54 research outputs found
Open questions and recent advances in the control of a multi-host infectious disease: animal tuberculosis
No full textAnimal tuberculosis (TB) control is globally important for public health, economics and conservation. Wildlife species are often part of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) maintenance community, complicating TB control attempts. We describe the current knowledge on global TB distribution and the significance of wildlife hosts; identify insufficiently known aspects of host pathology, ecology and epidemiology; present selected time series in wildlife TB; and summarize ongoing research on TB control, providing additional insight on vaccination. Six specific research needs are identified and discussed, namely: 1) complete the world map of wildlife MTC reservoirs and describe the structure of each local MTC host community; 2) identify the origin and behaviour of generalized diseased individuals within populations, and study the role of factors such as co-infections, re-infections and individual condition on TB pathogenesis; 3) quantify indirect MTC transmission within and between species; 4) define and harmonize wildlife disease monitoring protocols, and apply them in a way that allows proper population and prevalence trend comparisons in both space and time; 5) carry out controlled and replicated wildlife TB control experiments using single intervention tools; 6) analyse cost-efficiency and consider knowledge transfer aspects in promising intervention strategies. We believe that addressing these six points would push ahead our capacities for TB control. A remaining question is whether or not interventions on wildlife TB are at all justified. The answer depends on the local circumstances of each TB hotspot, and is likely to evolve during our collective progress towards TB control in livestock and in wildlife.TB research funding was provided via a Plan Nacional grant AGL2011-30041 (MINECO, Spain and FEDER) and an EU FP7 grant WildTBvac #613779. The corresponding author acknowledges additional support from Campus de Excelencia Internacional (CYTEMA). Azlan Che Amat acknowledges a grant from the Malaysian Government.Peer Reviewe
Health evaluation of captive Malayan sun bear (Helarctos malayanus Horsfield) in zoos in Peninsular Malaysia
No full textThe health status of 19 captive Malayan Sun Bears, 4 males and 15 females, weighing between 31 – 87 kilograms were used in this study. The objectives of the study include the analysis of blood to obtain baseline blood parameters, blood analysis of some viral, bacteria and faecal analysis of parasitic organisms, and comparison of 2 anaesthetic drugs. Animals in Zoo Negara were immobilized with Zoletil®-Xylazine (ZX) and Zoletil®-Ketamine-Xylazine (ZKX) combination was used in Taiping Zoo & Night Safari. Blood and fresh faecal samples were used for study analysis.All Sun Bears were sampled to determine their exposure some important pathogens. There was no evidence of exposure to Canine Adenovirus (CAV), Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) by using Serum Neutralization Test (SNT). Seroprevalence of two Brucella sp. and 14 Leptospira serovars were also not detected by using Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) and Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) respectively. Simple faecal floatation technique detected strongyles (hookworm) ova only in two animals but in very low numbers. No blood parasites were found.
Haematology studies includes PCV, RBC count, differential counts for leucocytes, haemoglobin, plasma protein, PT and APTT. A total of 26 biochemistry parameters were analyzed namely Na, K, Cl¯, inorganic phosphate, BUN, creatinine, glucose, cholesterol, total bilirubin, total protein, ALT, ALP, AST, CK, globulin, albumin, globulin-albumin ratio, amylase, LDH, lipase, lactate, uric acid, triglyceride and GGT. Male and female comparison showed only haemaglobin had significant higher value in males. Leucocytes and segmented neutrophil were significantly high in subadult. Current value showed low haemaglobin and leucocytes compared to previous data. Preliminary data on anticoagulation factor namely PT and APTT were recorded. Biochemistry showed ALT, GGT and CK were significantly higher in males. Subadult group showed higher value of ALT, GGT, CK, LDH and albumin. Our current data showed lower value of calcium, inorganic phosphate, BUN and AST compared to previous data. Additional preliminary data on GGT, amylase, CK, total triglyceride, lipase and lactate were recorded. The effects of 2 anaesthetic drugs, ZX and ZKX combinations were documented in this species. Both drugs effectively immobilized the sun bears but induction with ZKX produced more rapid, smooth induction and good analgesia. Physiological parameters such as respiratory rate, pulse rate, SpO2, MAP and rectal temperature were within a good range for both treatment group. The used of yohimbine to reversed the ZKX give a better recovery two times faster than without using yohimbine in ZX group.
Thus, results obtained in the present study suggested that all captive Malayan Sun Bears in the zoo were healthy as shown by their blood haematology and serum biochemistry, were within the data previously documented in the same species. No seroprevalence were detected for CAV, CDV, Leptospira sp. and Brucella sp. in all bears and this indicates these animals are not protected against these pathogens. Parasites found by faecal examination was not significant but preventive measures should be periodically done. The ZKX may be a better choice of immobilizing the sun bear due to rapid, smooth induction, good analgesia and rapid recovery by using yohimbine
Testing Eurasian wild boar piglets for serum antibodies against Mycobacterium bovis
No full textA. Che’ Amat et al.Animal tuberculosis (TB) caused by infection with Mycobacterium bovis and closely related members of the M. tuberculosis complex (MTC), is often reported in the Eurasian wild boar (. Sus scrofa). Tests detecting antibodies against MTC antigens are valuable tools for TB monitoring and control in suids. However, only limited knowledge exists on serology test performance in 2-6 month-old piglets. In this age-class, recent infections might cause lower antibody levels and lower test sensitivity. We examined 126 wild boar piglets from a TB-endemic site using 6 antibody detection tests in order to assess test performance. Bacterial culture (. n=. 53) yielded a M. bovis infection prevalence of 33.9%, while serum antibody prevalence estimated by different tests ranged from 19% to 38%, reaching sensitivities between 15.4% and 46.2% for plate ELISAs and between 61.5% and 69.2% for rapid immunochromatographic tests based on dual path platform (DPP) technology. The Cohen kappa coefficient of agreement between DPP WTB (Wildlife TB) assay and culture results was moderate (0.45) and all other serological tests used had poor to fair agreements. This survey revealed the ability of several tests for detecting serum antibodies against the MTC antigens in 2-6 month-old naturally infected wild boar piglets. The best performance was demonstrated for DPP tests. The results confirmed our initial hypothesis of a lower sensitivity of serology for detecting M. bovis-infected piglets, as compared to older wild boar. Certain tests, notably the rapid animal-side tests, can contribute to TB control strategies by enabling the setup of test and cull schemes or improving pre-movement testing. However, sub-optimal test performance in piglets as compared to that in older wild boar should be taken into account.This is a contribution to Spanish Government MINECO Plan Nacional I+D+I grant AGL2014-56305 and FEDER, to a contract between CDTI and Glenton, and to the EU FP7 grant WildTBvac #613779. Azlan Che Amat has a PhD grant from the Malaysian Government, and José Angel Barasona and Iratxe Diéz-Delgado acknowledge PhD grants from the Spanish Government.Peer Reviewe
Wildlife tuberculosis in Southeast Asia: a less known potential hot-spots and issues in disease surveillance and management
No full textWildlife tuberculosis is a threat to the domestic livestock, other wildlife species and human, which may cause an impact to economy, wildlife conservation and serious public health issues. Increasing trend in detection of wildlife tuberculosis reservoir has hindered the progress of controlling this disease. South East Asia is known for her biodiversity hot spots in the world, with high species richness including abundance potential wildlife tuberculosis reservoirs such as wild boar and multi species of deer. Furthermore, one-third of the world’s human tuberculosis is found in the South East Asia. With very little information of livestock and wildlife tuberculosis and potential hot-spot region, attention should be given by the researcher, policy makers and various stakeholders to assess the disease threat and the impact on tuberculosis control in livestock in South East Asia. South East Asia countries also face issues and limitation in conducting tuberculosis surveillance and detection. Such limitations may be overcome by collaboration and networking with expertises under One Health alliance by outsourcing the capabilities of funding, human and laboratory resources and knowledge. This paper gives an overview of potential wildlife tuberculosis occurrence in South East Asia due to her wildlife biodiversity which could potentially act as a reservoir for domestic livestock at the wildlife interface, and discuss the challenges and benefits that could arise from the global experience and resources
Cystic calculi removal in African spurred Tortoise (Geochelone sulcata) using transplstron coeliotomy
No full textThe present report was carried out to manage a case of calculi in the bladder of African spurred tortoise. A 6 year old African spurred tortoise presented with history of anorexia and whitish discharged from the vent. Upon physical examination, the tortoise were 10% dehydrated, hindlegs muscle wasting and whitish materials came out from the vent. Plain radiograph revealed increased radiopacity in the bladder and also both right and left kidney. Contrast gastrointestinal radiograph showed less possibility of foreign body. Inconclusive radiological findings required the decision to proceed with exploratory transplastron coeliotomy by using dental burr. About 4 cm solid, hard whitish mass was removed from the bladder and both kidney was congested with whitish material. The findings were suggestive for urates crystal calculi based on histology result. [Vet. World 2012; 5(8.000): 489-492
Gastrointestinal helminths in large felines from a zoo in Malaysia
No full textIn nature, wild animals live in an enormous space and usually have very low genetic resistance against parasitic infection mainly due to low exposure towards the parasites themselves. However, when herds of these wild animals are kept in captivity, or in zoological gardens, parasitic infections might be worse and pose a serious threat to endangered species. The present study was conducted to observe the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in large felines in a Malaysian zoo. Ten faecal samples were collected from pumas (Puma concolor, n = 5), African lions (Panthera leo, n = 3), a spotted leopard (Panthera pardus, n = 1), and a black panther (Panthera onca, n = 1). All faecal samples were examined for parasite eggs, larvae, and oocysts by simple faecal floatation and formalin – ether sedimentation technique. All large felines in the zoo were infected with gastrointestinal parasites. A total of six species of gastrointestinal parasites were recovered including four nematodes (Toxocara cati, Ancylostoma spp., Toxascaris leonina, and Oxyuris sp.), a cestode (Spirometra sp.), and a protozoan (Isospora sp.). Half (n=5/10) of the large felines had mixed infections with Toxocara cati and Ancylostoma spp
Pengurusan kualiti dan perpustakaan : Ke arah transformasi pengajian tinggi negara
No full textSejak sekian lama diperdebatkan berkenaan kualiti perkhidmatan.Namun sukar ditemui buku-buku berkenaan pengurusan kualiti yang membincangkan model dan peranan perpustakaan akademik dalam menyokong institusi pendidikan.Oleh itu buku ini ditulis hasil penelitian dan kajian penulis yang agak lama berkenaan pengurusan perpustakaan akademik.Buku ini dimasukkan beberapa model pengurusan kualiti yang berguna kepada sesebuah perpustakaan, khususnya kepada perpustakaan akademik. Seperti model Pengurusan Kualiti ISO 9001, Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award (MBNQA) dan The European Quality Award (EFQA).
Dari segi aplikasi, buku ini amat baik dijadikan sumber rujukan kepada pegawai perpustakaan kerana ianya turut menghuraikan bagaimana pengurusan kualiti dalam senario perpustakaan sebagai sumber maklumat. Buku ini turut mengenengahkan falsafah-falsafah kualiti. Malahan bagi melengkapkan falsafah-falsafah kualiti tersebut, buku ini juga menghuraikan berkenaan anugerah-anugerah kualiti, termasuklah anugerah perpustakaan cemerlang. Buku ini juga boleh digunakan bagi memastikan perpustakaan akademik berjaya menyokong dalam pencapaian transformasi pengajian tinggi negara. Bagi merealisasikan kualiti perkhidmatan yang baik dapat ditawarkan oleh sesebuah perpustakaan, buku ini boleh dijadikan rujukan.Buku ini disusun dengan mudah supaya pembaca dapat memahami keseluruhan topik yang dibincangkan dengan senang
Pneumonia and concurrent eggs retention in a river terrapin (Batagur baska)
No full textA case report of pneumonia and egg retention in a river terrapin was presented in this paper. A 20 year-old river terrapin (Batagur baska) was presented with complaint of coughing with blood discharge, wheezing breathing and inappetance. Plain radiograph showed both right and left lung lobes were consolidated due to pneumonia 90% and 70%, respectively. Tentative diagnosis of pneumonia due to opportunistic bacterial infection of Chromobacterium sp. and Plesiomonas shigelloides was made in this case based on bacterial isolation and response to antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drugs. Enrofloxacin and flunixin meglumine were administered from Day-1 to -5. Enrofloxacin was then changed to gentamicin since it showed resistance in those bacteria. No clinical changes were observed. Gentamicin was given at rate 2.5 mg/kg once a week intramuscularly and prednisolone 2 mg/kg once on Day-6 given intramuscularly, showed a response on Day-10 of hospitalisation with the evidence of reduction in lung consolidation by almost 90% clear of lung lobes from pneumonia. Sixteen thin-shelled eggs were also observed in the coelomic cavity on radiographic images. Active laying season, prolonged laying period and the history of laying only two eggs a week before presenting to hospital gives a highly suggestive diagnosis of egg retention syndrome. To encourage laying, the terrapin was given a daily parenteral calcium supplement, oxytocin 5 IU/kg intramuscularly (Day-10 hospitalisation) and was released for sunbath and to sand twice daily. The eggs were completely laid on Day-11 and the overall terrapin condition was greatly improved 2 weeks post-hospitalisation
Mucor spp infection in captive Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) in National Elephant Conservation Centre
No full textDystocia in Timorensis deer: a case report
No full textIn this case, a female Timorensis deer (Cervus timorensis) belong to Taman Pertanian Universiti (TPU), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), was in labour for 5 hours. The limbs of the fawn were found hanging from the vulva at the general inspection. Request for veterinary assistance was initiated and the deer was isolated in dark room. Restraining was conducted physically without any tranquilizers or anaesthesia. On physical examination, foetus was found a live with posterior presentation and both hind limbs fully extended inside the birth canal. Manual traction was successfully performed to deliver the foetus. Following delivery the mother given proper care and the fawn was cleaned. The fawn was subsequently introduced to the mother and monitored to ensure suckling before being released to the farm
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