Descriptions of anatomical differences between skulls and mandibles of Equus zebra and E. burchelli from Southern Africa

The external anatomical differences between the skulls and mandibles of 10 mountain zebras Equus zebra and 10 plains zebras E. burchelli of both sexes were studied. The nomenclature used conforms to Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria (1983). Eleven structural differences are described for the first time and illustrated, viz., outline of the foramen magnum; length of the alar canal; comparative presence of the For. alare parvum; proportions of the mastoid process of the temporal bone; shape and development of the pterygoid crest; notch at the rostral end of the facial crest in E. burchelli; different inclination of the caudal end of the zygomatic arch; shape and length of the retroarticular process; relative size of the supraorbital foramina; presence of incisive canals in E. zebra; difference in the junction of the interalveolar border of the mandible with the alveolar border of the first cheek tooth. If three or more differences are used for identification, it should be possible to train any worker to distinguish between the skulls of these two species

Vector-borne and other pathogens of potential relevance disseminated by relocated cats

Large populations of unowned cats constitute an animal welfare, ecological, societal and public health issue worldwide. Their relocation and homing are currently carried out in many parts of the world with the intention of relieving suffering and social problems, while contributing to ethical and humane population control in these cat populations. An understanding of an individual cat’s lifestyle and disease status by veterinary team professionals and those working with cat charities can help to prevent severe cat stress and the spread of feline pathogens, especially vector-borne pathogens, which can be overlooked in cats. In this article, we discuss the issue of relocation and homing of unowned cats from a global perspective. We also review zoonotic and non-zoonotic infectious agents of cats and give a list of practical recommendations for veterinary team professionals dealing with homing cats. Finally, we present a consensus statement consolidated at the 15th Symposium of the Companion Vector-Borne Diseases (CVBD) World Forum in 2020, ultimately to help veterinary team professionals understand the problem and the role they have in helping to prevent and manage vector-borne and other pathogens in relocated cats

Mammals

At last! A book that tells visitors to the Kruger National Park much more than just gestation period and record horn length of the larger mammals

Onderstepoort 1908 - 2008, D.W. Verwoerd and R.D. Bigalke (Eds.) : book review

October 2008 saw the commemoration of the centenary of the inauguration of the first building on the Onderstepoort campus. This building was declared a national monument in 1983. The roots of the Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute actually go back further, to 1896, when the rinderpest pandemic sweeping down the African continent prompted the government of the then Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek to establish a 'disinfection station' at Daspoort, on the outskirts of Pretoria, under the supervision of Arnold Theiler. The activities of that rather basic laboratory were transferred in October 1908 to the state-of-the-art building that had been erected on the farm 'De Onderstepoort', north of Pretoria. The name Onderstepoort has since become synonymous with veterinary research and education, not only in South Africa, but also far beyond its borders

Further bird records from the Bontebokand Mountain Zebra National Parks

The avifauna of this Park is well-known. Shortly after the Park was relocated to Swellendam in 1960, a preliminary list of the birds of the Park was published (Winterbottom 1962a). This was soon followed by a comprehensive check list (Winterbottom 1967a) and a report on bird densities in the Coastal Renosterbosveld of the Park (Winterbottom 1968a). Six further bird species, five of which have been reported in The Ostrich, are documented here, increasing to 150 the total number of species recorded in the Park. The numbers denote those used in Roberts birds of South Africa (McLachlan and Liversidge 1970) and the nomenclature follows the Check list of the birds of South Africa (S.A.O.S. List Committee 1969)