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PubMed1999

Neoplasia in snakes at the National Zoological Park, Washington, DC (1978-1997).

Of 291 juvenile and adult snakes examined post mortem over a 20-year period (1978-1997) at the National Zoological Park (NZP) in Washington, DC, 36 (24 females and 12 males) had neoplasms. Two snakes had tumours of two or three different types, but the other 34 snakes had only one type. All affected animals were adults and their average time on exhibit at the NZP was 108-9 months. Malignant neoplasms (79.5%) outnumbered benign neoplasms (20.5%). Of the malignant tumours, 19 (61.3%) were considered to have arisen in mesenchymal tissues, 11 (35.5%) were of epithelial origin, and one (3.2%) was derived from neuroectodermal tissues. All the benign neoplasms were of epithelial origin. Neoplasms of the lymphoid and haematopoietic tissues were the most common (12 cases), followed by tumours of the liver and biliary tract (seven cases) and the gastrointestinal tract (four cases).

Age Factors↗
PubMed2003

Comparison of the genomes of human and mouse lays the foundation of genome zoology.

The extensive similarities between the genomes of human and model organisms are the foundation of much of modern biology, with model organism experimentation permitting valuable insights into biological function and the aetiology of human disease. In contrast, differences among genomes have received less attention. Yet these can be expected to govern the physiological and morphological distinctions apparent among species, especially if such differences are the result of evolutionary adaptation. A recent comparison of the draft sequences of mouse and human genomes has shed light on the selective forces that have predominated in their recent evolutionary histories. In particular, mouse-specific clusters of homologues associated with roles in reproduction, immunity and host defence appear to be under diversifying positive selective pressure, as indicated by high ratios of non-synonymous to synonymous substitution rates. These clusters are also frequently punctuated by homologous pseudogenes. They thus have experienced numerous gene death, as well as gene birth, events. These regions appear, therefore, to have borne the brunt of adaptive evolution that underlies physiological and behavioural innovation in mice. We predict that the availability of numerous animal genomes will give rise to a new field of genome zoology in which differences in animal physiology and ethology are illuminated by the study of genomic sequence variations.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

An outbreak of peste des petits ruminants in a zoological collection.

Peste des petits ruminants virus was suspected to be the cause of a disease outbreak in a zoological collection at Al Ain in the Arabian Gulf. Clinically the outbreak affected gazelles (Gazellinae), ibex and sheep (Caprinae) and gemsbok (Hippotraginae); subclinical involvement of Nilgai (Tragelaphinae) was suspected. A morbillivirus was isolated and using monoclonal antibodies and biological tests in cattle, sheep and goats the virus of peste des petits ruminants was identified.

Animals↗
PubMed1976

Veterinary surgeons in zoological medicine.

To be successful in zoo work veterinary surgeons must alter their approach and acquire a basic philosophy of concern for wild species. With proper motivation and background information and a good biological outlook, they would be in a unique position to solve problems essential to the continued existence of some species of wild animals and the betterment of human life. Veterinary schools will have to make a concentrated effort to give students an opportunity to explore the nature of the problems of wild animals. Present instruction in zoological medicine in the USA and Canada is described.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

Motor activity of different-aged Cercopithecidae: silvered-leaf monkey (Presbytis cristatus Esch.), lion-tailed monkey (Macaca silenus L.), moor macaque (Macaca maura Cuv.) as observed in the Zoological Garden, Berlin (West).

The activity of different-aged monkeys belonging to three species of Cercopithecidae was quantitatively analyzed in a 1 1/2-year study. The species, silvered-leaf monkey (Presbytis cristatus Esch.), lion-tailed monkey (Macaca silenus L.) and moor macaque (Macaca maura Cuv.) were observed in the Zoological Garden, Berlin (West). The data of a combined cross-sectional analysis across all three species indicate that the course of age-related changes in the frequency of movement can be depicted as graduated and differentiated. These results are discussed in terms of a reverse development pattern in old age compared to that of early youth.

Aging↗
PubMed1978

Zoological specificity of human thyroid-stimulating antibody.

The zoological specificity of human thyroid-stimulating antibody (TSAb) that occurs in the blood in Graves' disease was examined by assessing its effect on the thyroid of the dog, guinea pig, calf, and mouse as well as that of man. With all but murine glands, thyroid stimulation was assayed by measuring the increase in the concentration of cAMP in the thyroid slices or fragments after 2 h of incubation in buffer containing TSAb. Effects on the thyroid of the mouse were monitored by the in vivo bioassay for LATS. Sera from 33 patients with Graves' disease were obtained and concentrates of TSAb were prepared by precipitation of IgG with 1.64 M (NH4)2SO4. These all stimulated the human thyroid, 13 were LATS-positive, and they variably affected the tissues of other species; of 27 tested, 14 stimulated the thyroid of the dog, 8 out of 23 stimulated the thyroid of the guinea pig, and 12 out of 16 stimulated the gland of the calf. The more potent the TSAb as assayed with human tissue, the more likely was it to stimulate other species of thyroid; however, frequent exceptions occurred. In a separate analysis of 35 LATS-positive preparations of TSAb, correlation between the responses in the LATS and human thyroid slice assays was statistically significant (P less than 0.001). The data are compatible with the view that stimulation by TSAb of nonhuman thyroids, including the murine as in the LATS bioassay, reflects cross-reaction of this immunoglobulin with an antigen that has sufficient similarity to the human molecule to be recognized by the human antibody.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

[Muscoid dipterans as helminth eggs mechanical vectors at the zoological garden, Brazil].

OBJECTIVE: To assess muscoid dipterae species who are able to carry helminth eggs and larvae and to evaluate the potential contamination of trapped dipterae. METHODS: The study was conducted in two different sites of the Zoological Garden of Rio de Janeiro from May 1996 to April 1998. Flies were captured weekly using traps containing putrefied fish, left out in the open for an hour at two sites in the zoo: Site 1 was next to the garbage and Site 2 was near the hippopotamus and birds of prey cages. Of the 41,080 flies captured, Chrysomya megacephala was the most representative species (69.34%), followed by Chrysomya albiceps (11.22%), Musca domestica (7.15%), Chrysomya putoria (4.52%), Fannia sp. ( 3.12%), Ophyra sp. ( 2.53%), and Atherigona orientalis (2.08%). Captured flies had their body surface washed out with distilled water and their gut dissected. RESULTS: Among the species studied, C. megacephala and M. domestica presented higher helminth eggs on their body surface and in their intestinal content. Ascaroidea and Trichinelloidea eggs prevailed in the intestinal content of C. megacephala. The helminth eggs found on the body surface and in the intestinal content were identified as Ascaris sp., Toxascaris sp., Toxocara sp., Trichuris sp., Capillaria sp., Oxyuridae, Trichostrongylidae and Acantocephala. Besides eggs it was also found helminth larvae on the body surface of flies. There were significant differences between the two different capture sites related to the number of helminth eggs found on the flies. CONCLUSIONS: Faeces of zoo animals frequently found in their cages and in the zoo garbage contributed to the proliferation of muscoid dipterans who play an important role in spreading helminth eggs, mainly by direct contact of the flies' body with the animals' food.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2004

Sanitary conditions of a colony of urban feral cats (Felis catus Linnaeus, 1758) in a zoological garden of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The colony of urban stray cats living in the Rio de Janeiro zoological garden was studied in order to develop a population and health control program. As many cats as possible were captured during two months (47 animals) and were classified according to gender, age, weight and coat markings. They were submitted to a general health evaluation, examined for the presence of ectoparasites and sent to a surgical neutering program. All animals had a blood sample drawn for CBC, platelet count, heartworm and retroviruses detection. Capillary blood smears were made for hemoparasites detection. Coat marking and colors were tabby (59.7%), followed by solid black (17%); torbie (10.6%); bicolor (10.6%) and harlequin (2.1%). The only ectoparasites found were fleas, which infested 28% of the animals. The hemoparasites found were Haemobartonella felis (38%) and piroplasmas that could not be differentiated between Cytauxzoon spp. and Babesia spp. (47%). No cat was found infected by Dirofilaria immitis or FeLV (Feline Leukemia Virus), although FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) antibodies could be detected (21%). There was no correlation between hemoparasites and FIV infections. The estimated total cat population (mark-recapture method) was 59; 68% female and 32% male, suggesting that a neutering program is in fact needed.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Outbreak of salmonellosis in a zoologic collection of lorikeets and lories (Trichoglossus, Lorius, and Eos spp.).

During August 2001, a syndrome characterized by acute lethargy and dyspnea was observed in a population of 45 lorikeets and lories in an open-air zoologic exhibit. The first death occurred on August 10, and within the next 12 days, nine more birds died (22% mortality rate). Hepatomegaly, reddening and congestion of the lungs, and injection of the serosal surface of the intestines were the common gross findings. Histologic changes, including fibrinonecrotic hepatitis and splenitis, bacterial emboli (liver, spleen, lung, kidney, proventriculus), pulmonary congestion and hemorrhage, and enteritis, were indicative of an acute, overwhelming bacterial septicemia. Salmonella typhimurium, with the same antibiogram, was isolated from four birds. Several birds had attacked and killed a snake on July 24, and Salmonella serogroup B (untypeable) was isolated from intestine and kidney samples of a garter snake caught in the open-air exhibit on August 28. Salmonella was also isolated from environmental samples of the exhibit but not from food preparation areas. After antimicrobial therapy, Salmonella spp. was not isolated from the surviving birds. The source of Salmonella in this outbreak remains unknown, but infection either directly or indirectly from snakes in the exhibit is possible. Contact between captive psittacine populations and reptiles should be avoided to prevent the risk of salmonellosis.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Survey of parasites and bacterial pathogens from free-living waterfowl in zoological settings.

To determine if free-living waterfowl residing in a zoological setting pose health risks for its animal collections, visitors, and employees, 450 fecal samples were collected and cultured for the presence of Campylobacter jejuni, Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., and Pasteurella multocida. A survey of endoparasites infecting the waterfowl was also conducted. Sixty-seven percent, 42%, and 1.7% of the samples tested positive for E. coli, C. jejuni, and Salmonella spp., respectively. No P. multocida was isolated from the sampled population. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing for the bacterial isolates demonstrated that a majority of the isolates were susceptible to the antibiotics tested. A survey for parasites revealed 16% of the samples had coccidia oocytes; 8% of the sample had spirurid ova; and 17% of the sample had strongylate-type nematode ova. Ascaris spp. ova, Capillaria spp. ova, oxyurid ova, and mites were also noted in some fecal samples.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Mycobacterium tuberculosis infections in eight species at the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, 1991-2001.

Between 1991 and 2001 a total of 12 cases of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in eight different species were recorded in the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa in Pretoria (Tshwane). The genetic relatedness between seven of the M. tuberculosis isolates was determined by IS6110 restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. For the majority of isolates that were analyzed, a high degree of polymorphism suggested different sources of infection. Evidence of M. tuberculosis transmission between animals is reported in two chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) housed together, from which samples were collected for analysis 29 mo apart.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Clinical signs and results of specific diagnostic testing among captive birds housed at zoological institutions and infected with West Nile virus.

During 2002, West Nile virus (WNV) infection was diagnosed in 11 birds housed in outdoor exhibits at 5 zoological institutions in Kansas. Eight birds were examined because of neurologic abnormalities; 2 died suddenly without any clinical signs of disease. Results of CBCs and serum biochemical testing were nonspecific. Results of a plaque reduction neutralization test to detect circulating antibodies against WNV were positive for 2 of 8 birds. Results of a reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction assay of an oral cavity swab specimen for WNV RNA were positive for 4 of 5 birds. One bird survived; the remaining 10 died or were euthanatized, with 9 of the 10 dying or being euthanatized within 3 days of the onset of clinical signs. In all 10 birds that died or were euthanatized, WNV infection was confirmed on postmortem examination by means of specific testing. Findings in these birds suggest that West Nile virus infection can be difficult to diagnose antemortem because clinical signs mimic those associated with other more common avian diseases. Neither of the antemortem diagnostic tests was definitive for diagnosing WNV infection in these cases.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Zoological medicine and public health.

Public-health issues regarding zoological collections and free-ranging wildlife have historically been linked to the risk of transmission of zoonotic diseases and accidents relating to bites or injection of venom or toxins by venomous animals. It is only recently that major consideration has been given worldwide to the role of the veterinary profession in contributing to investigating zoonotic diseases in free-ranging wildlife and integrating the concept of public health into the management activities of game preserves and wildlife parks. At the veterinary undergraduate level, courses in basic epidemiology, which should include outbreak investigation and disease surveillance, but also in population medicine, in infectious and parasitic diseases (especially new and emerging or re-emerging zoonoses), and in ecology should be part of the core curriculum. Foreign diseases, especially dealing with zoonotic diseases that are major threats because of possible agro-terrorism or spread of zoonoses, need to be taught in veterinary college curricula. Furthermore, knowledge of the principles of ecology and ecosystems should be acquired either during pre-veterinary studies or, at least, at the beginning of the veterinary curriculum. At the post-graduate level, master's degrees in preventive veterinary medicine, ecology and environmental health, or public health with an emphasis on infectious diseases should be offered to veterinarians seeking job opportunities in public health and wildlife management.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Deaths from exertional myopathy at the National Zoological Park from 1975 to 1985.

A retrospective study was conducted to determine the incidence of deaths from exertional myopathy (EM) in the hoofstock collection at the National Zoological Park (NZP) from 1975 to 1985. The diagnosis of EM was based on history, clinical signs, clinicopathological findings, gross and microscopic lesions. Only bovids, cervids, and equids were included in the study. Data were derived from the medical and pathological records of the NZP. There were 10 cases of EM during this period, but only seven deaths were directly attributable to EM. Five deaths occurred after immobilization. Two deaths occurred after improper transport, but the anesthetic history was not known in these cases. Pathologic changes consistent with EM were incidental findings in an animal killed by dogs, and in two animals euthanized because of suspected infection with Parelaphostrongylus tenuis. Only cervids and bovids were affected. There was no age or sex predilection for developing EM and deaths occurred throughout the year. Deaths associated with immobilization occurred most often after anesthesia with xylazine and etorphine. These are the drugs used most frequently in bovid and cervid anesthesia at the NZP. The overall incidence of deaths from EM after immobilization was 0.25% for the 10-yr period.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Sarcoptic mange in wild ruminants in zoological gardens in Israel.

Sarcoptic mange (Sarcoptes scabiei) occurred among wild ruminant species in five zoological gardens in Israel, from 1984 to 1994. Infestation of five ruminants by S. scabiei is reported for the first time: mountain gazelles (Gazella gazella), Nubian ibexes (Capra ibex nubiana), a barbary sheep (Ammotragus lervia), elands (Taurotragus oryx), and an Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx). All animals in the herds were administered ivermectin orally at a dose of 200 micrograms/kg body weight daily for 3 consecutive days. This was repeated three times at 2-wk intervals. The disease was eradicated in four small zoos, whereas in the biggest zoo, only control was achieved. Mortality among animals < 4 mo and > 8-yr-old animals composed 65% of mortality among all age classes.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1999

A three-year study of viable airborne fungi in the North Carolina Zoological Park R.J.R. Nabisco Rocky Coast Alcid Exhibit.

Aspergillosis is a common cause of mortality in captive birds, particularly in recently imported birds or captive chicks and their parents. Use of the Andersen N-6 single-stage viable air sampler in the North Carolina Zoological Park (NCZP) R.J.R. Nabisco Rocky Coast Alcid Exhibit before and after the introduction of birds allowed a unique study of the mycological content of the air in a developing self-contained ecosystem. The Alcid Exhibit had a median count of 17 colony-forming-units (CFU)/m3 of air in comparison to 200-500 CFU/m3 and 1,000-3,500 CFU/m3 reported in human dwellings and the NCZP R.J. Reynolds Forest Aviary, respectively. Cladosporium and Penicillium represented 21.3% and Aspergillus 1.08% of the fungi collected. During the study, no respiratory mycoses were reported in any of the alcids. Continuous high-efficiency particulate air filtration, maintenance of low exhibit air temperatures, and an environment with little residual organic material capable of supporting fungal growth were important factors contributing to low colony counts. All colony counts >100 CFU/m3 in the exhibit were related to the apparent introduction of fungi from outside the facility. A reduction in the number of fungi transported from an external source into enclosed cool-temperature aviaries may be sufficient to avoid outbreaks of aspergillosis.

Air Microbiology↗
PubMed2000

Zooplankton of some water bodies of the Zoological Garden in Kraków.

The aim of this study was to register the zooplanktonic organisms in water bodies in the Zoological Garden in Kraków, especially from a point of view of the occurrence of species of the Paramecium aurelia complex. Only P. caudatum was found in one habitat, in several sampling places. The species seems very resistant and can survive in poor or polluted habitats in which the P. aurelia ssp. are eliminated.

Animals↗