Evidence Confirms the Presence of Cougars (Puma concolor) in Ontario, Canada

A study was initiated to collect and collate evidence to resolve the long-standing question of whether free-ranging Cougars (Puma concolor) exist on the Ontario landscape. A total of 497 pieces of evidence confirmed that Cougars were present in Ontario during the period 1991 to 2010. That evidence included 21 pieces of class 1 evidence (scat, hair, DNA, tracks, photographs of a Cougar), 13 class 2 sightings (by qualified observers such as biologists), and 463 class 3 sightings (credible sightings by unqualified observers). The evidence presented in this paper indicates the presence in Ontario of free-ranging Cougars of unknown origin

Immobilization of Elk, Cervus elaphus, with Telezol and Xylazine and Reversal with Tolazine or Yohimbine

During January 2003 and March 2005, a Telazol®/xylazine mixture was used to immobilize 4 free-ranging Elk in Ontario, Canada. A dosage of 3.3-3.6 mg/kg of Telazol® and 1.7-2.0 mg/kg of xylazine proved to be effective for the rapid immobilization of Elk. Induction time for those dosages was as short as 3-4 minutes. The advantage of using Telazol® is that only small volumes (3-4 ml) are needed to immobilize Elk-sized animals. In addition, Tolazine® and yohimbine both proved to be effective antagonists for xylazine with recovery times of 8 to 15 minutes when administered at dosages of 3.3-3.6 and 0.08-0.14 mg/kg, respectively. The use of oxygen proved to be effective for treatment of hyoxemia in Elk immobilized with a Telazol®/xylazine mixture. The immobilization procedures and the drug and antagonist dosage information will be useful to researchers planning to capture free-ranging Elk for activities such as radio-collaring and blood sampling

Elimination of Arctic Variant Rabies in Red Foxes, Metropolitan Toronto

To control the arctic variant of rabies virus in red foxes, 332,257 bait doses containing live, attenuated Evelyn-Rokitnicki-Abelseth rabies vaccine were distributed in greater metropolitan Toronto during 1989–1999. Human and pet contact with bait was minimal, and no adverse reactions to the vaccine were noted. Significantly fewer rabid foxes were found during the 17 years after fox baiting (5 cases during 1990–2006) than in the 17 years before (96 cases during 1973–1989). The last report of a rabid fox in metropolitan Toronto was in 1996 (reporting period through September 2006), which confirms that distributing oral rabies vaccine bait is a feasible tactic for the control of rabies in foxes in urban environments

The Ecology of Red Foxes, Vulpes vulpes, in Metropolitan Toronto, Ontario: Disease Management Implications

During 1989-1992, 33 Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) were fitted with radio-collars in metropolitan Toronto to study their behaviour which would provide data to assist with the design of a rabies control strategy for urban areas of Ontario. Annual home range size for adult foxes (avg = 325 ha, SD = 207) was significantly larger than that of juvenile foxes (avg = 165 ha, SD = 176), but we could not detect any seasonal differences in home range size for foxes. Mean (SD) nightly ranges were 38.3 ha (48.3) in spring, 97.4 ha (115.4) in summer, 26.8 ha (28.5) in fall, and 16.3 ha (13.6) in winter. Movements by foxes during the period from June to November averaged 3.5 km (2.89). Eleven of the foxes were known to have dispersed (? 3 km from their home range), but we could not detect a mean direction of dispersal. Thirty-six percent (4/11) of the foxes dispersed in December and 18% (2/11) dispersed in August, with the remainder dispersing between February and November. Average dispersal distance was 19.3 km (15.6), and a significant negative correlation was detected between initial home range size and dispersal distance of foxes. Mortality of radio-collared foxes was caused by collisions with automobiles, predation, and shooting. Foxes made extensive use of ravines and other greenbelt areas, such as parks and golf courses. Residential areas were also used by some foxes. Knowledge of the habitats frequented by foxes as well as their movement potential assisted researchers in determining where vaccine baits should be placed for the control of rabies in Red Foxes in metropolitan Toronto

Late-born Elk, Cervus elaphus, Calf Observed Near Bancroft, Ontario

A recently born male Elk (Cervus elaphus) calf was observed and photographed approximately 30 km east of Bancroft, Ontario, on 5 October 2004. Based on the gestation period for Elk, the estimated conception date was between late December 2003 and early January 2004. This is unusual as the majority of calves are born between late May and early June with conception having occurred in September/October. This reproductive strategy allows for an optimum growth period for calves to occur before the onset of winter which increases the probability of survival. An eleven-year-old cow Elk was identified as the mother of the late born calf. The age of the cow, and her inability to meet the annual energy requirements necessary for normal reproduction, may have contributed to the late conception and parturition dates

Home Range, Movements, and Habitat Utilization of Striped Skunk (Mephitis mephitis) in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada: Disease Management Implications

A total of 28 Striped Skunks (Mephitis mephitis) were fitted with radio-transmitters and their movements were monitored in Scarborough (Toronto), Ontario, in 1986 and 1987. Mean annual home range size for combined sex and age classes of Striped Skunks was 0.9 km2 (SD = 1.4) (range = 0.1-5.0 km2). Home ranges were smaller during winter (avg = 0.04 km2, SD = 0.05) than during fall (avg = 0.67 km2, SD = 1.09) (P = 0.055) but not different from ranges during spring (avg = 0.25 km2, SD = 0.31) or summer (avg = 0.27 km2, SD = 0.43). Nightly movements ranged between 0.1 km and 3.0 km and were greatest during October. Skunks were located more often in field habitats (56% of observations) than in residential (23%), field/industrial (10%), or industrial (8%) habitats. Ecological data on Striped Skunks were used in the design of rabies control tactics for use in urban areas in Ontario, Canada

Trap-Vaccinate-Release Program to Control Raccoon Rabies, New York, USA

In 2009, an outbreak of raccoon rabies in Central Park in New York City, New York, USA, infected 133 raccoons. Five persons and 2 dogs were exposed but did not become infected. A trap-vaccinate-release program vaccinated ≈500 raccoons and contributed to the end of the epizootic

Analysis of maternal and fetal outcome of placenta previa

Background: Placenta previa, a condition in which the placenta is inserted into the lower uterine segment, causes bleeding and is a major risk factor for obstetric haemorrhage. Early diagnosis, blood transfusion, and multidisciplinary treatment can reduce maternal mortality rates. This study aimed to investigate the clinical aspects of the course of pregnancy, risk factors, maternal and foetal outcomes of patients admitted with the clinical features of placenta previa, and maternal and perinatal complications. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 170 patients with placenta previa admitted to the Tirunelveli Government Medical College between September 2019 and September 2021. Patient details, obstetric history, and clinical examinations were recorded during admission. They underwent USG, MRI, and foetal and maternal examinations. The cases were managed based on placenta previa, gestational age, and conditions. Results: Type 4 placenta previa, the most common type, accounted for 40% of cases, with bleeding per vagina being the primary complaint in 46% of cases. MRI was performed in 85% of patients, and emergency caesarean section was performed in 78%. Postpartum, 36% required hysterectomy due to haemorrhage. Babies had an average weight of 2.5-3 kg, with 30-32% having low birth weight. The maternal mortality was 1.18%, with 5% intrauterine and 4% neonatal deaths. Placenta previa was more common in women aged 25-29 (38%) and associated with previous caesarean sections (40%). Foetal malpresentation was higher (28%) in cases of placenta previa, mostly breech (49%). Conclusion: This study suggested that advancing maternal age, gravidity, parity, previous abortion, and caesarean section were increased risk factors for placenta previa

Human-assisted Movements of Raccoons, Procyon lotor, and Opossums, Didelphis virginiana, between the United States and Canada

Movements of Raccoons (Procyon lotor) (mean = 479 km) and Opossums (Didelphis virginiana) (mean = 688 km) by means of transport trailers and a train from the USA and Quebec into Ontario were significantly greater than Raccoon movements (mean = 15 km) from Ontario to New York State determined by mark-recapture. Human-assisted movements of wildlife could have significant impacts with respect to cross-border movements of diseases such as rabies. Proactive communication programs, especially at International border crossing areas, should be encouraged to decrease the occurrence of the unintentional movement of wildlife and associated diseases

Correlation Between Age Estimates for Elk, Cervus Elaphus, Using Tooth Wear/Eruption Patterns and Counts of Annuli in Tooth Cementum

Two different techniques, (1) tooth wear, tooth eruption patterns and other attributes and (2) counting annuli and seasonal growth zones in the cementum of incisor teeth, were used to estimate the age of Elk, Cervus elaphus, that were relocated from Alberta to Ontario, Canada. Age estimates for Elk ranged from 2 to 20 years, and a significant relationship was found between the ages acquired by the two methods. Critical to acquiring accurate age estimates for Elk were staff with extensive skill with respect to the aging technique utilized