A Genetic Tool to Identify Predators Responsible for Livestock Attacks in South America and Recommendations for Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation.

Livestock predation induces global human-wildlife conflict, triggering the retaliatory killing of large carnivores. Although domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) contribute to livestock depredation, blame primarily falls on wild predators. Dogs can also transmit pathogens between wildlife, domestic animals, and humans. Therefore, the presence of free-ranging dogs can have negative consequences for biodiversity conservation, smallholder economy, food supply, and public health, four of the United Nations' Sustainable Developed Goals (SDGs) for 2030. In Ecuador, where livestock sustains rural households, retaliatory poaching threatens Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus), jaguar (Panthera onca), and puma (Puma concolor) populations. However, the role of dogs in these incidents remains underexplored. The present study evaluates the possibility of reliable molecular identification of predatory species from DNA traces in bite wounds. Our results revealed the presence of dog saliva on four out of six livestock carcasses presumably attacked by wild predators. These findings highlight the importance of rectifying misinformation about large carnivores in Ecuador and the need to control dog populations. We recommend that local administrations incorporate DNA analysis into livestock predation events to examine how common the problem is, and to use the analysis to develop conflict mitigation strategies which are essential for the conservation of large carnivores.

First identification of Strongyloides stercoralis infection in a pet dog in Argentina, using integrated diagnostic approaches.

BACKGROUND: Strongyloides stercoralis is a soil-transmitted intestinal nematode with a complex life cycle that primarily affects humans, non-human primates, dogs, and occasionally cats. This study presents, to the best of our knowledge, the first case of S. stercoralis infection and its genotyping in a domestic dog from Argentina. METHODS: The patient was a female wired-haired Teckel dog exhibiting recurrent coughing. Coproparasitological analysis using the Baermann technique revealed the presence of rhabditiform larvae morphologically compatible with S. stercoralis. To confirm this finding, molecular diagnosis (18S ribosomal RNA) and analysis of the cox1 gene were performed. RESULTS: We identified a haplotype (HP20) that has previously only been related to S. stercoralis infection in dogs, but was found in the present study to be highly related to the haplotype (HP16) of a zoonotic variant and divergent from those previously described from human patients in Argentina. Furthermore, unlike in human cases following treatment with ivermectin, the dog was negative after moxidectin treatment according to polymerase chain reaction of the sampled faeces. CONCLUSIONS: This case report shows the importance of further investigation into potential transmission events and prevalences of S. stercoralis in dogs and humans in South America. The results reported here should also encourage future work that examines different scenarios of infection with S. stercoralis in dogs and humans with the aim of integrating clinical management, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up strategies in the quest for new approaches for the treatment of this disease in animals and humans. The findings support the adoption of a One Health approach, which recognizes the interconnectedness between animal and human health, in addressing parasitic infections such as strongyloidiasis.

Canine visceral leishmaniasis: risk factors and spatial analysis in an endemic area of Northeastern Brazil / Leishmaniose visceral canina: fatores de risco e análise espacial em uma área endêmica do Nordeste do Brasil

Canine visceral leishmaniasis is a disease caused by the protozoon Leishmania infantum, an important agent of zoonotic concern. In this study we determined the seroprevalence, risk factors and spatial distribution of infection by L. infantum among dogs in the Pajeú microregion of the Sertão region of Pernambuco, Brazil. Canine serum samples (n = 247) were tested using the Dual Path Platform (DPP®) rapid screening test and ELISA/S7® confirmatory test; and risk factors were assessed through univariate analysis and logistical regression. The spatial distribution of reactive dogs was analyzed by drawing a map using QGIS. Seroprevalence of 13.7% (34/247) was detected, with cases predominating in the municipality of Tabira (26.4%; 9/34). Age above 10 years was considered to be a risk factor associated with the presence of anti-L. infantum antibodies. The high overall prevalence and spatial distribution of positive cases showed wide dispersion of reagents dogs in the study area. Therefore, preventive measures are needed in order to reduce the risk of infection for animals and humans.(AU)

Leishmaniose Visceral Canina é uma doença causada pelo protozoário Leishmania infantum, importante agente zoonótico. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a soroprevalência, avaliar os fatores de risco e a distribuição espacial da infecção por L. infantum em cães da microrregião do Pajeú, Sertão de Pernambuco, Brasil. Amostras de soro canino (n=247) foram testadas ("Dual Path Platform Rapid Test" - TR DPP® (triagem); ELISA/S7 (confirmatório)), e os fatores de risco avaliados por meio de análise univariada e regressão logística. A distribuição espacial dos cães reagentes foi analisada por meio de mapas confeccionados no programa QGIS. Detectou-se soroprevalência de 13,7% (34/247), com predominância dos casos no município de Tabira (26,4%; 9/34). A idade acima de 10 anos foi considerada fator de risco associado à presença de anticorpos anti-L. infantum. A alta prevalência e distribuição espacial dos casos positivos revelou ampla dispersão de cães reagentes na área de estudo. Portanto, medidas preventivas são necessárias a fim de reduzir o risco de infecção para os animais e humanos.(AU)

Medium- and large-sized mammals from Estação Biológica Fiocruz Mata Atlântica, Rio de Janeiro, south-eastern Brazil.

The Pedra Branca Forest is in a highly urbanised region of the central portion of Rio de Janeiro City and comprises the largest urban forest in the world (> 12,000 ha). The local flora and fauna are protected by three conservation units and the Estação Biológica Fiocruz Mata Atlântica (EFMA), which comprises 462 hectares on the east side of the remnant. The local biodiversity is still little known compared to other Atlantic Forest remnants from the Rio de Janeiro State. Here, we provide results of a survey of medium- and large-sized terrestrial mammals from the EFMA. In addition, we analysed the distribution of this fauna along three habitat types defined as Peridomicile, Transitional Forest and Forest Core. Sampling was performed from 2017 to 2020 and comprised a camera-trap survey, interviews with residents and local workers and occasional records. Results include occurrence records for 16 autochthonous and one allochthonous (Callithrix sp.) wild mammals, which are distributed into 14 families and seven orders, in addition to the presence of free-ranging domestic dogs and cats. Four species are in some category of threat of extinction at national or global levels. Amongst them, Leontopithecusrosalia (first record for the Rio de Janeiro City in more than a century) and Leopardusguttulus are classified as Vulnerable by IUCN. Most wild native species were registered in the three habitat types, but with differences in the frequency of records. Our results indicate that the presence of domestic dogs and cats influenced the species composition in each area, with Nasuanasua, Dasyproctaleporina and Didelphisaurita less frequent in places where domestic dogs and cats are more frequent. This is the first systematic effort to understand the occurrence and distribution of mid- and large-sized mammals in the Pedra Branca Forest.

Occurrence of ectopic Dioctophyma renale in a Bolivian dog.

This is the first scientific report of the ectopic occurrence of Dioctophyma renale in subcutaneous tissue of a domestic dog's paw from Bolivia. An 18-month-old male dog (Pug) from Bolivia (San Matías) was examined on September 15, 2020 presenting limited mobility and apparent swelling in the left pelvic limb. After clinic evaluation, left foot edema was observed from tibio-tarsal to metatarsophalangeal joints which was more pronounced on the dorsolateral face. An incision at the site revealed serosanguinous exudation associated with a wide reddish nematode, which was identified as a female Dioctophyma renale. Epidemiological considerations were highlighted as this disease has zoonotic potential, and the infected dog was kept in a yard to which amphibians (Anura) and reptiles had access. Moreover, there is a lack of information on its occurrence in San Matías, a border city with Brazil.

Drivers of canine distemper virus exposure in dogs at a wildlife interface in Janos, Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Human population expansion has increased the contact between domestic animals and wildlife, thereby increasing the transmission of infectious diseases including canine distemper virus (CDV). Here, we investigated the risk factors associated with CDV exposure in domestic and wild carnivores from the Janos Biosphere Reserve (JBR), Mexico. METHODS: A cross-sectional household questionnaire study was performed in four rural towns to investigate the risk factors associated with the presence of CDV in domestic and wild carnivores from the JBR, Mexico. In addition, we tested serum samples from 70 dogs and three wild carnivores, including one bobcat (Lynx rufus), one striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) and one gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) for CDV antibodies using immunochromatographic and viral neutralization assays. RESULTS: Overall, 62% of domestic dogs were seropositive for CDV, and the presence of antibodies was significantly higher in free-roaming owned dogs than dogs with restricted movement. Among the wild carnivores, only the bobcat was seropositive. The rate of vaccination against CDV in dogs was low (7%), and there was a high rate of direct interactions between domestic dogs and wild carnivores. CONCLUSION: Our serological assays show that CDV is circulating in both domestic dogs and wild carnivores, suggesting cross-species transmission. Our finding of low vaccination rates, high number of unrestrained owned dogs and direct interactions between wildlife and domestic animals reported in the region may be perpetuating the high prevalence of the virus and increasing the risk of CDV transmission between wild and domestic carnivores. Therefore, long-term longitudinal studies are recommended in order to monitor infectious diseases at the domestic-wildlife interface in this highly biodiverse region.

Trypanosoma cruzi discrete typing unit TcIV implicated in a case of acute Chagas disease in a domiciliated dog in the western Amazon

Abstract Chagas disease is caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi. Seven lineages have been identified based on different molecular markers, namely TcI, TcII, TcIII, TcIV, TcV, TcVI, and TcBat. Dogs play the role of epidemiological sentinels being domestic reservoirs of T. cruzi. The aim of the current study was to report the first case of CD in a domestic dog in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil, infected with T. cruzi DTU TcIV. We hope our report encourages veterinarians and surveillance professionals to a take a deeper look at T. cruzi infection in domestic animals.

First proteomic analysis of diestrus and anestrus canine oocytes at the germinal vesicle reveals candidate proteins involved in oocyte meiotic competence.

In domestic dogs, oocyte maturation rates are low and the percentage of oocytes that remain in the stage of germinal vesicle (GV) regardless of culture conditions is high. The present study was conducted to characterize the proteome of canine oocyte at the germinal vesicle stage using label-free mass spectrometry. Ovaries were collected from 415 adult domestic dogs and oocytes were divided anestrus and diestrus group. Protein lysates were subjected to quantitative proteomic analysis to identify differentially expressed proteins in different status reproductive. All runs for each sample were performed on an Easy nLC1000 nano-LC chromatograph system directly connected to a quadrupole-type Orbitrap mass spectrometer. For identification of peptides and proteins, raw data of the spectra were loaded into MaxQuant software version 1.5.2.8. Proteomic data were analysed according to gene ontology and a protein-protein interaction network. 312 proteins were identified and grouped according to their biological processes, molecular functions and cellular component. Forty-six differentially expressed proteins among diestrus and control group were associated with at least one GO term in the biological process database. Several proteins involved in the cell cycle, fertilization, regulation of transcription and signalling pathways that are essential for the full development of oocytes and fertilization were expressed. This study identified proteins that were absent, and more or less expressed in different status reproductive. These differentially expressed proteins revealed a framework of molecular reorganization within a GV that renders its competency. This knowledge will enable the identification of target competence biomarkers and thus the establishment of more adequate means of cultivation to improve the M-I and II indexes in this species and also to better understand the physiology of the domestic dog, promoting the development of new reproduction biotechniques.

Food Preferences in Dogs: Effect of Dietary Composition and Intrinsic Variables on Diet Selection.

A ten-year food preference database (2007-2017) was used to relate food selection in dogs to the nutritional components of diets by doing a principal component analysis (PCA) and a linear regression between components obtained and dogs' preferences. Intake and preference of preferred diets were analyzed by dogs' sex, breed, age, body weight, and the season of the year (hot or cold). The fourth component after PCA presented a relation with food preferences (OR = -2.699, p = 0.026), showing negative correlations with crude fiber (rho = -0.196; P = 0.038) and dry matter (rho = -0.184; p = 0.049). Weight (OR = -1.35; p < 0.001), breed, both Boxer (OR = 10.62; p = 0.003) and Labrador Retriever (OR = 26.30; p < 0.001), and season (hot season) (OR = -5.27; p < 0.001) all influenced animals' intake. Boxers presented a lower food preference compared to the other breeds (OR = -44.3; p < 0.001), while animals' weight influenced preferences only in Boxers (OR = 2.02; p < 0.001). Finally, age and sex did not affect dogs' preference or intake of preferred diets. Thus dry matter and fiber content have a negative impact on dogs' food choices. Dogs' weight, breed, and season affected food intake, but only breed affected dogs' preferences, which is probably explained by adaptive changes in the detection, metabolization, and learning of nutritive food cues.

Hormonal Correlates of Exploratory and Play-Soliciting Behavior in Domestic Dogs.

Exploration and play are considered to be crucial behaviors during mammalian development. Even though the relationship between glucocorticoids and exploratory behavior, stress, and anxiety is well described in the literature, very little is known about their role in play behavior in non-rodents. Likewise, the functional role of the "social hormone" oxytocin in exploration, play, stress, and anxiety is still unknown. The present work addresses this literature gap by studying plasma hormone profiles for cortisol (CORT) and oxytocin (OT) of domestic dogs exposed to a novel arena containing two unfamiliar trainers who did not interact with the dogs. We provide evidence suggesting a functional relationship between hormonal measures of cortisol and oxytocin and adaptive behavior (play-soliciting and exploration) in freely behaving domestic dogs. We have taken into account several possible factors in our analyses and interpretations, from the nature and quality of the measurements to demographic factors to statistical robustness. Our results indicate that reduced CORT levels are associated with increments of both play-soliciting behavior frequency and exploratory behavior duration. Furthermore, taken together, our data and our simulations suggest a relationship between OT and the enactment of play-soliciting behaviors by freely behaving domestic dogs that must be further investigated. Future studies should consider naturalistic structured and semi-structured experimental approaches linking behavior with (neuro) physiological measures, taking into account demographic factors such as age and relevant interphase factors such as the sex of the dog; and socio-historic factors such as the playfulness of the dog, history of interaction with young humans, among others, to take full account of interaction between humans and animals in comparative studies (Parada and Rossi, 2018).

First isolation and molecular characterization of Suid herpesvirus type 1 from a domestic dog in Argentina.

Since Aujeszky`s disease (pseudorabies), which is caused by Suid herpesvirus type 1 (SuHV-1), was first notified in Argentina in 1978, many SuHV-1 strains have been isolated from swine. However, this disease can affect other vertebrates, such as dogs (secondary hosts), and lead to fatal neurological disease. The objective of the current work is to report the first isolation and molecular characterization of SuHV-1 from a dead domestic dog from Santa Fe Province (Argentina), which had had nervous signs compatible with pseudorabies. Samples of brain and trigeminal ganglia from this dog were obtained and fixed in formol for histopathology, and virology studies were conducted after cell disruption. Supernatants of both samples were inoculated onto RK13 cells and, after 72 h, DNA was extracted with phenol-chloroform. Purified DNA was cut with a restriction enzyme and subjected to agarose gel and an aliquot was used to amplify the gD and gC genes by PCR. The gC sequence was compared with other public sequences. The strain isolated from the dog was similar to other Argentinean swine strains.

Domestic carnivore interactions with wildlife in the Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve, Chile: husbandry and perceptions of impact from a community perspective.

BACKGROUND: Hundreds of millions of domestic carnivores worldwide have diverse positive affiliations with humans, but can provoke serious socio-ecological impacts when free-roaming. Unconfined dogs (Canis familiaris) and cats (Felis catus) interact with wildlife as predators, competitors, and disease-transmitters; their access to wildlife depends on husbandry, perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors of pet owners and non-owners. METHODS: To better understand husbandry and perceptions of impacts by unconfined, domestic carnivores, we administered questionnaires (n = 244) to pet owners and non-owners living in one of the last wilderness areas of the world, the Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve, located in southern Chile. We used descriptive statistics to provide demographic pet and husbandry information, quantify free-roaming dogs and cats, map their sightings in nature, and report experiences and perceptions of the impact of free-roaming dogs and cats on wildlife. We corroborated our results with an analysis of prey remains in dog feces (n = 53). With generalized linear models, we examined which factors (i.e., food provisioning, reproductive state, rural/village households, sex, and size) predicted that owned dogs and cats bring wildlife prey home. RESULTS: Thirty-one percent of village dogs (n = 121) and 60% of dogs in rural areas (n = 47) roamed freely day and/or night. Free-roaming dog packs were frequently observed (64% of participants) in the wild, including a feral dog population on Navarino Island. Dogs (31 of 168) brought home invasive muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus) and avian prey, and over half of all cats (27 of 51) brought home mainly avian prey. Birds were also the most harassed wildlife category, affected by one third of all dogs and cats. Nevertheless, dog-wildlife conflicts were hardly recognized (<9% of observed conflicts and suspected problems), and only 34% of the participants thought that cats might impact birds. Diet analysis revealed that dogs consumed livestock (64% of 59 prey occurrences), beavers (Castor canadensis, 14%), and birds (10%). The probability that dogs brought prey to owners' homes was higher in rural locations and with larger dogs. There was also evidence that cats from rural households and with an inadequate food supply brought more prey home than village cats. DISCUSSION: Although muskrat, beavers, and birds were brought home, harassed, or found in dog feces, free-roaming dogs and, to a lesser extent, cats are perceived predominantly in an anthropogenic context (i.e., as pets) and not as carnivores interacting with wildlife. Therefore, technical and legal measures should be applied to encourage neutering, increase confinement, particularly in rural areas, and stimulate social change via environmental education that draws attention to the possibility and consequences of unconfined pet interaction with wildlife in the southernmost protected forest ecoregion of the globe.

Frecuencia y caracterización de las principales neoplasias presentes en el perro doméstico en Tamaulipas (México) / Frequency and characterization of the most common neoplasms present in domestic dogs in Tamaulipas (Mexico) / Frequência e caracterização das principais neoplasias presentes no cão doméstico em Tamaulipas (México)

Resumen En México, la investigación sobre oncología veterinaria es escasa. Este es el primer informe sobre las neoplasias más comunes en el perro doméstico en el noreste de México y establece las bases importantes para futuras investigaciones epidemiológicas. Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de 2013 y prospectivo de enero a agosto de 2014, en el Departamento de Patología Animal de la Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia de la Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas y en un laboratorio particular. Se analizaron un total de 250 muestras de citopatología e histopatología de tumores o lesiones sugestivas a neoplasias. De estas 213 se diagnosticaron como neoplasias y 37 como procesos no neoplásicos. Las neoplasias malignas fueron más frecuentes que las benignas. Se clasificaron en epiteliales o mesenquimales. Los perros mestizos fueron los más afectados, seguidos por la raza labrador. Las hembras presentaron mayor frecuencia en el desarrollo de tumores, con 145 registros. Para el análisis estadístico se utilizó la prueba exacta de Fisher, que determinó la existencia de una asociación estadística significativa (p < 0,05) entre la presencia de los cinco tipos de tumores más frecuentes y el sexo, la raza y la edad de los pacientes en el desarrollo de neoplasias. No se observaron diferencias significativas al evaluar el comportamiento del tumor neoplásico con raza y sexo, aunque sí hubo diferencia significativa (p < 0,05) con la edad de los pacientes.

Abstract In Mexico, research on veterinary oncology is scarce. This is the first report on the most common neoplasms in domestic dogs in northeastern Mexico, which establishes important bases for future epidemiological research. A retrospective study covering 2013 and a prospective study from January to August of 2014 was carried out in the Animal Pathology Department of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science at the Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, as well as in a private laboratory. A total of 250 samples of cytopathology and histopathology of tumors or lesions suggestive of neoplasms were analyzed. 213 of them were diagnosed as neoplasms and 37 as non-neoplastic processes. Malignant neoplasms were more frequent than benign ones. They were classified as epithelial or mesenchymal neoplasms. Mixed breed dogs were the most affected, followed by the Labrador breed. Female dogs developed tumors with the highest frequency, with 145 records. For the statistical analysis, Fisher's exact test was used, which determined the existence of a statistically significant association (p < 0.05) between the presence of the five most frequent types of tumors and the patients' sex, race, and age in the development of neoplasms. No significant differences were observed when evaluating the relation of the neoplastic tumor with race and sex, although there was a significant difference (p < 0.05) regarding the patients' age.

Resumo No México, a pesquisa sobre oncologia veterinária é escassa. Este é o primeiro relatório sobre as neoplasias mais comuns no cão doméstico no noroeste do México e estabelece as bases importantes para futuras pesquisas epidemiológicas. Realizou-se um estudo retrospectivo de 2013 e prospectivo de janeiro a agosto de 2014, no Departamento de Patologia Animal da Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia da Universidade Autônoma de Tamaulipas, mais um laboratório particular. Analisaram-se em total 250 amostras de cito patologia e histopatologia de tumores ou lesões sugestivas a neoplasias. Destas, 213 se diagnosticaram como neoplasias e 37 como processos não neoplásicos. As neoplasias malignas foram mais frequentes do que as benignas. Classificaram-se em epiteliais ou mesenquimais. Os cães foram os mais afetados, seguidos pela raça labrador. As fêmeas apresentaram maior frequência no desenvolvimento de tumores, com 145 registros. Para a análise estatística se utilizou a prova exata de Fisher, que determinou a existência de uma associação estatística significativa (p < 0,05) entre a presença dos cinco tipos de tumores mais frequentes e o sexo, a raça e a idade dos pacientes no desenvolvimento de neoplasias. Não se observaram diferenças significativas ao avaliar o comportamento do tumor neoplásico com raça e sexo, mesmo havendo uma diferença significativa (p < 0,05) com a idade dos pacientes.

Immunogenic potential of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus aquaporin 1 against Rhipicephalus sanguineus in domestic dogs / Potencial imunogênico da aquaporina 1 de Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus contra o carrapato Rhipicephalus sanguineus em cães domésticos

This study evaluated a recombinant aquaporin 1 protein of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (RmAQP1) as antigen in a vaccine against R. sanguineus. Five dogs were immunized with RmAQP1 (10 µg) + adjuvant (Montanide) (G1), and five were inoculated with adjuvant only (G2), three times. Twenty-one days after the last immunization, animals of both groups were challenged with R. sanguineus larvae, nymphs and adults, and their biotic potential was compared. Blood samples were collected before each immunization and every 28 days after the last immunization for 10 weeks. Serum antibody titers (IgG) were assessed by ELISA. We observed that: engorgement period of adult females from G1 was 12% shorter than G2; larvae from G1 had 8.7% longer engorgement period than G2 and weighed 7.2% less; nymphs from G1 had 4.5% shorter engorgement period than G2 and weighed 3.6% less; although the antibody titers increased following the second immunization, they rapidly decreased after the third immunization. Results indicated low immunoprotection of RmAQP1 against adult R. sanguineus ticks, and possible efficacy on larvae and nymphs fed on immunized dogs. Further studies should be performed for a full evaluation of the immunoprotection of RmAQP1 against R. sanguineus infestations in dogs.(AU)

Este estudo avaliou a proteína recombinante (aquaporina) do carrapato Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus como antígeno em vacina contra Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Cinco cães foram imunizados com RmAQP1 (10 µg) + adjuvante (G1) e cinco foram inoculados apenas com adjuvante (G2), três vezes. 21 dias após a última imunização todos os animais foram desafiados com larvas, ninfas e adultos de R. sanguineus, e potencial biótico dos carrapatos foi comparado. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas antes de cada imunização e a cada 28 dias após a última imunização, durante 10 semanas. Títulos de anticorpos dos soros dos cães foram avaliados por ELISA. Resultados: o período de ingurgitamento das fêmeas do G1 foi 12% mais curto que o período de ingurgitamento de G2; o período de ingurgitamento das larvas do G1 8,7% foi mais longo e o peso 7,2% menor que no caso de G2; o período de ingurgitamento das ninfas do G1 4,5% foi mais curto e peso 3,6% menor que no caso do G2; aumento dos títulos de anticorpos do G1 após a segunda imunização e declínio após a terceira imunização. Os resultados indicaram baixo potencial de imunoproteção de RmAQP1 contra R. sanguineus adultos, e possível eficácia contra larvas e ninfas, na dose testada. Sugere-se desenvolver novos estudos para melhor avaliação da eficácia de RmAQP1 contra R. sanguineus em cães.(AU)

Immunogenic potential of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus aquaporin 1 against Rhipicephalus sanguineus in domestic dogs / Potencial imunogênico da aquaporina 1 de Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus contra o carrapato Rhipicephalus sanguineus em cães domésticos

Abstract This study evaluated a recombinant aquaporin 1 protein of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (RmAQP1) as antigen in a vaccine against R. sanguineus. Five dogs were immunized with RmAQP1 (10 µg) + adjuvant (Montanide) (G1), and five were inoculated with adjuvant only (G2), three times. Twenty-one days after the last immunization, animals of both groups were challenged with R. sanguineus larvae, nymphs and adults, and their biotic potential was compared. Blood samples were collected before each immunization and every 28 days after the last immunization for 10 weeks. Serum antibody titers (IgG) were assessed by ELISA. We observed that: engorgement period of adult females from G1 was 12% shorter than G2; larvae from G1 had 8.7% longer engorgement period than G2 and weighed 7.2% less; nymphs from G1 had 4.5% shorter engorgement period than G2 and weighed 3.6% less; although the antibody titers increased following the second immunization, they rapidly decreased after the third immunization. Results indicated low immunoprotection of RmAQP1 against adult R. sanguineus ticks, and possible efficacy on larvae and nymphs fed on immunized dogs. Further studies should be performed for a full evaluation of the immunoprotection of RmAQP1 against R. sanguineus infestations in dogs.

Resumo Este estudo avaliou a proteína recombinante (aquaporina) do carrapato Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus como antígeno em vacina contra Rhipicephalus sanguineus. Cinco cães foram imunizados com RmAQP1 (10 µg) + adjuvante (G1) e cinco foram inoculados apenas com adjuvante (G2), três vezes. 21 dias após a última imunização todos os animais foram desafiados com larvas, ninfas e adultos de R. sanguineus, e potencial biótico dos carrapatos foi comparado. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas antes de cada imunização e a cada 28 dias após a última imunização, durante 10 semanas. Títulos de anticorpos dos soros dos cães foram avaliados por ELISA. Resultados: o período de ingurgitamento das fêmeas do G1 foi 12% mais curto que o período de ingurgitamento de G2; o período de ingurgitamento das larvas do G1 8,7% foi mais longo e o peso 7,2% menor que no caso de G2; o período de ingurgitamento das ninfas do G1 4,5% foi mais curto e peso 3,6% menor que no caso do G2; aumento dos títulos de anticorpos do G1 após a segunda imunização e declínio após a terceira imunização. Os resultados indicaram baixo potencial de imunoproteção de RmAQP1 contra R. sanguineus adultos, e possível eficácia contra larvas e ninfas, na dose testada. Sugere-se desenvolver novos estudos para melhor avaliação da eficácia de RmAQP1 contra R. sanguineus em cães.

Owned dog ecology and demography in Villa de Tezontepec, Hidalgo, Mexico.

Dog overpopulation in developing countries has negative implications for the health and safety of people, including the transmission of zoonotic diseases, physical attacks and intimidation to humans and animals, as well as impacts on canine welfare. Understanding the ecology and demographic characteristics of a dog population can help in the planning and monitoring of canine population control programs. Little data exist regarding demography and dynamics of domestic dog populations in semi-urban areas in Mexico. A cross-sectional study was carried out between October 21 and November 7, 2015, to characterize the dog ecology and demography in Villa de Tezontepec, Hidalgo, Mexico. A face-to-face survey was used to collect data from randomly selected households in four contiguous communities using stratified two-stage cluster sampling. Within each household, adults answered questions related to their dogs and their experiences with dog bites and aggression. A total of 328 households were interviewed, representing a participation rate of 90.9% (328/361) and 1,450 people. Approximately 65.2% of the households owned one or more dogs, with a mean of 1.3 (SD=1.5) and 2.0 (SD=1.5) owned dogs in all participant households and dog-owning households, respectively. The human: owned dog ratio for all participant households was 3.4:1 (1450/428), and for the dog-owning households was 2.3:1 (984/428). The owned dog male: female ratio was 1.4:1 (249/179). Approximately 74.4% (95.0% CI=69.8% - 78.7%) of the owned dogs were older than one year (mean age: 2.9 years; SD=2.5). The mean age of owned female dogs at first litter was 1.9 years (SD=1.2) and the mean litter size was 4.2 puppies (SD=2.1). Approximately 36.9% (95.0% CI=31.8% - 46.4%) of the females were spayed, and 14.1% (95.0% CI=10.7% - 19.7%) of the males were neutered. Only 44.9% (95.0% CI=40.1% - 49.7%) were always confined when unsupervised. Approximately 84.4% (95.0% CI=80.6% - 87.7%) were reported to have been vaccinated against rabies in 2015. The knowledge of owned dog demography and ecology provided by this study can inform local government planning of dog population control interventions, and could serve as a baseline for the development of agent-based models to evaluate the effects of different dog population control strategies on dog demography.

Amblyomma aureolatum (Acari: Ixodidae): nuevos registros en las provincias de Buenos Aires y Santa Fe, Argentina

En los meses de julio de 2015 y enero de 2016 se colectaron garrapatas de un gato montés (Leopardus geoffroyi) localizado en la provincia de Buenos Aires y de un canino doméstico (Canis lupus familiaris) en la provincia de Santa Fe, respectivamente. El objetivo del presente trabajo es reportar el primer registro de Amblyomma aureolatum en la provincia de Buenos Aires y el primer hallazgo sobre caninos domésticos de la provincia de Santa Fe. Amblyomma aureolatum presenta importancia sanitaria ya que ha sido implicada como vector de Rickettsia rickettsii, uno de los agentes causales del grupo de las fiebres manchadas en humanos, y de Rangelia vitalii, agente causal de piroplasmosis en caninos domésticos, enfermedad vulgarmente conocida como "nambiuvú”. El presente reporte es un alerta para la comunidad sobre la presencia de A. aureolatum en nuevas localidades con el fin de implementar medidas profilácticas en caninos domésticos, para prevenir la infestación por este parásito y así evitar posibles patologías asociadas.

In July of 2015 and January of 2016, ticks were recovered from a Geoffroy’s cat (Leopardus geoffroyi) in Buenos Aires province and from a domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) in Santa Fe province, respectively. All ticks were identified as Amblyomma aureolatum. This report is the first record of A. aureolatum in Buenos Aires province and the first record in domestic dogs of Santa Fe province. Amblyomma aureolatum is a recognized vector of Rickettsia rickettsii, a spotted fever group agent in humans, and of Rangelia vitalii, a pathogenic piroplasmid of dogs, commonly referred to as "nambiuvú”. These findings allow local people to be aware of the presence of A. aureolatum to prevent infestations in dogs, and thus avoiding the occurrence of tick-borne diseases.

Canine cutaneous leishmaniasis by Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis in an agricultural settlement, endemic area for leishmaniasis / Leishmaniose tegumentar canina por Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis em um assentamento agrícola, área endêmica para leishmanioses

Cutaneous leishmaniasis has several species of Leishmania as agents, and a wide variety of wild and domestic animals as hosts and different species of phlebotomines as vectors. A case of cutaneous leishmaniasis in a dog coming from an agricultural settlement is described. This is the first report of parasitism in a dog by Le. (Viannia) braziliensis in Mato Grosso do Sul State. Attention is called to the importance of including this protozoonosis in the differential diagnosis of dermopathies in dogs as also the need to assess the importance of the domestic dog as a possible reservoir of Le. braziliensis.(AU)

As leishmanioses tegumentares são antropozoonoses metaxênicas de importância em saúde pública. Possuem como agentes etiológicos várias espécies de Leishmania, com ampla variedade de hospedeiros, como animais selvagens e domésticos, e diferentes espécies de flebotomíneos como vetores. Um caso de leishmaniose tegumentar em um cão procedente de um assentamento agrícola em Mato Grosso do Sul é descrito, sendo este o primeiro relato de parasitismo em cão doméstico nesse estado por Le. (Viannia) braziliensis. Alerta-se para a importância de se incluir essa protozoonose no diagnóstico diferencial de dermopatias em cães e para a necessidade de se avaliar o papel do cão doméstico como reservatório de Le. (Vi.) braziliensis.(AU)

Canine cutaneous leishmaniasis by Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis in an agricultural settlement, endemic area for leishmaniasis / Leishmaniose tegumentar canina por Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis em um assentamento agrícola, área endêmica para leishmanioses

Cutaneous leishmaniasis has several species of Leishmania as agents, and a wide variety of wild and domestic animals as hosts and different species of phlebotomines as vectors. A case of cutaneous leishmaniasis in a dog coming from an agricultural settlement is described. This is the first report of parasitism in a dog by Le. (Viannia) braziliensis in Mato Grosso do Sul State. Attention is called to the importance of including this protozoonosis in the differential diagnosis of dermopathies in dogs as also the need to assess the importance of the domestic dog as a possible reservoir of Le. braziliensis.(AU)

As leishmanioses tegumentares são antropozoonoses metaxênicas de importância em saúde pública. Possuem como agentes etiológicos várias espécies de Leishmania, com ampla variedade de hospedeiros, como animais selvagens e domésticos, e diferentes espécies de flebotomíneos como vetores. Um caso de leishmaniose tegumentar em um cão procedente de um assentamento agrícola em Mato Grosso do Sul é descrito, sendo este o primeiro relato de parasitismo em cão doméstico nesse estado por Le. (Viannia) braziliensis. Alerta-se para a importância de se incluir essa protozoonose no diagnóstico diferencial de dermopatias em cães e para a necessidade de se avaliar o papel do cão doméstico como reservatório de Le. (Vi.) braziliensis.(AU)

Tolerance to delayed reward tasks in social and non-social contexts.

Domestic dogs have demonstrated striking social skills towards humans, however, there are few studies investigating impulsivity with delay-choice tasks in communicative contexts. In Study 1 we introduced a novel social delay-choice task in which subjects had to choose between one human cueing an immediate, low quality reward and another human signaling a delayed, high quality reward. In Study 2 we evaluated the tolerance to increasing delays using social and non-social cues. We also explored if more self-controlled dogs show any distinct behaviours during delays. Finally, we correlated all results with the Dog Impulsivity Assessment Scale (Wright et al., 2011). In Study 1 dogs reached an average maximum delay of 11.55s. In Study 2 that average was 52.14s with social cues and 40.2s with non-social, but differences were not significant. Tolerance to delays showed high interindividual variation. Dogs remained mostly standing and near the delayed experimenter in the social tasks although we could not to find any distinct coping strategies. No significant correlations were found between the delay reached and behaviours, neither with the scale. These results show the relevance of the parameters and methods used to investigate tolerance to delay of reinforcements. More investigations are required, especially an assessment of the same subjects performing the same tasks using different contexts.