Evaluation of risks of oil contamination in endangered seabirds in Algoa Bay, South Africa, linked to ship-to-ship bunkering and anthropogenic maritime activities.

Sea lions as a natural model for charting the developmental course following in utero exposure to domoic acid.

The western-European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is a near-threatened mammal frequently admitted to wildlife rescue centres. In early 2025, an outbreak of haemorrhagic enteritis affected 28 hoglets and juvenile hedgehogs at the Ria Formosa Wildlife Recovery and Research Centre (RIAS) in Portugal, resulting in a mortality rate exceeding 35%. Clinical signs included appetite and weight loss, and diarrhoea (including bloody diarrhoea). Diagnostic testing (parasitology, virology, bacteriology and histopathology) was conducted and Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica, was isolated from internal organs (liver, spleen, intestine, and lung) of four necropsied individuals. Following antimicrobial susceptibility testing, treatment with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole associated with critical care led to clinical improvement in surviving animals. This case underscores the challenges in diagnosing and managing infectious disease outbreaks in wildlife rescue centres and highlights the zoonotic risk of diseases that can affect hedgehogs, as salmonellosis. The findings emphasise the need for enhanced surveillance, rapid diagnostics, and effective biosecurity protocols in conservation centres to ensure animal welfare, good recovery rates and mitigate public health risks.

Haemosporida are vector-borne parasitic protozoa known to be present in birds of most avian orders. However, despite their perceived diversity using DNA barcode approaches, describing and delimiting species is challenging, particularly for those parasites found in non-passerine birds. In this study, we describe Haemoproteus trarotraro n. sp., a species found in two Falconiform hosts, the Crested Caracara (Caracara plancus plancus, type host) and the Yellow-headed Caracara (Daptrius chimachima chimachima), both sampled in Brazil at a wildlife rehabilitation center using microscopy and molecular tools. Haemoproteus trarotraro n. sp. is distinguished from the two other haemoproteid species described in Falconiformes, H. brachiatus and H. tinnunculi , by the absence of gametocytes that fully encircle the host-cell nucleus, and by the presence of numerous small vacuoles scattered throughout the cytoplasm of macrogametocytes. Both the partial cytb gene and the mtDNA genome for this new species are reported. The sequencing of the cytb barcode fragment revealed that H. trarotraro n. sp. reported here corresponds to a Haemoproteus sp. haplotype (GenBank Accession (AF465594) lineage POLPLA01 in Malavi) previously reported from Caracara plancus cheriway in Florida, USA. Although it diverges by only 2% at the cytb level from H. tinnunculi and H. brachiatus, H. trarotraro n. sp. is not a sister lineage to these taxa. Instead, phylogenetic analyses place it within a distinct but closely related, well-supported clade comprising lineages infecting American Kestrels (Falco sparverius). This study contributes, through an integrative taxonomic approach, to the ongoing discussion about species delimitation within the order Haemosporida.

Poultry pox is a highly contagious viral disease with a high incidence in many countries. The causative agent is a large, enveloped, double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the genus Avipoxvirus (APV) of the Poxviridae family. The virus is responsible for the occurrence of smallpox in numerous domestic and wild poultry species and is transmitted through aerosol, food, or vectors. A review of the extant literature on avian smallpox reveals that only a few cases of the disease have been reported in various domestic and wild poultry species, with only a few cases reported in owls. In this study, the case of smallpox in an eared forest owl (Asio otus) that was brought to the Kafkas University Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center is presented.

Background Entanglement in man-made materials is reported by wildlife rehabilitators as a common source of injury and mortality in wildlife, however there is limited scientific research on this impact. Aims To quantify the impact of entanglement on wildlife in terms of entanglement material, taxonomy, and conservation status using New South Wales (NSW), Australia, as a case study. Methods Wildlife rescue data were sourced from the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service data repository. All records of wildlife entanglement incidents in NSW between 2011–2012 and 2020–2021 were analysed for trends in relation to entanglement material and taxonomy, and NSW conservation status of affected species. A Mann–Kendall trend test and Augmented Dickey–Fuller test were performed for each data series to identify trends or periodicity. Key results The annual number of wildlife rescue records in NSW attributed to entanglement has increased between 2011 and 2021. Entanglement in netting and wire represents more than a quarter of reported annual entanglements and has increased over time. The reported number of species impacted each year has increased, with mammals and birds consistently most affected. Across all taxa, the data show that flying-foxes were the most impacted species, representing more than two-thirds of all entanglements annually. The grey-headed flying-fox (Pteropus poliocephalus), listed as a threatened species under both NSW and Australian federal legislation, represented more than 50% of all flying-fox entanglements. Conclusions We provide scientific evidence that entanglement in netting and wire is a threat to Australian wildlife, and that this threat is likely increasing. The consistent representation of the grey-headed flying-fox in the data, combined with the observed trend of increasing annual entanglements, suggests that this threatened species will continue to be disproportionately impacted. Implications This paper quantifies the impact of entanglement on wildlife in terms of entanglement materials and impacts on particular species, especially species that are threatened with extinction. Promotion of wildlife-safe netting and fencing materials is common across jurisdictions, with some additionally enacting regulatory changes to prohibit certain netting materials.

The Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) is a species of conservation interest throughout much of eastern North America, and management efforts for the species are widespread. Peregrines are at risk for exposure to Trichomonas spp. because of their tendency to take pigeons and doves (Columbiformes) as prey. We investigated the prevalence of Trichomonas spp. in wild nestling Peregrine Falcons banded in nests in Kentucky, USA. We tested throat swabs collected from 266 Peregrine Falcons during 2005-23. A total of 21 birds tested positive for Trichomonas spp.; none of the falcons that tested positive were resighted as adults. We treated a subset of nestlings for Trichomonas spp. infection, including two in the nest (without removal), two nestlings temporarily removed from the nest for treatment, and 10 placed with wildlife rehabilitators for treatment. Rehabilitated nestlings were released at an age of ≥75 d. However, we did not confirm any benefits to survival from treatment. Trichomonosis may hinder Peregrine Falcon nestling survival in certain areas, especially urban locations.

Aims: The present study aimed to assess employment generation as a direct-use ecosystem service of the Amrabad Tiger Reserve, Telangana, India, and to examine its role in supporting local livelihoods and strengthening conservation outcomes across forest divisions. Study Design: Descriptive, cross-sectional study based on records analysis and field verification. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the Achampet, Amrabad, and Nagarjuna Sagar forest divisions of the Amrabad Tiger Reserve, Telangana, India, during 2023–2025. Methodology: Employment data were obtained through systematic analysis of Forest Department administrative records, supplemented by field-level verification and structured interactions with divisional officials. Employment was classified into functional categories including forest protection and patrolling, fire prevention and control, wildlife rescue and monitoring, administrative support, vehicle operations, and ecotourism services. Division-wise and category-wise employment distribution was analyzed to assess spatial variation and livelihood significance. Results: The Amrabad Tiger Reserve generated direct employment for 381 individuals, with the Amrabad Division contributing the highest share (234 individuals; 61.4%), followed by Achampet (113; 29.7%) and Nagarjuna Sagar (34; 8.9%). Labour-intensive roles dominated the employment structure, notably base camp helpers (140; 36.7%), Tiger Conservation Force personnel (89; 23.4%), fire watchers (50; 13.1%), and drivers (24; 6.3%). Ecotourism-related employment accounted for 24 positions (6.3%), comprising nature guides and ecotourism drivers. The majority of jobs were accessible to local and forest-dependent communities, indicating strong livelihood linkage. Conclusion: Employment generation represents a significant socio-economic benefit of the Amrabad Tiger Reserve, contributing to livelihood security, reducing reliance on extractive forest use, and fostering community participation in conservation. A key limitation of the study is its reliance on officially recorded employment data, which may underestimate informal or seasonal livelihood opportunities linked to conservation activities.

Historically, zoos have evolved from spaces dedicated to the exhibition of animals to centers of education and conservation. However, public perception of these places has been diverse, with criticism regarding animal living conditions and their role in environmental awareness. This article presents a Service-Learning (SL) project in which 175 students from the Early Childhood Education and Primary Education Degree Programmes at the University of Alcala participated, in collaboration with the Zoo and Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre of the city of Guadalajara. Methodologically, a mixed approach is adopted, combining qualitative analysis of participants' responses with a quantitative analysis of emotions and their causes. The results show that the zoo environment facilitates the connection between students and active learning, promoting social interaction and collaborative work. The ApS experience at the zoo has proven to be an innovative tool that contributes to the comprehensive training of students, aligning with the Bologna Process and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global threat to human, animal and environmental health, underscoring the need for integrated surveillance to understand its dynamics and ecosystem interactions. This study investigated the potential of swifts (Apus spp.), long-distance migratory birds, as valuable bioindicators of environmental AMR dissemination. Four sampling sessions were conducted over two years (2023-2024) at a wildlife rehabilitation center in Trieste, Italy. Buccal and cloacal swabs were collected from 47 swifts: 10 sampled at arrival and 37 before autumn migration. Swabs were streaked on selective media for targeted isolation of Enterobacterales, Bacillales and Lactobacillales, yielding 168 bacterial isolates. Bacteria were identified using MALDI-TOF and antimicrobial susceptibility was assessed through disk diffusion method, using ECOFFs values or "no inhibition zone" criterion. Of the 168 bacterial isolates, 51 (30.36%) were non-wild type (NWT), with highest percentages of NWT isolates for clarithromycin (33.33%), erythromycin (31.50%), clindamycin (21.88%) and tetracycline (14.29%). Methicillin-resistant staphylococci (45.83%) and carbapenem NWT isolates (9.38%) were also detected. Bacillales isolates showed significantly higher NWT proportion (58.33%; p < 0.0001) compared to Enterobacterales and Lactobacillales. These findings, in clinically healthy non-antimicrobial treated swifts, suggest environmental exposure to resistant bacteria, and support a possible role of swifts as bioindicators of environmental AMR contamination, highlighting the need to strengthen environmental AMR surveillance within a One Health perspective.

Background: Cardiac evaluations in wild animals are essential for assessing health status prior to rehabilitation and release. The giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla), classified as vulnerable by the IUCN, frequently requires rescue and health assessments due to increasing threats from habitat destruction. Cardiovascular assessments such as electrocardiography (ECG) and echocardiography (ECHO) are critical but remain scarcely studied in this species. This report aimed to describe the 1st diagnosis of atrial flutter in a free-ranging giant anteater using ECG, supported by an echocardiographic evaluation to investigate possible structural alterations. Case: A free-ranging female giant anteater was rescued in Paraná, Brazil, and chemically restrained with ketamine, midazolam, and morphine. Physical examination showed ectoparasites, superficial lesions, and signs of estrus. The animal weighed 40 kg and had stable physiological parameters. The animal underwent electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring using an INcardio X® device. ECG findings revealed paroxysmal atrial flutter, characterized by regular atrial activity without distinct P waves. The ECG showed a mean heart rate of 54 bpm, a QRS duration of 64 ms, a QTc of 332 ms, and an ST segment depression of -0.3 mV. Heart rate variability was analyzed using time-domain measures and nonlinear methods, and indicated an SDNN of 68.7 ms, RMSSD of 32.9 ms, CSI of 4.05, and CVI of 1.03. These data suggested transient autonomic alterations likely related to handling stress and sedation. Echocardiogram (ECHO) was performed using the SonoSite M-TURBO® ultrasound system equipped with a sector transducer. ECHO showed no structural cardiac abnormalities. Measurements such as LVIDs (1.47 cm), IVSs (1.46 cm), LVPWs (1.62 cm), and LA/AO ratio (1.06) were within or slightly above reference values, possibly due to the animal's adult age and natural cardiac growth. The ejection fraction was 72%, and fractional shortening was 40.1%, indicating preserved systolic function. Discussion: This was the 1st electrocardiographic record of atrial flutter in a giant anteater. The ECG pattern was consistent with atypical type II flutter, with positive F waves in inferior leads, suggesting a clockwise reentrant circuit, with activation of the interatrial septum occurring from superior to inferior. Although atrial flutter in other species is often linked to structural heart disease or atrial remodeling, ECHO findings in this case ruled out significant cardiac anomalies. Minor deviations from reference ranges were attributed to age-related growth, as the animal was older than individuals in previous studies. The data suggest that atrial flutter was likely stress-induced or related to the sedative protocol. These findings highlight the importance of cardiovascular monitoring during wildlife rescue operations and the potential role of sedative agents in arrhythmogenesis. The transient nature of the arrhythmia and absence of structural abnormalities supported the animal's release. Further research is crucial to refine sedation protocols and better understand the cardiovascular physiology of this vulnerable species. This case emphasizes the value of combining ECG and ECHO for comprehensive cardiac assessment in wildlife and contributes original reference data for future health evaluations of giant anteaters. Keywords: electrocardiography, echocardiography, wildlife conservation, sedative protocols, arrhythmogenesis.

Background: Wildlife is increasingly recognized as an important component in the epidemiology of zoonotic pathogens. Salmonella spp., a leading cause of foodborne disease worldwide, can circulate across human, domestic animal, and environmental interfaces. European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus), a synanthropic species frequently inhabiting urban and peri-urban areas, may act as reservoirs or sentinels for Salmonella. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence, serotype distribution, and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of Salmonella spp. isolated from European hedgehogs admitted to wildlife rehabilitation centers in Italy. Methods: Fecal samples were collected from 100 European hedgehogs housed in five wildlife rehabilitation centers located in four Italian regions. Salmonella spp. were isolated using standard bacteriological methods, serotyped according to the Kaufmann–White–Le Minor scheme, and tested for antimicrobial susceptibility by broth microdilution for ampicillin, enrofloxacin, and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were interpreted following CLSI guidelines. Results: Salmonella spp. was isolated from 30% of the animals sampled. Four serovars were identified, with S. Enteritidis (50%) and S. Typhimurium (36.7%) being the most prevalent, followed by S. Agona (10%) and S. Chester (3.3%). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed a high level of susceptibility, with 90% of isolates sensitive to all tested antibiotics. One S. enteritidis strain showed resistance to enrofloxacin and sulfamethoxazole–trimethoprim, while two isolates exhibited intermediate susceptibility to enrofloxacin. Conclusions: The detection of Salmonella serovars commonly associated with human infections in European hedgehogs highlights the potential role of this species in the ecology of zoonotic Salmonella. Although antimicrobial resistance levels were low, the presence of resistant and intermediate strains underscores the importance of continued surveillance. Despite some limitations related to the study design and sample representativeness, these results support the need for further large-scale investigations, reinforcing the need for integrated One Health surveillance strategies.

IntroductionAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents a growing One Health challenge at the human–animal–environment interface. Wildlife rescue centres may represent potential, underrecognized settings where resistant bacteria could emerge and disseminate due to close human–animal contact and antimicrobial use. We investigated AMR profiles and genomic features of Escherichia coli isolated from European and northern white-breasted hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus, Erinaceus roumanicus) admitted to a Czech wildlife rescue facility.Materials and methodsFaeces from 23 hedgehogs were collected during routine pen cleaning. E. coli isolates were obtained on MacConkey agar (MCA) and MCA with cefotaxime and confirmed by MALDI-TOF MS. Antimicrobial susceptibility to 13 antibiotics was assessed using the disc diffusion test. A subset of 26 isolates representing diverse resistance profiles was further characterised by whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Genomic analyses focused on sequence types, phylogroups, resistance genes, plasmid replicons, and virulence-associated genes.Results and discussionMore than half of the isolates (37/69; 54%) were multidrug-resistant, with resistance most frequently observed to ampicillin and nalidixic acid. No cefotaxime-resistant isolates or genes encoding extended-spectrum beta-lactamases or carbapenemases were detected. Whole-genome sequencing revealed substantial genetic diversity, including several sequence types that are commonly associated with human and animal infections, such as ST457, ST162, and ST624. Isolates carried a wide range of resistance determinants, including blaTEM-1 and qnrB2 genes, plasmid replicons, and virulence-associated genes, with phylogroup F showing the highest virulence gene content. Despite the modest sample size, our findings indicate that hedgehogs in rehabilitation settings can act as reservoirs of multidrug-resistant E. coli with diverse genomic backgrounds, contributing to the environmental dissemination of AMR. The presence of sequence types and resistance genes commonly associated with human and veterinary infections further supports the relevance of rehabilitated wildlife to the broader epidemiology of AMR. Enhancing biosafety practices and antimicrobial stewardship in wildlife rescue operations is therefore essential to mitigate zoonotic risks within a One Health framework.

The Indian Star Tortoise (Geochelone elegans) is a vulnerable terrestrial chelonian endemic to the Indian subcontinent and increasingly encountered in wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facilities due to illegal trade and habitat disturbance. Parasitic infections, particularly gastrointestinal nematodes, represent an important but often overlooked health concern in both captive and rescued tortoises. The present study reports the detection of oxyurid infection in Indian Star Tortoises during routine health surveillance conducted at the Wildlife Research and Training Centre, Gorewada, Nagpur, Maharashtra, between April 2023 and March 2025. A total of fifteen tortoises were examined, comprising individuals rescued from illegal trade, urban conflict situations, and temporary shelters. Fresh faecal samples were collected non-invasively and examined using standard faecal flotation techniques with saturated sodium chloride solution. Oxyurid eggs were detected in six out of fifteen samples (40%). The eggs were oval to ellipsoidal, thick-shelled, operculated, and morphologically consistent with Tachygonetria or Pharyngodon species. All infected tortoises were clinically asymptomatic, showing normal appetite, activity, and body condition, suggesting low to moderate parasitic burden. The findings highlight the endemic occurrence of oxyurid infections in captive Indian Star Tortoises and underscore the importance of routine parasitological screening, enclosure hygiene, and preventive veterinary care. Regular surveillance is essential to prevent parasite persistence, reduce reinfection risk, and ensure the health and conservation management of this threatened species.

• We analyzed 12 years of wildlife admissions in a Brazilian Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. • Most birds were admitted due to wildlife trafficking and requested removals. • Mammals were mainly affected by collisions with vehicles and dog attacks. • Mortality was the most common outcome for both taxonomic groups. • Admission cause had a strong effect on release rates and final outcomes. Wildlife Rehabilitation Centres are essential for the care, recovery and potential release of wild animals, while also providing valuable information on the impacts of human activities on biodiversity. In this study, we analyzed 12 years of data (2012 to 2023) from the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre of Associação Mata Ciliar (CRAS-AMC), located in southeastern Brazil. We investigated the monthly variation in the admission of birds and mammals, identified the main causes of admission, and evaluated how these factors influence the outcomes for the animals, including death, permanent captivity or release. A total of 23,441 bird records representing 329 species and 12,395 mammal records from 73 species were analysed. Among birds, the most common causes of admission were illegal trade and removal requests usually made by members of the public in relation to animals in urban areas, with or without injuries, while mammals were most often admitted due to requested removal from urban areas, dog attacks or vehicle collisions. Mortality was the predominant outcome for both birds and mammals, though outcomes varied according to cause, with higher mortality among animals admitted due to collision with vehicle or trafficking, and higher chances of release among those with minor injuries or mistakenly removed from the wild. These findings demonstrate the importance of long-term data collected by Wildlife Rehabilitation Centres to assess threats to wildlife, guide awareness campaigns and support preventive actions. Additionally, such data can inform improvements in the design and operation of current and future facilities. Strengthening these centres is critical for effective wildlife recovery and biodiversity conservation in Brazil, one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world and increasingly affected by anthropogenic pressures.

Oropouche virus (OROV) is an emerging orthobunyavirus whose range has recently expanded in the Americas, with recent outbreaks in Cuba and travel-associated cases reported in the United States, raising concerns about the potential for its establishment in the United States. While the primary vector, Culicoides paraensis (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), is distributed throughout the southern United States, the role of avian hosts in the dispersal and maintenance of OROV is unknown. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted molecular screening for OROV in North American birds. We screened tissue samples from 81 individual birds representing 23 species opportunistically collected across Florida during 2021-2024. Sampling included migrants with ranges extending into regions with documented OROV transmission, partial migrants, and synanthropic resident species capable of influencing local transmission. All samples tested negative for OROV by RT-qPCR though such results do not eliminate the potential for OROV infection in these bird species. Our testing establishes a baseline for monitoring the northward expansion of this arbovirus at the human-wildlife interface in North America.

Serosurveillance of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus in zoo animals, Spain, 2007-2024.

Causes of Owls Admission to the Wildlife Rescue Centre in Beijing (China) from 2006–2022

Pangolins represent the most heavily trafficked mammal globally and harbor diverse microorganisms, raising the concern that illegal trade increases their susceptibility to infectious diseases and facilitates the spread of zoonotic pathogens. In this study, internal organ and fecal samples were collected from 15 confiscated pangolins rescued at the Jinhua Wildlife Rescue Station in Zhejiang Province, China. Metatranscriptomic analysis combined with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) screening detected pestivirus, canine parvovirus 2 (CPV-2), human parainfluenza virus 2 (HPIV2), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa at high abundance in three deceased individuals, while no candidate pathogens were identified in the remaining 12 surviving animals. Two of the deceased pangolins, Pujiang-Pangolin-2 and Pujiang-Pangolin-3, were co-infected with four and two pathogens, respectively, and both exhibited more severe pathological lesions than Qingtian-Pangolin-1, in which only CPV-2 was detected. Pujiang-Pangolin-2 showed markedly elevated levels of CPV-2 and P. aeruginosa in the lung and spleen, accompanied by extensive tissue damage. Pujiang-Pangolin-3 had a higher abundance of pestivirus and presented with pronounced internal hemorrhage. Notably, phylogenetic analyses reveal that the pestivirus, CPV-2, and HPIV2 detected in the infected pangolins were closely related to strains previously identified in Manis javanica, domestic dogs from Vietnam, and humans from the Netherlands, respectively, while the P. aeruginosa sequences clustered with isolates obtained from human clinical samples both within China and internationally.Together with prior reports, these data suggest that trafficked pangolins are highly susceptible to diverse infections and may contribute to the transmission of zoonotic pathogens across species and geographic boundaries.

The stress response to different stimuli involves the release of mediators, with cortisol being the principal, aimed to induce physiological, metabolic, and behavioral changes for restoring allostatic balance. However, prolonged or excessive cortisol secretion may impair welfare by altering immunity, growth, and reproduction. Cortisol concentrations or its metabolites can be measured in several biological matrices, and may accumulate in the hair shaft over periods ranging from weeks to months, making hair a valid matrix for assessing chronic stress. Nevertheless, a validation of this method in roe deer is currently lacking. The objective of this study is to validate an ELISA test for the measurement of cortisol concentration in roe deer hair. Additionally, the effects of age, sex, environmental conditions, and seasonal variations on hair cortisol concentrations are evaluated. Materials and Methods. Hair samples were collected from 45 European roe deer housed in a wildlife rescue center. Cortisol was extracted from hair using methanol, and concentrations were quantified using a commercially available competitive ELISA kit originally developed for salivary cortisol. Results. Hair cortisol concentrations in roe deer ranged from 0.7 pg/mg to 27.25 pg/mg, exhibiting a distinctive bimodal distribution. Factors influencing hair cortisol levels included the age class and the season of collection, with particular emphasis on the rutting season in adults. No significant differences were observed with regard to the type of environment or the cause of rescue. Conclusion. The ELISA method provides a rapid, cost-effective, and reliable approach for assessing long- term alterations in glucocorticoid concentrations in roe deer, yielding results comparable to other more sensitive techniques.