Incidental findings of Cysticercus tenuicollis metacestodes in five oryx species

Objective:To determine the prevalence of Cysticercus tenuicollis(C.tenuicollis) metacestodes in five oryx species kept in A1 Ain Zoo animal collection.Methods:This study was based on a retrospective analysis of post-mortem records covering a four year period(July 2010 to July 2014).Results:A total of 213 individual animals were recorded dead during the four year period(July 2010 to July 2014).Out of this,12(5.6%) were recorded with C.tenuicollis.More females(8) than males(4) were recorded to have C.tenuicollis,although this was not statistically significant(P= 0.3737).Conclusions:This study shows that,Arabian oryx,beisa oryx,fringe-eared oryx,gemsbok and scimitar-horned oryx are susceptible to C.tenuicollis.Based on the epidemiology and the life cycle of this parasite,it is possible that these captive animals ingested the parasite through contaminated feed which could have happened in the pasture land or stray dogs and wild canidae(e.g.fox) visited the zoo contaminating the oryx feed.Stray dogs and wild canidae should be prevented from visiting pasture land and a captive animal facility.

Opportunistic infection of Aspergillus and bacteria in captive Cape vultures (Gyps coprotheres)

Objective:To describe clinical signs,pathology,diagnosis and treatment of Cape vultures in which Aspergillus fumigatus(A.fumigatus)and mixed species of bacteria were isolated.Methods:Six Cape vultures sourced from South Africa for exhibition at Al Ain Zoo developed illness manifesting as anorexia,dyspnea,polyuria and lethargy.Three vultures died manifesting"pneumonia-like syndrome".These three vultures were necropsied and gross lesions recorded,while organ tissues were collected for histopathology.Internal organs were swabbed for bacteriology and mycology.From live vultures,blood was collected for hematology and biochemistry,oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs were collected for mycology and bacteriology.Results:A.fumigatus was isolated from the three dead vultures and two live ones that eventually survived.One of the dead vulture and two live vultures were co-infected with A.fumigatus and mixed species of bacteria that included Clostridium perfringens,Pseudomonas,Staphylococcus,Escherichia,Proteus,Enterococcus and Enterbacter.One of the Cape vulture and a Lappetfaced vulture,however,were free of Aspergillus or bacterial infections.At necropsy,intestinal hemorrhages were observed and the lungs were overtly congested with granulomas present on caudal air sac.Histopathologtcal examinations demonstrated granulomatous lesions that were infiltrated by mononuclear cells and giant cells.Conclusions:Aspergillosis is a persistent threat to captive birds and we recommend routine health assessments so that early diagnosis may prompt early treatment.It is likely that prompt prophylaxis by broad spectrum antibiotics and antifungals medication contributed to the survival of some of the vultures.

Haematology and biochemistry values of captive sand cats(Felis margarita)in Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort,United Arab Emirates

Objective:To investigate the haematology and biochemistry values of apparently healthy captive sand cats kept in Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort,United Arab Emirates,with a view to establishing baseline values.Methods:Blood was collected from the femoral vein using aseptic techniques,kept in a cool box and sent to laboratory for analysis.The blood was analysed for haematological and biochemical values using veterinary hematology and chemistry analysers(ABX ABC Vet,Horiba ABX SAS^(®)Montpellier,France).Results:Haematological values were within the normal ranges recorded in domestic cats and there was no statistical difference between values found in males and females.Aspartate aminotransferase values were higher(P<0.05)in males compared to female cats.Serum protein,creatinine and glucose values for females were significantly(P<0.05)higher than those for males.Creatinine kinase,urea and lactate dehydrogenase levels were higher than those reported for normal domestic cat,but there was no statistical difference(P>0.05)between males and females values.Conclusions:Our results present reference ranges for haematology and biochemistry parameters in captive sand cats.These values will be important for diagnosis of various diseases and monitoring of treatments.