Activity Budget and Sociality of the Northern Lesser Galago, Galago senegalensis

Complex sociality in primates often is argued to have evolved after the appearance of diurnal activity. Studying the behaviour of nocturnal primates is fundamental to understanding the evolutionary origins of primate behaviour and ecology, yet much less is known about the nature of sociality in nocturnal primate species than their diurnal counterparts. We investigated group size, communication, and social interactions in free-ranging, Northern lesser galagos (Galago senegalensis) and present an activity budget and assessment of temporal variation in their behaviour. We collected continuous behavioural data using focal follows at three different stages of the night from individuals at Kwakuchinja, Northern Tanzania. We also collected group size data from Northern lesser galagos at Fongoli, Southeastern Senegal, and Lolldaiga Hills Ranch, Central Kenya. We categorised behaviours and, where sample sizes permitted, used Kruskal–Wallis tests to compare the durations of observed behaviours between the morning (pre-dawn), evening (from dusk), and later in the night. We analysed 140 focal follows (31.4 h of continuous behavioural data) and found that the proportion of time spent foraging, inactive, in locomotion, in self-maintenance, and vigilant, varied across the three stages of the night; galagos spent a great deal of their time inactive in the morning and foraging was more prevalent in the evening. Group size at Kwakuchinja was significantly larger than at Fongoli or LHR. Galagos were in groups of two or more in the majority of encounters at Kwakuchinja (55%; N = 76), rather than alone, but spent most of their nighttime activity alone at Fongoli (79%; N = 185) and LHR (80%; N = 142). Overall vocalisation rates were higher in the morning than other times throughout the night, although contact calls were relatively more frequent in the evening than other times. We recorded both affiliative and agonistic social interactions, but these contributed almost nothing to the overall activity budget. Our preliminary investigation into the social structure of Northern lesser galagos suggests that there are population differences in sociality and that overall, they connect more through vocalisations than through direct social interactions, thereby avoiding some of the potential costs associated with group-living. This variation in social organization suggests that we have more to learn about the drivers of sociality in nocturnal primates and the nature of their social structure

Landscape structure affects the prevalence and distribution of a tick-borne zoonotic pathogen

Background Landscape structure can affect pathogen prevalence and persistence with consequences for human and animal health. Few studies have examined how reservoir host species traits may interact with landscape structure to alter pathogen communities and dynamics. Using a landscape of islands and mainland sites we investigated how natural landscape fragmentation affects the prevalence and persistence of the zoonotic tick-borne pathogen complex Borrelia burgdorferi(sensu lato), which causes Lyme borreliosis. We hypothesized that the prevalence of B. burgdorferi (s.l.) would be lower on islands compared to the mainland and B. afzelii, a small mammal specialist genospecies, would be more affected by isolation than bird-associated B. garinii and B. valaisiana and the generalist B. burgdorferi (sensu stricto). Methods Questing (host-seeking) nymphal I. Ricinus ticks (n = 6567) were collected from 12 island and 6 mainland sites in 2011, 2013 and 2015 and tested for B. burgdorferi(s.l.). Deer abundance was estimated using dung transects. Results The prevalence of B. burgdorferi (s.l.) was significantly higher on the mainland (2.5%, 47/1891) compared to island sites (0.9%, 44/4673) (P < 0.01). While all four genospecies of B. burgdorferi (s.l.) were detected on the mainland, bird-associated species B. garinii and B. valaisiana and the generalist genospecies B. burgdorferi(s.s.) predominated on islands. Conclusion We found that landscape structure influenced the prevalence of a zoonotic pathogen, with a lower prevalence detected among island sites compared to the mainland. This was mainly due to the significantly lower prevalence of small mammal-associated B. afzelii. Deer abundance was not related to pathogen prevalence, suggesting that the structure and dynamics of the reservoir host community underpins the observed prevalence patterns, with the higher mobility of bird hosts compared to small mammal hosts leading to a relative predominance of the bird-associated genospecies B. garinii and generalist genospecies B. burgdorferi (s.s.) on islands. In contrast, the lower prevalence of B. afzelii on islands may be due to small mammal populations there exhibiting lower densities, less immigration and stronger population fluctuations. This study suggests that landscape fragmentation can influence the prevalence of a zoonotic pathogen, dependent on the biology of the reservoir host

Genomic epidemiology of third-generation cephalosporin-resistant Escherichia coli from Argentinian pig and dairy farms reveals animal-specific patterns of co-resistance and resistance mechanisms

Control measures are being introduced globally to reduce the prevalence of antibiotic resistance (ABR) in bacteria on farms. However, little is known about the current prevalence and molecular ecology of ABR in bacterial species with the potential to be key opportunistic human pathogens, such as Escherichia coli, on South American farms. Working with 30 dairy cattle farms and 40 pig farms across two provinces in central-eastern Argentina, we report a comprehensive genomic analysis of third-generation cephalosporin-resistant (3GC-R) E. coli, which were recovered from 34.8% (cattle) and 47.8% (pigs) of samples from fecally contaminated sites. Phylogenetic analysis revealed substantial diversity suggestive of long-term horizontal and vertical transmission of 3GC-R mechanisms. CTX-M-15 and CTX-M-2 were more often produced by isolates from dairy farms, while CTX-M-8 and CMY-2 and co-carriage of amoxicillin/clavulanate resistance and florfenicol resistance were more common in isolates from pig farms. This suggests different selective pressures for antibiotic use in these two animal types. We identified the β-lactamase gene blaROB, which has previously only been reported in the family Pasteurellaceae, in 3GC-R E. coli. blaROB was found alongside a novel florfenicol resistance gene, ydhC, also mobilized from a pig pathogen as part of a new composite transposon. As the first comprehensive genomic survey of 3GC-R E. coli in Argentina, these data set a baseline from which to measure the effects of interventions aimed at reducing on-farm ABR and provide an opportunity to investigate the zoonotic transmission of resistant bacteria in this region

Trade-offs between time, predation risk and life history, and their implications for biogeography: a systems modelling approach with a primate case study

Group sizes are often considered to be the result of a trade-off between predation risk and the costs of feeding competition. We develop a model to explore the interaction between different ecological constraints on group sizes, using a primate (baboons) case study. The model uses climatic correlates of time budgets to predict maximum ecologically tolerable group size, and climatic predictors of predation risk (reflected mainly in predator density and female body mass) to predict minimum tolerable group size for any given habitat. As well as defining the range of sustainable group sizes for a given habitat, the model also allows us to reliably predict our exemplar taxon's biogeographical distribution across Africa. We also explore the life history implications of the model to ask whether baboons form group sizes which maximise survival or fecundity in the classic trade off between these two key life history variables. Our results indicate that, within the range of study sites in our sample, baboons prefer to maximise fecundity. However, the data indicate that in higher predation risk habitats they would switch to maximising survival at the expense of fecundity. We argue that this is due to the fact that interbirth interval and developmental rates have a ceiling that cannot be breached. Thus, while females can shorten interbirth intervals to compensate for increased predation risk, there is a limit to how much these life history variables can be altered, and when this is reached the best strategy is to maximise survivorship

The effects of allogrooming and social network position on behavioural indicators of stress in female lion-tailed macaques (Macaca silenus).

From PubMed via Jisc Publications RouterHistory: received 2021-08-16, revised 2022-08-18, accepted 2022-08-24Publication status: aheadofprintAllogrooming serves an important social function in primates and confers short term benefits such as parasite removal and stress-relief. There is currently mixed evidence as to the immediate impact of allogrooming on an individual's stress levels, which may be influenced by their role in the grooming dyad, position in their social network, or their relationship with their grooming partner. In this study of seven captive adult female lion-tailed macaques (Macaca silenus) in a mixed sex group at Chester Zoo, UK, we found evidence to support a tension-reduction function of allogrooming. Focal animal sampling showed that the duration of self-directed behaviour (SDB), which indicates moderate to high levels of stress, was significantly lower in the five-minute period following allogrooming than the five-minute minute period preceding it for both recipients and groomers. However, when compared to match-control periods, both SDB rates and durations were significantly lower across all individuals in the five-minute period both before and after allogrooming, indicating that although allogrooming reduces stress, it is also more likely to occur when individuals are already in a relatively relaxed state. The rate and duration of SDB post-grooming did not correlate with the strength of a dyad's bond (based on proximity). This suggests that it is the act of allogrooming itself, rather than the identity of the partner, that reduces stress for both parties. Analysis of the proximity network highlighted a clear cost to social integration; node strength, a measure of the number and strength of an individual's direct relationships, positively correlated with the duration of self-directed behaviour, suggesting that more gregarious individuals may experience higher levels of stress. These findings add to the growing body of literature that examines the effect of the individual social environment on primate stress levels, and also highlight the need to further investigate the link between social integration and the stress experienced by group-living animals. [Abstract copyright: Copyright © 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Novel characterisation of sheep flocks in Wales:A description of principal flock typologies and antimicrobial use patterns

There is increasing pressure to reduce and refine antimicrobial use (AMU) in farmed livestock, to slow the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and preserve the efficacy of antimicrobials (AMs) in both humans and animals. Developing strategies to help drive the prudent use of AMs requires an understanding of the direct and indirect factors influencing the between-farm variation in AMU typically observed. Given limited evidence of risk factors in sheep, this exploratory study aimed to investigate whether sheep flocks could be classified into farm types based on farm characteristics, health parameters and management practices, and whether important differences existed in AMU between these flock types. This study was conducted on 22 sheep flocks in Wales, United Kingdom as part of a wider longitudinal study on AMU and AMR. Comprehensive surveys were administered to flocks where 147 variables regarding farm characteristics, flock health parameters and management practices were captured. AMU data for each flock were also collated. A Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA), followed by a Hierarchical Clustering on Principal Components (HCPC) analysis, were used to classify the flocks. The top 10 dimensions yielded by MCA explained 67.4 % of the total variance. Nine partitions of relatively homogeneous flocks, derived from three typologies produced from the first three cut-points of the HCPC dendrogram, were visualised and described. These nine partitions were characterised by 70 variable categories, principally the implementation or neglect of best-practice lameness management practices. Partitions of flocks that neglected best-practice lameness managements – characterised by delayed treatments of lame sheep, footbathing and bleeding when foot trimming – reported higher lameness prevalence and fewer lame ewes recovering within five days of treatment. These flocks had higher total AMU (mg/PCU) and used a higher mass of injectable AMs than other partitions of flocks. Flock traits, lambing practices, disease challenges and other management factors also described partitions derived in later dendrogram cuts. Findings from this study confirm good AM stewardship in sheep flocks to be a complex picture, given the typologies of flocks described and the range of factors likely to influence AMU. Opportunities for targeted strategies for sustainable reductions in AMU can be directed towards specific flock types identified, specifically within the context of lameness treatment and control. We highlight the importance of understanding flock heterogeneity, through the construction of typologies, as a means to fine-tune appropriate interventions to specific flock types in order to help drive more prudent use of AMs.</p

Genomic epidemiology of third-generation cephalosporin-resistant Escherichia coli from Argentinian pig and dairy farms reveals animal-specific patterns of co-resistance and resistance mechanisms

Control measures are being introduced globally to reduce the prevalence of antibiotic resistant (ABR) bacteria on farms. However, little is known about the current prevalence and molecular ecology of ABR in key opportunistic human pathogens such as Escherichia coli on South American farms. Working with 30 dairy cattle farms and 40 pig farms across two provinces in central-easternArgentina, we report a comprehensive genomic analysis of third-generation cephalosporin resistance (3GC-R) in E. coli. 3GC-R isolates were recovered from 34.8% (cattle) and 47.8% (pigs) of samples from faecally contaminated sites. Phylogenetic analysis revealed substantial diversity suggestive of longterm horizontal transmission of 3GC-R mechanisms. Despite this, mechanismssuch as CTX-M-15 and CTX-M-2 were detected more often in dairy farms, while CTX-M-8 and CMY-2, and co-carriage of amoxicillin/clavulanate resistance and florfenicol resistance were more commonly detected in pig farms. This suggests different selective pressures of antibiotic use in these two animal types, particularly the balance of fourth- versus third-generation cephalosporin use, and of amoxicillin/clavulanate and florfenicol use. We identified the β-lactamase gene blaROB in 3GC-R E. coli, which has previously only been reported in the family Pasteurellaceae, including farmed animal pathogens. blaROB was found alongside a novel florfenicol resistance gene –ydhC - also mobilised from a pig pathogen as part of a new plasmid-mediated composite transposon, which is already widely disseminated. These data set a baseline from which to measure the effects of interventions aimed at reducing on-farm ABR and provide an opportunity to investigate zoonotic transmission of resistant bacteria in this region.Fil: Mounsey, Oliver. University Of Bristol;Fil: Marchetti, Maria Laura. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata; ArgentinaFil: Parada, Julian. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Facultad de Agronomía y Veterinaria; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Alarcon, Laura Valeria. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias; ArgentinaFil: Aliverti, Florencia. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias; ArgentinaFil: Avison, Matthew B.. University Of Bristol;Fil: Ayala, Carlos Oscar. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. University Of Bristol;Fil: Ballesteros, Isabel Cristina. University Of Bristol;Fil: Best, Caroline M.. University Of Bristol;Fil: Bettridge, Judy. University Of Bristol;Fil: Buchamer, Andrea Veronica. Universidad Nacional de La Plata; ArgentinaFil: Buldain, Daniel Cornelio. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata; ArgentinaFil: Carranza, Alicia. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Facultad de Agronomía y Veterinaria; ArgentinaFil: Corti Isgro, Maite. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Facultad de Agronomía y Veterinaria; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Demeritt, David. Kings College London (kcl);Fil: Escobar, Maria Paula. University Of Bristol;Fil: Gortari Castillo, Lihuel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias; ArgentinaFil: Jaureguiberry, María. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias; ArgentinaFil: Lucas, Mariana Florencia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias; Argentina. Universidad del Salvador; ArgentinaFil: Madoz, Laura Vanina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias; ArgentinaFil: Marconi, Maria Jose. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias; ArgentinaFil: Moiso, Nicolás Edgardo. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Facultad de Agronomía y Veterinaria; ArgentinaFil: Nievas, Hernan Dario. Universidad Nacional de La Plata; ArgentinaFil: Ramirez Montes de Oca, Marco A.. University Of Bristol;Fil: Reding, Carlos. University Of Bristol;Fil: Reyher, Kristen K.. University Of Bristol;Fil: Vass, Lucy. University Of Bristol;Fil: Williams, Sara Inés. Universidad Nacional de La Plata; ArgentinaFil: Giraudo, Jose Angel. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Facultad de Agronomía y Veterinaria; ArgentinaFil: de la Sota, Rodolfo Luzbel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias; ArgentinaFil: Mestorino, Olga Nora. Universidad Nacional de La Plata; ArgentinaFil: Moredo, Fabiana Alicia. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias; ArgentinaFil: Pellegrino, Matias Santiago. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Fisicoquímicas y Naturales; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentin