Variation in morphometric parameters of the sacrum (os sacrum) in farmed and feral American mink-An effect of domestication?

The sacrum, which is the only element of the spine formed by the fusion of vertebrae, exhibits considerable variability among taxa in terms of the number of vertebrae, their shape, and size. Along with the lumbar vertebrae, it contributes to the variation in the number of vertebrae of the spine within a species. The literature suggests that the shape and size of the sacrum are influenced by both the animal's lifestyle and sex.

Impact of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) on Black-headed Gulls population in Poland in 2023.

The highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) A(H5N1) has caused the most extensive and severe epizootic event affecting both poultry and wild birds globally. This study investigated the impact of HPAIV on the breeding population of the Black-headed Gull , the most abundant gull species in Poland. During the 2023 outbreak, this species was reported as the most frequently infected in the country.