clove and Toxoplasmosis--Animal

Complete medical examinations were performed on 25 wild golden-crowned sifaka (

Topics: Animals; Animals, Wild; Antibodies, Protozoan; Bacterial Infections; Female; Indriidae; Madagascar; Male; Physical Examination; Toxoplasmosis, Animal

Carnivores of Madagascar are at increased risk of extinction due to anthropogenic loss of habitat, hunting, and interactions with introduced carnivores. Interactions between introduced and native animals also present the potential for introduction of pathogens into new geographic areas or host species. Here, we provide serologic data regarding pathogen exposure of domestic and native carnivores from the Betampona Natural Reserve Landscape, a protected area in eastern Madagascar. For the Eupleridae, we found limited evidence of exposure to viruses from domestic animals but greater prevalence for Toxoplasma gondii (39%) and Leptospira interrogans (40%). We also evaluated the associations between the presence of antibodies to selected pathogens and the demographic and spatial variables. We showed that individual characteristics such as sex and species were associated with exposure to T. gondii but not to L. interrogans or canine parvovirus (CPV). Finally, we investigated the spatial structure of pathogen exposure in Betampona and found no evidence of spatial structuring, indicating the absence of hotspots and agent-free refugia for T. gondii, L. interrogans, and CPV in the protected area. Our results may be useful for assessing and monitoring disease risk and for formulating control strategies to minimize the negative impact of exotic species on the endemic carnivores of Madagascar.

Topics: Animals; Cat Diseases; Cats; Conservation of Natural Resources; Dog Diseases; Dogs; Eupleridae; Female; Leptospira interrogans; Leptospirosis; Madagascar; Male; Toxoplasmosis, Animal

Complete health assessments were performed on 20 adult ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta), 10 males and 10 females, free ranging within the Tsimanampetsotsa Strict Nature Reserve in southwest Madagascar. Each animal was anesthetized using tiletamine and zolazepam, weighed, and given a thorough physical examination. Blood was collected for hematology, determination of plasma total protein concentration, serum chemistry, determination of fat-soluble vitamin and trace mineral concentrations, assessment of iron metabolism, toxoplasmosis and viral serologies, and examination for parasites. Feces were collected for bacterial culture and parasite examination, and representative numbers of ectoparasites were collected. Blood values differed significantly in a number of ways from values in captive lemurs, possibly associated with recent food consumption, hydration, and diet. There was no evidence of serious infectious disease and no hemoparasites. The enteric flora appeared unremarkable, although results may have been skewed toward cold-tolerant bacteria. The fecal parasite burden was low, but there were large numbers of ectoparasites (mites) present. Our study demonstrated that a substantial amount of data can be collected from free-ranging populations, information that is invaluable in the management of captive populations, particularly with regard to disease, and in assessing risks associated with reintroduction programs.

Topics: Animals; Animals, Wild; Antibodies, Protozoan; Antibodies, Viral; Bacteria; Blood Chemical Analysis; Communicable Diseases; Feces; Female; Hematologic Tests; Lemur; Madagascar; Male; Mite Infestations; Nematoda; Reference Values; Toxoplasmosis, Animal