Equal contributions of feline immunodeficiency virus and coinfections to morbidity in African lions

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is a pathogenic lentivirus related to human and simian immunodeficiency viruses that has been associated with AIDS-like pathologies in domestic and wild cats, as well as in hyenas. Despite known pathologies, progressive immunosuppression and ill health effects driven by these lentiviruses in association with other secondary infections remain understudied in free-ranging species. Here, the role of coinfections by gastrointestinal parasites and tick-borne hemoparasites for FIV disease progression was explored in 195 free-ranging African lions (Panthera leo) living in Kruger National Park (KNP), South Africa. Using statistical methodology, we evaluated the effects of FIV on a range of health indicators to explore how direct and indirect effects of FIV and associated coinfections align to determine lion health outcomes. Findings show direct negative effects of FIV on host immunity and nutritional status, and exacerbation of aggressive behaviors, conditions which may increase exposure/susceptibility to other secondary infections. When taken together, the contribution of coinfecting parasites to morbidity in lions is of similar magnitude as direct effects of FIV infection alone, suggesting that the particular coinfection assemblage may play a role in mediating disease progression within natural lion populations

Pollution impacts on the aquatic ecosystems of the Kruger National Park, South Africa

The Kruger National Park (KNP) is a savanna ecosystem situated in the middle reaches of five large, dynamic and biologically diverse transboundary river systems. The KNP has been at the forefront of applied river ecosystems research for over 30 years. Meanwhile each of its rivers has a unique set of challenges from both a river flow and water quality manage- ment perspective. These have often arisen from anthropogenic changes in the catchments of the park. The resultant challenges give rise to an array of effects that bear upon the parks’ ability to maintain the viability of aquatic ecosystems in a large and bio-diverse landscape. This paper sets the scene through a synopsis of the investments made by the KNP to improve river management practices and the present status-quo of these aquatic systems. Moreover, it details through particular case studies where emergent impacts of diffuse pol- lution sources have affected the aquatic biotic processes within the park and downstream. Issues are framed within a conservation management context with respect to broad ecosystem health and species of conservation concern. Comparisons are also made to other aquatic ecosystems within the KNP where the impacts of diffuse pollution effects are as yet unapparent.The Land-Use and Water Quality Task Group of the International Water Association is acknowledged for constructive inputs to the development of this manuscript and providing sponsorship to present it at the 3rd Regional Conference on Diffuse Pollution, Chiang Mai, Thailand, November 2018.http://www.elsevier.com/locate/sciafam2019Paraclinical Science

Evaluation of butorphanol, medetomidine and midazolam as a reversible narcotic combination in free-ranging African lions (Panthera leo)

Objective To evaluate the effects of the combination butorphanol, medetomidine and midazolam (BMM) and its reversibility in lions. Study design Prospective clinical trial. Animals Thirty free-ranging lions, 10 male and 20 female, weighing 81–210 kg. Methods Lions were immobilised with butorphanol mean 0.31 ± SD 0.034 mg kg-1, medetomidine 0.052 ± 0.006 mg kg-1, midazolam 0.21 ± 0.024 mg kg-1 and hyaluronidase 1250 IU administered intramuscularly with a dart gun. Upon recumbency, physiological parameters and anaesthetic depth were monitored 10–15 minutes after darting (T1) and repeated every 10 minutes for a further 30 minutes (T2, T3, T4). Arterial blood gas analyses were performed at T1 and T4. At the end of the procedure, 45–60 minutes after initial darting, immobilisation was reversed with naltrexone 0.68 ± 0.082 mg kg-1, atipamezole 0.26 ± 0.031 mg kg-1, and flumazenil 0.0032 ± 0.0007 mg kg-1 administered intravenously and subcutaneously. Results The BMM combination rapidly induced immobilisation and lateral recumbency was reached within 7.25 ± 2.3 minutes. Median induction score [scored 1 (excellent) to 4 (poor)] was 1.4 (range 1–2). Cardio-respiratory parameters were stable. Heart rate varied from 32 to 72 beats per minute, respiratory rate from 14 to 32 breaths minute-1 and rectal temperature from 36.6 to 40.3 C. No sudden arousals were observed. Arterial blood gas analyses revealed a mean pH of 7.33, PaCO2 of 33 mmHg and PaO2 of 87 mmHg. Mild to moderate hypoxemia was seen in four lions. Recovery was smooth and lions were walking within 4.4 ± 4.25 minutes. Median recovery score [scored 1 (excellent) to 4 (poor)] was 1.3 (range 1–2). Conclusion and clinical relevance The drug combination proved to be effective in immobilising freeranging healthy lions of both sexes with minimal cardio-respiratory changes