Zoo Atlanta

La anemia infecciosa equina (AIE) es una enfermedad viral crónica que compromete la salud equina y genera restricciones en el comercio internacional. El diagnóstico temprano es fundamental para un control eficaz. El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar el rendimiento diagnóstico de dos métodos serológicos: la inmunodifusión en gel de agar AGID y el ensayo inmunoabsorbente ligado a enzimas (ELISA). Se analizaron 60 muestras de suero equino (30 positivas y 30 negativas) procedentes de materiales de referencia validados por un laboratorio oficial de diagnóstico veterinario. Ambas técnicas alcanzaron una sensibilidad y especificidad del 100 %, con una concordancia diagnóstica perfecta (κ = 1,0), sin encontrarse diferencias significativas en su capacidad diagnóstica (p = 1,0). Sin embargo, el ELISA demostró un tiempo de reacción menor (24 horas) en comparación con el AGID (72 horas) (p < 0,05), siendo ELISA significativamente más costoso (21,51 USD frente a 9,36 USD) (p < 0,05). Estos hallazgos evidencian que ambas técnicas son altamente confiables; no obstante, la elección depende de los recursos disponibles y requerimientos operativos de cada laboratorio. Se recomienda un enfoque diagnóstico combinado, empleando ELISA como prueba de cribado y AGID como confirmatoria, fortaleciendo la vigilancia epidemiológica y la gestión sanitaria equina.

Automated feeders have long fed mice, livestock, and poultry, but are incapable of feeding zoo animals such as gorillas. In captivity, gorillas eat cut vegetables and fruits in pieces too large to be dispensed by automated feeders. Consequently, captive gorillas are fed manually at set times and locations, keeping them from the exercise and enrichment that accompanies natural foraging. We designed and built ForageFeeder, an automated gorilla feeder that spreads food at random intervals throughout the day. ForageFeeder is an open source and easy to manufacture and modify device, making the feeder more accessible for zoos. The design presented here reduces manual labor for zoo staff and may be a useful tool for studies of animal ethology.

Cardiovascular diseaseis the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in zoologically managed adult great apes, accounting for 29%-77% of adult deaths in the North American population depending on the species. In an effort to better understand the underlying causes of heart disease, implantable loop recorders (ILRs) have been used in some cases to monitor great apes with suspected or known cases of arrhythmia. This is a 10-year review of the Great Ape Heart Project's experience of implanting 21 ILRs in 7 gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla; 9 total ILR devices), 5 chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes, 11 total ILR devices), and 1 orangutan (Pongo abelii, 1 ILR device) in an effort to develop effective methods for surgical implantation and remote collection of the data for analysis.

Malaclemys terrapin is a species of turtle that lives in brackish waters along the eastern coast of the United States from Cape Cod to Texas. We documented distinctive underwater postures during surfacing in hatchlings versus individuals after one year (yearlings). Hatchlings approach the water's surface in horizontal postures, while yearlings approach in a more vertical posture. Because cloacal bursae play a role in controlling buoyancy in freshwater turtles, we investigated their potential role in determining surface postures. We discovered that cloacal bursae are absent in M. terrapin , and we attribute this absence to the osmoregulatory challenges presented by the brackish habitats of this species. We posit that the horizontal postures in the hatchlings create a broader visual target to both aerial and aquatic predators and that the younger turtles likely do not have the strength, muscle mass, lung-volume coordination, or sufficient bone density in the shell to adopt the more visually streamlined vertical posture at the surface.

Abstract The female giant panda ( Ailuropoda melanoleuca ) has a characteristic reproductive physiology that involves a defined breeding season, embryonic diapause and potential for pseudopregnancy. The hormonal variation related to these reproductive characteristics may be a factor contributing to reproductive pathologies. In this case report, open pyometra was diagnosed in a giant panda. Clinical signs included lethargy, anorexia and mucopurulent vulvar discharge. Diagnostic tests performed included complete blood cell count, plasma biochemistry, protein electrophoresis, cytology, culture and sensitivity and abdominal ultrasonography. Treatment consisted of systemic antibiotics based on culture and sensitivity. Response to treatment was monitored via ultrasonography and visual examination of the vulvar region. Two weeks after treatment, the pyometra resolved and no subsequent complications were seen. This is the first case of pyometra reported in a giant panda. Pyometra should be considered as a differential diagnosis in entire female giant pandas presenting with abnormal clinical signs following breeding season.