Using Mitochondrial and Nuclear Sequence Data for Disentangling Population Structure in Complex Pest Species: A Case Study with Dermanyssus gallinae

Among global changes induced by human activities, association of breakdown of geographical barriers and impoverishered biodiversity of agroecosystems may have a strong evolutionary impact on pest species. As a consequence of trade networks' expansion, secondary contacts between incipient species, if hybrid incompatibility is not yet reached, may result in hybrid swarms, even more when empty niches are available as usual in crop fields and farms. By providing important sources of genetic novelty for organisms to adapt in changing environments, hybridization may be strongly involved in the emergence of invasive populations

Different Host Exploitation Strategies in Two Zebra Mussel-Trematode Systems: Adjustments of Host Life History Traits

The zebra mussel is the intermediate host for two digenean trematodes, Phyllodistomum folium and Bucephalus polymorphus, infecting gills and the gonad respectively. Many gray areas exist relating to the host physiological disturbances associated with these infections, and the strategies used by these parasites to exploit their host without killing it. The aim of this study was to examine the host exploitation strategies of these trematodes and the associated host physiological disturbances. We hypothesized that these two parasite species, by infecting two different organs (gills or gonads), do not induce the same physiological changes. Four cellular responses (lysosomal and peroxisomal defence systems, lipidic peroxidation and lipidic reserves) in the host digestive gland were studied by histochemistry and stereology, as well as the energetic reserves available in gonads. Moreover, two indices were calculated related to the reproductive status and the physiological condition of the organisms. Both parasites induced adjustments of zebra mussel life history traits. The host-exploitation strategy adopted by P. folium would occur during a short-term period due to gill deformation, and could be defined as “virulent.” Moreover, this parasite had significant host gender-dependent effects: infected males displayed a slowed-down metabolism and energetic reserves more allocated to growth, whereas females displayed better defences and would allocate more energy to reproduction and maintenance. In contrast, B. polymorphus would be a more “prudent” parasite, exploiting its host during a long-term period through the consumption of reserves allocated to reproduction

Vaccination et déficit proprioceptif chez un chien : quel est votre avis ?

National audienceUn chien border collie adulte en bonne santé a été vacciné avec un vaccin contenant les valences CHPLR (rappel de vaccination). Le lendemain matin, il présente un déficit de proprioception des membres postérieurs

Benzodiazepine poisoning in companion animals.

Information on accidental poisoning of companion animals with human drugs is seldom published. This paper presents the results of a survey conducted by the Centre National d'Informations Toxicologiques Veterinaires (CNITV) on cases recorded between January 1, 1998 and December 31, 1994 at the CNITV on the circumstances and clinical signs of accidental oral poisoning of dogs and cats by benzodiazepines. Our results showed that, among the numerous potential drugs available, bromazepam was by far most commonly encountered, especially in dogs. Clinical signs included mostly nervous disorders (hyper and hypo). Treatment was symptomatic and supportive, and the prognosis was generally good

Impact des sites miniers abandonnés sur les écosystèmes aquatiques et terrestres : de la veille sanitaire des rapaces du Parc national des Cévennes à la géochimie environnementale

National audienc