The susceptibility of nine species of rodents and one species of lagomorph to Brucella suis type 4 was studied experimentally. The rodent species included: guinea pig (Cavia porcellus), Scandinavian lemming (Lemmus lemmus), brown lemming (L. sibiricus), northern red-backed vole (Clethrionomys rutilis), varying lemmings (Dicrostonyx stevensoni and D. rubricatus), yellow-cheeked vole (Microtus xanthognathus), flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus) and ground squirrel (Citellus parryii). The lagomorph, Lepus americanus (varying hare), was also studied. All of these species were readily infected by intraperitoneal inoculations of brucellae. Pathologic responses were not marked in most of these species. However, both species of varying lemmings responded dramatically to infections initiated by about as few as two cfu. All individuals of both species that were not killed eventually died from the infection.

Dermatophytosis caused by a zoophilic varient of Trichophyton mentagrophytes was diagnosed in a litter of eight captured wild red fox (Vulpes fulva). The animals had widespread partial alopecia and scattered crusty foci 2 to 3 cm in diameter on the skin.

Treatment with 7 mg/kg/body weight/day of griseofulvin in the feed effectively controlled the infection.

Using a modified cell culture test, Ehrlichia canis was found in eight of 16 free-living jackals (Canis mesomelas) and 14 of 31 dogs owned by pastoral communities in the same areas of Kenya. Two cross-bred puppies inoculated with blood from infected jackals developed mild, transient clinical disease, and E. canis was recovered from the puppies. Tick species found on the jackals were similar to those found on the infected dogs. Ehrlichia canis was not found in eight spotted hyaenas (Crocuta crocuta) from these areas.

A bacteriological survey was carried out on 30 black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) of which 23 were newly captured and seven were captive. A beta haemolytic Streptococcus, group L was found in skin lesions and various wounds, causing septicaemia and death in two animals. Staphylococcus aureus was found in 3 rhinoceros, and caused the death of one. The bacteria isolated often proved resistant to penicillin. Streptomycin is recommended for treatment. Sixteen other bacteria sp. were isolated, and apart from a Salmonella sp. none were considered to be specific pathogens.

Nineteen bears, representing five species (Helarctos malayanus, Ursus americanus, Ursus arctos, Tremarctos ornatus, Melursus ursinus) were immobilized a total of 52 times using either phencyclidine-promazine or tiletamine-zolazepam. Blood gas, hematology, and serum biochemistry values were determined during the immobilizations.

Immobilizations conducted with tiletamine-zolazepam were characterized by rapid induction and recovery times, good muscle relaxation, and relative freedom from convulsions. Bears immobilized with phencyclidine-promazine had longer induction and recovery times and showed convulsive activity in 29% of the trials with that combination.

Blood samples were obtained from 30 coyotes (Canis latrans) captured in northern Wisconsin in conjunction with radio-telemetry studies. Samples were assayed for seven hematologic values, seven serum chemistries, serum albumin, globulin and total protein. Results are given with respect to sex and age and are compared with available data for captive wild and pen-raised coyotes. Leukocyte counts were greater for males than females and packed cell volumes were greater for adults than young, possibly due to differential response to capture and handling stress. Hemoglobin concentrations and calcium levels suggest differences in nutrition between pen-raised and wild coyotes. Sex and age differences in serum calcium for wild coyotes probably reflect nutritional differences between groups examined. Juvenile coyote serum alkaline phosphatase levels declined curvilinearly with age for coyotes less than one year old, suggesting a possible technique for separating juveniles and yearlings captured in autumn that are released for research purposes. Elevated glucose levels and leukocyte counts in wild coyotes may reflect greater handling stress than for pen-raised and captive coyotes. No significant sex or age effects were found for levels of serum urea nitrogen, total protein, cholesterol, and total bilirubin.

Haemonchosis concomitant with malnutrition has been a frequent parasitic disease observed in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in the southeastern United States. Typically, afflicted deer were fawns from the southeastern coastal plain, and most cases were submitted between October and March. A survey of deer from 14 areas along the Atlantic coast revealed that fawns had significantly higher numbers of Haemonchus contortus than adults and in some areas fawns harbored H. contortus burdens that were considered pathogenic. The lower H. contortus burdens in adult deer suggested a naturally-acquired immunity. This hypothesis was supported by a trial in which challenge of small groups of Haemonchus-naive and previously exposed penned deer resulted in poorer performance of H. contortus in previously exposed deer. This study indicated that during their first winter fawns are particularly vulnerable to a haemonchosis/malnutrition syndrome.

Malassezia (Pityrosporum) pachydermatis consistently accompanied sarcoptic mange in all red foxes (Vulpes fulva), porcupines (Erethizon dorsatum), and coyotes (Canis latrans) examined. This yeastlike microorganism has not heretofore been reported on any of these hosts. Its presence on the exoskeleton of Sarcoptes scabiei taken from these animals suggests a carrier role for the mite. The yeast may be saprophytic or a secondary pathogen.

Twenty-one species of ectoparasites representing 19 genera were collected from 481 bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) from nine areas in four southeastern states. Sixteen species, Amblyomma americanum, Amblyomma maculatum, Haemaphysalis chordeilis, Haemaphysalis leporispalustris, Eutrombicula alfreddugesi alfreddugesi, Neoschoengastia americana, Boydaia colini, Pterolichus sp., Colinophilus wilsoni, Megninia sp., Apionacarus wilsoni, Colinoptes cubanensis, Menacanthus pricei, Colinicola numidiana, Gonoides ortygis and Oxylipeurus clavatus were previously known from bobwhites, whereas five species, Ixodes minor, Neotrombicula whartoni, Dermoglyphus sp., Microlichus sp. and Rivoltasia sp. (near coturnicola) represented new host-parasite associations. Data are presented giving prevalence, geographic location, host age and numbers of quail infested with each species. Significant lesions were not associated with any species.

Demodex cafferi causes a nodular skin disease in African buffalo (Syncerus caffer caffer) resulting in eczematous lesions in severely affected animals. Average prevalence in 193 animals was 28%, infection rates being highest in animals 1 to 3 years old and equal in both sexes. A granulomatous reaction occurred in the lumina of infected hair follicles with numerous mites developing in the follicles and associated sebaceous glands. The Demodex in buffalo probably is not transmitted to cattle.

Results of surveys for Trichinella sp. in several species of wildlife in Alberta suggest that infection is limited to wolves (Canis lupus) in northern areas of the province and maintained by a wolf/wolf transmission.

Blood smears from 837 mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos), collected during January and February from various locales in Washington during the period 1974-1977, were examined for hematozoa. Of these, 339 (40.5%) harbored blood parasites: Leucocytozoon simondi was the most common, occurring in 24.4% of the birds, followed by Haemoproteus nettionis (23.4%). Microfilariae were found in 14 birds (1.7%).

Six adult and three fawn mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) were experimentally infected with a range of 75-100 infective larvae of Parelaphostrongylus tenuis. Five of the six adult deer developed clinical signs of neurologic disease that terminated in paralysis between 35 and 80 days. The sixth deer developed slight signs of neurologic disease for 10 days, but recovered. All three mule deer fawns developed neurologic disease.

Adult meningeal worms were recovered from the subdural space of the spinal cord of two fawns. Eggs were observed on the cranial dura mater of one of these fawns, indicating that P. tenuis can complete its life cycle provided mule deer can survive the damage resulting from the infection. Neither eggs nor larvae of P. tenuis were recovered from the feces or lungs of infected mule deer.

Clinical signs and histologic lesions observed in experimentally infected mule deer resembled those reported in infected moose (Alces alces americana). Two critical periods were apparent in mule deer infected with P. tenuis: nematode migration through the spinal neural parenchyma, and penetration of the adult nematodes into the cranial neural parenchyma. While most adult deer were unable to survive the first critical period, fawns survived the first but succumbed to infection during the second critical period.

During a 3 year period, 186 eastern cottontails (Sylvilagus floridanus) were trapped from two areas and examined for helminth and protozoan parasites. Fecal samples from 139 were evaluated for coccidia and helminth ova. Nine species of coccidia were identified: Eimera audubonii, E. azul, E. environ, E. honessi, E. maior, E. minima, E. neoirresidua, E. neoleporis, and E. sylvilagi. Ova from 5 helminth species were found: Cittotaenia sp., Hasstilesia tricolor, Passalurus sp., a trichostrongyle-type nematode species, and Trichuris sp. Five helminths were recovered from stomachs and small intestines: Cittotaenia sp. H. tricolor, Obeliscoides cuniculi, Passalurus ambiguus, and Trichostrongylus calcaratus.

Fifty-eight white-necked ravens (Corvus cryptoleucus) were examined for ectoparasites. Brueelia afzali and Philopterus ocellatus osborni were the most abundant mallophagans while Colpocephalum fregili and Myrsidea interruptus were the least common. The white-necked raven is listed as a new host for P. ocellatus osborni. Host sexual selection is indicated by statistical treatment of data obtained from ecologically distinct host populations.

Sixty common snipe, (Capella gallinago), collected from Hudspeth County, Texas and 13 collected from Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge, Colorado were examined for metazoan parasites. The parasites recovered were Cestoda: Amoebotaenia fuhrmanni, Haploparaxis brachyphallos, Haploparaxis crassirostris, Haploparaxis echinovatum, Haploparaxis sp., Hymenolepis calumnacantha, Hymenolepis sp. I, Hymenolepis sp. II; Trematoda: Cyclocoelum mutabile, Echinostoma revolutum, Tanaisia fedtschenkoi; Nematoda: Capillaria contorta, Cosmocephalus capellae, Tetrameres coloradensis; Acanthocephala: Arhythmorhynchus capellae; Mallophaga: Austromenopon durisetosum and Rhynonirmus scolopacis.

More species of parasites were recovered from fall migrants; (12), than from spring migrants, (10).

The cestode Haploparaxis echinovatum was recorded from North America for the first time.

The parasite fauna recorded in this study did show some concentration for dominance by Simpson's index (0.33). This parasite fauna was most similar to that reported by Schmidt from snipe collected in Northern Colorado (67%).

Sera from 27 captive and 132 free-living mammals in Kenya were tested for antibodies to Toxoplasma by the Sabin-Feldman dye test. Of these 8 of 8 (100%) captive carnivores, 14 of 19 (74%) captive herbivores, 11 of 14 (79%) free-living carnivores and 97 of 118 (82%) free-living herbivores were found to have Toxoplasma antibodies. The feeding and drinking habits of the various herbivore species were considered as possibly facilitating exposure to Toxoplasma oocysts; also the feeding on prey in the wild and on meat in captivity as favoring exposure to the cyst form of Toxoplasma.

Five mule deer fawns (Odocoileus hemionus) ranging in age from 3 to 6 weeks were given sporulated Eimeria mccordocki oocysts orally. Four of the five fawns developed coccidiosis. Initial clinical signs appeared by 8 to 9 days post-inoculation and included elevated body temperature and bloody diarrhea. Dehydration and limited emaciation occurred as the disease progressed. The disease was allowed to run its course in one fawn and oocysts were passed in the feces on the 16th day following inoculation. Oocyst passage continued until the 27th day, at which time the animal appeared to be completely recovered. The remaining animals demonstrated all signs of coccidiosis and were euthanized prior to passing oocysts. Intracellular stages of E. mccordocki in these animals were confined to the last 75 to 100 cm of the ileum. The cytoplasm of each infected epithelial cell contained one to five meronts. The intestinal epithelium was inflammatory and contained many necrotic foci.

Muscle samples from 557 wild ungulates in Alberta, comprising seven species, were examined grossly and/or histologically for cysts of Sarcocystis. Sarcocystis was found in 100, 96, 94, 75, 75, 73, and 49% of the wapiti (Cervus canadensis), moose (Alces alces), bison (Bison bison), mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis), mountain goat (Oreamnos americanus), and white-tailed deer (O. virginianus), respectively.

Modes of ectoparasite reinfestations were studied on ectoparasite-free deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) returned to their natural habitat on the Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Siskiyou County, California, during the summer of 1977. The age of the host made no significant difference in the mode of reinfestation of lice, fleas, or mites. Flea reinfestation rates were related to the sex of the host, requiring 4 and 2 days, respectively, to reach control levels on male and female hosts. Mite populations reached the control level within 1 day, regardless of the sex of the host. No statistically significant louse reinfestations were noted within 8 days after the hosts were released. The percent of the host population reinfested with each ectoparsite followed the same patterns of reinfestation as the numbers of each parasite per host. It is suggested that the mode of ectoparasite reinfestation is a function of the behavior of the host relative to the lifestyle of the ectoparasite species.

A simple, papillary cystic adenocarcinoma of the mammary gland with metastases to the internal iliac and mesenteric lymph nodes, liver, and spleen was observed in a 12 to 13 year old female black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes). Histologically, the tumor was aggressive, and lymphatic invasion was found. Attempts at virus isolation were negative. Other findings were bilateral infarcts in the kidneys, apparently resulting in acute renal shutdown and death, multiple thrombi in the right atrium, aortic arteriosclerosis, and focal interstitial pneumonia.

Concentrations of renal lead, arsenic, mercury and cadmium from 64 free-ranging adult white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) were determined. The mean concentrations in ppm wet weight and standard deviations for the metals were: lead, 0.574 ± 0.646; arsenic, 0.189 0.320; mercury, 0.176 ± 0.114; and cadmium, 6.968 ± 9.215. Variations in heavy metal concentration in deer collected from differing ecoregions within Oklahoma are discussed.

High titer neutralizing antiserum to golden shiner virus (GSV) was produced in a rabbit. The GSV antiserum had significant neutralization indices in tests with the original strain of GSV and with another more recent isolate. Neutralization indices were not significant when two strains of infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) were reacted with GSV antiserum, and neither isolate of GSV showed significant reactivity in neutralization tests with polyvalent IPNV antiserum. Our results indicate that IPNV and GSV are serologically unrelated.

Of 73 wild and domestic mammals tested from an area endemic for pseudorabies in swine, 16 showed natural pseudorabies virus infection, 8 from farms with no pseudorabies history. In transmission experiments with swine and raccoons (Procyon lotor), pseudorabies was not transmitted between raccoons but was transmitted reciprocally between raccoons and swine by contact and when either consumed infected carrion of the other. The fluorescent antibody tissue section test proved valuable in diagnosis of pseudorabies, especially when employed with the virus isolation test.

Two species of turtles collected in southern New England were inoculated subcutaneously with eastern equine encephalitis virus. The spotted turtles (Clemmys guttata) developed viremia and neutralizing antibody after exposure to 3 logs or more of virus. Viremia was not detected in the eastern painted turtles (Chrysemys picta), and neutralizing antibody was detected in only 1 of 15 inoculated C. picta; however, since pre-inoculation serum was not obtained from this animal, the possibility of natural infection cannot be eliminated.

Lesions caused by an avian poxvirus were identified on the face and nares of fledgling white-tailed tropicbirds (Phaethon lepturus catesbyi) in the natural environment on Bermuda. Between 1958 and 1978,6 of 81 fledglings found off the nest and unable to fly at departure time had lesions suggestive of poxvirus infection. More detailed nest-site surveys from 1974 to 1978 indicated an overall prevalence of less than 0.5%, involving the fledgling population only.

Lesions suggestive of Avian Pox were found on a debilitated Canada goose (Branta canadensis). These were demonstrated histologically to be characteristic poxvirus lesions and poxvirus particles were seen using electron microscopy. The virus was successfully transmitted to domestic geese but not to leghorn chickens or to domestic ducks.

Poxvirus infection and aspergillosis were diagnosed in a Royal tern (Thalasseus maximus) based on gross and microscopic lesions. This represents the first known report of avian pox in a tern. Renal trematodiasis, caused by a species of Renicola also is described.