The use of a probiotic in captive cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus)

The project was undertaken to establish the normal intestinal flora of healthy cheetahs and to produce a species-specific probiotic for use in juvenile cheetahs in captivity to improve weight gain and reduce diarrhoea. The normal intestinal flora of healthy cheetahs was established using non-selective and selective media. High numbers of anaerobic bacteria and aerobic bacteria were isolated from the faeces of cheetahs in this study. Eight percent of isolates were Enterococcus spp. Both Enterococcus faecium and Lactobacillus Group 1 were selected for use in the probiotic. Twenty-seven juvenile cheetahs between eight and thirteen months of age were included in the probiotic trial (Median: 12 months). The probiotic was fed for 28 days to the Probiotic Group. Both the Probiotic and Control groups were monitored for 70 days prior to the administration of the probiotic and 14 days after administration. The feeding of the cheetah-specific probiotic resulted in an increase of weight in the treatment group (p=0.026, ANOVA, p<0.05) in comparison to the Control Group. There was a relative improvement in the faecal quality in the Probiotic Group in comparison to the Control Group. This was accompanied by an absence of blood and mucus in the faeces, which had been present prior to the start of the 28-day administration of the probiotic. The feeding of a cheetah-specific probiotic resulted in an improved weight gain and food conversion in the Probiotic Group in comparison to the Control Group as well as in a reduction of diarrhoea in the Probiotic Group. More research is needed on the effect of the probiotic on different age groups and animals suffering from specific diseases such as liver disease and gastritis.Dissertation (MSc (Veterinary Science))--University of Pretoria, 2004.Veterinary Tropical Diseasesunrestricte

To rescue a secretary bird is no administrative task

News article with colour photos about what's happening at the Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria.Originally published on the University of Pretoria's websiteRecently a juvenile Secretary bird (Sagittarius serpentarius) was found collapsed in the Mabula Private Game Reserve by a ranger. Members of the Mabula Ground Hornbill Project NPO collected it and rushed it through to the Faculty's Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital's (OVAH) veterinary wildlife clinic. Apart from being collapsed it was severely dehydrated. With veterinary wildlife specialist, Prof Katja Koeppel in the lead, the bird was stabilised and the team ran some basic blood tests.ab202

Patterns of rabies cases in South Africa between 1993 and 2019, including the role of wildlife

DATA AVAILABILITY STATEMENT : The data that support the findings of this study are openly available in DALRRD. (2019). Rabies Data South Africa from http://www.daff.gov.za/daffweb3/Branches/Agricultural-Production-Health-Food-Safety/Animal-Health/Epidemiology/diseasedatabase], reference number [17].Rabies is a global viral zoonosis endemic to South Africa, resulting in fatal encephalitis in warm-blooded animals, including humans. The loss of human lives and economic losses in rural areas through loss of livestock are substantial. A review was conducted of all confirmed animal rabies cases in South Africa from 1993 to 2019, with a total of 11 701 cases identified to species level to assess the role that wildlife plays in the epidemiology of rabies. A spatio-temporal cluster analysis using a discrete Poisson space-time probability model, accounting for underlying estimated dog and livestock densities, identified 13 significant clusters (p < .05). These included four long-term clusters lasting more than 8 years in duration and seven short-term clusters lasting less than 2 years, with the remaining two clusters being of intermediate length. Outside of these endemic clusters, wildlife outbreaks in the remainder of South Africa were often less than one and a half years in duration most likely due to the rapid decline of wildlife vectors, especially jackals associated with rabies infection. Domestic dogs accounted for 59.8% of cases, with domestic cats (3.2%), livestock (21.1%) and wildlife (15.8%) making up the remainder of the cases. Yellow mongoose (Cynictis penicillata) was the most frequently affected wildlife species, followed by bat-eared fox (Otocyon megalotis), black-backed jackal (Canis mesomelas), meerkat (Suricata suricatta) and aardwolf (Proteles cristatus). Rabies in wildlife species followed different spatial distributions: black-backed jackal cases were more common in the north-western parts of South Africa, yellow mongoose cases more frequent in central South Africa, and bat-eared fox and aardwolf cases were more frequent in southern and western South Africa. Clusters often spanned several provinces, showing the importance of coordinated rabies control campaigns across administrative boundaries, and high-risk areas were highlighted for rabies in South Africa.The South African Veterinary Association Wildlife Group.http://wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/tbedhj2023Centre for Veterinary Wildlife StudiesProduction Animal StudiesVeterinary Tropical Disease

Mycobacterial arthritis and synovitis in painted reed frogs (Hyperolius marmoratus)

Several species of atypical mycobacteria have been isolated from wild and captive amphibians. In captive anurans, cutaneous and visceral mycobacteriosis are common and can result in significant mortality, particularly when animals are immunocompromised. Mycobacterial arthritis and synovitis are reported rarely in amphibians. We describe 20 cases in painted reed frogs (Hyperolius marmoratus), which presented with cachexia, limb paresis or paralysis or ‘spindly leg syndrome’. Histopathology revealed multifocal histiocytic to granulomatous synovitis affecting appendicular, rib or spinal intervertebral joints. Periarticular granulomata, granulomatous cellulitis and skeletal muscle atrophy, necrosis and degeneration were also present. In one case, granulomatous spinal osteomyelitis was recorded. ZiehleNeelsen stains showed large numbers of acid-fast bacteria in macrophages and histiocytes. The mycobacterial isolates obtained from culture were identified as members of the Mycobacterium chelonae complex (either M. chelonae or Mycobacterium abscessus). This was confirmed by 50 -16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) sequencing. In 17 cases mycobacterial lesions were present only in the joints and skeleton, highlighting the importance of not ruling out mycobacterial infection on the basis of absence of cutaneous or visceral lesions.http://elsevier.com/locate/jcpa2018-02-28hb2017Production Animal Studie

SARS-CoV-2 reverse zoonoses to pumas and lions, South Africa

SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL : TABLE S1: PCR and serological results from direct and indirect human contacts with infected lions, TABLE S2: Detection of SARS-CoV-2 E and RdRp genes from lion faecal samples in Ct values, FIGURE S1: Bayesian phylogenetic inference of whole genome sequences detected in lions and humans.Reverse-zoonotic infections of severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) from humans to wildlife species internationally raise concern over the emergence of new variants in animals. A better understanding of the transmission dynamics and pathogenesis in susceptible species will mitigate the risk to humans and wildlife occurring in Africa. Here we report infection of an exotic puma (July 2020) and three African lions (July 2021) in the same private zoo in Johannesburg, South Africa. One Health genomic surveillance identified transmission of a Delta variant from a zookeeper to the three lions, similar to those circulating in humans in South Africa. One lion developed pneumonia while the other cases had mild infection. Both the puma and lions remained positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA for up to 7 weeks.The G7 Global Health fund supplementary funding for SARS-CoV-2 through the Robert Koch Institute for the African Network for improved diagnostics and epidemiology of common and emerging infections.https://www.mdpi.com/journal/virusesam2023Centre for Veterinary Wildlife StudiesMedical VirologyProduction Animal Studie

Successful treatment of early cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma with hypofractionated radiation therapy in an African lion (Panthera leo)

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a slow growing but locally invasive neoplasm, most commonly caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Whilst SCC accounts for 15% of skin tumours in domesticated cats, cutaneous SCC in non-domesticated felids (apart from captive snow leopards) appears to be uncommon, with only three reports in the literature to date. In this report, a captive African lion (Panthera leo) presented with two ulcerative lesions on the nasal planum. Histopathology of the lesions revealed epidermal keratinocyte dysplasia and neoplastic basal- and supra-basal epithelial cells with dyskeratosis and evidence of basement membrane breaching and dermal invasion, consistent with a diagnosis of SCC. There was also evidence of laminar fibrosis and inflammation of the subjacent dermis suggesting that the SCC most likely resulted from UV-induced neoplastic transformation of the epidermal squamous epithelium following actinic keratosis. The lion was treated with hypofractionated radiation therapy and remained in remission until his death (euthanised 17 months later because of age-related chronic renal failure). This is the first report of cutaneous SCC in a lion with evidence of actinic damage and resolution after radiation therapy.L.v.d.W. was supported by the Wellcome Trust grant 20619.http://www.jsava.co.zaam2022Centre for Veterinary Wildlife StudiesCompanion Animal Clinical StudiesParaclinical SciencesProduction Animal Studie

Thoracic limb morphology of the red panda (Ailurus fulgens) evidenced by osteology and radiography

The red panda (Ailurus fulgens) is distributed primarily in the Himalayas and southern China. It is classified as a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The aim of this study was to describe the normal osteology and radiographic anatomy of the thoracic limb of the red panda. Radiography of the right thoracic limb was performed in seven captive adult red pandas. Radiographic findings were correlated with bone specimens from three adult animals. The scapula was wide craniocaudally and presented with a large area for the origin of the teres major muscle. The square-shaped major tubercle did not extend proximal to the head of the humerus. The medial epicondyle was prominent. A supracondylar foramen was present. The radial tuberosity and sesamoid bone for the abductor digiti I longus were prominent. The accessory carpal bone was directed palmarolaterally. Metacarpal bones were widely spread. The thoracic limb morphology of the red panda evidenced by osteology and radiography indicated flexibility of the thoracic limb joints and well-developed flexor and supinator muscles, which are important in arboreal quadrupedal locomotion. Knowledge gained during this study may prove useful in identifying skeletal material or remains and diagnosing musculoskeletal diseases and injuries of the thoracic limb.http://www.ojvr.orgam201

Osteology and radiographic anatomy of the pelvis and hind limb of healthy ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta)

In family Lemuridae, anatomical variations exist. Considering its conservation status (near threatened) and presence of similarities between strepsirrhines and primitive animals, it was thought to be beneficial to describe the gross osteology and radiographic anatomy of the pelvis and hind limb of ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) as a reference for clinical use and species identification. Radiography was performed in 14 captive adult ring-tailed lemurs. The radiographic findings were correlated with bone specimens from two adult animals. Additionally, computed tomography of the hind limbs was performed in one animal. The pelvic bone has a well-developed caudal ventral iliac spine. The patella has a prominent tuberosity on the cranial surface. The first metatarsal bone and digit 1 are markedly stouter than the other metatarsal bones and digits with medial divergence from the rest of the metatarsal bones and digits. Ossicles were seen in the lateral meniscus, inter-phalangeal joint of digit 1 and in the infrapatellar fat pad. Areas of mineral opacity were seen within the external genitalia, which are believed to be the os penis and os clitoris. Variations exist in the normal osteology and radiographic appearance of the pelvis and hind limb of different animal species. The use of only atlases from domestic cats and dogs for interpretative purposes may be misleading.Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSDW), Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), University of Pretoria, Johannesburg (JHB) and Bristol Zoos.http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1439-0264hb201

Mycobacterium tuberculosis at the human/wildlife interface in a high TB burden country

This study reports on an investigation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis cases in mostly captive wild animals using molecular typing tools [Variable Number of Tandem Repeat (VNTR) typing and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism typing]. The investigation included cases from (i) the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa (NZG) recorded between 2002 and 2011; (ii) Johannesburg Zoo, where tuberculosis was first diagnosed in 2007 and has since been detected in three antelope species; (iii) a rehabilitation centre for vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) in which M. tuberculosis was diagnosed in 2008; and (iv) incidental cases in other facilities including a sable antelope (Hippotragus niger), two unrelated cases in chacma baboons (Papio ursinus) (one of which was from a free-ranging troop) and a colony of capuchin monkeys (Cebus capucinus). Identical genetic profiles of the latter three isolates indicate the persistence of a single M. tuberculosis strain in this population since at least 2006. Results of the outbreak investigation in the captive vervet monkey colony indicate that it was caused by two unrelated strains, while all 13 M. tuberculosis isolates from 11 animal species in the NZG showed different VNTR patterns. A substantial increase in tuberculosis cases of 60% was recorded in the NZG, compared with the previous reporting period 1991–2001, and may indicate a countrywide trend of increasing spillover of human tuberculosis to wild animals. South Africa ranks among the countries with the highest-tuberculosis burden worldwide, complicated by an increasing rate of multidrug-resistant strains. Exposure and infection of captive wildlife in this high prevalence setting is therefore a growing concern for wildlife conservation but also for human health through potential spillback.http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1865-1682hb201

Faculty vets rescue female black-footed cat and her kittens with cesarean section

The black-footed cat (Felis nigripes) is one of South Africa’s smallest and most enigmatic wild cat species. Their numbers, both in the wild and in captivity are rapidly declining and they are currently listed as vulnerable in the IUCN Red List (2006) and are also listed under Appendix I by the Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES). Athena, the female black footed cat, was brought to the Lory Park Zoo and Owl Sanctuary as a 6-months old kitten. Found during harvest season on a farm near Lichtenburg, she was paired with a male and became pregnant. This was her first litter. Black-footed cat gestation is similar to a domestic cat (63 days). She was monitored throughout her pregnancy as it was her first litter and she was very large. On Monday, 19 August she was brought to the Faculty’s Veterinary Academic Hospital (OVAH) with a history of lethargy and depression. According to the manager of Lory Park Zoo, Kara Heynis she was 5 days overdue. Ultrasound of the female showed two healthy foetuses and one where no heart beat could be seen. Radiographs of the female confirmed three kittens in utero. As the female was very lethargic and the foetus very large and overdue, Dr Katja Koeppel, wildlife vet in the Faculty, decided to perform a caesarean section.Originally published as HTML file, converted to PDF with Adobe Acrobat 9 Pro Version 9.0.0.News articles with colour photos about what's happening at the Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria.ab201