Associations between trace elements and clinical health parameters in the North Pacific loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) from Baja California Sur, Mexico.

This study investigated selected trace elements toxicity in sea turtles Caretta caretta population from Baja California Sur (BCS), Mexico, by analyzing associations among Zn, Se, Cu, As, Cd, Ni, Mn, Pb, and Hg with various biochemical parameters (packed cell volume, leukocytes, and selected blood parameters), and whether their concentrations could have an impact on the health status of sea turtles. Blood samples from 22 loggerhead (C. caretta) sea turtles from BCS, Mexico, were collected for trace elements on biochemistry parameter analyses. Significant associations among trace element levels and the biochemistry parameters were found: Cd vs ALP (R 2 = 0.874, p Ë‚ 0.001), As vs ALP (R 2 = 0.656, p Ë‚ 0.001), Mn vs ALP (R 2 = 0.834, p Ë‚ 0.001), and Ni vs LDH (R 2 = 0.587, p Ë‚ 0.001). This study is the first report of the biochemical parameters of the North Pacific loggerhead sea turtle (C. caretta) from Baja California Sur, Mexico, and it is the first to observe several associations with toxic and essential trace elements. Our study reinforces the usefulness of blood for the monitoring of the levels of contaminating elements and the results suggest that, based on the associations with health clinical parameters, high levels of Cd and As could be representing a risk to the North Pacific loggerhead population health.

A resolution by the society for tropical veterinary medicine in support of "one health".

At its ninth biennial conference, the membership of the Society for Tropical Veterinary Medicine (STVM) adopted a resolution in support of "One Health," an initiative that promotes collaboration between veterinary and human medical professionals and allied health scientists. The resolution is published on the website of the STVM and has been shared with related veterinary medical and medical associations and societies.