Valéria Amorim Conforti

Ticks (Acari: Ixodida) on wild carnivores in Brazil

The present study reports field data of ticks infesting wild carnivores captured from July 1998 to September 2004 in Brazil. Additional data were obtained from one tick collection and from previous published data of ticks on carnivores in Brazil. During field work, a total of 3437 ticks were collected from 89 Cerdocyon thous (crab-eating-fox), 58 Chrysocyon brachyurus (maned-wolf), 30 Puma concolor (puma), 26 Panthera onca (jaguar), 12 Procyon cancrivorus (crab-eating-raccoon), 4 Speothos venaticus (bush-dog), 6 Pseudalopex vetulus (hoary-fox), 6 Nasua nasua (coati), 6 Leopardus pardalis (ocelot), 2 Leopardus tigrinus (oncilla), 1 Leopardus wiedii (margay), 1 Herpailurus yagouaroundi (jaguarundi), 1 Oncifelis colocolo (pampas-cat), 1 Eira barbara (tayara), 1 Galictis vittata (grison), 1 Lontra longicaudis (neotropical-otter), and 1 Potus flavus (kinkajou). Data obtained from the Acari Collection IBSP included a total of 381 tick specimens collected on 13 C. thous, 8 C. brachyurus, 3 P. concolor, 10 P. onca, 3 P. cancrivorus, 4 N. nasua, 1 L. pardalis, 1 L. wiedii, 4 H. yagouaroundi, 1 Galictis cuja (lesser grison), and 1 L. longicaudis. The only tick infested-carnivore species previously reported in Brazil, for which we do not present any field data are Pseudalopex gymnocercus (pampas fox), Conepatus chinga (Molina’s hog-nosed skunk), and Conepatus semistriatus (striped hog-nosed skunk). We report the first tick records in Brazil on two Felidae species (O. colocolo, H. yagouaroundi), two Canidae species (P. vetulus, S. venaticus), one Procyonidae species (P. flavus) and one Mustelidae (E. barbara). Tick infestation remains unreported for 5 of the 26 Carnivora species native in Brazil: Oncifelis geoffroyi (Geoffroy’s cat), Atelocynus microtis (short-eared dog), Pteronura brasiliensis (giant otter), Mustela africana (Amazon weasel), and Bassaricyon gabbii (olingo). Our field data comprise 16 tick species represented by the genera Amblyomma (12 species), Ixodes (1 species), Dermacentor (1 species), Rhipicephalus (1 species), and Boophilus (1 species). Additional 5 tick species (3 Amblyomma species and 1 species from each of the genera Ixodes and Ornithodoros) were reported in the literature. The most common ticks on Carnivora hosts were Amblyomma ovale (found on 14 host species), Amblyomma cajennense (10 species), Amblyomma aureolatum (10 species), Amblyomma tigrinum (7 species), Amblyomma parvum (7 species), and Boophilus microplus (7 species).

Decline of peccaries in a protected subtropical forest of Brazil: toward conservation issues.

Abstract While once abundant in the subtropical forest of Iguaçu National Park (INP) in Brazil, white-lipped and collared peccary seem to have declined considerably in the last decade. Basic information on the influence of anthropogenic factors on peccary abundance in INP is scarce. To assess the conservation status of white-lipped and collared peccaries in INP and surrounding areas, we recorded encounter rates from 1997 to 2000 along transects in eight study sites subjected to different levels of illegal hunting and vehicle traffic. The average encounter rate for the eight study sites for collared peccaries was 0.022±0.021 (±SD). Despite our intensive monitoring of transects, no signs of white-lipped peccaries were recorded and this species seemed to be locally extinct. In addition, we analyzed the attitude of local people towards peccaries and INP through interviews. Perceptions of local people were strongly positive towards peccaries and INP and seemed to be influenced by the potential of illegally exploiting peccaries within the limits of INP. Our results suggest that efforts to minimize the intensity of vehicle traffic and illegal hunting should be implemented if remaining collared peccaries are to survive in INP.

CpG motif-based adjuvant as a replacement for Freund's complete adjuvant in a recombinant LHRH vaccine

This study compared: (1) Freunds complete adjuvant and CpG oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) 2006 in water-in-oil emulsion as adjuvants; and (2) increasing doses of a recombinant ovalbumin-LHRH (ova-LHRH) fusion protein as an antigen for a contraceptive vaccine. Treatment groups (n=8 heifers/group) were: one untreated control group; five groups receiving CpG ODN with different doses of ova-LHRH (1.5; 2.3; 3.4; 5.1; and 7.6 mg); and one group receiving 3.4 mg ova-LHRH in Freunds. Heifers were immunized at weeks 0 and 14. All vaccine treatments caused gonadal regression and estrus suppression. CpG ODN is a suitable replacement for Freunds for LHRH immunization.

Noninvasive monitoring of adrenocortical function in captive jaguars (Panthera onca).

Jaguars are threatened with extinction throughout their range. A sustainable captive population can serve as a hedge against extinction, but only if they are healthy and reproduce. Understanding how jaguars respond to stressors may help improve the captive environment and enhance their wellbeing. Thus, our objectives were to: (1) conduct an adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) challenge to validate a cortisol radioimmunoassay (RIA) for noninvasive monitoring of adrenocortical function in jaguars; (2) investigate the relationship between fecal corticoid (FCM) and androgen metabolite (FAM) concentrations in males during the ACTH challenge; and (3) establish a range of physiological concentrations of FCMs for the proposed protocol. Seven jaguars (3 M, 4 F) received 500 IU/animal of ACTH. Pre- and post-ACTH fecal samples were assayed for corticoid (M and F) and androgen metabolites (M) by RIA. Concentrations of FCMs increased (P80.01) after ACTH injection (pre-ACTH: 0.90 ± 0.12 µg/g dry feces; post-ACTH: 2.55 ± 0.25 µg/g). Considering pre- and post-ACTH samples, FCM concentrations were higher (P80.01) in males (2.15 ± 0.20 µg/g) than in females (1.30 ± 0.20 µg/g), but the magnitude of the response to ACTH was comparable (P>0.05) between genders. After ACTH injection, FAMs increased in two (of 3) males; in one male, FCMs and FAMs were positively correlated (0.60; P80.01). Excretion of FCMs was assessed in 16 jaguars (7 M, 9 F) and found to be highly variable (range, 80.11-1.56 µg/g). In conclusion, this study presents a cortisol RIA for monitoring adrenocortical function in jaguars noninvasively.

Effect of homologous follicular fluid from medium-sized and large follicles on in vitro maturation of equine cumulus–oocyte complexes

The in vitro maturation (IVM) of equine oocytes is typically performed using various synthetic media; however, an optimal IVM system for equine oocytes has not been developed. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of two types of follicular fluid (FF) obtained from cyclic mares and two incubation intervals for the IVM of equine cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs). Follicular fluid was collected from medium-sized (20-29 mm diameter) and large (e30 mm; post-human chorionic gonadotrophin administration) follicles using transvaginal ultrasound-guided follicle aspiration. Compact (n = 232) and non-compact (n = 183) COCs obtained from a slaughterhouse were incubated separately in the following groups: (1) FF from medium follicles for 24 h; (2) FF from large follicles for 24 h; (3) control (synthetic) medium for 24 h; (4) FF from medium follicles for 24 h then FF from large follicles for an additional 24 h; (5) FF from large follicles for 48 h; and (6) control medium for 48 h. For compact COCs, there was a tendency (P = 0.06) for more COCs incubated in FF from large follicles for 24 h to reach metaphase II compared with those incubated in control medium for 24 h (58% v. 35%, respectively). More (P < 0.05) compact COCs had degenerated after incubation in control medium for 48 h compared with all other groups (51% v. 14-24%, respectively). For non-compact COCs, incubation in FF from medium follicles for 24 h resulted in more (P = 0.05) COCs at metaphase II compared with control medium for 48 h (58% v. 29%, respectively). These results indicate that homologous FF from cyclic mares is a suitable alternative for the IVM of equine COCs and that it may be superior to conventional media for longer (i.e. >24 h) incubation intervals.

Chemical Restraint of Free-ranging South American Coatis (Nasua nasua) with a Combination of Tiletamine and Zolazepam

Abstract We describe the use of a combination of tiletamine and zolazepam (Zoletil®) for chemical restraint of South American coatis (Nasua nasua) under field conditions. We immobilized 53 coatis from a free-ranging population at Iguaçu National Park, Brazil, with Zoletil. Males and females (1.0–8.7 kg) of different age groups participated in the study. Four dosage (milligram per kilogram body weight) groups were created based on quartiles as follows: 1) 4.76–6.68 mg/kg (n=13), 2) 6.83–7.71 mg/kg (n=13), 3) 7.72–8.68 mg/kg (n=18), and 4) 8.98–11.57 mg/kg (n=9). Variables analyzed were sex, age, body weight, dosage, induction time, handling time (HT: time elapsed between the onset of immobilization and first signs of recovery), time from injection to first stand-up posture after anesthesia, heart and respiratory rates, and body temperature. Mean (±SD) induction time was 2.9 (±1.4) min and was positively correlated with age. In dosage groups 1–4, mean HTs were 40.3 (±24.0), 64.5 (±19.1), 54.8 (±15.0), and 60.3 (±12.0), respectively. Handling time had a positive linear relationship with age and body weight, but the relationship between HT and dosage was nonlinear. Group 1 had a shorter HT compared to the other groups combined. Time from injection to first stand-up was 105.0 (±33.5) min. Zoletil was quick acting and safe for immobilization of coatis in the wild.

IMPROVING DATA COLLECTION AT WILDLIFE CARE FACILITIES: DEVELOPMENT OF A PATIENT FORM BASED ON THE CASES OF WILD ANIMALS ADMITTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF FRANCA VETERINARY TEACHING HOSPITAL BETWEEN 2004 AND 2014

The objective of this study was to conduct a retrospective analysis on the cases of wildlife brought to the UNIFRAN-VTH in order to develop a patient form that could improve the efficiency of data collection. Medical records of all wildlife admitted to the VTH between 2004 and 2014 were analyzed, including: species; health condition upon arrival; cause of injuries (if known); date of admission; information on the person who brought the animal to the facility; and a description of the circumstances in which the animal was found (ex. wounded by the side of a highway; attacked by dogs, etc.), if available. A total of 317 wild animals were admitted to the facility, including birds (68%, n=217), mammals (30%, n=96), and reptiles (1%, n=4). Among birds, the taxonomic Families most frequently brought to the VTH were Psittacidae (26%, n=57), Ramphastidae (14%, n=31), and Falconidae (13%, n=29). Regarding mammals, the majority of individuals belonged to the Families Canidae (25%, n=24) or Mirmecofagidae (21%, n=20). The four reptiles belonged to the Families Testudinidae (50%) or Boidae (50%). Anthropogenic factors were confirmed as cause of the injuries in approximately 19% (n = 61) of the cases; of these patients, 62% had been hit by a vehicle. The most frequent clinical findings or situations were orthopedic injuries (30%), orphaned animals (9%), or miscellaneous wounds (8%). The study detected a lack of relevant information in several records; thus, a form has been proposed herein to facilitate and improve data collection in wildlife treatment cases.

SARCOMA EM ARARA-CANINDÉ (ARA ARARAUNA): RELATO DE CASO

O numero de animais exoticos criados legalmente em cativeiro como animais de estimacao vem aumentando nos ultimos anos e, dentre eles, as aves destacam-se pela beleza, canto e pela capacidade de fala (1). A arara-caninde ( Ara ararauna ) e uma das maiores representantes da Ordem dos psitacideos, sendo nativa de diversas regioes brasileiras. Esta especie tem sido comercializada com a licenca do IBAMA, e com isso, vem sendo observado um aumento da casuistica clinica destas aves (2). Dentre as afeccoes que levam os animais ao atendimento medico veterinario, estao as neoplasias, que costumam ser mais frequentemente visualizadas em aves de cativeiro do que em aves de vida livre (3). Isto, provavelmente, se deve ao fato de que as primeiras tendem a viver mais, alem de estarem sujeitas a endogamia e exposicao a fatores carcinogenicos (4). O presente trabalho visa relatar um caso de sarcoma em arara-caninde ( Ara ararauna ) solucionado a contento por meio de cirurgia excisional do nodulo tumoral. Em setembro de 2013, foi atendida na Clinica Veterinaria Animal Center (Franca/SP) uma arara-caninde ( Ara ararauna ), do sexo masculino, pesando 1,3 kg, apresentando um extenso nodulo ulcerado no lado inferior da asa direita. Apos a contencao fisica, foi realizada a avaliacao clinica geral da ave. Alem do nodulo ulcerado, nada digno de nota foi encontrado no exame fisico do animal, que se mostrava em bom estado geral. A exerese do nodulo foi o tratamento escolhido, por ter sido considerada como indispensavel ao bem estar do paciente e tendo em vista a necessidade de coleta do material neoplasico para a obtencao do diagnostico. Assim, apos jejum hidrico e alimentar de 8 horas, a ave foi encaminhada ao centro cirurgico onde foi anestesiada com associacao de tiletamina e zolazepam (Zoletil® 50) pela via intramuscular. O procedimento cirurgico foi, entao, iniciado para a retirada do nodulo. Apesar de o nodulo ter sido extraido em sua totalidade, nao foi possivel assegurar uma ampla area de seguranca ao redor da lesao devido a falta de tecido disponivel na regiao afetada. A hemostasia dos vasos sanguineos foi conduzida com o uso de bisturi eletrico. A ferida cirurgica foi suturada com ponto simples continuo, utilizando fio absorvivel (categute cromado 3.0) para que nao houvesse necessidade de nova contencao visando a retirada de pontos, prevenindo estresse desnecessario ao animal. No pos-operatorio, foi administrado, via intramuscular, antibiotico (oxitetraciclina) e anti-inflamatorio (dexametasona) em dose unica. A ave foi mantida em viveiro e apos a recuperacao anestesica, que durou cerca de 40 minutos, recebeu alimentacao e agua ad libitum . A cicatrizacao foi rapida e em pouco tempo o animal ja estava recuperado do procedimento. A amostra de tecido obtida na cirurgia foi acondicionada em um frasco contendo formol 10% e encaminhada ao setor de Patologia Veterinaria do Hospital Veterinario da Universidade de Franca (UNIFRAN - Franca/SP) para realizacao do exame histopatologico. O exame revelou tratar-se de uma neoplasia de origem mesenquimal (sarcoma). Devido a sua malignidade, este tipo de neoplasia pode levar a ocorrencia de metastases e rapidamente debilitar o paciente acometido (5). A ave continua sendo monitorada na mesma clinica onde foi atendida e, a despeito do diagnostico, apos dois anos do ocorrido, nao foi constatada reincidencia ou metastase no animal. Referencias: (1) Sinhorini JA. Neoplasias em aves domesticas e silvestres mantidas em domicilio: avaliacao anatomopatologica e imunohistoquimica [dissertacao]. Sao Paulo: Universidade de Sao Paulo; 2008. (2) Valle SF, Allgayer MC, Pereira RA, Barcellos LJG, Hlavac NRC, Franca RT, et al. Parâmetros de bioquimica serica de machos, femeas e filhotes de araras-caninde ( Ara ararauna ) saudaveis mantidas em cativeiro comercial. Cienc Rural. 2008;38:711-6. (3) Filippich LJ. Tumor control in birds. Semin Avian Exot Pet. 2004;13:25-43. (4) Latimer KS. Oncology. In: Ritchie BW, Harrison GJ. Avian medicine: principles and application. Lake Worth: Wingers Publishing Inc.; 1994. p.640-72. (5) Stricker TP, Kumar V. Neoplasia. In: Kumar V, Abbas AK, Fausto N, Aster JC, editores. Robbins e Cotran, Patologia: Bases Patologicas das Doencas. 8 ed. Sao Paulo: Elsevier Editora Ltda.; 2010. p.259-330. 1 Aluno de Mestrado UNIFRAN. 2 Docente UNIFRAN. 3 Docente UNIFRAN. Autor para correspondencia, valeria.conforti @unifran.edu.br

PROPORÇÕES DOS DIFERENTES TIPOS CELULARES NO EPITÉLIO VAGINAL DE CADELAS NO TERÇO INICIAL, MÉDIO E FINAL DO ANESTRO

Em termos de ciclos reprodutivos, a cadela apresenta diversas peculiaridades com relacao as outras femeas domesticas, como o fato de ser uma especie monoestrica comum prolongado anestro. Essa caracteristica limita as oportunidades de reproducao da especie a um ou dois periodos curtos por ano. Dessa forma, o manejo reprodutivo em caes exige um planejamento eficaz para que oportunidades de reproducao nao sejam desperdicadas. Em media, a cadela leva 7 meses para apresentar o estro seguinte, mas a duracao do intervalo entre estros pode variar. Assim, todo recurso que auxilie na deteccao da aproximacao do estro pode contribuir para um manejo reprodutivo mais eficiente. A citologia vaginal tem sido muito usada em femeas caninas para a deteccao da fase do ciclo estral, mas a literatura e escassa em trabalhos que tenham investigado o valor dessa tecnica na previsao da aproximacao do proestro. Portanto, o objetivo do presente estudo e avaliar as proporcoes de celulas do epitelio vaginal de cadelas nas diferentes porcoes do anestro a fim de verificar se alteracoes detectaveis nessas proporcoes poderiam indicar o final do anestro. Cinco cadelas da raca Beagle serao avaliadas semanalmente por citologia vaginal e os resultados das leituras das lâminas serao retroativamente atribuidos as porcoes inicial, media e final do anestro em cada femea. Espera-se, com este estudo, verificar a existencia de uma relacao, em termos de proporcoes celulares, que indique o final do anestro, o que poderia contribuir para um planejamento mais eficaz do manejo reprodutivo em cadelas.