on education in the Mt. Elgon area, Kenya. This was an exploratory qualitative study based on snow bawling and a sample saturation approach. It involved in-depth interviews among twelve (12) affected households including interviews with eight (8) teenage mothers, three (3) teachers, two (2) school principals, and nine (9) local community gatekeepers/leaders. Findings indicate that teenage pregnancy is a rampant and common problem in Mt. Elgon. However, it is more acute in areas that bore the brunt of ethnic conflicts in the region. Teenage pregnancy and early marriages are partly responsible for the low enrolment of girls in schools across Mt. Elgon. According to the respondents, it all started in 1992 with the tribal clashes and subsequent cyclic conflicts with the most notable being the 2006/8 conflict in Mt. Elgon. The conflicts disintegrated and dislocated many families, a factor that compromised the ability of many households to get means of subsistence. After the conflict, the Government responded by constructing settlements for the returnees whose sizes turned out to be very small and non-conducive dwelling units for parents and their adolescent children. Several parents are forced to send their adolescent children to spend the night at neighbours, a factor that exposes such young girls to sexual abuse and early pregnancies. Teenage pregnancy has greatly affected girl child education as those pregnant are often married off early by their parents. The study recommends that efforts be made to address the impacts of the conflicts in Mt. Elgon. Poor parents should be supported by the government to build simple but spacious houses to provide ample sleeping space for their children. Advocacy campaigns promoting the education of girls should be launched. Rescue centres should be established to support teenage mothers in with technical skills and those willing to continue with their formal education are supported to do so.

Osteossíntese em maxila de anta-sul-americana (Tapirus terrestris Linnaeus, 1758) mantida sob cuidados humanos

The lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris) is a large mammal that inhabits forested areas with abundance of water. It is well represented species in zoos and rescue centers and is easily adapted to the artificial environment. The most common veterinary problems in tapirs appear in skin, eye, musculoskeletal system and, to a lesser occurrence, teeth. The objective of this report is to present a case of osteosynthesis in the upper jaw of a seven-year-old male tapir, kept under human care in a zoo, with fracture of the rostral maxillary portion. The methodology of choice for the treatment was interdental fixation with steel wire, for coaptation of the fracture fragments, followed by splinting to stabilize the fracture foci. The diet was modified, to avoid overloading the masticatory force during the bone healing process. After 120 days, the animal underwent a new anesthesia for radiographic evaluation and removal of the osteosynthesis implants, showing good recovery and being incorporated into the group.

An 8-year long retrospective analysis identifies the major causes of morbidity and mortality in rescued koala joeys

Context Wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centres aid millions of species worldwide. The clinical databases from these wildlife rehabilitation centres are increasingly being recognised as valuable scientific resources that have the potential to yield information on animal biology and inform conservation efforts. Although orphaned koala joeys constitute a substantial proportion of wildlife rescues in Australia, the causes of morbidity and mortality, specifically in rescued young koalas, remain largely unexplored. Aims The primary aim of this study is to analyse the trends in causes and outcomes of koala joeys admitted for rehabilitation at the Adelaide Koala Wildlife Centre (AKWC). Methods We analysed the hospital records of koala joeys admitted to the AKWC over an 8-year period (2014–2021) to identify the major causes of morbidity and mortality, and analysed the trends in arrivals in terms of season, sex and release rate. Key results Our examination indicates that the top five major reasons for admission and mortality in koala joeys are as follows – renal disease, heat stress, chlamydiosis, animal attack and vehicle collision. A significant increase in the proportion of heat stress, renal disease and chlamydiosis cases can be observed over the study period. Of the major causes of mortality, the most distinctive feature is the exceptionally high mortality rate of koala joeys with renal disease. Over the study period, the overall positive outcome for all joeys increased up to two-fold, and the mortality rate also declined slightly. Conclusion Despite the significant increase in positive outcome, it is evident that renal disease, chlamydiosis and heat stress are increasing at a rapid rate. Renal disease poses a major threat to rehabilitating koala joeys due to its severely high mortality rate. Implication This is the first study identifying the key drivers of morbidity and mortality of rescued koala joeys, and the rapid increase of renal disease, chlamydiosis and heat stress warrant the attention of future conservation policy developers. Furthermore, the severely high mortality rate of koala joeys due to renal disease warrants improving treatment protocols and any measures that can help reduce the mortality rate of this disease in koala joeys.

The Radiocommunication Support Decision System to Use in Distress Situations for Captains of Small Non-conventional Vessels Operating in the Caribbean Sea Area

The paper presents the concept of a Radio Communication System to support the decision of the captain of a small non-conventional vessel including a yacht sailing in the waters of the Caribbean Sea in a dangerous situation requiring a call for RCC assistance. This is important to enhance boating safety in the area, where, due to the reduced and non-overlapping accessible areas of the A1 and A2 communications zones, calling for RCC assistance using common VHF/MF radio equipment is limited. In the event of danger to life and property on a yacht, the ability to contact Marine Rescue Centers is a primary concern. This paper presents a model of an intelligent system for supporting the captain in making the right navigation decision, in a dangerous situation, based on the method of artificial neural networks ANN. The article presents an example of numerical simulation of operation of the discussed system of Radio Communication decision support, assuming a specific position of the small non-conventional vessel in distress, with reference to the existing communication areas A1, A2 in the Caribbean Sea. The result of the simulation is related to the calculation of the distance to the nearest zone, enabling the establishment of communication with the marine Rescue Center to distress call, the value of the new corrected course of the small non-conventional vessel and the time of arrival at the above-mentioned zone.

A case of nodular enteritis due to Chaunocephalus ferox in a white stork (Ciconia ciconia) in Bulgaria

The present report describes a case of chaunocephalosis due to Chaunocephalus ferox in a white stork (Ciconia ciconia) in Bulgaria. On July 2017, a malnourished and debilitated adult white stork was found in a field near Stara Zagora city. The bird was caught and transported to the Wildlife Rescue Center of Green Balkans organisation, with history of weakness, severe watery diarrhoea, loss of appetite, and cachexia. The stork died several hours after admission. The corpse was referred to the Department of General and Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University where post-mortem examination was performed. The necropsy revealed the presence of multifocal to coalescing mural intestinal nodular circumscribed lesions affecting all portions of the intestinal tract, most prominent and numerous in the jejuno-ileal segment. When sectioned, the nodules contained either single, or 2 to 3 small flattened tadpole-like trematodes which were identified as Ch. ferox. Histologically, a total traumatic destruction with ulceration and necroses of intestinal tissue layers were found at the site of fluke penetration. The trematodes also formed a marked granulomatous inflammatory reaction with inflammatory cellular infiltrate, consisting mainly of heterophilic and pseudoeosinophilic leukocytes, lymphocytes and histiocytes. In the area of infection, the intestinal villi and mucosa were totally eroded, and the surrounding mucosal crypts were distended by necrotic detritus.