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At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2000

Common cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) mortality at the National Zoological Park: implications for clinical management.

Six out of seven cuttlefish acquired by the Smithsonian National Zoological Park in July 1998 died before 1 November 1998. Postmortem examinations showed mantle ulcers, secondary bacterial infections, inanition, and cuttlebone fractures. The surviving cuttlefish developed a progressive focal mantle ulcer, was treated with oral chloramphenicol intermittently for 9 wk, and maintained a normal appetite and growth rate until death at 7 mo of age. The National Zoological Park pathology database showed signalments, histories, and causes of mortality of 186 common cuttlefish, each 1-14 mo old, that received gross and histologic examinations; for example, the largest group of cuttlefish of known sex, age, and body weight at postmortem were 7-9 mo old and weighed an average of 376.2 g (males, n = 18) and 299.0 g (females, n = 15). Many cuttlefish had multiple pathologic diagnoses. Significant diseases included inflammation and secondary bacterial infections, especially gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, respiratory, reproductive, and ophthalmic, and septicemia due to Vibrio spp. or other gram-negative bacteria. Mantle lesions, including ulceration/dermatitis, abscess/granuloma, necrosis/fibrosis/cellulitis, and laceration/abrasion/erosion, were also identified, along with inanition, cuttlebone lesions, and trauma. Mantle lesions were associated with secondary bacterial infections and death. On the basis of this information, if captive cuttlefish behavior creates risk for development of mantle lesions, administration of antibiotics effective against gram-negative bacteria may delay or halt disease progression. Cuttlefish exhibits require proper design, husbandry, economic resources, and staffing to minimize disease syndromes and mortality.

Animal Husbandry↗
PubMed2002

The presence of fungi associated with sick building syndrome in North American zoological institutions.

A total of 110 sites from five zoological institutions were examined to determine whether fungi associated with sick building syndrome (SBS) were prevalent in the exhibits or night-time holding facilities and to investigate whether the presence of these organisms was associated with declining breeding rates or increases in morbidity and mortality (or both). Each site was sampled with an Andersen two-stage air sampler using Sabourauds dextrose agar media and a Burkard personal volumetric air sampler. Suspect surfaces were also sampled. High levels of airborne Penicillium chrysogenum, a fungal species associated with poor indoor air quality, were recovered from 16 sites out of all five institutions. Five culturable growth sites of Stachybotrys chartarum, a species strongly associated with SBS and commonly known as "black mold," were recovered from surfaces at two institutions. A wide range of other fungal species was recovered in low numbers from all institutions. A Fisher exact test analysis showed a significant nonrandom association between high levels of P. chrysogenum and sites with records of poor animal health. This study indicated that significant numbers of airborne fungi associated with SBS and poor indoor air quality are present in zoological institutions and that they could affect animal health and reproduction rates and zoo staff.

Air Microbiology↗
PubMed2001

The study of the natural sciences and botanical and zoological illustration in Tuscany under the Medicis from the sixteenth to the eighteenth centuries.

A vast body of botanical and zoological illustrations was produced in Tuscany between the sixteenth and the eighteenth century. This artistic activity was made possible by the humanistic-scientific tradition which had been established in Florence during the late fifteenth century, and was further encouraged by the Medici dynasty. The contributions made by three uniquely talented and original artists are discussed. Jacopo Ligozzi produced paintings of plants and animals whose scientific accuracy and artistic quality far surpassed anything achieved by his predecessors. The miniaturist Giovanna Garzoni produced floral paintings for the Medici family. Bartolomeo Bimbi combined the genre of botanical and zoological illustration with that of the still life to create works of striking originality. The crucial role played by the new scientific institutions created during the Renaissance is also discussed. A permanent artists' studio was set up in the mid-sixteenth century at Pisa Botanic Garden. Members of Accademia del Cimento in Florence engaged in pioneering studies with the microscope, a newly invented instrument which gave scientists and artists an entirely new perspective on the natural world. The scientist Francesco Redi carried out important work with the help of the artist Filizio Pizzichi who prepared stunning microscopic studies of insects.

History, 16th Century↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Screening for antibodies against zoonotic agents among employees of the Zoological Garden of Vienna, Schönbrunn, Austria].

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of antibodies against zoonotic agents in employees of the zoological garden of Vienna, Schönbrunn, Austria. Sixty out of 120 employees participated in the study. In 97% of them antibodies to at least one zoonotic agent were identified. Only two participants were free of antibodies to the zoonotic agents tested. The following seroprevalences (in brackets) were obtained: Viral zoonotic (and potentially zoonotic) agents: Influenzavirus A/H1N1 (58%), Influenzavirus A/H3N2 (85%), Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (13%), Encephalomyocarditis virus (5%), Orthopox- (Cowpox-) virus and Hantavirus type Puumala (3%). Hantavirus type Hantaan and Borna disease virus (all negative). Bacterial zoonotic agents: Bartonella henselae (65 %), Borrelia burgdorferi (10%), Leptospira interrogans serovar copenhageni and serovar icterohaemorrhagiae as well as Chlamydophila psittoci (2% each). Brucella spp., Coxiella bumetii, and Francisella tularensis (all negative). Parasitic zoonotic agents: Toxoplasma gondii (53%), Toxocara spp. (21%), Capillaria hepatica (2%), Fasciola hepatica, Schistosoma mansoni, E. multilocularis, and E. granulosus (all negative). The remarkably high seroprevalence to the causative agent of cat scratch disease, Bartonella henselae, is probably due to the private contact of the employees to cats. Regarding viral zoonotic agents it has to be mentioned that Influenzavirus vaccination and/or human-to-human transmission of especially A/H3N2 Influenzaviruses probably attributed significantly to the very high seroprevalence to both Influenzavirus types A/H1N1 and A/H3N2. When investigating parasitic zoonotic agents, high prevalence rates were found against Toxoplasma gondii and Toxocara spp., however, it was not possible to establish a causal link between seropositivity and the professional activity in the zoo. Interestingly, in the case of antibodies to T. gondii, the typical correlation with age was not found in this study, while in the case of the Toxocara spp. positive subjects a correlation was identified with both age and duration of employment in the zoo. Regarding the later two zoonotic parasites, employees of the zoological garden showed significantly higher seroprevalences than the average Austrian population. Antibodies to Capillaria hepatica, a hepatic-parasite in rodents which is diagnosed in humans rarely, were identified in one employee and another one showed a questionable positive result. Further investigations did not exhibit clinical infestations with the parasite in these two individuals so far.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1983

[Mallophaga from birds and mammals in zoological gardens].

Almost 1,850 Mallophagen individuals from 95 host species (birds and mammals) most of which from the Zoological Gardens in łódź and Wrocław (both in Poland) have been investigated. As regards bird biting lice Amblyceran species were found to be more frequent than Ischnoceran ones. The great majority of species and individuals of Mallophaga were host-specific. Stragglers were mainly found on relatively big birds. The "populations" of bird biting lice in the two Zoological Gardens were found to be of smaller quantity and poorer quality than in free nature. Differences of that kind could not be observed with biting lice of mammals.

Animals↗
PubMed1981

[Diptera in the mammalian section of the zoological gardens with reference to the medical aspects of infection].

Research in buildings and enclosures of zoological gardens where mammals are accomodated have yielded 159 species of Diptera belonging to 18 families. Among the Diptera species found were all those represented in farming stable buildings as well as species that may be vectors of zoo animal diseases. The Diptera are of potential hygienic significance, which is dealt with in detail. The number of species represented in an area and the density of species depend on the conditions of their development within the zoological gardens and on the quantity of Diptera coming from the surrounding area. The biotopes in which indigenous zoo Diptera develop are described in detail. The occurrence of the species and their density in the stable buildings of the mammals depend on the position and arrangement of the stables and enclosures, on the hygienic conditions and also on the food. The density of Diptera and the possible health risks for the zoo animals can be reduced by creating hygienic conditions and by observing the control measures mentioned in the paper.

Animal Diseases↗
PubMed1981

Illness associated with paramyxo-like virus infection in a zoologic collection of snakes.

Of 438 snakes in a zoologic collection, 35 died during a 3-month period; all were members of the family Viperidae. Clinical signs consisted of gaping of the mouth followed within 1 day by convulsions. All necropsied animals had a mucoid exudate throughout the respiratory tract. Histologic evaluation of lung revealed evidence of interstitial pneumonia, with occasional eosinophilic intracytoplasmic inclusions in epithelial cells. A paramyxo-like virus, isolated in viper heart cells from lung tissue, was observed by electron microscopy to be budding from cell membranes. The virus hemagglutinated chicken red blood cells at 5 C, and antibody titers were assayed by hemagglutination inhibition. In a random survey of 22 snakes from the zoologic collection, antibody titers to the virus ranged from 1/20 to 1/2,560.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

[Fearfulness in animals--a zoological and forensic problem].

The recognition and the assessment of anxiety and fear in animals is discussed regarding zoological, forensic and ethical aspects. Following some definitions it is shown that fear, anxiety and other emotions are generally assessed by analogous reasoning and "Du-Evidenz". This causes scientific and forensic problems which are discussed. Towards a more adequate assessment of emotions in animals a zoological approach based on integrated ethological and stress-physiological theories and methods is proposed.

Animal Population Groups↗
PubMed2001

A new era in science at Washington University, St. Louis: Viktor Hamburger's zoology department in the 1940's.

In the early 1940s, the administration of the College of Arts and Sciences at Washington University, St. Louis was firmly in the hands of classical scholars who were not inclined to promote the development of modern research on scientific subjects. Funds supporting research in biology favored the School of Medicine and the Missouri Botanical Garden. Viktor Hamburger arrived at Washington University in 1935. At about the time he became the Acting Chairman of Zoology in 1942, research work in the biological departments began a dramatic surge that has continued to this day. For 65 years under his counsel and leadership, basic biology has thrived at this fine institution. As an early faculty recruit, I recount here a few personal recollections from those formative years.

Embryology↗
PubMed2001

The Zoology Department at Washington University (1944-1954): from undergraduate to graduate studies with Viktor Hamburger.

Beginning from an undergraduate's perspective and continuing through graduate school, this student's experiences in the Department of Zoology at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri was a time of many rewarding experiences. Now, on this occasion of his 100th birthday, I wish to express my appreciation to the Chairman, Dr. Viktor Hamburger, for his teachings, his encouragement, and his friendship that has lasted over the past 56 years.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Viktor Hamburger's Department of Zoology in the 1940s: a student perspective.

Eleanor and Byron Wenger were graduate students in the Department of Zoology in the 1940s. Both took several courses with Viktor, and he was thesis advisor for both of us. We have attempted to provide a summary of life in the department from a student perspective as well as our impression of Viktor's style of mentoring and guiding student research and education.

Embryology↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[M.S. Gilyarov's Scientific School of Soil Zoology].

The role of M.S. Gilyarov's scientific school in the development of the subject and methodology of a new complex discipline formed in the mid-20th century--soil zoology--was considered. The establishment and evolution of the proper scientific school was periodized. The creative continuity and development of the basic laws and technical approaches included in the teacher's scientific program was demonstrated by scientific historical analysis.

History, 20th Century↗
PubMed1982

A study of parasitic infections in mammals and birds at the Dublin Zoological Gardens.

The present report deals with the parasitic infections detected on examination of fresh faecal samples of 48 mammals and 4 birds at the Zoological Gardens, Dublin during 1978-79. 1,822 faecal samples were received over the two year period and 171 of these samples contained helminth eggs. Ninety-five percent of these positive findings were confined to the Carnivore and Herbivore groups with the Primates, Marsupials and Avians showing a low level of intestinal parasites.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii isolated from the excreta of psittaciformes in a southern Brazilian zoological garden.

Cryptococcus neoformans, a major pathogen in immunocompromised patients, is a ubiquitous free-living fungus that can be isolated from soils, avian excreta and plant material. To further study potential saprophytic sources of this yeast in the Southern Brazilian State Rio Grande do Sul, we analyzed fecal samples from 59 species of captive birds kept in cages at a local Zoological Garden, belonging to 12 different orders. Thirty-eight environmental isolates of C. neoformans were obtained only from Psittaciformes (Psittacidae, Cacatuidae and Psittacula). Their variety and serotype were determined, and the genetic structure of the isolates was analyzed by use of the simple repetitive microsatellite specific primer M13 and the minisatellite specific primer (GACA)(4) as single primers in the PCR. The varieties were confirmed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Thirty-three isolates (87%) were from the var. grubii, serotype A, molecular type VNI and five (13%) were Cryptococcus gattii, serotype B, molecular type VGI. All the isolates were mating type alpha. Isolates were screened for some potential virulence factors. Quantitative urease production by the environmental isolates belonging to the C. gattii was similar to the values usually obtained for clinical ones.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

A survey for Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis in the Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp.

Paratuberculosis is a chronic intestinal disease of ruminants caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (Map). Very little is known about the status of paratuberculosis in European zoos. In this study, the presence of Map in the animal collection of the Royal Zoological Society of Antwerp (RZSA) was investigated. Faecal and post mortem samples from 48 ruminants were used to set up cultures. DNA from faeces, tissue and positive cultures were tested by IS900 polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Additionally, 448 serum samples were tested with an ELISA kit. All culture samples were negative whereas PCR gave three positives on biopsy samples and one positive on faecal samples. With the ELISA, 21 sera could be classified as positive. There is evidence that Map is present in the RZSA but no high level faecal shedders could be detected. Further investigations are required in other European Zoos in order to complete the picture of Map infections.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Zoological pharmacology: current status, issues, and potential.

Lack of approved pharmaceutical agents and/or pharmacokinetic data in the literature for exotic, wildlife, and zoo species is a major issue for veterinarians. These practitioners must take approved agents (veterinary or human) and extrapolate their use to non-approved species with little or no scientific basis to support this decision. There is little information concerning pharmacokinetic parameters for drugs in non-domestic species. Zoo veterinarians often have to formulate the medication(s) into a meal, hoping that the animal will ingest it. Due to lack of patient compliance, the veterinarian may have to resort to other means of drug administration. Additionally, due to the value of these animals, the traditional method of 'trial and error' for treatment selection and resulting compliance is often inappropriate, and lends itself to a mentality where no zoo veterinarian wants to be the first to administer an agent/formulation in an untested species. This review intends to present the current state of zoological pharmacology and the direction it may be heading.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Prevalence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in the sera of rare wildlife in the Shanghai Zoological Garden, People's Republic of China.

The prevalence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in the sera of rare wildlife in the Shanghai Zoological Garden, PR China, was examined using a modified agglutination test (MAT) and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Forty-one (35%) of 117 animals belonging to two classes, 10 orders, 18 families, 37 genera and 52 species (including sub-species) were sero-positive for MAT. By MAT, T. gondii antibodies were found in 11.1% (4/36) of birds, in 25% (4/16) of primates, in 69.4% (25/36) of carnivores and in 27.6% (8/29) of herbivores. Thirty-three (33.7%) of 98 animals tested by protein A ELISA were sero-positive. By ELISA, T. gondii antibodies were found in none of 36 birds, in 33.3% (4/12) of primates, in 87.1% (27/31) of carnivores and in 10.5% (2/19) of herbivores.

Agglutination Tests↗
PubMed1996

Behavioural sleep in the giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) in a zoological garden.

Behavioural sleep was assessed for 152 nights in 5 adult, 2 immature and 1 juvenile giraffes at a zoological garden, using continuous time-lapse video recording. Sleep occurred while the giraffes were standing (SS) and in recumbency (RS). Paradoxical sleep (PS) was recognized by the peculiar positioning of the head on the croup and by phasic events. The 24-h sleep profile had a main bimodal nocturnal sleep period between 20.00 and 07.00 hours, with a trough between 02.00 and 04.00 hours, and several short naps between 12.00 and 16.00 hours. Total sleep time (TST), excluding the juvenile, was 4.6 h, whereby PS comprised only 4.7%. TST was not age dependent, but the lowest amount of RS and the highest amount of SS occurred in the oldest and the two oldest animals, respectively. Sleep was fragmented, as indicated by the predominance of RS episodes lasting less than 11 min. Sleep cycle duration was very variable with most values between 1 and 35 min (when no waking or RS was allowed within PS episodes), or 6-35 min (when the criteria for ending a PS episode allowed 1-2 min interruptions by RS). There were several indications for sleep regulation: (i) RS and SS complemented each other to yield a relatively stable daily value of TST; (ii) sleep was redistributed on nights following a day when the giraffes spent a few hours in an outside enclosure. The first peak of the bimodal sleep profile was absent and RS was more prominent in the second half of the night compared with nights following days spent in the barn; and (iii) napping was followed by a minor reduction of RS and an increase in SS in the subsequent night compared with nights following days without naps.

Age Factors↗