11 research outputs found
First description of pestivirus disease in Rupicapra pyrenaica pyrenaica
Understanding the circulation of pestiviruses in wild ungulates is potentially important to explain variations
in the number of animals in these species, and to implement pestivirus control programs in
domestic animals. In 2002 in the French Pyrenees, symptoms of amyotrophy and weight loss, associated
with bilateral alopecia with hairless and highly pigmented areas on the nose, around the eyes and
the ear margins were found in 8 Pyrenean chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica pyrenaica) between 1 and 9
years old, 6 of which had been captured alive and 2 were found dead. These lesions were uncharacteristic.
The intensity of abomasal or lung parasitism varied from one animal to the other. Pestiviruses
were isolated in all 6 animals captured alive, but no anti-NS2/3 antibodies were found. Many questions
remain on the transitory or persistent nature of the infection, and on the conditions of viral transmission
within the Rupicapra genus.Comprendre la circulation de
pestivirus chez les ongulés sauvages est potentiellement important pour expliquer les
variations d'effectifs dans ces espèces et pour réaliser les programmes de contrôle des
pestiviroses atteignant les animaux domestiques. En 2002 dans les Pyrénées ariégeoises, des
symptômes d'amyotrophie et d'amaigrissement, associés à des signes d'alopécie bilatérale,
avec des zones cutanées glabres et fortement pigmentées sur le chanfrein, le pourtour des
yeux et les marges auriculaires ont été observés sur 8 isards (Rupicapra pyrenaica
pyrenaica) âgés de 1 à 9 ans, dont 6 avaient été capturés vivants et 2 trouvés morts. Les
lésions étaient peu caractéristiques. L'intensité du parasitisme abomasal ou pulmonaire
variait d'un individu à l'autre. Un pestivirus a été mis en évidence sur les 6 animaux
capturés vivants et un des deux récupérés morts (7 cas sur 8), mais aucun anticorps dirigé
contre la protéine NS2/3 n'a été trouvé. De nombreuses questions persistent sur la nature
transitoire ou persistante de l'infection et sur les modalités de transmission au sein du
genre Rupicapra
Severe 2010 Cold-Water Event Caused Unprecedented Mortality to Corals of the Florida Reef Tract and Reversed Previous Survivorship Patterns
Background
Coral reefs are facing increasing pressure from natural and anthropogenic stressors that have already caused significant worldwide declines. In January 2010, coral reefs of Florida, United States, were impacted by an extreme cold-water anomaly that exposed corals to temperatures well below their reported thresholds (16°C), causing rapid coral mortality unprecedented in spatial extent and severity.
Methodology/Principal Findings
Reef surveys were conducted from Martin County to the Lower Florida Keys within weeks of the anomaly. The impacts recorded were catastrophic and exceeded those of any previous disturbances in the region. Coral mortality patterns were directly correlated to in-situ and satellite-derived cold-temperature metrics. These impacts rival, in spatial extent and intensity, the impacts of the well-publicized warm-water bleaching events around the globe. The mean percent coral mortality recorded for all species and subregions was 11.5% in the 2010 winter, compared to 0.5% recorded in the previous five summers, including years like 2005 where warm-water bleaching was prevalent. Highest mean mortality (15%–39%) was documented for inshore habitats where temperatures were \u3c11°C for prolonged periods. Increases in mortality from previous years were significant for 21 of 25 coral species, and were 1–2 orders of magnitude higher for most species.
Conclusions/Significance
The cold-water anomaly of January 2010 caused the worst coral mortality on record for the Florida Reef Tract, highlighting the potential catastrophic impacts that unusual but extreme climatic events can have on the persistence of coral reefs. Moreover, habitats and species most severely affected were those found in high-coral cover, inshore, shallow reef habitats previously considered the “oases” of the region, having escaped declining patterns observed for more offshore habitats. Thus, the 2010 cold-water anomaly not only caused widespread coral mortality but also reversed prior resistance and resilience patterns that will take decades to recover
A FLORISTIC INVENTORY OF DAGNY JOHNSON KEY LARGO HAMMOCK BOTANICAL STATE PARK AND IMMEDIATELY ADJACENT LANDS (MONROE COUNTY), FLORIDA, U.S.A
Volume: 8Start Page: 227End Page: 25