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Hematologic parameters of the Spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica).

Thirteen hematologic parameters were measured in 52 Spanish ibexes (Capra pyrenaica) from Sierra Nevada Natural Park, southern Spain. The animals were captured, maintained in captivity, and physically restrained for blood collection. We compared hematologic values for healthy ibexes with animals infected with sarcoptic mites and animals treated for scabies and recovered. Ibexes with scabies showed a decreased number of erythrocytes, a higher mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and increased numbers of band neutrophils. The number of lymphocytes was significantly higher in animals that had recovered from scabies as compared with infested ones. The only difference observed between healthy and recovered animals was in the number of monocytes, which remained significantly higher in animals that had recovered from scabies. No hemoparasites were found in this study.

Animals↗

[Importance of the fox (Vulpes vulpes) in the transmission of sarcosporidiosis from the steinbock (Capra ibex) at the Gran Paradiso National Park].

Sarcosporidiasis is a very common infection of steinbocks (Capra ibex) and chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) of Gran Paradiso National Park, Italian Western Alps, frequently with serious cardiac involvement. No dogs or cats are allowed inside the Park, to the contrary foxes (Vulpes vulpes) are present every where, near steinbocks and chamois, and eat on the bodies of dead animals. Feces of Vulpes vulpes were collected in the same area, where the infected Capra ibex used for the following experiment was living (Gran Nomenon - Chantel - P.N.G.P. Val di Cogne, altitude ranging from 2200 to 2600 m). These feces and feces from foxes collected in different areas of Valle dell'Orco were found positive for sporulated sporocysts which varied between 8-10 X 13-15 mum. Infected muscles of a Capra ibex (oesophagus, heart, diaphragm, intercostal and abdominal muscles, etc.) were fed to canidae (Vulpes vulpes, Canis lupus and Canis familiaris), felidae (Felis catus, Felis leo) mustelidae (Putorius putorius furo) and to a prey bird (Falco tinnunculus). One Vulpes vulpes and two Canis familiaris were maintained as control under the same experimental conditions. Only Vulpes vulpes, Canis lupus and Canis familiaris excreted sporulated sporocysts in their feces after 12, 13 and 21 days respectively and for several weeks. These sporocysts varied between 8-10 X 13-15 mum. All the other animals (Felis catus, Felis leo, Putorius putorius furo and Falco tinnunculus) remained costantly negative during all the experiments. It is concluded that Vulpes vulpes, Canis lupus and Canis familiaris (Canidae) are definitive hosts of Sarcocystis sp. of Capra ibes of P.N.G.P., and that sarcosporidiasis of steinbocks is transmitted inside the Parco (P.N.G.P.) by Vulpes vulpes.

Animals↗

Effect of egg yolk concentration on cryopreserving Spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica) epididymal spermatozoa.

Tris-egg yolk based diluents provide adequate cryoprotection for the sperm of most wild species in which they have been tested. The objective of the current study was to evaluate various Tris-based diluents containing different concentrations of egg yolk, for the fertilizing ability of epididymal spermatozoa of the Spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica) after freezing and thawing. For this purpose, we used heterologous in vivo fertilization by intrauterine insemination of domestic goats (Capra hircus). In Experiment 1, a Tris-citric acid-glucose (TCG) diluent containing 6% (v/v) egg yolk and a TCG extender containing 20% egg yolk were compared. In Experiment 2, a TCG-6% egg yolk extender was compared with Triladyl-20% egg yolk. Diluted samples were cooled slowly to 5 degrees C over 1 h and equilibrated at that temperature for 2 h. At that point, aliquots of samples were loaded into 0.25 ml straws, and frozen in nitrogen vapor for 10 min. The fertility of spermatozoa frozen in TCG-6% egg yolk was higher (P<0.05) than for those extended with TCG-20% egg yolk, and tended to be higher than for those frozen with Triladyl-20% egg yolk. From the results of this study, the use of Tris-based extenders containing low concentrations of egg yolk (6%) is recommended for cryopreserving Spanish ibex epididymal spermatozoa.

Animals↗

A survey of the gastrointestinal nematodes of Spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica) in a high mountain habitat.

We analyzed the content of the abomasum (n = 79) and small intestine (n = 83) of Spanish ibex from Sierra Nevada Natural Park, southern Spain. Fifteen species of trichostrongylid nematodes were identified, 4 of which were found for the first time in this host, i.e., Nematodirus fillicollis, N. oiratianus, Ostertagia lyrata, and O. ostertagi. Teladorsagia circumcincta and Marshallagia marshalli were the most abundant abomasal species, whereas N. abnormalis, N. davtiani, and N. oiratianus were dominant in the small intestine. Counts of both abomasal and intestinal nematodes were generally low (year-round-median = 292 and 94 worms, respectively), and significantly lower numbers of M. marshalli, N. davtiani, and N. oiratianus were found in summer. No sex-related differences in helminth abundance were found, but young ibex harbored significantly more N. davtiani and N. oiratianus than adults. The presence of scabies was not related to increased nematode counts.

Abomasum↗

Hematologic and biochemical reference intervals for Spanish ibex.

We studied blood samples from 529 Spanish ibexes (Capra pyrenaica) from different Andalusian mountain ranges in southern Spain, primarily from Sierra Nevada. For each sample, 13 hematologic and 32 biochemical parameters were analyzed. Within this database, we selected values obtained from live, free-ranging, physically restrained, clinically normal animals to determine reference intervals for these parameters. Distribution of values within each parameter was determined and differences in values between sex and age classes also were determined. We found significant differences in eight biochemical parameters among male and female ibexes. Significant differences in values for 20 hematologic and biochemical parameters between age classes also were found.

Age Factors↗

Evidence of three new members of malignant catarrhal fever virus group in muskox (Ovibos moschatus), Nubian ibex (Capra nubiana), and gemsbok (Oryx gazella).

Six members of the malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) virus group of ruminant rhadinoviruses have been identified to date. Four of these viruses are clearly associated with clinical disease: alcelaphine herpesvirus 1 (AlHV-1) carried by wildebeest (Connochaetes spp.); ovine herpesvirus 2 (OvHV-2), ubiquitous in domestic sheep; caprine herpesvirus 2 (CpHV-2), endemic in domestic goats; and the virus of unknown origin found causing classic MCF in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus; MCFV-WTD). Using serology and polymerase chain reaction with (degenerate primers targeting a portion of the herpesviral DNA polymerase gene, evidence of three previously unrecognized rhadinoviruses in the MCF virus group was found in muskox (Ovibos moschatus), Nubian ibex (Capra nubiana), and gemsbok (South African oryx, Oryx gazella), respectively. Base on sequence alignment, the viral sequence in the muskox is most closely related to MCFV-WTD (81.5% sequence identity) and that in the Nubian ibex is closest to CpHV-2 (89.3% identity). The viral sequence in the gemsbok is most closely related to AlHV-1 (85.1% identity). No evidence of disease association with these viruses has been found.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Potential pathogens carried by Spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica hispanica) in southern Spain.

The Spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica hispanica) population of southern Spain was surveyed for potential pathogens associated with the conjunctiva, external ear canal, as well as reproductive and upper respiratory tracts. We sampled 321 ibex (131 adult males, 100 adult females, and 90 yearlings); these included 271 apparently healthy animals and 50 that were naturally infected with Sarcoptes scabiei. A total of 688 bacterial isolates were identified (377 gram-negatives, 225 gram-positives, and 86 Mycoplasma spp.); sex, age, location, infection with S. scabiei, and disposition of the animal (free-ranging versus captive) were evaluated as risk factors for infection. Infections with Mycoplasma agalactiae and Mycoplasma arginini were associated with age, having a higher frequency of isolation in young animals. With Escherichia coli, Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida biotype A, and Staphylococcus aureus, significantly higher isolation rates were associated with adults. The isolation frequency for E. coli was higher in females, whereas Moraxella bovis isolations were mostly associated with males. The presence of mange increased the risk of infection with both Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus and M. haemolytica. The geographic origin of sampled animals was related to the isolation of Branhamella ovis, M. agalactiae, and all Pasteurella sp. Isolations of M. haemolytica, P. multocida biotype A, E. coli, and B. ovis were more prevalent in samples from free-ranging rather than captive animals. Of the gram-positive bacteria, S. aureus represented the predominant species isolated from nasal, vaginal, and ocular samples. Mycoplasma agalactiae and M. arginini were the predominant Mycoplasma spp., and both were associated most often with the external ear canal. The most frequently isolated gram-negative bacteria included E. coli, M. haemolytica, P. multocida biotype A, and B. ovis. Isolation rates of gram-negative species varied by source. In nasal samples, M. haemolytica and P. multocida biotype A were isolated most frequently, whereas in ocular and vaginal samples, B. ovis and E. coli, respectively, were most frequently isolated.

Age Factors↗

Experimental transmission of a sarcosporidian from Alpine ibex to domestic sheep and goats.

Sporocysts of Sarcocystis sp. from dogs fed with ibex meat were orally inoculated into kids and lambs. Three kids, given 4 x 10(6) and 4 x 10(4) sporocysts, respectively, died from acute sarcocystosis. Schizonts, though found in all the tissues of these kids, were particularly numerous in the kidneys, brain and spinal cord. Another three kids inoculated with 5 x 10(3) sporocysts and two lambs, inoculated with 1 x 10(6) and 5 x 10(3) sporocysts, respectively, showed no clinical signs and were sacrificed between 111 and 130 days after infection. Mature sarcocysts were found both in the heart and striated muscles of these animals. No parasitic stage was found in two kids and two lambs used as uninoculated controls. Biological differences between Sarcocystis sp. from ibex and the other sarcosporidians with a canine-caprine or canine-ovine cycle are stressed.

Animals↗

Effect of captivity on the blood composition of Spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica hispanica).

Blood analyses of seven free-ranging Spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica hispanica) captured from the wild and then held in captivity were used to determine the physiological changes in some haematological parameters and serum chemistry values during captivity. The captive animals had a higher haematocrit and haemoglobin concentration and larger numbers of erythrocytes than the same animals when they were captured. In addition, the absolute numbers of leucocytes and lymphocytes decreased progressively during captivity. Significant differences were found for some of the biochemical variables between the captive ibex and free-ranging animals.

Animals↗

High-Plex Tissue Imaging with Conventional Immunofluorescence Platforms and Open-Source Software via Iterative Bleaching Extends Multiplexity (IBEX).

Iterative bleaching extends multiplexity (IBEX) is an easy-to-use, highly multiplex immunofluorescent tissue imaging method that employs widely available microscopy platforms, commercial reagents, and open-source software. In this article, we describe how to implement this method in a laboratory that has minimal experience with immunohistochemistry.

Software↗

Horn quality and postmortem sperm parameters in Spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica hispanica).

The horns are secondary sexual characteristics used by males of many ungulate species for intra-sexual fights during the rut. Thus, the dominant males with most developed horns are naturally selected for reproduction. Several studies have suggested that the quality of the horn, in many wild ruminants, may be correlated with semen quality. The aim of the present study was to determine whether inter-individual differences in levels of horn asymmetry and horn size are related to differences in sperm quality in a wild population of Spanish ibex by the assay of epididymal spermatozoa collected postmortem. In order to test this hypothesis we collected morphometric horns data from a total of 59 mature males (9-15 years of age) that were legally hunted during rutting season. The testicles were recovered, and the collection of epididymal spermatozoa was done at different times after death (2-60 h). The percentage of motile spermatozoa, motility rate, plasma membrane integrity, sperm viability, sperm morphology, and acrosome integrity were evaluated. Our findings showed that viable epididymal spermatozoa may be retrieved from dead animals many hours after death. However, sperm parameters were affected by the elapsed time between the death of the animal and spermatozoa collection. The study revealed that the horn quality was firstly associated with sperm motility.

Animals↗

Presumptive Babesia ovis infection in a spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica).

On December 29 1995, a 13-year old, male Spanish ibex was easily captured by hand, with depression, weakness and severe tick infestation, mainly in the periocular and auricular regions. Blood and serum samples were collected and haematological analysis and serum iron levels were determined. Red blood cell count, haematocrit, haemoglobin concentration and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were decreased and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) increased (macrocytic-hypochromic anemia). Serum iron and transferrin saturation were decreased and total and unbound iron-binding capacity were increased. Piroplasms were observed within parasitized erythrocytes and presumptively identified as Babesia spp. Ticks were identified exclusively as Ripicephalus bursa. The animal was treated with imidocarb but died after 15 days of capture. Histopathological examination revealed congestion of pulmonary capillaries and spleen, glomerulonephritis, hemoglobinuric nephrosis and generalized hemosiderosis. An indirect fluorescent antibody test was performed using a Babesia ovis isolate of ovine origin as antigen and the animal was positive with a titre of 1:640.

Animals↗

Functional, spectroscopic and structural properties of haemoglobin from chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) and steinbock (Capra hircus ibex).

The functional and spectroscopic properties of chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) and steinbock (Capra hircus ibex) haemoglobin (Hb) have been studied with special reference to the action of allosteric effectors and temperature. Moreover, the amino acid sequences of the N-terminal segments of the alpha- and beta-chains have been determined. The present results indicate that chamois and steinbock Hbs display a low affinity for O2, which appears to be modulated in vivo by Cl- ions rather than 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate. The Bohr effect for O2 binding to chamois and steinbock Hb is higher than for reindeer and bovine Hbs, being similar to that of human Hb. Moreover, the temperature-dependence of oxygenation appears intermediate between that of human and reindeer Hbs. E.p.r. and absorption spectroscopic properties of the ferrous nitrosylated derivative of chamois and steinbock Hbs suggest that both haemoproteins are in a low-affinity conformation even in the absence of InsP6. The reduced effect of polyphosphates on the functional and spectroscopic properties of chamois and steinbock Hb agree with amino acid differences in the N-terminal segment of the beta-chains (i.e. the deletion of Val(NA1) and the replacement of His(NA2), present in human Hb, and Gln(NA2), present in horse Hb, by Met). The molecular mechanism modulating the basic reaction of O2 with chamois and steinbock Hb may be linked to specific physiological needs related to the high-altitude habitats of these two animals.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Ossification of the appendicular skeleton in the Spanish Ibex Capra pyrenaica Schinz, 1838 (Artiodactyla: Bovidae), with regard to determination of age.

We studied ossification macroscopically in 35 Spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica) appendicular skeletons in order to establish the skeletochronology in both sexes of the species. The age of animals had been determined by means of horn segment counts, teeth replacement and cementum layer counts from first incisors and ranged from <1 to 12 years. Females showed a faster ossification process than males. Moreover, for each age or year class considered, regarding both sexes, different stages of epiphyseal fusion could be found. Therefore, if we try to use data from bone remains in population studies (e.g. differential mortality rates), determination of the ossification stage for ageing bone samples must be carried out with caution.

Age Determination by Skeleton↗

Haematology of Spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica hispanica) restrained by physical or chemical means.

Reference values for some haematological and plasma biochemical constituents were established in Spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica hispanica) restrained either physically or chemically with tiletamine-zolazepam. The following variables were studied: haematocrit, haemoglobin concentration, total erythrocyte and leucocyte counts, haematological indices, erythrocyte dimensions, differential count of leucocytes, glucose, urea, uric acid, cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine phosphokinase, lactic dehydrogenase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, total plasma protein, albumin, globulins, albumin-globulin ratio, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, total phosphorus, chloride and osmolality. No haematological data have been published before but the values observed were in the general range of other artiodactyls, with the exception of the number and size of the erythrocytes which were respectively larger and smaller than in most other ruminants. Significant differences were found for a number of the variables between the values recorded in physically restrained animals and the values recorded in anaesthetised animals; they included the number of erythrocytes and related parameters, the plasma proteins and some inorganic ions.

Animals↗

Haemonchosis in Spanish ibex.

Two cases of haemonchosis occurred in the Spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica) population of the National Hunting Reserve of Tortosa and Beseit, northeastern Spain, in July 1992 and May 1993. The animals were cachectic and recumbent and had an acute hemorrhagic, macrocytic and hypochromic anemia; which was related to a high infection of 2,016 and 1,863 Haemonchus contortus, respectively, in the abomasum of the animals.

Abomasum↗

[Diffusion of pulmonary Nematoda in the steinbock (Capra ibex) and the chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) at the Gran Paradiso National Park and the di Valdieri Reservation].

The results obtained in a survey on the diffusion of pulmonary nematodes in 13 steinbocks (Capra ibex) and 71 chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) of the Parco Nazionale del Gran Paradiso, and 49 chamois of the Riserva di Valdieri, Italian Western Alps, are reported. The following species of nematodes were identified: Spiculocaulus austriacus, Protostrongylus rufescens, Protostrongylus hobmaieri in steinbocks; Protostrongylus rupicaprae, Protostrongylus hobmaieri, Protostrongylus refescens,Protostrongylus sp., Spiculocaulus austriacus and Dictyocaulus filaria in chamois. The study of two species, viz. Spiculocaulus austriacus and Protostrongylus sp., is still in progress because these nematodes show morphological peculiarities never previously described.

Animals↗

Prevalence and seasonality of Oestrus caucasicus Grunin, 1948 (Diptera: Oestridae) parasitizing the Spanish ibex, Capra pyrenaica (Mammalia: Artiodactyla).

Prevalence and intensity of parasitism by oestrid larvae in the Spanish ibex Capra pyrenaica were determined for a period of 2.5 yr in Sierra Nevada Natural Park, southern Spain. The most relevant result of this study was to find Oestrus caucasicus parasitizing this ungulate in a geographical location far from its previously known distribution, e.g., the Caucasus mountain range and central Asia. Larvae were found within 74% of the heads examined (n = 180). Prevalence was higher in females and in older animals. Lowest prevalence occurred during the summer months. The mean intensity (+/- SD) was 25.4 +/- 27.3 larvae and was similar in both host sexes. The number of larvae increased with host age and reached the highest intensities in winter, during December and January.

Age Distribution↗