The Turin Pit locality (Monona county, Iowa) has been known to paleontologists since 1908, yet the age of the fauna has been unclear. Early paleontologists considered Turin Pit to date to a pre-Illinoian interglacial (the “Aftonian).” Subsequent researchers suggested it dated to the last glaciation. This study provides a partial list of mammals in the Turin Pit fauna, and together with stratigraphic information, uses the known age ranges of taxa to estimate an age for the assemblage. The presence of Mammuthus, Aenocyon, and Castoroides combined with a magnetically-reversed till located stratigraphically above fossil-bearing deposits, suggest the Turin Pit assemblage dates between ~1.3 and 0.773 Ma. The fauna can be assigned to the Irvingtonian North American Land Mammal Age based on Mammuthus, Aenocyon, Castoroides, and Ondatra zibethicus annectens. This fossil assemblage provides a rare window into the Quaternary paleontology of Iowa that pre-dates the Illinoian glaciation.

Humans maintain wild animals in zoological parks for the purposes of education,conservation, research, and recreation. However, abnormal behaviors may develop in animals housed in human-made environments, if those environments do not allow them to carry out their natural behaviors (such as swimming, climbing, stalking, and predation). Captive environments in zoological parks often do not provide for natural behaviors due to spatial constraints and negative public reaction. Tigers (Panthera tigris) present a difficult case; they have large home ranges in the wild and natural predatory hunting behaviors that are difficult to provide for in captivity. As the numbers of wild tigers decline, captive breeding programs have become a major focus of the zoo community, which magnifies the importance of research on tiger husbandry. A body of research exists on small felids, but little, if any, has focused on tigers. This thesis presents an analysis of the effects of the captive environment on the behaviors of 18 captive Bengal and Siberian tigers in four zoological parks in Virginia and Pennsylvania. Certain animal characteristics (such as subspecies, and age) were also related to behavior. Several characteristics of the captive environment had statistically significant effects on stereotypic and exploratory behaviors of tigers: shade availability, the presence of a body of water, cage size, the presence of a conspecific, vegetation, environmental enrichment, and substrate type. There were significant differences in the behaviors of the two subspecies studied, but the reason for the differences are unclear. The results of this study showed clearly that tigers kept in more natural and complex enclosures performed less stereotypic pacing (unnatural behavior), and more exploratory (natural) behaviors than those housed in less natural enclosures. Reducing the stress level in captive tigers will enhance the animals' overall physical and psychological well being, which will in turn increase the success of captive breeding programs. These results suggest that captive tigers should be housed in large enclosures containing natural substrate and vegetation, water pools, ample shade, a variety of resting locations, and a variety of enrichment items. / Master of Science

Poucos são os estudos acerca da saúde de onças-pintadas em vida livre. Visando obter melhores parâmetros para avaliação clínica desta espécie ameaçada de extinção, foram realizados exame clínico, hemograma, perfil bioquímico e acompanhamento de 10 onças-pintadas da região de Corumbá, no Pantanal do Mato Grosso do Sul. Além disso, buscando obter informações sobre o possível papel da espécie como suscetível, hospedeira ou sentinela de patógenos de importância em saúde pública e animal, amostras destas 10 onças foram testadas através de métodos sorológicos para verificar contato com vírus rábico, Rickettsia spp. e Ehrlichia canis. As amostras das onças e os carrapatos que as parasitavam no momento das capturas foram testados por reação em cadeia pela polimerase para a família Anaplasmataceae e os gêneros Rickettsia, Borrelia, Coxiella, Hepatozoon e Babesia. Este é o primeiro estudo a relatar os valores de hemograma e perfil bioquímico de uma população de onças-pintadas de vida livre. Dois animais, assintomáticos, apresentaram baixo título sorológico para o vírus da raiva, sugerindo contato da espécie com este patógeno. Todas as onças capturadas foram consideradas soropositivas para Rickettsia spp., e Rickettsia parkeri foi sequenciada a partir de um Amblyomma triste que estava parasitando um dos animais. Foi descoberta uma possível nova espécie do gênero Ehrlichia através do sequenciamento de DNA obtido de um Amblyomma triste e um Amblyomma cajenense que estavam parasitando onças. Quatro onças-pintadas foram consideradas soropositivas para Ehrlichia canis, possivelmente uma reação cruzada com esta outra espécie. Todas as onças-pintadas avaliadas neste estudo apresentaram DNA de Cytauxzoon sp., com 98% de similaridade a C. felis, em amostras sanguíneas. Todas as onças avaliadas neste estudo apresentaram DNA de Hepatozoon sp., com 98% de similaridade a H. felis, em amostras sanguíneas. As onças apresentavam boas condições de saúde geral. / Few studies have been conducted to investigate the health of free-ranging jaguars. In order to obtain better parameters for clinical evaluation of this endangered species, clinical exams, hemogram, biochemical tests and ecological monitoring were done for 10 jaguars in the Pantanal region - Corumbá City, Mato Grosso do Sul State. This project also evaluated the possible role of this species as susceptible, host or sentinel for pathogens of public and/or animal health importance, testing samples from these animals by serological methods to rabies virus, Rickettsia spp. and Ehrlichia canis. All samples and all ticks collected from the jaguars were also tested by polymerase chain reaction to the Anaplasmataceae family and the genera Rickettsia, Borrelia, Coxiella, Hepatozoon and Babesia. This is the first report of hemograms and biochemical profile of a free-ranging jaguar population. Two asymptomatic animals presented low seropositivity for rabies virus, suggesting contact with this pathogen. All jaguars were considered seropositive for Rickettsia spp., and Rickettsia parkeri was sequenced from an Amblyomma triste that was parasitizing one of the animals. A possible new species of the genus Ehrlichia has been identified by DNA sequencing obtained from an Amblyomma triste and an Amblyomma cajenense that were parasitizing jaguars. Four jaguars were considered seropositive for Ehrlichia canis, possibly a cross-reaction with this other species. All jaguars evaluated in this study presented DNA fragments of Cytauxzoon sp., 98% similarity to C. felis in blood samples. In addition, all jaguars presented DNA fragments of Hepatozoon sp., 98% similarity to H. felis in blood samples. In general, these jaguars presented good health.

Genetic variation is crucial for the long-term survival of the species as it provides the potential for adaptive responses to environmental changes such as emerging diseases. The Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) is a gene family that plays a central role in the vertebrate’s immune system by triggering the adaptive immune response after exposure to pathogens. MHC genes have become highly suitable molecular markers of adaptive significance. They synthesize two primary cell surface molecules namely MHC class I and class II that recognize short fragments of proteins derived respectively from intracellular (e.g. viruses) and extracellular (e.g. bacteria, protozoa, arthropods) origins and present them to immune cells. High levels of MHC polymorphism frequently observed in natural populations are interpreted as an adaptation to detect and present a wide array of rapidly evolving pathogens. This variation appears to be largely maintained by positive selection driven mainly by pathogenic selective pressures. For my doctoral research I focused on MHC I and II variation in free-ranging cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) and leopards (Panthera pardus) on Namibian farmlands. Both felid species are sympatric thus subject to similar pathogenic pressures but differ in their evolutionary and demographic histories. The main aims were to investigate 1) the extent and patterns of MHC variation at the population level in both felids, 2) the association between levels of MHC variation and disease resistance in free-ranging cheetahs, and 3) the role of selection at different time scales in shaping MHC variation in both felids. Cheetahs and leopards represent the largest free-ranging carnivores in Namibia. They concentrate in unprotected areas on privately owned farmlands where domestic and other wild animals also occur and the risk of pathogen transmission is increased. Thus, knowledge on adaptive genetic variation involved in disease resistance may be pertinent to both felid species’ conservation. The cheetah has been used as a classic example in conservation genetics textbooks due to overall low levels of genetic variation. Reduced variation at MHC genes has been associated with high susceptibility to infectious diseases in cheetahs. However, increased disease susceptibility has only been observed in captive cheetahs whereas recent studies in free-ranging Namibian cheetahs revealed a good health status. This raised the question whether the diversity at MHC I and II genes in free-ranging cheetahs is higher than previously reported. In this study, a total of 10 MHC I alleles and four MHC II alleles were observed in 149 individuals throughout Namibia. All alleles but one likely belong to functional MHC genes as their expression was confirmed. The observed alleles belong to four MHC I and three MHC II genes in the species as revealed by phylogenetic analyses. Signatures of historical positive selection acting on specific sites that interact directly with pathogen-derived proteins were detected in both MHC classes. Furthermore, a high genetic differentiation at MHC I was observed between Namibian cheetahs from east-central and north-central regions known to differ substantially in exposure to feline-specific viral pathogens. This suggests that the patterns of MHC I variation in the current population mirrors different pathogenic selective pressure imposed by viruses. Cheetahs showed low levels of MHC diversity compared with other mammalian species including felids, but this does not seem to influence the current immunocompetence of free-ranging cheetahs in Namibia and contradicts the previous conclusion that the cheetah is a paradigm species of disease susceptibility. However, it cannot be ruled out that the low MHC variation might limit a prosperous immunocompetence in the case of an emerging disease scenario because none of the remaining alleles might be able to recognize a novel pathogen. In contrast to cheetahs, leopards occur in most parts of Africa being perhaps the most abundant big cat in the continent. Leopards seem to have escaped from large-scale declines due to epizootics in the past in contrast to some free-ranging large carnivore populations in Africa that have been afflicted by epizootics. Currently, no information about the MHC sequence variation and constitution in African leopards exists. In this study, I characterized genetic variation at MHC I and MHC II genes in free-ranging leopards from Namibia. A total of six MHC I and six MHC II sequences were detected in 25 individuals from the east-central region. The maximum number of sequences observed per individual suggests that they likely correspond to at least three MHC I and three MHC II genes. Hallmarks of MHC evolution were confirmed such as historical positive selection, recombination and trans-species polymorphism. The low MHC variation detected in Namibian leopards is not conclusive and further research is required to assess the extent of MHC variation in different areas of its geographic range. Results from this thesis will contribute to better understanding the evolutionary significance of MHC and conservation implications in free-ranging felids. Translocation of wildlife is an increasingly used management tool for conservation purposes that should be conducted carefully as it may affect the ability of the translocated animals to cope with different pathogenic selective pressures. / Genetische Variabilität ist entscheidend für das langfristige Überleben von Arten, denn es ermöglicht dem Organismus sich Umweltveränderungen, wie z.B. neu aufkommende Krankheiten, schneller anzupassen. Der Haupthistocompatibilitätskomplex (MHC) ist eine Familie von Genen, der eine zentrale Rolle im Immunsystem von Wirbeltieren zukommt, da sie nach Pathogenkontakt das adaptive Immunsystem aktivieren. Zudem sind MHC Gene geeignete molekulare Marker um Anpassungsfähigkeiten aufzuzeigen. MHC Gene kodieren primär für Zelloberflächenmoleküle, die kurze Peptidfragmente erkennen und den Immunzellen präsentieren, die im Falle der Klasse I Gene intrazellulären (z.B. von Viren) oder im Falle der Klasse II Gene extrazellulären (z.B. von Bakterien, Protozoen, Arthropoden) Ursprungs sein können. In der Regel wird in natürlich vorkommenden Populationen ein hoher Grad an Polymorphismus im MHC beobachtet, was als Anpassung an das Erkennen und Präsentieren einer großen Anzahl sich schnell entwickelnder Pathogene interpretiert wird. Das Bestehen vieler MHC Varianten über große Zeiträume hinweg wird hauptsächlich durch positive Selektion bewirkt, der ein pathogengetriebener Selektionsdruck zugrunde liegt. In meiner Doktorarbeit habe ich mich mit der Variation von MHC I and MHC II in freilebenden Geparden (Acinonyx jubatus) und Leoparden (Panthera pardus) in Farmgebieten innerhalb Namibias beschäftigt. Beide Felidenarten leben sympatrisch und sind so demselben Pathogendruck ausgesetzt, sie unterscheiden sich allerdings in ihrem evolutionären und demographischen Hintergrund. Mein Hauptziel war es 1) das Ausmaß und Muster der MHC Variation auf Populationsebene beider Feliden zu untersuchen; 2) einen möglichen Zusammenhang zwischen dem Grad der MHC Variation und der Krankheitsresistenz in frei lebenden Geparden aufzudecken und 3) zu untersuchen, welche Rolle der Selektion auf die MHC Variabilität beider Arten in der Vergangenheit wie auch gegenwärtig zukommt. Geparden und Leoparden repräsentieren die größten frei lebenden Carnivoren Namibias. Beide Arten kommen hauptsächlich in Farmgebieten vor, die sich in Privatbesitz befinden, und können dort mit anderen Wild- aber auch Haustieren zusammentreffen und potentiell Krankheitserreger austauschen. Die Kenntnis über die adaptive genetische Variation, die für Krankheitsresistenzen mitverantwortlich ist, kann für den Schutz beider Felidenarten von Bedeutung sein. Geparden werden häufig in Lehrbüchern als klassische Beispiele für eine Tierart mit einer generell geringen genetischen Diversität verwendet. Neben neutralen Markern ist bei Geparden auch eine geringe Variabilität der MHC Gene beschrieben worden, die als Ursache einer hohen Anfälligkeit für infektiöse Krankheiten gesehen wird. Bisher wurde allerdings eine erhöhte Krankheitsanfälligkeit nur bei Geparden aus Gefangenschaft beschrieben, wohingegen neuste Studien an frei lebenden Geparden diesen einen guten Gesundheitsstatus attestierten. Dadurch stellt sich die Frage, ob die MHC I und II Diversität in frei lebenden Geparden nicht höher sein könnte als bisher angenommen. In dieser Arbeit konnten insgesamt 10 MHC I und vier MHC II Allele in 149 frei lebenden Geparden aus ganz Namibia nachgewiesen werden. Die Zugehörigkeit zu funktionellen MHC Genen wurde durch Expressionsanalysen bei allen Allelen, außer einem, bestätigt. Durch phylogenetische Analysen konnten die Allele vier MHC I und drei MHC II Genen zu geordnet werden. Das Wirken von positiver Selektion in der Vergangenheit konnte an spezifischen Aminosäuren des Proteins, die in direktem Kontakt zu den pathogenen Antigenen stehen, festgestellt werden. Dies traf für beide MHC Klassen zu. Des Weiteren konnte eine starke genetische Differenzierung des MHC I zwischen Geparden aus einer nord-zentralen und einer ost-zentralen Region festgestellt werden, von denen auch bekannt ist, dass sie unterschiedlichen, felidenspezifischen, viralen Pathogenen ausgesetzt sind. Das lässt vermuten, dass die unterschiedlichen Muster der MHC I Variation in der gegenwärtigen Population den unterschiedlichen pathogengetriebenen Selektionsdruck durch Viren in den beiden Regionen widerspiegelt. Verglichen mit anderen Säugetierarten, insbesondere andere Feliden, zeigen Geparden einen geringen Grad an MHC Diversität, doch das scheint die derzeitige Immunkompetenz frei lebender Geparden in Namibia nicht einzuschränken und widerspricht der bisherigen Meinung dass Geparden ein typisches Beispiel für eine krankheitsanfällige Tierart sind. Es kann allerdings nicht ausgeschlossen werden, dass bei neu auftauchenden Krankheiten die geringe MHC Variation eine erfolgreiche Immunkompetenz verhindert, da möglicherweise keines der gegenwärtigen Allele die Fähigkeit besitzt neue Pathogene zu erkennen. Im Gegensatz zu Geparden kommen Leoparden in allen Teilen Afrikas vor und sind wahrscheinlich die am weitverbreiteste Großkatze des afrikanischen Kontinents. Es scheint, dass Leoparden, im Gegensatz zu anderen afrikanischen Großkatzen, einer ausgedehnten Dezimierung durch Tierseuchen in der Vergangenheit, der einige Populationen afrikanischer Großkatzen ausgesetzt waren, entkommen sind. Bisher fehlten Information über die MHC Variabilität in afrikanischen Leoparden. In dieser Studie konnte ich die genetische Variation der MHC I und MHC II Gene frei lebender namibischer Leoparden charakterisieren. In 25 Tieren aus einer Population der ost-zentralen Region konnten sechs MHC I sowie sechs MHC II Sequenzen nachgewiesen werden. Aus der maximalen Anzahl Allele pro Tier kann auf drei MHC I und auf drei MHC II Gene geschlossen werden. Außerdem konnten die typischen Kennzeichen einer variationserhaltenden MHC Evolution betätigt werden, wie positive Selektion in der Vergangenheit, Rekombination und über Artgrenzen hinaus bestehender Polymorphismus. Der geringe Grad an MHC Variation in namibischen Leoparden ist jedoch noch nicht endgültig und weitere Untersuchungen in unterschiedlichen Regionen aus der gesamten geographischen Verbreitung des Leoparden sind notwendig um die MHC Variation der Leoparden in Gänze einschätzen zu können. Die Ergebnisse dieser Arbeit werden zu einem besseren Verständnis des evolutionären Stellenwerts des MHC und in Folge zu einem besseren Schutz von frei lebenden Feliden beitragen. Die Umsiedelung von Wildtieren ist ein zunehmend angewendetes Hilfsmittel im Natur- und Artenschutz, welches jedoch mit Sorgfalt eingesetzt werden sollte, da die umgesiedelten Tiere möglicherweise einem anderen pathogenen Selektionsdruck ausgesetzt sind, dem sie nichts entgegenzusetzen haben.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-03-26T13:47:08Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 texto completo.pdf: 829087 bytes, checksum: 53a595f1be1470ef16a089fa9a53d992 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2004-03-31 / The present work proposed evaluating the organization of the components of the testes, the seminiferous epithelium cycle, the intrinsic yield of each fase of spermatogenic process, the testicular sperm reserve, as well as the correlations of these items with corporal and testicular biometric parameters.The medium corporal weight of the jaguar in the present experiment was 78,5 kg, of which about 0,034% are located in the testicular mass, and 0,022% specifically in the seminiferous tubules, which represented about 77,7% of the testicular parenchyma. The average diameter of seminiferous tubules in jaguars was 257 µm, and the average thickness of the seminiferous epithelium was about 90m. Jaguars have about 12,2 meters of seminiferous tubules by testicle gram. The general spermatogenic yield of the jaguar was about 23,4 cells and each Sertoli cell was able to sustain and to keep about 19,2 germ cells, 11 of which were round spermatides. In each seminiferous epithelium cycle about 166 million of spermatozoids were produced by testicle gram. In the jaguar the Leydig cells occupy an average 0,0036% of the corporeal weight and its average number by testicle gram is within the scope for most mammals: between 20 and 40 million. The obtained data supplied pertinent information about the spermatogenic process of this feline of the brazilian fauna, for subsidy to projects of conservation and protection of the wild life that involve reproduction programs. / O presente trabalho propôs avaliar a organização dos componentes do testículo, o ciclo do epitélio seminífero, o rendimento intrínseco de cada fase do processo espermatogênico, a reserva espermática testicular, bem como as correlações destes itens com parâmetros biométricos corporais e testiculares. O peso corporal médio das onças-pintadas do presente experimento foi de 78,5 kg, dos quais cerca de 0,034% são alocados em massa testicular e 0,022% especificamente em túbulos seminíferos, que representaram cerca de 77,7% do parênquima testicular. O diâmetro médio dos túbulos seminíferos em onça-pintada foi de 257μm, e a espessura média do epitélio seminífero foi de aproximadamente 90μm. A onça-pintada apresenta cerca de 12,2 metros de túbulo seminífero por grama de testículo. O rendimento geral da espermatogênese da onça-pintada foi de aproximadamente 23,4 células, e cada célula de Sertoli foi capaz de sustentar e manter aproximadamente 19,2 células da linhagem germinativa, das quais cerca de 11 são espermátides arredondadas. A cada ciclo do epitélio seminífero, cerca de 166 milhões de espermatozóides são produzidos por grama de testículo. Em onças-pintadas as células de Leydig ocupam em média 0,0036% do peso corporal e seu número médio por grama de testículo apresentou-se dentro da amplitude descrita para a maioria dos mamíferos, entre 20 e 40 milhões. Os dados obtidos fornecem informações pertinentes sobre o processo espermatogênico deste felino da fauna brasileira, para subsídio a projetos de conservação e proteção da vida silvestre que envolvam programas de reprodução.

Poucos são os estudos acerca da saúde de onças-pintadas em vida livre. Visando obter melhores parâmetros para avaliação clínica desta espécie ameaçada de extinção, foram realizados exame clínico, hemograma, perfil bioquímico e acompanhamento de 10 onças-pintadas da região de Corumbá, no Pantanal do Mato Grosso do Sul. Além disso, buscando obter informações sobre o possível papel da espécie como suscetível, hospedeira ou sentinela de patógenos de importância em saúde pública e animal, amostras destas 10 onças foram testadas através de métodos sorológicos para verificar contato com vírus rábico, Rickettsia spp. e Ehrlichia canis. As amostras das onças e os carrapatos que as parasitavam no momento das capturas foram testados por reação em cadeia pela polimerase para a família Anaplasmataceae e os gêneros Rickettsia, Borrelia, Coxiella, Hepatozoon e Babesia. Este é o primeiro estudo a relatar os valores de hemograma e perfil bioquímico de uma população de onças-pintadas de vida livre. Dois animais, assintomáticos, apresentaram baixo título sorológico para o vírus da raiva, sugerindo contato da espécie com este patógeno. Todas as onças capturadas foram consideradas soropositivas para Rickettsia spp., e Rickettsia parkeri foi sequenciada a partir de um Amblyomma triste que estava parasitando um dos animais. Foi descoberta uma possível nova espécie do gênero Ehrlichia através do sequenciamento de DNA obtido de um Amblyomma triste e um Amblyomma cajenense que estavam parasitando onças. Quatro onças-pintadas foram consideradas soropositivas para Ehrlichia canis, possivelmente uma reação cruzada com esta outra espécie. Todas as onças-pintadas avaliadas neste estudo apresentaram DNA de Cytauxzoon sp., com 98% de similaridade a C. felis, em amostras sanguíneas. Todas as onças avaliadas neste estudo apresentaram DNA de Hepatozoon sp., com 98% de similaridade a H. felis, em amostras sanguíneas. As onças apresentavam boas condições de saúde geral. / Few studies have been conducted to investigate the health of free-ranging jaguars. In order to obtain better parameters for clinical evaluation of this endangered species, clinical exams, hemogram, biochemical tests and ecological monitoring were done for 10 jaguars in the Pantanal region - Corumbá City, Mato Grosso do Sul State. This project also evaluated the possible role of this species as susceptible, host or sentinel for pathogens of public and/or animal health importance, testing samples from these animals by serological methods to rabies virus, Rickettsia spp. and Ehrlichia canis. All samples and all ticks collected from the jaguars were also tested by polymerase chain reaction to the Anaplasmataceae family and the genera Rickettsia, Borrelia, Coxiella, Hepatozoon and Babesia. This is the first report of hemograms and biochemical profile of a free-ranging jaguar population. Two asymptomatic animals presented low seropositivity for rabies virus, suggesting contact with this pathogen. All jaguars were considered seropositive for Rickettsia spp., and Rickettsia parkeri was sequenced from an Amblyomma triste that was parasitizing one of the animals. A possible new species of the genus Ehrlichia has been identified by DNA sequencing obtained from an Amblyomma triste and an Amblyomma cajenense that were parasitizing jaguars. Four jaguars were considered seropositive for Ehrlichia canis, possibly a cross-reaction with this other species. All jaguars evaluated in this study presented DNA fragments of Cytauxzoon sp., 98% similarity to C. felis in blood samples. In addition, all jaguars presented DNA fragments of Hepatozoon sp., 98% similarity to H. felis in blood samples. In general, these jaguars presented good health.

L’augmentation depuis une trentaine d’années des maladies infectieuses dites émergentes ou ré-émergentes chez l’homme, causées à plus de 70% par des pathogènes issus d’espèces hôtes animales (i.e. Ebola, SIDA), stimule l’étude de systèmes éco-épidémiologiques à l’interface entres populations humaines et animales (i.e. sauvages et/ou domestiques).Le contact entre hôtes est un phénomène important dans l’étude de ces systèmes car il permet la transmission des pathogènes entre individus et la diffusion de maladie au sein et entre populations. Nous avons choisi la maladie de la fièvre aphteuse comme modèle d’étude de la transmission de pathogènes des populations sauvages vers les populations domestiques. Le buffle africain (Syncerus caffer) étant le réservoir présumé de cette maladie fortement contagieuse, nous nous sommes interrogés sur les conditions de transfert au bétail (Bos taurus et Bos indicus) du virus aphteux aux frontières de trois parcs nationaux africains qui constituent des interfaces entre espaces anthropiques et protégés perméables aux mouvements d’animaux. Dans le cadre de ce doctorat 4 protocoles ont été mis en place entre 2010 et 2011 au Zimbabwe. Premièrement, des colliers GPS (Global Positionning System) ont été déployés sur des bovins sauvages/domestiques pour décrire leurs déplacements dans le paysage et quantifier les contacts interspécifiques. Des colliers furent également posés sur l’une des espèces prédatrices de ces ongulés: le lion (Panthera leo). L’intégration de la guilde des prédateurs nous a permis d’estimer les modifications de l’utilisation de l’espace par les herbivores en réponse à la présence de carnivores et les conséquences en termes de contacts et de transmission interspécifique de pathogènes. Deuxièmement, un suivi longitudinal sérologique sur le bétail a complété le protocole télémétrique avec des prélèvements répétés sur des individus marqués selon le cycle saisonnier. Troisièmement, les contacts au sein des populations de bovins domestiques ont été caractérisés par des enquêtes auprès des éleveurs. Quatrièmement, le rôle potentiel de la diversité des hôtes sur le risque infectieux d’un écosystème a été exploré par l’estimation de densité de macro-parasites dans le paysage selon une variation de la gamme d’hôtes potentiels (i.e. (i) sauvages, (ii) sauvages et domestiques et (iii) uniquement domestiques).Nos résultats montrent que (1) les taux d’interaction interspécifiques, estimés par télémétrie, varient entre sites et présentent une saisonnalité prononcée (i.e. pic saison sèche chaude). (2) La distribution des ressources conditionne la périodicité et la distribution de ces contacts dans les différents compartiments du paysage. (3) La fréquence des incursions du bétail dans un espace protégé ainsi que les taux de contacts avec les buffles influencent positivement la probabilité d’acquisition d’anticorps anti-aphteux chez le bétail. La probabilité de perte d’anticorps est également fonction du niveau d’interaction avec les buffles mais selon une relation négative. (4) La densité du réseau d’interaction intra-spécifique domestique influence positivement l’incidence sérologique de la fièvre aphteuse. (5) La présence de prédateurs supérieurs dans le paysage permettrait de limiter les incursions du bétail dans les espaces protégés et diminuerait la probabilité d’infection par les populations d’hôtes sauvages. (6) Enfin les densités de macro-parasites dans la végétation sont supérieures dans des espaces communaux sans interaction avec les populations sauvages et où la richesse spécifique des hôtes est plus faible. Les résultats de cette étude sur la transmission interspécifique de pathogènes entre populations sauvages et domestiques dans les écosystèmes tropicaux ouvrent des champs de réflexion encore largement inexplorés, notamment sur l’évolution de la virulence et des modes de transmission des pathogènes ayant comme hôtes des populations sympatriques sauvages et domestiques. / Emerging or re-emerging diseases in human populations have increased over the last thirty years. Since 70% of such diseases are caused by pathogens originating from animal hosts (i.e. Ebola, AIDS, and avian influenza), this increase has prompted the study of eco-epidemiological systems that occur at the interface between human and animal populations (i.e. wild and/or domestic). Contacts between hosts are particularly important factors in these systems since they result in pathogen transmission among individuals and, therefore, disease diffusion within and among populations. We used foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) as a model to study pathogen transmission from wild to domestic populations. As the African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) is the presumed reservoir of this highly contagious disease, we examined the conditions in which the virus was transmitted to cattle sensitive to the disease (Bos taurus and Bos indicus) at the borders of African national parks; these areas are interfaces between anthropogenic and protected areas in which animals can move freely.In the context, 4 protocols were implemented between 2010 and 2011 in Zimbabwe. First, GPS (Global Positioning System) collars were placed on cattle and buffalo in order to describe and analyze their movements across the landscape as well as to quantify interspecific contacts. In one of the study sites, collars were attached to one of the predators of these ungulates: the lion (Panthera leo). By integrating the predator guild into our telemetry protocols, we could examine the potential changes in spatial use by cattle and buffalo in response to predator presence and their consequences for contact dynamics and interspecific pathogen transmission. Second, a longitudinal serological survey was conducted in which tagged individuals were sampled repeatedly over the course of different seasons. Third, to characterize contacts within the domestic host population, interviews were conducted with cattle owners regarding their husbandry practices across seasons. Fourth, to describe the potential role of host diversity in ecosystem infection risks, macroparasite density (i.e. ticks) was estimated for landscape compartments that contrasted in terms of potential hosts present (i.e. (i) wild, (ii) domestic and wild, and (iii) domestic only).Our study primarily shows the following results. (1) Interspecific interaction rates, as estimated by telemetry, vary between sites and have a pronounced seasonality (peak occurs during the hot dry season). (2) Resource distribution (i.e. water and grazing areas) seems to condition the frequency and distribution of these contacts in the different landscape compartments. (3) Cattle incursion frequencies into protected areas and the frequency and intensity of contact with buffalo significantly positively affect the probability of foot-and-mouth antibody acquisition in cattle. The probability of antibody loss in cattle is also a function of diminished rates of interaction with buffalo. (4) Intraspecific interaction densities positively influence FMD serological incidence in cattle. (5) Top predator presence in the landscape could limit cattle incursion into protected areas and reduce the likelihood of their being infected by wild host populations. (6) Finally, the estimated densities of macroparasites in the vegetation were higher in communal spaces where there was no interaction with wild hosts and where host species richness was weak.The results of this study on the interspecific transmission of pathogens between wild and domestic populations in tropical ecosystems encourage the exploration of research topics that are still largely unexplored, including the evolution of virulence transmission modes of pathogens hosted by sympatric wild and domestic populations.

A fragmentação de habitats e o aumento da proximidade entre as comunidades humanas, animais domésticos e silvestres podem ser responsáveis pelo aparecimento de doenças emergentes, disseminação de patógenos e alterações nos padrões epidemiológicos das doenças. Declínios populacionais em felinos silvestres devido a doenças já foram relatados, porém, pouco se conhece sobre o potencial papel dos patógenos nas populações de onça-pintada. Este estudo teve por objetivo pesquisar a presença de patógenos nas populações de onça-pintada e animais domésticos das regiões do Parque Nacional das Emas-PNE, Parque Estadual do Cantão-PEC e Pantanal sul mato-grossense, e identificar possíveis associações nos diagnósticos encontrados. Entre fevereiro de 2000 e janeiro de 2010, foram coletadas amostras biológicas de 31 onças-pintadas, 1246 bovinos, 179 cães e 36 gatos. Foram realizados diagnósticos sorológicos para brucelas lisas (AAT), Leptospira spp. (SAM), Toxoplasma gondii (MAT; RIFI), vírus da raiva (RFFIT), vírus da cinomose (SN), FIV e FeLV (SnapTM); e diagnósticos moleculares para Babesia spp., Hepatozoon spp., Cytauxzoon spp., Mycoplasma haemofelis, 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' e 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis'. Amostras de fezes de onças-pintadas foram analisadas para Giardia intestinalis, Cryptosporidium spp., protozoários da Família Sarcocystidae e Mycobacterium spp. O monitoramento das onças-pintadas, através do radiotransmissor, permitiu o mapeamento da ocorrência dos patógenos. As populações de bovinos das três áreas apresentaram alta exposição à B. abortus, mas apenas uma onça-pintada do PNE foi exposta à brucela lisa. Os sorovares mais prováveis de Leptospira spp. identificados em onças-pintadas do PNE e Pantanal foram distintos dos encontrados nos animais domésticos. As onças-pintadas, cães e gatos das três áreas foram altamente expostos ao T. gondii. Onças-pintadas do PNE e Pantanal foram expostas ao vírus da raiva, assim como as onças-pintadas do Pantanal e os cães das três áreas foram expostos ao vírus da cinomose. Dois gatos do entorno do PEC foram soropositivos para FeLV, mas nenhuma onça-pintada foi exposta ao agente ou ao FIV. Cães do entorno do PNE e do PEC foram positivos para Babesia spp., enquanto todas onças-pintadas foram negativas para o hemoparasita. Todas as onças-pintadas do Pantanal e PNE, e três de quatro onças do PEC foram positivas para Hepatozoon spp. e Cytauxzoon felis, sendo que cães e gatos também foram expostos ao Hepatozoon spp., mas não ao Cytauxzoon spp. As onças-pintadas das três áreas apresentaram alta exposição ao 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum', e alguns indivíduos do Pantanal e PEC foram positivos para o Mycoplasma haemofelis e 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis'. Poucos gatos foram positivos para os hemoplasmas felinos. Não houve evidências de exposição ao Mycobacterium bovis, e a presença de Cryptosporidium spp. e Giardia intestinalis foi detectada em onças do PNE. De acordo com os resultados, a cinomose e a raiva podem ser consideradas potenciais ameaças às populações de onça-pintada; a brucelose e a leptospirose podem ter sido transmitidas por animais domésticos; e, provavelmente as onças-pintadas possuem papel importante na manutenção do T. gondii, Cytauxzoon felis, Hepatozoon spp. e 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' no ambiente. Esses dados são relevantes e devem ser considerados na elaboração de estratégias para a conservação de onça-pintada na natureza. / Habitat fragmentation and the increasing proximity between humans, domestic and wild animals can be responsible for emerging and re-emerging diseases, dissemination of pathogens and alterations in host-pathogen relationships. Declines in wild felids due to disease have recently been reported; however, little is known about their potential role in wild jaguar populations. This study aimed to investigate the presence of pathogens in jaguar populations and domestic animals in the regions of Emas National Park (ENP), Cantão State Park (CSP) and the Pantanal of Mato Grosso do Sul, and to identify possible associations in the obtained diagnoses. Between February 2000 and January 2010, biological samples were collected from 31 jaguars, 1246 cattle, 179 dogs and 36 cats. Serological surveys for smooth Brucella (RBT), Leptospira spp. (MAT), Toxoplasma gondii (MAT; IFAT), rabies virus (RFFIT), distemper virus (SN), FIV and FeLV (SnapTM), and molecular tests for Babesia spp., Hepatozoon spp., Cytauxzoon spp., Mycoplasma haemofelis, 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis' were performed. Jaguar scats were analyzed for Giardia intestinalis, Cryptosporidium spp., protozoas of the Sarcocystidae Familiy and Mycobacterium spp. Monitoring of jaguars through radio-transmitter provided pathogen occurrence maps. Cattle populations from all sites were highly exposed to B. abortus, but only one jaguar from ENP was exposed to smooth Brucella. The most detectable serotypes of Leptospira spp. identified in jaguars from ENP and the Pantanal were distinct from those found in the domestic animals. Jaguars, dogs and cats in the three areas were highly exposed to T. gondii. Jaguars from ENP and the Pantantal were exposed to rabies, and jaguars from the Pantanal and dogs from the three areas were exposed to distemper virus. Two cats from the surroundings of CSP were seropositive for FeLV, but no jaguars were exposed to this agent or to FIV. Dogs from the surroundings of ENP and CSP were positive for Babesia spp., while all jaguars were negative for the hemoparasite. All jaguars from the Pantanal and ENP and three of four jaguars from the CSP were positive for Hepatozoon spp. and Cytauxzoon felis. Dogs and cats were also exposed to Hepatozoon spp., but not to Cytauxzoon spp. The jaguars from the three areas were highly exposed to 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum', and some individuals from the Pantanal and CSP were positive for Mycoplasma haemofelis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis'. Few domestic cats were positive for feline hemoplasms. There were no evidences of exposure to Mycobacterium bovis, but Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia intestinalis were detected in jaguars from ENP. According to the results, distemper and rabies should be considered potential threats to jaguar populations; brucellosis and leptospirosis could have been transmitted by domestic animals; and jaguars probably play an important role in the maintenance of T. gondii, Cytauxzoon felis, Hepatozoon spp. and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' in nature. These data should be taken into account when elaborating conservation strategies for jaguars in the wild.

Submitted by Simone Souza (simonecgsouza@hotmail.com) on 2017-10-18T14:04:08Z No. of bitstreams: 1 DISS_2014_Selma Samiko Miyazaki Onuma.pdf: 1498739 bytes, checksum: 80569040824ee0dd609c6d63ad7c4fa7 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Jordan (jordanbiblio@gmail.com) on 2017-11-08T12:33:06Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 DISS_2014_Selma Samiko Miyazaki Onuma.pdf: 1498739 bytes, checksum: 80569040824ee0dd609c6d63ad7c4fa7 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-11-08T12:33:06Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 DISS_2014_Selma Samiko Miyazaki Onuma.pdf: 1498739 bytes, checksum: 80569040824ee0dd609c6d63ad7c4fa7 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-02-27 / Amostras de sangue de 11 onças-pintadas de vida livre (Panthera onca) foram coletadas em duas unidades de conservação federal no Pantanal de Mato Grosso com objetivo de avaliar o perfil sanitário dessas populações. A presença de anticorpos séricos para Ehrlichia spp., Rickettsia spp., Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum e Sarcocystis neurona foi investigada pela Reação de Imunofluorescência Indireta (RIFI); para Leptospira spp. pela Microtécnica de Soroaglutinação Microscópica (SAM) e para Brucella abortus pelo teste do Antígeno Acidificado Tamponado (Rosa Bengala). O DNA genômico em cada amostra de sangue total coletada foi analisada pela Reação em Cadeia pela Polimerase (PCR) com intuito de identificar a presença de DNA de Ehrlichia spp., Rickettsia spp., Hepatozoon spp. e Cytauxzoon spp. Duas fêmeas de carrapato Amblyomma cajennense coletados em um animal foram também testadas pela PCR para detecção de DNA de Ehrlichia spp. e Rickettsia spp. Duas onças foram soropositivas para Ehrlichia spp., com títulos de anticorpos de 80 e 320, respectivamente. Nove animais reagiram positivamente a pelo menos quatro espécies de Rickettsia spp. Dez, 7 e 8 animais amostrados foram soropositivos para T. gondii, N. caninum e S. neurona, respectivamente. Duas onças apresentaram soros reagentes para Leptospira spp. , e o provável sorotipo infectante em ambos os animais foi um isolado brasileiro do sorovar Canicola (L01). Todas as amostras de soro foram negativas para B. abortus. Nenhum DNA da família Anaplasmataceae e do gênero Ehrlichia foi detectado pela PCR ou pela Heminested- PCR nas amostras de sangue, entretanto uma foi positiva na PCR para Rickettsia spp. segundo o gene citrate sintase (gltA), porém negativa para o gene ompA, comum entre riquétsias pertencentes ao grupo da Febre Maculosa. Um A. cajennense apresentou DNA riquetsial, cujo sequenciamento de nucleotídeos demonstrou 99% de similaridade a R. amblyommii. Sete amostras apresentaram DNA de Hepatozoon spp., com 99% de similaridade para H. felis e 10 das 11 amostras foram positivas para DNA de Cytauxzoon spp., com 99% de similaridade para C. felis. O presente estudo mostrou que as onças de vida livre na porção norte do Pantanal foram expostas a inúmeros agentes patogênicos, e que uma abordagem integrada para a conservação da vida selvagem e a integridade da saúde pública é uma questão eminente a fim de determinar intervenções de gestão em áreas protegidas. Este é o primeiro relato da exposição de onças-pintadas de vida livre a N. caninum e S. neurona. / Blood samples from 11 free-living jaguars (Panthera onca) were collected in two federal conservation units in the Pantanal of Mato Grosso state to determine the health profile of these populations . The presence of serum antibodies for Ehrlichia spp., Rickettsia spp., Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum and Sarcocystis neurona was investigated by Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA); for Leptospira spp by the Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT). and for Brucella abortus by rose Bengal test . Blood genomic DNA in each sample was tested by Polymerase Chain Reaction( PCR ) to identify Ehrlichia spp . , Rickettsia spp . , Hepatozoon spp . and Cytauxzoon spp. Two females of Amblyomma cajennense ticks collected from an animal were tested by PCR for DNA detection of Ehrlichia spp . and Rickettsia spp. Two jaguars were seropositive for Ehrlichia spp ., with antibody titres of 80 and 320, respectively. Nine animals were positive for at least four species of Rickettsia spp. Ten, 7 and 8 of the sampled animals were seropositive for T. gondii, N. caninum and S. neurona, respectively. Two jaguars were seroreactive for Leptospira spp. antigen and the most likely infecting serotype in both animals was a Brazilian isolate of serovar Canicola ( L01 ) . All serum samples were negative for B. abortus. No Anaplasmataceae and Ehrlichia DNA was detected by PCR or by Heminested-PCR. One sample was positive by PCR for Rickettsia spp. according to the citrate synthase gene (gltA), but it was negative for the ompA rickettsial gene of the spotted fever group. An A. cajennense collected showed riquetsial DNA whose sequence showed 99 % similarity to R. amblyommii . Seven samples presented DNA fragments of Hepatozoon spp., with 99% similarity to H. felis and 10 of the 11 samples were positive for DNA fragments of Cytauxzoon spp., with 99 % similarity to C. felis. The present study showed that free-living jaguars in northern Pantanal were exposed to numerous pathogens, and an integrated approach to wildlife conservation and integrity of public health is a prominent issue in order to determine management interventions in protected areas. This is the first report of exposure of free-living jaguars to N. caninum and S. neurona.

A fragmentação de habitats e o aumento da proximidade entre as comunidades humanas, animais domésticos e silvestres podem ser responsáveis pelo aparecimento de doenças emergentes, disseminação de patógenos e alterações nos padrões epidemiológicos das doenças. Declínios populacionais em felinos silvestres devido a doenças já foram relatados, porém, pouco se conhece sobre o potencial papel dos patógenos nas populações de onça-pintada. Este estudo teve por objetivo pesquisar a presença de patógenos nas populações de onça-pintada e animais domésticos das regiões do Parque Nacional das Emas-PNE, Parque Estadual do Cantão-PEC e Pantanal sul mato-grossense, e identificar possíveis associações nos diagnósticos encontrados. Entre fevereiro de 2000 e janeiro de 2010, foram coletadas amostras biológicas de 31 onças-pintadas, 1246 bovinos, 179 cães e 36 gatos. Foram realizados diagnósticos sorológicos para brucelas lisas (AAT), Leptospira spp. (SAM), Toxoplasma gondii (MAT; RIFI), vírus da raiva (RFFIT), vírus da cinomose (SN), FIV e FeLV (SnapTM); e diagnósticos moleculares para Babesia spp., Hepatozoon spp., Cytauxzoon spp., Mycoplasma haemofelis, 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' e 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis'. Amostras de fezes de onças-pintadas foram analisadas para Giardia intestinalis, Cryptosporidium spp., protozoários da Família Sarcocystidae e Mycobacterium spp. O monitoramento das onças-pintadas, através do radiotransmissor, permitiu o mapeamento da ocorrência dos patógenos. As populações de bovinos das três áreas apresentaram alta exposição à B. abortus, mas apenas uma onça-pintada do PNE foi exposta à brucela lisa. Os sorovares mais prováveis de Leptospira spp. identificados em onças-pintadas do PNE e Pantanal foram distintos dos encontrados nos animais domésticos. As onças-pintadas, cães e gatos das três áreas foram altamente expostos ao T. gondii. Onças-pintadas do PNE e Pantanal foram expostas ao vírus da raiva, assim como as onças-pintadas do Pantanal e os cães das três áreas foram expostos ao vírus da cinomose. Dois gatos do entorno do PEC foram soropositivos para FeLV, mas nenhuma onça-pintada foi exposta ao agente ou ao FIV. Cães do entorno do PNE e do PEC foram positivos para Babesia spp., enquanto todas onças-pintadas foram negativas para o hemoparasita. Todas as onças-pintadas do Pantanal e PNE, e três de quatro onças do PEC foram positivas para Hepatozoon spp. e Cytauxzoon felis, sendo que cães e gatos também foram expostos ao Hepatozoon spp., mas não ao Cytauxzoon spp. As onças-pintadas das três áreas apresentaram alta exposição ao 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum', e alguns indivíduos do Pantanal e PEC foram positivos para o Mycoplasma haemofelis e 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis'. Poucos gatos foram positivos para os hemoplasmas felinos. Não houve evidências de exposição ao Mycobacterium bovis, e a presença de Cryptosporidium spp. e Giardia intestinalis foi detectada em onças do PNE. De acordo com os resultados, a cinomose e a raiva podem ser consideradas potenciais ameaças às populações de onça-pintada; a brucelose e a leptospirose podem ter sido transmitidas por animais domésticos; e, provavelmente as onças-pintadas possuem papel importante na manutenção do T. gondii, Cytauxzoon felis, Hepatozoon spp. e 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' no ambiente. Esses dados são relevantes e devem ser considerados na elaboração de estratégias para a conservação de onça-pintada na natureza. / Habitat fragmentation and the increasing proximity between humans, domestic and wild animals can be responsible for emerging and re-emerging diseases, dissemination of pathogens and alterations in host-pathogen relationships. Declines in wild felids due to disease have recently been reported; however, little is known about their potential role in wild jaguar populations. This study aimed to investigate the presence of pathogens in jaguar populations and domestic animals in the regions of Emas National Park (ENP), Cantão State Park (CSP) and the Pantanal of Mato Grosso do Sul, and to identify possible associations in the obtained diagnoses. Between February 2000 and January 2010, biological samples were collected from 31 jaguars, 1246 cattle, 179 dogs and 36 cats. Serological surveys for smooth Brucella (RBT), Leptospira spp. (MAT), Toxoplasma gondii (MAT; IFAT), rabies virus (RFFIT), distemper virus (SN), FIV and FeLV (SnapTM), and molecular tests for Babesia spp., Hepatozoon spp., Cytauxzoon spp., Mycoplasma haemofelis, 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis' were performed. Jaguar scats were analyzed for Giardia intestinalis, Cryptosporidium spp., protozoas of the Sarcocystidae Familiy and Mycobacterium spp. Monitoring of jaguars through radio-transmitter provided pathogen occurrence maps. Cattle populations from all sites were highly exposed to B. abortus, but only one jaguar from ENP was exposed to smooth Brucella. The most detectable serotypes of Leptospira spp. identified in jaguars from ENP and the Pantanal were distinct from those found in the domestic animals. Jaguars, dogs and cats in the three areas were highly exposed to T. gondii. Jaguars from ENP and the Pantantal were exposed to rabies, and jaguars from the Pantanal and dogs from the three areas were exposed to distemper virus. Two cats from the surroundings of CSP were seropositive for FeLV, but no jaguars were exposed to this agent or to FIV. Dogs from the surroundings of ENP and CSP were positive for Babesia spp., while all jaguars were negative for the hemoparasite. All jaguars from the Pantanal and ENP and three of four jaguars from the CSP were positive for Hepatozoon spp. and Cytauxzoon felis. Dogs and cats were also exposed to Hepatozoon spp., but not to Cytauxzoon spp. The jaguars from the three areas were highly exposed to 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum', and some individuals from the Pantanal and CSP were positive for Mycoplasma haemofelis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis'. Few domestic cats were positive for feline hemoplasms. There were no evidences of exposure to Mycobacterium bovis, but Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia intestinalis were detected in jaguars from ENP. According to the results, distemper and rabies should be considered potential threats to jaguar populations; brucellosis and leptospirosis could have been transmitted by domestic animals; and jaguars probably play an important role in the maintenance of T. gondii, Cytauxzoon felis, Hepatozoon spp. and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' in nature. These data should be taken into account when elaborating conservation strategies for jaguars in the wild.