Wildlife Rescue Center Research Articles

Detection of Falculifer sp. mites in eagles in rehabilitation cage of Bali Wildlife Rescue Center

Eagle is one of the many raptors were rescued by the Bali Wildlife Rescue Centre. This institution is a non-profit conservation institution in Indonesia. The salvated eagles were obtained from confiscated proceeds from the Bali Natural Resources Conservation Centre (BKSDA). Health checks such as ectoparasite examination on eagles are important to maintain the quality of life. This study was aimed to identify the presence of ectoparasites in several eagle species in Bali Wildlife Rescue Centre/PPS Bali. The study was conducted from June to September 2019. Feather samples were taken from 15 caged eagles, including six Brahminy Kite (Haliastur indus), one Changeable Hawk-eagle (Spizaetus cirrhatus), three White-bellied Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster), one Grey-headed Fish Eagle (Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus), and four Crested Serpent Eagle (Spilornis cheela). The eagle feather samples were examined at the Denpasar Veterinary Investigation Center/BBVet for the presence of ectoparasites. This research was an observative study and the data obtained were analysed descriptively. The result showed that eight samples (two Crested Serpent Eagle, two White-bellied Sea Eagle, two Changeable Hawk-eagle, one Brahminy Kite, and one Grey-headed Fish Eagle) were found to be positively infected with mite external parasites from all examined eagles. These mites were identified belong to Arachnid class, the Astigmata order, the Falculiferidae family, and the genus Falculifer sp.

Septic Arthritis and Osteomyelitis Caused by Chryseobacterium indologenes in a Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) and a Ring-Billed Gull (Larus delawarensis).

A 20-year-old female mute swan (Cygnus olor) originally in a flock of free-living swans on a Long Island, New York, lake, was presented for facial swelling and decreased appetite. An adult male ring-billed gull (Larus delawarensis) was also presented to the same wildlife rescue center for bilateral lameness of 1-week duration. Once referred for veterinary evaluation and care, both species were diagnosed with septic arthritis and osteomyelitis caused by Chryseobacterium indologenes and treated with orbifloxacin until complete recovery. Chryseobacterium indologenes is infrequently diagnosed as an opportunistic pathogen in human medicine, and less so in veterinary medicine. In human patients, this bacterium is the cause of various infections, including meningitis, pneumonia, and implant failure. However, in veterinary medicine its pathogenicity has only been reported in fish, and sporadically mentioned as a culture result in tree frogs and turtles, where it was generally considered insignificant. In this report a clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of osteomyelitis and septic arthritis caused by C indologenes is described in 1 anseriforme and in 1 charadriiforme species.

What should you do with an orphaned baby grey squirrel?

![Graphic][1] Aneesa Malik qualified as a veterinary nurse from Warwickshire College in 2008. Her main interests include veterinary ethics and welfare, emergency and critical care patients, end of life care...

Stable Isotopes and Parasites Indicate Feeding Ecology in Florida, USA, Wading Birds

We assessed δ13C and δ15N profiles and endoparasite community composition in Great Egrets (Ardea alba), Great Blue Herons (A. herodias), and White Ibis (Eudocimus albus) from four wildlife rescue centers (two mainland, two on islands in the Florida Keys) in south Florida, USA to elucidate feeding ecology. We detected among-species differences for δ15N but not δ13C and noted decreased δ13C enrichment in Great Egrets and Great Blue Herons (but not White Ibis) from these centers. Parasite component community and infracommunity species richness were higher in Great Egrets and Great Blue Herons relative to White Ibis, and higher in birds of the same species from mainland centers. Multivariate analysis of parasite infracommunity structure detected co-occurring clusters of parasite taxa characteristic of Great Egrets and Great Blue Herons on the one part, and of White Ibis on the other; mainland Great Egrets and Great Blue Herons had similar parasite communities and clustered separately from conspecifics from the islands. We detected a significant (negative) correlation of infracommunity species richness with δ13C but not δ15N. Lastly, parasite infracommunity Bray-Curtis similarity correlated significantly with stable isotope Euclidean distances. We conclude that the two approaches converge towards similar outcomes, providing complementary and consilient information on host feeding ecology.

Variation of Hematochemical Profile and Vitamin E Status in Feral Giara Horses From Free Grazing in the Wild to Hay Feeding During Captivity

Wildlife protection and management are important priorities for landscape identity and biodiversity preservation. Feeding practices of fauna confined in facilities during temporary captivity are fundamental to support animal health and natural behavior. Appropriate provision of feedstuffs appears to be necessary to support the best practices in respect of animal species-specific natural diet. This investigation explored the variation of the metabolic profile by means of selected metabolite and respective circulating levels in a group feral Giara horses undergoing the change of the diet, moving from natural free grazing in the wild to temporary captivity. Six Giara horses (4 mares and 2 stallions; estimated age: 2.5–3 years; body weight: 163–170 kg) were captured to monitor the serological reaction to equine infectious anemia (EIA; screening at Coggins test). Animals were sheltered in a wildlife rescue center for a duration of 4 weeks, and all received the same hay-based diet (ad libitum). On 0 and 28 days of captivity, blood serum alpha-tocopherol (α-TOH) concentration was determined alongside selected metabolites (liver enzymes, total protein and fractions, cholesterol, triglycerides, and macrominerals and trace elements). Comparative feces quality and composition were also assessed. Both serum samples (0 vs. 28 days) displayed α-TOH levels below (<2 μg/mL) adequacy established for the domestic horse. Initial levels markedly (P = .020) decreased after the 4 weeks of captivity (Δ = −32.5%). Vitamin E status and ALT levels varied significantly, but serum protein fractions did not point to significant variations before and after captivity. All horses tested negative to EIA. Monitoring of vitamin E status of wild and feral herbivores may be recommendable in the context of adequate feeding practices during captivity to prevent potential deficiency or excessive depletion.

Fecal Sample Collection Method for Wild Birds-Associated Microbiome Research: Perspectives for Wildlife Studies.

Simple SummaryThis paper describes an easy-to-build box for the noninvasive collection of feces from wild birds or small wild animals (up to 1 kg), including a plastic storage box, a plastic tray, and a vinyl-coated hardware cloth. This method could minimize potential contamination and allow for cross-study comparisons on gut microbiomes for wildlife medicine, conservation, ecology, and evolutionary biology.Gut microbial communities play important roles in host health, modulating development, nutrient acquisition, immune and metabolic regulation, behavior and diseases. Wildlife microbiome studies and host–microbe interaction and exploration might be an important goal for evolutionary biology, conservation, and ecology. Therefore, collection and sampling methods must be considered before choosing a microbiome-based research plan. Since the fecal microbial community reflects the true gut community better than that of cloacal swab samples and only few nondestructive methods have been described, we propose an easy-to-build box for a noninvasive fecal collection method. The main components of the collection box include a plastic storage box, a plastic tray, a vinyl-coated hardware cloth, and a 10% bleach solution. In the plastic box, the tray is positioned under the raised grate, where the bird is placed, to reduce the risk of contamination of the fecal samples. This procedure could simplify handling and processing phases in wild birds or other animals. It might represent a cheap and useful method for research studies, wildlife rescue center activities, veterinary practices, and conservation practitioners.

Gastrointestinal and cardiorespiratory endoparasites in the wild felid guigna (Leopardus guigna) in Chile: Richness increases with latitude and first records for the host species.

Guignas (Leopardus guigna) are small felids closely associated with native forest habitats. In fragmented landscapes, they use vegetation corridors and forest remnants to move across the landscape. In these contexts, guignas may increase contact probabilities with domestic animals, being therefore relevant to assess their pathogens and parasites. The aim of this study was to characterize the helminth fauna in the gastrointestinal tract and cardiorespiratory system of guignas from central and southern Chile. Between 2015 and 2018, 33 dead free-ranging guignas were found road-killed or were collected from wildlife rescue centers. Thirty-two gastrointestinal tracts and 32 cardiorespiratory organs were analyzed through direct analysis and artificial digestion. We found 81.8% (27/33) guignas were positive for helminth endoparasites (84.4% (27/32) positive for gastrointestinal parasites, 37.5% (12/32) positive for cardiorespiratory parasites). Fourteen parasites were identified (7 at genus level and 7 at species level), with Angiostrongylus sp., Molineus sp., Oslerus sp. and Troglostrongylus sp. as first records in guignas. The most prevalent parasites were the species Toxascaris leonina, Toxocara cati and Uncinaria stenocephala. Uncinaria stenocephala showed the highest intensity of infection. Multiparasitism was observed in 76% of the animals. Significant differences in richness of endoparasites and prevalence of cardiorespiratory parasites were found between geographic zones; higher values in the southern zone are possibly due to favorable environmental characteristics for endoparasite development. There were no statistically significant differences between sexes. All the parasites found in this study have been previously reported in domestic cats. These results are valuable to understand parasite transmission at the domestic-wildlife interface; the possibility of endoparasite transmission between domestic cats and guignas should be clarified with molecular analysis.

Prevalence and Phylogenetic Analysis of Hepatitis B in Captive and Wild-Living Pileated Gibbons (Hylobates pileatus) in Cambodia

The risk of transmitting novel pathogens from released animals to wild conspecifics is an important consideration for reintroduction initiatives. Apart from infecting humans, hepatitis B virus (HBV) has been detected in nonhuman primates, including captive gibbons. Gibbons that test positive for HBV are removed from reintroduction programs as the presence of infection in wild populations is uncertain. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HBV in wild-living gibbon populations in the southwest and northeast of Cambodia and compare HBV DNA strains collected from these animals with samples from wild-born captive gibbons at the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center, Cambodia. We screened HBV infection in blood and stool samples from captive gibbons and stool samples from wild-living gibbons. We sequenced samples with detectable HBV DNA viral load in the HBV reverse transcriptase coding region overlapping with the S-gene. Eleven of twenty-four (46 %) wild-living pileated gibbons (Hylobates pileatus) from the southwest of Cambodia were positive for HBV. Phylogenetic analysis of HBV DNA sequenced from wild and captive gibbons revealed that viral strains were related and different from human strains. The presence of an HBV variant circulating in the wild similar to that found in captive pileated gibbons suggests 1) the strain identified is associated with the species, 2) wild-born captive gibbons positive for this strain became infected prior to captivity, and 3) it might be appropriate to release captive gibbons that test positive for specific serological markers of HBV, provided they are otherwise suitable candidates for reintroduction.

Haemosporidian parasites from captive Strigiformes in France.

Haemosporidia infections may cause major damage to avian populations and represent a concern for veterinarians working in zoological parks or wildlife rescue centres. Following the fatal infection of 9 Great grey owls (Strix nebulosa) at Mulhouse zoological park, between summer 2013 and 2015, a prospective epidemiological investigation was performed in captive strigiform birds in France in 2016. The purpose was to evaluate the prevalence of haemosporidian parasites in captive Strigiformes and to estimate the infection dynamics around the nesting period. Blood samples were taken from 122 strigiform birds representing 14 species from 15 French zoological parks. Parasites were detected by direct examination of blood smears and by PCR targeting the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. Haemosporidian parasites were detected in 59 birds from 11 zoos. Three distinct Haemoproteus mitochondrial cytochrome b sequences (haplotypes A and C for H. syrnii and haplotype B for Haemoproteus sp.) as well as two species of Plasmodium were detected. The overall prevalence of Haemoproteus infection was 12.8%. The percentage of birds infected by Haemoproteus varied according to the period of sampling. Nesting season seemed to be at greater risk with an average prevalence of 53.9% compared with winter season with an average prevalence of 14.8%, related to the abundance of the vectors. The prevalence of Plasmodium infection in Strigiformes did not exceed 8% throughout the year. This study confirmed how significant Haemosporidia infection could be in Strigiformes from zoological parks in France. The nesting season was identified as a period of higher risk of infection and consequently the appropriate period to apply prophylactic measures.

Blood L-Lactate Concentration as an Indicator of Outcome in Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus) Admitted to a Wildlife Rescue Center.

Simple SummaryRoe deer are among the most frequent wild animals admitted to rescue centers in Italy. Reasons for admission include trauma, predation, starvation, and imprinting, with the final aim of hospitalization being full recovery and release into the wild for all cases. An accurate triage procedure is vital for predicting the outcome, to avoid unnecessary time spent in captivity, and an excessive allocation of time and resources on animals with a minimal chance of recovery. Since lactacidosis is often associated with death in hospitalized animals, and has been associated with poor prognosis in humans and domestic animals, we proposed an evaluation of blood L-lactate using a rapid whole blood test in order to predict the outcome of hospitalized roe deer. A cut-off of 10.2 mmol/L was identified as the best, in order distinguish animals with minimal chance of surviving and release. For these animals, humane euthanasia should be considered as an option. Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) are among the most frequent patients of rescue centers in Italy. Three outcomes are possible: natural death, euthanasia, or treatment and release. The aim of the present study is to propose blood L-lactate concentration as a possible prognostic biomarker that may assist veterinarians in the decision-making process. Sixty-three roe deer, admitted to one rescue center in the period between July 2018 and July 2019, were sampled and divided into 4 groups according to their outcome: (1) spontaneous death (17 cases), (2) humanely euthanized (13 cases), (3) fully recovered and released (13 cases), and (4) euthanized being unsuitable for release (20 cases). In addition, blood samples from 14 hunted roe deer were analyzed as controls. Whole blood lactate concentrations were measured with a point of care lactate meter. Differences among groups were close to statistical significance (p = 0.51). A cut-off value of 10.2 mmol/L was identified: all the animals with higher values died or were humanely euthanized. The results suggest that roe deer with lactatemia higher than 10.2 mmol/L at admission, have a reduced prognosis for survival during the rehabilitation period, regardless of the reason for hospitalization and the injuries reported. Therefore, humane euthanasia should be considered for these animals.

Antimicrobial resistance genes in Andean foxes inhabiting anthropized landscapes in central Chile

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is considered an emerging public health problem. Greater AMR development rate is associated with “antibiotic-using” environments. Wildlife thriving in anthropized landscapes could be good indicators of the burden of AMR and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in these areas. The aim of this study was to determine the presence and load of ARGs in fecal swabs of wild Andean foxes (Lycalopex culpaeus) from anthropized landscapes of central Chile. DNA was extracted from samples of 72 foxes; 22 ARGs encoding resistance against 8 antibiotic groups were evaluated using qPCR. Eighteen of the 22 ARGs were found and tet(Q) (65.3%; 15/72 of the samples) was the most common gene detected. Almost half of the foxes presented a ‘multiresistant microbiome’ (i.e. at least three ARG encoding resistance to different groups of antimicrobials). Prevalence of tet(Q) was higher in the cold-humid season than in the warm-dry season, but not for other genes. Up to 15 and 13 ARGs were detected in the fecal samples from two additional foxes that were kept 6 and 11 days, respectively, in a clinical environment (Wildlife Rescue Center) and received antibiotic treatment. Some of the ARGs detected (e.g. mecA and blaCTX-M) in the present study are of particular concern from the public health perspective. Wild foxes seem to be good sentinels for ARG environmental burden in highly anthropized environments of central Chile.

Phylogenetic analyses of Chlamydia psittaci ompA gene sequences from captive blue-fronted Amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva) with hepatic disease in Brazil.

Chlamydia psittaci was detected in 152 (72%) blue-fronted Amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva, parrot from the Psittacidae family) out of a population of 212 that died during 2009-2011 in a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre in Minas Gerais, Brazil, following rescue from illegal wildlife trafficking. The macroscopic changes observed in these animals were hepatomegaly with multifocal white foci visible at the serosal surfaces of the liver, and extending into the parenchyma, and splenomegaly. The microscopic lesions observed in the liver included multifocal to coalescing miliary necrosis of hepatocytes with infiltration by heterophils, lymphocytes and plasma cells. In the spleen, loss of the normal architecture and infiltration by macrophages and plasma cells were observed. Stained tissue sections (Gimenez technique) revealed small round clusters suggestive of C. psittaci (reticulate bodies) in the cytoplasm of macrophages from the liver and spleen. Nine sequences of segments of the ompA gene, obtained from different individuals, were randomly selected for sequencing. The phylogenetic analyses showed that all strains clustered with genotype A, which is the most virulent genotype for birds. This genotype is involved in mortality of psittacines, is easily transmitted in captivity and represents a problem for successful rehabilitation. The results indicate the necessity to improve biosecurity in triage and to provide individual personal protection for professionals and caretakers.

Mycological isolation from animal enclosures and environments in National Wildlife Rescue Centre and National Zoo, Malaysia.

It is important to provide a baseline of fungal composition in the captive wildlife environment to better understand their role in overall wildlife health. The objectives were to identify species of fungi existing within wildlife animal enclosures and their environment at the National Wildlife Rescue Centre (NWRC) and the National Zoo, Malaysia and to describe their medical and veterinary importance. Samples of air, wall or floor swab, enrichment swab and soil were taken from the animal enclosures, exercise yard and enrichments at NWRC and National Zoo respectively. All samples including those pre-treated samples were plated onto Sabouraud’s Dextrose Agar (SDA). Numerous fungi were grown on all sampling SDA plates regardless by either single or multiple growth. Samples of air in both NWRC and National Zoo had the highest growth of Penicillium spp. with a prevalence of 31.2% and 83.7% respectively. Samples of swab from the wall, floor and enrichments were predominantly by Candida spp. (42.6%) in NWRC and Penicillium spp. (41.6%) in the National Zoo. Prevalence of multiple fungi isolated from the soil samples in NWRC were 57.9% and yeast species was the most common in National Zoo with a prevalence of 88.9%. Overall, 29 and 8 isolates were found in both samples from the NWRC and National Zoo with a predominant species of potential zoonotic fungi have been identified in both premises. The expected fungus Aspergillus spp. was not isolated in all samples in NWRC. Prevalent fungal species found in this study are known to cause disease in animals and humans as primary pathogen and also as opportunistic pathogens that may also cause infection. Thus, health safety precautions should be considered particularly in dealing with conservation of endangered wildlife species, along with personnel and public involvements.

Occurrence and diversity of Campylobacter species in captive chelonians

The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence and diversity of Campylobacter species in chelonians. From July 2016 to September 2017, a total of 452 individuals from a large variety of tortoises (n = 366) and turtles/terrapins (n = 86) kept in private collections and breeding centres, wildlife rescue centres, zoos, pet shops, and veterinary clinics from Northern Italy was sampled and subjected to microbiological examination. Campylobacter genus and species confirmation was performed by single and multiplex PCRs. Out of 452 samples, five (1.1%) tested positive: three for C. iguaniorum (two Testudo graeca and one Testudo hermanni), one for C. fetus subsp. testudinum (Stigmochelys pardalis) and one for C. geochelonis (Testudo hermanni). This study suggests that Campylobacter spp. are not common in chelonians, but a variety of species can be detected in these hosts, including those potentially pathogenic for humans. Further studies are needed to understand the epidemiology and the pathogenic potential for both animals and humans of reptile-associated Campylobacter spp.

Anatomical and histological analysis of the salpinx and ovary in Anatolian wild goat (Capra aegagrus aegagrus).

This study determined the anatomical and histological structure of the salpinx and ovary of the Anatolian wild goat (C. aegagrus aegagrus). The salpinges and ovaries from four wild goats of similar ages were used. These goats were brought to the Kafkas University Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (Kars, Turkey) for various reasons such as traffic accidents or firearm injury, but either could not be saved or were euthanased. The mean length of the ovary was 13.22 ± 1.27 mm, width was 8.46 ± 0.88 mm, thickness was 5.67 ± 0.79 mm, and weight was 0.59 ± 0.17 g. The mean length of the salpinx was 58.11 ± 14.02 mm, width was 0.80 ± 0.22 mm, thickness was 0.41 ± 0.01 mm, and weight was 0.30 ± 0.08 g. The salpinx consisted of three different regions (infundibulum, ampulla, and isthmus). These regions consisted of tunica mucosa, tunica muscularis, and tunica serosa. Prismatic epithelial cells were observed in the lamina epithelialis of the tunica mucosa in every region. The data resulting from this study regarding anatomical and histological structures of the salpinx and ovary in the genital system organs of Anatolian wild goat will support other studies seeking to improve reproductive efficiency and eliminate the danger of extinction of this species.

A five-year retrospective study on patterns of casuistry and insights on the current status of wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centers in Chile

BackgroundHuman activities are permanently threatening wildlife. Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centers (WRRC) have served for the rescue, rehabilitation and reinsertion of affected and recovered animals.MethodsWe reviewed the casuistry of five wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centers in Chile over 5 years, and described the main causes of admission, most affected taxonomic groups and final outcomes of the admitted individuals, shedding light into general patterns and relevant factors currently affecting wildlife in Chile. To understand the current work and status of WRRC system in Chile, we also conducted a qualitative survey to WRRC personnel and Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) regional offices regarding their operation.ResultsA total of 3418 cases of animals admitted to WRRC were obtained; 95.3% corresponded to native species. Of native animal cases, 86.0% corresponded to birds, 12.3% were mammals and 1.7% reptiles. Trauma was the most frequently observed cause of admission in all three native fauna groups (35.8% in birds, 23.2% in mammals, 27.8% in reptiles).ConclusionsWRRC are a tool for conservation and education of wild animal species in Chile, however WRRC and SAG regional office personnel highlighted several deficiencies in the current system and suggested opportunities for improvement. The current WRRC system needs modernization and financial support from the Chilean state to fulfil their relevant mission.

Observations of threatened Asian box turtles (Cuora spp.) on trade in Vietnam

Asian box turtles (genus Cuora; Geoemydidae) are among the most threatened Asian turtles. Here, we present (i) a field investigation from 2014-2018 on the Cuora individuals traded by high-level traders in six provinces of Vietnam and (ii) the estimated numbers of traded individuals determined through interviews with traders. In addition, we (iii) provide an analysis of the confiscated individuals that were carried out at the main wildlife rescue centre of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Overall, the number of traded individuals observed was relatively small (n = 481), with C. bourreti being by far the most frequently observed in trade. During the same period, the interviewed traders estimated that about 3,400 individuals were traded through the period 2014-2018, most of them being C. bourreti. During 2010-2018, a total of 281 individuals were carried to the wildlife rescue centre, with over 60 % of the total rescued individuals being C. galbinifrons. Overall, the numbers of traded Cuora individuals recorded in the present study were very small compared to the huge estimates from other Asian countries. However, this lower traded number does not imply that the status’ of the target species are not affected, as their population sizes are already catastrophically reduced in Vietnam.

The curious case of the endemic freshwater crocodile Crocodylus mindorensis as incidental host of marine fish acanthocephalan

We performed the first host-parasite survey of the Philippine crocodile, Crocodylus mindorensis, a critically endangered species for which ecological information is lacking. We collected by gastric lavage samples of the stomach contents of crocodiles (n = 10) residing at the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines. The only parasite detected was an acanthocephalan, which was identified as Neorhadinorhynchus nudus (n = 68), a parasite typically found in the marine fish species consumed by three crocodile individuals. Given the known hosts of N. nudus, its parasitism of C. mindorensis in captivity is likely established by consumption of marine fish. Our findings have implications for the conservation management of C. mindorensis, particularly in terms of preventing introduction of parasites that could lead to development of infectious disease or alter the fitness of captive animals.

Plasmodium knowlesi and other malaria parasites in long-tailed macaques from the Philippines

BackgroundMacaca fascicularis (long-tailed macaque) is the most widespread species of macaque in Southeast Asia and the only species of monkey found naturally in the Philippines. The species is the natural host for the zoonotic malaria species, Plasmodium knowlesi and Plasmodium cynomolgi and for the potentially zoonotic species, Plasmodium inui. Moreover, other Plasmodium species such as Plasmodium coatneyi and Plasmodium fieldi are also natural parasites of M. fascicularis. The aims of this study were to identify and determine the prevalence of Plasmodium species infecting wild and captive long-tailed macaques from the Philippines.MethodsA total of 95 blood samples from long-tailed macaques in the Philippines were collected from three locations; 30 were from captive macaques at the National Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center (NWRRC) in Luzon, 25 were from captive macaques at the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (PWRCC) in Palawan and 40 were from wild macaques from Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (PPSRNP) in Palawan. The Plasmodium spp. infecting the macaques were identified using nested PCR assays on DNA extracted from these blood samples.ResultsAll 40 of the wild macaques from PPSRNP in Palawan and 5 of 25 captive macaques from PWRCC in Palawan were Plasmodium-positive; while none of the 30 captive macaques from the NWRRC in Luzon had any malaria parasites. Overall, P. inui was the most prevalent malaria parasite (44.2%), followed by P. fieldi (41.1%), P. cynomolgi (23.2%), P. coatneyi (21.1%), and P. knowlesi (19%). Mixed species infections were also observed in 39 of the 45 Plasmodium-positive macaques. There was a significant difference in the prevalence of P. knowlesi among the troops of wild macaques from PPSRNP.ConclusionWild long-tailed macaques from the island of Palawan, the Philippines are infected with P. knowlesi, P. inui, P. coatneyi, P. fieldi and P. cynomolgi. The prevalence of these Plasmodium spp. varied among the sites of collection and among troops of wild macaques at one site. The presence of these simian Plasmodium parasites, especially P. knowlesi and P. cynomolgi in the long-tailed macaques in Palawan presents risks for zoonotic transmission in the area.

Wild owls colonized by international clones of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (CTX-M)-producing Escherichia coli and Salmonella Infantis in the Southern Cone of America

Extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs)-producing Enterobacteriaceae have been classified as critical priority pathogens by the World Health Organization (WHO). We have conducted a microbiological and genomic surveillance study, in order to investigate the occurrence and features of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in wild birds admitted to a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre in Chile. This study reports for the first time the occurrence of highly virulent ESBL-producing Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica serovar Infantis in wild owls inhabiting the Southern Cone of America. Genomic analysis revealed a wide resistome (for antibiotics, heavy metals and disinfectants) among international lineages of E. coli belonging to ST345 and ST2705, and S. Infantis ST32, producing CTX-M-8 or CTX-M-65 ESBLs. On the other hand, wide virulome was associated with a highly virulent behaviour in the Galleria mellonella infection model. Worryingly, all these lineages have been previously reported in humans, supporting that wide resistome and virulome could be contributing to rapid adaptation and dissemination of these clones at the human-animal-environment interface. In summary, wild owls can constitute environmental reservoirs of international clones of ESBL (CTX-M)-producing E. coli and S. Infantis carrying a wide resistome and virulome, in the Southern Cone of America, with potential risks to human, animal and environmental health.