Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

H5n1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Clade 2.3.4.4b In Wild And Domestic Birds: Introductions Into The United States And Reassortments, December 2021–April 2022, Sungsu Youk, Mia Kim Torchetti, Kristina Lantz, Julianna B. Lenoch, Mary Lea Killian, Christina Leyson, Sarah N. Bevins, Krista Dilione, Hon S. Ip, David E. Stallknecht, Rebecca L. Poulson, David L. Suarez, David E. Swayne, Mary J. Pantin-Jackwood

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) of the A/goose/Guangdong/1/1996 lineage H5 clade 2.3.4.4b continue to have a devastating effect on domestic and wild birds. Full genome sequence analyses using 1369 H5N1 HPAIVs detected in the United States (U.S.) in wild birds, commercial poultry, and backyard flocks from December 2021 to April 2022, showed three phylogenetically distinct H5N1 virus introductions in the U.S. by wild birds. Unreassorted Eurasian genotypes A1 and A2 entered the Northeast Atlantic states, whereas a genetically distinct A3 genotype was detected in Alaska. The A1 genotype spread westward via wild bird migration and reassorted with North American …

Limited Accumulation And Persistence Of An Influenza A Virus In Tadpole Snails (Physa Spp.), Paul T. Oesterle, J. Jeffrey Root, Darcy S.O. Mora, Heather Schneider, Alan B. Franklin, Kathryn P. Huyvaert

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Waterfowl infected with avian influenza A viruses (IAVs) shed infectious virus into aquatic environments, providing a mechanism for transmission among waterfowl, while also exposing the entire aquatic ecosystem to the virus. Aquatic invertebrates such as freshwater snails are likely exposed to IAVs in the water column and sediment. Freshwater snails comprise a significant portion of some waterfowl species’ diets, so this trophic interaction may serve as a novel route of IAV transmission. In these experiments, tadpole snails (Physa spp.) were exposed to a low-pathogenicity IAV (H3N8) to determine whether snails can accumulate the virus and, if so, how long virus …

Evaluation Of The Effectiveness Of Foot-And-Mouth Disease Vaccination Of Animals In The Buffer Zone Of The Republic Of Armenia In 2016–2020, Satenik Kharatyan, Khachik Sargsyan, Hasmik Elbakyan, Tigran Markosyan, Pertsh Tumanyan, Varduhi Hakobyan, Vazgen Sargsyan, Manvel Badalyan, Gayane Chobanyan, Jenna E Achenbach

Faculty and Staff Publications

BACKGROUND: Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a high impact viral disease of livestock for which vaccines are extensively used for limiting the spread of infection. Armenia shares a border with both Turkey and Iran where FMD is endemic, making vaccination an important component of Armenia's control strategy. Additionally, Armenian veterinary services utilize both passive and active monitoring for prevention control.

METHODS: We sought to determine the immune status of animals vaccinated against FMD and to evaluate the effectiveness of our vaccination policy in Armenia. This was conducted in three regions including Shirak, Armavir, and Ararat Region which are located in the …

Transgenic Mice Expressing Functional Tcrs Specific To Cardiac Myhc-Α 334–352 On Both Cd4 And Cd8 T Cells Are Resistant To The Development Of Myocarditis On C57bl/6 Genetic Background, Meghna Sur, Mahima T. Rasquinha, Rajkumar Arumugam, Chandirasegaran Massilamany, Arunkumar Gangaplara, Kiruthiga Mone, Ninaad Lasrado, Bharathi Yalaka, Aakash Doiphode, Channabasavaiah Gurumurthy, David J. Steffen, Jay Reddy

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

Myocarditis is a predominant cause of congestive heart failure and sudden death in children and young adolescents that can lead to dilated cardiomyopathy. Lymphocytic myocarditis mediated by T cells can result from the recognition of cardiac antigens that may involve CD4 or CD8 T cells or both. In this report, we describe the generation of T cell receptor (TCR) transgenic mice on a C57BL/6 genetic background specific to cardiac myosin heavy chain (Myhc)-α 334–352 and make the following observations: First, we verified that Myhc-α 334–352 was immunogenic in wild-type C57BL/6 mice and induced antigen-specific CD4 T cell responses despite being …

Chicken Immune Responses To Vaccination By The Avian Influenza Subtype H5n1 Against Avian Influenza, Ramlah Ramlah, Sri Murtini, Retno Damayanti Soejoedono, Ketut Karuni Nyanakumari Natih, Siti Gusti Ningrum

Makara Journal of Science

Avian Influenza (AI) is one of the strategic animal diseases still considered a priority for control by the Indonesian government. This study aimed to examine the immune response of chickens to various types of H5N1 subtype AI vaccines in Indonesia and to determine the correlation of factors influencing the post-vaccination AI antibody response. Serum samples were tested using the hemagglutination inhibition (HI) test with the standard AI antigen subtype H5N1 strain A/Chicken/Barru/BBVM/41-13/2013 (Clade 2.1.3) and strain A/Chicken/Semarang/04141225-07/2014 (Clade 2.3.2). Antibody titer was calculated using the Geometric Mean Titer (GMT). The correlation analyses were performed to assess the correlation of antibody …

Heterochronic Serum Proteins, Jeffrey Mason

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Mechanism of ovarian-dependent enhancement of health and longevity in postreproductive female mice

A Naturally Derived Watercress Flower-Based Phenethyl Isothiocyanate-Enriched Extract Induces The Activation Of Intrinsic Apoptosis Via Subcellular Ultrastructural And Ca2+ Efflux Alterations In An In Vitro Model Of Human Malignant Melanoma, Sotiris Kyriakou, Louiza Potamiti, Nikoletta Demosthenous, Tom Amery, Kyle Stewart, Paul G. Winyard, Rodrigo Franco, Aglaia Pappa, Mihalis I. Panayiotidis

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

The aim of the current study was to (i) extract isolated fractions of watercress flowers enriched in polyphenols, phenethyl isothiocyanate and glucosinolates and (ii) characterize the anticancer mode of action of non-lethal, sub-lethal and lethal concentrations of the most potent extract fraction in primary (A375) and metastatic (COLO-679) melanoma cells as well as non-tumorigenic immortalized keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells. Cytotoxicity was assessed via the Alamar Blue assay, whereas ultrastructural alterations in mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum were determined via transmission electron microscopy. Mitochondrial membrane depolarization was determined using Mito-MP dye, whereas apoptosis was evaluated through the activation of caspases-3, -8 and …

Application Of New Molecular Tools To Assess Virus Viability In Production Animals, Declan C. Schroeder

Proceedings of the Arkansas Nutrition Conference

Persistent viral infections routinely impose an inconvenient, always costly but thankfully not all too often catastrophic outcome on our modern food system. Managing viruses is key for all concerned if our objective is to meet the ever-growing demand to high-value animal protein. Whether it’s the impact influenza A virus (IAV) has on the avian or swine industries, Porcine reproductive and respiratory virus (PRRSV) on the swine or Deformed wing virus (DWV) on honey bees in both the honey and pollinator sectors - the negative impact and damaging cost to the individual producer, country and global economy cannot be overstated.

Color Stability, Physical Properties And Antifungal Effects Of Zro2 Additions To Experimental Maxillofacial Silicones: Comparisons With Tio2, Mazen Alkahtany, Mark W. Beatty, Fahd Alsalleeh, Thomas M. Petro, Bobby Simetich, You Zhou, Dennis Feely, Grigoris Polyzois

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

(1) Background: Color changes, physical degradation, and fungal infections are challenges to the longevity of maxillofacial polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomers. This study aimed to evaluate color changes, physical properties, and antifungal properties of PDMS loaded with ZrO₂ and TiO₂ submicron- and nano-sized particles. (2) Methods: A 1% weight of 40 nm or 200 nm diameter ZrO₂ or TiO₂ nanoparticles was mixed into PDMS with 2% functional intrinsic yellow pigment and polymerized. Control materials contained 13% weight 200 nm silica. Samples were exposed to 3000 h of UVB radiation (200 μW/cm²) or darkness. Color parameters L*a*b* …

Antiviral Susceptibility Of Clade 2.3.4.4b Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5n1) Viruses Isolated From Birds And Mammals In The United States, 2022, Ha T. Nguyen, Anton Chesnokov, Juan De La Cruz, Philippe Noriel Q. Pascua, Vasiliy P. Mishin, Yunho Jang, Joyce Jones, Han Di, Andrei A. Ivashchenko, Mary Lea Killian, Mia K. Torchetti, Kristina Lantz, David E. Wentworth, Charles T. Davis, Alexandre V. Ivachtchenko, Larisa V. Gubareva

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Clade 2.3.4.4b highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) viruses that are responsible for devastating outbreaks in birds and mammals pose a potential threat to public health. Here, we evaluated their susceptibility to influenza antivirals. Of 1,015 sequences of HPAI A(H5N1) viruses collected in the United States during 2022, eight viruses (∼0.8%) had a molecular marker of drug resistance to an FDA-approved antiviral: three adamantane-resistant (M2-V27A), four oseltamivir-resistant (NA-H275Y), and one baloxavir-resistant (PA-I38T). Additionally, 31 viruses contained mutations that may reduce susceptibility to inhibitors of neuraminidase (NA) (n = 20) or cap-dependent endonuclease (CEN) (n = 11). A panel of 22 …

Impact Of A Study Abroad Course In Helping Undergraduate Students Affirm Their Career Aspirations To Become Veterinarians: A Qualitative Inquiry, Jose M. Uscanga, M. Craig Edwards, J. Shane Robinson, Rob Terry Jr., Udaya Desilva

Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education

Twenty-five students who participated in a study abroad course tailored to veterinary medicine during the summer of 2019 were the study’s sources of data. Using photovoice and phenomenology research methods, we sought to explore, understand, and interpret the impact of a study abroad course on pre-vet students’ views regarding veterinary medicine and their aspirations to become veterinarians. Students perceived that veterinary medicine in Mexico was structured differently from the U.S. approach and the nation’s socioeconomic and agroclimatology conditions impacted the delivery of veterinary care and affected the work settings and practice of veterinarians. They not only discerned the uniqueness of …

Effect Of Feeding Frequency On Growth, Fecundity, And Meat Quality Of Abant Trout (Salmo Abanticus Tortonese, 1954) Broodstock, Mehmet Zeki̇ Alkan, Nadi̇r Başçinar

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

This study was carried out to investigate the growth data, egg production and changes in the biochemical structure of meat of Abant trout depending on feeding frequency (once a day, twice a day, three times a day, four times a day) in order to contribute to the economy through the private sector. All fish in the groups were planned to be of similar weight at the beginning of the study. Individual fish weights were measured at the beginning of the study, and the average was found to be 224.87 ± 0.69 g. At the end of the study, the weights …

Comparison Of Bacterial Profile And Antibiotic Susceptibility Isolated From Surgical Site After Ventral Midline And Lateral Flank Approaches Of Ovariohysterectomy In Queens And Bitches, Ebru Karakaya Bi̇len, Serpi̇l Kahya Demi̇rbi̇lek, Öznur Yilmaz, Muhammet Ali̇ Karadağ, Havva Aner

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

The aim of the study was to identify the bacterial profile and antimicrobial susceptibility from surgical site cultures in queens and bitches undergoing ovariohysterectomy via ventral midline and lateral flank approaches. Healthy 22 queens and 21 bitches were assigned randomly either ventral midline or lateral flank approach for routine ovariohysterectomy. Surgical site samples were collected before the surgery and on the 1$^{st}$, 2$^{nd}$ , and 3 $^{rd}$days after the surgery for microbiological analysis. A total of 70 different strains were isolated from 50 (29%) of 172 samples. In both queens and bitches the total number of bacteria isolated from the …

Impact Of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia Illucens) Fresh Meal On The Growth Performance, Digestive Enzymes, Hematology, And Intestinal Histology Of Cork Fish (Channa Striata), Boby Muslimin, Danang Yonarta, Eny Heriyati, Helmizuryani Helmizuryani, Meika Puspita Sari, Dewi Apriyanti, Rahmat Kurniawan

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

Black Soldier Fly (BSF) is an alternative ingredient for Fish Meal (FM) which is expected to reduce aquaculture operational costs and positively impact fish growth and health. The effect of BSF fresh meal on growth response, digestibility, intestinal hematology, and intestinal histology of cork fish was investigated. The BSF experiment with mixed percentages as treatments, by 20%, 50%, 80%, and 100%, was repeated four times. Furthermore, there were 50 individuals/m3 cork fish with an average weight of 1.6 ± 0.05 g distributed in each treatment. An increase in BSF influences a significant decrease in the Relative Growth Weight (RGW) and …

Evaluation Of Different Stocking Densities On Fattening Performance, Slaughter, Carcass, Meat Quality Characteristics, And Fatty Acid Composition In New Zealand Rabbits, Büşra Yaranoğlu, Mustafa Hi̇lmi̇ Yaranoğlu, Sali̇ha Uysal, Adnan Adi̇l Hi̇şmi̇oğullari

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

The aim of the research was to investigate the effects of different stocking densities on fattening performance, slaughter, carcass, meat quality characteristics, and fatty acid composition in New Zealand rabbits raised in cage conditions and also determine the ideal housing frequency so that yields were not adversely affected. In the study, 36 New Zealand rabbits were used. After weaning, the fattening was started and rabbits were put into cages at different stocking densities as 1 rabbit/cage, 2 rabbits/cage, and 3 rabbits/ cage. The live weight of rabbits and feed consumption data were taken every week. At the end of 8 …

The First Data Of A Newly Recorded Native Goat Genotype Called Manavlı In Türkiye: Growth Traits Of Kids, Aykut Asim Akbaş, Mustafa Saatci, Özkan Elmaz, Can Meti̇n Yazici

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

This study aimed to define growth traits of kids named Manavlı goat from six flocks under the breeder?s conditions in Denizli Province. The average birth weights of the kids were 3.63 kg, 4.28 kg, 3.85 kg, 4.11 kg, 3.83 kg, and 3.64 kg for the six flocks, respectively. The average live weights of male and female kids on 60th, 90th, and 150th day of age were 16.50 kg, 22.35 kg, and 34.82 kg and 15.33 kg, 20.14 kg, and 32.06 kg, respectively (p < 0.05). While the average live weights of single kids on 60th, 90th were 16.70 kg and 21.96 kg, the values for twins were 15.13 kg and 21.03 kg, respectively (p < 0.05). Body measurements of male kids such as height at withers, rump height, rump width, body length, heart girth, head length, ear length, tail length, and front and back wrist girth were measured as 70.26 cm, 70.21 cm, 16.23 cm, 66.80 cm, 70.11 cm, 19.51 cm, 22.16 cm, 18.59 cm, 11.85 cm, and 11.57 cm, respectively, on the 150th day of age. This study is the first research related to growth traits of Manavlı kids, for which no features have been reported to date. It was thought that the results obtained will help to characterise the Manavlı goat and will provide a database for the following studies.

An Evaluation Of Canine Inguinal Hernias Containing The Uterus: Clinical Experience Of Four Cases (2017-2022) And Literature Review, Fi̇rdevs Bi̇nli̇, Fati̇h Büyükbudak, İpek İnan, Volkan Ferahoğlu, Anil Gürkan Aksu, Murat Findik, Serhan Serhat Ay

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

The aim of this study is to identify and summarize the evidence and risk factors of canine inguinal hernia containing the uterus (Inguinal Hysterocele; IH) etiology by presenting our clinical experience with a literature review. A total of 18 canine IH cases were evaluated in the study. Of these, four have not yet been published anywhere, two have been published before, and 12 were obtained through a literature review. According to the findings, 81.3% of the cases were small/medium races, 83.3% were ≥5 years old, and 72.7% were multiparous. Totally 83.3% of the cases were chronic and 72.2% of the …

Stereological Investigation Of Medulla Oblongata Volume In Norduz Sheep, Ozan Ertaş, Gamze Çakmak

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

In this study, it was aimed to stereologically examine the medulla oblongata volume of Norduz sheep in the Gürpınar District of Van Province. Upon receiving news from the sections in the Gürpınar region, we went to the region. A total of 12 Norduz sheep skulls, 6 females and 6 males, were received from the Norduz sheep slaughter in the region. After the brains of Norduz sheep were dissected, they were fixed as a whole in formaldehyde for 1 week. Medulla oblongatas were separated from the brain and kept in formaldehyde for 1 week. Tissues obtained by sequential random sampling from …

Determination Of Virulence Genes And Antibiotic Resistance Profiles Of Streptococcus Agalactiae Isolated From Buffalo Milk, Nevi̇n Tuzcu, Hasan Hüseyi̇n Hadi̇mli̇, Beatri̇z Padron

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

Mastitis is a contagious disease that causes significant milk loss and serious economic damage in dairy animals. Streptococcus agalactiae causes clinical and subclinical mastitis in animals and infections in humans, especially adults, and newborns. This study aimed to confirm the identification of S. agalactiae isolates by PCR in buffalo milk; to determine the antibiotic resistance and virulence genes by multiplex PCR. The material of this study consisted of 30 (12%) S. agalactiae strains identified by phenotypic, biochemical, and PCR methods (rRNA-16S) from 250 isolates with bacterial growth from milk samples of buffaloes with mastitis. In addition, the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion …

In Vitro Antimicrobial And Antibiofilm-Forming Activities Of Origanum Munzurense Plant Extract On Some Foodborne Gram-Negative Bacteria, Hali̇l Yalçin, Esra Zeybek, Oktay Özkan, Asim Kart

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

lants are an important source for the discovery of antimicrobial formulations due to the many biologically active components they contain. In this study, in vitro antimicrobial and antibiofilm forming activities of ethanolic extract of Origanum munzurense were investigated against some strains of foodborne pathogenic bacteria. To investigate the antimicrobial activity, the minimal inhibitory concentration values against the selected bacteria and antibiofilm-forming activity were tested with the liquid microdilution method and microplate method, respectively. MICs of Origanum munzurense extract against the bacteria tested are 32 mg/mL for Escherichia coli O157: H7 ATCC 35150, 32 mg/mL for Escherichia coli O157: H7 ATCC …

Expression Of Hif-1Α, Caspase-3, P53, Hsp70, Hsp90, And Nrf2 In The Canine Spleen With Siderofibrotic Nodules: An Immunohistochemical And Immunofluorescence Perspective On Apoptosis, Ferroptosis, And Oxidative Stress, Ali Babanezhad-Gajouti, Amir Amniattalab

Turkish Journal of Veterinary & Animal Sciences

Splenic siderofibrotic nodules (SFNs) are benign tiny yellow-brownish foci found in dogs. Their pathogenesis is unclear whereas trauma and hemorrhage are assumed to be the possible causative factors. The spleen of 73 Iranian dogs of the mixed breed was examined for possible splenomegaly with SFNs. Ultrasonography, blood biochemistry, pathology, and immunohistochemistry revealed splenomegaly (n = 7), splenomegaly with SFNs (n = 6) and normal spleens (n = 60). There was no significant difference between the prevalence of splenomegaly with SFN among the examined dogs and their age or sex (p > 0.05). Ultrasonography represented a significant increase (p ≤ 0.01) in …

The Devil You Know And The Devil You Don’T: Current Status And Challenges Of Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication In The United States, Daniel J. O'Brien, Tyler C. Thacker, Liliana C.M. Salvador, Anthony G. Duffiney, Suelee Robbe‑Austerman, Mark S. Camacho, Jason E. Lombard, Mitchell V. Palmer

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Having entered into its second century, the eradication program for bovine tuberculosis (bTB, caused by Mycobacterium bovis) in the United States of America occupies a position both enviable and daunting. Excepting four counties in Michigan comprising only 6109 km2 (0.06% of US land area) classified as Modified Accredited, as of April 2022 the entire country was considered Accredited Free of bTB by the US Department of Agriculture for cattle and bison. On the surface, the now well-described circumstances of endemic bTB in Michigan, where white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) serve as a free-ranging wildlife maintenance host, may appear to be …

Loaded Lipid Emulsified Volatile Anesthetics In Canine Primary Hepatocytes, Patricia De Carvalho Ibrahim Obeid

Theses and Dissertations

In the 19th century, halothane hepatitis became a sensitive and well-known subject in human anesthesiology due to the production of a noxious metabolite further discovered, trifluoroacetic acid. Subsequently, isoflurane, enflurane, and desflurane were also investigated for potentially causing hepatitis through the same metabolite. Sevoflurane, however, does not generate trifluoroacetic acid and is quickly conjugated and excreted.

For more than four decades these anesthetics have been experimentally developed for intravenous injection by having added either a lipid or fluorocarbon-based carrier to produce general anesthesia with less drug and faster onset of action. The use of intravenous emulsified halogenated anesthetics as an …

The Effect Of An Aiming Device On The Accuracy Of Humeral Transcondylar Screw Placement, Katherine Neal

Theses and Dissertations

Canine cadaveric forelimbs (136) were randomly assigned to either treatment (aiming device) or control (fluoroscopic-guided) groups, and to either diplomate or resident for humeral transcondylar screw placement. Each limb underwent a transcondylar humeral screw placement from a lateral to medial direction. Digital radiography was used to evaluate screw trajectory, measured as deviation from the epicondylar line, and eccentricity on the humeral condyle. Procedure time, difference in outcome based on experience level, and complications were recorded. In the right limb, screw trajectory with the aiming device was decreased compared to fluoroscopy. There was no difference of accuracy between leg laterality with …

Comparison Of Aging Techniques In Wild Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops Truncatus) Of Unknown Age From The Mississippi Sound., Christa Elizabeth Barrett

Theses and Dissertations

Age determination of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) is a critical tool in understanding their health. There are many methods of aging dolphins including morphometrics, counting growth layer groups (GLGs) of teeth, comparing dentin to pulp cavity ratio on dental radiographs, analysis of the pectoral flipper radiographs, and epigenetic testing. The most common method for aging toothed cetaceans is the counting of GLGs in the teeth. Since there are many challenges associated with aging dolphins based on the counting of GLGs, a processing technique that results in better resolution of GLGs is needed. This is a two-part study that …

Evaluation Of The Virulence Potential Of Avian Pathogenic Escherichia Coli Isolated From Broiler Breeders With Colibacillosis In Mississippi, Jiddu Joseph

Theses and Dissertations

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) is a bacterium that is responsible for colibacillosis in birds. However, information about broiler breeder APEC isolates is limited, but the data is critical due to the transfer of this bacteria down the production pyramid to progenies resulting in high mortality. Therefore, we evaluated the phenotypic virulence characteristics of 28 isolates using embryo lethality and day-old chick challenge assays. Also, the in vitro adhesion and invasion potential of selected nine isolates were identified. Results showed more than 1/3^rd of the isolates were highly virulent and the virulence increased as the number of virulence-associated genes …

Cryptosporidiosis In An Alpaca Cria Secondary To Prolongedantimicrobial Administration, Heidi M. Wyrosdick, Caroline Griffin, John J. Schaefer, Joseph Smith

Faculty Publications and Other Works -- Large Animal Clinical Sciences

No abstract provided.

A Literature Review Of The Psychosocial Impacts On Livestock Producers And Veterinary Responders Involved With Depopulation During And After An Animal Health Emergency, Beth Galles

Capstone Experience

A vital aspect of an animal health emergency in the United States is removing and disposing of diseased and healthy animals through depopulation. It is frequently required to prevent the spread of diseases that affect human health or economic stability. Production animals are eventually slaughtered, but this does not negate the human-animal bond felt between these animals and their caretakers. There is increasing recognition that participation in depopulation may be a traumatic event requiring care for the individuals involved, including livestock producers and veterinarians. Despite this, limited resources are available for these individuals when an animal health emergency occurs. This …

Black Bear Population Health Monitoring In The Southeast, Kathleen Elizabeth Riese

Masters Theses

Recent growth of the American black bear (Ursus americanus) population in the southeast raises concerns about the potential spread of density-dependent diseases among bears, particularly sarcoptic mange. However, research on the health of bears in this area is limited. We analyzed samples from 169 bears in the region. We performed Knotts tests, skin scrapes, fecal floats; Canine adenovirus (CAV), canine parvovirus (CPV), canine distemper virus (CDV), and Toxoplasma gondii serology, Trypanosoma, Rickettsia rickettsii, and apicomplexan PCR, and identified ecto- and endoparasites found grossly or histologically. We found that 69% (63 of 91) had microfilaria; genetic analysis identified …

Leveraging Eco-Evolutionary Models For Gene Drive Risk Assessment, Matthew A. Combs, Andrew J. Golnar, Justin M. Overcash, Alun L. Lloyd, Keith R. Hayes, David A. O'Brochta, Kim M. Pepin

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

Engineered gene drives create potential for both widespread benefits and irreversible harms to ecosystems. CRISPR-based systems of allelic conversion have rapidly accelerated gene drive research across diverse taxa, putting field trials and their necessary risk assessments on the horizon. Dynamic processbased models provide flexible quantitative platforms to predict gene drive outcomes in the context of system-specific ecological and evolutionary features. Here, we synthesize gene drive dynamic modeling studies to highlight research trends, knowledge gaps, and emergent principles, organized around their genetic, demographic, spatial, environmental, and implementation features. We identify the phenomena that most significantly influence model predictions, discuss limitations of …