Knemidocoptes sp. on wild passerines at the Mai Po Nature Reserve, Hong Kong.

Free-ranging passerine birds banded at the Mai Po Nature Reserve, Hong Kong, were affected with a skin disease characterized by crusty, proliferative lesions on legs, feet and beaks. Based on retrospective examination of 1990 to 1992 banding records, 83 of 16,353 birds and 5 of 161 species banded at Mai Po were identified as having these lesions. Eurasian tree sparrows (Passer montanus) were most commonly affected (58 of 411 birds) although 19 of 428 black-faced buntings (Emberiza pusilla), 3 of 92 spotted doves (Streptopelia chinensis), and 2 of 616 eastern great reed warblers (Acrocephalus orientalis) also had clinical signs of infestation. Adult Eurasian tree sparrows were affected more often than juveniles and males were affected more often than females. Lesions on juveniles usually were on the feet while on adults lesions also were found on legs and beak. The effects of this parasitic infestation on body weight of wild Eurasian tree sparrows was not significant.

Serologic survey of giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), and domestic dogs and cats in the Wolong Reserve, China.

Sera from captive and recently rescued giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) in the Wolong Reserve, China, were examined by serum neutralization or hemagglutination inhibition for antibodies to canine distemper virus (CDV), canine coronavirus (CCV), canine herpesvirus (CHV), pseudorabies virus (PRV), canine adenovirus type 2 (CAV), and canine parvovirus (CPV). Serum samples from village domestic dogs and cats, which run free throughout the reserve also were examined. Antibodies against CPV were detected in six of eight giant pandas and all dogs and cats tested. The origin of the virus was not determined. Two of eight giant pandas and two of seven dogs had CDV antibody titers. Three of eight pandas and three of seven dogs had CCV antibody titers. Four of eight pandas and two of seven dogs had CAV titers; the titers in dogs were very high. No pandas or dogs had evidence of exposure to CHV or PRV.

Dietary vitamin and mineral concentrations of two juvenile female giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca).

During a 7 mo exhibit loan, diets of two juvenile female giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) were monitored. Mineral [calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), zinc (Zn)] and vitamin (beta-carotene and total tocopherol) concentrations in the diet were quantified as well as in a serum sample obtained from one of these animals. Diets consumed by the pandas contained (dry matter basis): 0.82% Ca, 0.62% P, 1.05% K, 14.3 mg/kg Cu, 31.8 mg/kg Zn, 12.2 mg/kg beta-carotene, and 12 mg/kg total tocopherol. Serum values for these vitamins and minerals were within reported normal limits for the spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus). This diet appeared to provide adequate nutrition for maintenance and growth.

Hematology and serum biochemistry of captive swift foxes (Vulpes velox).

Blood samples were taken from 23 swift foxes (Vulpes velox) which were to be used in a reintroduction program. The foxes originated from two different captive breeding programs: one at the Calgary Zoo (CZ) and one at the Wildlife Reserve of Western Canada (WRWC). Several differences between swift fox and domestic canine hematology were seen, including an increased number of smaller red blood cells and lower absolute leukocyte counts in swift foxes. Serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase was higher than in the domestic canine normal range while serum creatinine values were lower. Hemoglobin, serum potassium, total protein, globulin in the two groups (CZ and WRWC) were statistically different as were male versus female mean corpuscular volume values.

Fanconi syndrome in a basenji.

Renal tubular dysfunction resembling canine Fanconi syndrome in a Basenji dog is described. The signs and laboratory results were similar to other reports of this disease. Therapy to correct some of the clinical signs and serum chemistry abnormalities was attempted.